Inspirato Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

UP AND AWAY Unique mountain adventure getaways WATER WORLD Perfect family beach vacations BAHAMAS BOUND Bonefishing in the Abaco Islands YOUR BEST ROUND The incomparable golf courses of Maui

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2013

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

FEATURES

70 76

WELL SUITED

STAY CHIC THIS SEASON WITH THE LATEST LOOKS IN HIGH-FASHION SWIMWEAR. SHOT ON LOCATION AT CALIFORNIA’S RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA, THESE POOLSIDE SELECTIONS HELP INSPIRE YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HANSON

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92

100

AUSTIN’S NEW GROOVE

GALAPAGOS UNBOUND

PARIS THROUGH THE ARTIST’S EYE

ADVENTURE WITH ALTITUDE

This independent-minded Texas town has always marched to its own beat.

Explore the vibrant, new boutiques, shops and restaurants that are helping to quicken the tempo.

Experience more of the Galapagos Islands—home to the Earth’s most diverse array of flora and fauna—with your own naturalist guide and the luxury and convenience of a private charter.

The City of Lights has captivated artists for centuries.

Experience the beauty and romance for yourself with a tour through the paintings and locations that personify Paris’s artistic inspiration.

Depart the beaches and boardwalks for an actionpacked mountain getaway this summer. From paragliding in Aspen to via ferrata in Utah, these activities will amp up your next adventure.

BY BECCA HENSLEY

BY LOIS FRIEDLAND

BY HEATHER STIMMLER-HALL

BY BERNE BROUDY

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2013

24 THE INSPIRATO PORTFOLIO A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT OUR DISTINCT PROPERTIES AROUND THE GLOBE

page 1 1 2 .

11

WELCOME LETTER

14

CONTRIBUTORS

46 SPORTS & LEISURE

GOLF | Tee up the game of your life on the incomparable courses of Wailea, Maui.

15 D IGITAL CONNECTIONS 16

P ORTALS

BY SCOTT KRAMER

180 THE GREAT LIFE

50 FAMILY & FRIENDS

SAVVY TRAVELER.

These waterfront destinations boast miles of sugar-sand beaches, endless activities on land and sea and tons of family fun.

20 TIMELINES

International happenings and can’t-miss events

21 WORLDLY WISDOM

BY SAMANTHA BERMAN

Top travel writers share unforgettable memories.

22 STYLE BUREAU

Byzantine jewelry fit for day and night.

54 FOOD & WINE

42

24 TROPHY TOYS

54

Driving a 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

BY HEATHER JOHN FOGARTY

60 FOOD & WINE

26 FOCAL POINT

VITICULTURE | Napa Valley wineries Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars stem from the same roots, yet pursue very different approaches in their quest for excellence.

A short course on one of international sport’s oldest events.

30 EN ROUTE

The superlative advantages of flying private.

BY HEATHER JOHN

35 DESTINATION NEXT

FOGARTY

Vancouver’s Gastown district.

64 HISTORY & TRENDS

Makers of small-batch, artisanal tequilas satisfy discriminating palates while furthering a centuries-old tradition.

INSPIRATION.

64

40 PEOPLE & PROFILES Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello dishes on his new restaurant, his new book and his latest food obsession.

CULINARY | Iconic international dishes that reflect the heart and soul of the culture from which they were born.

BY M.A. MORALES

60

.MEMBERSHIP.

BY HEATHER JOHN

107 ABOUT INSPIRATO

FOGARTY

Inspirato’s new relationship with American Express marks an exciting new chapter for the club and its members.

42 SPORTS & LEISURE FISHING | Stalking the elusive bonefish in the Abaco Islands.

BY TOM WILMES

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

DENVER • CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER • 303.333.4446 PHOENIX • BILTMORE FASHION PARK • 602.667.3541 HPJEWELS.COM

Brent Handler

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Brad Handler

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

Brian Corbett

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

Martin Pucher

FOUNDER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Ira Bahr

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EDITORS

COPY EDITOR

DESIGN ASSOCIATES

Deborah Juris Brendan Harrington Aaron Cessna Deborah Williams Tom Wilmes Dave Baker Lindsay Burke Alithea Doyle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Berman, Crai S. Bower, Berne Broudy, Cynthia Bussey, Heather John Fogarty, Lois Friedland, Becca Hensley, Scott Kramer, M.A. Morales, Chris Rodell, Heather Stimmler-Hall

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Anderson, Georgia Alexia Benjou, Kate Benson, Charlie Gesell, Mark Hanson, Kathleen Hinkel, Rebecca Marshall, Nik Neves, Jessica Sample, Tani Simberg

PROJECT MANAGER PRE-PRESS

Susan Humphrey Steve Oliveri

NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES Laurie O’Connell ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

laurie@hungryeyemedia.com 970.376.0401

INSPIRATO with AMERICAN EXPRESS 1637 Wazee S Denver, CO 80202 Inspirato.com S info@inspirato.com S 303.586.7771

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HUNGRY EYE CUSTOM PUBLISHING hungryeyemedia.com S 800.852.0857

Inspirato Magazine is published three times annually, © 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written consent of the Publisher.

Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato® is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, (303) 586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465.

All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. ©2013 Inspirato LLC

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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W E L C OM E T O I N S P I R A T O

New Horizons

T

hese are exciting times here at Inspirato. The club recently marked its second anniversary and celebrated its 3,000th member. We’ve

continued to grow our destination map and property portfolio, and added more exclusive partner benefits and members-only experiences than ever before. ¶ With this issue of the magazine arrives our most important milestone to date. On March 6, we announced that the club is now “Inspirato with American Express.” By partnering with American Express, we are changing the paradigm of luxury travel yet again. Both companies share a similar pas-

revived and bustling area featuring the city’s hot-

sion for creating exceptional experiences for mem-

test restaurants, bars and boutiques. Looking for

bers and delivering best-in-class service. Working

something a bit farther afield? We explore the

with American Express will allow us to grow and

exotic Galapagos Islands and offer a snapshot of

expand the club and set a new standard in luxury

the abundant wildlife and local activities (p. 84). ¶

travel. Starting on p. 107, you can learn more about

And to help set your sights on summer, we profile

our new partnership with American Express as

three beach vacations perfect for families (p. 50)

well as the club’s ever-expanding property portfo-

and some surprising high-country adventures that

lio. ¶ As the days grow longer and the sun beckons,

redefine mountain vacations (p. 100). ¶ There has

it is the perfect time to get outside and explore. So

never been a better time to experience the Inspirato

in this issue, you will find stories of bonefishing in

difference—here, amid the pages of our maga-

the Bahamian paradise of Abaco (p. 42), golfing in

zine, and as a club member on vacation. Dive in.

world-class Wailea, Maui (p. 46), and a roundup of

Enjoy. These exceptional experiences are for you.

springtime events and festivals from around the globe (p. 20). ¶ You may think you know Paris. But

our intimate, expert-guided tour through a selec-

Happy Travels,

tion of Impressionist paintings uncovers a side of

the city not familiar to most (p. 92). We also invite you to rediscover Austin, Texas (p. 76), a colorful,

BRENT HANDLER FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

sophisticated metropolis that has evolved beyond its music festival roots; and the historic neighborhood of Gastown, Vancouver (p. 35), a recently

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

signature collection | 888.756.9912 | ivankatrumpcollection.com

Rock Tradition.

B E H I N D T H E S T OR I E S

Heather John Fogarty Napa Valley, California.

Nik Neves São Paul o, Brazil .

Heather John Fogarty writes about food, wine, fashion and design for numerous publications including Vogue Australia, Los Angeles Times, Playboy and Bon Appétit. Fogarty has lived in England, France and on both coasts of the United States, including Napa Valley, where she grew up and worked in several wineries.

In this issue, she interviews chef Michael Chiarello (“Stoking the Fire,” page 40) and profiles three regionally inspired dishes with humble roots that are getting modern makeovers (“Iconic Gastromic,” page 54).

Brazilian-born Nik Neves is influenced by his travels and wanderings. The visual artist and illustrator, who has recently lived in New York City, London, Munich and Barcelona, created the maps that accompany “Gastown District, Vancouver,” on page 35 and “Paris Through the Artist’s Eye,” on page 92. Wherever he roams, he keeps his sketchbook at hand to jot down ideas and inspiration. In 2012, Neves was selected as one of the 10 best illustrators in Latin America by American Illustration–American Photography.

Berne Broudy Richmond, Vermont.

Berne Broudy is a travel and gear writer and photographer. Her adventurous spirit keeps Broudy outdoors as much as possible doing everything from float-plane-assisted mountain biking in British Columbia to via ferrata rock climbing in Utah, both of which she writes about in “Adventure With Altitude,” page 100.

A contributing editor for Outside and a regular contributor to Popular Science, Mountain and Sierra, she has guided hiking and cycling trips all over the United States and South America.

CONTRIBUTORS They’ve pedaled, paddled, eaten and imbibed their way around the globe, and they did it all for you.

Becca Hensley Au stin , Texa s.

Heather Stimmler-Hall

Becca Hensley is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, poet and essayist who can’t resist the unexplored alley, an unknown bar or taking the train far beyond her planned destination. But for this issue, we asked her to stick close to home and reveal the sophisticated eateries and boutiques of Austin, Texas, for “Austin’s New Groove,” page 76. She writes for Austin Monthly, San Antonio magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Austin American Statesman, Fodor’s and Virtuoso Traveler.

Los An gel es , C al i fo r n i a.

M.A. Morales is America’s premier tequila journalist, blogging and reporting exclusively on the trends, producers, insiders and hottest brands in the tequila industry today, which made him the perfect writer for this issue’s article “Tequila’s New Vanguard,” page 64, on the renaissance of small-batch craft tequila in Mexico that is spreading across the United States and around the globe. When he isn’t traveling, Morales spends his time in the Southwest.

Paris, France.

Heather Stimmler-Hall is a travel writer and private tour guide who has written for Fodor’s Travel Guides, Michelin Green Guides, Expedia.com, France Magazine, Hemispheres magazine, The Guardian and Robb Report. She is the author of the award-winning Naughty Paris: A Lady’s Guide to the Sexy City, and has been publishing her Secrets of Paris website and newsletter since 1999 (secretsofparis.com). In this issue, Stimmler-Hall introduces some iconic works of Impressionist art inspired by and painted around Paris in “Paris Through the Artist’s Eye,” page 92.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

M.A. Morales

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A L L P OI N T S DIG I T A L

CONNECTIONS

Like what you’re reading here? Dig even deeper into these stories and more with the new interactive tablet edition of the magazine.

introducing

The Interactive Tablet Edition of Inspirato Magazine We hope you’ll sit back and sink into every page of this print issue. Keep it on your coffee table or in your office for visual inspiration anytime. Then, download the new interactive tablet edition from the iTunes store or Google Play for an exciting, lean-forward experience that will take you deeper inside the destinations we cover here with bonus content, expanded photo galleries and incredible video.

facebook.com/inspirato

pinterest.com/inspirato

@inspirato

CATCH THE TRAVEL BUG ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE WITH PHOTOS AND PERSONAL STORIES FROM LUXURY VACATIONERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

YOU’VE GOT TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT. STUNNING IMAGES FROM AROUND THE WORLD AWAIT ON OUR PINTEREST BOARD.

FOLLOW US FOR REAL-TIME REFLECTIONS AND ADVICE. PUT THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.

Check in regularly with inspirato.com and inspiratomagazine.com for additional content and to learn about new properties.

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ON L I N E E X T R A S

FOOD & WINE FAMILY & FRIENDS SPORTS & LEISURE

CARNIVOROUS HABITS { AUSTIN, TEX AS }

TEXAS IS ALL BUT SYNONYMOUS WITH BBQ, AND THERE ARE FEW BETTER PLACES TO SAMPLE A HALF-RACK THAN IN AUSTIN, WHICH SITS SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE “TEXAS BBQ TRAIL.” READ ABOUT FOUR OF THE CITY’S FAVORITE FINGER-LICKIN’ LOCALES ON INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM, AND TURN TO PAGE 76 FOR MORE ON AUSTIN AND ITS DECIDEDLY MORE UPSCALE OFFERINGS. SPECIAL. ASSIGNMENT.

FIGAWI RACE WEEKEND { NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS }

In a plan presumably hatched over a few rounds of drinks, several sailor friends decided that it would be a fun idea to race their sailboats from Baxter’s Boathouse in Hyannis, Mass., across the sound to Nantucket. The year was 1972.

GREETINGS AND SAYULITA { SAYULITA, MEXICO }

THE RESORT EXPERIENCE IN PUNTA DE MITA IS LUXURIOUS ESCAPISM AT ITS BEST. READ ABOUT THE BEACH RESORT’S FAMILY APPEAL ON PAGE 50. AND WHEN YOU’RE READY TO GLIMPSE A MORE AUTHENTIC BIT OF CHARACTER, TAKE A DAY TRIP TO NEARBY SAYULITA, A CHARMING AND GRITTY SURFING COMMUNITY.

Fast-forward to today, and the annual Figawi Race Weekend has grown into a three-day celebration that includes more than 240 boats and 3,000 sailors and spectators. The 42nd annual race weekend is scheduled for May 25–27, and marks the unofficial start of the Cape Cod and Nantucket summer seasons.

GENTLE GIANTS { GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR }

The weekend begins with a kickoff party at Hyannis Yacht Club. The following morning, the boats parade out of Lewis Bay and gather off Hyannis Port. Boats are organized into 13 divisions and race across several courses with the goal of reaching Nantucket first.

You’ll have a whale of a tale to tell once you swim with the largest sharks in the world. No need to fear: Whale sharks are docile, slow-moving behemoths—they can top 40 feet in length and weigh as much as 47,000 pounds—with enormous mouths to feed on plankton, crustaceans, small fish and squid. From December through May, you’ll find many of them congregating in the Galapagos Islands (see story on page 84). It’s a prime opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive with these amazing animals.

The grand Figawi Charity Ball caps the race day in high style. Stick around on Sunday to explore Nantucket, and enjoy a traditional clambake that evening.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP AT INSPIRATO.COM, WHERE WE FEATURE THE BEST RESTAURANTS, GOLF COURSES, SHOPPING, KIDS’ ACTIVITIES AND MUCH MORE.

PEOPLE & PROFILES

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D MIT RY BE R K U T / S H U T T E R S TOC K .CO M (3)

SPECIAL. ASSIGNMENT.

Visit InspiratoMagazine.com for these—and dozens more— inspirational travel stories.

WATCH FOR THIS PORTALS ICON THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE DIRECTING YOU TO ADDITIONAL STORIES, PHOTOS AND INSIDER INFORMATION ONLINE AT INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION { ICELAND AND OTHER POINTS NORTH }

ALL THOSE BRILLIANT COLORS THAT FLASH IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES—ON YOUR TELEVISION, COMPUTER, TABLET OR CELL PHONE SCREENS—CAN’T HOLD A CANDLE TO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. TO SEE THEM, YOU NEED: CLEAR, PITCH-BLACK SKIES; A VIEWING LOCALE ON OR ABOVE THE 50TH PARALLEL; AND GOOD TIMING. HIT THE TRIFECTA, AND YOU’RE IN FOR A SHOW. DARK-SKY PRESERVES IN ALASKA, CANADA AND ICELAND ARE AMONG THE BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE LIGHTS APRIL THROUGH AUGUST.

AT HOME ON THE HIGH SEAS { NASSAU, BAHAMAS }

Imagine waking from a restful slumber in your exquisitely appointed stateroom, slipping on a plush robe and enjoying fresh fruit and coffee as you gaze across the sea to yet another beckoning port of call.

Welcome aboard the Lady J, a 142-foot Palmer Johnson luxury yacht that accommodates as many as 12 guests, plus crew. Sailing through the Bahamas and Caribbean in the winter and throughout New England in the summer, the Lady J offers three endlessly customizable itineraries. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home while cruising in the lap of luxury.

CLIMB THE ALPS

{ DOLOMITES, NORTHERN ITALY } CONSIDERED SOME OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR PEAKS IN THE WORLD, ITALY’S DOLOMITES ARE SOUGHT OUT BY WORLD-CLASS CLIMBERS AND MOUNTAINEERS, WHO FLOCK HERE YEAR-ROUND. AND FOR THOSE OF US WITH MORE CAUTION THAN COURAGE, SCALING THE ALPS ISN’T OUT OF THE QUESTION. VIA FERRATA (“IRON ROAD”) ROUTES EMPLOY METAL HOLDS AND LADDERS DRILLED DIRECTLY INTO THE ROCK THAT ALLOW NOVICE CLIMBERS TO EXPLORE HEIGHTS USUALLY REACHED ONLY BY TECHNICAL MOUNTAINEERS. THEY CAN BE FOUND ALL OVER ITALY (SEE OUR ONLINE ARTICLE), AS WELL AS IN THE U.S. (READ ABOUT IT ON PAGE 100).

ON THE FLY

{ KEY L ARGO, FLORIDA } ANGLING FOR BONEFISH, TARPON AND PERMIT—AMONG THE MOST COVETED SALTWATER GAME FISH TO CATCH ON A FLY ROD—TOPS MOST FISHERMEN’S LIFE LIST. FOR MAINLANDERS MORE ACCUSTOMED TO FISHING STREAMS AND RIVERS, HOWEVER, ADJUSTING TO THE SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES USED TO FLY FISH THE SALTWATER FLATS OF FLORIDA, THE ABACO ISLANDS (SEE OUR STORY ON PAGE 42), HAWAII, MEXICO AND OTHER TROPICAL DESTINATIONS CAN BE A CHALLENGE. UP YOUR ODDS OF LANDING A TROPHY FISH WITH A TWO-DAY FLY-FISHING SCHOOL, HELD AT THE OCEAN REEF CLUB IN KEY LARGO, FLA. TAUGHT BY ORVIS INSTRUCTORS, THE COURSE COVERS FLY CASTING, TACKLE, KNOTS, FISH-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES AND MORE. IT’S ALL YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Check out the Portals page in the Inspirato magazine tablet edition, where you can tap directly into bonus content.

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

INSPIRATO SIGNATURE RESIDENCE PUNTA DE MITA

Announcing

Inspirato with

American Express The luxury of certainty

™

Welcome to a new way to vacation. This is Inspirato with American Express — a private vacation club for members who want to enjoy five-star service and privileged access to more than 130 luxurious villas in the world’s most sought-after destinations. From Aspen and Nantucket to Tuscany and Turks & Caicos, discover our $450 million portfolio of private villas, luxury hotel partners and adventure travel experiences.

Our club members enjoy the service and amenities of a luxury resort, the space and privacy that can only be found in a private residence, and the freedom to travel the globe while enjoying the character and comfort of their own vacation home. Inspirato with American Express gives you all this and more at a fraction of what you would expect to pay for other destination travel clubs.

Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato® is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, (303) 586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465.

All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. ©2013 Inspirato LLC.

TIPS, TOPICS & TRENDS for THE WORLDLY WAYFARER

DESTINATION NEXT. After decades of neglect, Vancouver’s Gastown district has been transformed into a vibrant hub for shopping and socializing.

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One’s destination is never a place, rather a new way of seeing things.

— Henry Miller

STYLE BUREAU

TROPHY TOYS

FOCAL POINT

EN ROUTE

Byzantine bling is back—glittering and going global.

Tap the accelerator in the super-charged 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

A look at the rich history and culture of sailing regattas.

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of private jet travel.

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26

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DESTINATION NEXT PHOTO by K ATHLEEN HINKEL

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

TIMELINES

LONDON, ENGLAND 2013 BNY MELLON BOAT RACE MARCH 31

AUSTIN, TEXAS AUSTIN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

APRIL 26–28

Late April and early May might be the best time to experience Austin.

The weather is sunny and mild to match the vibe of the city. Best known for its many music festivals (including South by Southwest in mid-March), Austin is emerging as a culinary hotspot as well. At the annual Food & Wine festival, the city’s best and most inventive chefs and restaurateurs showcase gourmet fare and their expert know how. Stop by for a cooking demo or wine seminar and then cruise the Grand Tasting Pavilion to sample all the local and regional treats. Naturally, all the activities are accented by stellar live music.

To read more about Austin, turn to page 76.

TELLURIDE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

MAY 24–27

With a focus on adventure, Mountain Film (not to be confused with the Telluride Film Festival in September) celebrates independent films that explore issues related to the environment and culture of the world’s high country—from Alaska’s Denali to Nepal’s Everest.

In addition to movie screenings held around town, the festival includes symposia, presentations, book signings and music events.

WHENTOGO

As spring unfolds, the travel bug awakens. Get your fix at these one-of-a-kind international events.

MARCH 2013

APRIL 2013

MAY 2013

PARIS, FRANCE

MONTE CARLO, MONACO

EASTER SERVICE AT NOTRE DAME

GRAND PRIX DE MONACO

MARCH 29–APRIL 8

MAY 23–26

Few cathedrals are more iconic than Notre Dame, and few church services are more moving than a traditional Gregorian Easter Mass. Free services open to the public include Sunday Mass and Good Friday. After services, take in some of the city’s greatest works of art. Although most museums are closed on Easter, you can still experience Parisian masterpieces on a self-guided tour of the city and the places that inspired some of the most celebrated paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Turn to page 92 for our expert-curated tour.

Unlike the majority of Formula 1 Grand Prix races, the Monaco event is held on temporarily closed city streets rather than a circuit track, making it one of the slower but more exciting races on the calendar because of the many tight twists and turns of the course. Get a glimpse of the open-cockpit speed-racers as they whiz by one of several grandstands along the course. If it doesn’t get you feeling the need for speed, nothing will, except maybe a thrill ride in an Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Intrigued? Read more on page 24.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK IMPRESSIONISM, FASHION AND MODERNITY EXHIBIT

THROUGH MAY 27

At the same time the Impressionist movement was taking shape in Paris, the city’s fashion industry was experiencing a revolution. Masters such as Monet and Renoir captured the trends in their paintings. In this traveling exhibit, more than 80 paintings, period costumes and photos bring the 1860s ready-to-wear revolution back to life.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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RIC H A R D H E AT H COT E (1) / GE T T Y IM AGE S (2) / DAV ID ACOS TA A L L E LY / S H U T T E R S TOC K .CO M (4) / M E T R O P OL ITA N M US E U M OF A R T (2) / T E L LU RIDE M O U N TA IN F IL M (1)

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

For 184 years, rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities have met upon London’s famed Thames River for an annual boat race that has grown into one of the city’s biggest free sporting events. Held on the 4-mile Championship Course that winds from Putney to Mortlake, the race has followed the same upstream route since 1845.

Catch the action from one of the many riverside parks or viewing areas, where vendors sell souvenirs, wine and Doom Bar, the official beer of the race.

WORLDLY WISDOM

LAURA BLY WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER USA TODAY

EXPERTS

MOST MEMORABLE FESTIVAL, CELEBRATION. OR TRADITION YOU’VE WITNESSED?.

My visit to Rajasthan, India, coincided with Diwali, a major national holiday. Taking a detour to avoid construction, I came upon a village of about 600 people and stopped to take a few pictures. Over the next few hours, I got the grand tour from the locals. After admiring the elaborate henna designs that sprouted on most of the women’s hands, I was whisked into a courtyard for my own version.

In gratitude, I offered the artist a bracelet I’d made. She reluctantly accepted … with a smile I’ll never forget.

Exploring the farthest reaches of the globe is just another day at the office for these top travel writers, but the novelty and excitement of adventure never wear off.

WHAT KEY PHRASES DO YOU LIKE TO LEARN. WHEN VISITING A FOREIGN COUNTRY?.

I have a universal language that’s even more effective than “thank you” or “please.” I learned to make origami cranes for an ill friend several years ago, and since then they’ve accompanied tips for waiters and housekeepers, helped turn tired scowls into smiles and been major hits among local kids who moments earlier had been clamoring for candy or money.

KELLEY McMILLAN FREELANCE TRAVEL WRITER OUTSIDE & THE NEW YORK TIMES

KATE AULETTA SENIOR TRAVEL EDITOR THE HUFFINGTON POST

WILDEST MODE OF TRANSPORT?.

I’ve ridden camels and elephants, but the wildest mode of transportation I’ve been on are cable ferries in Africa.

They are basically platforms attached to a cable that men pull across the river by hand—oftentimes they are pulling a platform loaded with vehicles and people.

BEST HOTEL ROOM VIEW?.

H OT E L L A M A MO U NIA , M O R OCCO (1)

A view of the gardens at the old Hotel La Mamounia in Morocco (one of the suites pictured here).

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

STYLE BUREAU

From the museums of Paris to the beaches of St. Barts, these exquisite jewels make a statement that can’t be ignored.

S T Y L ED BY C Y N T HIA BUSSE Y | P HOTOGR A P H Y BY K AT E BENSON

T

Multicolored tourmaline and diamond earrings (18k gold, $23,185) are appropriate day and night in a bustling metropolis like Toronto or in the decidedly more serene Italian countryside. Pair them with the rough-cut black diamond (14k gold, $7,720) ring for extra bling.

TIMELESS & TROPICAL

THEATER & GALLERY

Large turquoise-and-pavé diamond chandelier earrings (sterling silver, $16,150) recall the Mediterranean waters and pair effortlessly with an elegant black or white bathing suit during the day. Add a dramatic, diamond-and-ruby snake bracelet (sterling silver, $8,695)—during this Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar—and the latest “it” accessory, a contemporary rough-cut diamond cocktail ring, for a sexy evening look ($19,230–$26,325).

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

TOWN & COUNTRY

he rough-cut stones and rich precious metals popular during the Byzantine era are, once again, on-trend and hotter than ever. Worn separately, each piece can stand on its own as an intricate work of art. Styled together, the complementary textures of multiple pieces blend color and richness for a global aesthetic.

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In London or Florence, mix and stack bangles like the hand-sewn seed-pearland-diamond cuff (14k gold, $11,260)—a modern and unique homage to Coco Chanel—with a statement pavé diamond ball bracelet (sterling silver, $24,415).

Add a third piece, like this square bangle with rose-cut diamonds (sterling silver, $15,735) for even more effect.

At night, combine them all with dazzling rose-cut diamond earrings (sterling silver, $16,480) and a long black column dress.

JEWELRY courtesy of LOREN RIDINGER / lorenjewels.com

TROPHY TOYS

ASTONOMICAL

The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage offers a transcendent driving experience.

BY CR AI S. BOW ER

THE STATS

UNDER THE HOOD

ENGINE

All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is built on the chassis of the V8 Vantage, but with an enlarged hood to pack an extra 220 pounds of engine. The 2013 model also features the return of a classic clutch—there are no shortcuts to shifting in this alpha auto. Engagement is key to a satisfying luxury sports car experience, and it’s nice to know that it’s the driver, not some computer, gunning into the upper gears.

TRANSMISSION

Rear-mounted, six-speed with limited slip differential CHASSIS

Aluminum, magnesium-alloy, composite and steel body WEIGHT

3,750 pounds ACCELERATION

0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds PRICE

Starts at $180,535

NEED FOR SPEED

BOUTIQUE PRODUCTION

For video of the Aston Martin driving experience, visit inspiratomagazine.com.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

ing farm machinery) of the bucolic Cotswolds, but this isn’t the case.

“Your turn,” Gray declares, as he exits the driver’s seat at a muddy turnout. I’d mentally prepped for my first drive on the “wrong” side of the road, but I’d forgotten the Vantage features a manual transmission and thus, with the steering wheel on the right, the shifter requires a left-handed dexterity I wouldn’t trust with a sewing needle, let alone a $206,000 motorcar.

I was glad it was Gray and not my pitiless wife sitting next to me when I mis-shifted several times

entering the road.

Finally in gear, I zip to 80 in no time. I’m cruising merrily along, feeling quite smug at 100 mph, when suddenly we’re bearing down on a tractor.

“Clear to pass; foot to the floor,” Gray instructs me nonchalantly, as if hitting triple digits is a walk in the park.

I mash the accelerator and the tractor disappears in my rearview as I reach 120 mph, barely halfway on the speedometer’s face. I’ve hit triple-digit speeds on the open road before, but not

24

without feeling like I’m teetering on the edge of control.

I feel more confident steering the Vantage at 120 than I do when exiting a Whole Foods parking lot.

The ride almost over, I decelerate for one final corner before turning back into Aston Martin’s HQ. “Wow,” I remark, as I extract myself from the ride of my life.

“I’m surprised this car is only a four-speed.”

“There’s actually a fifth and sixth gear,” Gray replies. “We just didn’t need ’em.”

