VIE Magazine January 2020

T

ANIA

’ S I CO NI

C

Z AN

SISTERHOOD IN THE SERENGETI E

A DV E N T U

Escape to

PARK CITY, UTAH

A WINTER WONDERLAND

RE

TH

WOMEN-LED SAFARIS

ESCAPE OF

T R AV E

January 2020

L

BON VOYAGE!

RETAIL & RENTAL IN ROSEMARY BEACH 5 8 M A I N S T R E E T – $ 4 , 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 A rare opportunity to own retail and rental on Main Street in Rosemary. This does not happen often, so do NOT wait to act! This is one of five solely owned Commercial buildings in town, and you own the property because it’s not a condo.

With unobstructed Gulf views across Western Green from the two-bedroom penthouse and second floor, it’s perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets. First floor includes vibrant retail space with high traffic across from the Pearl Hotel. This property is being sold furnished and rental ready with an established base of guests.

LindaMillerLuxury.com Linda@TheSmileOf30A.com | (850) 974-8885 5417 E County Hwy 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

The Power of Reach T H RO U G H LU X U RY R E A L ES TAT E

WHEN YOU LIST OR BUY WITH LINDA MILLER REAL ESTATE, YOU’LL BE SMILIN’ ON SC ENIC HIGHWAY 30A!

20+ YE ARS

$525 MILLIO N+

OF EXPERIENCE

IN CAREER SALES

T H E S O C I A L E Q U AT I O N YOUR LISTING IS SHARED WITH WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE’S AUDIENC E:

42.5K+ EM AIL SUBSCRIBERS

$80 MILLIO N+

$38 MILLIO N+

SOLD IN 2018

SOLD IN 2019

320 K+ FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

$87 MILLIO N+

1 NE W OFFICE

IN ACTIVE LISTINGS

IN THE HEART OF 30A

17.4K+ TWIT TER FOLLOWERS

6.2K+ INSTAGRA M FOLLOWERS

5.5K+ WEEKLY FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENTS

THE PERFEC T TE A M Realtor John Sisty, Broker/Owner Linda Miller, and Realtor Chip McCraney

LINDA MILLER REAL ESTATE & WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE Since 1986, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate has been leading the real estate industry. This handselected group of more than 130,000 professionals with properties in 74 countries collectively sells over $300 billion of real estate annually. Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate’s global network is showcased on LuxuryRealEstate.com, which remains the #1 portal for luxury properties on the web and has more $1 million-plus listings than any near peer. Linda Miller is proud to be part of the most elite and comprehensive luxury real estate network in the world.

L I N DA M I L L E R LU X U RY.C OM | L I N DA@ T H E S M I L E O F 3 0 A .C OM | (8 5 0 ) 9 74 - 8 8 8 5 5 417 E C O U N T Y H W Y 3 0 - A , S A N TA R O S A B E AC H , F L 32 4 59

WHO'S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

IL PAR ADI S O 208 Paradise by the Sea Boulevard – $14,000,000 Beautifully designed and modernized Moroccan-style palace in the premier gated community of Paradise by the Sea beside Alys Beach and in walking distance to Rosemary.

W H O ’S W H O I N L U X U R Y R E A L E S TAT E THE WEBBY AWARD -WINNING LUXURY REAL ESTATE WEBSITE WITH THE MOST MULTIMILLION - DOLL AR PROPERTIES: 38,968

LUXURYREALESTATE.COM

24,308

SOTHEBY’S

21,206

LUXURY PORTFOLIO CHRISTIE’S

15,469

INFO RMAT IO N P R OV I DE D B Y W HO' S W HO I N L UXURY R E AL E S TAT E , 2019.

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • HOME OFFICES CLOSETS • MEDIA ROOMS • OUTDOOR KITCHENS • LIBRARIES 5597 Highway 98 West, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-2290 • MarquisIndustries.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC FINE ART Medium to large-scale artwork focused on the waterways of the Gulf Coast.

J o n a h A l l e n .c o m | @ J o n a h A l l e n St u d i o J o n a h @ J o n a h A l l e n .c o m | (850) 739- 0 929

She Shines

G R A N D B O U L E VA R D

|

SHOPTHE JEWEL .COM

|

( 8 5 0) 8 3 7- 8 8 2 2

|

C E L E B R AT I N G

25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

12870 U.S. Highway 98 West Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-5563

ON THE EMERALD COAST!

Shoppes @ Inlet, 13625 Emerald Coast Pkwy East Inlet Beach, FL 32461 (850) 909-0435

Licensed and Published Design Firm

LOVELACEINTERIORS.COM

In this issue On the Cover

In the heart of Tanzania’s famed Serengeti National Park, it’s not unusual to spot a tower of giraffes, a herd of zebras, and a pride of lions, plus much more all in one day. The area is known for safari experiences, and camp manager Angel Namshali of Dunia, an upscale safari camp by Asilia Africa, is taking that experience to the next level for women. She became the Serengeti’s first female safari lodge manager in 2016, and along with her team of fellow strong women, her guidance and hospitality have made safaris at Dunia truly unforgettable.

Get writer Sarah Freeman’s firsthand account in “Sisterhood in the Serengeti.”

Photo by Vaganundo Che / Shutterstock

Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.

PUBLISHED BY

72

KNOWN FOR OVER-THE-TOP CASTLE HOTELS AND WORLDCLASS GOLF COURSES, IRELAND IS A DREAM DESTINATION FOR MANY. GET THE BEST OF BOTH AT ADARE MANOR AND THE OTHER INCREDIBLE GOLF COURSES SEEN IN THIS ISSUE.

Photo courtesy of Golfscape

FEATURE

100 Sailing Back to Sublime

30 Sisterhood in the Serengeti

106 Home Sweet Treehouse: A Retreat

LE MONDE 29

112 Fly South This Winter: Three Hot

38 Wanderlust in the Maldives

118 Wonders of Machu Picchu

44 Above the Glass Ceiling: Women’s Adventure Travel Hits the Heights

48 The Future Shines Bright: The Revitalization

Caribbean Destinations

122 Contemporary Bayfront Estate: Modern Luxury Never Looked This Good

of Downtown Fort Walton Beach

INTROSPECTIONS 127

VISUAL PERSPECTIVES

128 From Sea to Shining Sea: A Travel Review

54 Life behind a Lens: A Photographer’s Tale

136 The Ultimate House Party

60 Art and Hospitality Collide at CANVAS Dallas

C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER 66 VOYAGER 71 72 Magical Ireland: A Golfer’s Paradise 80 A Fork in the Road 86 Bienvenido a Miami: Lennox Hotel Brings the Heat

TheIdeaBoutique.com info@theideaboutique.com

for the Soul

of America’s National Parks

VIE BOOK CLUB: THE READERS CORNER 139 140 Something to Believe In

LA SCÈNE 142 THE LAST WORD: WORLD TRAVEL 147 AU REVOIR! 151

92 Escape to Park City: Utah’s Winter Wonderland V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 15

CREATIVE TEAM FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com

CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, EMILY FIESER, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, GOLFSCAPE, ABBY HORNACEK, SOL ANGE JAZAYERI, ANNA KLEMENT, STEVE L ARESE, SALLIE LEWIS LONGORIA, MELODY MASSEY, MYLES MELLOR, CHRIS J. OGLE, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, JIM RYAN, PATRICK RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OLIVIA PIERCE HANNAH VERMILLION

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS NICOL A BAILEY, NATE BRESSLER, VAGANUNDO CHE, REN FULLER, JENNIFER HARR, BRENNA KNEISS, TIM J. NICHOLS, PAJOR PAWEL, K AY PHEL AN, KSENIA RAGOZINA, SHANE REYNOLDS, ROMONA ROBBINS, BL AKE ROBERTS, PATRICK RYAN, TIMOTHY RYAN, DOUGL AS LYLE THOMPSON, LUCY YOUNG, 1920 & CO., EUGENIE PHOTOGRAPHY, GETT Y IMAGES, JOHN F BL ACK PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, LOGAN SIMMONS PHOTOGRAPHY, MACH PHOTOS, MANO PHOTO, SHUTTERSTOCK

ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR MEGHN HILL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ABIGAIL RYAN BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com

AD MANAGER OLIVIA PIERCE Olivia@VIEmagazine.com

VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2019 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.

18 | JA NUA R Y 2020

a unique shopping experience on

30 A

A COA S TA L LIFES T Y LE DES T IN AT ION F U R N I T U R E · R U G S · L IGH T I N G · A R T · A N T IQ U E S AC C E S S OR I E S · GI F T S · O U T D O OR · DE SIG N 32 E County Hw y 30A, Gr ayton Beach, FL 32459 | (850) 534-0700 | BeauHomeInteriors.com

Ashley@purebarre.com | purebarre.com

PURE BARRE 30A

PURE BARRE DESTIN

174 Watercolor Way #101

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy #186

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Destin, FL 32541

(850) 231-0147

(850) 837-1090

Editor’s Note

KINDNESS IS A VIRTUE It’s a Wonderful World

W

e can all get carried away with the daily cares of life, and there are times when we have to deal with immense loss or difficulties. Showing compassion and kindness to everyone we meet might lighten someone else’s burden—possibly a burden that we are not even aware they are carrying. Life is not for the faint of heart, and sometimes it takes all the strength and courage we have to see the beauty and wonder of living each day, no matter what comes.

We are living in a time of great change in the world, and for many the stress is palpable. The more strained things get, the more committed I am to the mission of VIE, which is to continue spreading good news. It really is that simple: good news is the antidote to the strain and tension we are all feeling in this divided nation and even around the globe.

The images gracing the pages of this issue include tropical, magical, and faraway places; they are sure to evoke wanderlust in all of us. But we also have some stories from our very own Northwest Florida to tell.

This summer, my illustrious friend Ted Corcoran, the president and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, shared with me some of the redevelopment projects that his historic Gulf Coast beach town will undertake in the coming years. Read all about the lofty evolution in “The Future Shines Bright: The Revitalization of Downtown Fort Walton Beach,” beautifully told by Janet Thomas.

VIE publisher Gerald Burwell and editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell in Derryherbert, Renvyle, Ireland Photo by Lucy Young

This Bon Voyage issue is all about celebrating life, whether that means climbing mountains, escaping to a treehouse for some soul-nourishing relaxation, or something in between. As we usher in the new year, we send well-wishes to everyone traveling near and far.

Two thousand twenty, here we come!

To Life!

—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21

The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON

JIM RYAN

Photographer, “Life behind a Lens”

Writer, “Escape to Park City”

@dltxii

WHICH DESTINATION IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST AND WHY?

Japan is at the top of my travel bucket list.

So much about it intrigues me: the culture, the food, the landscape, the traditional ways, the technology, the mystique.

Switzerland is at the top of my list for places to go. The mountains and quaint towns look beautiful. I would love to take a month to live in a cabin in the Swiss Alps, diving into the culture and lifestyle of the locals (and hitting the slopes as much as possible)!

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST REMOTE PLACES IN THE WORLD, KNOWN FOR ITS MASSIVE GLACIERS, TOWERING MOUNTAINS, PLENTIFUL HIKING, AND HORSEBACK RIDING. SHANE REYNOLDS Videographer, “Wanderlust in the Maldives”

EMILY FIESER

@colorearthpro

Writer, “Above the Glass Ceiling” emilyfieser@gmail.com

Without a doubt, my top travel destination is the Patagonia region that straddles Chile and Argentina on the tip of South America. It is one of the most remote places in the world, known for its massive glaciers, towering mountains, plentiful hiking, and horseback riding. The area has enthralled me for years, and I am hoping to make this dream trip a reality in 2020. I believe that, as human beings, we have something at our core that drives us to explore the unknown and the uncharted and to forge our unique paths.

For me, Patagonia is a medium to do so.

SUZANNE POLLAK Writer, “The Ultimate House Party” CharlestonAcademy.com

Hmmm, so many places I have been to, and so many places still to visit! It’s impossible to choose a top place. In January, I plan to fly to D.C. because I cannot wait to see the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then, I’ll follow up my visit with an evening at Iron Gate restaurant so I can walk down the path of carriage lanterns and have a cocktail at the fantastic bar.

Next, to Le Diplomate for dinner and people watching. This is trip number one in 2020!

Growing up in Florida, I’ve always been curious of cold, mountainous places. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a sunshine and warm water junkie, especially for surf trips, but who isn’t? The times I feel most alive are when I’m completely out of my comfort zone. Also, living in a tourist town has made me partial to wide-open spaces that I don’t have to share with many other people. That’s why Antarctica sits at the top of my bucket list, partly because it’s largely untouched and partly because it’s the last continent that continues to elude me, but mostly because I can’t imagine a more surreal, majestic, and unlikely setting for surfing, snowboarding, and diving.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23

• Winner of 2019 Seaside Prize • Exhibited by the Smithsonian Museum • Featured in Architectural Design, Architectural Record, and Veranda • Homes have been featurded on HGTV’s Homes Across America 1701 E County Hwy 30-A, Suite 201-C, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 ChristandAssociates.com | (850) 231-0883

La conversation

Around the Web

WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!

@seecoastalms “Coastal Mississippi is a cultural explosion featuring endless culinary options, fun attractions, and sixty-two miles of scenic shoreline along the Mississippi Sound.”

More from this picture-perfect @VIEmagazine piece at VIEmagazine.com.

@trishland So nice to be featured in such a beautiful magazine. Their Goodness Issue is filled with so much intention and love and, well, goodness! @viemagazine

@womenintheworld Catch Women in the World founder Tina Brown as @viemagazine’s December cover star. In this special women’s issue, Tina talks about her career highlights as editor-inchief of @vanityfair, @newyorkermagazine and @tatlermagazine, founding @thedailybeast and her books The Diana Chronicles and The Vanity Fair Diaries. Along with her successes, Tina discusses professional failure with Talk magazine, and her painful experience partnering with Harvey Weinstein on the project. And her greatest achievement to date? The last ten years spreading global awareness of women’s problems through Women in the World, which Tina sees as her legacy. Find the issue on newsstands and at VIEmagazine.com.

Photo: @viemagazine / @carlopieroni

@satwfoundation Congratulations @byemmayardley for also winning Gold in the #SATWFoundation Lowell Thomas Awards for Cruise Travel. @viemagazine March 2019 Issue #SATWElPaso

LET’S TALK! Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation! @periodmedia @viemagazine features @shopdolan’s socially responsible clothing and their beautiful mission to help those in need with @thelaundrytruckla, their own philanthropic contribution to the LA community.

@trailsinspire Trails Inspire founder Sirena Rana Dufault was interviewed by Steve Larese Media for VIE magazine about adventure culture; check out pages 100–105 in the September 2019 magazine to read the article!

VIEmagazine.com

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25

PROJECT: VIE Magazine Headquarters, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida ARCHITECT: Gerald Burwell FURNISHINGS: Modern Interiors, Miramar Beach, Florida

A MODERN WORK SPACE

114 Logan Lane, Suite 4, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 BurwellAssociates.com | (850) 231-6377 Florida LIC AA0003613

Le monde

Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND

Visit HuskRestaurant.com to learn more or book a table.

Photo by Tim J. Nichols / Shutterstock

In the quintessential Southern city of Charleston, South Carolina, there are many must-dos.

Strolling along Rainbow Row, visiting some museums, shopping on King Street, and, of course, trying some of the incredible restaurants there. One of them is Husk, the upscale Southern eatery created

by Low-Country native and James Beard Award–winning chef Sean Brock in 2010. With “an everchanging menu of locally sourced Southern dishes served in a restored Victorian-era home,” Husk is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Have a seat, stay awhile, and enjoy mouthwatering menu items made with love by executive chef Travis Grimes and his team.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29

SISTERHOOD IN THE

SERENGETI

By Sarah Freeman | Photography courtesy of Asilia Africa

The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. The abundant wildlife includes cheetahs, wildebeest, lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and much more.

30 | JA NUA R Y 2020

THE SERENGE TI N ATION A L PA RK H A RDLY NEEDS A N INTRODUC TION . S YNONYMOUS WITH SA FA RI , TA NZ A NIA’ S MOS T ICONIC N ATION AL PA RK IS FA MED FOR IT S GRE AT MIGR ATION , WHERE UNENDING M A SSE S OF WILDEBEE S T FOLLOW THE R AINS ON A DE ATH-DEF YING THREE-HUNDRED -MILE CIRCUITOUS JOURNE Y TO KENYA’ S M A A SA I M A R A .

trategically located on the path of this spectacular show of nature is Dunia, a 100 percent female-run, semi-permanent safari camp in the southern Serengeti. But drama unfolds year-round in the ecosystem of this protected area whose name means “land of endless space” in Maasai. The game drive tours had not officially begun during my visit. Still, in the two-hour bone-rattling transfer from Seronera airstrip to Dunia, I witnessed black-and-white plumed ostriches, dainty Thomson’s gazelles, and several Maasai giraffes defiantly crossing the road.

Set in the shadow of Moru Kopjes, the sight of Dunia’s canvas tents emerging from the scrub forest is a welcome one. I refreshed with a hibiscus drink in the mess tent’s

informal dining area, bookended by a bijou bar and several very sinkable sofas, all bathed in earthy hues. The rustic safari-chic aesthetic extends to the eight tented rooms, each endowed with spacious decks to take in those acacia-studded savanna views. Inside, colonial flourishes abound, from the leather ottomans and dark wood writing desk to the weathered antique bathroom brassware and lamps. It didn’t take long for me to slip into a siesta—an essential part of the safari routine that necessitates crack-of-dawn starts. As for the wake-up call, mine was a ravenous bull elephant hoovering up fallen fruit from my tent’s shady thorn tree. The unfenced camp is exactly that, I mused.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31

these social and smart slope-backed animals “play a very important role in the bush was told that sixteen elephants were chased out of the camp the by cleaning up carrion,” our guide, Kazawadi, explained. She pointed out the mother previous week by its staff of twenty-three women, the same ones hyena’s bloodied ear—a dead giveaway to the clan’s nocturnal feeding frenzy. Along who greeted me with rousing Swahili song and dance hours with raising their cubs, these alpha females lead in battle and are physically stronger earlier. Their matriarch is Angel Namshali, who is defeating than their male counterparts. cultural stereotypes by being the country’s first female safari lodge manager, supporting her husband, son, and extended We left the matriarchal clan behind and followed the high-pitched yips of two family in the process. Her father sold the family cow to bankroll black-backed jackals to a sounder of warthogs zigzagging through the tall grass. A her brother’s education, but now it’s Angel who finances her chorus of “Pumbaa!” rang out from another vehicle. It was the younger sibling’s school fees. “Overseeing its first one we’d encountered all afternoon—a bonus of visiting transition from an all-male-staffed camp to all THE RUSTIC the Serengeti’s less tourist-riddled southern plains. female in 2016 wasn’t easy,” she admits. Together with her team SAFARI-CHIC members, who hail from sixteen different Tanzanian tribes, she AESTHETIC The engine hummed again, this time to take a closer look at two is shifting patriarchal attitudes.

EX TENDS TO THE Maasai giraffes chomping on thorny acacia trees, a favorite snack of this endangered species. “After half an hour, they will move on,” Committed to gender equality, the camp’s operator, Asilia, EIGHT TENTED Kazawadi revealed. “The trees protect themselves by releasing a employs over a third of women across its managerial positions.