A S TO N M A R TIN (1)

T

HE ASTON MARTIN V12

Vantage is the first son in a pedigreed family that includes a number of overachieving, insanely good-looking brothers. So I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to drive the new 2013 model at the century-old company’s headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Rob Gray, a former professional race car driver and current Aston Martin test driver, takes me out for a spin. I assume that Gray will sequester me to the test track when it’s my turn to drive, far from the serpentine roads (and oncom-

Aston Martin, which celebrates its centennial in 2013, has manufactured only 60,000 cars in its 100-year history (in comparison, BMW sells more than 1.5 million vehicles a year). The V12 Vantage Roadster model, shown above, is available in select markets. astonmartin.com

Of Customized Luxury Welcome to the ultimate private yacht experience. Lady J serves up plush lounge chairs on the sun deck, five elegant staterooms, the bubbling waters of a deck-top Jacuzzi, perfectly prepared cuisine and attentive service from the full bar, and two towed tenders to explore gorgeous blue cruising waters.

Lady J departs from the Bahamas, St. Maarten and Newport, Rhode Island. Call 720.457.9588 for members-only pricing and availability.

888.546.5008 | www.inspirato.com/LadyJ

Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato® is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, (303) 586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2013 Inspirato LLC.

View video and photo gallery

FOCAL POINT

OFWIND&WATER One of the world’s oldest sporting events, sailing regattas evoke a golden age of camaraderie and maritime history.

BY TOM WIL ME S | P HOTOGR A P H Y BY TA NI SIMBERG

A

amateur competitions that can include any class of sailing vessel, from dinghies helmed by children just learning to sail to the world’s sleekest racing yachts. The largest regattas are multiday celebrations and major social events that bring together sometimes thousands of competitors and spectators for days packed with competition and nights filled with charity events, dinners and grand galas.

From royalty and gentrified aristocrats to weekend sailors and collegiate clubs, it’s a timeless spectacle that has played out in much the same way for centuries.

NATION’S GREATNESS

was once tied to its naval supremacy.

Whether used for exploration, commerce or warfare, an accomplished fleet was the locus around which economies flourished or failed. As pleasure sailing, or yachting, became a popular pastime, sailors came together for friendly competitions that codified this quest for supremacy into a series of races with set rules and procedures. Typically organized and hosted by a sailing association or a yacht club—the first, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was founded at Cork, Ireland, in 1720—regattas are mostly

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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NOTABLE REGATTAS ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK APRIL 27–MAY 3 ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA

Founded in 1967, this celebrated Caribbean regatta attracts nearly 200 yachts and 5,000 spectators annually for world-class racing that’s only matched by the raucous celebrations.

NEW YORK YACHT CLUB ANNUAL REGATTA JUNE 14–16 NEWPORT, R.I.

Started in 1846, this annual regatta is a flagship event of the United States’ oldest yacht club. In 1851, a club-sponsored schooner dubbed America challenged Britain’s longstanding naval dominance by winning a race around the Isle of Wight. The America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, is named after the ship.

COWES WEEK

AUG. 3–10 ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND

BEFORE

Regattas traditionally begin with all competitors participating in a grand parade of boats. Races are organized by class, and begin with a fiveminute period before the start when boats circle below the starting line—each captain checking the wind, fine-tuning his strategy and jockeying for position. In the final minute, the boats sail toward the starting line in anticipation of the signal. Cross too soon, however, and the boat must circle back completely under the line and start again.

DURING

Courses vary greatly in length, but all have a defined start and end point, with set marks—most often fixed buoys—that designate the route. The first mark is usually set upwind, requiring boats to tack at the start, and marks are typically rounded on the port, or left, side of the boat. The race committee determines how many laps constitute a race. More calculated strategy than straight speed, races are like a chess match played out across the wind and water.

AFTER

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING

Boats are awarded points for their finishing order—one point for first, two for second and so on—and at the end of the regatta, the boats in each class with the lowest total score are declared the winners.

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Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs, Cowes Week originated in 1826 and today is the largest sailing regatta of its kind, with 40 daily races, up to 1,000 boats and 8,500 competitors.

AMERICA’S CUP

SEPT. 7–21 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.

This event, perhaps the most well-known in all of sailing, comprises a series of match races that play out over three stages: the AC World Series, Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Finals. The finals are traditionally hosted by the prior year’s winner.

SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

Contact us at 1-800-PORSCHE or porscheusa.com. Š2013 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

European model shown

Glued to the pavement.

Cemented in principles.

The new all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4S

50 Years of the Porsche 911 – Tradition: Future

It was built to adhere to everything Porsche stands for. And the road itself. The new 911 Carrera 4S. With an active all-wheel drive system enhanced by Porsche Traction Management (PTM), it offers exceptional control and cornering dynamics during performance driving, as well as in adverse weather conditions. Which perfectly suits its race-bred 400 hp, 3.8 liter engine.

Come rain or shine. porscheusa.com/911. Porsche. There is no substitute.

EN ROUTE

Private plane services are bringing back opulence and efficiency to the jet set.

BY DEBOR A H WIL LIA MS

N

O LONGER EXCLUSIVE TO MEGA-

corp top dogs and movie stars, private jet services offer a wide variety of plans and planes—not to mention pampering—that cater to every brand of discerning traveler. “A majority of frequent travelers don’t understand how attainable private jet travel has become,” says Jamie Walker, president of JetLinx Aviation. “Before fractional ownership existed, the only way you could get guaranteed availability pointto-point was to own your own jet.” Now, Walker says, there are plenty of options, including fractional ownership and flighttime jet cards, which have become the most popular option for a broad range of travelers. Plus, owners can generate revenue by leasing their aircraft back to the charter company on an hourly basis.

Maybe you’ve considered investing in a plan, but you’re not sure which program is right for you. “Some say the general rule of thumb is that if you fly between 50 and 400 hours per year, fractional ownership is your best option,” says James Butler, CEO of Shaircraft Solutions, a consulting company that advises individual and business clients on the options.

“Fly fewer than 50 hours, and you may be better off with a jet card or charter.

Fly more than 400 hours, and you might consider buying a whole aircraft. But there’s far more to it than that.” (See “The Pre-Flight Checklist” sidebar, page 32.)

Some charter companies offer all three services—private jet sales, fractional ownership and jet card services— while others specialize in a single channel. For example, NetJets, an Inspirato partner, focuses exclusively on fractional ownership. Its subsidiary Marquis Jet offers jet card service. The amenities and logistics vary significantly from one carrier or aircraft to the next, but the service is almost always exceptional, the luxe quotient high and the value of your investment—for your finances and your lifestyle—impossible to dispute.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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THE FOOD Passengers can request any type of food they’d like aboard the flight, including meals specially catered from a favorite restaurant.

The largest jets might even have an onboard kitchen where meals can be prepared hot and fresh.

THE PRICING Depending on a variety of factors, including the type and capacity of the aircraft, management fees and customer support, prices vary widely and range from $1,200/ hour for a jet card to $40,000/ month for a lease.

THE SERVICE No security or baggage check is required, and you’re rarely limited in how much or what type of luggage you can carry. In most cases, the desk attendant or pilot will verify that your ID matches your ticket, and the pilot or an attendant will load your luggage into a cargo hold or store it in the main cabin.

THE SEATS Cabins are usually equipped with oversized, modular fully reclining leather seats that can turn and swivel to accommodate conferencing. In larger aircraft, you might find a mix of chairs and sofas in myriad configurations along with small tables and/or workstations.

IMAGES courtesy of FLEXJET

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

EN ROUTE

THE DEPARTURE In most instances, travelers are invited to drive directly to a waiting aircraft on the tarmac or to a very small hangar terminal where “check-in” consists of giving your name to a desk attendant who notifies the crew of your arrival. You might be directed to a comfortable lounge where you can watch television, access WiFi or enjoy refreshments—which you request in advance—while you wait for your plane to pull around.

THE AMENITIES WiFi, cable, plasma screens and telephone services are all but standard. Plus, cell phone use and video conferencing aren’t restricted on these flights, so you can do work as if you’re in your own office. For many corporate owners who fly their employees, that means less lost time during business hours. Larger jets might include full-sized beds, formal dining areas with fine china and crystal service, and high-end bathrooms. But the amenities and services don’t start or end with the flight. “We’ve had clients who wanted an elliptical machine in their room at their destination, so we made it happen,” says Walker. “While you’re away, we have your car detailed. When you return, it’s not only clean, it’s waiting on the tarmac. We also take care of the hotel reservation and car reservation. It’s really all about customer service.”

THE CREW Depending on the size of the plane, the number of passengers and the passengers’ preference, crew sizes vary. You might have just one pilot who doubles as the baggage attendant, flight attendant and maintenance supervisor. Or you might have as many as four to five crew members: two pilots, one or more flight attendants, and maintenance staff. In most cases, the crews have as much or more training than commercial pilots, and they often stay with the same aircraft day in and day out—a safety bonus. In some cases, passengers can request special services such as an onboard bartender or masseuse. While the FAA sets minimum standards for all pilots, most of the private jet companies adhere to much higher and more rigorous requirements for their pilots.

THE PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST Private carriers and independent consulting firms like Butler’s Shaircraft Solutions can help you navigate the options. To start, an adviser will analyze your needs and budget to determine the most viable plan—whether it’s a one-time charter, a 25-hour debit account, a fractional share of an aircraft or a combination thereof. Advisers also look at the specifics of your travel profile and your investment tendencies. Consultants will talk you through these and other factors when deciding which option is best for your needs:

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

HOW MANY PASSENGERS AND HOW MUCH LUGGAGE DO YOU TAKE?

DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC AIRCRAFT PREFERENCES?

WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU FLY?

DO YOU PREFER TO FLY ON A FLEET MANAGED BY A SINGLE OPERATOR?

WHAT IS THE BEST USE OF YOUR CAPITAL?

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU PLAN YOUR TRIPS?

IS THERE A GOOD CHARTER OPERATOR IN YOUR AREA?

HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?

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shop online at

boccia.com or call 800-360-2586

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DESTINATION NEXT

NIGHTHAWKS A statue of Gassy Jack Deighton—Gastown’s first pub owner and namesake—keeps watch as evening and patrons descend on Vancouver’s oldest district, now a hotspot for culture and nightlife.

GASTOWN DISTRICT

VANCOUVER This long-neglected neighborhood has metamorphosed into a vibrant dining, drinking and shopping destination.

BY CR AI S. BOW ER

PHOTOGRAPHY by K ATHLEEN HINKEL

BRITISH COLUMBIA

T

EN YEARS AGO, VANCOUVERbased furniture designer Niels Bendtsen was considered a pioneer, not only for his internationally recognized sofas but also because he lived above his design gallery, InForm Interiors, in the heart of the city’s Gastown district. The studio fronts Water Street and backs up to the notorious Blood Alley, known

throughout the ’90s and early 2000s as “Needle Alley” because of the IV drug scene that had taken over the area. Few people dared to cross Gastown’s southern border of Hastings Street let alone wander two blocks deeper to Bendtsen’s showroom.

Flash-forward a decade, and this former cultural wasteland has evolved into one of the most

35

desirable neighborhoods in a city filled with desirable neighborhoods.

Vancouver had just witnessed a row of warehouses and loading docks transform into trendy Yaletown, so why not renovate Gastown’s brick buildings and tight streets into lofts, bars and patios? By day, fashionistas and interior designers prowl the boutiques and galleries. At night, the cobblestone streets below the iconic Gassy Jack statue teem with foodies, the cocktail class and sophisticates who join in revelry right across the Hastings Street threshold.

SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

DINING. 1

WILDEBEEST The charcuterie craze is replaced by “whole animal cookery” inside Gastown’s hottest restaurant, a mindmeld of top talent: restaurateur James Iranzad, chef David Gunaway and bartender Josh Pape. You’ll unearth all variety of meat here, save for the overplayed sweetbreads and pork jowl.

2

L’ABATTOIR L’Abattoir opened in July 2010, offering a French take on B.C.’s emerging farm-to-table movement and garnered “Best New Restaurant in Canada” accolades by the wagon-full. The whitewashed brick walls and dangling driftwood antlers feel cool, but dishes like the poached egg with Burgundy truffle appetizer and roast scallops with lemon marmalade will warm you right up.

3

LILY MAE’S COMFORT CAFE The Gastown culinary crop is pushing into adjacent Railtown, led by the sublime Lily Mae’s, a 25-seat French-inspired cafe that feels more village staple than urban bistro. Chef Ru Lee blends fries and cheese curds with red wine mushroom gravy for Burgundy Poutine, and the steamed mussels simmer in chef’s sauces du jour. White-tiled floors support just the right amount of rustic furniture to set an evening escape au Française.

4

SALT TASTING ROOM It’s a simple concept: Compile a roster of the best charcuterie in town and let your guests assemble their own pairings. This Gastown pioneer was fetching artisanal cheeses, meats and condiments when most other locavore-minded chefs were still ordering Mason jars.

SHOPPING. 5

JOHN FLUEVOG Whether or not you join celeb “Fluevoggers” like Scarlett Johansson and Robin Williams with a purchase of the innovative fashion designer’s playful shoes, a visit to the bright and airy flagship store and design shop proves half the fun.

6

THE BLOCK Ever walk into a boutique and want everything? The Block has carried this kind of sway with its customers for 11 pioneering years by focusing on local designers such as jeweler Anna De Courcy, while also reaching out for the finest functional fashions from around the globe, such as Seattle’s Filson satchels.

7

INFORM Talk about a gold rush. What began as an East Van frontier land-grab has grown into a three-story contemporary furniture gallery plus a showcase of Niels Bendtsen’s legendary modernist designs at 50 and 97 Water Street, respectively. These are the shops that reignited Gastown, so to speak, which is reason alone to visit.

ACTIVITIES. 8

GASTOWN FOOD TOUR You can increase your knowledge of Gas-tronomy in one afternoon should you join the Gastown Food or the Craft Beer n’ Bites tour, both offered by Vancouver Food Tours. The strolls begin at 5 p.m. weekdays (4 p.m.

Saturdays) from Waterfront Station and feature 12 samples via four courses and wine, beer and cocktail tastings. Tickets $99 CDN, visit vancouverfoodtour.com for more information.

NIGHTLIFE. 9

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THE CLOUGH CLUB THE DIAMOND COCKTAIL AND SUPPER CLUB Given its gritty history, Gastown

is no stranger to spirits, of the spectral or liquid variety.

Clough Club cloisters patrons into a very cool back bar offering an eclectic array of cocktails, while the front-ofhouse Diamond represents the perfect hideaway with drinks concocted by founder Josh Pape, Vancouver’s maestro of mixology. Pape’s “Buck Buck Mule”—London dry gin, fino sherry, cucumber, lime and ginger beer— racks up all the points as a hooves-down favorite.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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ILLUSTRATION by NIK NEVES

DESTINATION NEXT

EAT, DRINK, SHOP

( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ) Happy

hour cocktails at L’Abattoir; creative kicks on display at John Fluevog; a sampling of cheese and charcuterie at Salt; passing through ominously named Blood Alley; a Niels Bendtsen chair on display at InForm Gallery.

GASTOWN PRIMER

G

astown took 130 years to escape its reputation as Vancouver’s Skid Row. As in sylvan sibling Seattle, logs felled in the nearby coastal rainforests were skidded along the streets here to the Hastings Mill before being sent off via the Burrard Inlet seaport. After much of it was destroyed in the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886, it was rebuilt—in brick this time. ¶ But the moniker stuck and took on new meaning as the city’s core moved west and forgot its birthplace. Gastown devolved into a derelict site of flophouses, bars and temporary-work hiring halls.

As in so many cities, the threat of progress in the form of a freeway motivated locals to push for preservation. ¶ Gastown was declared a national historical site in 1971, though the public landmark remained sketchy at best.

Today’s modern pioneers, media, technology and design firms have transformed Gastown into Vancouver’s most electric and enticing neighborhood. In 2009, Gastown became a National Historic Site of Canada, the most protected designation a cultural icon can receive.

PHOTOGRAPHY by K ATHLEEN HINKEL

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It’s Never Lonely at the Top

100% Weber Blue Agave. Single-estate, hand-crafted tequila.

Harvested by an 11th generation ranch family.

Aged and distilled by Arta’s 3rd generation Master Distillers.

ArtaTequila.com

The PEOPLE, PLACES & PLEASURES that MAKE TRAVEL MAGNIFICENT

GREAT FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS, PAGE 50

PEOPLE & PROFILES

SPORTS & LEISURE

FOOD & WINE

HISTORY & TRENDS

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello’s latest culinary muse.

Stalking the elusive bonefish in the Abaco Islands.

Three iconic dishes and where to try them.

Put down the lime.

Today’s tequilas stand on their own.

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SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

INSPIRATION

PEOPLE & PROFILES

DELICIOSO! Known primarily for his ItalianAmerican fare, Chiarello returns to the kitchen this spring to try his hand at Spanish cuisine.

DOSSIER

MICHAEL CHIARELLO CELEBRITY CHEF

During recent travels to Barcelona, award-winning Italian-American chef Michael Chiarello fell madly in love with Spain’s cuisine and culture. This spring, his infatuation takes the shape of a new San Francisco restaurant and a renewed affair with his first love: the kitchen. BY HE ATHER JOHN FOGART Y

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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MICHAEL CHIARELLO January 26, 1962 Founded Tra Vigne in 1986, created his Chiarello Family Vineyards winery in 1999, launched NapaStyle retail line of artisanal foods in 2000, chef/owner of Bottega Ristorante in Napa Valley and Coqueta in San Francisco.

KNOWN FOR Chef Chiarello is an acclaimed chef, EmmyAward winning host of Food Network’s “Easy Entertaining,” tastemaker behind NapaStyle and proprietor of Chiarello Family Vineyards.

BORN

CAREER

There are those who make their mark doing one thing really well, and then there is Chef Michael Chiarello. An Emmy-Award winning television host, celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, vintner and purveyor of artisanal foods, Chiarello is one of the culinary world’s most respected and accomplished impresarios. The longtime Napa Valley resident is known for combining his Italian roots with a wine country lifestyle. This spring he opens Coqueta, a Spanish restaurant on the San Francisco waterfront, and releases Live Fire, his new book about cooking with an open flame. We recently caught up with Chiarello, 51, to talk about his unexpected love affair with Spain, farming the old-fashioned way and playing with fire.

We think of Michael Chiarello, and we think Italy. But your new restaurant, Coqueta, is Spanish. Why Spain?

Good question. My eldest daughter is married and lives in Barcelona, which is one of the great cities of the world. I started making trips to visit her, and then I started traveling once or twice a year to Spain to scout and develop products for NapaStyle, my online store and catalog. I went where the artisans were, and I began to fall in love with the food. It’s so unlike Japanese or even French, which I was trained in. The food made perfect sense; it translates well to what I’ve been doing.

Have you forsaken Italy for Spain?

The ingredients in both cuisines are similar. It’s more of a dialect shift than anything else. I named the new restaurant Coqueta, which means “an infatuation.” It’s all the excitement you have when you are discovering something new.

I’m 51. Spain is my midlife crisis—my Porsche 911.

IMAGES courtesy of CHIARELLO PRESS SHOTS

Will this be a lasting love affair or just a fling?

We’re talking from an undisclosed TV set in Los Angeles. Anything we can share?

There’s an interesting correlation between three places that I adore. There’s Florence and the Chianti region.

Then there’s San Francisco with Napa Valley and Sonoma in its backyard. Then there’s Barcelona, which is a seaside city like San Francisco surrounded by wine regions making cava. There is something about an exquisite city surrounded by vineyards— and a lifestyle that is similar.

Not yet. I’m looking for the perfect show. Keep your eyes peeled.

You’re known for so many things—your restaurants, cookbooks, television shows, artisanal food products and winery.

What is your greatest passion?

It all centers around cooking. I’m a chef, first and foremost. I have other inspirations, but food is my passion.

My other projects, such as the Consorzio line of specialty foods I created and used at my Napa restaurant Tra Vigne and sold to customers, were part of sharing a unique dining experience that people could take into their own home kitchens. As I spent more and more time designing food products and hard goods for the restaurant, I developed a point of view through the filter of the Napa Valley. And NapaStyle grew out of that.

Speaking of wine, you make your own. Do you make your wine to go with your food, or vice versa?

How I farm is how I cook.

I’ve been an organic farmer since 1997 on 20 acres of vineyard in St. Helena, where we live. We create the wine to go with the style of food we serve. We have some 100-year-old vineyards— some Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. We make a crazy white wine, Chiara Bianco, from an Italian grape called Ribolla Gialla. I can make a wine that goes with my restaurants and food, and so we can dream up interesting blends and combinations and varietals. Our wine is literally farm-to-table, which has become such a cliché. “Farm-totable” is nothing new. It’s a centuries-old approach. It’s how they’ve always done it in the Old World. The closer you are to farming, the closer you are to better food.

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The artisanal food products and housewares you curate at NapaStyle have such an appealing aesthetic. How would you describe “Napa style”?

Napa Valley has a strong European sense; it always has. There are influences from Spain—the Spanish planted some of the first vineyards— from Germany with Schramsberg, and also lots of Italians and lots of French. Geographically Napa lends itself to a more northern Italian sensibility, but it’s less about a specific aesthetic and more about a feeling—a lifestyle.

Is it true you like to play with fire?

Yes. My new book, Live Fire, comes out in May. Every restaurant I’ve done has involved some sort of wood fire and using smoke to create dishes. The book explores the techniques of cooking over a live flame—both on the fire and in the fire, but not in the barbecue sense. I use techniques like cooking vegetables in the coals and turning them into a dish, or building a fire and cooking a whole lamb over metal crosses in an Argentinian way. I wanted to explore the social aspects of cooking over fire. There’s nothing more inviting than a cool night and friends gathered cooking and eating around a live fire.

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STALKING GHOSTS ON THE FLATS Catching an elusive bonefish is a life-list-worthy prize for most fishermen.

Just spotting one in the water, however, is easier said than done. BY TOM WILMES

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SHARP SIGHT Anglers must first spot the bonefish in the water and then present a well-placed cast. BELOW, INSET: Redfish are another popular sportfish that are found in shallow waters.

and send my line arcing in the general direction, trusting my guide’s eyes more than mine.

“Too close. You scared him off,” he says. “You have to lead him a bit, and lay your line out there gently so you draw his attention without spooking him.”

I’m with my father and several other men on a guy’s trip in the Abaco Islands, a crescent–shaped cluster of sun-drenched isles in the northern Bahamas. We’re taking a break from our usual daily routine of deep-sea fishing into the early afternoon, followed by evenings filled with booze and seafood, to angle for bonefish in the intertidal flats that pocket the islands.

Our group is separated into two boats, and my father and I have a feeling that our hosts, who have fished here many times before and were sounding a bit too cocky about their prospects this morning, have claimed the veteran guide for themselves, leaving us with the younger and presumably less experienced guide for our first bonefishing experience.

We’ve scarcely had a strike despite hours of spotting and casting, and we fear our inkling may prove true. However, we’re steadfast in our resolve, and take turns standing poised on the small casting deck at the bow while Teddy silently poles the aluminum-hulled skiff across the water from an elevated platform mounted at the stern.

I catch a nearly imperceptible flash out of the corner of my eye, like a shooting star. A silvery shimmer, the tip of a fin or even a dark shadow creeping along the alabaster seafloor is usually all that betrays the stealthy bonefish who come to feed in these shallow saltwater inlets.

Of course my guide, Teddy, is the first to spot the actual fish.

“He’s right over there,” he says. “Cast about five yards out at 3 o’clock.”

I strain through my polarized sunglasses and try to make out the silver-sided bonefish cruising off our bow. I squint into the early-morning sunlight

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Unlike deep-sea fishing, going after bonefish isn’t a cast-andwait proposition. It’s an all-in affair that’s more akin to hunting with a fishing rod. To fish effectively, an angler must know where the fish are likely to be, and keep a keen eye out at all

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times—first spotting his prey in the water before launching a strategically placed and wellpresented cast that, with any luck, entices the fish to take the bait. But that’s only half the game.

These skittish fish, nicknamed Grey Ghosts, are known for their cunning nature, and—pound for pound—fight with a strength and speed that far exceeds their modest size. Once on the line, most will shoot off on a dead run like a sprinter out of the blocks, then stop on a dime and reverse direction, or zip under the boat and give themselves just enough slack to spit the hook. It’s no wonder that bonefish are among the world’s most prized saltwater game fish to catch on a fly rod, and many anglers consider landing a trophy-sized bonefish to be the pinnacle of the sport.

But first you have to find one.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Capt. Rick Sawyer, 55, has made it his life’s work to know where the fish are. An island native, he’s been guiding professionally on Abaco since he was 15, and concentrates his fishing area on the 75 square miles or so of water that ring his home on Green Turtle Cay, a small island just north of Treasure Cay. “Bonefish like to be the first fish on the flats and the last fish to leave,” he says. “I make my decision on where to fish based on the tide and the wind direction, and there’s certain areas I fish at different stages in the tide that I know are likely to produce fish.”

Seasonality also plays a role.

Smaller fish congregate in large pools—sometimes as many as several hundred—during the spring and summer. Beginning after the first full moon in

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SPORTS & LEISURE

November, the big schools of smaller fish leave and the larger fish come in.

Sawyer says a good day of bonefishing on Abaco means catching four to five fish— sometimes as many as 20 small ones in the spring and summer.

However, it’s also just as easy to spend a long day and not catch a thing. To maximize clients’ chances of enjoying a productive day of fishing, Sawyer recommends that they practice casting before arriving on the island and heed their guide’s advice when it comes to finer points such as how to cast the line quickly and accurately, especially in windy conditions.

“People ask me all the time, ‘How was the fishing?’ and I say, ‘The fishing was great, but the casting sucked,’” Sawyer says. “If you have a really good fisherman, then you’ll have a really good

NASSAU

BAHAMAS

BONEFISH 101 m Bonefish inhabit tropical

and warm, temperate coastal waters worldwide, including in the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Los Cabos, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos and other Caribbean destinations. m Bonefish are compact,

stealthy and, as their name suggests, packed with tiny bones. There are a few natives who eat bonefish, especially in Hawaii, but they’re primarily a sport fish and most anglers follow catch-andrelease protocols.

QUIET GAME To keep from scaring fish, the captain shuts off the motor and uses a long pole to push the skiff silently across the water.

day of fishing. But if you have someone who can’t see the fish, can’t present the fly or can’t get the line out there far enough, then you’re in for a long day.”

And while luck favors the well prepared, there are no absolutes on the flats.

Even after you find the fish, you might “spend two hours chasing them and they won’t eat,” Sawyer says. “And then you might get a slack tide or a change in the wind, or the sun shines at just the right angle, and they’ll start biting.

“I like to say that bonefish are like women—unpredictable.”

All you can do is present yourself well and hope for the best.

ISLAND LIFE

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enough to the boat for us to net, snap a photo and release.

My next cast also nets another fish, and when my father takes a turn he lands several as well.

It seems we’ve found a school of bonefish feeding nearby, and for whatever reason the fish are striking at seemingly every cast. “I’ve never seen them quite like this,” remarks Teddy. “This is special.”

We’re in high spirits on the boat ride back, with the long morning all but forgotten. Our crew in the second boat is unloading their gear as we glide up to the dock.

“How was the fishing?” one asks. “Catch anything?”

We learn that, despite having three fishermen in their boat, they’ve landed only two small fish all day.

“It was fantastic. We caught a ton,” I say, barely suppressing a grin. “Beginner’s luck, I guess.”

FISH ON

Back on the boat, the sun has reached its zenith and beats down relentlessly on the small skiff. We’ve scarcely had a nibble all morning but are determined to keep our attention sharp, despite the baking heat.

“That’s why they call it fishing and not catching,” Teddy says.

We decide to try one more location before calling it a day.

Teddy cuts the motor, and we set about the now familiar routine of scanning, casting and waiting when suddenly I get a strike. I set the hook as the fish takes off on a run. I enjoy a brief fight before bringing him close

Visit inspiratomagazine.com for a suggested three-day Abaco itinerary.

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m Bonefish primarily

congregate in schools (the largest specimens prefer to travel solo) and follow the tide into shallow saltwater inlets to suction up shrimp, crabs, krill, clams and other small crustaceans from the sandy bottom; the fish retreat to deeper water when the tide recedes. m The soft-bottomed Marls

on the southern and western ends of Abaco provide ample food and are among the most productive bonefish hatcheries in the world.

The cost of chartering a guide varies. Capt.

Rick Sawyer of Abaco Flyfish Connection & Charters, for example, charges $350 for a half day and $450 for a full day of fishing. The cost includes fishing gear and guiding services for up to two anglers.

P R E VIO US PAGE : GE T T Y (2) / BR OW N C A N NON III (1) / T HIS PAGE : BR OW N C A N NON III (2) / 123R F (1)

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JEWELS OF WAILEA Like shimmering gems in a spectacular setting, three courses along Maui’s southwestern shore beckon with provocative architecture and awe-inspiring scenery. BY SCOT T K R AMER

It’s not an overstatement to claim that playing Wailea’s golf courses, all clustered within a 2-mile stretch on Maui’s southwestern shore, is a benchmark experience for mainland golfers.