ROOMS , E ACH bitter taste into their leaves.” One of twelve siblings, Kazawadi And, in keeping with the company’s uncompromising enviENDOWED WITH hails from Kagera province in northwestern Tanzania, bordering ronmental credentials, Dunia is 100 percent solar powered.

SPACIOUS DECKS Uganda. “I love working with my fellow women,” she tells me.

TO TAKE IN THOSE “These girls are my family.” The single twenty-seven-year-old is My first Tanzanian game drive was a memorable one, offering AC ACIA-STUDDED something of an anomaly in sub-Saharan Africa, where one in a rare snapshot of spotted hyenas (including two young cubs) three girls marry before the age of eighteen. looking uncharacteristically cute. Feared for their savage stalking, SAVANNA VIE WS .

32 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Next came an opportunity to stretch our legs at Moru Kopjes, where the Serengeti Rhino Project has a visitor’s center. The head ranger, Elisha, explained to us that the project launched in 1995 as a last-ditch attempt to save this iconic species from extinction in the southern plains and has helped grow the rhino population from only two to fifty-five since then.

Chasing the last light, we arrived back at camp just in time for some “bush TV,” where guests huddle around the campfire for predinner tipples and tales of big cats under a star-studded sky. After a veritable feast of pan-fried Nile perch and lemon posset, the camp’s security (a.k.a. Sophia and Yacinta) escorted me back to my tent, where high winds drowned out the nocturnal sound track of bush barks and grunts.

Bidding kwaheri to Dunia, we hit the dusty roads once more, and the scenery morphed from umbrella acacia trees to endless golden grasses waving in the sun. Our Maasai guide, Manja, pulled over to study the horizon line, spotting a lone cheetah perched on a termite mound. These towering clay castles are a favorite vantage point for the world’s fastest land mammals, which now thrive here thanks to the two-decade closure of the eastern grasslands. Our second sighting of the day unfolded over a lunch of herb-roasted barbecue chicken at Dunia’s recently renovated sister camp, Namiri Plains, which sits dramatically on the banks of a seasonal riverbed.

Above and left: Asilia Africa’s safaris at Dunia and Namiri Plains. The Dunia camp is managed by an all-female team led

by Angel Namshali.

Opposite: The tents at Namiri Plains raise the bar from camping to glamping, with comfy furnishings, soaking tubs, incredible views, and impeccable service. Asilia’s camps are also 100 percent solar powered!

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33

more secluded spot to soak up this African panorama was from the sunken bathtub of my room’s twelve-meter-long recycled plastic veranda. Separated into east and west wings, the camp’s ten suites meld into the landscape, thanks to sandy canvas awnings stretched over volcanic rock walls. Inside, colonial decor is eschewed in favor of raw plywood ceilings, straw pendants, splashes of chartreuse, and sleek double-vanity bathrooms in shades of gray.

It didn’t take long for Namiri to live up to its Swahili name meaning “big cat.” I marveled at two glossy-maned lions and a coalition of cheetahs in the first hour of our afternoon drive. The latter (a mother and her four offspring) were sleeping off a warthog kill by the Ngare Nanyuki River just steps from our camp. While male cheetahs (typically brothers) forge lifetime partnerships, the females roam the savannas alone, covering a territory fifteen times greater than the males.

The following morning, I was ambushed with a delicious breakfast of eggs and bacon, endless pastries, and fresh watermelon juice among a grove of fever trees.

These yellow-barked behemoths were named by European settlers who mistakenly thought that they carried malaria. In fact, the real problem was the mosquito habitat in the swampy ground beneath them. Thankfully, there are no whining mosquitos to ward off in daylight hours!

34 | JA NUA R Y 2020

THE HIGHLIGHT WAS SEEING A LIONESS NURSING HER FOUR CUBS ON A KOPJE—ONE OF THE AREA’S T WO-BILLIONYEAR-OLD ISOL ATED ROCK OUTCROPS THAT PUNCTUATE THE GRASSY SAVANNAS.

As the day played out, so did the drama, and Manja discovered some of the Serengeti’s more elusive inhabitants, including the Verreaux’s eagle owl, the rock python, and the rare melanistic serval, usually a shadowy creature of the night. The highlight was seeing a lioness nursing her four cubs on a kopje— one of the area’s two-billion-year-old isolated rock outcrops that punctuate the grassy savannas. They provide refuge and a lookout point for big cats, but Maasai warriors also sometimes descend on these unique “island” ecosystems to perform ceremonies.

We raised our glasses with one last maisha marefu (a toast in Swahili) before the sky unfurled its inky wings and the roar of lions rumbled across the plains once more.

Above: A luxurious “double room” tent at Dunia camp Left: The main dining room at Namiri Plains camp Opposite: The Moru Kopjes and similar rock outcroppings on the savanna make the perfect lookout spots for lions and other big cats, while the great wildebeest migration is one of the Serengeti’s biggest events each year.

Visit AsiliaAfrica.com to plan your trip.

Brit-born Sarah Freeman’s appetite for adventure has taken her to some far-flung corners of the earth, from Indonesia’s remote Mentawai Islands to the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. The internationally published travel writer and photographer regularly racks up air miles on assignments for Bloomberg, Sunday Times Travel, and Harper’s Bazaar.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35

P H OTO BY JON AH ALL EN

D e b u t s

2 0 2 0

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE VISIT

viemagazine.com/beachshowhome

Le monde

Surfing guide Naan wades into the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.

38 | JA NUA R Y 2020

WANDERLUST in the

Maldives

BY CHRIS J. OGLE | PHOTOGR APHY BY NATE BRESSLER

When a group of local, well-traveled surfers, divers, and fishermen set out to explore the Maldives, they quickly realized that not only had no one in their group ever been there, but they also didn’t know anybody who had ever traveled there. The surprises that followed were many—and well worth the trip.

Maldives (mol-deevz): An exotic chain of atolls in the north Indian Ocean We were at over thirty-two hours of travel time when our flight finally descended through the clouds to reveal a minefield of royal blue and turquoise ringed atolls that comprise the promised land of the Maldives. Velana International Airport (also known as Malé International) provides the unique experience of walking a hundred feet from the terminal to board a water taxi that quickly whisks you away from civilization and all the residual stress of Western life. The dots on the map that we had all studied so intently became a dizzying blur of crystal clear water, palm frond–covered islands, and endless blue skies.

We motored over decent-sized groundswells atop a glassy sea while observing waves breaking on the islands in every direction. It wasn’t long before we all fell under the spell of this tropical playground.

Florida’s Emerald Coast—in particular, Destin—is home to a surprising number of seasoned adventure travelers, thanks in part to a significant number of surfers and scuba divers who travel there to teach and take advantage of the warm Gulf of Mexico. For our trip’s organizer, world-renowned videographer Shane Reynolds, exploring the surf from the deck of a 120-foot liveaboard ship with a handful of good friends has been a lifelong dream. Good thing for us, Shane doesn’t waste much time when it comes to his bucket list—and he’s not bad at bringing the right people together, either.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39

Le monde

fter connecting with Carpe Diem Maldives, a reputable Maldivian fleet mostly known for diving, Shane committed to helping fill a surf charter on their second-largest yacht, the Carpe Vita. The vessel sleeps twenty but has a twelve-person maximum for this type of charter. The first commitment to join was from Nate Bressler, a fun-loving, mustached photographer from Los Angeles. With a minimum of persuasion from Nate, four of his LA friends decided to join the group: Oscar, the Survivor alum; Stephanie, the free diver; and the adventurous duo of Greg and Christine. From the Florida Panhandle came prominent local artist Harley Van Hyning, a.k.a. Gnarly Harley, followed by Sid the Army man, Jason of Xtreme H2O Sports, and, rounding out the crew at the last minute, yours truly—a lifelong waterman and third-generation Destin local. Fittingly, the LA crew flew west and we flew east to meet for the first time on the other side of the world. Our mission was to score uncrowded waves, dive in pristine waters, catch and eat some good fish, and capture it all in photos and video.

For all of us, it was a “no mo’ FOMO” trip!

The entire local crew on board the Carpe Vita knew exactly how to squeeze every drop of perfection out of these islands, and there is no better catalyst to the bonds of friendship than like minds sharing space in paradise.

Right: Gnarly Harley catches a wave, and Shane Reynolds leaps from the deck of the Carpe Vita liveaboard yacht.

40 | JA NUA R Y 2020

By the time we watched the port of Malé fade into the distance behind us on a Sunday afternoon, we already felt like old friends.

One evening surf session over a shallow left-hand point break and a buffet-style dinner on the back deck later, and our group had grown by three: our local surf guide, Naan, our dive guide, Saaji, and our trip director, Tina. The entire local crew on board the Carpe Vita knew exactly how to squeeze every drop of perfection out of these islands, and there is no better catalyst to the bonds of friendship than like minds sharing space in paradise.

Laughing and recounting great rides together became a moment in time that was punctuated by flashes of reality setting in—this was, indeed, happening. I can still recall numerous Walter Mitty moments when reality seemed to catch up to—and surpass— fantasy. The magic of the tropics seemed to slow down time as the experiences of our new family intertwined, but one story in particular sums up the perfection for all of us.

Picture waking up to the giddy excitement of Gnarly Harley dragging his first hand-lined wahoo back to the boat. After breakfast, we gathered around as he prepared his paint set for a go at gyotaku, the Japanese art of making a print using an actual fish. The wahoo was carefully placed on the table while its dorsal and side fins were meticulously pinned out and its mouth propped open to reflect a lifelike image of the predator in action. When the artist was happy with the positioning, he pressed a cut of canvas over the fish to absorb the paint

Left: Destin-based artist Gnarly Harley shows off his gyotaku wahoo print alongside a member of the Carpe Vita crew.

Below: Carpe Diem Maldives offers a number of experiences throughout the islands.

and forever preserve and honor the life of the fish.

There was instant gratification upon the reveal of the raw print—and immediate anticipation of how it would look on the wall after Harley painted in the details by hand, but that could wait for another day. In that moment, the surf was firing with no one in sight, and for Harley, dragging his hand along a perfect wave was the best possible way to wash the wet paint from it. By the time we paddled back in, there was wahoo sashimi waiting for us. It was truly the circle of life—the good life: fish, paint, surf, dive, eat, and repeat.

There was instant gratification upon the reveal of the raw print— and immediate anticipation of how it would look on the wall after Harley painted in the details by hand, but that could wait for another day.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41

There is almost always inspiration in travel, but for that rare moment when you take a leap of faith and really go big, it always seems like a no-brainer when you look back on it. s “perfect” as this all sounds, it’s actually a selfish way to travel. Learning new cultures is a vital aspect of exploration, and we didn’t go all that way to stay in our comfort zone.

So the nearby island of Hulhudheli served as an inspiring day trip. We were the only tourists around, and the locals greeted us with smiles while the customary Muslim call to prayer echoed throughout the town. Elderly women sat weaving coconut husks into braided rope in a process that would have tested the patience of Job. Small children gawked at us while Nate tried to coax smiles out of them. Most of the women wore burkas, a stark reminder of where we were.

Our second island visit was a night out at the Blue Star Club on Fulidhoo to take in some traditional Maldivian drumming and singing. As we gathered in the open-air common area, the ceremony started slowly. It felt like a scene out of a movie with us, the Westerners, being observed just as much as we were observing their culture. The beats became so overwhelming that, within minutes, we were 42 | JA NUA R Y 2020

all dancing with the locals in a blur of energy that could easily have lasted all night. For the rest of our journey, and the rest of our lives, those infectious beats and genuine Maldivian vibes will be imprinted on our souls.

There is almost always inspiration in travel, but for that rare moment when you take a leap of faith and really go big, it always seems like a no-brainer when you look back on it. There is a vastness to the universe that you slowly realize while you are contemplating life from the deck of a yacht parked off an unnamed tropical island with perfect surf on the other side of the world.

But hey, that’s just my bucket list. What’s on yours?

Chris J. Ogle is a Destin, Florida, native and a local financial advisor. He is a lifelong saltwater enthusiast who loves surfing, fishing, and diving. Follow Nate Bressler (@whereveruwannabe), Shane Reynolds (@colorearthpro), and Harley Van Hyning (@gnarlyharley) on Instagram for more dynamic visuals of their work and world travels. Visit this story on VIEmagazine.com to see the video by Shane Reynolds!

Le monde

Left: Naan and the crew aboard the Carpe Vita Opposite left: Gnarly Harley making a new friend during an island excursion Opposite right: Maldivian locals harvesting palm Opposite bottom: Meeting some of the local children during an island day trip

Tile + Mosaics

Design Stone + Concrete Available at Q 17 Uptown Grayton Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 213-0000 ¡ Q-Tile.com

Le monde

Photo by Nicola Bailey

Photo by Ren Fuller Photo by Ren Fuller

Photo by Nicola Bailey

Women High on Adventure Travel (WHOA) organizes group expeditions for women around the globe to destinations including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest, Machu Picchu, Iceland, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, and more.

44 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Photo by Ren Fuller

ABOVE THE

G L ASS CE C EI L I N G W O M E N ’ S A D V E N T U R E T R AV E L H I T S T H E H E I G H T S

B y E M I LY F I E S E R P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f W H O A T R AV E L

T

here is an African proverb that states, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I found this adage to be undeniably true as I trekked with eight other women up to the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

What I gained from the trip—a trip that demands physical, mental, and emotional strength—was the best gift I could have given myself: an opportunity to reset and be in the present.

The year before I decided to climb Kilimanjaro, my sister suggested we plan a trip together. We both were at stages in our lives where we could pack our bags and head off for an adventure. Evenings were spent scouring the internet and sending one another links of places we dreamed of visiting. Early on in this research stage, my sister discovered WHOA (Women High on Adventure) Travel. WHOA specializes in adventure treks for women all over the world. The sense of camaraderie and compassion that are intertwined with WHOA’s core principle of getting women

outside their comfort zones piqued my interest. I’m no stranger to long-term travel or even solo travel, but I was concerned about hiking with any travel company whose primary focus seemed to be on the individual experience or how quickly one could reach camp every day. While each approach can provide a life-changing perspective, WHOA adds a personal dimension to the equation by supporting local women, giving back, and sticking together. I was sold.

I would be lying if I said the rest of the planning process came together seamlessly. My sister, who is far more adventurous than I, could not make the trip; I discovered most of WHOA’s excursions took place during my career’s peak seasons; and I felt woefully unprepared physically. Perhaps it was because of these reasons that I waited until ten weeks before flight time to officially commit and still panicked a week before departure (thanks, Mom, for talking me off the ledge).

Most nights leading up to the trip I would lie in bed wondering if I had the right gear, if I was nuts for doing this solo, and if I really could make it to the summit.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45

Le monde

Photo by Nicola Bailey

A

t WHOA they have these unbelievable superhumans they call GALs (Group Adventure Leaders). From the first email inquiry I sent about what a solo trek would be like to my final question regarding the use of single-use plastics (which are banned throughout Tanzania), it was clear I would be in excellent hands with WHOA. They were quick to respond to any and all concerns I had, and I genuinely felt part of a community. I was also excited to learn that the hike would be led by the head GAL of them all, Nicole, whose personal record of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro ten times puts her in a kick-ass class all her own. If she believed I could do this and I was doing everything I could to prepare, then it was happening.

WHOA Travel’s mission is to provide unforgettable adventures for women while adhering to ethical and sustainable tourism practices and giving back to the communities they visit.

Far right: Writer Emily Fieser (left) summited Mount Kilimanjaro with her new WHOA Travel friends in 2019.

46 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the Seven Summits. Nestled along the Tanzanian–Kenyan border in Kilimanjaro National Park, this dormant volcano is about two hundred miles from the equator. Despite Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator, the summit is lined with majestic glaciers whose tall white walls of ice greet those on their last leg toward Uhuru Peak. Hike lengths can range from five to nine days. The seven-day trek with WHOA proved to be the ideal time frame, allowing time to adjust to the high altitude and increasing our chances of summiting.

Photo by Ren Fuller

We started at the Machame Gate, where colobus monkeys roam the grounds searching for unattended food. Here, in a muggy rainforest, we started the official registration process and our duffel bags were weighed. Porters—the true unsung heroes of any Kilimanjaro trek—are prohibited from carrying more than fifteen kilos (or 33 pounds) from camp to camp. If one’s bag exceeds that weight, another porter must be hired. Along with our duffel bags, porters carry all supplies from camp to camp, ensuring our energy was sustained for the climb. One of the most enlightening portions of the trip was learning about KPAP, the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. KPAP’s mission is to ensure that porters are provided fair and ethical treatment; KPAP-approved companies, such as WHOA, must follow and maintain standards to be able to advertise that they support responsible travel. Learning about the program and the people who support it on the ground was inspiring.

Upon returning from Kilimanjaro, I was asked what my days were like and how they were filled, and if the climb was difficult. Hiking for hours at a time, for seven days, can be a challenge. At one point we were hiking in the rain; my bootlaces refused to stay tied, my poncho was uncomfortable, and I realized that my pack rain cover needed duct tape, which I had forgotten to bring. If this was day two, what would the rest of this seven-day endeavor be like?

Luckily, one of the best parts of this trip was that I spent every day with eight other solo women. Hailing from four different countries and various backgrounds, all of them had their own reasons to challenge themselves and make the climb. It was truly inspiring. Without being tethered to a phone, I learned to communicate better and

Photo by Ren Fuller

SOBBING AT STELLA POINT AND WATCHING THE SUN PEEK OVER THE HORIZON WILL ALWAYS BE ETCHED IN MY MEMORY OF HOW FAR WE HAD

really listen. It was refreshing to meet others with a common goal and not have preconceived notions of each other. Our days were bookended with meals at camp, and I regained an appreciation for living simply. Where at home I would scroll endlessly through emails at night, my tent mate and I told stories of our lives, looked at the stars, and shared our fears about whether we would successfully summit.

As hesitant as I was in booking this hike alone, I am forever indebted to the women on this trek who opened their hearts as we climbed to the Roof of Africa.

COME AND HOW CLOSE WE WERE TO THE TOP.

At 6:45 a.m. on August 8, 2019, I successfully summited Kilimanjaro. This summit would not have been a success without a strong headlamp, plenty of water, and my summit porter. I was not only physically exhausted, as our group woke around midnight and hiked for seven hours at high altitude, but I was emotionally taxed as well. I had never felt so overcome with a sense of accomplishment, exhaustion, elation, and pure awe as I did on that morning. Sobbing at Stella Point and watching the sun peek over the horizon will always be etched in my memory of how far we had come and how close we were to the top. Just a forty-five-minute, gradual climb past the glaciers and I found myself standing below the famous “Congratulations, you are now at Uhuru Peak” sign. I had climbed Kilimanjaro.

I understand that I am extremely fortunate to have both the time and the means to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The reset it provided me personally and professionally was needed on so many levels. I came back a more confident person, a more

understanding human, and a very grateful American. Getting back to the basics of putting one foot in front of the other reminded me how important the present is—wherever we find ourselves.

Visit WHOATravel.com to learn more or plan a trip. If you go: WHOA Kilimanjaro Trips generally take place in spring and summer, except for their New Year’s Eve Summit trip. For the men in your life willing to join you, we recommend hiring a KPAP-approved partner. A complete list can be found at KiliPorters.org.