Few places boast as many sweeping ocean vistas from nearly every hole, well-conditioned courses, challenging layouts from highly acclaimed course architects and top-notch service. Not to mention the perfect year-round weather that graces this southwest region of the island. These three standouts exemplify Wailea’s best.

OLD BLUE COURSE

Wailea Golf Club’s Old Blue course is perpetually rated among the most enjoyable on all of Maui, and packs as much vivid scenery and as many wide-open fairways as anyplace you’ll play golf. From its relatively easy, straightaway par-4 first hole traversing toward the ocean to its expansive back nine fairways, Old Blue is an ideal first course to play during your vacation, especially if you’re still in a travel fog or your game is rusty.

This 40-year-old gem was designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, who has a reputation for maximizing fun without taking away the challenge of a good design.

Holes are forgiving, and you’ll often find your ball rolling back toward the fairway—whether

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your shots veer right or left. The large greens roll true and are perpetually in terrific condition.

That said, Old Blue is no cakewalk. The afternoon breezes can be brisk, making the open fairways seem like wind tunnels. There are also plenty of bunkers—many of them greenside—but the fluffy sand makes for relatively easy bunker shots.

Greens hold the ball well, but beware of the optical illusions: Locals say that all putts break toward the ocean and move faster in that direction, despite how they might appear. You’ll swear that some putts break uphill.

The front nine feature continual rolling undulations along the fairways and greens, with some uphill tee shots and downhill approaches—many with mesmerizing ocean views. Holes six and seven each have a fairway tree that challenges your drives, particularly if you draw the ball on the tee shot. Speaking of trees, the back nine fairways are nearly all tree-lined.

And because this side can be more susceptible to wind, the trees become much more reachable. In fact, the wind can stump even the most-seasoned golfers who may often think that every hole plays into the breeze.

No doubt, if you want to play a gorgeous, well-rounded course on Maui with magnificent ocean views from most holes, Old Blue is a must.

PLAYING WITH OCEAN BREEZES Many of Wailea’s courses offer stunning ocean views, and while the scenery is a major bonus when playing here, the steady offshore breezes—particularly in the afternoons—can pose a challenge to golfers unaccustomed to playing in the wind. Rather than adjust your swing, however, the trick is to “treat the wind as a friend, not as a foe,” says Eddie Lee, a PGA Teaching Professional with the David Leadbetter Academy at Wailea (davidleadbetter.com) and two-time Aloha Section Teacher of the Year. Lee offers these tips for making the most of Wailea’s breeze.

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TRUE BLUE Wailea Golf Club’s Old Blue course, with its forgiving fairways and expansive greens that roll true, makes for an ideal first round during your Hawaiian holiday.

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LEFT-TO-RIGHT WIND In a cross-breeze situation where the wind is blowing from left to right, open up your shoulder slightly and position your toe-line, in relation to your hips and shoulders, slightly left of the intended target line. Take dead aim at the target with your clubface, and your body will naturally align in that direction. “That’s the key,” Lee says. “Aim with the clubface, not your body.”

RIGHT-TO-LEFT WIND The opposite is true in this case. Keep your toe-line aligned slightly right of the intended target, aiming your clubface directly at the target.

DOWNWIND Downwind shots offer a tempting situation—when else can you hit a Tourworthy drive? But beware of overpowering your swing. A general tip: “When it’s breezy, swing easy,” says Lee. The wind will flatten the launch angle and your ball will go out, not up. It’s also a good idea to select one club down from what you’d normally use at the given distance. In Hawaii, says Lee, every 10 mph of wind generally equates to a one-club adjustment.

HEADWIND Headwind shots generate drag, which sends the ball upward. To avoid losing yardage, play your ball position from your normal setup, widen your stance and focus on maintaining rhythm and balance on your backswing. Your downswing is the key. Slightly arch and raise your left wrist bone so that your hands lead the clubhead, and keep the clubhead low to the ground through the hitting zone (approximately 10 inches before and 10 inches after you hit the ball), which will send the ball on a lower trajectory with less curve.

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MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT The south course at Makena Beach & Golf Resort is among the most challenging on Maui, with narrow fairways and plenty of hazards. It’s a wellrounded course, however, and offers plenty of rewards for golfers who take the risk.

EMERALD COURSE

There are ocean views from every hole, which often compete for your attention....

In fact, many shots seem to play longer than they appear on the Emerald because of these expansive views.

Your next stop should be one of Old Blue’s two sibling layouts. The nearby 6,825-yard Emerald Course is an outstanding Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and plays in the same fun spirit as Old Blue— but with a bit more of a bite.

Jones’s self-described mission at the Emerald, which opened in 1994, was to make it up to “24-karat gold” standard. Mission accomplished!

The fairways are narrower than Old Blue’s, the greens are large and the pace of play is nice and breezy. There are ocean views from every hole, which often compete for your attention when you’re trying to make quality swings at the ball. In fact, many shots seem to play longer than they appear on the Emerald because of these expansive views. But fear not, the fairways slope toward the middle, coercing mishits safely into the short grass. Texas Wedgers will rejoice in the well-manicured fairways that practically goad them to putt from far off the green, as the aprons roll just as smoothly.

As an added touch of generosity by Jones, many of the tee boxes are elevated so that drives travel downhill and pick up some added distance. Bunker sand is even softer than Old Blue’s, making for fairly predictable play. Greens hold well, too, so you needn’t worry about

shots bouncing and rolling well beyond their landing points.

Emerald also boasts Maui’s only double green, which serves holes 10 and 17. A greenside lake can also come into play on both holes. As is the case at many resort courses, Jones made the 18th hole relatively easy—in this case a par-5—to allow golfers to end their round on a high note.

MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT

A trip to Wailea would not be complete without playing the Makena Beach & Golf Resort.

Another unique jewel designed

by Jones, this is a phenomenal 6,914-yard test that can be difficult. There are hills, hazards, tough hole designs and less-than-forgiving terrain that force you to think through every shot before you swing, or you’ll suffer the consequences.

Fairways are relatively narrow and are bordered by mature trees—which means they

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can snag inaccurate shots— and regardless of which tee box you drive from, you will hit traps if you’re not careful with direction and distance.

Aside from the varied distances from one set of tees to the next, you’ll also find the angles of your tee shots, the elevations and the direction to the hole to be completely different, offering a unique playing experience from each tee.

Course highlights include the 12th hole, a 185-yarder over a canyon and toward the deep blue Pacific that is, perhaps, the prettiest par-3 in the state. Then there’s the 620-yard, par-5 14th hole that descends 200-plus feet and also plays toward the ocean.

The generous greens are not as enormous as those at Old Blue or the Emerald, but they roll perfectly true, smooth and fair. Beyond all the challenges this course presents, you’ll walk away feeling sufficiently tested and with lingering impressions of the dramatic ocean views.

P R E VIO US PAGE : WA L IE A GOL F R E S O R T (2) / T HIS PAGE : WA IL E A GOL F R E S O R T (1) / R O N DA H LQ UIS T (1)

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Escape to one of these three tropical getaways that offer adventure and relaxation to please families of every stripe. BY SAMANTHA BERMAN

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FLORIDA

ROSEMARY BEACH

TABLE TALK. Locally owned cafes and restaurants—no drivethroughs allowed here—offer a down-home culinary scene with something for all comers. The standouts:

V ISIT S O U T H WA LTON (2) / GE T T Y (1)

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dyllic. Charming. Timeless. All words often used to describe Rosemary Beach, a sandy-shore escape upon the warm waters of northern Florida’s Gulf Coast. Picture oldworld architecture reminiscent of Savannah, Ga.; Charleston, S.C.; and even parts of the colonial Caribbean. Stately homes are interlaced by cobbled walkways, sunny pools, pocket parks and grassy knolls—all within a short walk to the lovely downtown, where boutiques, cafes, art galleries and a day spa present a chance to while away the hours.

Located along scenic Highway 30-A, an 18.5-mile stretch of road that wends along strips of fine-sand coastline, through marshes and wetlands, past hardwood forest and coastal scrubland, Rosemary Beach is one of 11 communities connected by four state parks, 27 miles of greenway paths and dozens of beaches.

In Rosemary Beach, favored for its sugar-sand and familyembracing ethos, there’s much to do and see. Homeowners and guests receive a secure passcode for the beach gate, keeping crowds minimal. The fine sand trickles through your toes en route to the warm, crystalline water. Once in the ocean, you can see your toes, as well as the dozens of species of fish swimming alongside you, making for excellent snorkeling.

An avid golf community, Rosemary Beach is close to several renowned local courses, including the Fazio-designed Camp Creek and the stunning Santa Rosa, with two holes abutting the Gulf of Mexico. And with water as clear as the Bahamas’, aspiring fishermen can catch a boutique charter right out of Rosemary Beach for an intimate ocean-fishing excursion, or make the 45-minute

IN ROSEMARY BEACH

Restaurant Paradis: Serves steaks and seafood in a finedining setting.

La Crema: This fun tapas bar serves up diverse wines, small bites and tempting chocolate desserts in an outdoor cafestyle setting.

HARD AT PLAY FAR LEFT: Family time in Anguilla. LEFT: Paddleboarding the coast (they call it YOLO in the South Walton beach area). ABOVE: Boardwalk cruising in Rosemary.

trip into Destin for a deeper-sea option. Expect plentiful cobia, tuna, amberjack and snapper.

Those seeking time away from the sand will find refuge in one of Rosemary Beach’s four unique pools (see sidebar). A sure hit with kids of all ages, the pools are open to all Rosemary Beach homeowners and guests. A highlight here is sampling each pool and soaking in its unique flavor and vibe. Summertime familythemed pool parties are always a hit, followed by beach bonfires with s’mores and moonlight crabbing on the wet sand with flashlights in hand.

Ideal for families with schoolage children, the summer high season also brings kids camps— sunny days filled with activities designed to introduce the younger set to the joys of the beach, from snorkeling to fishing to stand-up paddleboarding, a new

sport that’s become a Rosemary Beach staple. Concerts on the Great Lawn, movies out under the stars and family-centric performances all summer long perpetuate Rosemary Beach’s idyllic summer ambience.

And while everything in Rosemary Beach is walkable, getting around is more fun on a beach cruiser. Local cycle shop 30-A Bikes will drop off and pick up cycles at your residence, and the more adventurous cyclists should know that all 18.5 miles of Highway 30-A is paved from end to end. Pedaling it—all or in part—is a great way to get the lay of the land.

But the real Rosemary Beach magic transcends the golf, the fishing, the snorkeling and the sugary beach. At the end of the day, time spent in such a special place creates family memories worth keeping.

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Aqua Coastal Sushi: A newly opened tapasstyle sushi restaurant with a cosmopolitan vibe and a creative menu.

Onano Neighborhood Cafe: This small joint is known for its Tuscan pastas and entrées.

Summer Kitchen Cafe and Restaurant: A casual cafe serving three meals a day.

Also a popular brunch spot.

Wild Olives Market: Stop at this market and deli for fresh soups, salads and sandwiches made in-house.

OUTSIDE ROSEMARY BEACH

George’s: Located in nearby Aly’s Beach, this seaside restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and is known for its famous grouper sandwich.

Caliza: Also in Aly’s Beach, Caliza offers waterside dining surrounding its sleek infinity pool.

Cafe Thirty-A: About 15 minutes from Rosemary Beach, this restaurant in Seagrove Beach consistently offers up some of the best food and service in the region.

SWIM TIME. Spend time exploring each of Rosemary Beach’s four pools. Here’s what to expect: Cabana Pool: Next to a playground, Cabana Pool has a shaded 12-inch-deep children’s wading pool and a large main pool that boasts a colorful Mediterranean design.

Coquina Pool: Sitting beachside, Coquina is simple yet beautiful with an infinity edge and a large shallow end that makes it a family favorite.

Sky Pool: This unusual pool features a closable roof that allows it to stay open year-round.

Barbados Pool: With two pools inside a gated structure, this complex has a distinctive Caribbean design with plenty of shade and a vestibule fountain.

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MEXICO

PUNTA DE MITA

T

HOT TABLES. Visitors will find plenty of chances to sample the local flavors as well as indulge in excellent meals.

Our picks:

pagos” thanks to their unique birdlife. Beneath the waves, look for dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish such as pufferfish and damselfish. From December through March, whale-spotting cruises take over as the destination’s most popular diversion.

The waters of Punta de Mita also hold a bounty for deep-sea fishermen hoping to catch their limit of sea bass, tuna, black and blue marlin, and red snapper.

This beach vacation isn’t all about the water, though. Families with older kids can partake in a popular eco tour. These excursions introduce families to Punta de Mita’s pristine forests and inland parks of the verdant Sierra Madre Mountains.

Visit up-and-coming San Pancho (also known as San Francisco), a quaint, artsy Mexican village still frequented by the native Hiuchol tribe. Or arrange for a hike or bike ride along the trails between Punta de Mita and surfing village Sayulita, then reward your brood with a taste of the local specialty: fresh coconut ice-cream pops dipped in Mexican dark chocolate. In or out of the water, you can’t go wrong.

breaks, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, digging in the sand or just lounging in a chaise with a good book on an uncrowded strip of Pacific coastline.

Punta de Mita is also one of Mexico’s top diving spots thanks to an underwater topography of arches and caves and plentiful coral reefs that attract diverse marine life. Even novice divers and snorkelers will find an excursion that meets their needs, including a tour to Las Marietas, rugged, uninhabited islands known as the “other Gala-

IN PUNTA DE MITA Cafe des Artistes del Mar: Head to this gourmet bistrostyle restaurant for classically prepared fresh seafood and lovely views over the water.

Sí Señor: The Mexican menu features a healthy selection of seafood dishes in a space where almost every table enjoys an oceanfront view.

Mariscos Tino’s: Savor very local flavors and preparations at this seafood restaurant, especially its pescado zarandeano, grilled sea bass with native spices.

Casa Teresa: Homemade pastas and family recipes passed down through the generations characterize this cozy Italian cafe.

Try the gnocchi or the eggplant Parmigiana.

IN LA CRUZ, DOWNTOWN PUNTA DE MITA Casiano’s: The epitome of the local experience; dine on Mexican tapas.

FUN IF BY SEA TOP: Father-son surf lessons. LEFT: Tour boat and kayak explore a natural arch and cove at Las Islas Marietas, Nayarit, Mexico.

ABOVE: Snorkeling with native fish along Punta de Mita’s coral reefs.

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Frascati Ristorante: This Italian clay oven puts out excellent pizzas and homemade pastas.

THE PRICE. IS RIGHT. Local handcrafted art and housewares make for worthwhile shopping excursions in and around Punta de Mita. Here’s where to go: Farmers’ Market in Punta de Mita: Local artists come here every Sunday from November through April to display their wares.

Also try some fun regional tastes, such as banana cakes.

Local Market in Bucerias: This is where you’ll find wood art sculptures, handcrafted silverware, pewter pieces, handmade bedspreads and all manner of Mexican artistry on display year-round.

Galleria Tanana: Located in Sayulita, this spot is known for its authentic Huichol beadwork.

San Pancho galleries: Local artists display their own work at several galleries in the craftsy town.

GE T T Y IM AGE S (1) / S H U T T E R S TOC K (2)

he wild, rugged beauty of Punta de Mita is often the first thing visitors notice. Only 50 minutes from the tourist capital of Puerta Vallarta, Punta de Mita seems a world away—which is exactly what makes it so special. We can thank, in part, geography: Punta de Mita sits on a 9-milelong peninsula that juts into the Pacific, replete with hidden coves, craggy coastline and sandy bay-front beaches perfect for lounging, splashing and sunning.

One of Punta de Mita’s finest is Veneros Beach, on the northern edge of Banderas Bay. One mile of soft sand meets the gentle, warm waters of the bay and serves up all the activities a beach-seeking family with adolescent and teenage kids could want: boogie boarding at low tide, kayaking out past the

SUN, SAND AND SURF LEFT: Kite surfing in Anguilla. BELOW LEFT: Kidfriendly beaches abound on the island. BELOW RIGHT: Sandy Ground Village is the treasure at the end of the rainbow.

HOT TABLES. For such a small island, Anguilla boasts a surprisingly solid culinary scene. Our top picks:

PARADISE FOUND. Brief boat rides ferry beach-seekers to several nearby islands and sandbars for the day. The best of them:

Pimms Restaurant: Embracing “Eurobbean” cuisine, Pimms, at Cap Juluca resort, melds European and Caribbean flavors in a spot so close to the water you can dip your feet in.

Sandy Island: As the name implies, this cay is made entirely of sand and is completely barren save for some palm and coconut trees.

Veya Restaurant: Melding flavors from myriad cultures, the cuisine at this unique eatery is at the same time sophisticated and island-authentic.

Smokey’s at the Cove: Casual, on the beach, and serving local cuisine from pigeon peas and rice to jerk chicken to coconut shrimp, all accompanied by the beat of live island music.

Picante: Hit up this Caribbean taqueria for fresh Mexican cuisine amped up with island spices.

Blanchard’s: This is perhaps the classic Anguilla restaurant, located on the water in Mead’s Bay, known for stellar service and excellent AmericanCaribbean cuisine.

Prickly Pear Cay: Home to a reef that offers snorkelers the chance to see plenty of colorful fish, this little cay also has a restaurant that specializes in fish grilled over local coals.

Dog Island: Rocky and lowlying, Dog Island is home to several species of nesting sea birds, including Sooty Terns, Brown Boobies and Laughing Gulls.

Scrub Island: Lovely beaches and calm waters are the only amenities on this tiny, tranquil paradise at the eastern tip of Anguilla.

Scilly Cay: Smallest of the cays, Scilly has a restaurant known for its lobster and rum punch and a super-small but tranquil beach for sunning and swimming.

BRITISH WEST INDIES

ANGUILLA

GE T T Y IM AGE S (1) / S H U T T E R S TOC K (2)

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hat’s there to do on a coral-sand island a mere 16 miles around and 3 miles at its widest point? Plenty.

Or, if you prefer, nothing at all.

Tiny, laid-back Anguilla, located a few miles from St. Martin in the Caribbean Sea, is the northernmost island in the Leeward chain.

On paper, this flat swath of beach doesn’t boast the geographical riches of some of its neighbors.

It’s a good thing, then, that vacations don’t take place on paper.

First among Anguilla’s assets are its 33 powder-sand beaches, gateways to the warm turquoise water that’s 80 degrees yearround. Ideal for families with very young children, the gentle waves here invite sandcastlemaking and safe splashing just off the shoreline. Families looking for some adventure can join a sailing or snorkeling excur-

sion, perhaps coming face-toface with historic shipwrecks (El Buen Consejo, a Spanish ship wrecked in the 18th century, is worth checking out), or boarding a Panga boat for a day of angling with a local captain.

Not that you have to exert yourself. Anguilla’s crushed coral beach sand is slip-through-yourtoes luxurious, and the island’s remoteness keeps the beaches blissfully uncrowded, even during high travel times. The largest beach is Rendezvous, wide and inviting, where one of the best beach bars on the island, Dune Preserve, provides a reggae soundtrack. Shoal Bay’s 2 miles of beachfront is known as one of the best in the world, where the water is so clear and blue it seems almost unnatural. More low-key and perfect for young families, Mead’s Bay offers a safe

swimming area that’s separate from the rest of the beach. Moms and dads looking to get farther afield have more than a dozen near-deserted island cays at their disposal (see details above).

We know Anguilla has killer beaches, but where this little island surprises most is what it offers on solid ground. Or rather, below it: caves. When the kids want a little mystery, families can seek out Big Spring Cave, a collapsed cavern that hides a natural spring where the native Arawak people sourced their fresh water

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more than a thousand years ago.

The walls of the cave are covered with ancient petroglyphs called Spirit Eyes. One of the most dramatic caves is Fountain Bay, descending almost 100 feet into the earth. For young families, Cavanaugh Cave is ideal thanks to its smaller size and layout.

Back in the sunshine, whether on beach or deserted cay, one thing is for sure: For all families, an Anguilla vacation promises as much adventure—or lack of adventure—as desired.

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INSPIRATION

FOOD & WINE

Three region-defining dishes with humble roots get haute-cuisine treatment at home and in lands far away.

BY HE ATHER JOHN FOGART Y

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

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PHOTOGRAPHY by REBECCA MARSHALL

DISH IT UP OPPOSITE AND RIGHT:

At Marseille’s Calypso Restaurant, bouillabaisse is prepared and served according to the traditional methods established in the official Charter of Bouillabaisse.

The separate components—fish, broth and toasted bread—are plated tableside.

STEW ON THIS LIKE COFFEE SHOPS IN SEATTLE, SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS ABOUND IN MARSEILLE. THESE ARE THE TOWN’S TOP SPOTS FOR THE REAL DEAL.

L’EPUISETTE 156 rue de vallon des auffes l-epuisette.fr The Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Sorrieu serves a modern interpretation of “Fisherman’s Bouillabaisse” that is as memorable as the view.

CHEZ FONFON 140 rue du vallon des auffes chez-fonfon.com Grab a window seat at this old-school favorite, perched along the picturesque port of Vallon des Auffes, overlooking the fishing boats that supply the daily catch.

LE PETIT NICE 17 rue des braves passadet.fr This opulent presentation of the region’s most beloved dish from Provence’s only three-star Michelin chef is enjoyed as part of a bouillabaisse tasting menu.

LE MIRAMAR 12 quai du port lemiramar.fr It’s a good idea to order your bouillabaisse in advance when booking your table at this renowned restaurant in the heart of the Old Port.

UNE TABLE AU SUD 2 quai du port untableausud.com At this modern one-star Michelin restaurant, chef Lionel Lévy serves a clever and nuanced take on bouillabaisse.

Bouillabaisse MARSEILLE, FRANCE

“how to make the authentic bouillabaisse is always a subject of lively discussion among French experts,” wrote Julia Child in The French Chef Cookbook. “Each always insists that his own is the only correct version.” In fact, the ingredients and methods used for preparing, plating, serving and eating this iconic seafood stew are so passionately debated that in 1980, 11 restaurants in Marseille signed an official Charter of Bouillabaisse dictating what kind of fish could be used to make a truly authentic rendition. What began as a humble fisherman’s stew has been elevated to one of the great dishes of the world.

Traditional bouillabaisse includes a variety of Mediterranean fish such as breams, gurnards, mullets, sea eels, weavers, wrasses and rockfish, some of which are to eat and others to disintegrate into the broth. Typically, fish are served on a platter and the broth—a rich mixture of tomato, garlic, saffron, olive oil and potato—in a tureen lined with toasted bread.

Broth is then spooned from the tureen into large soup plates or bowls and topped with the fish. Diners use large spoons and forks until just the remnants are left, which can be scooped up with crusty baguettes slathered

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What began as a humble fisherman’s stew has been elevated to one of the great dishes of the world.

with rouille—a thick chili-spiked sauce made with breadcrumbs, garlic and olive oil.

But not all bouillabaisse is created equal, and there are plenty of restaurants peddling subpar versions to tourists. This is a dish on which it pays to spend more, which considering how much fresh seafood is involved, should cost upwards of €40.

While bouillabaisse remains one of the most beloved dishes of the Mediterranean, several Marseille chefs are putting a fresh spin on the classic. Apparently the statute of limitations on the charter has run out.

At Le Pétit Nice, Gérald Passédat serves a deconstructed version called “Bouille Abaisse” that dramatically arrives as a tower of dishes, while at Une Table au Sud the dish is reimagined as a frothy milk shake with delicate layers of mousse, fish and potatoes.

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INSPIRATION

FOOD & WINE

FINGER LICKIN’ ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE COLONEL, BUT THESE PLACES SERVE CRISPY CHICKEN THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE FRIED.

BIRCH & BARLEY 1337 14th st. nw, washington, d.c. birchandbarley.com Chef Kyle Bailey goes haute serving Belgian waffles with his fried chicken in this classic brunch favorite.

FARMSHOP 225 26th st., brentwood, calif. farmshopla.com Chef Jeff Cerciello’s Sunday night fried chicken dinners are among the hottest gets in a town where every calorie counts.

MAX’S WINE DIVE 207 san jacinto blvd., austin, texas maxswinedive.com Fried chicken gets the Tex Mex treatment by soaking the pieces in a jalapeño buttermilk marinade before deep-frying to crispy perfection and serving with a glass of bubbly.

Fried Chicken AMERICA’S DEEP SOUTH CALIFORNIA CRISPY Fried chicken might trace its roots back to the American South, but it’s coming of age in places as unexpected as Beverly Hills and Brooklyn. At Farmshop in Brentwood, Calif., classic preparation meets a more modern and upscale presentation.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

there might be nothing more american than apple pie, except perhaps fried chicken.

Brought to the U.S. by Scottish immigrants and cooked in kitchens by African slaves in the Deep South, fried chicken started as a Southern staple but quickly became a national treasure. At its golden crispy best, fried chicken can trigger an emotional response. “Fried chicken is one of those things that people have certain reference points from their childhood,” says Jeff Cerciello, chef-owner of Farmshop in Brentwood, Calif. “Mine was the KFC that my parents got once a week for dinner. I grew up in the time of fast food restaurants. But tasting fried chicken in the Deep South, you really appreciate what fried chicken is. You learn an appreciation for these humble, simple foods.”

National institutions like The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Mama Dip’s in Chapel Hill, and Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles in Los Angeles have been setting the standard for decades with their crispy, salty, authentic fried chicken. There are few foods more pure in their perfection, so it’s little surprise that the dish has been exalted at some of the top tables around the country.

At Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc in Napa Valley, where Cerciello first experimented with fried chicken, Keller soaks the chicken in a

PIES ‘N’ THIGHS 166 s 4th st., brooklyn, n.y. piesnthighs.com This Williamsburg spot is a favorite for its fried chicken seasoned with black pepper, cayenne and paprika.

lemony brine before coating it in a buttermilk batter and deep-frying it. At Pies ‘n’ Thies in Brooklyn, N.Y., cayenne and black pepper find their way into the batter, while jalapeño adds kick to the marinade at Max’s Wine Dive in Austin, Texas. “Starting with organic chicken is paramount,” says Cerciello. “We brine ours for 12 hours and then air dry it for a day to help dry out the skin, and then there’s the breading procedure, where the creativity comes in. We play with flour mixtures of whatever it is we are serving the chicken with.

This time of year it’s citrus, maybe fennel seed in the batter; sometimes we’ll do dishes with eastern Mediterranean spices, sumac and thyme; sometimes we’ll do a lot of rosemary, a lot of herbs. But we try not to overthink it.”

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RESTAURANT EUGENE 2277 peachtree rd. ne, atlanta, ga. restauranteugene.com Esquire magazine voted Eugene’s fried chicken the best in the country. Chef Linton Hopkins serves it on Sunday nights with seasonal side dishes.

PHOTOGRAPHY by STEVE ANDERSON

GOOD EATS Visit us online at inspiratomagazine.com for more iconic dishes and tasty traditions from around the world.

Ebelskivers

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK ebelskivers may be one of the few Danish foods that Americans can name thanks to the intriguing dimpled pans that beckon from the pages of the WilliamsSonoma catalog. In Denmark, they are traditionally served around Christmas with gløgg, Scandinavian mulled wine. The name ebelskiver, which translates to apple slice, refers to this simple, traditional Danish pancake ball that is often baked with apple inside.

Sweet or savory, other popular fillings include jam, cheese, ham and even smoked fish.

While purists would perish the thought of indulging in these ubiquitous holiday treats anytime outside of December, ebelskivers are having a moment, popping up year-round in surprisingly sophisticated incarnations including on the menu of the world’s best restaurant (as named by Restaurant magazine) Noma in Copenhagen. “I always knew [ebelskivers] as those weird doughnuts you got in Solvang; the pans as the oddest item in the Williams-Sonoma catalog,” says Jonathan Gold, the Pulitzer Prize–winning restaurant critic for the Los Angeles Times. “But the ebelskivers at Noma were pretty swell: round, savory cakes, fresh from the pan, served with half a smoked fish sticking out from either side—it looked as if the herring extended all the way through.” Noma Executive Chef René Redzepi has also been known to serve a sea salt bone marrow version. Also giving ebelskivers the New Nordic treatment is Chef Thomas Herman, who, as the chef at Hotel Nimb until February, served eel-filled ebelskivers in a bisque of Jerusalem artichoke.

EBELSKIVERS EVERYWHERE LOOK FOR THESE DANISH PANCAKES ON MORE AUTHENTIC SCANDINAVIAN MENUS AT THESE EATERIES IN THE STATES AND DENMARK.