Despite Emily’ Fieser’s astrological sign being Cancer (they’re often described as homebodies), her passion for travel and her insatiable curiosity have prompted her to explore extensively. From trekking through rural villages of Burkina Faso to venturing through winding streets in the medinas of North Africa and even exploring her own backyard in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, she’s always ready for adventure. Don’t bother looking for her on social media, as she doesn’t do it, but if you’re up for a cup of coffee (or even better, an old-fashioned) and a good ol’ in-person conversation, email her at emilyfieser@gmail.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47

The Future

SHINES BRIGHT

T H E R E V I TA L I Z AT I O N O F D O W N T O W N F O R T WA LT O N B E A C H

This rendering shows the potential for the new Fort Walton Beach Downtown Master Plan to be implemented in the coming years. It includes revitalizing the main strip, the Landing park, the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, and more.

Rendering courtesy of Fort Walton Beach Chamber Right: Photo courtesy of Emerald Coast CVB

48 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Le monde

BY JANET THOMAS

Blending history, current strengths, and a bright future, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is one to watch.

A LOOK BACK “Our roots are very deep.” Longtime local Tom Rice beams when asked about the history of Fort Walton Beach. His great-grandfather called it paradise on earth, and many agreed—and invested—in that belief. Officially founded in 1937, Fort Walton Beach is blessed with being a unique seaside community ideally situated with the Santa Rosa Sound and Okaloosa Island to the south and Choctawhatchee Bay nearby. The area has a rich and important Native American history and, ultimately, became one of the first tourism destinations in Northwest Florida. Eglin Air Force Base is credited with being probably the single most significant factor in the city’s growth, and its military presence is paramount to the economy.

One look around the Magnolia Grill—owned by Tom and Peggy Rice and lovingly known as the museum that serves food—and history comes to life. “Don’t throw anything away!” suggests Tom, respected by many as a passionate and benevolent local historian. The cottage itself dates back to 1910 and contains many of its original features. The decor consists of cherished heirlooms and antiques from their family and private donors. Enjoy hearty selections from a delicious, down-home menu while surrounded by more than fifty years’ worth of incredible memorabilia.

The city’s oldest surviving building, the Gulfview, is another fascinating story and a testament to Fort Walton Beach’s determination to dream big and make things happen. The original structure, completed in 1906, was used as a hunting and fishing lodge and eventually became the elegant Gulfview Hotel. No longer a lodging, the two-hundred-ton building was moved a quarter mile east on Highway 98 in 2018. “Relocating and renovating the Gulfview was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for the city,” says Fort Walton Beach City Manager and area native Michael Beedie, adding that it was a huge success and brought a new feel to downtown. The historic Gulfview now houses the Fort Walton Beach Welcome Center and a gift shop, the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival Exhibit, and nine offices (including that of Mel Ponder, esteemed member of the Florida House of Representatives, former mayor of Destin, and popular champion of the area).

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 49

Le monde

Photo courtesy of Fort Walton Beach Chamber

FUTURE VITALITY An impressive major revitalization in the downtown Fort Walton Beach area is now gaining traction.

“The Downtown Master Plan has created a new buzz among the residents and businesses, as well as with visitors to the area,” boasts Beedie. While parts of the renewal are still in the conceptual and consensusbuilding stages, there is a palpable excitement about the possibilities.

THE LANDING

Above: The shops along the main strip downtown (top left) and the Brooks Bridge connecting Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island (top right) will experience major overhauls thanks to the new master plan.

Okaloosa Island is home to Veterans Park (bottom left), dining and entertainment, Emerald Coast Convention Center, resorts, and, of course, the area’s famous white-sand beaches and emerald waters (opposite left).

Photos courtesy of Emerald Coast CVB 50 | JA NUA R Y 2020

“The Landing is Fort Walton Beach’s Central Park—the outdoor hub of FWB,” touts Ted Corcoran, the president and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Beedie agrees, saying, “The revitalization will enhance the park to where it can accommodate larger and even more festivals and events in the future. The new stage, amphitheater, splash pad, playground equipment, and passive beach will open the door for all kinds of new events. And all of the heritage trees will be saved, keeping the original character of the park in place.”

The vision also includes more access to the water via paddleboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other personal watercraft. With the Intracoastal Waterway running along the Santa Rosa Sound and dreamy Okaloosa Island just south, Fort Walton Beach leaders would also like to see public boat spaces at The Landing.

Boaters would be able to dock while passing through or attending concerts, movies in the park, farmers’ markets, and the hugely popular Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival.

New parking and restrooms are crucial logistical enhancements, and the welcoming downtown shops, restaurants, and bars are just a short walk away. Locals and leaders are thrilled that progress has already started on this invaluable six acres of waterfront land on the south side of downtown.

THE BROOKS BRIDGE PROJECT According to Corcoran, the upcoming replacement of the Brooks Bridge, which connects Fort Walton Beach with Okaloosa Island, will be an enormous game changer for the area. The bridge, built in 1965, had maybe five thousand cars a day traversing it at the time. That’s grown to fifty-five thousand vehicles per day, which can create severe traffic backups.

Replacement construction begins in November of 2022, with completion estimated for 2026. The new Brooks Bridge will be sixty-five feet tall instead of the current fifty-five feet and will eliminate a bottleneck street light, enhancing traffic flow immensely. Bridge plans also include broader, more inviting pedestrian and bike paths for a recreational way to connect downtown’s Miracle Strip Parkway to the Okaloosa Island bayfront and beaches.

“The replacement of Brooks Bridge is a project that’s been twenty-five to thirty years in the making,” says Beedie. “The new layout of the bridge should improve traffic flow, especially on the Okaloosa Island side.”

One area that should surely benefit from the updates is Veterans Park, known for its beautiful natural habitat perfect for many species of birds and other wildlife.

Expect to see walking trails, a boardwalk along the bay, and business development as the area’s revitalization

Expect to see walking trails, a boardwark along the bay, and business development as the area’s revitalization gets under way in both Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.

gets under way in both Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. Nearby popular restaurant The Gulf on Okaloosa Island should continue to thrive with its Gulf-totable seasonal menu and outstanding view overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. The restaurant is constructed from salvaged building materials and shipping containers, blending in palm trees, sand, live music, and a relaxed vibe.

“We want downtown FWB to become pedestrianfriendly and vibrant, with a great mixture of residential units and commercial uses.” The general vision for the downtown area is to be a walkable, mixed-use area with a welcoming live-work-play environment.

AROUND THE MOUND

THE POWER OF NOW AND INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Another major part of the vision for Fort Walton Beach’s revitalization has been dubbed the Around the Mound project. Local leaders explain that the project would move a small section of Highway 98—which currently bisects downtown and has high pass-through traffic—to flow just north of the current downtown footprint instead. It would run north of the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, which includes the actual Fort Walton Temple Mound, the Indian Temple Mound Museum, the Garnier Post Office Museum, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, and the Civil War Exhibit Building. The Miracle Strip Parkway, where Highway 98 currently runs, would ultimately become a two-lane, pedestrian-friendly road with on-street parking, premium streetscape materials, lighting, and landscaping. The downtown feel would be more of a “main street” environment with abundant entertainment and retail outlets, according to the master plan prepared for the city. Beedie says the goal is to get this project incorporated into the replacement of the Brooks Bridge.

“If Highway 98 can be relocated, a true downtown core will be created,” he says.

Second- and third-generation Fort Walton Beach locals are becoming some of the biggest boosters of the area’s resurgence. One prime example is Jayme Nabors, cofounder of NBI Properties Inc. and an energetic regional developer who credits his mother, a big supporter of the town, for his love of Fort Walton Beach. Recognizing the current and future potential, Nabors has invested in projects including the historic Tringas Theater, which is now the popular Suds n Cinema, and other commercial buildings and real estate that house such businesses as BOTE, the Boardroom Pub and Grub, and residential lofts.

Above: Fort Walton Beach’s nearby military bases, Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, brought abundant growth to the area and, along with tourism, have been a huge factor in sustaining population and commerce through the decades.

Photo courtesy of Emerald Coast CVB

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 51

Le monde

“This gem tucked away in Florida’s Panhandle is home to vibrant beaches, a thriving tourism industry, and a booming economy.”

Above left: The plans are still in the development stage, but the future looks bright for downtown Fort Walton Beach!

Above right: The Brooks Bridge replacement project is estimated to begin in 2022 and should take around four years to complete.

Photos courtesy of Fort Walton Beach Chamber

“I see Fort Walton Beach at its most thriving position in years,” says Nabors, who also owns a one-acre waterfront parcel where Brooks Street Fish House will break ground in 2020. It has taken savvy visionary Nabors years to acquire multiple commercial plots, and he says the long term looks bright for business investors eyeing the area. Another huge feather in his cap is the four and a half waterfront acres where MarineMax now sits. Additionally, he’d like to see a full-service marina come to fruition here, as well as a variety of mixed-use residential and commercial development. Nabors sees the benefit of increasing the density of the downtown FWB corridor and making it vibrant and beautiful, which will, in turn, complement other areas such as Okaloosa Island.

Corcoran points out that although they are much larger than FWB, cities like Saint Augustine, Charleston, and Savannah have successfully fostered pro-business environments while being mindful of their histories; community leaders, too, understand the importance of balancing what is best for visitors and residents. He says something these cities all have in common is vibrant downtowns, making for great vacation destinations as well as wonderful places to live. Corcoran strongly sees FWB following a similar path.

52 | JA NUA R Y 2020

When asked about future businesses wanting to invest in the area thanks to the revitalization, Beedie explains, “Our hope is that the city can partner with current and future property and business owners to create a land development code and a redevelopment environment that enhances existing businesses and attracts new ones to the area. There are a lot of projects that will happen over the next three to ten years that will change the landscape of FWB and south Okaloosa County, and I’m proud that downtown FWB will be the focal point of this revitalization process.”

Matt Gaetz, the US congressman for Florida’s first district, has long been a champion of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area, saying, “Fort Walton Beach boasts some of the most pristine coastline in the entire world. This gem tucked away in Florida’s Panhandle is home to vibrant beaches, a thriving tourism industry, and a booming economy. It’s my district and my home. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this incredibly unique community as it seeks to grow and thrive.”

Visit FWBChamber.org to learn more about the city’s plans, and head to EmeraldCoastFL.com to start planning your trip to the area!

VIE contributor Janet Thomas has penned articles for Modern Luxury, Dallas Morning News, Organic Spa, Jezebel, and other publications. She’s a former editor-in-chief of American Airlines’ premium magazine, Celebrated Living, and travels the world for good stories with heart and soul.the world for good stories with heart and soul.

Available in Destin, exclusively at

EL

EMERALD LADY JEWELRY 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway Suite 161 ◆ Destin, FL 32541

(850) 424-3823 ◆ EmeraldLadyJewelry.com

Designer of the latest, sizzling-hot diamond fashion jewelry from New York.

LIFE BEHIND A LENS A P H OTO G R A P H E R ’ S TA L E

INTERVIEW BY JORDAN STAGGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON

Boats moored in the harbor in Smögen, Sweden

54 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Visual Perspectives

C

apturing some of the world’s most beautiful places, people, and things through a camera often requires an ability to see the good side of life. For lifestyle and travel photographer Douglas Lyle Thompson, that eye developed pretty early on. He recalls picking up an older Canon AE-1 camera for the first time around the time he was entering high school in Southern California, “toying around” with it, and taking what he felt were artistic shots, though he admits he had no idea what he was doing. Of course, all artists start out with no idea what they are doing. It’s a spark that must be nurtured into a blaze.

Before high school, Thompson always thought he was headed for a different kind of flame.

“I come from a family of Los Angeles firefighters, so that was the path I was going down,” he admits. “Then, later in my senior year, I went to a friend’s dad’s photo studio and was blown away. I was playing volleyball in high school and essentially turned down a few full scholarships because I wanted to study photography.

I don’t think anyone was pleased by that decision— free education versus extremely expensive education.”

But Thompson was hooked. He applied to a “very dorky, techy” college for photography in Santa Barbara and graduated with his love of the craft intact, along with a lot more knowledge. He moved to New York City to pursue his dream further and has lived there since then, minus a brief stint in Paris and some time traveling back home to California. He has been hired by major brand names, including American Express, Levi’s, PUMA, TOMS, Ketel One Vodka, Tommy Hilfiger, Google, Facebook, IKEA, and many more. His work has appeared in national and international magazines and advertising campaigns, and he has shot architectural and lifestyle photos for hotels around the world.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55

Visual Perspectives

W

e chatted with Thompson about his passion for photography and what it’s like to be a pro in the business:

VIE: What was your first paid photography assignment, and how did it make you feel?

Douglas Lyle Thompson: I was hired, oddly, to shoot one of Google’s first photography-based ad campaigns. One of my best friends from childhood and high school (and currently) was Google’s only graphic designer at the time, and apparently, their marketing budget wasn’t as high as it is now. So Google awarded me the job, and we went on a fifteen-city tour, flying around the country and photographing small business owners for a product they had called AdWords.

It was hard but fun! It was my welcome to the professional photography world.

VIE: What are some of the challenges of being a professional photographer?

DLT: The challenges are many. A lot of what we do is based on other brands’ budgets, the economy, and how much people are spending; and those budgets are sometimes hardly ever enough to make it work, but somehow, we all make it work. Another challenge, I feel, is that nothing is confirmed for the shoot until I’m literally on set shooting. I’ve had a bunch of shoots that have canceled, postponed, delayed, etc.,

The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York Opposite top: Taking a stroll in Rancho Santana, Tola-Rivas, Nicaragua Opposite bottom left: Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California Opposite bottom right: Galaxia Lorenzo for Sea Star Beachwear in Southampton, New York 56 | JA NUA R Y 2020

and it’s hard to schedule your life and work around jobs that keep bouncing around. The inconsistent schedule is probably the thing I complain about the most. These sound like major complaints, and maybe they are, but these challenges are part of what makes this profession so interesting. And I can’t complain about the challenges too much—I chose this life!

VIE: What is your favorite part about it?

DLT: Everything, really. Even the days when it’s a struggle, it’s still fun. When we need sun, it rains.

When we need cloudy and overcast weather, it’s sunny. But in the end, it’s always so much fun. And I mean that sincerely. Photography is challenging but that’s what makes it so fun. I don’t really ever shoot in a studio, so my variables are different from a studio photographer’s. I just have to deal with what I have and make it work! Taking pictures for a living is a dream. I couldn’t have asked for a better-suited job for me.

“

WHEN WE NEED SUN, IT RAINS. WHEN WE NEED CLOUDY AND OVERCAST WEATHER, IT’S SUNNY. BUT IN THE END, IT’S ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN. AND I MEAN THAT SINCERELY. PHOTOGRAPHY IS CHALLENGING BUT THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT SO FUN.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57

Visual Perspectives

VIE: Do you have a favorite subject to shoot, and do you find certain subjects more difficult than others?

DLT: I love it all. Shooting a room and making it look real and accurate and pretty and livable is fun.

Photographing a person having fun or a portrait is always fun as well. Travel and travel lifestyle are exciting, too, because you really get to interact with the locals, see what they see, really immerse yourself in their world. I think people can be challenging, especially if they’re not used to having their picture taken. I’ve had to shoot animals on set for certain brands, and they’re usually so much fun, but the time to shoot them is very limited. The same goes for children—there’s a small window to photograph them before the attention is lost.

VIE: You often show people in your architectural and interior photos—why is that?

DLT: I love to show people in a space as if they’re the accessory to the space. In my opinion, it just shows the proportion better, and it shows how a space can be livable. When I’m looking at a picture, I feel like I need to see a person or people in the lobby, restaurants, bar spaces, pools, etc. But again, nobody wants to see a person in the room they’re about to 58 | JA NUA R Y 2020

“

I THINK PEOPLE CAN BE CHALLENGING, ESPECIALLY IF THEY’RE NOT USED TO HAVING THEIR PICTURE TAKEN. I’VE HAD TO SHOOT ANIMALS ON SET FOR CERTAIN BRANDS, AND THEY’RE USUALLY SO MUCH FUN, BUT THE TIME TO SHOOT THEM IS VERY LIMITED.

book on the hotel’s website. Nobody is like, “Oh cool, there are people sleeping in that hotel bed.” We all want that bed for ourselves, right?

VIE: As this is for our travel issue, we’d love to know what your favorite destination has been.

DLT: Too many favorites! Off the top of my head: Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, South Korea—all of them because typically I have my expectations set on a middle level, not high, not low, and those four places blew my mind on all levels from what I experienced.

I’ve talked to others that haven’t loved those places, but it’s all our own adventure.

I’ll find out soon if I’m going to Argentina, France, and the United Arab Emirates for three different jobs. And who knows, these jobs come and go all the time, but these three I really want. I’ve been to all three countries, but I want these specific jobs. I think I

traveled to between twenty and twenty-five countries this year. I’m hoping to do the same next year.

couldn’t postpone it, so we gambled and went to Mexico anyway. We had to fake the sun at a sunny resort in the rainstorm. Somehow, we made it work well.

VIE: Do you think it is important for people to travel?

VIE: Why do you think art and photography are essential to the world?

DLT: One million percent yes, it’s important. Young and old, everyone, no matter what. It’s the best way to learn about yourself. Travel solo. Travel with a lover.

Travel with friends. Travel with family. Explore, get lost, stay in, do nothing, do everything, eat familiar, eat out, get room service, swim, surf, hike, sleep, sleep more, drink local wine, hang with locals, cruise around by yourself, challenge yourself, or don’t challenge yourself—either way, whatever you do, travel!

DLT: Just to let us know that everything isn’t seen one certain way. You could give ten people the same camera, same lens, same everything, and you’re going to get ten different pictures. That’s so special. Art and photography are so intertwined in our daily lives—it would be so strange without it, so it just shows the importance.

VIE: Any funny or interesting stories from the set you’d like to share?

DLT: Oh, too many. Probably just the trials and tribulations of weather, flights, connections, customs, everything else. Last year, I was shooting in Mexico, and we needed full sun for the hotel I was at for a four-day shoot, and it rained for four days straight other than the day I landed and the day I took off back to the US. We had seven models, two hairstylists, two makeup artists, a stylist, my crew— it was a twenty-five-person set for the shoot, and we

VIE: What advice would you give to a photographer who is just starting in the business?

Above: Elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya Opposite, clockwise from left: Relaxing at UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico Sea stacks in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico The lifestyle at Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel in Florida

DLT: Stay focused and driven, really care about what you’re shooting, treat your client like gold, and bend over backward to make the client happy while shooting.

Be flexible with your ideas, and don’t be stubborn if you feel it’s not going right.

I sound so cliché on this answer, but it’s so true; teamwork is the best way to accomplish a successful shoot. And, shoot everything possible to find your style.

Photograph your cousin, strangers, your dog, food, cars, and things that make you laugh. Shoot anything and everything. Most importantly, don’t let anyone walk all over you, and never shoot anything for free (unless it’s for a nonprofit)—it lowers your value and, overall, it lowers the value of photography as a profession. This is something I’m very adamant about; never shoot for free.

Visit DouglasLyleThompson.com or check him out on Instagram @dltxii to see more.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 59

Visual Perspectives

CANVAS DALLAS ART AND HOSPITALITY COLLIDE AT

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CANVAS HOTEL DALLAS

Everything is bigger in Texas, and you’re invited to go big or go home at CANVAS Hotel Dallas for the city’s ultimate art-meets-accommodations experience.