PHOTOGRAPHY by ERIN KUNKEL

ACME

HENRY PUBLIC

9 great jones st., new york, n.y. acmenyc.com Acme is a modern bistro helmed by Chef Mads Refslund, who blends New Nordic cuisine with New American seasonal fare.

329 henry street, cobble hill, brooklyn, n.y. henrypublic.com At this Brooklyn saloon, ebelskivers are called Wilkinsons— after consulting chef (and former “Top Chef” culinary producer) Shannon Wilkinson—and are served with a rumcaramel dipping sauce.

DOMKU BAR & CAFE 821 upshur st. nw, washington, d.c. domkucafe.com Kera Carpenter has been serving ebelskivers year-round at her popular neighborhood cafe since she opened in 2005.

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MALERKLEMMEN RESTAURANT ved kildepladsen 4, borup, denmark malerklemmen.dk Serving ebelskivers year-round, this charming, thatched-roof restaurant is about 20 miles from Copenhagen.

SWEET OR SAVORY Traditionally served with a sweet, fruit or jam-like filling, modern twists on the Scandinavian Christmas classic include everything from sardines to bacon and eggs.

NOMA strandgade 93, copenhagen, denmark noma.dk At what is considered the best restaurant in the world, René Redzepi serves a haute rendition speared with a smoked fish.

SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

A BOLD NEW EXPRESSION OF COGNAC

Handcrafted at Château de Cognac in France, D’USSÉ™ VSOP is the latest creation from the 200-year-old house of exceptional cognac.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

©2012 D’USSÉ IS A TRADEMARK. IMPORTED BY D’USSÉ SPIRITS, CORAL GABLES, FL. Cognac – 40% ALC. BY VOL.

www.dusse.com © The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York

Napa Valley sister wineries Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars stem from the same roots yet pursue very different approaches in their shared quest for excellence. BY HE ATHER JOHN FOGART Y

VISIONARY VINTNERS LEFT: Silver Oak’s iconic headquarters in Oakville, Calif.

The winery was reconstructed following a fire in 2006. ABOVE: Twomey’s tasting room in Healdsburg, Calif. The winery also operates a tasting room in Calistoga. RIGHT: Silver Oak CEO and President David Duncan evaluates samples at company headquarters. TOP: Grapes ripen in the sun at Silver Oak.

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FOOD & WINE

INSPIRATION

Few images of wine country are as iconic as the white water tower and solitary silver oak rising from the vineyard floor. The image has graced the label of every Cabernet Sauvignon bottle from Napa Valley’s fabled Silver Oak Cellars winery since its inaugural vintage, and is representative of the winery’s singular focus.

“Do one thing, and do it well,” says CEO and President David Duncan of Silver Oak’s guiding philosophy.

Silver Oak produces only two wines: Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley. Both are aged for about two years exclusively in American oak, and both enjoy cult status among connoisseurs and collectors, which is no small feat in a region that produces some of the world’s most elegant and soughtafter Cabernet Sauvignons.

While Silver Oak has built its considerable reputation on producing Cabernet Sauvignon exclusively, its younger sister winery, Twomey, is more experimental and specializes in modern interpretations of Old World wine across a variety of styles, starting with Pomerol-style Merlot with a New World sensibility.

“It’s a perfect complement for the ethos of Silver Oak,” says David, whose father, Ray Duncan, founded Silver Oak in the early 1970s.

PHOTOGRAPHY by CHARLIE GESELL

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S P RIN G 2013 S IN S PIR ATO.CO M

Silver Oak releases its wines four years and six months after harvest, and although these wines are ready to drink, they’re also capable of aging another 15 years. This steadfast schedule doesn’t allow time to adjust to current winemaking trends, and its unwavering approach has created the legend that is Silver Oak. “‘Trust’ is a favorite word we hear from customers,” David says. “Instead of trying to change according to critics’ palates, we keep putting out wine that is drinkable.”

Twomey shares that dedication to releasing drinkable wines that also pair well with food, but produces a variety of styles that allow Twomey to utilize and fine-tune winemaking techniques that are best suited to each specific varietal.

In addition to Merlot, Twomey also produces appellation and estate Pinot Noirs and an estate Sauvignon Blanc.

“My brother, Tim, is a Burgundy lover, so he is a big influence with our Pinot Noir, and the women in the family all like white wine, so we added Sauvignon Blanc to the lineup,” David says.

It’s fair to say that, as different as

BY THE MID-’80S, THE HIGHLY ALLOCATED WINE WAS IN SUCH FIERCE DEMAND THAT HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMERS WOULD LINE UP OUTSIDE THE WINERY AND SPEND THE NIGHT BEFORE THE ANNUAL RELEASE DATE.

they are, both wineries are still very much in the same family.

Raymond Twomey Duncan, an entrepreneur from Denver, co-founded Silver Oak winery with Christian Brothers enologist Justin Meyer in 1972. Their singular goal was to produce

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

a world-class Cabernet; it’s what David refers to as his father’s “Cab is king” mentality.

Producing just one wine was seen as renegade and risky, which is something of a Duncan family hallmark. Additionally, Meyer insisted on holding the wines to age until they were ready to drink—at the time an unorthodox practice in California—believing that the tannins needed time to mellow and driven by the desire to make an approachable wine that’s drinkable on release.

By the mid-’80s, the highly allocated wine was in such fierce demand that hundreds of customers would line up outside the winery and spend the night before the annual release date.

Duncan jokes, “They’re still lining up, but we don’t let people spend the night anymore.”

“Silver Oak is a phenomenal success story,” says Ian Blackburn, founder of Learn About Wine in Los Angeles. “It’s a paramount brand that has been unwavering in its approach to the market. They did it their way— making Cabernet in what has now become a Cabernet state.

Many Napa wineries started lining up their release dates around Silver Oak’s. It’s as if Silver Oak had the crystal ball.”

Indeed it’s a legacy that seems almost charmed. While many brands struggle to stay relevant, Silver Oak continues to show

up on Wine & Spirits Magazine’s annual Restaurant Top 20 list of best-selling Cabernets (this year it ranked number two behind Jordan Vineyard & Winery). To consistently turn out 100,000 cases of top-tier Cabernet year after year over four decades, while also maintaining a loyal fan base and a strong demand in the marketplace is nothing short of extraordinary.

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In 2000, Justin Meyer sold his stake to Ray Duncan, and Daniel Baron, whom Meyer and Duncan hired in 1994 and had cut his teeth at Bordeaux’s Château Pétrus and Napa’s Dominus, took over as director of winemaking. Baron continues to oversee the Merlot production, while Ben Cane oversees Twomey’s Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Shortly thereafter, the

FOOD & WINE

INSPIRATION

SCENES FROM THE FIELD CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Twomey’s Healdsburg tasting room offers an expansive view of the Dry Creek Valley; newly planted vines at Silver Oak in Napa; working during the harvest/ crush of grapes at Twomey; winemaker Ben Cane’s winemaking and blending notes; visitors in the Silver Oak Wine Library; winemaker Ben Cane holds a degree in organic chemistry and oversees the Pinot program at Twomey Cellars.

winery’s longtime general manager retired, and Ray Duncan knew just the man for the job.

“I got a call from my dad,” says David Duncan, who was then heading up Duncan Oil in Denver. Within hours, David and his wife, Kary, who was serving as assistant chief of medicine at the University of Colorado, made the decision to pack up their life in Denver and make the move to Napa Valley.

But David’s move to Napa wasn’t the only change for the Duncan family, which was finally expanding its sights beyond Cabernet Sauvignon.

The previous year, in 1999, Ray Duncan had bought the

PHOTOGRAPHY by CHARLIE GESELL

Soda Canyon Ranch, mainly for the Cabernet, but “our winemaker, Daniel [Baron], got very excited about the French clones of Merlot in the vineyard,” says David Duncan. “So we decided to make a single-vineyard Merlot.

Because Silver Oak was to remain strictly focused on Cabernet, the Duncans named the new Merlot winery Twomey, Ray’s mother’s maiden name. The partnership between Duncan and Meyer still existed at Silver Oak; however, Twomey was founded as a Duncan family venture.

“With Twomey, the Duncans decided to plant a stick in the ground with Merlot,” says Blackburn. “That’s a powerful move from a label that is synonymous with Cabernet.”

Like his father, David is a renegade—perhaps something he picked up during all those summers working on a cattle ranch in Colorado as a teenager.

When he wants something, he

goes after it. His commitment to making world-class Merlot at Twomey continues with the recent appointment of winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet of Château Pétrus fame as a consultant to Twomey’s winemaking team. If you want to make the best Merlot in the New World, you hire the guy making the best Merlot in the world.

“Much of my style of winemaking is based on [Berrouet’s] aesthetic,” says Baron. “In fact, I often credit my time with him [at Pétrus and Dominus] as one of the inspirations that led to Twomey Cellars. JeanClaude knows how to combine subtlety, intensity and balance in a wine, and his joy of living comes through in every glass.”

Today, Silver Oak’s landmark wooden water tower and headquarters in Oakville—constructed from hand-quarried limestone reclaimed from a 19th-century cooperage—stand

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in stark contrast to Twomey’s sleek tasting room in nearby Healdsburg; the different styles make an apt metaphor for the two wineries’ distinct identities.

As different as the two wineries may appear, however, they’re united by the family’s singular vision and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

“Our model is focus,” David says. And whether it’s Silver Oak’s dedication to perfecting a single varietal based on 40 years of experience or Twomey’s more varied and experimental approach, their shared vision remains clear.

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INSPIRATION

HISTORY & TRENDS

THE INSPIRITED TRAVELER

TEQUILA’S NEW VANGUARD As tastes in tequila trend away from mass-market brands and toward craft production, contemporary small-batch makers continue a centuries-old tradition. BY M.A. MOR ALES

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TOP TASTES

KNOW YOUR TEQUILA STYLES

ABOVE: Mercado

restaurant, in downtown Santa Monica, Calif., is known for its extensive tequila offerings. RIGHT: Harvesting agave in Jalisco, Mexico.

BLANCO Unaged tequila usually bottled straight from the still. Flavors and scents range from floral and spices to fruits and herbs. Baked and raw agave flavors, along with a hint of smoke, are a plus.

REPOSADO Typically aged between two and 11 months. Flavors and scents include whiskey, oak, toasted almonds, nuts, vanilla and honey.

AÑEJO Must be aged in wooden barrels between one and three years.

Flavors and scents are never-ending: nuts, whiskey, oak, Cognac, bourbon, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee and slight agave.

EXTRA AÑEJO These gems are aged for three or more years and/or blended. Flavors and scents are dessert-like: rich vanilla, dark chocolate, raisins, dried cherries, sherry, coffee, plus smoke, leather and tobacco.

MERCADO PHOTOGRAPHY by JESSICA SAMPLE

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A vintage jukebox stands against the wall in La Capilla, the oldest bar in the magical city of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, the birthplace of tequila and a city named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006.

An American tourist drops his coins and makes his selection—a classic by famed mariachi singer Javier Solis.

Above the strains of Solis’s recording of “Sombras Nada Mas,” Don Javier Delgado Corona, the white-haired proprietor of La Capilla, smiles broadly as he prepares a fresh batch of his signature cocktail, the Batanga, which he first concocted in the early 1960s.

The corner bar is modest, decorated mostly with black-and-white photos of famous celebrities, paintings of beautiful women, mismatched bar stools and a careful selection of tequilas from the region, most from tequileros (tequila producers) and their families whom Don Javier has known personally for decades.

Meanwhile, on a drizzly February afternoon in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, Calif., Marco Antonio Ramos Monterrubio, the dapper and energetic manager of Mercado tequila bar, and head mixologist Gilbert Marquez discuss their next tequila acquisitions for a new cocktail menu.

Arranged fresh-cut flowers and flatware are already placed on long, wooden, communal tables, where strangers—sitting elbow-to-elbow on bustling evenings—become quick friends over a few rounds.

Mercado, recently voted Best New Restaurant of 2013 by Los Angeles Magazine, has rapidly become a go-to destination to try the latest in tequila trends and cocktails. While on the surface its atmosphere is far removed from that of cantinas like La Capilla, its tequila philosophy is strikingly similar at its core in terms of tradition and quality.

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INSPIRATION

HISTORY & TRENDS

Demand on the Rise

There are 1,300 brands of tequila in production worldwide, of which more than 1,000 are exported to the United States. In 2011 alone, 12 million cases of tequila were sold in the States. Americans, it seems, can’t get enough of Mexico’s native spirit.

One of the keys to tequila’s recent popularity has been the distillers’ ability to offer a tequila for every budget and occasion. According to the latest statistics from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the largest growth has been in the High End Premium and Super Premium segments of the market, both of which are composed of 100 percent blue agave tequilas, as opposed to mixto tequilas made from a combination of at least 51 percent blue weber agave and 49 percent “other sugars.”

While the mixto market still pays the bills for most of the mass-produced brands, it’s the 100 percent agave tequilas that discerning drinkers love.

Evolving Tastes

Tequila Trends

Quenching America’s substantial thirst is an ongoing challenge for the tequila industry, since the spirit is arguably the most highly regulated in the world. Global demand from countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China is also on the rise.

Major producers like Casa Herradura, Sauza and Jose Cuervo have adopted more modern techniques and equipment within industry

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

HARVESTING TRADITION CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Weber blue agave plants; Mercado head bartender Gilbert Marquez creates a cocktail; Mercado’s Invisible Margarita ( front) and Poblano Margarita; cut and cured agave awaits production; a stone-mill wheel is used to crush the agave.

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE TEQUILA.

MESCAL.

Tequila has an appellation of origin like Champagne or Cognac. One hundred percent agave tequila must be grown, distilled and bottled in the Mexican states of Narayit, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Jalisco.

Blue weber agave, tequila’s primary material, is a plant related to the lily family and may take up to six to eight years to mature. Jalisco, where the majority of tequila is produced, has both highlands and lowlands just like Scotland, where whiskey (Scotch) is produced.

There are several different microclimates in between, but as a general rule highlands blue agave produces sweeter and smoother-tasting tequilas, with definite floral and citrus notes, while lowlands blue agave produces robust and spicy tequilas with more earthy tones.

Mescal, tequila’s cousin, is produced from several types of maguey (agave), most notably espadín, tobalá and arroquense. These, too, may take up to eight years to mature.

Like tequila, mescal is also protected by an appellation of origin and must be grown, distilled and bottled in the Mexican states of Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Due to its production process, in which the harvested core of the maguey is roasted underground in fire pits for several hours, mescal acquires a very distinct smoky flavor and aroma.

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P R E VIO US PAGE : S H U T T E R S TOC K (1) / T HIS PAGE : S H U T T E R S TOC K (3)

“Jose Cuervo was founded in 1795, and Mexico’s independence was in 1810. That’s how far back tequila goes,” explains Monterrubio. “Jose Cuervo, the man, was a good man.

It’s not his fault that you met him during your college years with a really bad product.” Thankfully, choking down tequila shots with lime and salt is a thing of the past.

Pure agave tequilas have enjoyed an astonishing renaissance in the past decade as American consumers have become much more interested in and savvy about the product. They’re seeking education through tequila tastings at restaurants such as Mercado— which pairs tequilas with its specialty menu items—and by attending popular tequila events around the country.

It also helps that the art and science of mixology has evolved beyond a few standard tequila cocktails thanks to creative bartenders who are reshaping the spirits industry in the U.S. “When people start to learn about tequila, they have to go through cocktails first,” explains Marquez.

“They first order a margarita and then start easing their way into tequila.”

FOUR TO TRY THESE BRANDS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF SMALL-BATCH, 100 PERCENT BLUE AGAVE TEQUILA PRODUCTION. TEQUILA FORTALEZA, a brand owned by fifthgeneration tequilero Guillermo Erickson Sauza, still produces its tequila at the last remaining distillery owned by the celebrated Sauza family. A working museum, it uses a tahona, or stone-mill wheel, to crush the agave before it’s fermented and distilled, imparting a distinctive flavor that is unmistakable.

TAPATÍO has been a favored brand in Mexico for years and launched in the U.S. in 2012. Manufactured at La Alteña distillery, considered one of the most important tequila factories in the industry, the brand is known for its fearless approach. So daring, in fact, that a 110-proof version will be available soon.

TEQUILA OCHO, owned by the UK’s official tequila ambassador, American Tom (Tomás) Estes, is one of only a handful of brands that insist on using single-estate agave. It’s fermented, distilled and bottled as a vintage with the name of the estate from which the agave was harvested on the label.

ALQUIMIA is a member of an elite group of certified organic tequilas. Owner Dr. Adolfo Murillo harvests blue agave from his family farm using sustainable organic growing protocols.

SHAKE IT UP Thirsty for more?

Visit inspiratomagazine.com for tequila-based cocktail recipes that go way beyond the Tequila Sunrise.

MERCADO PHOTOGRAPHY by JESSICA SAMPLE

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guidelines to make the tequilamaking process more efficient and to help keep up with the demand.

A diffuser, for instance, is a machine used to chop raw agave much more thoroughly than a traditional shredder would after the plants have been harvested and shaved of their spiky leaves, called pencas. Many large producers also bake the agave in giant autoclaves rather than in traditional stone ovens, and they over-distill the post-fermented juice more than the lawfully required two times in order to achieve a smoother-tasting product. These steps may lead to more efficient and profitable production methods, but the resulting tequila is often stripped of much of its character.

And while it may be tempting for smaller brands to employ such time-saving methods to keep pace with growing demand, the quality of the product is paramount, says Ken Austin, founder and chairman of Avión Spirits. The company launched its Avión Tequilas three years ago and has enjoyed rapid growth ever since.

“The key is, as you get bigger, you have to stay true to the principles that made you successful in the first place,” Austin says. “We will never shortcut our brand or our customers.”

The New Old School

The influx of more 100 percent agave tequila brands has bolstered the small- to medium-sized producers. These newer brands tend to be small-batched, microdistilled, handcrafted and are more representative of old-school tequila in terms of style and production methods.

And, as Don Javier at La Capilla knows, the age-old art of relationshipbuilding between tequila producers and their clientele still helps the best products rise to the top.

Mercado’s Monterrubio, for example, is certified as a catador, or tequila taster, from the Mexican Tequila Academy, one of only two such schools in existence. He knows his tequilas and maintains a personal connection with the brand owners he decides to carry at Mercado.

For Monterrubio, there are three main considerations when he’s evaluating a tequila: It has to taste good first and foremost, and it should also be handmade and of very high quality. He also appreciates if the brand has some history behind it—say if the same family has been making this same tequila for hundreds of years—or, in the case of new makers, if they’re innovating within tradition.

Whether you visit a historic tequila bar like La Capilla or frequent a modern gem like Mercado, your experience is guaranteed to be memorable thanks to tequila’s proven versatility and the creativity and quality of the burgeoning handcrafted category.

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robertocoin.com 800-853-5958

SUNRISE GLAM This Melissa Odabash Safi cotton maxi kaftan ($374, melissaodabash.com) makes an appropriate cover-up during breakfast on the private patio of your recently renovated guest casita at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. The Marie France Van Damme Milady Nageur metallic bustier one-piece swimsuit ($329, mariefrancevandamme.com) peeks out playfully. Add accessories like the set of three Kora wide triwrap bangles, ($154, shopgoldyn.com), a beach bag and wedge sandals, and head down to the pool.

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well suited THERE’S MORE TO A STYLISH POOLSIDE LOOK THAN A BIKINI AND FLIP-FLOPS. Photography by Mark Hanson | Styled by Georgia Alexia Benjou

Resort wear—like your beach vacations— should be comfortable and effortless. Not to say it can’t also be glamorous. A broadbrimmed hat, classic sunglasses, wedge sandals and a floor-length tunic pair easily with a full-piece suit or bikini for a look that’s sophisticated without pretense. These styles transition seamlessly from your lounge chair to cocktails on the lanai and keep you feeling confidently chic day and night.

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ON LOCATION San Diego, California, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.

PRETTY IN PINK For strolling the pool deck— lined by lush green palms and Birds of Paradise—choose a short silk kaftan like this magenta one from Marie France Van Damme ($455, mariefrancevandamme.com).

Tania Spinelli sandals ($595, saksfifthavenue.com).

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WHITE HOT Cool off with a plunge or just dip your feet.

At 82 degrees, the Rancho Valencia pool is the perfect temperature yearround. Here, a Melissa Odabash Bahamas ruched one-piece ($234, melissaodabash .com) pairs with Alexander McQueen sunglasses ($350, solsticesunglasses.com) and a set of three Kora narrow tri-wrap horn bangles ($170, shopgoldyn.com).

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SUMMER LOVIN’ A large floppy hat shades your face and adds a bit of attitude to the Shoshanna twist bandeau top and loop brief ($132 and $79, shoshanna.com) as you soak up the midday rays and sip a refreshing cocktail by the water.

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GO AHEAD, DIVE IN. To see more resort wear from our Rancho Valencia photo shoot, visit inspiratomagazine.com.

WIND DOWN Sun-kissed and refreshed after a day by the pool, transition to early evening cocktails at the new Pony Bar at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in this Marie France Van Damme palm print maxi bustier dress ($550, mariefrancevandamme.com) and Tania Spinelli pieced sandal ($595, saksfifthavenue.com).

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AUSTINTATIOUS clockwise from top left: The wacky façade of Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds thrift boutique; hanging out at the East Side Showroom; a glass of red wine at Perla’s; lounging inside the Lustre Pearl; a quiet place to relax at Lake Austin Resort & Spa.

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AUSTIN’S New Groove UNIQUE, VIBRANT AND ECLECTIC, THIS CENTRAL TEXAS TOWN LETS THE GOOD TIMES ROLL.

By Becca Hensley | Photography by Al Argueta

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“IN AUSTIN, NOTHING IS strange at all,” muses alto powerhouse and beloved local crooner Shelly King.

She’s referring to the eclectic music scene on which Austin has built its reputation. But these days the notion sums up a city that’s evolving from a musical melting pot into a chic cosmopolitan metropolis with swagger, where you’re as likely to see a dressedto-the-nines socialite as a rough-hewn cowboy.

The passing traffic I observe while lingering over a cup at Jo’s Coffee, a buzzing, laid-back watering hole on perpetually hip South Congress, illustrates Austin’s multifarious makeup: There’s a pedi-cab pedaled by a guy named Rags Olsson (who I happen to know sports a business card that reads “funk guitarist/ pedi-cab driver/artist/golf caddy”); a fleet of Zipcars; a trio of serious road bikers spinning like it’s the Tour de France; some cruising Harley-Davidsons propelled by chunky, bearded drivers; and a black convertible Ferrari 458 Spider.

That last one slips into a parking slot as nimbly as a stalking jungle cat. A nattily dressed man steps out and heads toward Enoteca, an Italian osteria with Romanstyle pizza, dishes to go and a stellar wine list. Since I’m bound for the same place for some antipasti (fireroasted peppers, pistachiospeckled mortadella and the kind of lemony-garlic olives you can usually find only in Tuscany), I catch up with him and strike up a conversation. Turns out, he doesn’t own the car.

Rather—and even better— he belongs to écurie25, a

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supercar club that debuted its Austin chapter last fall.

The other seven locations can be found spread around the globe. Membership entitles access to a collection of more than 50 of the world’s most desirable cars, as long as you happen to be in one of the écurie25 cities. This rare Ferrari 458 Spider is available in Austin, but members living or visiting here can also take a Lamborghini Gallardo, an Aston Martin Vantage, or even a McLaren MP4-12C out for a spin. The club also organizes social gatherings, motor sport events, parties and Grand Prix experiences for like-minded enthusiasts, visiting and local members alike. In November, when Formula 1—with its festive parties, bottles of gold-flecked Champagne, automotive demos and racetrack madness— takes over Austin, these automobile folk, and the rest of Austin, are in their luxe motorhead element.

SOCO Bag of antipasti in hand, I leave the Ferrari driver to his pizza and meander up South Congress. Called SOCO, located across the river and south of downtown, this area was once a dilapidated, deteriorating bit of the city awash in flophouses, decaying buildings and the sort of questionable characters that keep local police on their toes. Now gentrified, revived and buzzing with vitality, SOCO is chock-full of independently owned boutiques, unique cafes and compelling bars. With casual see-and-be-seen

BUY, BUY BABY clockwise from top left: Picking out some new cowboy kicks at Allen’s Boots; a girl and a few of her favorite things at Kendra Scott; hometown pride on a wall mural; an afternoon stroll, Austin style.

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With casual see-and-be-seen verve, SOCO is where the cool kids of all ages congregate.

verve, it’s where the cool kids of all ages congregate. Here, you’ll find the iconic Continental Club, a boozy speakeasy that draws from deep Southern jukejoint roots and hosts live musical acts every day of the week. Stores like Allen’s Boots, with shelves and shelves of jaw-dropping cowboy boots; Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds, a vintage clothes and costumes boutique; Parts & Labour, peddling clothing and accessories by some of Austin’s coolest designers; Blackmail fashion designers’ workshop with an all-black theme; and Stag, a menswear shop with a James

Dean-meets-hipsteraesthetic define the drag.

Home Slice Pizza, Guero’s and Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar offer plenty of places to nibble. On the first Thursday of the month, pedestrian-friendly SOCO revs up the action with its First Thursday street party. Stores stay open late and many offer free snacks and libations. Most restaurants, including food trucks, lure folks to stay awhile with extended happy hours or food specials. Throughout, on bare bits of sidewalk and in parking lots, a coterie of artisans set up booths to hustle their wares. It’s an inviting scene that unveils

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“I take inspiration from Austin’s art, architecture, food, landscape and people—Austin has an unlimited supply of all. It’s a mecca for art, and I don’t mean in the traditional sense.”

Wine & Dine

Austin’s creative, ebullient spirit—one that makes tourists feel like insiders.

But SOCO’s a bit quieter on this Thursday afternoon, which makes the sidewalk easier to negotiate and the shop fronts simpler to peruse. I’m en route to Kendra Scott Jewelry—perhaps the district’s most glamorous, glittering gem in Austin’s proverbial crown. A favorite stop for visiting celebrities, Kendra Scott brand has six stores nationally and a seventh slated to open in Newport Beach, Calif., this spring.

Her successful flagship studio, however, sits in an airy gallery on South Congress. Opened in 2010, one year after Austin held its premier fashion week, its success reflects the burgeoning vim and vigor of Austin’s style scene. Here, Kendra Scott herself custom cuts and hand sets colorful, textured stones into craftsman sculpted metal. Her designs, born from her personal style, embody a bold fusion of vintage and contemporary that’s both avant-garde and elegant— truly an evocation of Austin chic. “I take inspiration from Austin’s art, architecture, food, landscape and people,” she says.

“Austin has an unlimited supply of all. It’s a mecca for art, and I don’t mean in the traditional sense.”

Indeed, art in Austin is not limited to museums or galleries. It’s ubiquitous: as murals, outdoor statuary, graffiti in the experimental style of its populace and, as Scott says, among the “young artists selling their treasures on the street.” Already an Austin tradition, a stop at Kendra Scott’s to purchase jewelry appeals to women—and their escorts—of all ages.

To reward myself for resisting a Byzantine-style necklace with purple stones, I cross the Congress Avenue Bridge and park myself at riverside TRIO at the Four Seasons for a glass of wine.

At a table with a view, I natter with my friend, sommelier Mark Sayre, who helms the wine program here. He tells me his restaurant sells about 700 bottles of wine a month. “Austin’s wine scene is fearless,” Sayre says. “Buyers are unafraid to experiment, and diners are willing to do the same.

Winemakers worldwide want to sell their wine in Austin because of this vibe.”

Known for its wine events and dinners, TRIO pairs clean, contemporary small plates with wine that Sayre has carefully curated from small vineyards around the globe. “Dinners here are a communal celebration of what is right in the world of wine, regardless of region,” he says.

Think: wines from Walla Walla, Wash., (Pepperbridge or Waters) or Champagne and rich Bordeaux by the Gonet Medeville family. “My goal is to deliver producers who are on the cutting edge,” he says.

I stay at TRIO just long enough to see the bats roll out en masse from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge, like an undulating curtain of purplish black twilight. Their otherworldly chattering is a dissonant symphony and everyone watches in awe.

Most people don’t know it, but Austin has the world’s biggest urban bat colony. At dusk, from April to October, they pour out from under the bridge to sate their hunger. A crowdpleasing nightly tradition,

THE CHEW clockwise from top right: Inventive eats at Sway Restaurant; get to Jo’s before noon if you want a breakfast taco—they go fast; every hour is happy at TRIO in the Four Seasons; antipasta at Enoteca; another block, another food truck.

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the bats alone bring more than 50,000 tourists to Austin. To view this odd ritual, join the throngs atop the bridge, or do as I do and take a gander, glass of wine in hand, from TRIO’s lawn.

Besides the bats and Austin’s touted live music scene (the city boasts more than 250 bona fide venues and hosts renowned music festivals like South

by Southwest), Austin has most recently earned attention for gastronomy. With James Beard award winners and Bravo “Top Chef” participants, the city’s epicurean sensibilities lean toward the sophisticated. Take Lenoir, a Lilliputian bistro com-

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posed of repurposed wood and adorned with billowing fabrics. It delights local gourmands with a seasonal prix fixe menu that might include dishes such as fish curry with roasted squid and heirloom tomatoes.

Or consider 24 Diner, bent on turning comfort food upside down. Not your granddaddy’s hangout, this allday-and-all-night eatery stars “Top Chef” competitor and CIA New York valedictorian Andrew Curren, whose dedication to local products means farm-to-table cocktails at the bar and noshes like bruschetta with cauliflower puree, roasted mushrooms and herb

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Alchemist mixed cocktails, craft beer, homages to bacon, and sushi concocted from things such as blueberries and beef tongue set a voguish standard.

salad. Curren’s 24 Hash— a concoction of house-cut Idaho potatoes, nitrate-free local pork and two runny eggs—is pure seduction.

Just opened, Clark’s, a tiny oyster bar on West 6th Street, does a dazzling Gibson with house-pickled onions, offers plates of briny oysters flown in each day and does capertopped Shrimp Louie that feels more Gulf Coast than landlocked central Texas.

For three decades, Austin’s foodies have flocked to Fonda San Miguel for Mexican cuisine. In an artenveloped setting, mole (Puebla-style) and ancho rellenos stuffed with olives and roasted chicken keep the hoards coming back.

Home to the original Whole Foods—along with a profusion of food trucks (more than 2,000 at last count) selling everything from bánh mì to barbecue—and abundant organic farms, foragers, familyowned food companies and farmer’s markets, the city draws from a food-obsessed foundation. Alchemistmixed cocktails, craft beer, homages to bacon, and sushi concocted from things such as blueberries and beef tongue set a voguish standard. And this liberalleaning town gobbles it up.

fit City Of course, if Austin’s denizens are going to enjoy food and drink so much, you can bet they’re equally obsessed with burning it off. Capturing a spot on nearly every “Most Fit City” list, Austin residents have earned the honor. There’s the extensive hike and bike path that winds around Lady Bird Lake, smack in

CHILL OUT clockwise from top left: Cocktails at dusk at Lustre Pearl; Mecca Gym & Spa; a private spot on Austin Lake; Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop.

the center of downtown.

Nearby Barton Springs, a quarter-mile-long, natural spring-fed pool, beckons swimmers with its frigid waters (unceasingly set by nature at 68 degrees).

It also harbors its own endangered species—a oneeyed albino salamander.

A biker’s paradise, with a network of clearly marked paths, Austin embraces the two-wheeled lifestyle with gusto. Bike shops, like Mellow Johnny’s, offer visitors easy rentals, showers for post-workout cleanup and group rides that tour the city. Because so many lakes encircle Austin, water sports enthusiasts can kayak, canoe, boat, water ski—even paddleboard—to beat the heat.

Sometimes, though, a gym calls—especially when summer temperatures soar. Mecca Gym & Spa, a sleek, urban oasis right downtown, has a mellow, tranquil mood and oodles of state-of-the-art equipment.

Owner Jennifer Andrews says: “With our relaxed professionalism, meant to make people feel comfortable, we mirror Austin.

Hey, we know you’d rather be doing something else more fun than exercising, but we’ll make the experience as pleasant as possible.” Accordingly, Mecca has a cafe (they even serve wine) and a gorgeous spa with unique treatments.

Day passes are available.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, a shoreside getaway ensconced within a wildlife preserve, offers another alternative for a day of respite. Posh, a top-rated destination spa, offers à la carte treatments and day packages as well as overnight stays. With a French chef, beautifully manicured grounds, three swimming pools and what may be the biggest spa menu in the world, Lake Austin Spa Resort is a threshold to another sphere.

Authentic and as electrifying as a tonic, Austin marches to its own drummer. Visit, and you’ll feel the beat.

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EXPERIENCE MORE OF THE ISLANDS WITH A NATURALIST GUIDE AND THE LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE OF A PRIVATE CHARTER.

BY LOIS FRIEDL AND

Galapagos

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he sleeping baby sea lion doesn’t budge as I take its picture, although its mother raises a wary eye. A pair of blue-footed boobies shelter their newborn as I pass and, farther down the path, I give a wide berth to bull sea lions fighting for dominance. Welcome to the Galapagos Islands—where up-close encounters with an amazing array of wildlife are a daily occurrence.

Undersea volcanoes formed this isolated string of islands some 600 miles west of Ecuador. Temperatures rarely vary, given that the Galapagos are situated on the equator. The nutrient-rich Humboldt current that flows north from Antarctica during the summer and fall and the warmer Panama current that dominates the climate through May converge here, creating the conditions that support one of the world’s most diverse and unique ecosystems.

The Galapagos are a photographer’s paradise.

Made up of 13 major islands, 17 smaller ones and some 40 massive rocks that jut out like garden sculptures from the water, these islands and the surrounding sea are home to some 9,000 animal species. Birds, lizards and sea lions display no fear as humans walk among them. You might see pink flamingos and penguins in the same day, spot fleet-footed Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying across the sand and male frigate birds that puff up their red breasts to attract females.

And of course there are the islands’ famous giant tortoises, the world’s largest. It’s no wonder the Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.”

Visiting the Galapagos, you’ll wonder why no country claimed them for centuries. In 1535, the Bishop of Panama described the landscape as “worthless, because it has not the power of raising a little grass, but only some thistles.” Spain later claimed the islands that, over time, were home to privateers and whalers. Finally, no one raised any real objections when Ecuador laid claim to the archipelago in 1832.

Not long after that, in 1835, Charles Darwin famously visited here and, though he only went ashore four islands for a total of 19 days, the rich samples he collected formed the heart of his theory of evolution. Most visitors today still visit the Galapagos by boat, albeit with far more conveniences and amenities than Darwin ever imagined. The Ecuadorian government created the Galapagos National Park in 1959, and later added the Galapagos Marine Reserve, to avoid overcrowding and overuse. Cruise ships are given permits to visit specific islands and limit the number of people who can go ashore to 11 guests and one naturalist guide. Every ship’s itinerary is designed to reveal a mix of islands, animals and marine life, but larger islands such as Santa Cruz are on almost every ship’s itinerary.

While sailing between islands, you’ll pass smoking volcanoes and watch frigatebirds—sailors call them “pirates” of the sea—dive-bomb to steal fish plucked from the sea by other birds. After a day visiting the islands, you can relax on the deck and watch dolphins and whales cruise by the ship.

For adults and children who love animals or just have a zest for learning, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s best open-air classrooms. After returning home, many visitors describe their Galapagos cruise as one of the top trips of their lifetime.

IT’S NO WONDER THE GALAPAGOS ARE DESIGNATED AS A UNIQUE “LIVING MUSEUM AND SHOWCASE OF EVOLUTION” IN THEIR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE DESCRIPTION.

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Santa Cruz THE FISHING BOATS ARE IN ON SANTA CRUZ.

Bartolomé

A knife slashes through a freshly caught fish, cutting off a fillet for the evening meal while a pelican waddles down the gangplank and tumbles into a fishing boat in search of fish scraps. You wander through the fish market on Puerto Ayora’s waterfront, dine in local restaurants, and shop in stalls filled with souvenirs, clothing and swim gear. The village is also home to the Darwin Research Center, where scientists and volunteers conduct research and offer environmental education that encourages conservation. Santa Cruz is a must-stop on the cruise circuit; travelers come to learn about the islands, Darwin’s research and to see Diego, a centenarian giant tortoise from Española who has sired dozens of offspring. An island tour also may include a trip into the island’s interior, where giant tortoises wander freely in the native grasses and lumber past the guayabillo and pega pega trees. So few giant tortoises and turtles are left because their meat was a major part of the diet for pirates, whalers and early residents.

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ON A BARREN SPIT OF LAND CALLED

Bartolomé, you can hike to the tip of a volcanic cone that offers a panoramic view that includes Pinnacle Rock, which U.S. airmen used for target practice during WWII, as well as nearby Santiago and other islands in the distance. Walking up, you pass lava rocks in red, orange and green hues. The black lava is so slick you can almost see your face in it. If you sunbathe on the crescent beaches near Pinnacle Rock, you may share the sand with sea lions.

Bartolomé is the mating and nesting site for the green sea turtles between November and January.

Española STEP ON ESPAÑOLA’S SHORE AND

look around the black lava rocks for Christmas iguanas, so nicknamed because their skin takes on a blotchy, reddish tint during mating season. As you walk toward the island’s steep cliffs, don’t be surprised if a brazen hood mockingbird lands on your shoulders in search of food. The blue-footed boobies, with their black faces rimmed in white feathers, might remind you of a mime. When the waved albatross run toward the cliff and leap off, don’t hold your breath wondering if the birds are going to fall into the ocean. It’s just the way these large birds start their flights. Native to Española, the waved albatross abandon the island from January to March, returning in April for the nesting season.

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Rabida Island THE PINK FLAMINGOS FEEDING IN

the saltwater lagoon on Rabida Island ignore you as they feed on the tiny shrimp larvae that give these birds their color. Rabida is a multicolored island, with a maroon-tinted beach and scarlet cliffs courtesy of the lava that once spewed from a volcano’s spatter cones. High on the cliff, blue-footed and Nazca boobies nest in the cracks in the rocks. While snorkeling, you might see a baby sea lion toss a sea cucumber around just like a youngster throwing a rubber ball up then catching it. You might even see manta rays and sharks.

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Fernandina Isabela Island

AT 700,000 YEARS OLD, FERNANDINA

is the youngest island in the archipelago. One of the calderas on an active volcano blew in 2009 and created pyrotechnic images for people cruising by the island. When you get off the zodiac that ferries you from the cruise ship to shore, step onto the rocks carefully so you don’t hurt those scarlet and yellow Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying by your feet. Look at the tiny lizard sunbathing as it sleeps on the head of a motionless iguana. In the water, hungry iguanas are swimming, heads bobbing underneath as they find food in the water.

With bodies that don’t hold heat well, these marine animals huddle together on the rocks to soak up sun. As you follow a path going higher on the island, your naturalist guide points out the cactus growing in cracks between the pile of lava rocks. Look at the flightless cormorants, birds endemic to Fernandina and Isabela. These birds with scruffy-looking tiny wings can no longer fly, but they’re stellar at swimming and diving for prey.

SEAHORSE-SHAPED ISABELA ISLAND

was formed by the merging of six volcanoes, some of which are still active. When cruising past, watch for fumaroles, or steam vents, rising from the Volcan Chico area on the Sierra Negra volcano. Although there are four permanent settlements on Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, cruises often stop at one of the secluded coves and beaches.

Isabela is a birder’s paradise: Keep an eye out for flightless cormorants, mangrove finches, Galapagos hawks and blue herons, and look for Galapagos penguins bobbing in the water as you kayak through a quiet cove.

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Through the Artist’s Eye

The City of Lights has captivated artists for centuries.

Yet despite its modern trappings, at its core the area remains largely unchanged from the days of Degas, Monet and their fellow Impressionists. See for yourself with a tour through the paintings and locations that personify Paris’s artistic inspiration.

By He at her St immler-H a ll

P

ARIS’S BEAUTY IS UNIVERSALLY UNDERSTOOD. The city, its monuments, its people and its celebrations have been inspirational to artists over the centuries, and that spirit shines through in their work. Particularly with the Impressionists, who burst onto the scene in the 19th century and sought to capture the essence of their subject with loose, vibrant brushwork painted with urgency en plein air. Their works changed the portrayal of Paris from a classical still life to one of vitality, energy, landscapes and people—all captured in the moment. Through these paintings, many have fallen in love with Paris before even stepping foot in France. And while the city is ever-evolving, we can still see the very places that captured the imagination of these famous painters and, with the right eyes, the beauty and romance that inspired them.

VIEW OF THE GRAND GALLERY OF THE LOUVRE

in 1766, and his works were shown at the annual Salons.

Robert was also recognized for his ability to conceptualize landscapes, and his paintings guided the renovations of the gardens at Versailles. He also often painted the Louvre, where he lived from 1778 until 1802, and completed several idealized visions of what the Grand Gallery might look like once transformed from a long, empty corridor that connected the Louvre to the Tuileries into a museum gallery.

His paintings later guided the architects’ renovations, including major details such as expanding the skylights and replacing the palace windows with nooks for statues. This 1801–1805 painting depicts great works of art such as Raphael’s Holy Family and Titian’s Entombment. The seated painter shown at bottom

BY HUBERT ROBERT, 1796.

PA IN TING & IM AGE CO U R T E S Y OF GIR AU DON / T H E BRIDGE M A N A R T L IBR A RY

LOCATION DEPICTED: Grand

Gallery, the Louvre Museum PAINTING LOCATION: History of the Louvre section of the museum

L

ong before Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, the Palais du Louvre was essentially abandoned by the royal family for the more comfortable Palais des Tuileries built by Catherine di Medici. In the late 18th century, in the years leading up to the French Revolution, artists had already installed themselves into the Louvre, both to live and

to work, sketching and painting the great works of art collected by the French monarchs over the previous centuries. By 1778 Louis XVI’s official “Guardian of the King’s Paintings,” Hubert Robert, was designated as the first curator of what would become the Louvre Museum.

A celebrated landscape painter, he was nicknamed Robert des Ruines because of his fondness for painting picturesque ruins, both real and imagined.

His pure Classical style gained him entrance into the prestigious French Royal Académie

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right is the artist himself. Today you can see eight of Robert’s paintings in the History of the Louvre section of the museum.

And without a doubt you will still see young art students and amateur artists from all over the world with their sketchbooks and easels, capturing the beauty of the Grand Gallery.

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LOCATION DEPICTED: Salle

BY EDGAR DEGAS, 1870.

Le Peletier Opera House PAINTING LOCATION:

Musée d’Orsay

T

he Opéra de Paris was an important centerpiece in civic planner Georges-Eugene Haussmann’s urban transformations during Napoléon III’s Second Empire.

In the second half of the 19th century, theaters were the place for the affluent class to see and be seen, bourgeoisie and aristocrats alike. And unlike the bawdy playhouses around République or Pigalle, the theaters and opera houses along the western Grands Boulevards were “respectable” places for artists to paint. Edgar Degas was not only a painter; he and his family were also seasonticket holders of the Opéra de Paris. This allowed Degas the opportunity to create many of his most famous paintings.

In L’orchestre de l’Opéra he places the musicians front and center: Desire Dihau, a friend of the Degas family, is on bassoon in the most prominent position, with Achille Gouffé on double bass to the right and composer Emmanuel Chabrier in the box. The dancers, barely sketched in, are cut off in the background, their bright tutus glowing in the stage lights. This off-center composition, depiction of movement, and attention

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to color and light would soon make Degas one of the stars of the Impressionist movement; however, he often vehemently rejected the label, never adopted the “Impressionist paint fleck” style and mocked the idea of painting en pleine air.

A great admirer of classic masters such as Ingres and Delacroix, Degas had been successful at the Salons early in his career, but soon became disenchanted with them and participated in every Impressionist exhibition from 1874 through 1881. This painting, along with many others featuring Degas’ dancers, can be seen in the Musée d’Orsay.

Opera fans today can experience views of the stage from behind the orchestra at the Palais Garnier, although this isn’t the actual theater Degas painted. In 1870 the Opéra de Paris was still performing at the Salle Le Peletier, a theater at 12 rue Le Peletier (the approximate location of the Drouot Auction House) that burned down in 1873, just two years before the Opéra de Paris’s new home in the Palais Garnier finally opened after delays caused by the Franco-Prussian War. Historic photos and early drawings are usually displayed in the Bibliothèque de l’Opéra, the temporary exhibit space open to the general public on self-guided visits of the Palais Garnier.

TH E O PERA ORCH ESTRA PA IN TIN G CO U R T E S Y OF GIR AU DO N, T H E BRIDGE M A N A R T L IBR A RY

THE OPERA ORCHESTRA

T UIL E RIE S G A R DE N S P H OTO BY 123R F / VIEW OF TH E TUILERIES GARDENS PA IN TING CO U R T E S Y OF M US E E M A R MOT TA N MON E T, PA RIS, F R A NC E , T H E BRIDGE M A N A R T L IBR A RY

VIEW OF THE TUILERIES GARDENS

the moment. This required the artist to work very quickly, which produced visible brush strokes that became one of the hallmarks of Impressionism. Monet was won over by the vibrancy, immediacy and dynamism this technique produced in his paintings, which he could never replicate in studio paintings.

This panoramic painting captures the elegant, manicured gardens designed by André Le Notre for the Tuileries Palace, Catherine de Medici’s 16thcentury mansion that was burned down during the 1871 Paris Commune. Today, Les Tuileries is a large public park stretching from the Louvre Museum to the Place de la Concorde, with two cafes, several play areas for children and a collection

BY CLAUDE MONET, 1876.

LOCATION DEPICTED:

Tuileries Gardens

PAINTING LOCATION:

Musée Marmottan-Monet

I

t’s hard to exaggerate how scandalous it once was for a painter to work outside, en plein air. It just wasn’t done. Or rather, it couldn’t be done if an artist adhered to the stringent style of painting defined by the Société des Artistes Français.

Sketches could be done outside, but the careful, meticulous

ILLUSTRATION by NIK NEVES

brushwork of classical paintings could take weeks to complete back in the artist’s studio.

But when oil paints became available in tubes in the mid1800s—thus eliminating the risk of them drying out—artists began venturing into the great outdoors, easels and palettes in hand. Monet learned about painting en plein air from the landscape artist Eugène Boudin, who taught Monet how to capture his first impression of the landscape—to capture the essence of

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of classical sculptures alongside contemporary artworks.

Monet painted this vista from an apartment balcony on the Rue de Rivoli that belonged to Victor Chocquet, one of the painter’s earliest supporters. Although a minor customs officer in the Ministry of Finance, Chocquet devoted a substantial portion of his limited resources to acquiring an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings. He went so far as to stand in front of the works at exhibitions and explain the artist’s vision to passersby. Les Tuileries can be seen today at the Musée MarmottanMonet; although fans of Monet’s famous water lily series, Les Nymphéas, can see them in the Musée de l’Orangerie, located in the Tuileries Gardens.

SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

BALL AT THE MOULIN DE LA GALETTE

BY AUGUSTE RENOIR, 1876.

LOCATION DEPICTED:

Montmartre

PAINTING LOCATION:

Musée d’Orsay

V

an Gogh, Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissarro … many Impressionists were eager to capture the spirit of Montmartre’s most popular 19th-century guinguette, an open-air dance hall that served wine and food in a former 17th-century flour mill. But Renoir’s painting of the Bal du Moulin de la Galette was one of

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013

his greatest masterpieces, a successful portrayal of the popular culture of the time captured in all its ambience and joyfulness.

Presented at the Third Impressionists Exhibition in 1877, the painting captured the public’s attention not just because of its use of typically Impressionist techniques—capturing light and shade without using black, prominent brushstrokes—but because of the sheer size of the work. Measuring 51¾ by 69½ inches, it was an ambitious painting and rare in its magnitude for

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located at the intersection of Rue Lepic and Rue Tholoze, eventually closed to the public, but its two windmills are protected historic monuments. You can see the 17th-century Moulin Blute-Fin still standing at the top of the hill.

The Moulin Radet was moved in 1924 to the corner of Rue Giradon, where today it stands guard over a new restaurant that calls itself the Moulin de la Galette.

BALL AT TH E MOU LIN DE L A GALET TE PA IN TING CO U R T E S Y OF GIR AU DON, T H E BRIDGE M A N A R T L IBR A RY / MO N T M A R T R E P H OTO BY 123R F / PARIS STREET, RAINY DAY PA IN TIN G CO U R T E S Y OF A R T IN S TIT U T E OF C HIC AGO, C H A R L E S H . A N D M A RY F. S. WO R C E S T E R COL L EC TION, 1964.336 / F R E NC H S A LON IM AGE BY S H U T T E R S TOC K

an Impressionist work, given the spontaneous nature of its creation. But while it has a spontaneous feel to it, most of the figures are friends or informal models asked to pose, so Renoir’s painting is more accurately a carefully arranged set of portraits. One of the friends gathered around the central table is Georges Rivière, a writer whose description of Bal du Moulin de la Galette in the Exhibition program described the painting as a “page of history, a precious and strictly accurate portrayal of Parisian life.”

The majority of Paris’s artist community relocated to the more affordable Montparnasse district on the Left Bank in the early 20th century, but artists can still be found hawking their wares at Montmartre’s Place du Tertre and its surrounding galleries.

The original Moulin de la Galette,

PARIS STREET, RAINY DAY

ing from the Palais Garnier at the Place de l’Opéra to the Place de Clichy, encompassing the Grands Boulevards and its Grands Magasins, and the Gare St-Lazare, which was particularly adored by the Impressionists.

Monet rented a small studio nearby and presented a dozen canvases paying tribute to the train station in the 1877 Impressionist Exhibition, the same year that Gustave Caillebotte presented his memorable painting of the neighboring Place de Dublin,

BY GUSTAV CAILLEBOTTE, 1877.

LOCATION DEPICTED:

Place de Dublin

PAINTING LOCATION: Currently

part of the traveling exhibition “Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity”

T

he newly reconstructed Paris of the 1870s was a cosmopolitan city of tree-lined boulevards, elegant theaters, monumental churches and modern train stations.

Nowhere else in Paris is this Second Empire vision more evident than the area stretch-

Paris Street, Rainy Day. Caillebotte was a relative newcomer at age 29, but an inheritance gave him considerable wealth and resources; and although artists like Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Degas ran the show, Caillebotte bankrolled almost every Impressionist Exhibition.

Caillebotte was more interested in collecting than selling (unlike his financially strapped colleagues), and never gained the same fame, but when he died he left the State an incredible number of Impressionist works, which formed the foundation for the Musée d’Orsay’s collections.

Ironically, the Institut de France tried to refuse Caillebotte’s donation of the paintings, which had been roundly rejected by the Salons, particularly those by Cézanne. So a large chunk of the collection was sold to Dr. Albert Barnes and later became part of the world-renowned Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.

It wasn’t until the Chicago Art Institute acquired and displayed Paris Street, Rainy Day in the 1970s that Caillebotte became famous to a wider audience.

More than just a portrayal of urban life in late 19th-century Paris, the painting also reflects Caillebotte’s fascination with the new art of photography. The focus and cropping are meant to make it look spontaneous, like a photo, but it’s obviously a carefully planned composition.

The painting makes the streets wider and the buildings larger than they really are at the Place de Dublin, and like Renoir’s painting it was done on a monumental canvas (83½ by 108¾ inches), which together convey the feelings of the pedestrians in this anonymous cityscape.

The Salons

Dating back to the 17th century, the Salons were official exhibitions of artworks by members of the French Academy, or l’Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, with a strict jury system of selection introduced in 1748. After the French Revolution, the State managed the Salons until 1880, when the Société des Artistes Français took over the role.

Although they allowed foreign artists to participate, they were still the only official public art exhibitions allowed in Paris. This gave rise to the birth of the rival Salons in the 19th century, beginning with the famous Salon des Refusés in 1863, which included Manet’s Le déjeuner sur l’herbe and Whistler’s Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl.

The Impressionists exhibited together eight times between 1874 and 1886 (not embracing the name “Impressionist” until the third show). The liberal Salon des Indépendants formed in 1884 and eschewed juries and awards. The Société Nationale des Beaux Arts started its own independent annual salon in 1890, and Matisse helped organize the first Salon d’Automne in 1903, which became an important show for the Fauvist, Cubist and Dada movements of the 20th century.

Since 2006, the Art en Capital (artencapital.fr) show at the Grand Palais unites all of them into one winter Salon, with the exception of the Salon d’Automne (salon-automne.com), which takes place separately on the Champs-Élysées.

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THE WINE SHOP ( LE BISTRO ) LOCATION DEPICTED: Quai Voltaire PAINTING LOCATION: Whitney

PAINTING

Museum of American Art, New York City

A

lthough Edward Hopper is most remembered for his stark depictions of New England’s semi-deserted cityscapes and landscapes, this 20th-century American painter was forever influenced by his time in France. In the early 1900s, Paris was still the benchmark of success, and many artists came from around the world to study, show their works or simply create.

Hopper visited Paris in 1906, after graduating from the New York Institute of Art and Design, and again in 1909 and 1910. Perhaps because he was shy and didn’t speak the language, he spent much of his time painting alone. Many experts believe the feeling of alienation he felt as an American Protestant in the

THE SEINE WITH THE PONT DE LA GRANDE JATTE

BY VINCENT VAN GOGH, 1887.

LOCATION DEPICTED: Ile de la Jatte PAINTING LOCATION: Van Gogh

Museum, Amsterdam

I

n 1860 Paris achieved its current geographic size with the annexation of the once bucolic suburbs, which were soon populated by new arrivals who came to work in the factories that sprang up during the Industrial Revolution. But the ease of train travel and the working class’ growing affluence also meant that it was possible to escape to the countryside for a day of fresh air. It was only natural the artists would follow.

One of the favorite—and

accessible—getaways of the Neo-impressonist painters was the Ile de la Jatte, a small island on the Seine known for its guinguettes. One of the bestknown pieces from this period is Georges Seurat’s Pointillist painting Sunday Afternoon on the Ile de la Grande-Jatte. Vincent van Gogh spent the summer of 1887 with family nearby, painting many of the bridges and riverbanks along the Seine, including the Courbevoie Bridge from the Ile de La Jatte.

He was still experimenting stylistically, and both Impressionist and Pointillist techniques can be seen here in the long brushstrokes and smaller, almost dot-like points of paint.

The bridge itself was replaced in 1965, but the Ile de la Jatte is still a leafy little escape from the city. From the Pont de Levallois metro station, visitors can walk to the Ile de la Jatte and enjoy a scenic walk along the Parcours des Impressionists, a trail around the island featuring reproductions of famous artworks produced here.

exalted City of Lights helped him develop his signature style.

This painting of a view over the Pont Royal from the Left Bank’s Quai Voltaire clearly shows Impressionist techniques with the attention to light and the unusual framing.

But only Hopper could transform this bustling street scene into an empty landscape almost devoid of people, an aesthetic also seen in his paintings of the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and several other locales.

Art lovers visiting Paris won’t want to miss the Quai Voltaire, strategically located between the famous Ecole des BeauxArts and the Musée d’Orsay.

At #3 is Sennelier, where artists have been purchasing their paints and pastels since 1887. On any given Thursday, there’s at least one vernissage, or exhibition preview, in the prestigious art galleries located between the Quai Voltaire and the Boulevard St-Germain.

PAINTING

Visiting the Museums

There are three kinds of museums in Paris: national museums subsidized by the State, such as the Louvre, Rodin, Cluny and Orsay; smaller municipal museums run by the City of Paris, such as the Carnavalet, Petit Palais and Musée d’Art Moderne; and a handful of privately owned museums such as the Dapper, Baccarat and Edith Piaf. When planning your trip, keep in mind that access to the permanent collections is free in all municipal museums, and the Paris Museum Pass (en.parismuseumpass.com) allows unlimited access to the permanent collections of the national museums. The temporary exhibitions cost extra for all museums (even if you have the pass). National museums, with some exceptions, are usually free the first Sunday of the month. Private museums usually charge a fee.

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TH E SEIN E WITH TH E PONT DE L A GRAN DE JAT TE PA IN TIN G CO U R T E S Y OF VA N GOGH M US E U M, A M S T E R DA M ( VINC E N T VA N GOGH FO U N DATIO N) / IL E DE L A JAT T E IM AGE BY PIR P Y / TH E WIN E SH O P PA IN TING © H EIR S OF JOS E P HIN E N. H O P P E R, L IC E N S E D BY T H E W HIT N E Y M US E U M OF A M E RIC A N A R T

BY EDWARD HOPPER, 1909.

L’ARC DE TRIOM PH E PA IN TING CO U R T E S Y OF © 2013 A R TIS T S RIGH T S S OCIE T Y ( A R S), N E W YO R K / A DAGP, PA RIS, P RI VAT E COL L EC TIO N, P H OTO © C H RIS TIE’S IM AGE S, T H E BRIDGE M A N A R T L IBR A RY / L’A R C DE T RIO M P H E IM AGE BY 123R F

L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE

BY EDOUARD CORTES, 1940s.

LOCATION DEPICTED:

Place Charles de Gaulle, Etoile PAINTING LOCATION:

Private collection

T

he son of a Spanish court painter, Edouard Cortes was one of the most prolific Paris street-scene painters of the first half of the 20th century.