Since opening its doors in January 2019, CANVAS Hotel Dallas has featured art-centric lodging, a magnificent rooftop pool and lounge, wide-ranging and energetic meeting and events spaces, and a brand-new restaurant.

ormerly known as NYLO Dallas South Side, CANVAS is curated and managed by INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts, an independent lifestyle division of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. CANVAS Hotel Dallas is a creative home base for modern trendsetters, an inspirational hub for persistent artisans, and a destination for locals to be creatively inspired while sipping and dining alongside the picturesque skyline views at the Gallery Rooftop Lounge overlooking downtown Dallas.

“CANVAS Dallas Hotel is a timely addition to the burgeoning district of South Dallas,” says Jack Matthews, president of Matthews Southwest, lead developer and co-owner of the hotel. “With a prime location in the heart of the Cedars district, and close to downtown and the convention center, CANVAS is nestled in an eclectic neighborhood undergoing a renaissance in terms of culture, shopping, food, art, and music. This property is poised to be the destination of choice for modern travelers looking for an authentic Dallas experience that will inspire their creativity and satisfy their contemporary tastes.”

HOME SWEET HOME Curated by Dallas-based Studio 11 Design, CANVAS’s new interior design, decor, and artistic elements paint an eye-opening new perspective of its original building.

The structure, which is almost a century old and integral to the history of South Dallas, has been well-preserved and refurbished. Upon entering the hotel, visitors are made to feel right at home in the revitalized lobby and restaurant with elements that portray a living-room feel. Take a seat and relax in the intimate seating areas and shared social spaces, adorned with locally discovered accessories and artwork from the Dallas area. The mix makes for an instantly creative vibe as art collides with the eclectic industrial building. The dining area can also transform into a versatile meeting space, divided by a sliding glass door.

Above: Formerly the NYLO Dallas South Side, the CANVAS Hotel rebranded and reopened in January of 2019 with an artistic vibe featuring industrialchic spaces, eclectic furnishings, and work by local artists.

Left: Photo by Jennifer Harr

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 61

Visual Perspectives

he guest rooms and suites feature quirky, loft-style design and decor, with ten- to fifteen-foot-high ceilings, pressed concrete flooring, exposed brick, and industrial elements and fixtures. New custom carpeting, lighting, and art were installed in all public areas and guest hallways when CANVAS opened, and the lobby was reconfigured to be more conducive to social gatherings.

Above and right: CANVAS Hotel’s lobby includes plushy seating, a baby grand piano, billiards, a bar, and dining/meeting/event space at Chef’s Palette.

Opposite top: Guest rooms are spacious, and the artistic-meetsindustrial feel carries into their decor.

Opposite right: The Gallery Rooftop Lounge and adjacent pool deck are the perfect spots for enjoying small bites and cocktails while soaking up the best views of the Dallas city skyline.

62 | JA NUA R Y 2020

BON APPÉTIT! From palette to palate, CANVAS Hotel Dallas brings two art-inspired restaurants and lounges to the South Side of Dallas. Chef ’s Palette, the newly reinvented bar and restaurant located adjacent to the lobby, is where every plate is a tasteful expression of culinary creation.

From the colorful ingredients and inventive use of new culinary techniques to the plating and presentation, Chef ’s Palette offers small plates, entrées, and cocktails that are just as visually appealing as they are palate-pleasing. Whether you’re stopping by to kick off your morning, having a midday meeting, or enjoying cocktails with friends to end the day, the menu and decor at Chef ’s Palette will arouse your senses—and likely awaken your inner art critic.

WHETHER YOU’RE STOPPING BY TO KICK OFF YOUR MORNING, HAVING A MIDDAY MEETING, OR ENJOYING COCKTAILS WITH FRIENDS TO END THE DAY, THE MENU AND DECOR AT CHEF’S PALETTE WILL AROUSE YOUR SENSES—AND LIKELY AWAKEN YOUR INNER ART CRITIC. “The entire guest experience at CANVAS is centered around a taste of local artistry, whether through the art on the walls or on the plate,” says Jared Williams, general manager. “Our talented team of individuals has curated incredible menus and rotating art collections, met with welcoming hospitality to give each of our guests an authentically Dallas experience you won’t find elsewhere.”

ROOFTOP VIBES The rooftop bar at CANVAS, formerly known as SODA, was revived to become the Gallery Rooftop Lounge. This rooftop lounge offers a 270-degree view of Dallas’s picturesque skyline, but the vista isn’t the only masterpiece at the Gallery.

From mouthwatering bites to handcrafted cocktails and unique art by up-andcoming Dallas artists, everything at the Gallery Rooftop Lounge is an ode to originality. Are you feeling creative yet? There are painting stations at prime viewpoints on the rooftop patio where visitors can set up and be inspired. So, whether you’re a hotel guest visiting Dallas for the first time or a born-and-raised local taking in the best view of the city you call home, the Gallery Rooftop Lounge is open and ready to inspire.

To learn more about CANVAS Hotel Dallas, visit CANVASHotelDallas.com or follow them on social media at Facebook.com/CANVASDallas or on Instagram and Twitter @CANVASDallas.

Photo by Jennifer Harr V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63

Destin Bayfront Estate 4 1 3 C A L H O U N AV E N U E , D E S T I N , F L O R I D A This stately bayfront residence is situated on over an acre and a half of land and offers a rare combination of expansive views of both the Choctawhatchee Bay and Marler Bayou. The brick-paved driveway meanders around century-old oak trees draped with Spanish moss. As you approach this Mediterranean-style three-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home with its three-and-a-half-car garage and six-space outdoor parking, you’ll also notice oversized lanais, balconies, and courtyard porches. It comes complete with an infinity-edge pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and protected boat dock with easy deepwater access to East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Floor-to-ceiling hurricane-proof doors and windows offer bay sunset views from the living room and upstairs billiard room. This fully furnished home is ideal for boat lovers, water-sport enthusiasts, and those who love to entertain!

LOCAL EXPERT. GLOBAL REACH. 3557 E COUNT Y HWY 30A SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL 32459 (850) 259-8960 RENEE.RYAN @ EVUSA.COM 30AGULFCOASTHOMES.COM © 2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Engel & Völkers and its independent franchisees are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act. Each property shop is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

C’est la vie

GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER

For our Northwest Florida local readers and beyond, we are excited to share a C’est la VIE Curated Collection featuring the high-quality local and national retailers and dining establishments located at Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach. With an eclectic yet upscale mix of clothing and accessories, fine jewelry, art and gifts, dining, entertainment, home decor, and more, Grand Boulevard is one of the area’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations. It is a Howard Group | Merchants Retail Partner development. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone or just in the mood for some retail therapy, a stroll down the boulevard is just what you need! Visit GrandBoulevard.com to learn more.

1

Fill Her Up

Marais Resin Clutch $98 – Available at Anthropologie anthropologie.com 66 | JA NUA R Y 2020

2

Vintage Inspired

Just Jules Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Available at The Jewel shopthejewel.com

Travel On

3

The Bucket List Hardcover $35 – Available at Anthropologie anthropologie.com

4

Eyes on the Prize

La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate Hydrating Cream $225 – Available at Blue Mercury bluemercury.com

Beanie Baby

5

Riley Cashmere Hat with Pom Pom $88 – Available at J.McLaughlin jmclaughlin.com 6

Uncommon Scents

Lend an Ear

Mignonne Gavigan Butterfly Stud Earrings $175 – Available at Hemline shophemline.com 7

Crown Cologne $98 – Available at Peter Millar petermillar.com

Say Cheese!

8

Olive Wood Rustic Edge Cheese Board $50 – Available at Pottery Barn potterybarn.com

9

Walk Away

La Montelliana Marlena Boots $530 –Available at Ophelia Swimwear opheliaswimwear.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 67

C’est la vie

Cozy Up

10

Maiami Ombré Big Cardigan in Multi $495 – Available at Ophelia Swimwear opheliaswimwear.com 68 | JA NUA R Y 2020

11

Shell Yeah!

12

Cowrie Cluster Handbag $125 – Available at Tommy Bahama tommybahama.com

Kick It Up

Make It Your Own

Art and Soul

Sibilia Handmade Jewelry Collection Available at The Zoo Gallery thezoogallery.com

13

Little Kids Sperry x Vineyard Vines Chambray Slip-Ons $45 – Available at Vineyard Vines vineyardvines.com 14

Custom Glass Art Classes and Gifts Available at The Shard Shop shardshop.com

15

Give Him a Hand

Men’s Uplander Shooting Gloves $79 – Available at Orvis orvis.com

16

Raise a Glass

Green Planet Wine Glass $80 – Available at Fusion Art Glass fusionartglass.com

18

Laugh Out Loud

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Buyer & Cellar Tickets Available from ECTC emeraldcoasttheatre.org

Wine Not?

17

Personalized Engraved Bottle of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $30 – Available at Wine World chanswineworld.com

19

Flock Together

The Tern Squad Acrylic Painting by Jenna Varney $3,500 – Available at the Foster Gallery culturalartsalliance.com/foster-gallery V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 69

4 1 GREEN STREET This stunning new construction opportunity is located just one homesite away from the Gulf of Mexico in Seacrest Beach, Florida. The expansive coastal retreat contains eight bedrooms, incredible finishes, a large private pool, a courtyard with outdoor kitchen, and sweeping Gulf views. Don’t miss it!

Voyager

Voyager

SEE THE WORLD

Visit LondonEye.com to learn more or book tickets.

Photo by Pajor Pawel / Shutterstock

The famed Coca-Cola London Eye first opened to the public in 2000, earning it a secondary moniker, the Millennium Wheel. Thirty-two egg-shaped passenger capsules ring the 443-foottall structure. Each one is sealed and air-conditioned and can hold up to twenty-five people. Since opening, it has become the most-visited paid tourist attraction in London, offering incredible 360-degree views of the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster, and the sprawling cityscape.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71

MAGICAL IRELAND A Golfer's Paradise

S TO R Y A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E SY O F G O L F S C A P E

72 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Voyager

Ireland is home to some of the world’s most outstanding and masterful golf course designs. With over three hundred courses to choose from, Golfscape highlights eight of Ireland’s top golf destinations, as well as how to get to the Emerald Isle and where to stay during your visit.

Their ultimate Ireland golf guide has everything you need to know, from signature holes to outdoor hotel activities. Select the course of your choice, book your stay at one of the luxurious hotels or a cozy Airbnb, and get ready to find your pot of gold.

Getting to Ireland can be done by flight or ferry. Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, flies internationally to destinations all over the world. From in-flight entertainment to Wi-Fi in the sky, there’s no better way to start your travels. On the other hand, traveling to Ireland by ferry can be an exciting adventure. You get to bring your golf clubs along with no hassle—an oldfashioned journey to the green of dreams.

Trump International Golf Links

Whether you’re looking to experience the east, southwest, or northwest of Ireland, Golfscape has got you covered. Explore some of the country’s finest greens, challenge yourself on the fairways, and truly experience Ireland golf like never before.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 73

Voyager

PORTMARNOCK HOTEL & GOLF LINKS, DUBLIN Just fifteen minutes from Dublin International Airport, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links is the only coastal resort and links course in Dublin. One of Bernhard Langer’s magnificent designs, the course lies on the grounds of the old Jameson Estate of Saint Marnocks. The sixteenth is known as its signature hole, which requires an accurate shot from an elevated tee box—undeniably one of the most challenging holes at Portmarnock. Moreover, the challenging round is made worthwhile by the incredible hotel amenities. These include an award-winning spa and two highly awarded restaurants.

“It’s such a wonderful place,” says Katie Kearney, the American golf sensation and model. “Those greens—the entire golf course is spectacular and in perfect condition.”

CARTON HOUSE, KILDARE Only a twenty-five-minute drive from the city center and Dublin International Airport, Carton House is a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking for a challenging inland links-style course or a classic parkland experience, both set a challenge like no other. As one of the preferred golf courses in Ireland, the Montgomerie offers numerous bunkers and impeccable greens.

Alternatively, the O’Meara surrounds you with ancient woodlands, a golden river, and a breathtaking historical backdrop on the eighteenth hole. With three outstanding eateries, wellness facilities, and a premium spa, Carton House presents you with a memorable experience where historic charm meets contemporary luxury.

74 | JA NUA R Y 2020

FOTA ISLAND RESORT, CORK Fota Island Resort is home to three world-class championship golf courses: Deerpark, Belvelly, and Barryscourt. Beautifully set in parkland scenery, you’ll find yourself wandering through tall oak trees and magnificent woodlands. Pro golfer Pádraig Harrington’s favorite hole is the eighteenth island

“It’s such a wonderful place. Those

greens—the entire golf course is

spectacular and in perfect condition.”

Trump International Golf Links Opposite top: Fota Island Resort Opposite bottom: Carton House V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 75

Voyager

The course earned its mustplay status internationally following Dr. Martin Hawtree’s design philosophy of “least disturbance.”

Above: County Sligo Golf Club Opposite top: Adare Manor Opposite bottom: Tralee Golf Club

green on the Deerpark course; it is one of Ireland’s most remarkably picturesque golf holes. The resort also has a luxurious five-star hotel and spa, residential lodges, and an exceptional golf academy.

“The setting is gorgeous,” says Harrington. “You get to the top of the hill, and it is all presented to you—the clubhouse, the lake, mature trees, bunkers, shrubs—magnificent. And doesn’t everybody like being faced with a downhill shot to a big green?”

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS & HOTEL, DOONBEG Spread across miles of crescent-shaped beach, Trump International Golf Links is a world-renowned championship golf course. The course earned its must-play status internationally following Dr. Martin Hawtree’s design philosophy of “least disturbance.” The design results in flourished land and enhanced playability. With unique identities for each hole, players simultaneously feel rewarded and challenged. Golfers have the opportunity to experience the unusual combination of five par threes and five par fives. Moreover, the luxurious five-star hotel suites, furnishings, and mesmerizing antiques will surround you with the ultimate in beauty and comfort.

76 | JA NUA R Y 2020

ADARE MANOR, ADARE Reopened in April of 2018 following renovations, the Golf Course at Adare Manor brings a new standard to Irish championship golf courses. With fewer bunkers than any other Tom Fazio design, Adare Manor is a challenging but fair test. All eighteen greens benefit from a SubAir aeration system, which removes moisture and guarantees firm play every day; Adare Manor is one of three golf courses in the UK and Ireland to implement this system. The resort is set to host the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2026. Furthermore, it is located in the charming village of Adare in County Limerick, which is designated by the Irish government as a heritage town.

You can even immerse yourself in an Irish gundog experience at one of Ireland’s leading hotels when you stay on-site at the Adare Manor castle resort. You definitely won’t regret it!

CASTLEMARTYR RESORT, CORK The Castlemartyr Resort is home to an eighteen-hole inland links-style course designed by world-renowned golf course architect Ron Kirby. Both a visually pleasing and challenging experience, the course offers an excellent round for players of all abilities. Nestled in an old manor estate in East Cork, the course features walking trails for guests to enjoy while witnessing the birds and other V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 77

Voyager

“I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.”

Tralee Golf Club

County Sligo Golf Club

wildlife within the beautiful grounds. The five-star escape features an oasis of calm at the spa along with an array of other activities such as carriage rides, fishing, and clay pigeon shooting.

COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB, SLIGO County Sligo Golf Club, initially designed as a nine-hole course in 1894, is now a modern twenty-seven-hole complex with an outstanding clubhouse and state-of-the-art facilities. Home to many prestigious events, County Sligo is the annual host of the West of Ireland Championship, played and won in past years

by Harrington, McIlroy, and Lowry. Here, you’ll experience antique charm at the clubhouse, which still retains the graceful Tudor-style facade from the original architecture. The golf club also has a nine-hole course and a superb driving range.

“A magnificent links and the stretch of holes from the fourteenth to seventeenth that run adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean is one of the best finishing stretches in golf,” says professional golfer Tom Watson.

TRALEE GOLF CLUB, TRALEE Known as Arnold Palmer’s Jewel, Tralee Golf Club is a daring course on a charming, rugged coastal stretch just eight miles from Tralee. From towering dunes to cliff-top tees, this golfing paradise is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s most excellent links courses. You can enjoy the magnificent views of the Sliabh Mish mountains from the clubhouse and practice your game in the purpose-built academy.

Palmer once said of Tralee Golf Club, “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.”

78 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Where to Stay Not sure where to stay during your golf trip? Luckily, Portmarnock, Carton House, Fota Island, Trump Doonbeg, Adare Manor, and Castlemartyr Resort all include exceptional hotel facilities. In particular, Portmarnock’s Fire & Ice spa treatment will transport you to a sea of calm with a complete holistic experience.

Golfers recommend trying the traditional afternoon tea at the charming Seaview restaurant, where you’ll also enjoy magnificent panoramic views—you’ll never want to leave. If you prefer to participate in outdoor activities, Fota Island Resort will leave you spoiled for choice.

From archery to target practice, you’ll be sure to have your days filled with adrenaline and excitement.

If you’re looking to stay outside the course, there are many options available. If Dublin International Airport is the starting point of your visit to the Emerald Isle, you can spoil yourself at the refined Merrion in the heart of Dublin. This stylish hotel is home to Ireland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. It is also a short walk from museums, pubs, and galleries. If you’re planning to spend most of your time on the course rather than in a hotel, you can browse Airbnb for countless options. Find yourself a cozy place to stay and relax in your home away from home.

EXPLORE IRELAND OUTSIDE THE COURSE While playing golf in Ireland is enough to fulfill your journey, there’s a whole exciting world of history and culture to explore off the fairways. Take a trip to the Guinness Storehouse and learn the rich history of the famous Irish beer. Visit one of the many ancient monuments and castles around the isle—you might even be playing a round near one. Thanks to charming Irish hospitality, you’ll not only learn to play like a local, but you’ll also discover the ins and outs of the Emerald Isle.

Visit Golfscape.com to learn more or start planning your trip.

Voyager

80 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Te nne s se e’s be st-ke pt se c ret, th e quai nt little vi llag e of Le ipe r’s Fork , i s gai ni ng national notori ety for its h ig h-e nd shoppi ng , one-of-a-ki nd galle ri e s, and dow n-hom e fe e l .

ver the past several years, Nashville has grown to be one of the top US cities for tourists—and for good reasons: its music, food, hotels, and shopping are pretty incredible. Yet those who are willing to journey about twentyfive miles south of the city can find a gem of an area that harks back to a time when things moved a little bit slower—and they still do.

Tucked among the fields and rolling hills of Williamson County (the wealthiest county in Tennessee) is the city of Franklin, home to about eighty thousand residents and the site of a historically significant Civil War battle.

About six miles west lies the unincorporated town of Leiper’s Fork through which the Natchez Trace Parkway runs. You’ll know you’re there when you spot rocking chairs on the porches of nearly every business, hear the Southern drawls getting more prominent, and maybe even see a few country music stars strolling along the sidewalks.

On nice weekends, there are so many visitors hankering for that Southern charm that it’s hard even to make your way through town. It wasn’t always this way, though.

“When I first went out to Leiper’s Fork, there were two little stores and a restaurant called Country Boy. It was a village that was really dying,” says Rick Warwick, who’s become a local historian after living in the area since the early 1970s, when many of the residents were people in their later years. In the eighties and nineties, however, more Nashville residents began buying homes around Leiper’s Fork. Local philanthropist Aubrey Preston has been among the greatest influences in making the village what it is now, says Warwick. Preston has focused on investing in and refurbishing old buildings rather than tearing them down—something that helped boost the town’s tourism.

“It was so close to Nashville, yet far enough out in the country, so people started coming here in great numbers,” says Warwick. “With that, our little village started becoming very high end—it became the place to be.”