After studying at the Ecole des Beaux-Art, he was accepted by the Société des Artistes Français to show his painting Paris Streets at Night at the 1902 Salon.

He participated in every Salon after that until his retirement.

His paintings were almost always Paris street scenes, often the same exact views of the boulevards, public squares or grand monuments like the

Arc de Triomphe shown during different times of the day, in changing weather and in all four seasons. His canvases embraced the City of Lights, with glittering shop windows, streetlights and headlights reflected in the rain-slicked streets. Even in the dead of winter he managed to capture the warmth and energy of the city, with its never-ending flurry of activity. We also see the passage of time in Cortes’s paintings—which he produced over a course of nearly five decades— as horse carriages and trams change into cars and buses, gas lamps into neon, and women’s fashions evolve from hourglass dresses to smart Chanel suits.

This particular portrayal of the Arc de Triomphe captures

the monument from Avenue Friedland, as the sun sets a brilliant golden color behind the autumn trees. We see a 1940s car and a municipal streetcar matching the green bus shelters and Colonne Morris advertis-

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ing pillars. Despite the popularity of Cortes’s paintings (reportedly copied more often than even Renoir or Monet), you won’t find them in any museum, but in countless private collections and galleries.

SPRING 2013 S INSPIR ATO.COM

ADVENTURE ESCAPE THE HEAT AND EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW WITH THESE UNIQUE HIGH-COUNTRY ADVENTURES.

BY BERNE BROUDY

GET ALONG GANG Shredding singletrack in Western B.C. on a three-day, remote hut-to-hut adventure.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A departure from beaches and boardwalks this summer, consider an unconventional mountain escape that’ll have you oohing and ahhing over expansive vistas. Fill your lungs to the brim with fresh air, and feel your heart pound with exhilaration.

However you prefer to balance exercise and adventure, your family will cherish these unforgettable experiences forever.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

PARAGLIDING A S P E N, C OL OR A DO

BE PREPARED

Bring a wind jacket, sunglasses, walking or running shoes, and your camera.

SUITABLE FOR

Children 3 and older, and adults who can run 20 steps. aspenparagliding.com

$225

per person

Y

ou’d think soaring through the crisp, mountain air mere feet from the peaks as the sun peers over 14,000-foot summits is an experience exclusive to red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and the occasional helicopter or small jet. But when you sign up for a ride with Aspen Paragliding, you too can take flight on the Rocky Mountain thermals.

This is as close as you can come to truly flying as you step off a cliff, arms spread, to catch the updraft and ride the breeze. In Aspen, the experience begins when you pile into a four-wheel-drive truck for a winding drive up the Aspen Mountain service roads as marmots and deer and even the occasional bear or elk scamper out of the way.

Step out of the Jeep onto one of two well-manicured grassy runways—high-altitude greenbelts that in the winter are Walsh’s and Ruthie’s ski runs.

Enjoy the sights while your pilot lays out the paraglider and helps you into your harness, which doubles as your seat while you’re in flight. The pilot attaches himself to the paraglider and to you with Kevlar straps called risers. When the wind is right, he says, “Go,” and you sprint 10 to 20 steps downhill. Seconds later, you feel the tug of the wing above you, you run faster, and then your legs are moving but they’re not touching the ground. You lift off and you’re floating above a maze of snowless ski slopes.

The wind is brisk but not overly so, and the smell of earth is quickly replaced by fresh air and ozone as the ground sinks below you. The pilot scoops you onto a wooden plank seat, and your hands are free to snap photos as you meander and serenely glide 3,000 feet down to Aspen Valley. Spot a hawk playing in a thermal, and your pilot will steer you to join the bird as it hovers in the sky. Panoramic views in all directions let you pinpoint Aspen’s famed Wheeler Opera House, the craggy Maroon Bells, the cleft of Independence Pass and precipitous Highlands Bowl, which still hides snow in its gullies.

Alex Palmaz, owner of the company and its lead pilot, learned to paraglide in Aspen 20 years ago from the school he now owns. Since then he has flown more than 4,000 tandem flights, and 6,000 flights in all. If you’re game, he’ll let you steer. Brake toggles control the wing overhead. Lean left, look left and pull the left toggle, and the wing sweeps left. It’s the same to the right. Lean; look; brake.

Best of all, you needn’t worry about the landing as each passenger harness has a bottommounted airbag to make your return to Earth gentle. You may not spend more than 20 minutes in the air, but the memory will last a lifetime.

UP AND AWAY LEFT AND ABOVE: Fear not; you’ll be safely tethered to a professional pilot for your first paragliding experience, but if you’re good, he might let you take the controls.

Go ahead; look down.

INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S FALL 2012

P R E VIO US PAGE : BE R N E BR O U DY (1) / T HIS PAGE : GE T T Y (2) / FACING PAGE : BE R N E BR O U DY (2)

GET HERE

Trips depart from Aspen Paragliding’s downtown Aspen office mornings at 6:45, 8:30 and 10:30.

Arrive 15 minutes early, and plan two hours for the experience.

A

s the float plane skitters to a splashy stop on Lorna Lake, or perhaps one of the other puddles sprinkled throughout Canada’s South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park—150 miles, and a 90-minute flight, from Vancouver—your skin prickles with delight at the silence and serenity of having millions of acres of virtually untouched wilderness seemingly to yourself. There is no hum of other planes or cars; not so much as the braying of an odd farm animal. You’ve flown here because there are no roads or rail lines into the park. Lorna’s waters lap gently at the shore as you wait for your guide to retrieve your bike from the bowels of the five-seater Dehavilland Beaver. Helmeted and ready, you mount your trusty steed and ride off into the mountains.

Wind your way over shale-littered passes with sweeping views of the jagged Coast Range, snow occasionally crunching beneath your bike tires.

Then race downhill through sprawling meadows—a rainbow of endless azalea, Indian hellebore, arrowleaved groundsel, Indian paintbrush, Sitka valerian and lupine quivering as you whiz past. You’re in the capable hands of the Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa’s expert mountain bike guides, and you’re pedaling toward the first of as many as six simple and comfortable huts—each with its own personality, but all with soft beds, hot showers and hot, hearty meals—that will be your home each night. Bike for three, four or seven days, three to eight hours a day.

Awake each morning to snow-capped peaks reflected in a mountain lake, with a lone heron gliding silently by. If you’re truly adventurous, skip the shower and take a frosty dip in the glacier-fed lake. After breakfast, it’s another quad-burning climb to the top of a pass followed by the sweetreward of a sweeping descent through mineralstained soils, the crumbling remnants of old lava flows and breezy groves of iridescent aspen.

HUT-TO-HUT

MOUNTAIN BIKING VA NC O U V E R , BRI T IS H C OL U MBI A GET HERE

Tyax will pick you up in Vancouver or Whistler and fly you via float plane to the start of the trip.

TIME COMMITMENT Ride for one to seven days. For the true hutto-hut experience, we recommend spending two to three nights.

You might see a string of packhorses delivering your bags to that night’s cabin or possibly a faraway grizzly digging for grubs or chomping on fireweed.

The single-track isn’t technical—it was beaten in by gold-seeking prospectors and their stock animals, and First Nations hunters in pursuit of deer, bear and mountain goats. But the adventure is remote and hard-charging—the kind of experience that creates an iron bond between you, your fellow travelers and a special place few people get to experience.

EQUIPMENT

Bring your own hydration pack to carry water, snacks and an extra layer, and a sleeping bag liner for the huts. Tyax provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, and transports your bags each day.

SUITABLE FOR

Intermediate and advanced riders, teenage and older. tyaxair.com

$1,980

per person, two-night trip

TICKET TO RIDE Keep your eye on the trail, but don’t forget to enjoy the scenery in Western B.C. INSET, ABOVE: Roads?

Where you’re going, you don’t need roads.

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LLAMA TREKKING CAMP FOR KIDS Hiking and camping out is a healthy outdoor adventure every kid should have. Add gentle llamas to the trek to carry the bulk of the load, and it turns a trip into a trip of a lifetime. On Telluride Academy’s five-day backpacking and camping llama adventure, kids, llamas and instructors explore Colorado’s spectacular San Juan Mountains near Telluride. Four nights, $840, tellurideacademy.org.

HELI-HIKING THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Explore the glaciated, jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies without having to reach a summit on your own power. Scramble along a mountain ridge or pick blueberries in a lush and verdant valley before returning via the chopper to your plush digs and gourmet cuisine at the remote luxury lodge. Starting at $2,640 per adult/two night adventure, canadianmountainholidays.com.

CANYONEERING IN UTAH

Slip through the cool, narrow depths of Zion National Park’s smooth rock canyons. Hike, splash, scramble and rappel through waterfalls, steep walled passages and cool desert pools. Zion Adventure Company’s half- or full-day canyoneering adventure can be fun for the whole family or 12 hours of heart-stopping adventure—you choose. Starting at $125, zionadventures.com.

SUMMER SKI JUMPING

Beginner to advanced skiers can take their freestyle moves to the next level with a private, threehour lesson at Park City, Utah’s, Olympic training center. Start on the trampoline, then take it to the outdoor jump ramp and “daffy” or “half cab mute grab” into the center’s 750,000-gallon pool. A bubbler softens the landing. Equipment and an enthusiastic audience are included. $175, utaholympiclegacy.com.

SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS Visit inspiratomagazine.com to discover more unique mountain adventures for you and the family this summer.

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VIA FERRATA

ROCK CLIMBING OGDE N, U TA H

FACING PAGE : T E L LU RIDE AC A DE M Y (1) / BE R N E BR O U DY (1) / T HIS PAGE : TO M S M A R T (2)

H

ave you ever imagined yourself scaling a cliff Stallone-style, your fingers pinching barely-there ledges as you athletically slither your way to the summit? If it sounds exciting and ruggedly romantic, yet you lack the skills, (rock) face time or Sly’s catlike reflexes, don’t sweat it. You can book an afternoon at Mount Ogden Via Ferrata in Utah, a 90-minute drive from Park City, and experience the thrill with much less risk.

Italian for “iron road,” via ferrata is a semiassisted way to traverse rock walls using fixed iron cables and ladders that let you StairMaster your route up a cliff; no technical rock climbing skills, knots or ropes required. The technique originated in the Italian Dolomites during World War I as a way for troops unskilled in mountain climbing to move quickly and efficiently through Italy’s peaks as they fought the Austrians on ever-higher ground. In the U.S., via ferratas are purely recreational. The Mount Ogden routes are some of the best in North America, designed by American alpinist, climber and Ogden resident Jeff Lowe. If you’re fit enough to climb a long ladder, agile enough to clip a carabiner to an iron rung and comfortable with heights, you’ll scamper up mountainsides with relative ease whether you’re 5 or 65.

Ogden’s Waterfall Canyon, at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, can be steamy hot in the summer. It’s a short and dusty walk to the shady grove at the base of the demonstration wall, where your guide fits you with a climbing harness and helmet and issues you via ferrata’s signature hardware: a shock-absorbing Y-shaped lanyard that connects your harness to the route’s metal rungs. Your shoe rubber grips the rock as you carefully choose slabby foot holds and navigate from rung to rung. You work one side of your lanyard then the other up the iron ladder so that you are always attached at one point or the other.

Once you have the basics, it’s a 15-minute hike through a boulder field to the waterfall for which the canyon is named. Cool off with a splash in the water; then it’s time for your first ascent. Your focus is sharp as you carefully pick your way around loose cobbles, reach your foot for the next rung and pull your hips toward the next secure clip. Three routes meander 350 feet up craggy Mount Ogden. The rock is hot and dry, but a light breeze cools you as you wrestle your way to the summit, where you’re greeted by bird’s-eye views of the Great Salt Lake basin and the jagged Wasatch Mountains.

ROCK AND A HIGH PLACE LEFT: Seek shelter from the blazing sun in the narrow, winding canyons of Utah’s Zion National Park. RIGHT AND ABOVE: Scaling rugged Wasatch peaks is as easy as climbing a ladder.

GET HERE

Drive 90 minutes from Park City to Ogden to meet your guides, who provide harness, helmet and lanyard.

BE PREPARED

Bring sunscreen, a small backpack, light snacks and lots of water; and wear light hikers, approach shoes or running shoes.

SUITABLE FOR

Children 8 and older.

Pass on this adventure if you’re afraid of heights. mountogden viaferrata.com

$100

per person

A Members-Only

Mediterranean Love Affair

Gaze in awe over blue Mediterranean waters from your private veranda. Clink martini glasses at a Monte Carlo blackjack table. Sigh with contentment from your lounge chair on the sunny Saint-Tropez sand.

We’ve crafted a custom itinerary that combines the most romantic ports along the Italian, French and Spanish Rivieras. And this curated journey can only be found with Inspirato.

A limited number of cabins are still available. Call your Personal Vacation Advisor to book today.

Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato® is owned

by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, (303) 586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. Photo courtesy of Silversea. ©2013 Inspirato LLC.

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A merica n Express Pa rtners w ith ider Lu xury Vacation Prov Inspir ato

and luxury vacation n Express (NYSE: AXP) ica er Am 13— 20 6, h ique New York, Marc to deliver the club’s un d today a partnership ce un no an C with LL to to ira ira d, “Insp club Insp fits under the new bran ne be ial ec sp d an es creating vacation experienc a similar passion for e ar sh ies an mp co o e tw American Express.” Th st-in-class service. ers, and delivering be mb me r fo es nc rie exceptional expe partners including tigious private equity es pr by ed ck ba d an Inspirato is Launched in 2011, nal Venture Partners, tio tu sti In d an s er By eld & n its properties— Kleiner Perkins Caufi lease rather than ow to b clu n tio na sti de industry. the first luxury t fees common in the on -fr up , re gu -fi six the on-site concierge and as a result, avoid vacation planning and rip e-t pr ed liz na rso Members enjoy pe exquisite homes that nly rates to vacation in s-o er mb me y pa d an to. services, ely managed by Inspira value and are exclusiv average $3.6 million in e spaciousness and r people who want th fo d ne sig de lly ca ifi t willing “Our club is spec on vacation but are no ile wh la vil ar oll -d llion ls,” explains privacy of a multimi ived at the finest hote ce re ice rv se r ta e-s to sacrifice the fiv mbers are not scouring O and founder. “Our me CE s to’ ira sp In , ler nd ey place high value Brent Ha nsive online rental. Th pe ex st lea e th for g the Internet lookin with a private club.” mes from vacationing co at th nd mi of e ac on the pe the club’s ess as we look to grow pr Ex n ica er Am th wi er ,” says Handler.

“We are excited to partn r vacation experiences ou e nc ha en d an ns membership optio ESS ITH AMERICAN EXPR who expect ABOUT INSPIRATO W b for luxury travelers clu te iva pr a is ess pr Ex n joy exquisite vacation Inspirato with America cation. Our members en va y the en wh es nc rie en they travel exceptional expe luxury of certainty wh the d an e vic ser ed liz na s, properties, highly perso private vacation home exclusive collection of r ou t ou ab re mo n om ar inspirato.c . with the club. Le d privileges by visiting an fits ne be b clu h ric d members-only rates an ly by Inspirato LLC irato® are provided sole services offered by Insp and ts duc pro All . liates.

Inspirato LLC or its subsidiaries or affi Inspirato® is owned by an Express Company s, and not by the Americ or its agents and affiliate

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WELCOME TO THE CLUB

T

HERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EXPERIENCE THE INSPIRATO DIFFERENCE.

With more than 225 vacation options across five continents, a growing array of exclusive members-only benefits and privileges—and a new partnership with American Express— Inspirato is the private club for luxury travelers who expect exceptional experiences on vacation. We created Inspirato to combine the luxury, service and amenities of a resort with the space and intimacy of a private vacation home. And we give you the confidence that comes with personalized travel planning services and a 24/7 concierge team. Enjoy the luxury of certainty. Enjoy Inspirato.

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EXPERIENCE A NEW WAY TO VACATION

INSPIRATO VACATIONS EXPANSIVE SPACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FIVE-STAR SERVICE, 24/7 CONCIERGE, PRIVATE POOL, HOUSEKEEPING AND RESORT AMENITIES PEACE OF MIND, CONFIDENCE, NO UNWANTED SURPRISES EXCLUSIVE PARTNER PROGRAMS AND MEMBERS-ONLY EVENTS

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE S SPRING 2013

OUR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS

WE HOLD OUR RESIDENCES TO INCREDIBLY HIGH STANDARDS. YOURS.

Signature Residences.

At the heart of the Inspirato portfolio is the club’s Signature Residence collection—more than 130 multimillion-dollar homes, all managed by Inspirato and exclusively available to our members. Each home is handpicked and exquisitely outfitted with fine linens, top-of-the-line electronics and gourmet kitchens. We also include a myriad of membersonly luxury services and amenities to ensure every residence meets your highest standards.

Hotel Partnerships.

Inspirato partners with the world’s iconic luxury hotel brands to provide a variety of travel options for members—for when a spacious villa may be more than you need, or to give you access to the highest-demand metropolitan locales. From a penthouse in Manhattan or Paris to a beachside resort in the Caribbean or Hawaii, get exclusive access and premier services as a member.

Adventure Travel.

Sometimes your vacation calls for something more unique, more adventurous. An African safari or a private tour of the Galapagos Islands, for example. A week at a Colorado dude ranch, perhaps, or on a private chartered luxury yacht. Our personally selected and curated adventures have been specifically tailored to deliver the Inspirato experience on a truly grand scale.

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About Inspirato

MEMBERSHIP

THE INSPIRATO DIFFERENCE

OUR MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES UNCOMPROMISING STANDARDS. UNPARALLELED VALUE.

Absolute Luxury. Imagine a spacious, multimillion-dollar private villa with all the conveniences of a luxury home—from chefready, gourmet kitchens to the latest entertainment technology for the whole family. Whether you choose the bucolic landscape of Tuscany or the idyllic beaches of Anguilla, you know that every Inspirato experience has been personally vetted by our team of vacation experts to ensure it meets the exacting standards of our club members.

Variety. Want to vacation in a grand villa with lots of bedrooms

OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

and common areas designed to entertain? Or does your next trip require a more intimate, luxury retreat just for two? Large and small, beach, mountain, metropolitan or adventure, Inspirato has hundreds of customizable vacation options to best suit you and your family.

MEMBERS TOLD US HOW THEY WANTED TO TRAVEL. AND WE LISTENED.

INSPIRATO CORE

Flexibility. Travel as much or as little as you prefer, even

No Limits. Ever.

during peak periods such as holidays, and pay only for the nights you use. We offer a variety of membership options to accommodate the various ways our discerning members like to vacation.

Our Core membership is for those who want it all. Travel any time throughout the year across our entire portfolio of Signature Residences, hotel and resort partners and unique adventures.

Personalized Service. Your dedicated Personal Vacation

INSPIRATO FLEX

Advisor helps you plan the perfect vacation. Every on-site Destination Concierge ensures your stay is seamless and hassle free. Daily housekeeping? Of course. Personal chef? We’ll make it happen. No request is too small or too big for Inspirato. And every stay is filled with surprise-and-delight touches, customized for each club member.

No Limits On Where You Stay.

Prefer to avoid the busiest travel times of the year? Inspirato Flex members enjoy unlimited access to the entire portfolio of Signature Residences 42 weeks out of the year. Flex also includes unrestricted access to all hotel and resort partners, and unique adventures—365 days per year.

VIP Treatment. Inspirato members enjoy privileged access to vetted resort partners and on-site amenities such as spas, golf clubs and children’s clubs; discounted pricing for private air and luxury transportation services, custom-made sporting equipment and unique culinary experiences; and invitation-only access to exclusive events and parties worldwide.

INSPIRATO TRIOS

No Limits on When You Travel.

If smaller residences are more your style, Inspirato Trios will fit your needs nicely. Get unlimited access throughout the year to our portfolio of Signature Residences, up to three bedrooms in size. In addition, enjoy unlimited access to all hotel and resort partners, and unique adventures without restriction.

Significant Savings. Saving money is not the primary reason people join Inspirato. But our club’s nightly rates are usually significantly lower than comparable villas offered by online rental brokers. Plus, with Jaunt—our drop-everything-and-go, short-notice travel program—members get access to exquisite, multimillion-dollar residences for as little as $295 per night.

INSPIRATO FOR BUSINESS

Mix Business and Pleasure In Style.

We make it possible for corporations to confidently enjoy the benefits of large villa residences and extraordinary service on every trip with the club. Designed to accommodate employee incentive programs, corporate meetings and executive benefits, Inspirato for Business is a fresh new way to drive enthusiasm, productivity and spirit.

NOT A MEMBER YET? Learn more about the club by calling 888.546.5008 or visiting inspirato.com

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PORTFOLIO INDEX

114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130

SIGNATURE RESIDENCES & HOTEL PARTNERS

Abaco Anguilla Aspen Beaver Creek Bordeaux British Virgin Islands, Tortola Buenos Aires Chicago Colorado Springs Deer Valley Florence Grand Cayman Hilton Head Island Jackson Hole Kiawah Island Kohala Coast Lake Tahoe, Northstar

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131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146

Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley Las Vegas London Los Cabos Maldives Maui Miami/South Beach Nantucket Naples New York Newport Coast Oahu, Waikiki Paris Provence Punta Cana Punta de Mita

147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164

Rancho Santa Fe Rosemary Beach San Diego San Francisco Santa Barbara Snowmass Village St. Barts Telluride Texas Hill Country Thailand Toronto Turks & Caicos Tuscany Vail Vancouver Virginia, The Homestead Whistler Wine Country, Sonoma

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166 168 170 172 174 176 178

ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS African Safari C Lazy U Ranch Galapagos Voyage Machu Picchu Mediterranean Cruise Patagonia Yacht Charter

The TheInspirato Inspirato Portfolio Portfolio

MEMBERSHIP

Inspirato with American Express

PORTFOLIO S I G N AT U R E R E S I D E N C E S & H O T E L P A R T N E R S

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ABACO Whether you’re boating, sailing, fishing, diving or just lounging in a hammock as the sea breeze gently rocks you to sleep, the Abaco experience is unrivaled. This network of islands is a Bahamian mainstay, featuring lavish golf courses, remote beaches and world-class fishing. A pristine paradise, Abaco comprises two main islands and several smaller islands, each providing a distinct flavor of tropical bliss.

HIGHLIGHTS BAHAMIAN SECLUSION

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is the shimmering jewel of the Atlantic that wields the power to enchant and astound. Take a leisurely stroll to the beach for some unforgettable snorkeling, or try some of the best bonefishing the world has to offer. It’s your vacation, and the riches of the Bahamas are at your disposal.

THE LOCATION If a remote beachfront is what you’re looking for, then you’ve found it. Guests are

THE BAHAMAS

supplied with their own golf cart to help navigate the Club’s expansive grounds, so you can leave the car behind and travel at a more relaxed pace.

GOLF AT THE ABACO CLUB Course architects

Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie fashioned this par-72 links masterpiece, with spectacular landscapes and pictureperfect greens that compose a magnificent, 7,183-yard layout.

DINING Enjoy some Bahamian cuisine and Caribbean-inspired cocktails at the Clubhouse

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Abaco Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

at The Abaco Club. Perched atop a natural bluff with stunning views of Winding Bay, the Clubhouse features dinner menu items that are a masterful display of appetizing art. For a good lunch spot, try the Club’s Busters Beach Bar.

THE SPA Nothing beats spending time at The Abaco Club’s European-style spa, which incorporates a range of spoils to soothe both body and soul. Try a massage under a tent on the beach or choose from a full lineup of luxurious body treatments.

THE EXPERIENCE On Abaco you can delight in a truly disconnected experience, unplug from the stresses of daily life and thoroughly unwind in a tropical paradise.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE 19TH HOLE 3 BED / 3 BATH

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The Inspirato Portfolio

ANGUILLA

MEMBERSHIP

BRITISH WEST INDIES

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CÉBLUE VILLAS & BEACH RESORT 5 BED / 6 BATH

With fine beaches and fine dining, Anguilla is a true escape. The perfect day is easy here: It begins when you sink your toes into the soft white sand, continues with bright rays of sun reflecting off the turquoise Caribbean, and culminates in international fare in an open-air restaurant or an island beer paired with local barbecue.

HIGHLIGHTS CLEAR CARIBBEAN VIEWS The Caribbean

opens just beyond the terrace of every Signature Residence at Inspirato’s Anguillan villas. Relax in up to 8,000 square feet of newly constructed indoor and outdoor living space.

Or take a short walk or golfcart shuttle to the beach.

A DAY ON THE BEACH

There are more than 30 powdery beaches on Anguilla. Stroll along Mead’s Bay, take the kids to the Cove Bay beach or indulge in barefoot luxury dining at Sandy Ground.

SENSATIONAL SNORKELING There’s

great scuba diving, too, but the abundant calm bays around Anguilla and its outlying islands make for easy snorkeling where you’ll see worlds of brightly colored fish and coral reefs.

FINE DINING For a population of just under 15,000 residents, you’d never guess that Anguilla could house so many outstanding restaurants.

Chefs prepare cuisine with influences from Asia, Africa, France and more.

And don’t leave without

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sampling some authentic Anguillan barbecue.

THE POOL Each residence features a private pool.

simply unwind, relax and reconnect. Have breakfast delivered to your villa, lunch served to your chair in the sand, and dinner prepared and served poolside at your private villa.

RESORT AMENITIES At CéBlue Villas & Beach Resort, enjoy the fitness room, kids’ game room, spa treatment rooms, members’ lounge area and intimate beachfront dining at da’Vida.

RELAX AND UNWIND

Swim, dive, kayak, paddleboard, boat, fish—all the delights you desire, in or over the water.

Bike, shop, golf, dine—

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ASPEN

COLORADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUE SPRUCE 7 BED / 7.5 BATH

There are enough hip boutiques, gourmet restaurants and private jets in Aspen to rival the world’s greatest luxury destinations, but this mountain town’s true appeal rests in its beautiful setting and adventurous outdoor activities. You can hit the slopes, take on a whitewater river or just relax and watch the world go by.

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HIGHLIGHTS ASPEN, YOUR WAY All

of our Aspen properties feature an upscale, mountain-home feel with tasteful appointments and generous layouts that will make you feel right at home. Whether you pick the nearly 8,000-squarefoot, seven-bedroom Blue Spruce for a family reunion or the 4,278-square-foot, four-bedroom Silver Queen for something a bit more intimate, whatever you desire, our Aspen homes deliver.

MAROON BELLS If you buy a postcard in Aspen, the photo will likely be of the spectacular Maroon Bells, some of the mostphotographed mountains in the world. Consider a visit in the summer, when these 14,000-foot peaks are covered in a riot of wildflowers.

FASHION FORWARD Join the celebrities who shop for the latest international styles at the boutiques on Galena Street. And check out the local shops for chic skiwear, highend Western apparel and unique pieces of art.

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WINING AND DINING

Aspen restaurants are a destination unto themselves, whether you’re craving expertly prepared Colorado game, decadent comfort food, world-class sushi or a burger at Little Annie’s. And wherever you go, you can count

on the perfect glass of wine or a local craft beer to pair with your meal.

FOUR FOR ONE Enjoy access to four worldclass ski mountains— Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—on a single lift ticket.

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BEAVER CREEK Fall in love with Beaver Creek—a cozy alpine hamlet in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Taken together with neighboring Vail, these vibrant communities boast thousands of skiable acres, posh residences and an array of worldclass amenities.

HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS

Beaver Creek is the superexclusive smaller sister to her more popular big sister, Vail. Savvy travelers flock to the convenient villageto-village ski offerings at Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek and Arrowhead.

prepare an unforgettable meal you can enjoy in your mountain residence.

ALPINE GOLF Tee off at Beaver Creek Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course set amid stunning scenery in the mountain valley.

MEMBER FAVORITE

OPTIONS ABOUND Dining options in Beaver Creek blend gourmet fare with fresh, local ingredients.

Take your pick of elegant restaurants in town, or request a private chef to

For one of the most romantic dining experiences in town, Inspirato members love Beano’s Cabin at Beaver Creek, an intimate and off-the-beaten-path venue that serves a selection of delectable options.

MEMBERSHIP

COLORADO

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Beaver Creek Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

NATURAL COLOR Explore this valley on foot or by bike in the summer and fall to experience beautiful golden aspen glades, multicolored wildflowers and highaltitude overlooks.

NIGHTLIFE When the sun sets on Beaver Creek, mellow evenings await.

Start with a handcrafted martini at the The Beaver Creek Chophouse, try Vin 48 for fine wines and an ever-changing menu of rustic American fare made with local, organic ingredients, and don’t miss Splendido at the Chateau with its unique and refined Euro-American cuisine.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE STONE CREEK 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

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BORDEAUX There’s a reason you hear so much about Bordeaux, France. Not only is it one of the world’s premier wine-producing regions, but its rolling hills, dotted with historic farmhouses and chateaux, also make this one of the world’s most romantic regions.