Left: The concrete double-arch Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge near Franklin and Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee Opposite: The Copper Fox Gallery in Leiper’s Fork is home to work from over ninety area artists.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 81

Voyager

oday, the population has seen tremendous growth, and locals and visitors alike enjoy the small-town perks, such as the LawnChair Theatre, an honor-system box for jars of locally made honey, and the exchange of friendly hellos with everyone who passes.

Are you ready to see what music stars (and residents), including Justin Timberlake, Reba McEntire, and Chris Stapleton, have discovered in Leiper’s Fork? Here’s where to start. It’s true that once you visit, you might find yourself wanting to move here too.

W h e re to Stay The Pot N’ Kettle Cottages are the very definition of upscale country chic: think farmhouse tables, retro appliances, and cozy fireplaces. A series of four rentals perched at the edge of downtown Leiper’s Fork, they’re within walking distance of nearly everything in the village—once you spot the old car filled with flowers, you’ll know where to turn. Each home is equipped with an iPad system to fulfill any request, and owners Eric and Samantha Coghlan—who are soon opening a winery in Leiper’s Fork—live nearby.

For a more resort-like experience, guests will soon have another accommodation option: Southall, a luxury farm, inn, and spa opening in early 2021.

W h e re to S hop East Tennessee native and artist David Arms opened his eponymous art gallery in a fancy barn just past the entrance to Leiper’s Fork in 2011. This masculine, woody space is the only place to view Arms’s original artwork, and you can also shop a full line of his products, including leather wallets, weekender bags, and hand-painted vintage jackets. If you need a gift for the dapper man’s man in your life, this is the spot to go.

THIS MASCULINE, WOODY SPACE IS THE ONLY PLACE TO VIEW ARMS’S ORIGINAL ARTWORK, AND YOU CAN ALSO SHOP A FULL LINE OF HIS PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LEATHER WALLETS, WEEKENDER BAGS, AND HANDPAINTED VINTAGE JACKETS. 82 | JA NUA R Y 2020

IT’S HARD TO PASS BY THIS SIXTY-SEVEN-YEAROLD SPOT WITH THE SMOKER OUT FRONT WITHOUT STOPPING IN FOR A BARBECUE PLATE ROUNDED OUT WITH MACARONI AND CHEESE, CORN BREAD, AND A BOTTLE OF NEHI ORANGE SODA TO WASH IT DOWN. Find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home at Serenite Maison, a cozy, natural-lightfilled shop that specializes in European antiques as well as furniture, lighting, and textiles. A patio around the back that faces the Harpeth River is a perfect spot for relaxing with a glass of sweet tea.

Above left and opposite bottom: The Pot N’ Kettle Cottages offer charming accommodations with four distinct rental homes in Leiper’s Fork.

Owners Talbott and John Grimm of the Copper Fox Gallery work with ninety artists, most of whom are from Tennessee or bordering states, to source fascinating original pieces made from materials like clay, copper, wood, iron, glass, and paper.

Above: Entertainment is never in short supply at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant.

Hanging out for a while in the beautiful Leiper’s Creek Gallery is not only OK, but it’s also encouraged, as evidenced by the collection of antique glassware and an open bottle of local Hunter’s Select Barrel Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey under the stairs. Don’t miss the display of pieces by Michael Madzo, who crafts intricate artwork from tiny scraps of paper sewn together with colored thread.

Left and opposite top: The David Arms Gallery’s rustic barn exterior gives way to a beautifully curated collection of art, apparel, and accessories.

W h e re to S o c ializ e

David Arms Gallery photos by Blake Roberts

Puckett’s does triple duty as a grocery store, restaurant, and local hangout. It’s hard to pass by this sixty-seven-year-old spot with the smoker out front without stopping in for a barbecue plate rounded out with macaroni and cheese, corn bread, and a bottle of Nehi Orange soda to wash it down. Far from fancy, the inside has a hazy appearance, and an empty Corona box holds condiments on each of the mismatched wooden tables—but there’s no better place to hear live music most nights from Wednesday through Sunday.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 83

Voyager

Above and inset: For upscale accommodations in Williamson County, you can’t beat the Harpeth hotel in downtown Franklin.

Its signature restaurant, 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails, is the perfect spot for dinner and some Tennessee whiskey after a day of exploring.

Photos courtesy of the Harpeth Opposite: The General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard and Deputy Barney Fife’s police cruiser from The Andy Griffith Show greet visitors in Leiper’s Fork. (John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, was even the grand marshal of the 2018 Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade.)

84 | JA NUA R Y 2020

t’s hard to imagine a chandelier in a gas station, but that’s what you’ll find at Leiper’s Fork Market. Locals gather at the farmhouse table beneath the fixture over coffee and two-dollar country ham biscuits to discuss the latest town business (and maybe a little gossip). Grab a cup of boiled Cajun peanuts to eat while rocking on the front porch—or if you need a caffeine boost, stop into the RedByrd Coffee Shop inside a tiny house out front.

W h e re to Eat Don’t plan on eating too healthy when dining at Country Boy, the village’s first restaurant and the place to be around breakfast time. This diner is as down home as you’d imagine, in the best way—serving classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy and fried green tomatoes in humble, cozy digs.

For a more elevated meal, make a reservation at 1892, helmed by Chef Dylan Morrison and housed in a historical residence built in—you guessed it—1892.

Morrison takes his claim of using locally grown ingredients to heart, often incorporating handfuls of fresh greens and herbs snatched right from the garden behind the restaurant. Even a simple BLT is elevated, with every ingredient bursting with flavor.

It’s no wonder diners come from miles around for an experience here.

W h e re to Re la x Lisa Crary, the owner of Sanitas Skincare, returned to her home state in 2019 to open her first full-service day spa. Located inside a restored butter-yellow historic home on the main street, the Spa at Leiper’s Fork rivals those you’d find in any major city. But it’s the personal touches—such as a custom Dolly Parton settee and homemade chocolates to nibble on while you’re waiting—that take the experience to a new level. In addition to many face and body treatments, the spa recently added chemical peels and CBD massages to its menu.

M ean w h i le , i n Frankli n…

Historic downtown Franklin got its first hotel when the Harpeth, a 119-room luxury boutique property, opened in late 2019. Though it’s a new build, the facade fits in so well with the area that many visitors mistake it for a restored building.

“We’re looking forward to being Franklin’s living room—a place where the local community can come into the restaurant and bring their family in to stay, and something they will be proud of,” says Justin Foster, general manager of the Harpeth.

Named after Tennessee’s Harpeth River, the property has much to offer guests seeking a local experience. For starters, it has twenty-one unique room types, including some with balconies overlooking Main Street. Downstairs, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions serves locally roasted brew from Honest Coffee Roasters and ice cream from Hattie Jane’s Creamery, and 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails offers an extensive list of bourbons and whiskeys spotlighting distillers from Franklin’s popular Masters & Makers Trail.

In the center of the hotel is a tranquil courtyard that’s “unheard of in Tennessee,” says Foster. It’s complete with cedar trellises, reclaimed antebellum columns, and a grand staircase flanked by three fountains. (Talk about the perfect photo op!)

next door—the owners have such a sweet story that Hallmark made a movie about them. Double rooms are available from $230 at HarpethHotel.com.

HEAD TO VISITFRANKLIN.COM TO LEARN MORE AND START PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THESE TWO BEAUTIFUL TOWNS IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

Perhaps the best asset of the Harpeth, however, is its accessibility to nearly everything in town. Before, visitors looking for a luxury hotel experience would drive to Franklin for the day but sleep in Nashville. “Now, they can park their car and have more of an experiential stay when they come in,” says Kimberly Elder, director of sales. If you visit, be sure to stop into the quaint Landmark Booksellers

Kelsey Ogletree is a Chicago-based writer covering travel, wellness, and design for publications that include Robb Report, Shape, Architectural Digest, and more.

Always on the hunt for stories and forever a notetaker, she never leaves home without her mini Moleskine and at least two pens.

THE ZOO GALLERY

E XCLUSI V E NORTH W EST F L O R I D A R E TA I L E R F O R

since 1979

Grayton Beach Grand Boulevard T h e Z o o G a l l e r y. c o m

s

t

a

n

d

o

u

t

f

r

o

m

t

h

e

h

e

r

d

Voyager

Mia mi

Bienvenido a

LENNOX HOTEL BRINGS THE HEAT

STORY and PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY of LENNOX HOTEL MIAMI BEACH

86 | JA NUA R Y 2020

NEW TO THE MIAMI SCENE BUT NO STRANGER TO HIGH-END HOSPITALITY, THE LENNOX HOTEL MIAMI BEACH WELCOMES YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE DREAM VACATION! ocated in the Historic District of Miami Beach, the Lennox Hotel maintains its original Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival exterior to blend in with the charming character of the city. Originally the Peter Miller Hotel, its four interconnected buildings were designed by world-renowned architect Russell Pancoast, who was credited with shaping the architectural landscape of Miami Beach. After the building was completed, the Peter Miller Hotel had the distinction of serving as one of the US Army’s Air Force Training Command centers during World War II. The Lennox Hotel is honored to uphold the celebrated legacy of the building.

While preserving the Art Deco facade of the Peter Miller Hotel, Lennox has entirely fashioned a new interior, bringing together the most elegant furnishings, upcycled materials, and natural and organic textiles from around the world to create a cuttingedge, contemporary space. The hotel features 119 guest rooms, thirteen of these complemented by a small balcony offering views of Miami Beach’s buzzing streets.

Each room is equipped with furnishings handcrafted from natural wood in Patagonia and meticulously curated by esteemed Argentinean interior designer Juan Ciavarella and his company, Hanford Design S.A. The soft neutral tones and unique textiles throughout the property combine to create a tranquil environment.

Left: The guest rooms at the Lennox Hotel in Miami Beach include handcrafted wood furnishings for a natural yet clean, modern look.

Opposite: Photo

by Mano Photo / Shutterstock V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 87

Voyager

ne of the most special features of Lennox Hotel Miami Beach is that not one guestroom is the same as another,” says Diego Agnelli, CEO of Lennox Hotels. “Each room has its own individual touches, whether it’s the custom-made artwork on the walls, the general layout of the room, or the decor. Our goal is to find ways to provide each guest with their own story to tell from their experience at the hotel.”

The team at Lennox Hotel has partnered with William Roam to provide the luxury bathroom products offered in each guest room. From the brand’s SENSE collection, these products feature natural vegan ingredients. With Minnesota tamarack larch tree bark as the main ingredient and a blend of twenty-one aromatic extracts, the collection promotes lush, hydrated skin and hair. William Roam is a partner of American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy forest ecosystems. Thanks to this partnership, American Forests has committed to planting one tree for every hotel room at Lennox Hotel Miami Beach.

While preserving the Art Deco facade of the Peter Miller Hotel, Lennox has entirely fashioned a new interior, bringing together the most elegant furnishings, upcycled materials, and natural and organic textiles from around the world to create a cutting-edge, contemporary space.

Adding another infusion of natural elements, the Lennox Hotel brought the outdoors in by transforming the interior courtyard walls with naturally preserved moss to create the ultimate synergy between design and nature.

Surrounding the hotel pool and restaurant, the sustainably harvested greenery is said to have healing properties and can improve air quality, filter out noise, and reduce energy consumption.

This page and opposite: Lennox Hotel kept the Art Deco facade of their historic building intact but performed major renovations to create a sleek, inviting interior and beautiful courtyard pool area.

88 | JA NUA R Y 2020

The secluded Mediterranean-style courtyard also features a private swimming pool and serene fountain feature, adding to the space’s tranquil allure. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool or spend the day sunbathing in a relaxing chaise longue.

For alfresco dining and innovative cocktails, the Pool Bar offers a delicious selection of small plates presented under the beautiful wooden pergola or served poolside for some fun in the sun.

For more information on the Lennox Hotel Miami Beach or to book your stay, visit LennoxMiamiBeach.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 89

Voyager

APE TO C S E

PARK CITY UTAH’S WINTER WONDERLAND

The charming view of downtown Park City, Utah, complete with 360-degree mountain views 92 | JA NUA R Y 2020

By JIM RYAN Photography courtesy of VISIT PARK CITY

T

here you are, sitting at home after another day of work. You haven’t had an adventure in months as winter comes around the corner.

And for the umpteenth time, you’re watching ski videos and checking snow conditions in resort towns.

You decide to do something about it. Whether you’ve saved up two weeks of vacation time or there’s only room for a weekend getaway, you’re determined to go on a ski trip. Now two questions remain: Which mountain town should you visit? Where can you get the best powder and the après experience you’ve always wanted—the perfect blend of skiing under the sun and enjoying drinks, food, and community under the night sky? The answer you’re looking for is Park City, Utah—the ideal destination for this winter season.

Before Park City became a world-class mountain ski resort, it was known as a bustling mining town. In the late 1800s, hopeful miners came to Park City to profit on the abundant silver, and that’s precisely what happened. When the market was at its peak, Park City brought in hundreds of millions of dollars and made almost two dozen people millionaires. Thanks to the potential earnings, Park City’s population exponentially grew as people flocked to the silver boomtown. But by the 1930s, mining prices were falling, and people were out of work. It was around this time that skiing began to gain traction as a recreational sport, and by the mid-1940s, the first lift was built on what is now Deer Valley.

With no money to be made and no jobs, people were moving elsewhere at an alarming rate, bringing Park City’s population down to about a thousand people.

Luckily, the city received a federal loan, and Treasure Mountain Resort was opened to save this once lively mining town. Recreational skiing was growing, and when Sports Illustrated put out a piece claiming Park City to be one of the best ski mountains in the country, the town began to grow again. Skiers were coming from all over the country to live the dream and rebuild the city. Over the next few decades, more people experienced the Greatest Snow on Earth, as they like to call it; dry, fluffy snow, with regular fresh powder that can’t be found anywhere else. Utah’s primo ski powder became so popular that in 2002 the Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, with many of the events taking place at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. This brought Park City’s fame to an international level. People from all over the world wanted to carve through its pristine slopes.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93

Voyager

H

alf the battle of planning a getaway is travel and all the stress it brings, but you won’t find that problem at Park City. Salt Lake International Airport is a major international hub, with flights in and out of other major airports every day. And to top it all off, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, the town’s two world-class resorts, are just a short thirty-five-minute drive from the airport, meaning you can leave your home and be on the slopes shortly thereafter. Locals like to say, “Hour to Powder!” Both resorts offer hassle-free airport shuttles, making the nuisance of planning out travel days that much easier. There’s no need to reserve a rental car, spend time waiting to pick up your vehicle, and figure out parking during the whole trip. Just hop on the shuttle into town, drop your bags off, and head to the slopes for a few afternoon runs. You won’t have to worry about getting into town throughout the trip either. Park City has one of the most efficient transportation systems I’ve seen in resort towns. Oh, and did I mention the bus system is free? Whether you need to shop for gear, enjoy an exquisite breakfast at The Eating Establishment, or live out your fantasy après-ski experience, the free bus system will be your go-to for door-to-door transportation.

94 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Opposite left: When you’re ready for a break from the slopes, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy mountain town.

Left: The five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge offers countless amenities so guests can enjoy a world-class ski-andstay experience.

One of your hardest decisions will be choosing where to stay and where to ski in this iconic town.

You can’t go wrong with Deer Valley or Park City Mountain. Both are at the top of the list for the best resorts in the nation. The difference is that Deer Valley is for skiers only—sorry, snowboarders. Both resorts are within reach of numerous hotels, condos, and residences, all set among some of the most pristine views of the Wasatch Range.

At Deer Valley, you can stay at the five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge, which feels like The Big Valley meets modern serenity in the motif of an old Norwegian ski lodge. Its large rustic lounge is the best spot to relax after a day on the slopes, warm up around the fireplace, sip your favorite red wine, and meet some new friends from all over the world. This premier lodge offers everything from grand suites to luxurious cabins that make you feel as though you’re living in simpler times. For those

of us who need that modern touch, their list of high-class amenities is second to none: enjoy the five-star spa, meeting rooms for weddings or events, complimentary childcare, a fitness center, true ski-in/ski-out access, and so much more.

Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Glitretind Restaurant is an award-winning, four-star establishment that should not be missed. Since they’re open all day, let your taste buds go for a ride anytime. Take advantage of one of the best breakfast buffets in the country before you hit the slopes, and be sure to make reservations for an upscale dinner overlooking the snowy mountain. The menu is full of fresh, local ingredients seasonally crafted for your delight. The Rocky Mountain elk tenderloin served with Tuscan kale is reason enough to book your flight right now!

If you didn’t pick up on it yet, Deer Valley prides itself on customer service. But it doesn’t stop at the on-site eateries. Every guest receives unlimited and free access to a locker with complimentary boot warming, drinks (e.g., water and hot chocolate), and weather and trail updates. If you’re with the family and need lessons, Deer Valley has some of the best instructors in the area. You can choose between private and group lessons. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, you can find something for every skill level, with 23 percent beginner terrain, 43 percent intermediate terrain, and 34 percent advanced terrain. Plus, Deer Valley limits how many skiers can be on the mountain at any specific time. Hello, ski heaven.

The other main resort, Park City Mountain, was two separate properties until recently. Canyons, operated

by Vail Resorts, was adjacent to Park City Mountain Resort. In 2014, Vail Resorts bought Park City Mountain Resort and put in $50 million to join the two, creating the largest resort with the most skiable terrain in the country. And that’s not all it has to offer.

With average snowfalls of 355 inches in winter, Park City Mountain has some of the best terrain parks in

ITS LARGE RUSTIC LOUNGE IS THE

BEST SPOT TO RELAX AFTER A DAY ON

THE SLOPES, WARM UP AROUND THE

FIREPLACE, SIP YOUR FAVORITE RED WINE, AND MEET SOME NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95

Voyager

Above: Park City’s vibrant nightlife offers a plethora of options for dining and entertainment. Don’t miss the Sundance Film Festival happening each January!

Inset: The charcuterie board full of regionally sourced ingredients from The Farm at Park City Mountain Resort is a perfect après-ski snack.

Opposite: Enjoy breakfast all day at The Eating Establishment, a local favorite.

the nation, seventeen peaks, fourteen bowls, and more than three hundred trails within its 7,300 skiable acres. You could ski (or snowboard) from sunup to sundown and never hit the same run twice. No matter what type of riding you enjoy, there is something for everyone. The lodging options are about as numerous as the slopes too.

Choose from luxury ski-in/ski-out, budget-friendly townhomes, hotels, and condos.

Park City is also the only resort to boast lift access directly to the town’s historic Main Street. Walk right out your door, put your skis on, and enjoy the time of your life carving through the snow! When you’re done, ski right down to the bars for that cocktail you certainly deserve.

O

ne of the best additions to the new Park City Mountain is the Quicksilver gondola. Before the merger, Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort were separated by a mountain gorge. With the new gondola, you can get from one side to the other in eight and a half minutes, stop at the mid-station along the way, and reach expert-only trails that were once only accessible by a long hike. Nothing is stopping you from exploring Park City Resort now!

Everyone learns at a different pace, and Park City Mountain gives you the best-tailored experience to do that. You can go for the group session, family lessons, or opt for a one-on-one lesson with a professional instructor at High Meadow Park. Enjoy the gentle slopes and extraordinary views while you learn the sport. The best part is that you can make it as personalized as you want. If you have specific goals or a style of skiing or snowboarding you’d like to learn, the instructors will teach you everything you need to know.