Days are best spent strolling gardens or taking cooking classes, while evenings invite you to watch the sunset, glass of wine in hand, from a rooftop patio in a hilltop village.

HIGHLIGHTS THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Château Verdot is in the area known as SaintÉmilion, home to many ancient castles, charming villages and one of Europe’s largest underground churches. Spend a day touring the local vineyards and palaces and tasting the local wines and foods.

IN THE VILLA On the outside, the old stone façade and brown tile roof of your private villa hark back to a time long ago.

On the inside, modern,

American-style fixtures and finishes make the chateau feel familiar and comfortable. The 3,078-square-foot villa has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen.

TAKE THE PLUNGE The private garden has a plunge pool for cooling off after hot days strolling the nearby vineyards.

NIGHT AT THE OPERA The height of sophistication is a night enjoying a performance at the 18thcentury Grand Theatre, which is older than the opera house in Paris.

FRANCE

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HOTEL PARTNER RESIDENCE Explore our Bordeaux residence at inspirato.com/ destinations

CUSTOM COOKING Let your Destination Concierge arrange a private cooking lesson with a skilled chef. Armed with a list of ingredients and the chef’s favorite shops, you’ll visit the local farmer’s market in nearby Libourne to select the fresh ingredients.

Return to the villa, where

the chef will teach you his techniques for preparing a classic French feast you won’t soon forget.

WINE TASTING Tour the Gironde River’s Left Bank if you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, or stick to the Right Bank if Merlot is more your speed. Stroll out your front door into miles of vineyards.

HOTEL PARTNER CHÂTEAU VERDOT 4 BED / 4 BATH

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

MEMBERSHIP

TORTOLA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE FRENCHMAN’S LOOKOUT 5 BED / 5 BATH

For devotees of sailing, power boating, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, the 60 or so islands and cays that constitute the British Virgin Islands are a peerless destination. The largest and most popular of the islands, Tortola offers a bounty of marinas and charter operations that cater to every seaborne aspiration, as well as restaurants and world-famous beach bars, all just minutes away from your spectacular residence.

HIGHLIGHTS OUTDOOR LIVING With 65 doors and only one window, all rooms at Frenchman’s Lookout lead to a wraparound deck with stunning ocean views.

Frenchman’s Paradise overlooks West End Marina and also features spectacular Caribbean views. It’s a short distance to Soper’s Hole restaurants and shops, as well as some of the island’s best unspoiled white beaches.

TAKE TO THE SEA From

half-day boating excursions and skiff rentals to staffed and provisioned

full-day and multi-day charters aboard an array of yachts and power cats, there’s a wide variety of options for exploring the waters around Tortola.

NIGHTLIFE The British Virgin Islands are teeming with beach bars, many of which feature live music on most nights.

FEEL NO PAIN Sip an authentic “painkiller” cocktail—a delicious blend of local rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream and fresh nutmeg—at the Soggy

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Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Charter a half- or full-day sailing excursion to the nearby island to try the original, or mix one up right at your residence.

BRANDYWINE BAY For one of the most memorable dining experiences in the islands, visit Brandywine Bay on Tortola, a

spectacular Italian venue set amid lush gardens overlooking the sea.

MUST-SEE SPOT The Baths—an iconic, naturally occurring formation of boulders near Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda—are one of the top attractions in the BVIs. Hike through a series of rock caves leading out to the sea, then swim or snorkel back to the beach. The Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda is another great destination and offers a wide variety of water sports and sailing instruction for all skill levels.

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BUENOS AIRES

ARGENTINA

HOTEL PARTNER FOUR SEASONS 1 BED / 1 BATH

Latin charms ooze from every corner of this vibrant metropolis dubbed “the Paris of South America.” Spend your days perusing the fine art galleries, lunching at sidewalk cafes as the people pass by and feasting on Argentine asado and Malbec.

Nights, of course, are for tango. At the heart of the action in the Recoleta district is the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, your home base in this thriving city.

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HIGHLIGHTS CREATURE COMFORT

Guests are greeted by the large airy lobby, appointed with modern furniture and fixtures and rich mahogany trim. Guest rooms are more classic with stately beds, heavy armoires and scenic picture windows with views of the city skyline.

CHEERS! Yes, you’ll want to sample the Malbecs while you’re here, but mornings in Buenos Aires

are made for café con leche. Enjoy a cup at La Biela, the historic cafe in the Recoleta district.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Palermo Viejo is the place to go for the latest fashions and stylish boutiques.

Argentine designers Cecilia Gadea and Maria Cher are among the most notable.

NIGHTLIFE There’s plenty of time to sleep between 5 and 9 a.m. Nighttime in Buenos Aires is for drinking and dancing. The trendy Las Cañitas neighborhood is where you’ll find the

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best action. Take a lesson at Tango Cool, where live music accompanies dancers every Friday night and into Saturday morning.

COWBOY UP Get a taste of traditional ranching life by visiting las pampas, the Argentine plains, where you can see real gauchos at work. Take a horseback

ride and a tour of a small colonial town, where the food is as authentic as the friendly locals.

TAKE A DIP The Four Seasons is the only luxury hotel in Buenos Aires with an outdoor pool. It is located in the gardens and is surrounded by romantic lighting and lush landscaping.

The Inspirato Portfolio

CHICAGO With its firstclass restaurants, shopping, museums and sports teams, Chicago boasts urban attractions that draw visitors from around the world. The “Windy City” is also very accessible, with miles of lakefront paths that invite a late-afternoon stroll and festive atmospheres at Millennium Park and Navy Pier. But perhaps the best way to take it all in is with a bird’s-eye view from your suite in the spectacular new Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago™.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HEART OF IT ALL

Inspirato’s residential suites are located on the higher floors of The Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which means you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Chicago River and the city skyline from every residence.

THE MAGNIFICENT MILE

This eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue features a staggering 460 stores, from high-end boutiques to offbeat bargain and specialty shops.

MEMBERSHIP

ILLINOIS

THE LOOP The historical center of downtown Chicago, The Loop is chock-full of culture, art, attractions and notable landmarks. Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center are all found here.

DINING Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and culinary offerings. Your personal concierge is available to help you find the city’s newest hotspots and offthe-beaten-path gems.

And of course you’ll want

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HOTEL PARTNER RESIDENCES Explore our Chicago residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

to sample Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs—it’s the only way to join the debate about which city has the best of each.

THE SERVICE You’ll enjoy signature Trump Attaché services 24 hours a day.

This unparalleled service delivers personalized

attention without intrusion, including everything from a custom-stocked refrigerator or a personal shopper to whatever your heart desires.

THE LOCATION Just outside the Tower’s front doors, you’ll find the best of Chicago, including Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park and world-class restaurants.

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HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER 2 BED / 2 BATH

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COLORADO SPRINGS With the majestic Pikes Peak rising in the background, the historic Broadmoor is situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Dating back to Colorado’s rich silver and gold mining era, the resort combines the opulence of the boom days with the relaxed and laid-back vibe of the Western high country. A visit to The Broadmoor is at once a step back in history and a step ahead in luxury amenities.

HIGHLIGHTS SUITE LIFE Your room or

suite at The Broadmoor is appointed with classic and timeless décor and furniture, marble vanities and comfortable overstuffed seating. Spectacular views of the mountains or the sprawling grounds greet you from every window, and friendly, helpful staff attend to your every need.

FINE DINING From the five-star Penrose Room to the AAA Four-Diamond Charles Court, gourmet fare abounds at the resort.

Or venture off the grounds

and into charming Manitou Springs or downtown Colorado Springs for favorite local haunts and Western American classics.

AMENITIES APLENTY

It’s impossible not to indulge at The Broadmoor, whether enjoying a rejuvenating treatment at the five-star spa, floating in the refreshing infinity pool under the Colorado blue summer skies or hitting the 54 holes of The Broadmoor’s worldclass golf courses.

FAMILY FUN An ideal multigenerational destination, The Broadmoor

HOTEL PARTNER THE BROADMOOR

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HOTEL PARTNER RESIDENCES Explore our Colorado Springs residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

and its nearby activities are perfect for kids, parents and grandparents. Visit the exotic Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, take a scenic ride up the world’s highest cog railway to the summit of historic Pikes Peak or tour the breathtaking rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, on foot or in a Jeep.

OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER Just 20 minutes

from the resort, the U.S. Olympic Complex offers tours of its flagship training center and world-class facilities, where the nation’s best athletes live and train.

WHITEWATER Older kids and adventure seekers can take a wild ride through the raging rapids of the Arkansas River on a half- or full-day rafting trip. Your Destination Concierge can make all the arrangements, from a pickup at the hotel to a post-paddle lunch by the water.

The Inspirato Portfolio

DEER VALLEY

MEMBERSHIP

U TA H

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUEBELL 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

Some devotees believe that Utah has the best powder in the world. That must be the reason SKI Magazine has named Deer Valley the top ski resort in North America for four consecutive years. That soft snow coupled with Deer Valley’s exceptional service—from ski valets and overnight equipment storage to superb on-mountain dining venues— makes the resort a five-star experience at every turn.

HIGHLIGHTS

access and private ski storage rooms.

WILD-WEST LUXURY

Slopeside with ski-in, ski-out convenience, all of our Signature Residences are situated in the heart of Deer Valley Resort in the Village at Empire Pass.

Rich wood finishes, lush granite countertops and warm decorations add to the inviting, mountain lodge feel of Inspirato’s stylish accommodations.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

The Hawkeye residence’s living room includes a vaulted ceiling, a floorto-ceiling stone fireplace and two-story windows that overlook Deer Valley Resort. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, the Northside Express is just steps away.

HIGH-ALTITUDE GOLF

SKI CONVENIENCE

Inspirato’s Signature Residences offer deluxe accommodations and provide ski-in, ski-out

When the snow melts, spend some time at Hawkeye’s private community putting green before heading out for a round at a nearby course.

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PARK CITY Chances are good that you won’t want to leave the comfort of Deer Valley, but if you do, Park City is just minutes away. You’ll find a wide variety of great restaurants, boutique shopping and fun nightlife options.

TWO-WHEEL TOURING

Deer Valley has 55 miles of bike trails with variable terrain and terrific views. And bike season continues through the fall, when changing leaves make the scenery even more spectacular.

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FLORENCE

I TA LY

HOTEL PARTNER LUNGARNO SUITES

Your luxurious residence at the Lungarno Suites overlooks the lovely Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River flowing through the middle of Florence. In addition to beginning your day with these wonderful views, your concierge can direct you to nearby sites such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, or to Florence’s famed boutiques as well as make dinner reservations at one of the city’s amazing restaurants.

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HIGHLIGHTS TREASURE ON THE ARNO

Your suite features the stylish furnishings and clean lines designed by the venerable Ferragamo family. It’s perfect for a couple, and also suits a family with additional sleeping arrangements.

Grand windows overlook the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio, and your kitchenette features everything you’ll need to make yourself comfortable during your stay. The Lungarno staff will deliver breakfast to your suite each morning, and limousine service is available.

UFFIZI GALLERY

Designed by Vasari for Cosimo de’ Medici, the beautiful Uffizi is even more famous for the treasures within, including works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael and Rembrandt.

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HIGH-END FASHIONS

The boutiques of Armani, Ferragamo and Bulgari are on Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Cavalli and Pucci have stores around Florence, too. If you want the latest trends, you’re in the right place.

PIAZZA DEL DUOMO

Really a collection of sites, this world-famous square features the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, the Babtistery of San Giovanni and the Loggia del Bigallo.

THE LOCATION Walk to the most famous Florence landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Palazzo Pitti.

THE SERVICE The staff will handle every detail, from concierge service to laundry service.

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GRAND CAYMAN Relaxation and adventure intersect in the Cayman Islands, no more so than on Grand Cayman, where your perfect itinerary might include swimming with stingrays in the morning, picnicking in the afternoon and enjoying fresh seafood on an open-air patio with views of the brilliant sunset at night.

A reef, just offshore, not only provides hours of magnificent snorkeling but also acts as a barrier, to keep the coastline calm and gentle.

HIGHLIGHTS FRONT-ROW SEATS

Any closer and your toes would be in the water.

The spacious and airy beachfront condominiums in the boutique Sea Breeze residences overlook the lapping turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Private terraces offer unobstructed views of Seven Mile Beach.

AMENITIES With an en-suite bathroom in every bedroom; a fully equipped media room; well-appointed living, kitchen and dining rooms

with the finest finishes; and a beachside pool, each Sea Breeze residence is made to order for families and large groups.

PLAY’S THE THING Kids will love splashing in the calm waters or snorkeling the colorful coral reef.

Miles of white-sand beaches invite sunbathers to unwind with a good book and a daiquiri. For a four-legged walking—or trotting—tour of the beaches and the inland hills, guided horseback rides are a unique way to take in the sights.

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DINING Island classics like conch stew at Vivine’s Kitchen on the East End and inventive twists such as a jerk-spiced burger at Macabuca Oceanside Tiki Bar & Grill will get you in that laid-back local islander mood.

INDULGE If the calming blue waters and the gentle ocean breeze aren’t enough, the Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, can help you fully unwind with a range of hydrotherapy and massage treatments, no matter your pampering preference.

SNORKELING Cemetery Reef on Seven Mile Beach is considered the best snorkeling and reef diving on all of Grand Cayman, and it’s just outside your door.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE COUSTEAU 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND With miles of wide, sandy beaches all accessible by bike, it’s easy to unwind on Hilton Head.

But don’t be fooled by the island’s small size.

Hilton Head packs a lot into its 60 square miles, including exceptional golf courses, a diverse array of restaurants, charming boutiques and shops, spas and more. It’s no wonder that Hilton Head ranked high on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best in the World Reader’s Choice Awards” in 2011.

HIGHLIGHTS SWITCHGRASS Your

residence on Hilton Head offers the finest in private luxury paired with a convenient location. Enjoy the home’s light-filled interior and extensive outdoor living area, replete with a private pool and many other amenities.

HIT THE LINKS Hilton Head is a world-class golf destination and features more than 20 championship courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones. The Arthur Hills Course is one of South Carolina’s finest.

FAMILY FUN Hilton Head is an ideal family destination. Kids will enjoy playing on the beach, bike rides on the many paved paths or challenging mom or dad to a game of tennis.

BEACH TIME Three miles of premier beaches are right outside your door.

Get active with an early morning jog or an afternoon game of bocce ball, or just relax and let the tide roll in.

LUNCH TO GO Christine’s Cafe & Catering will prepare a gourmet picnic lunch with everything you need.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SWITCHGRASS 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

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SOUTH CAROLINA

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE Explore our Hilton Head Island Signature Residence at inspirato.com/ destination

INDULGE AND UNWIND

Choose from one of the many treatments and packages available at The Ocean Tides Spa, conveniently located near your residence.

SUN DOWNER Sunsets are a treasured time on Hilton Head. Find prime viewing and good eats at The Quarterdeck in Harbour Town Marina, San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove Marina and The Old Oyster Factory overlooking Broad Creek.

NIGHTLIFE Head to The Jazz Corner for an upbeat evening of great music and top-shelf libations.

The Lodge offers a more relaxed atmosphere where you can settle in by one of two stone fireplaces with an expertly crafted martini.

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JACKSON HOLE

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WYOMING

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BIG HORN 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

Surrounded by the breathtaking Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole combines the charms of the rustic West with the luxuries of an upscale resort.

Our spacious homes here are tucked away on a gentle hillside, and offer convenient access to Teton Village. With so much to do—whether golfing, fishing, hiking, biking or skiing—you will delight in retiring to your comfortable mountain home after an active day spent with friends and family.

HIGHLIGHTS PERFECTLY LOCATED Our

homes provide easy access to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the astonishing National Elk Refuge, the town of Jackson and so much more.

From walls of windows that frame amazing mountain views, to expansive deck and patio spaces and tasteful furnishings, you will love how our Jackson Hole homes integrate the dramatic natural elements outside with the luxurious comforts found inside.

THE SETTING Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws skiers and boarders from around the globe with its varied terrain, which ranges from gentle slopes to extreme backcountry runs. At the base of the resort, Teton Village feels as if you have been magically whisked away to Europe. The “Vil” has Swiss architecture and all the amenities you would expect from an internationally renowned vacation destination.

TETON VILLAGE This quaint village has become a destination in its own right. Visitors enjoy

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delicious restaurants, inviting espresso bars, cozy après-ski hangouts and eclectic shopping.

OUTDOOR THRILLS

Summer is bright and warm with hiking, flyfishing, golfing, live music and cultural activities

galore, while the crisp and clear winters provide legendary mountain terrain and deep powder for world-class skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh-riding, dogsledding, snowshoeing and more.

THE WILD WEST A visit to Jackson Town Square is like stepping into the Wild West, complete with friendly cowboys, authentic saloons, chuck-wagon dinners, and horseback and stagecoach rides.

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KIAWAH ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BEACHCOMBER 5 BED / 4.5 BATH

Experience the charms of the Old South and the luxury of modern conveniences on this intimate, 13-square-mile island untouched by and worlds away from the hectic pace of everyday life. Kiawah Island is not and never will be overdeveloped, and its shoreline is actually growing. A contrast to the dry landscape of Mexico and the tropical climes of the Caribbean, Kiawah’s topography features lush forests, tidal creeks and freshwater ponds.

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HIGHLIGHTS ANIMAL KINGDOM

Separated from the relative metropolis of Charleston by a short causeway, the island is a natural playground teeming with wildlife. Out here you can catch a glimpse of everything from dolphins to red foxes, Loggerhead sea turtles to white-tailed deer.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE

Our Kiawah Island Signature Residence— able to comfortably accommodate as many as 12 guests—offers the ultimate in relaxed island luxury. It’s close to

the beach, golf courses, shopping, restaurants and all that Kiawah has to offer.

HOTEL PARTNER

Recognized by everyone from Forbes to Travel + Leisure, The Sanctuary Hotel is among the world’s finest resorts. Enjoy grand architecture, meticulous detail and design, classic décor and a five-piece bathroom. Two outdoor swimming pools with views of the ocean, a toddler pool and an indoor lap pool are perfect for wading, playing or exercising.

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RESIDENCES Explore our Kiawah Island Signature Residence and hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

With 30 miles of gentle bike paths, Kiawah is, perhaps, best toured on two wheels. Pedal down the quaint village lanes and boardwalks or cruise down to the beach for a picnic lunch.

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entire vacation on the immaculate, world-class golf courses, including The Ocean Course, Turtle Point and Oak Point. As always, your concierge can arrange tee times, club rentals and other logistics.

GARDEN PARTY A family visit to Middleton Place, the oldest landscaped gardens in the U.S., is another way to enjoy the great outdoors and the historic ambience that permeates the entire island. Modeled after European classics such as Versailles, the grounds at Middleton will inspire all ages to stop and smell the flowers.

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KOHALA COAST Imagine relaxing in your wellappointed beach cottage, the lapping blue waters of the Pacific lulling you to sleep. The Big Island’s Kohala Coast is equal parts world-class beach destination and tropical adventure paradise. Whether your perfect day includes a stroll through the local farmer’s market or a hike up a volcano, Kohala Coast delivers.

HIGHLIGHTS

airy and laid back as the resort’s surroundings.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE

Your Hale Orchid home overlooks a golf fairway and has views of the ocean, while Hale Honu features a private infinity pool, large patio and three outdoor showers.

KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE With an average of

357 sunny days each year and temperature highs that range from the mid-70s to low 80s, weather on the Big Island’s “Gold Coast” is almost always perfect.

HOTEL PARTNER The Lava

Lava Beach Club cottage is a cozy one-bedroom retreat just steps away from the Anaeho’omalu Bay. A private covered lanai, contemporary teak furniture and bright interior décor feel as fresh,

TAKE TO THE SKIES If you think the scenery is pretty from your lanai, you should see it from several thousand feet. A helicopter tour of the Big Island affords bird’s-eye views of the Kilauea Volcano, the inland rainforests and the impossibly tall waterfalls.

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RESIDENCES Explore our Kohala Coast Signature Residences and hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations

DINNER CRUISE Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner cruise along the coastline. Your Destination Concierge can make the arrangements.

TEE TIME Five public golf courses occupy the most prime real estate on the island. The 18-hole, Nicklaus-designed Hualalai

course is so beautiful, even your worst slice won’t get you down.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS

Is there a more magical experience for a kid than swimming with a dolphin?

Even adults can’t resist playing with one of the ocean’s most graceful and fun-loving mammals.

Many hotels and operators offer programs in onsite dolphin habitats or in the open ocean.

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HALE HONU 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

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LAKE TAHOE With 12 major mountain resorts in two states offering every imaginable sport and amenity, Tahoe truly has something for everyone—every season, every night and every day. You’re guaranteed to find adventure while visiting Lake Tahoe.

HIGHLIGHTS ONE VILLAGE PLACE

Located at the base of Northstar California resort, your Inspirato residence at One Village Place takes what people expect from exclusivity and adds a dash of charm and convenience to the mix.

RESORT AMENITIES Enjoy access to fitness centers, hot tubs, a swimming pool and more—all just steps from your residence.

NORTHSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT Northstar

features 95 ski trails spread across 3,000 acres of

varied terrain. It’s a proper winter paradise that’s characteristic of the entire Tahoe region. It’s also the home resort to two-time snowboarding Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.

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BIG SPRINGS EXPRESS

Direct, private access to an in-residence gondola means that you’ll never have to wait for a ride up the mountain.

MOUNTAIN GOLFING

Unforgettable golf courses—such as Northstar-at-Tahoe, Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing—offer

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SIERRA 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

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superb summer greens and gorgeous views.

STAY ACTIVE With a dozen major ski areas, golf courses, trails and streams, dozens of restaurants and unique shopping opportunities at every turn, Tahoe is the ideal destination in summer or winter.

VILLAGE SKATING RINK

Leisurely skating on an open rink is a wonderful way to end a day of shopping and exploring the Tahoe area.

THE VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR The mountain

village provides five-star access to fine dining, boutique shopping, private fitness centers and more.

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LAKE TAHOE

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S Q U AW VA L L E Y

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE APEX 5 BED / 3.5 BATH

Squaw Valley is a vibrant, multi-season vacation paradise. Visitors relish the romance of early evening alpenglow and the buzz of extreme skiing and riding.

With Inspirato, Squaw Valley is elevated to an undeniably extraordinary destination with amazing, personalized service among the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas.

HIGHLIGHTS PASSPORT TO FUN

Squaw Valley is the ideal year-round resort for the adventurous and the enthusiast who relishes the best in mountain living.

Inspirato’s travel experts will help you experience this treasured snowcovered playground any way you’d like to slice it.

PRIVATE LUXURY Apex, one of Inspirato’s amazing properties, features an expansive wraparound deck where you can watch the epic Tahoe sunset burn in coral hues for

a breathtaking instant.

Inside, the timber lodge ceiling of your great room soars to beautiful heights, and the full kitchen is truly a gourmand’s delight.

PIES AND WINE There’s

nothing like a good pizza, especially gourmet pizza accompanied by a stellar wine list. At the Fireside Pizza Co., the whole family will enjoy a hearty menu that’s chock-full of appetizers, salads, pastas and gourmet pizzas.

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RESIDENCES Explore our Squaw Valley Signature Residences and hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations

JUST SAY SPA-AHHH

In the heart of the village, the Trilogy Spa offers private, award-winning treatments. Reserve some time to enjoy a glass of wine or Champagne, and select from a lineup of mini treatments for a memorable après-ski activity.

SNOW DAY Kids ages 6 to 12 will enjoy riding a snowmobile that’s just their size at the SnoVentures mini-snowmobile course.

FUN IN THE SUN The mountain resorts of Tahoe don’t shut down for the summer; once all the epic snow melts, Squaw Valley delivers a steady surge of monthly outdoor festivals and events. From the Fine Arts & Crafts Festival in late June to the Annual Alpen Wine Fest in early September, Inspirato members will never be at a loss for fun.

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LAS VEGAS

N E VA D A

HOTEL PARTNER ARIA RESORT & CASINO 2 BED / 2.5 BATH

For the well-heeled traveler, Las Vegas’s entertainment opportunities truly know no bounds. Dine in internationally renowned restaurants, take the evening to the next level in a sky-top lounge or reserve a limousine to whisk you to a trendy nightclub or show. Your luxurious suite at the ARIA Resort & Casino puts you in the center of it all.

HIGHLIGHTS SANCTUARY IN THE SKY

Your stay in the stunning ARIA Sky Suites begins with an exclusive portecochère accessable only by limousine. Soar to your penthouse, where each suite features spectacular views of the city or mountains. ARIA’s concierge staff will cater to your every need.

FINE DINING The

number of chefs with gourmet venues in Las Vegas seems endless: Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Andre Rochat and more have created amazing restaurants and unforgettable dining experiences.

UNDER ONE ROOF

Amenities at the ARIA include a world-class spa and salon, private resort pools and fine dining from

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James Beard–recognized and Michelin-lauded chefs.

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We could describe them as a combination of dance and dexterity, theater and acrobatics, but you really have to see them to believe them.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Although Cirque is an international organization, it seems as if the incredibly unique performances were designed for Vegas.

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NIGHTLIFE If Las Vegas doesn’t sleep, should you?

From gaming at one of the

many casinos to the most exclusive nightclubs, there’s something fun and vibrant for every visitor under the bright Vegas lights.

FUN FOR KIDS Vegas isn’t all about decadence; there’s plenty for the whole family to do. From the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, a wild ride on top of The Stratosphere or simply watching the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, Vegas delivers excitement for all ages.

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LONDON In London, tradition and ceremony meld seamlessly with the fast pace of a global financial center and a vibrant, modern aesthetic. Your suite at the chic and contemporary Metropolitan London places you at the center of this cultural crossroads—just minutes from London’s historic hotspots and hippest offerings.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Perfectly

placed on Park Lane, guests of the Metropolitan are within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street, Knightsbridge and a throng of restaurants.

THE SERVICE A Techno

Butler is at your service to help with all things computer related, and guests also receive twice-daily maid service, including evening turndown with complimentary mineral water. The Met Bar is open only to guests for afternoon tea, award-winning

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ENGLAND

cocktails and dynamic, DJ-fueled events. Celebrity sightings are common here—especially while dining at Nobu or sipping a martini at The Met Bar. EXPERIENCE IT ALL

A short cab ride from Metropolitan London delivers you to London’s famous neighborhoods, shopping locations and restaurants. Stroll through the scenic passageways of Mayfair and Knightsbridge— two of London’s elite neighborhood districts— spend the day at Hyde Park,

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visit international treasures at the British Museum and National Gallery or pay a visit to Westminster Abbey.

WEST END THEATER

Only New York’s Broadway can compete with the West End. Famous movie actors appear on stage here frequently, and it’s also known

for its many amazing restaurants, making this an unforgettable evening experience.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Great for families, the Queen’s official London residence features 775 rooms, lavish décor and is the site of the Changing of the Guard.

LONDON PUBS Slide onto a bar stool or into a booth at a traditional pub and enjoy a pint. From dark wood paneling to warm fireplaces, you can find the perfect interior for midday comfort.

HOTEL PARTNER METROPOLITAN LONDON 1 BED / 1 BATH

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LOS CABOS Ask several people why they visit Los Cabos and they’ll all cite a different reason. For sport fishers, Cabo is a billfishing mecca. For golfers, the ocean-view championship courses are a must. The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is endlessly entertaining.

If you have kids, a zipline tour over desert canyons might be more your style. But everyone can agree on the beauty of this shimmering jewel by the Sea of Cortez.

HIGHLIGHTS SIT BACK AND RELAX As

a guest of Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza Resort and Punta Ballena Resort, members staying in these residences have world-class dining and spa access to what Condé Nast Traveler readers call one of the top resorts in all of Mexico. Head down to the beautiful pools, try an award-winning spa treatment or dine at any number of unforgettable restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll love your new home on the Baja peninsula.

GOLF Los Cabos is home to six championship courses, where you can test your skills on the desert terrain with the Sea of Cortez as a backdrop.

THE SPA The Spa at Esperanza regularly appears on Travel + Leisure’s best-of lists.

CANOPY TOUR Hook up to a zipline and soar fast and far over the wide canyons of the Baja landscape.

THE SERVICE From room service to poolside attendants at many of the residences, your every need is taken care of.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CASA DEL SOL 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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MEXICO

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Los Cabos Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

CONVENIENT LUXURY

With stunning ocean views and five-star amenities close at hand, your family won’t need to go far to enjoy the best of Los Cabos.

THE SELECTION With 13 Signature Residences, you have a variety of options for the perfect place to stay.