96 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Foodies will love their stay at Park City Mountain Resort. Make sure to have lunch at The Farm to enjoy modern American cuisine with generous portions.

The rustic yet refined restaurant offers tasty organic dishes, regionally sourced ingredients, and an extensive wine selection. The new Mid-Mountain Lodge brings contemporary cuisine to your mouth with perfection and flair! The menu is modern and perfectly crafted, featuring flame-broiled rotisserie meats that will have you coming back for more. And the view from the nineteenth-century boarding house is to die for.

One of the biggest gatherings in Utah happens in Park City. The Sundance Film Festival unites storytellers and film fanatics in one place for ten days of creative expression, showcasing the best new films of the year from independent producers. Many of the filmmakers who’ve come out of the festival have gained worldwide recognition. It’s such a big gathering that you’ll probably rub shoulders with your favorite celebrities as you enjoy everything from dramas to documentaries and live music.

ONE CASUAL GO-TO SPOT IS THE EATING ESTABLISHMENT, WHERE “BREAKFAST ALL DAY” IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY. ENJOY FRESH, HOMEMADE FOOD AND FRIENDLY STAFF.

At this point, it might seem like Park City is a big and bustling city, but the town is quite small. And that’s a good thing—its quaint antique and refurbished buildings will take you back in time as you walk down Main Street. You can shop at local boutiques, walk over to a saloon for some drinks, and then grab a bite to eat all on

one block. Park City offers some of the best après-ski activities and food in the country, so make sure you work up an appetite for food and fun. Whether you brought the whole family for casual vibes or you want to enjoy fine dining establishments, Main Street has it all.

One casual go-to spot is The Eating Establishment, where “breakfast all day” is taken seriously. Enjoy fresh, homemade food and friendly staff. Every item on the menu is delicious! Good luck trying to choose between huevos rancheros, a classic burger, or the local favorite, eggs Benedict. If you’re looking for fine dining, Riverhorse on Main has won multiple awards and is arguably the best restaurant in town. The menu changes seasonally except for a few time-honored favorites. Try the local rainbow trout with pistachio crust, forbidden rice, pomegranate and fennel salsa, and asparagus. Or for all you vegetarians out there, indulge in the eggplant Parmesan and risotto, roasted tomato, pesto, and balsamic reduction. Be sure to make reservations beforehand—they fill up quick!

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97

Voyager

Seasonal cocktails in the lounge at The Farm are much needed after a busy day.

F

or the night owls, Park City has vibrant bars and restaurants welcoming the after-dark crowd with open arms. Check out High West Saloon for the world’s only ski-in/ski-out distillery or head to 710 Bodega for Spanish tapas and wine. One spot that everyone raves about is Lindzee O’Michaels. They have the best cocktail menu in town and can make any drink you want, even if it’s not on the list. And there’s always live music too. Wasatch Brew Pub is a great sports bar to enjoy locally brewed beers. If none of those sound like your scene, don’t worry; you’ll find your spot.

I know this sounds like a lot to fit in one ski trip—that’s why Park City is consistently voted one of the best ski towns in North America. It’s the perfect vacation for families, friends, and everything in between. There are endless slopes to shred in Park City, and just as many restaurants and bars to discover. If you didn’t get to make it onto every trail or into every hot spot on your list, there’s always next year (or next month). We all end up coming back!

LEARN MORE AND START PLANNING YOUR TRIP AT VISITPARKCITY.COM.

al Origin 9 © 194

G ra

irl yton G

Kitty Taylor, Broker, GRI, CRS, CIPS Catherine Ryland, Broker Associate “Grayton Girl Team” Selling Grayton and Beach Properties along 30-A Realtor of the Year 2017 for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors 850.231.2886 | 850.585.5334 133 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach, FL GraytonCoastProperties.com

SAILING Back to

SUBLIME

BY M E LO DY M A S S E Y | P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E SY O F S U B L I M E S A I L I N G

Voyager

n September 6, 2017, Category 5 Hurricane Irma made landfall on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Two weeks later, Hurricane Maria, also a Category 5, followed a similar trajectory. Devastating the US Virgin Islands, Dominica, and Puerto Rico, Maria unleashed another round of heavy rains and catastrophic winds on Virgin Gorda and other islands still reeling from the effects of Irma.

Stephanie and Brian Johnson, who operated charters aboard their seventy-two-foot yacht, Sublime, made plans to visit family and friends in Oregon and California as Irma was gathering force. They secured the boat, making sure it was as safe as possible, and left Virgin Gorda for the West Coast. Hoping for the best, they followed the news from afar as the eye wall of the storm moved directly over their beloved Sublime.

“For a solid month, we didn’t know anything about the boat,” Stephanie recalls.

“We didn’t know if we had lost her, if she was slightly damaged, or if we were really lucky. We couldn’t get back because flights weren’t available, so we had to just wait it out as reports slowly started to come in.”

Above right: Sublime Sailing owner Stephanie Johnson Photo by John F Black Photography Studio

The aerial photos they received post-Irma showed the boat on its side. Still, the Johnsons were hopeful. Then came devastating news: Maria had brought down the mast, splitting the boat in half. There was no way to repair it. Their home and livelihood were destroyed.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 101

Voyager

Right: The spacious cabins on all Sublime Sailing partner yachts allow guests to rest comfortably.

Photo courtesy of yacht Xenia 74 Opposite: The yachts provide water toys, and the clear waters of the Caribbean make for great snorkeling and diving.

Below: Ample cockpits allow for gourmet dining alfresco.

Photos courtesy of yacht Xenia 65

e felt numb,” says Stephanie. “It was really hard to take in. When we were finally able to go back a month and a half after the storms, we looked at this boat that we had put so much time and energy and love into, and now none of that mattered. It was gone.”

Theirs had been an idyllic life. Brian, originally from Alaska, traded cold weather for the balmy, lush islands of the Caribbean in the late 1990s. He learned to sail, receiving his US Coast Guard (USCG) Master onehundred-ton license at age twenty-one. Stephanie grew up in Oregon and spent a family vacation on a chartered yacht in the Caribbean—an adventure that proved life changing.

“The whole trip was like a dream,” Stephanie enthuses.

“Seeing the crew in action, I felt like it would be the perfect job for me. Hard work, but fun and so rewarding.

I came away from that trip asking myself, ‘How can I do this?’”

Stephanie began sending out letters and applications to “anybody and everybody” that advertised in Islands magazine. As fate would have it, Brian had just taken over as captain of his first chartered yacht. Someone passed along Stephanie’s application to him.

“I tell people Brian hired me because he wanted a crew member who was new and wouldn’t tell him how things should be done. He got the new part right,” Stephanie jokes.

They got married five years later, in 2006, then purchased the Sublime soon after and began offering their own all-inclusive yacht charters. Through the years, the couple hosted over four hundred charters.

Their in-depth knowledge of the islands and the extensive connections and community they built along the way resulted in a thriving yacht charter operation with over 70 percent repeat business. In the off season, they traveled the world and sailed back and forth across the Atlantic—twice. In the aftermath of the back-to-back hurricanes, their dream life appeared to be over.

“After we lost the boat, I ran across a quote that said, ‘Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.’ It was time for new adventures,” Stephanie reflects.

What came next for Stephanie and Brian is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of love.

They pulled the few possessions they could salvage from the water-logged Sublime, then spent the next several months dealing with insurance claims and freelancing for other yacht charters before deciding to

102 | JA NUA R Y 2020

relocate to Florida. With only backpacks filled with the remnants of their old life, they went up and down the coastline in search of a new home. They found it in Santa Rosa Beach.

of the islands’ hidden gems and legendary locales along with her vast, tight-knit Caribbean community to match guests with the ideal yacht, crew, and itinerary based on their personal preferences, interests, budget, and travel style—all at no additional cost to the guests.

“Santa Rosa Beach is a magical little bubble of Florida,” says Stephanie. “The feeling we had when we came here reminded us of what we had in the Caribbean and the people we know and love there.

We were more than a community: we were family. We had a strong support system there and feel the same here, now that we have settled in as locals. We left one family and found another. It’s so cool.”

“We take care of every last detail to make sure each Sublime charter exceeds expectations and creates incredible memories,” Stephanie says. “Guests tell us time and time again that their yacht charter was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation they’ve ever had.”

Brian is now the yacht captain for a private owner.

Stephanie relaunched Sublime Sailing in early 2019 as a chartered yacht brokerage with a curated collection of all-inclusive monohull sailboats, sailing catamarans, and power catamarans operating in the US and British Virgin Islands, the Grenadines, Saint Martin, Saint Barts, and Anguilla.

Sublime Sailing specializes in private crewed yacht charters for families, couples, honeymooners, foodies, divers, reunions, corporate and yoga retreats, and much more. Stephanie draws on her wealth of knowledge

Stephanie equates the chartered yacht experience to the overwater hotels popularized in the South Pacific, “except our ‘overwater hotels’ take you from one incredibly gorgeous spot to another every day.”

She adds, “Every single time we sail or drop anchor into crystal clear water, I am in awe. I’ve been to a lot of places around the world, but our destinations are hard to beat for sheer scenic beauty. All of the colors feel amplified.”

“EVERY SINGLE TIME WE SAIL OR DROP ANCHOR INTO CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER, I AM IN AWE. I’VE BEEN TO A LOT OF PLACES AROUND THE WORLD, BUT OUR DESTINATIONS ARE HARD TO BEAT FOR SHEER SCENIC BEAUTY.”

Stephanie personally vets all of the yachts in the Sublime Sailing collection. She knows firsthand, for instance, which boats have certified diving instructors for beginners versus a dive master who can take experienced guests to over-the-top dive destinations. Some offer sailing lessons; others have onboard fitness or yoga instructors. Options are seemingly endless, whether guests want to snorkel, kiteboard, kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard, water ski, fish, V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 103

Voyager

Some catamarans have a flybridge, perfect for sunset cocktails with 360-degree views!

Photo courtesy of yacht Xenia 65

or experience local culture, to name a few of the choices available. Each boat is equipped with motorized tenders to transport guests for shore excursions or to out islands where they can experience hidden beaches all to themselves.

Exceptional onboard dining is a hallmark of every Sublime Sailing charter. With three meals daily included in the price, dietary restrictions, food preferences, and kid-friendly menus are easily accommodated. For gourmets, Stephanie is especially proud to offer charters featuring fine dining on par with the best five-star restaurants in the world.

In 2020, Sublime Sailing will add Belize and the Spanish Virgin Islands to its destinations, with the Bahamas and Mediterranean Europe in the works for 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SUBLIMESAILING.COM OR FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA @SUBLIMESAILING. Melody Massey is a writer and editor specializing in luxury, adventure, and wellness travel. A certified yoga teacher and world traveler who has lived in New Zealand, Germany, and India, she now calls Seagrove Beach, Florida, her home.

Follow her @AGypsyMelody or visit MelodyMassey.com.

tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L

850.231.1720

A RETREAT FOR THE SOUL

Abigail Ryan Logan Simmons Photography By

Photos by

Voyager

o you remember childhood dreams of having the most incredible treehouse in your backyard? Well, Seth Bolt of the American rock band Needtobreathe and his wife, Tori, have reimagined these visions to help each of their guests channel their inner child.

But the twist is that they’ve pulled up the metaphorical rope ladder, because no children are allowed at Bolt Farm Luxury Treehouse and Retreat.

Owners Seth and Tori Bolt in The Wildflower Treehouse

Born and raised in Walhalla, South Carolina, Seth helped his father, Larry Bolt, transform a fraction of their forty-acre farm into a magical treetop escape—The Majestic Treehouse—to celebrate Seth and Tori’s marriage in 2016. Seth wanted to create an inspiring place where he and others could escape the busyness of everyday life and rest, relax, and reconnect in nature. “When we realized how magical the experience is and how good it is for the soul, we decided to open it to the public,” says Seth.

“We hoped that other busy people would welcome the invitation to turn off their cell phones and clear their schedules to unlock the magic of distractionfree quality time. We had no idea how many people were craving this type of soul-lifting experience that is 100 percent offline and 100 percent real.”

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107

Voyager

Above: Each Bolt Farm Treehouse is designed to allow guests to unplug from the daily grind and reconnect with nature and each other.

Opposite: Suites include stunning woodland views, relaxing amenities, vintage and antique decor, and an unforgettable atmosphere that will take you back in time.

108 | JA NUA R Y 2020

eth and Tori live in Charleston, South Carolina, while Seth’s parents manage The Majestic Treehouse in Walhalla. They still rent the property to visitors from near and far who require a little R and R. Shortly after starting their married life together in Charleston, Seth and Tori acquired a thirty-acre piece of property perfect for expanding Bolt Farm Treehouse to a second location. They now have five treehouses between Walhalla and Charleston.

With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and curating unique spaces, the Bolt family’s mission behind their treehouses is simple: to reconnect with nature, reconnect with family, and reconnect with your purpose. They are always looking for new places to build as well. “We know we want more people to experience what we’ve created and that it’s wildly popular and effective,” says Tori.

Part of the success is undoubtedly thanks to the magnificent design of the treehouses. “We work, dream up ideas, and do antique shopping together, but most

of the ideas are from Seth’s creative, artistic mind,” Tori admits. “We worked with architect Eric Haas of DeWitt + Haas Design Group to formalize our designs for the build. Seth and I pulled inspiration for some of our designs from our travels—specifically from some of our favorite places, such as Tulum, Italy, and Nashville. One overarching goal was to have something unique and stimulating in every area of the treehouses by using lots of layers, textures, and patterns.

We wanted it to feel like you’re stepping into a time capsule, so the treehouses are full of antiques—a record player, a manual coffee grinder, a rotary phone—and they are free from technology. The real star is nature, which is why at our Charleston location we have the two-story antique window wall opening up to the view of the mossy oak trees and the tidal creek.”

Before they start designing and building, the Bolts observe each location carefully and envision where everything will be. “It’s a supernatural experience for us,” says Tori. “We chose the placements of the windows based on the views they would give and what trees they could showcase. In the early days, it was mostly just me, Seth, a tape measure, and a stepladder doing the planning. It was really special. Now that construction is complete and we’ve had the honor of hosting guests, my favorite thing is reading the treehouse guest book, which reads more like a journal, and hearing about the impact and life changes people experience while they’re here. It’s something we can’t even take credit for; I believe it’s the peace of God they experience when they take a few days at our nature retreat to slow down and recenter.”

"The Living Room Treehouse has my favorite view! view You wake up to a gentle sunrise shining through the antique window wall over the tidal creek. "

Tori says it’s impossible for her to choose a favorite among the five treehouse designs because each is unique. “The Majestic Treehouse will always have a special place in my heart because

it’s where Seth and I were married and where we honeymooned. Plus, the suspension bridge and two-story deck are magical,” she says. “The Wildflower Treehouse is my favorite in terms of interior design; everything is black, white, or antique brass, and the design feels very rock and roll meets bohemian. The Living Room Treehouse has my favorite view! You wake up to a gentle sunrise shining through the antique window wall over the tidal creek. It’s called the Living Room because it’s filled with life-giving things, including two ‘living walls’ full of plants. The Honeymoon Treehouse feels like a V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109

Voyager

"The idea of the Honeymoon Treehouse is that it’s a place to celebrate life and love , and it makes you feel like you’re on your honeymoon even if you’re not. " little palace in the trees. It has my favorite luxury amenities, including an oversized hammered-copper tub for two and a hot tub outside on the deck. Last, but not least, is The Charleston Treehouse. I love that it pays tribute to historic Charleston and some of its iconic features. This treehouse has seven flower boxes, four gas lamps, vintage shutters, and a mural of the famous Rainbow Row painted above the hanging bed.”

Many of Bolt Farm’s guests have traveled from afar to celebrate personal milestones, such as honeymoons, anniversaries, and birthdays; however, it is not just a place for special occasions. “We also have had mother-daughter trips, girlfriend getaways, solo travelers coming for inspiration or processing, writers coming to get clarity— you name it,” adds Tori. “The idea of The Honeymoon Treehouse is that it’s a place to celebrate life and love, and it makes you feel like you’re on your honeymoon even if you’re not. We’ve had couples tell us that a few nights here added twenty-five years to their marriage.”

No matter the occasion, it’s clear that Bolt Farm’s unique treehouse escapes are good for the soul.

Due to the popularity and high demand for these treehouse retreats, Bolt Farm Treehouse has implemented a Treehouse Release Day on the fifteenth of every month beginning at noon eastern standard time, when they release a block of dates for guests to book their reservations. To learn more or to join their waiting list, visit BoltFarmTreehouse.com, and follow them on Instagram @boltfarmtreehouse to stay up to date on giveaways and more.

110 | JA NUA R Y 2020

W E LCOM E H OM E .

C o m i n g s o o n t o D o w n t o w n F r a n k l i n , Te n n e s s e e Like many before them, the founders of Splendor Ridge were inspired by the history and beauty of Franklin, Tennessee. An exclusive newbuild residential community in Downtown Franklin, Splendor Ridge offers 19 homesites in a beautiful setting, along with a neighborhood walking trail connecting to Franklin Road, just eight minutes’ stroll from Main Street’s charming shops, restaurants, and more. Playing off both the natural and architectural gems of the area, Splendor Ridge is an oasis for residents to create the custom home of their dreams and enjoy the best of both worlds. The historic property, which was established in 1902, has carved out 12.6 acres to be reimagined in 2019 as the private enclave of Splendor Ridge for elite residents who are looking to make their home in Franklin. With a mix of architecture taking cues from classic Southern vernacular and modern luxury, the community is inviting and familiar yet unlike anything else in the area.

Discover your slice of splendor today!

SPLENDORRIDGE.COM

FrenchKing.com | (615) 292-2622 4231 Harding Pike #4, Nashville, TN 3720

LAURA P. STROUD

LISA F. WILSON

REALTOR Cell: (615) 330-5811 Laura@FrenchKing.com

REALTOR Cell: (615) 478-3632 Lisa@FrenchKing.com

Voyager

TH REE H OT CARI BBE AN D ESTI NATI O NS

112 | JA NUA R Y 2020

A trio of island resorts boasts beauty, luxury, and relaxation—and plenty of heart and soul too. One of them might just become the escape you return to again and again.

When you return home from a vacation, what do you remember most? Sure, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and lounging on the beach are all fond memories. Then they fade, along with your golden tan, and you’re left with only Instagram posts. These three Caribbean resorts, however, make a longer-lasting impression, thanks to the staff at each one, who not only welcome you to the property but also make you feel like family.

K I T T I E S A N D K I N I N T U R K S & C A I C OS If you catch a morning flight from Miami, you’ll likely arrive at Turks and Caicos’s Wymara Resort and Villas before your room is ready. That’s perfectly OK, though, as kicking back in the open-air lobby beats being at the office any day. Relax with a citrusy cocktail, complete with a fresh pineapple wedge and an extra pour of Bambarra Gold rum (made on the island), and enjoy views of the pool and Grace Bay Beach.

The condo-hotel property is only a fifteen-minute ride from Providenciales International Airport, and within the next fifteen minutes, you’re likely to make a friend or two. Rolf Lippuner, a Four Seasons veteran and native of Switzerland who joined Wymara as general manager in 2019, will probably stroll by with a personal welcome. You’ll know him by his cheerful demeanor and sporty red Bally shoes he calls his “speed racers.” But he’s not just friendly for show; it’s part of assimilating with the culture of the island.

Vivek Thorave, who is originally from India and most recently worked at a resort in Seychelles, manages Wymara’s food and beverage program.

When you run into him on the boardwalk leading to the ocean—or on your way to Pink Bar, the beach bar specializing in rosé wines—he’s happy to regale you with all kinds of stories and ensure you won’t go hungry. You might also meet staff member Budlot, who rotates among the two restaurants on property but can provide stellar recommendations at Zest (try the wood-fired jamón blanco pizza). Budlot will also share a little history of Turks and Caicos— and introduce you to GiGi.

Left and opposite: Wymara Resort and Villas in Turks and Caicos recently unveiled its luxury villas with beachfront views, private plunge pools, and access to all the resort’s topnotch amenities.

Photos courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113

Voyager

Strolling past pops of fuchsia bougainvillea and admiring the aqua-blue waters will instantly transport you to vacation mode.

A veteran of the resort, GiGi only comes around at dinnertime—maybe he’s captivated by the glorious sunsets too—hates getting sand on his feet, and is a superpicky eater (shrimp only), yet is beloved by everyone he meets. GiGi is the resident tabby cat; he was born on property ten years ago and never left.

Many guests who’ve been to Wymara say it’s one of the only places they can truly relax. Strolling past pops of fuchsia bougainvillea and admiring the aqua-blue waters will instantly transport you to vacation mode.

Upgrades to each of its ninety-one rooms and suites begin in January. But it’s the people here who make Wymara feel like a destination you never want to leave.

WymaraResortandVillas.com 114 | JA NUA R Y 2020

T H AT FA M I LY F E E L I N G I N A N T I G UA There’s a certain allure about visiting a new place when you travel, but once guests discover Curtain Bluff in Antigua, they tend to be lifelong return guests. Wendy Eardley, the resident manager at the seventy-two-room resort, was born in Antigua and grew up in Canada, then returned as a young adult. “I came back on vacation and ended up not leaving,” she says. That was thirty-three years ago, and Wendy has now spent her entire working career with Curtain Bluff.

She’s far from the only one to do so. Most of the staff here are lifers, having been here for twenty to thirty years or more. A former fighter pilot, the late Howard Hulford, opened the property as a twenty-two-room resort on the south coast of the island in 1962 for his family and friends. He couldn’t have imagined what it would grow into today—but the charm of the original sanctuary he created remains.

When you are here, one big perk is that all activities are included with your stay, from snorkeling and kayaking to wakeboarding and excursions on a Hobie Cat. Hulford’s wife, Chelle, still lives on the property in Bluff House, greeting guests like old friends. She hosts a weekly sunset cocktail reception at her home to toast returning guests, even giving out gifts (wrapped personally by Chelle) to those with significant anniversaries. (For example, ten-year return guests receive a silver tray; twenty years, a gold tray; thirty years, a crystal clock. Two fifty-year repeat guests have earned the opportunity to stay for free for life.) Rob Sherman, Curtain Bluff ’s managing director for the past quarter century, gives a funny speech. “You get to feel special,” Wendy says. “The sun sets right into the sea in front of you. Words cannot express what it’s like to actually be here.”

When you are here, one big perk is that all activities are included with your stay, from snorkeling and kayaking to wakeboarding and excursions on a Hobie Cat (a small sailing catamaran). Curtain Bluff also recently became a PADI-certified resort, for adventurous guests who want to dive. Those who prefer relaxation can head to the tranquil spa, where every treatment room has views of the sea. You’ll have plenty of time to figure out your itinerary once you arrive, with the help of Morris—a forty-year veteran and the most requested driver, who knows the island better than anyone—or one of the senior managers, who escort all guests to their rooms. “It’s not a hotel you’re coming to,” says Chelle. “It’s an extended home.”

Above left: Wymara’s executive chef, Joel Vallar, and his team prepare incredible fare with Southeast Asian flair at the resort’s signature restaurants, Stelle and Zest.

Left: Lounge or get some exercise in your private infinity pool at the Wymara Villas.

Photos courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas Opposite: Excursions at Curtain Bluff, located on a peninsula between Antigua’s Morris Bay and Carlisle Bay, include exciting catamaran adventures and more.

Photo courtesy of Curtain Bluff

CurtainBluff.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 115

Voyager

Left: The recently renovated St. Regis Bahia Beach resort in Puerto Rico is the ultimate destination for lavish Caribbean luxury.

Photo courtesy of St. Regis Bahia Beach Below: Accommodations at Curtain Bluff in Antigua range from beachfront rooms and rooms on the bluff to the exquisite Hulford Collection suites.

Photo courtesy of Curtain Bluff

P E R S O N A L I Z E D LUXU RY I N P U E R T O R I C O A trip to St. Regis Bahia Beach begins before you arrive at the family-friendly, 139-room Puerto Rican resort, which reopened in December of 2018 following a top-to-bottom restoration post-Hurricane Maria. After booking, you receive a personalized email from your butler, who can assist in coordinating every detail of your visit, including transportation, logistics, and activities—and even share ideas on what to pack.

It’s part of a resort-wide mentality of anticipating needs and taking hospitality to a new level, and no one does that better than Pancho. (His real name is Francisco García, but he goes by his nickname to everyone he meets.) “Pancho is one of those people whom guests are looking for throughout their whole stay,” shares general manager José Torres. Blessed with a gift for storytelling, Pancho can share endless tales about the island, the environment, and wildlife on the property, which is surrounded

by El Yunque National Forest.

As much as guests love him, Pancho also has many fans on the staff. On one occasion, after Pancho shared a story about mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish not found on the menus at either restaurant on property, the culinary team helped him to make it to wow a guest.

Another service rock star on property, says José, is Esteban Díaz, who is a server at the pool restaurant, Seagrapes, and an extended part of the concierge team. When Esteban noticed a gentleman at the pool using a straw to hold the page in the novel he was reading, he handcrafted a bookmark out of local materials for him. The guest wrote José a thank-you note for having such a remarkable person on staff. “Esteban 116 | JA NUA R Y 2020

has a smile from cheek to cheek,” says José. “There’s a certain area at the pool that has more guests sitting there because they want to be near him.”

Nearly everyone on staff is from Puerto Rico, so the culture of the island comes to life during your stay. With its location in a natural reserve and spanning 483 acres of private beach land, St. Regis Bahia Beach is the type of place where relaxation sets in so deep, you’re able to carry a little piece of it home with you.

StRegisBahiaBeach.com

Kelsey Ogletree is a Chicago-based writer covering travel, wellness, and design for publications that include Robb Report, Shape, Architectural Digest, and more. Always on the hunt for stories and forever a notetaker, she never leaves home without her mini Moleskine and at least two pens.

WONDERS OF MACHU PICCHU 118 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Voyager

Story and photography by

P A T R I C K R YA N

You can’t go to Peru without visiting Machu Picchu. Many of us who long for adventure and travel also dream of standing among the wonders of the world. They are places to soak up the merging forces of nature and history.

T

here are a few ways to get to the famous Incan ruins located above the town of Aguas Calientes. The first stop is in Cuzco. If you fly into the city of Lima, you can travel to Cuzco by bus or plane. I suggest going by bus—it’s a simple way to dive into the culture, travel like the locals, and see Peru’s majestic landscape as you ride through the Andes. Once you arrive in Cuzco, take a few days to enjoy the cobblestoned streets and colorful shops. Free walking tours are offered so you can learn about the history of the old city, ancient religious practices, and what happened when European settlers found the region. Cuzco is also known for its variety of delicious cuisines, its cathedral and churches, and beautiful sunsets. It is quite a treat!

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 119

Soak in the serenity of the green vegetation, the mystical mountains, the buildings and ceremonial structures laid out hundreds of years ago, and all that Machu Picchu provides. through the official website, MachuPicchu.gob.pe. If you don’t do this, you won’t get in—so don’t forget!

Once you’ve got your ticket in hand, the next stop is Aguas Calientes. You can purchase a bus ticket at Cuzco’s main bus station, Terminal Terrestre. (The station will probably try to sell you a package deal, but politely say no and tell them you only need transportation. It will save you a ton of money!) The bus ride is long and the road is winding and mountainous (bring motion sickness pills if you think you’ll need them),

Photo by Ksenia Ragozina / Shutterstock

O

nce you’re full of delicious food and fresh Peruvian coffee, it’s time to get ready for the voyage to Machu Picchu. You can either go by bus (for those short on time) or hike (for those seeking adventure and reward). The most popular hike is the Inca Trail, a four-day, twenty-six-mile trek through archeological sites in the Andes. It is challenging, but you will be rewarded for your pilgrimage by walking into the ancient citadel and being blown away by the city in the sky. The Inca Trail is very popular, and only five hundred people per day are allowed to embark on it, so if you decide to follow in the footsteps of the Incas, you have to book it several months in advance.

If you have less time or can’t hike, you can make the trip to Machu Picchu and back in two days by bus. Before leaving Cuzco, you need to book a ticket into Machu Picchu

120 | JA NUA R Y 2020

but it’s also beautiful. You’ll be dropped off at an area called Hidroeléctrica, where a train can take you all the way to Aguas Calientes; however, I recommend a peaceful walk alongside the train tracks. It’s a short, flat hike with incredible scenery, and you’ll save some money for a cerveza or a glass of vino later. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can get settled in at a hotel, buy a bus ticket up to Machu Picchu, and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation as you prepare for your journey the next day.

Voyager Whether you took the bus or spent the last four days trekking the Andes, you’ll be excited to arrive at your destination. The allure and hype leading up to this moment might lead you to pull out your camera to capture every moment; however, be slow to document your every move. Take your time in the mysterious surroundings of Machu Picchu. Soak in the serenity of the green vegetation, the mystical mountains, the buildings and ceremonial structures laid out hundreds of years ago, and all that Machu Picchu provides. Stones cut so perfectly you can’t fit anything between them. Plazas built for Inca leaders as a place of seclusion. The unknowns surrounding farming techniques used to feed the city. Stand in awe as you meditate on what humans were able to accomplish long before modern technologies. There are still so many questions and mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu, and you get to be right in the middle of it all.

As you make your way back home, don’t let Machu Picchu become just a memory.

Allow it to stir something in you to travel more and learn about distant cultures, both ancient and modern. Our world is full of wonders waiting to be experienced.

V I S I T M A C H U P I C C H U . G O B . P E T O S TA R T P L A N N I N G Y O U R T R I P T O D AY.

Patrick Ryan was born and raised in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He has spent the past few years overseas working for nonprofit organizations. During his free time, you can usually find him surfing, running, or photographing adventurous moments with friends.

FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS 62 main street ROSEMARY BEACH,FL gigisfabkids.com 850.231.0110

MODERN LUXURY — Contemporary Bayfront Estate —

Never Looked this Good

122 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Voyager

BY JORDAN STAGGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMOTHY RYAN, 1920 & CO.

ne thing I love about this property is its commanding presence, with a balanced and livable scale. It is open yet inviting. The warm wood tones throughout, the fireplace, and the views bring a comfort level that a lot of modern designs are missing today,” says Chris Abbott, broker and co-owner at Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty.

After traversing the custom-laid Tectura Designs concrete paver driveway at 1201 Baycrest Cove, your experience begins at the tall glass front doors. The entry boasts ceilings over twenty feet high with top-to-bottom glass doors and windows, and the theme continues throughout the home as all five bedrooms and the main living areas open up to nature and the bay. The home itself is a contemporary masterpiece with a soul of Southern hospitality befitting such a residence in sunny Destin, Florida, on the state’s northwest Gulf Coast.

Step through the front door, and the view instantly grabs your attention. The entire backside of the home, sitting on 278 feet of waterfront, looks upon the shimmering Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s also the vista from the stunning eighty-eight-foot perimeter overflow pool, which boasts a hot tub and sun deck within.

An adjacent sunken ten-plus-person fire pit just off the pool deck makes the perfect spot for watching a sunset over the bay with a glass of wine or your libation of choice. Beyond the pool deck, a path leads to the private dock with room for watercraft of all types, large or small. From there, it’s just a quick zip across the water to all the excitement of Crab Island, deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, dining and entertainment at the Destin Harbor, and more.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 123

Voyager

nce you’ve had a chance to marvel at the bay, more indoor exploration is in order. Indiana-based architect George Small designed the home. It features an expansive single-story footprint with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a fourplus-car garage, a Sub-Zero outfitted kitchen with quartzite countertops, an office area, a spacious pantry with a hidden safe room or wine room, and, of course, plenty of outdoor living space overlooking the pool and bay. The outdoor grilling area has ample space for entertaining, along with lounge seating and a fire ribbon, and it is connected to the main open-concept living room and kitchen by a massive sliding glass door that allows the indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly.

“The estate spans over two and a half acres on the bay, providing more than ample space for over seventy-two hundred square feet of single-story living,” says Abbott.

“That offers accessibility that you don’t often find in homes this size. There are no stairs or elevators, and its versatility provides options for many different owners.

It could be someone’s primary residence or a second home, and even a retreat for those seeking total privacy and serenity.”

124 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Parallel to the garage and attached to the main house is a “wetlands lounge,” as Abbott and his team call it, which provides the option of a fifth bedroom yet could be used as an entertainment area, game room, man cave, or additional garage space. Its rustic look and glass garage door lent to its original use as a tack room for equestrian equipment, but the lounge has since been home to vintage arcade games, foosball, a wet bar with minifridge, and custom-made shelving and storage for a collector’s paradise.

THERE ARE NO STAIRS OR ELEVATORS, AND ITS VERSATILITY PROVIDES OPTIONS FOR MANY DIFFERENT

The home, located in the exclusive gated community of Kelly Plantation, rests beyond another gate in the neighborhood of Waterford—truly a peaceful, private refuge. Neighbors to the west are hidden from view by strategically placed greenery and a beautifully designed wall that leads from the house to the waterfront. To the east, a wetlands conservation area ensures that no development will take place and also provides a beautiful natural barrier, so the home gets a taste of Florida’s rustic side along with its gorgeous bayfront. Kelly Plantation is one of the most desirable communities in the area, offering a golf course and clubhouse, an owners’ club, an equestrian center, and much more. Its landscaping and scenery provide a lush oasis still located within the heart of Destin and just a couple miles from its beautiful white-sand beaches.

OWNERS. IT COULD BE SOMEONE’S PRIMARY RESIDENCE OR A SECOND HOME, AND EVEN A RETREAT FOR THOSE SEEKING TOTAL PRIVACY AND SERENITY.

For more information about this home or other ownership opportunities in the area or to schedule a tour, contact Chris Abbott at Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty by email at chris@scenicsir. com or phone at (850) 259-7069. You can also visit 1201Baycrest.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 125

Introspections

Introspections THINK DEEPER

Photo by Eugenie Photography / Shutterstock

There’s something about a lighthouse that makes us take an inward look at our thoughts, desires, and plans. Beacons have been guiding ships through the night since ancient times, when people built fires on hilltops to warn mariners or guide them safely to land.

The Lighthouse of La Madonetta in Bonifacio, Corsica, France, sits atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The best way to see it is by boat, where you can also circle the nearby islands and see natural rock formations, historic architecture, and more.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 127

Introspections

From S ea t o Shin i n g S ea A Travel Review of America’s National Parks

FOX Nation’s Abby Hornacek is no stranger to adventure, and she isn’t afraid of a challenge.

128 | JA NUA R Y 2020

G

rowing up as the daughter of NBA coach and former player Jeff Hornacek, Abby’s love of sports was ingrained at a young age, and her favorite pastimes include surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. She was also a member of the sand volleyball team at the University of Southern California, where she attended the USC Annenberg School of Journalism and graduated with honors. After contributing to such sports news outlets as 120 Sports, ESPN, and FOX Sports, she joined the team at FOX Nation, the network’s online streaming platform, in 2018.

Abby is now the host of FOX Nation’s PARK’D, a travel series dedicated to exploring America’s national parks. In addition, she hosts American Arenas, also on FOX Nation, taking viewers around the country to some of the biggest and best destinations for sports fans.

We caught up with her to find out some of her favorite spots around America the Beautiful and why she loves them:

A beautiful sunset over the red cliffs and Virgin River in Zion National Park, Utah Right: Zion’s famous Kanarra Creek Canyon trail V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 129

Photo courtesy of FOX Nation

Introspections

Abby Hornacek’s F I V E M U S T- S E E N AT I O N A L PA R K S Zion National Park “This is one of the most well-rounded parks I’ve ever been to. It hits on every important feature you look for in a park. Visually, it is a dream. The sheer verticality of the multicolored sandstone cliffs is something photographers search the world to find.

I can picture painters like Claude Monet being stunned by the park’s beauty. If you’re interested in geology and history, you can see firsthand how the Virgin River and its tributaries carved out the Narrows, shaped the cliffs, and deposited different colors throughout Zion. Finally, adventure seekers are spoiled by Zion’s immense catalog of activities. You can hike to the Narrows through the water, climb to the top of Angels Landing, take in the visuals of Weeping Rock, mountain bike, rock climb, canyoneer, rappel— you name it! I could come here every year.”

Joshua Tree National Park “You often hear about Joshua Tree in pop culture, but once you visit, you experience a whole new level of magic. It’s difficult to truly live in the moment, especially in the chaos of today’s world, but this place has the ability to draw you to the present with the first inhale of the campfire-laden air. My favorite activity here is rock climbing. When you reach the top and are able to soak in miles of the national park and its two separate ecosystems, the serenity that washes over you is something that would leave poets speechless. The shapes of the Joshua trees scattered throughout the park are themselves interesting; when the sunset brushes through them, you know you’re somewhere special.”

130 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Right: Joshua Tree National Park in California is named for these iconic trees scattered across the Mojave Desert.

Below: Stacked stones left by tourists who enjoyed the view at Angels Landing in Zion National Park

You often hear about Joshua Tree in pop culture, but once you visit, you experience a whole new level of magic.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 131

Introspections

This place is out of a fairy tale. The hikes wash away any worry you have, and the miles of trees and their changing colors make for the perfect fall experience.

132 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Yellowstone National Park “Scattered across three states, Yellowstone offers a wide variety of features that will have you thinking they are man made (spoiler alert: they aren’t). For instance, when we arrived at Mammoth Hot Springs, one of my producers was convinced it was contrived by the designer of Frontierland at Disneyland. I think I said, ‘Wow, nature is so neat,’ about fifteen times. The Grand Prismatic Spring, which sports a ring of colors caused by microorganisms, makes you appreciate the phenomenon that is nature. Obviously, Old Faithful is an essential stop to see how pressure beneath the ground builds up and launches a stream of water into the air in fairly even increments of time. Finally, if you love animals, this is your park. Bears, bison, moose, elk, etc., all roam the acres of gorgeous land, even crossing paths with visitors.”

Acadia National Park “Fall is my favorite season, so Acadia was incredibly magical in October when we visited. Who doesn’t love lighthouses, wonderful cliffs over water, and scenic hikes? This place is out of a fairy tale. The hikes wash away any worry you have, and the miles of trees and their changing colors make for the perfect fall experience. I can’t think of a bad time to come here!”

Opposite: A view of Maine’s rocky coastline from Acadia National Park Left: If you’re visiting Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, venture just thirty miles farther to get a good look at neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 133

Introspections TOP FIVE AMERICAN ARENAS with Abby Hornacek Arches National Park

Wrigley Field

“Utah offers so much to nature lovers. You think you’ve seen it all when you visit Zion, but when you set eyes on the red-hued arches at this national park for the first time, you can really appreciate the natural marvels our country has to offer. I’m a bit of a rock nerd, so the geological formations are such a treat to see.”

“Organ music. A scoreboard from 1937. Lights that weren’t added until 1988. Wrigleyville full of die-hard Cubs fans. What more can you ask for out of a ballpark?”

The Superdome “New Orleans itself is full of rich history, so it only makes sense the city is host to one of the most iconic places in sports. When Hurricane Katrina hit, the Saints became a source of hope. The Superdome sheltered people who suffered from the storm and will forever have significance to the city.”

The Cotton Bowl “Where else can you go to one of the best state fairs in the country and then walk over to catch one of the best rivalries in college football? The State Fair of Texas and the OU/UT football game are held on the same property, so the unparalleled energy is enough to make someone who isn’t even a sports fan love the game.”

Talladega Superspeedway “Before visiting Talladega, I don’t think I really appreciated NASCAR, but this is truly the definition of America. People are sharing beers, cheering together, camping, and really appreciating the simplicities of life. I now love NASCAR and am already planning my next trip back! I would recommend that anyone come here, even if NASCAR isn’t your sport.”

The Rose Bowl “The Rose Bowl is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and one of the rare stadiums in college football with an all-seated configuration. It’s an iconic college football venue, but it has also hosted five Super Bowls, which is the second most out of any venue. For a sports fan, this is the perfect slice of history nestled in Pasadena, just outside of a city that sometimes looks too far forward rather than appreciating the past.”

The aptly named Arches National Park offers some of Utah’s most incredible views.

134 | JA NUA R Y 2020

To see more of Abby’s favorites, be sure to catch her on PARK’D (a new season debuted on November 25) and American Arenas, now streaming on FOX Nation.

De b u t s

2020

SPONSORS American Leather Artistic Tile Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Brown Jordan Charleston Academy Of Domestic Pursuits Cindy McCarley Designs Coastal Elements Construction E. F. San Juan Farrow & Ball Frank’s Cash And Carry Gregory D. Jazayeri Design Grimes Cabinets Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors Jonah Allen Studio Lovelace Interiors New Ravenna Porcelanosa Tile Q Tile Sabine Hill SICIS Tile Summer House Lifestyle The Beach Group Properties

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE VISIT

viemagazine.com/beachshowhome

U HP A T H E

U L T I M A T E H O U S E P A R T Y

BY SUZANNE POLL AK

True house parties happen when multiple couples and families meet in one destination for several days. It’s not just your best friend and her partner staying the night in the guest room.

136 | JA NUA R Y 2020

P

A

house party host has gone to considerably more trouble than when preparing for an overnight guest. The best house parties deepen relationships for the rest of your life. You become close as kin or, when the hosts are as magical as Tony and Carla Hendra, even closer. Tony, who played the band manager in the iconic movie Spinal Tap, and his wife, Carla, who is the global chief executive of Ogilvy Consulting, are possibly the world’s greatest house party hosts.

I visited Tony and Carla in their home in southern France for two summers, and now we are family. We’ve adopted each other. When I need a lift, I tap into the memories of those halcyon days at the Hendras’ place.

What could be better than reveling for a week (yes, a full week!) in communal bliss—eating, drinking, swimming, and walking around a charming village, with time for long conversations and hours of cooking?

All the while, you’re leaving the frenzy of your trials and tribulations behind, at least for a spell.

A house party host must possess an overflowing heart, a hugely generous spirit (and often, an open pocketbook), boundless energy, and a willingness to carve out time for others. The house party host is the exact opposite of self-centered. The tasks are multiple, but so are the rewards for those of us who have organized house parties and been recipients of these idyllic stays.

Making a group of people feel safe and loved, watered, and fed for a few days is a fabulous gift.

A house party is not to be taken lightly. The amount of work can be dizzying. We all know that anything that goes well does so because there was a lot of preparation.

I know the ins and outs of house parties because I used to throw plenty when I had space for it. Frequently, a week’s worth of naps was required to recuperate.

Back in the day, some people had so much help that the host didn’t have to lift a finger, only supervise; but those house parties had a different vibe. Today’s version is more rewarding because everyone contributes. The working and doing together are the ties that bind. The key to success is a person in charge. In the Hendras’ case, Tony and Carla take turns handling boss duties.

The glue holding all house parties together is the communal dinner, where everyone cooks and gathers.

Here, Tony reigns. He doesn’t cede an ounce of control in his kitchen, even to a sous chef. Being Tony’s sous

Introspections was a big learning experience on many levels—heeding directions, following orders, and learning new tricks from a master. Did you know that cutting garlic lengthwise extracts more flavor, that steam is hotter than fire, or that cleaning scorched pans under cold water with a brush makes all the debris come off ? How about that cabbage is nature’s fettuccine, and that you should give black pepper a rest once in a while, or else everything tastes the same? Neither did I! Hang out with an exacting, opinionated cook like Tony, and the learning curve is steep. Thanks to him, I even know all the reasons a cleaver might be necessary for butchering guinea hens and deer.

Dinnertime happens late in the Hendra household because Tony starts tomorrow’s dinner tonight. For example, at eight o’clock, Tony might spatchcock some quail (in France, this entails cutting off their little heads) and make the marinade (lemon juice, diced shallots, thyme, and olive oil) for an overnight soak that precedes tomorrow’s dinner. After finishing a few tasks for the next day, he begins cooking for the present day. Dinner starts around ten and usually concludes after midnight.

Making a group of people feel safe and loved, watered, and fed for a few days is a fabulous gift.

A highlight of our dinner each night was the spontaneous moment of silence at the table brought on by that first bite. It happened all at once; each guest became hushed and awed by Tony’s food, mostly because of his decades of experience and dedicated cooking using the most straightforward techniques and local ingredients.

There are no errors, only variations.

To make house parties as joyous as they can be, a detailed organization plan is in order, and here is where Carla’s genius is evident. She does way too much by herself, but she does allow guests to pitch in.

The business of feeding people (even small numbers of people eat massive amounts of food while hanging out) means making multiple trips to the grocery store to stock up on everything imaginable. It’s more fun when a guest or three accompanies the host to the store (sharing the cost too) for all the cases of wine, pounds

of cheese, crates of vegetables, a king’s ransom of fowl, meats, pâtés, tea, and coffee necessary to feed the flock.

Nothing relaxing happens when the larder is empty.

House party guests must contribute in the best way possible by buying supplies, helping set the table, making a centerpiece, cleaning up, acting as sous chef, sharpening knives, volunteering for errands, and folding the laundry. It should go without saying that guests are making their beds and taking out their garbage, not sitting in the living room looking at their cell phones while the host is hustling in the kitchen. If the house has a swimming pool, then keeping up with the towels—for bathing, relaxing poolside, and drying dishes in the kitchen—is a tedious task that even the laziest guest can take on. Everyone helping a little bit adds up to a lot. What it boils down to is that when everyone lends their expertise or energy, under direction from the hosts, the condition is set for people to have fun together without any formalities; otherwise, a house party requires too much heavy lifting.

If you are contemplating organizing a house party, there are two things you cannot allow yourself to worry about: the weather and whether your guests are enjoying themselves.

If you are a lucky recipient of a house party invitation, you might need ideas for a thank-you gift to send after an extended stay. A surprise is best. Discover your host’s passions and hobbies. Donate to a favorite charity or send a set of antique linens, a handmade pottery casserole in French blue, an Hermès beach towel if the stay involved hours around the pool, or a case of wine. My favorite house party hostess gift came from Tony and Carla years ago: a box of their favorite comedies—a gift that keeps on giving.

Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal “Mansion” section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 137

Artisan Artisan Shiplap Shiplap

® ®

Artisan Artisan Lap Lap

® ®

Artisan Artisan V-Groove V-Groove ® ®

Artisan Artisan Square Channel Square Channel ® ®

Artisan®® Artisan Bevel Bevel Channel Channel

INNOVATIVE FIBER CEMENT EMBRANCE THE INNOVATIVE FIBER CEMENT EMBRANCE THE products from the #1 brand of siding: products from the #1 brand of siding: GREAT GREAT INDOORS INDOORS

• Design versatility and deep shadow lines • Design versatility and deep shadow lines • Stands up to storms and harsh weather • Stands up to storms and harsh weather • Outlasts andthat wood-based Revel in thewood sunlight fills your siding room. Feel connected to the • Outlasts andthat wood-based Revel in thewood sunlight fills your siding room. Feel connected to the – Termite Resistant outdoors while you connect with each other. At Marvin, our – Termite Resistant outdoors while you connect with each other. At Marvin, our windows and Resistant doors are inspired by how you live, so you’re – Fire windows and Resistant doors are inspired by how you live, so you’re – Fire inspired– to live well.

Water Resistant inspired– to live well.

Water Resistant • 30 year non-prorated substrate warranty • 30windows year non-prorated substrate warranty See and doors differently at Frank’s Cash and Carry.

See windows and doors differently at Frank’s Cash and Carry.

Frank’s Cash and Carry Frank’s Cash and Carry 244 FL-20 244 FL-20 Freeport, FL 32439 Freeport, FL 32439 850-835-4221 850-835-4221 ©2019 Marvin Lumber and CedarInc.Co., LLC. Reserved.

All rights reserved. © 2019 James Hardie Building Products All Rights AD1953 10/19 ©2019 Marvin Lumber and CedarInc.Co., LLC. Reserved.

All rights reserved. © 2019 James Hardie Building Products All Rights AD1953 10/19

Learn more at AspyreDesign.com Learn more at AspyreDesign.com

Visit NYPL.org to learn more or plan a trip.

Photo by MACH Photos / Shutterstock

BOOK CLUB THE READERS CORNER

Perhaps one of America’s best-known libraries, the stunning (and massive) New York Public Library at 476 Fifth Avenue in New York City is not only a place of learning but also a tourist destination. The Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor is the main attraction, with its Beaux-Arts architecture and fifty-two-foot-tall ceilings painted with murals depicting the sky and billowy, colorful clouds. It measures a whopping 297 feet in length—roughly two New York City blocks. According to NYPL’s website, “For more than one hundred years, the reading room has supported many internationally renowned writers, journalists, historians, Nobel Laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as inventors, activists, and students in gathering information, honing their craft, deepening their understanding of the human experience, and advancing knowledge.”

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 139

SO M E T H I N G TO

BELIEVE IN B Y S O L A N G E J A Z AY E R I

Set against the backdrop of a flamboyant Chicago in the mid-1980s and the art scene of present-day Paris, The Great Believers

by Rebecca Makkai is a beautifully written tapestry of love, friendship, and loss. This sprawling, profoundly moving novel is all at once raw, real, and heartrending, yet scene after intimate scene toggles between tears and bouts of belly laughs. It’s no wonder it was named a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist and winner of many other prestigious honors.

he novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with ideas such as these: “And was friendship that different, in the end, from love? You took the possibility of sex out of it, and it was all about the moment anyway. Being here, right now, in someone’s life. Making room for someone in yours.”

The Great Believers opens with a celebration of life in honor of Nico Marcus, a charismatic man taken too soon by AIDS. He was loved and revered by many, and his memorial brings together a close-knit group of friends. From the outset, Makkai’s characters are wide ranging and distinct. Chief among them are Nico’s younger sister, Fiona, and Nico’s friend Yale Tishman, whom we follow as the two protagonists in the interweaving chapters of the story.

140 | JA NUA R Y 2020

The Readers Corner

ale Tishman, a fund-raiser and development director for an art gallery, finds himself in the fortunate circumstance of possibly inheriting an impressive art collection from Fiona’s great-aunt Nora. It is to be a sizeable endowment to Northwestern University’s permanent art gallery, should the collection prove to be authentic. But as Yale’s career blossoms, the AIDS virus encroaches in on his happiness. Nora’s remarkable life as a muse to various artists while living in Paris in the 1920s serves as a compelling subplot.

Thirty years later, Fiona visits Paris as she tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter. Staying with an old friend, a notable photographer who documented the Chicago of her youth, Fiona is forced to confront the aftermath of AIDS and how it colored her life and her relationships.

The Great Believers is a poignant reminder of the deadly AIDS pandemic that spread at the cusp of a newly realized culture of self-expression and sexual liberation.

collection Music for Wartime–four stories from which appeared in The Best American Short Stories. Rebecca is the recipient of a 2014 NEA Fellowship, has taught at the Tin House Writers’ Conference and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, resides on the MFA faculties of Sierra Nevada College and Northwestern University, and is the artistic director of StoryStudio Chicago.

Visit RebeccaMakkai.com to learn more and discover her other books.

Solange Jazayeri has an MBA in communication and leadership from the University of West Florida.

As a reader, she enjoys books that delve into personal journeys of self-identity. As a writer, her research explores the intersection of love and identity in this new age of technology.

The Great Believers is a poignant reminder of the deadly AIDS pandemic that spread at the cusp of a newly realized culture of self-expression and sexual liberation. In Makkai’s words, “This book is about a lot more than AIDS—it’s also about the Paris art world of the 1920s, cults, Chicago, memory, and loss. I do want people to come away knowing, thinking, or feeling more about AIDS than they have previously. I don’t want them to stop with my book—I want this to be the beginning of a lot more reading and conversation about what people remember from that time.”

A B O U T T H E AU T H O R Rebecca Makkai is the Chicago-based author of the novel The Great Believers, one of the ten best books of 2018 chosen by the New York Times Book Review, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, winner of the ALA Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Chicago Review of Books Award for Best Fiction, and a pick for the New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2018. It appeared in a total of twenty-one best-of-the-year lists. She is the author of two other novels, The Borrower and The Hundred-Year House, and the

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 141

BABY2BABY GALA 2019 In early November, nonprofit network Baby2Baby celebrated its annual gala fund-raiser event in Los Angeles with a crowd of Hollywood icons in attendance. The 2019 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell raised over $4.7 million for children’s charities around the world. Gwyneth Paltrow gave the opening remarks, while Chrissy Teigen was the recipient of the annual Giving Tree Award for her dedication to helping impoverished children and families.

Photography courtesy of Getty Images for Baby2Baby

Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Garner, and Kate Hudson 142 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Rachel Zoe, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Nicole Richie, and Norah Weinstein

Vanessa Laine Bryant and Kobe Bryant

Katy Perry and Derek Blasberg

Paula Abdul

Gwyneth Paltrow Camilla Belle, Molly Sims, Monique Lhuillier, and Jordana Brewster

Nathalie Emmanuel

Kelly Rowland and Jessica Alba

Rocky Barnes V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 143

La scène

Giuliana Rancic

Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble, Kim Kardashian West, Kelly Rowland, Kourtney Kardashian, and Khloé Kardashian

E! PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2019 Sarah Hyland

An annual favorite among celebrity awards shows, the E! People’s Choice Awards took place November 10 and honored entertainers in movies, TV, music, and pop culture. Fans across the globe were able to vote online, and big winners of the night included Avengers: Endgame and its star Robert Downey Jr., Zendaya, Stranger Things and its star Millie Bobby Brown, Cole Sprouse, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Blackpink, Taylor Swift, Ellen DeGeneres, and more.

Photography courtesy of Getty Images for NBCU

Gwen Stefani

Kristin Cavallari

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston 144 | JA NUA R Y 2020

Robert Downey Jr. and Kevin Hart

Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss

Vanessa Williams

John Sisty and Linda Miller

AN EVENING WITH VANESSA WILLIAMS Jorge Saiz, Vanessa Williams, and Todd Reeves

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presented its annual Gala event on November 15 at the Henderson Beach Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida. Each year, Sinfonia and its music director Demetrius Fuller bring global talents to Northwest Florida for performances and educational programs; this year’s Gala featured the talented and beautiful Vanessa Williams. Guests enjoyed a VIP reception, dinner, wine, and cocktails in the Henderson ballroom.

Photography by Kay Phelan

Demetrius Fuller with Tina and Brian Corr Photo by Gerald Burwell

Kitty Taylor and Alex McDowell Photo by Gerald Burwell

Cindy and Jeff Garrard Photo by Gerald Burwell

Ed and Donna McDonald with Vanessa Williams

Tom and Dana Saffel V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 145

The Last Word

Solution on next page

WO R L D T R AV E L

BY MYLES MELLOR

ACROSS

DOWN

1 5 9 12 13 14 16 18 21 23 25 26 29 30 32 35 37 38 39

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 15 17 19 20 22 24 27 28 31 33 34 36

Fashionable area in Paris (2 words) City that boasts the Trevi Fountain Portuguese wine city Stockholm’s sea 007’s doctor foe Terrific!

Island in Thailand famous for its Big Buddha and expansive sandy beaches Said “I do” together Indian bread Cream-filled pastry Popular Grand Canyon trail Movie alien Spectacular natural phenomena in Alaska Impressive London art galleries “Love Will Find ___” (2 words) Location of the El Capitan rock formation Part of a Buddhist title Dutch cheese Middle Eastern city with the spectacular Burj Khalifa

French city on the Rhône Cow noise Beaten track Des Moines’ state (abbr.)

Where Senators play hockey Spanish epic hero (2 words) City at the foot of Mount Etna Some music Top position College deg.

Pilot’s announcement, for short The world’s largest dormant volcano, in Maui GPS heading, sometimes (abbr.)

Eastern European capital Morning time (abbr.)

Bearded blossom NYC museum famous for its exhibits (2 words) Polynesian island with black-sand beaches Tennis’s Novak Djokovic, by birth Large bankroll Often confused with a sweet potato ___ Glory (US flag) V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 147

The Last Word

“

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

�

THE ADVENTURE OF TRAVEL ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR $29.95 V IE M A G A ZINE .C OM / S UB S CR IBE

Au revoir!

Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

Head to BungalowsKeyLargo.com to book your stay!

Photo courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo

“Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go?” Get away from it all when you visit the newly renovated adults-only Bungalows Key Largo Resort! Following a fire in the spring, the luxury resort announced its teal-hued doors would reopen on December 19, 2019, as the only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys. The repairs included completely replicating the original amenities and fully restoring the two-story Beach House, which is home to the Living Room common area, the Fish Tales and Bogie & Bacall’s restaurants, the Hemingway Bar, the main pool area, and the Zen Garden Spa. “We have worked tirelessly to restore the resort to its original grandeur and are confident the finished product is worthy of the hotel’s opening fanfare,” says owner Jerry Johnson. “We look forward to welcoming new guests as well as loyal guests back for a truly immersive Florida Keys experience.”

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 151

NFB AcadĂŠmie

Academic Classroom Capital Campaign

Since its inception in 2001, the NFB AcadĂŠmie has impacted nearly 1000 students in 3rd-8th grades and has been an A+ rated school for 14 consecutive years. Our students are consistently accepted into prestigious college programs and intensives, while our alumni dance professionally around the world.

Consider a charitable gift to help us raise $500,000 to fund the expansion of our academic classrooms and continue our commitment to inspiring students to pursue an enriched life through the performing arts. Visit us online to learn more.

850.664.7787

nfballet.org/CAPITALCAMPAIGN

Inspiring 50 Years of Excellence...

©2015 E.F. SAN JUAN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

We push the limits and have pictures to prove it.

E. F. San Juan and Loewen Windows and Doors push every limit, offer unmatched craftsmanship and stretch innovation in every project.

To find out more, visit EFSanJuan.com

LOCAL EXPERTS. GLOBAL REAC H.