Your refrigerator will be stocked with everything you requested, from bottled water and cervezas to fresh fruits. And you won’t spend a second fretting about dinner reservations or how to schedule that whale-watching tour or round of championship golf; your Destination Concierge will handle it all.

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MALDIVES

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S O N E VA F U S H I

HOTEL PARTNER SONEVA FUSHI JUNGLE RESERVE 4 BED / 4 BATH

The Soneva Fushi resort is an island unto itself—a private swath of silky sand and lush vegetation surrounded by a coral lagoon and the dazzling Indian Ocean.

Although the island is the second largest in the Maldives, the resort’s 65 residences are the only ones here, and each offers complete privacy to enjoy your own island paradise.

HIGHLIGHTS SONEVA FUSHI You

might feel like Robinson Crusoe—albeit in a far more luxurious setting— when you stay at one of Inspirato’s residences at Soneva Fushi. Choose from an intimate one-bedroom villa with a private pool; a two-bedroom villa with a lagoon-like oasis and pool just steps from the beach; or a multi-story, four-bedroom sanctuary that includes a private massage suite, sauna and steam bath, personal gym, wine cellar and a massive swimming pool.

TOP-TIER SERVICE

Condé Nast Traveler has designated Soneva Fushi for both its Hot List and Gold List thanks to superior service, a world-class Six Senses Spa, decadent cuisine and pure beauty. It’s barefoot luxury at its finest.

THE AMENITIES Some residences feature a private seawater swimming pool, personal butler service, in-villa wireless Internet access, complimentary daily breakfast, access to the resort’s fitness center and the use of a resort buggy or bicycles.

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SIX SENSES SPA Reserve some time for pampering from the renowned spa brand, whether it’s a body treatment, spa journey or specialist therapy like a Tibetan hot stone healing massage.

DIVE IN The Maldives boast some of the world’s best scuba diving, and

from Soneva Fushi you have access to more than 30 excellent dive sites.

You can also get PADIcertified at the resort within a week, and then join a small group led by the Soleni Dive School.

The crystal-clear lagoon around the island also offers excellent snorkeling.

STARSTRUCK Koh Kood’s quiet shores and clear skies are ideal for a night of stargazing. Start with training from the resort’s resident astronomer and then turn your eyes to the sky to view Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons and countless stars.

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MAUI

H AWA II

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE FAIRMONT KEA LANI

You can truly have it your way on Maui. From exploring a lush rainforest, trekking to the top of a towering volcano, catching a wave or just digging your toes into the sand, the island is home to larger-thanlife adventures and singular beauty. The Inspirato residences at Fairmont Kea Lani put it all within easy reach.

Featuring a wealth of resort amenities, Fairmont Kea Lani is one of Hawaii’s finest.

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HIGHLIGHTS DON’T MISS Looking

for adventure? Hike above the cloud line on Haleakala, Maui’s highest volcanic peak, or grab a surfboard and hit the waves. For more leisurely activities, Maui boasts 14 golf courses, several of which are considered among the world’s best.

The unspoiled town of Hana is also well worth a visit.

generously sized and luxuriously appointed oceanfront villa features a private lanai with plunge pool, deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers as well as access to the Spa Kea Lani, three resort pools and two whirlpools, complimentary transport to Wailea Golf Club and within the Wailea community, and access to the Keiki Lani children’s program. You could leave the resort, but why would you want to?

THE RESORT EXPERIENCE

The Fairmont Kea Lani offers three pools, beach activities, a spa and great restaurants—all without leaving the resort. Your

INSIDER’S TIP Most visitors to Maui opt for the Haleakala sunrise,

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but the sunset is just as spectacular (and you don’t have to get up early).

BEST NEARBY BEACH

Polo Beach is just steps from your residence, and its wide, sandy shores are perfect for boogie boarding. There are plenty of umbrellas, too.

BEACH STROLL The 3-mile Wailea Coastal Walk takes about an hour to complete round trip, but you’ll want to linger longer at one of five white-sand beaches with swaying palm trees and, in the right season, humpback whale watching.

A MEAL TO REMEMBER

There’s only one reason we would recommend a 45-minute drive to dinner: Haliimaile General Store.

It’s well worth the trip.

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MIAMI/SOUTH BEACH Miami Beach’s famed South Beach neighborhood envelops the southernmost blocks of Florida’s main barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. In a word, this international entertainment and nightlife destination is beautiful—both in terms of stunning scenery and gorgeous people. Even the architecture is enticing.

HIGHLIGHTS HOTSPOT If you’re in

Miami Beach, there’s only one place to be: South Beach. And if you’re in South Beach, a stay at The Setai is as good as it gets.

This hip oceanfront resort is intimate and peaceful yet also seductively flashy and spectacularly chic. Our 19th-floor, corner residence features views of the ocean and downtown Miami, as well as access to three beachfront pools, a world-class spa and fitness center, valet parking and beach attendants ready to serve you surfside.

HOME, JAMES The Apartment King Suite at The James Royal Palm is modern, spacious and pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends.

THE CLUB SCENE With hundreds of clubs, bars and other establishments, South Beach is one of the world’s hottest destinations for nightlife.

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fresh sushi or anything in between, you will find it in South Beach.

ECLECTIC SHOPPING

GLOBAL DINING

Gourmands flock to South Beach for its global cuisine, fresh ingredients, celebrated restaurants and notable chefs. Whether you desire elegant dining, traditional Latin spice,

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South Beach is bustling with couture labels, antique shops, fashionable galleries, quirky boutiques and retail outlets. Lincoln Road, an open-air

pedestrian mall, is the premier shopping area.

SUN WORSHIP A collection of Miami’s barrier islands constitute sunny South Beach, and wherever you choose to stay, eat and play in this neighborhood, you’re never far from the water.

ART DECO Tucked amid the sky-high resorts and chic, contemporary venues that frame Miami’s waterfront, the petite Art Deco District makes a statement with more than 800 beautifully restored buildings in just one square mile of prime real estate.

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NANTUCKET Nantucket’s mere 47 square miles belie the number of ways there are to play on this charming island.

You can explore the peaceful beaches lining the island’s many idyllic inlets and bays, take to the water in a rented boat or on a guided tour, or simply spend a long afternoon engrossed in a good book or tracking the graceful flight of coastal birds.

HIGHLIGHTS HAVE IT YOUR WAY

From charming seaside cottages to an in-town escape with an ideal location to a sprawling seaside estate, our residences offer the best of Nantucket any way you’d like to approach it. And of course they all feature touches and amenities that meet Inspirato’s exacting standards.

BEACHES IN ABUNDANCE

From seaside service, where you can watch the evening colors settle over the ocean with your favorite cocktail, to raw, unpopulated

MASSACHUSETTS

stretches of coast where the only amenities are what you bring, Nantucket’s beaches offer an experience to suit every taste.

NANTUCKET FARMER’S AND ARTISAN’S MARKET

Why go hunting for the most authentic, freshest and best when Nantucket’s artisan producers round it all up in one place? Head down to Cambridge and North Union streets from June to October and take home your choice of locally grown vegetables, plants and cut flowers, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, handcrafted pottery, jewelry and more.

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HISTORICAL SIGHTSEEING The

Nantucket Historic district, which comprises the entire island, seamlessly blends a rich maritime history with upscale shopping, restaurants and other amenities. Be sure to visit one of the island’s museums, including the

Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum and the Whaling Museum.

BIKE TOURS Nantucket may be only 3.5 miles wide and 14 miles long, but it boasts more than 25 miles of bicycle trails. Ask your concierge to arrange rental bikes to explore the island’s many bikeaccessible beaches and quaint shopping areas.

LOCALS ONLY The fine shopping on Nantucket has a distinctly local flavor—so local, in fact, that no chains are allowed on the island.

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NAPLES

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FLORIDA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUNRAY 4 BED / 5 BATH

With sundrenched beaches, temperate waters and abundant natural beauty, Naples is an ideal setting for outdoor activities. You can play on the beach, head downtown to shop at eclectic boutiques and dine on local seafood, or venture into the tropical wilderness of the Everglades.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Our

residence is centrally located yet feels like a private oasis. The home features a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, a large master suite with a soaking tub, a spa and pool with custom tile work, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen.

SEASIDE ACTIVITIES

Explore the area’s pristine coastline with a snorkeling excursion or a fishing trip, or take to the skies for an exciting float-plane tour.

EVERGLADES ADVENTURES Explore

the nearby Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve with a guided kayak eco-tour, jungle cruise or swamp safari.

FRESH CATCH In close proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Naples has no shortage of freshly caught local seafood. Domestic favorites, international flavors and chef-inspired fusions abound around town, whether you’re dining at a relaxed

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waterside restaurant or in one of the many upscale dining rooms.

GOLF MECCA With more courses per capita than any area in the world, Naples is a golfer’s paradise. An Inspirato vacation gives you access to some of Naples’s finest and most challenging courses,

with unique designs and stunning views no matter where you tee off.

GREAT OUTDOORS Enjoy exceptional outdoor living spaces with an al fresco kitchen and gas grill, as well as a recently rebuilt pool and spa .

EXPLORING NAPLES

Spend a day at the beach, browse enchanting boutiques or indulge in homemade gelato—it’s all just a short walk from your front door.

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NEW YORK

NEW YORK

HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER CENTRAL PARK 2 BED / 2 BATH

No matter what your heart desires, New York reigns supreme with its world-class dining, culture, nightlife and more. In the city that never sleeps, one visit is never enough.

HIGHLIGHTS DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD At

Trump SoHo™ New York, one of Manhattan’s most renowned hoteliers welcomes you to the highly desirable location where SoHo meets Tribeca and

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the West Village—as well as to the neighborhood’s outstanding art galleries, fine dining and boutique shopping.

AMENITIES ABOUND At Trump SoHo, your suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Manhattan, a spacious living area for entertaining, deep soaking tub and standalone shower, as well as a European-style wet bar.

TWO LOCATIONS

In addition to SoHo, you can vacation in fabulous residences at Trump International Hotel & Tower Central Park, giving you easy access to nearby eclectic treasures or the world’s most famous park.

FINE DINING It’s best to pay attention, because new must-visit restaurants pop up every week. From the most exquisite steakhouses to contemporary fusion bistros to favorite stops in Chinatown, foodies of every description will find something to expand their culinary horizon.

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SHOPPING Start with the haute boutiques on Madison Avenue, swing through Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, then head to the artist-meccaturned-stylish-outdoor mall that is SoHo.

NIGHTLIFE Looking for an early dinner and a ticket to a Broadway show?

Interested in hip clubs in your hippest attire? Or do you love live music, from the celebrities of opera to the skinny jeans of indie rock? You’ll find all that and much, much more.

THE SERVICE You’ll enjoy signature Trump Attaché services 24 hours a day, with everything from a custom-stocked minibar to personalized business cards and laundry service.

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NEWPORT COAST Gorgeous landscapes abound in this prestigious coastal community. With an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, the weather is perfect for playing the two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, cruising in a yacht from Newport Harbor, meandering among the art galleries of nearby Laguna Beach or enjoying Newport’s beautiful Crystal Cove Beach.

HIGHLIGHTS RELAXING COASTAL RETREAT Perched above

the spectacular Newport Coast, our villas in The Resort at Pelican Hill invite you to gaze at the Pacific Ocean from a private terrace while outstanding resort service handles your every need.

THE VILLA CLUB As a

guest of Pelican Hill, settle into 10,000 square feet of luxury and comfort, with an expansive pool and poolside service, breakfast and tapas, full bar, fitness center and more.

THE GOLF You’ll want more than one day on the links in this renowned golf destination. Celebrated course architect Tom Fazio created two championship courses—Ocean North and Ocean South—and most of their 36 holes feature stunning ocean views.

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DINING DELIGHTS SAILING CHARTERS Sail

past waterfront mansions out to the sunny waters where sea lions and dolphins swim. Better yet, make it a sunset sail with a Champagne toast.

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THE BEACH Crystal Cove Beach offers three idyllic miles that are perfect for sunbathing, surfing and strolling.

RESORT AMENITIES

Enjoy access to rejuvenating treatments and unparalleled service at the Spa at Pelican Hill.

From the modern steakhouse fare at Mastro’s Ocean Club at The Resort at Pelican Hill to the more casual Bandera in the town of Newport, you’ll find whatever meal fits your mood.

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OAHU Perfectly suited to vacationers who prefer to mix outdoor adventure with beachside lounging and exciting nightlife, Waikiki is anything but slow-paced. Floor-toceiling windows invite the tropical sunlight into your luxurious Trump Hotel room to rouse you for a day of nonstop fun. Start with a hike up Diamond Head cone; follow it up with surf lessons in the afternoon and a AAA Five Diamond dinner at Chef Mavro Restaurant in Honolulu.

HIGHLIGHTS TRUMP TREATMENT A

short stroll across the street gets you to the beach, which you can see from your ocean-view room high in the sky above Oahu with views of the water and the sparkling skyline of Honolulu. From your private lanai to a fully equipped kitchen, your room will feel like home away from home, with the added five-star service you’d expect from a Trump property.

POOL When the beach gets crowded, retreat to the sixth-floor infinity

pool, where you can enjoy the warm sun and relaxing water without the bustle of the busy boardwalk and shoreline.

GOOD EATS Whether you’re in the mood for an Iron Chef–prepared feast at Morimoto Waikiki—with inventive sushi and Asianfusion dishes—or prefer a casual noodle bowl at Little Village Noodle House, Oahu’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscape.

SURF’S UP Waikiki is among the best places in the world to learn to surf.

It doesn’t hurt that many of its seasoned instructors

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WA IK IK I

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come from long lines of champion wave riders.

For the more advanced surfers, Oahu’s North Shore serves up legitimate waves and an incredible break.

PEARL HARBOR The hull of the sunken USS Arizona—among those

lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941—is the foundation of the historic site’s memorial. Nearby, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are, together, some of the most important historic relics in the country.

ROYAL TREATMENT

There is only one royal palace in the U.S., and it is in this Hawaiian capital city. More opulent than the White House, it was home to King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarchs of the island nation before it became our 50th state.

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PARIS

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FRANCE

HOTEL PARTNER VILLA & HOTEL MAJESTIC 1 BED / 1 BATH

Paris is the crossroads for the world’s best art, cuisine, architecture and many other marvels.

The city is also your palette of opportunity.

Enjoy a freshly baked baguette on the banks of the River Seine, photograph the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, breathe in the Champs Élysées after a spring rain, pause to enjoy a street-side concert— Paris is truly a feast for the senses.

HIGHLIGHTS LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE The

Majestic, a five-star property, offers an elegant and serene escape into the heart of Paris—perfect for romance and ideal for business. Amenities include richly appointed suites with two satellite LCD televisions, iPod docking stations and more, as well as access to the MAJClub spa and fitness center, saunas, steam rooms and a swimming pool.

THE LOCATION Literally steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées, the Majestic is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris—home to diplomatic embassies and renowned museums.

CLASSICALLY FRENCH, EXCEEDINGLY PARISIAN

For the business traveler, the hotel delivers a multitude of services and amenities. For the romantic, the Majestic rests in the heart of the world’s most passion-filled city.

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MUSEUMS You can easily

spend a full day exploring the treasures at the Musée du Louvre, and appreciating the art of Paris is an activity that spans the entire city.

Centre Pompidou flaunts the largest collection of modern art in Europe, and any wine enthusiast requires quality time at the Musée du Vin.

JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG

Revered for its role in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the Luxembourg Gardens appeal to families and lovers alike with their tranquil setting and elaborate fountains.

LA CINÉMATHÈQUE FRANÇAISE The

Cinémathèque houses the largest film archive in the world and offers daily screenings from its vast collection.

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PROVENCE

FRANCE

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHÂTEAU ROSINE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

The quaint and picturesque Provence region of southern France inspired master artists to create some of the world’s most famous paintings. You’ll understand why as you walk through fields of bright sunflowers and delicate lavender in this sunny expanse framed by the Alps and the Mediterranean coastline. The culture and character of Provence and the Luberon Valley will charm, delight and pamper.

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HIGHLIGHTS CHARMS OF PROVENCE

Experience quintessential Provence at a quaint country estate in the Luberon Valley of southern France.

Enjoy each property’s pristine landscaping and exquisite gardens.

THE LOCATION With views as far as Mont Ventoux, both residences are ideally situated near Luberon Valley’s hill towns such as Bonnieux, Lacoste, Roussillon, Ménèrbes and Gordes.

THE GROUNDS Stand in awe of the breathtaking grounds at Château Rosine. Admire the surrounding olive groves, the bright green grasses and the impeccably landscaped gardens.

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UNIQUE APPEAL Each

charming city is unique and overflows with a personality all its own.

The Luberon region, for example, is a gorgeous countryside with vineyards and orchards, while Marseille is a lively port and France’s oldest city.

Aix-en-Provence is a historic university town, Bonnieux is a hill town in

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the heart of Petit Luberon and Lacoste is a lovingly preserved medieval village.

Mont Ventoux boasts “Giant of Provence,” a grueling mountain climb in the Tour de France.

THE CUISINE Known for fresh fruits, herbs, vegetables, olives, seafood

and meats, Provence is a gourmand’s paradise. Enjoy ratatouille, bouillabaisse and rich sauces, and finish your meal with Côtes de Provence wines or pastis, a local anise-flavored liquor.

ART HISTORY Understand why Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, Renoir and Matisse were all inspired by the region’s natural beauty as you visit museums and galleries, take a walking tour or even visit Van Gogh’s convalescent home in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

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PUNTA CANA The pristine white-sand beaches at PUNTACANA Resort & Club and Cap Cana are tailor-made for lounging and the aquamarine waters ideal for snorkeling.

Some of the very best golf courses in the Caribbean curve along these oceanfront areas, including courses designed by Nicklaus, Fazio, Dye and Faldo.

You can also scuba dive to sunken ships, sail and kiteboard on the trade winds, and enjoy tropical breezes in an open-air restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS A PRIVATE PARADISE

Inspirato has secured prime residences at PUNTACANA Resort & Club. Casa Cana is a spacious, two-level home that features five-bedroom suites, a gourmet kitchen and multiple communal areas that capture golf views as well as Caribbean breezes. The home opens to long balconies on both levels and a private pool lined with palm trees.

This residence includes a skilled private cook.

The 4,500-square-foot Villa Tortuga is a fourbedroom private home that overlooks La Cana

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Golf Course. A private pool with two covered lounge areas invites you to relax in the shade, while the gorgeous grounds beckon you to stroll in the sun. The 16,000-square-foot Villa Palmyra at Cap Cana is considered the finest home in the resort community.

A dedicated cook and butler as well as access to the Punta Espada golf club and the Cap Cana Resort beaches, dining and marina are among the amenities. Inside the home, a grand living area opens to the covered patio

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and central courtyard. All three Signature Residences feature access to the tennis center, a world-class spa, kids’ pool and fine dining as well as a private beach and beach club.

THE SPA Indulge in a signature massage or body wrap at the elegant Six Senses Spa.

GOLF See why PUNTACANA Resort & Club won the 2010 Golf Resort of the Year Award from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators when you tee off at one of the resort’s P.B. Dye– and Tom Fazio–designed courses.

THE BEACHES Lounge on glorious stretches of powdery sand, overlooking crystal-clear ocean and backed by swaying palm trees.

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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA PALMYRA 6 BED / 7.5 BATH

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PUNTA DE MITA Surrounded by lush jungle and the deep blue of the Pacific, Punta de Mita is a Mexican peninsula located on the same latitude as Hawaii, and it boasts a similar climate. The peninsula’s natural charm attracts visitors year-round— specifically to the quiet oasis of Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club and Real del Mar.

HIGHLIGHTS BEACH LIVING ON BANDERAS BAY Removed

from the hectic beach resort towns of Mexico, Inspirato’s penthouse residences at Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club on the Punta de Mita peninsula, as well as the Casa Mariposa residence at Real del Mar, offer a soothing oasis near bustling Puerto Vallarta.

PRIME JEWEL Casa Mariposa, an exquisite, 11,000-square-foot residence, will truly take

your breath away with its resort-like luxury yet private setting. It’s the resort’s largest front-row villa.

BANDERAS BAY The seventh-largest natural bay in the world is home to migrating humpback whales and nesting sea turtles.

THE BEACH Playa Destiladeras beach is literally steps away from our Los Veneros residences. This gently sloping beach is sheltered by rock formations on either side and is ideal for surfing, snorkeling

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or just lounging. The private Los Veneros and Real del Mar beach clubs offer restaurants, spas, fitness clubs and more.

PLUNGE IN Your penthouse at Los Veneros Resort features a private sun deck and plunge pool

that’s a perfect way to start your morning or to cool off after a hard day at play.

SURF’S UP Warm water, a variety of breaks and gentle winds make Punta de Mita an ideal surf destination. From zippy reefs to the perfect point breaks and fun, whitesand beaches, there is something for everyone.

Also try paddleboarding, a sport that combines a great workout with incredible oceanic sightseeing as you stand up and paddle a specially designed surfboard.

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RANCHO SANTA FE

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CALIFORNIA

HOTEL PARTNER RANCHO VALENCIA 1 BED / 1 BATH

Commonly referred to as “the Ranch” by locals, Rancho Santa Fe is a crown jewel destination in the San Diego area. This centrally located community offers the best of San Diego County within easy reach, yet feels like an exclusive, secluded retreat where you can relax and unwind in quiet comfort. It’s the best of both worlds in one unbelievable location.

HIGHLIGHTS THE RESIDENCES Ranging

in size from charming one-bedroom suites to a three-bedroom Hacienda that features a large private pool and hot tub, there’s an option at Rancho Santa Fe to meet every need.

Each residence features luxurious furnishings and finishes, private outdoor living spaces and every amenity you’ll need to feel right at home.

A GOLFER’S PARADISE

Rancho Valencia is located near three standout golf courses, including The

Farms Golf Club, Maderas Golf Club and Torrey Pines Golf Course.

THE RESTAURANT Named

“One of the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants” by Zagat Survey, The Rancho Valencia Restaurant serves California Upscale Brasserie cuisine in an elegant Mediterranean setting.

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clubs, golfing on private courses and much more.

dressage, how to jump or just need a few pointers.

TOP TENNIS Rancho Valencia’s facility is ranked “#1 Tennis Resort” by Tennis Magazine, and features 18 championship courts tucked into a beautiful garden setting. A concierge can arrange lessons from the resort’s pros, as well as set up court times.

HORSEBACK RIDING ACTIVE LIVING The

Ranch offers a wealth of sights and activities, including beautiful botanical gardens, polo, horseback riding, boating

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Rancho Santa Fe offers 26 miles of beautiful, peaceful equestrian trails. Your concierge can arrange for lessons from The Riding Club for kids and adults who want to learn

CULTURAL CHARMS

Boutique shopping, cultural events, live theater, art, music and fine dining round out the Ranch’s many offerings.

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ROSEMARY BEACH

FLORIDA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUGARWHITE COTTAGE 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

Rosemary Beach is the perfect place for a family reunion or to simply get away with a few loved ones. With year-round musical and artistic entertainment, along with some of the country’s most pristine beaches, there’s a wide array of highly recommended venues and activities sprinkled throughout several charming neighborhoods.

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HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY FRIENDLY

Rosemary Beach was designed with families in mind. Quiet streets invite exploration on bicycle or foot, and family-oriented amenities and activities abound.

HOME BASE With homes

that can accommodate a family or several families, our Rosemary Beach properties are fully equipped to ensure that your stay is a memorable, seemingly effortless experience. Your home features comfortable indoor and outdoor living

spaces and charming décor that reflects the area’s beach-town vibe with upscale amenities. You’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the front door.

SUNSETS Rosemary Beach has memorable sunsets. If getting away from city lights for some peace and tranquility is your mission, you’ll find it here.

ARTS AND CULTURE With numerous fairs, festivals, exhibits and events taking place throughout the year, this is a culturally rich hub for crafts and artistry.

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The Bayou Arts Center is just one of many venues to take in some original imagination and talent.

RACQUET CLUB A tennis destination, the club maintains eight clay courts—six are lighted for evening play—and a viewing deck for spectators.

THE POOLS Rosemary Beach offers access to four amazing beachside and park-side pools, open to residents and their guests.

From cabana-style to infinity-edge pools meant for lounging, enjoy these rare, beautiful areas to cool down and relax.

FINE DINING Bring the luxury dining experience to your residence via a personal chef, or take advantage of Rosemary Beach’s premier restaurants.

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SAN DIEGO One week here is barely enough time to get a small taste of what the 70 miles of coastline, seven dozen golf courses and hundreds of thousands of acres of rolling hills have to offer.

From your home base at the Beach Village resort, your family can choose from every type of activity, from lazy beach lounging to theme-park touring. If the ocean-view villas and cottages weren’t so cozy, you might never want to sleep during your vacation.

HIGHLIGHTS SWEET HOME With one-,

two- and three-bedroom residences, the Beach Village at The Del is perfect for any party. Living room fireplaces, five-piece bathrooms, and fully appointed kitchens make you feel right at home.

PEDAL, PADDLE, PARAGLIDE Whether by

land on a bicycle, by air on a paraglider or by sea in a kayak, sightseeing San Diego need not

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be conventional. Your concierge can set up any type of tour you desire.

START YOUR ENGINE

There is one way and one way only to cruise Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway: in a convertible, with your hair blowing in the breeze and the smell of saltwater filling the air.

Veloce Motors is located on the property and rents exotic cars for the day or the week. Vroom, indeed.

LEGO AND ENJOY There are few things more exciting to kids than a tour of Legoland, seeing Shamu at SeaWorld or going on

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a safari at the San Diego Zoo, and there are few things more enjoyable to a parent than a satisfied kid.

FRUTTI DI MARE When you’re in San Diego, your menu selections are easy: Order the catch of the day.

Whether plucked from the waters right off shore or flown in fresh, seafood in San Diego is the way to go, and there’s no shortage of ocean-minded eateries up and down the coast.

CABANA LIVING Relax in one of the resort’s poolside cabanas with TVs, magazines and refrigerators stocked with complimentary water, soft drinks, fruit and snacks.

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SAN FRANCISCO From the historic cable cars to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the world’s most colorful cities. Perfect for young or mature couples, small and large families, its attractions and personality fit every comer. One visit is never enough. Your concierge can help you plan the perfect trip this time, and an equally great one the next.

HIGHLIGHTS CONTEMPORARY DIGS

The view from every room in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in San Fran’s Financial District is fantastic. Inside, soft tones and contemporary furnishings match the hip vibe of the city. Each room also features an interactive entertainment system and wireless Internet.

complimentary car service is available during the day, so you needn’t fuss with a rental or taxis.

ON THE WATER When

the skies are clear, there’s nothing better than gaining some perspective on the magical city from the water at its feet. Rent a kayak or take a chartered sailboat ride into the bay to see the famous bridges and sites.

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Gate Bridge’s 8,981foot span via the wide, uncrowded walkways.

EAT WHAT YOU WANT

SERVICE Housekeeping

TWO WHEELS The trolley

will visit your room not once but twice every day to ensure you have everything you need. Following suit, a

cars are a great way to tour the city, and many of the sites are easily walkable, but for a unique perspective, rent a bicycle and cross the Golden

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Menus are so … restrictive.

Unless you’re dining at the incomparable Gary Danko, where you can create your own tasting menu to match

your mood. Pair the chef’s specialties such as glazed oysters with osetra caviar with one of 1,200 bottles in the restaurant’s wine cellar.

ART TOUR The Legion of Honor houses an impressive collection of fine European art spanning 4,000 years. From its perch atop Lincoln Park, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are almost as impressive as the pieces on display.

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SANTA BARBARA

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HOTEL PARTNER BACARA RESORT & SPA

Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara fuses the beauty of a Mediterranean coastal town with pure Californian spirit. The climate is typical of the state’s oceanfront communities, with breezes that keep the winters warm and the summers cool. The Santa Ynez Mountain Range is the perfect backdrop to the city’s Spanishinspired architecture, culture and cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

A variety of vacation experiences are available to guests at the Bacara Resort & Spa. Receive professional golf instruction and daily tennis lessons. Choose from a range of recreational activities such as the Cold Springs Hike, Picnic Hike or Champagne Croquet.

And the 42,000-squarefoot Spa at Bacara should be visited daily for an assortment of treatments that promote relaxation.

THREE HOTEL RESTAURANTS

Bacara’s three signature restaurants—Miró, The Bistro and Spa Cafe— serve a variety of inspired entrees and offer access to the resort’s worldclass wine cellar.

ART CULTURE Santa Barbara is home to more than 60 art galleries. Good thing, too, as the city’s famed artists’ colony is prolific and the art popular among visitors from around the world.

CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL Wine tastings,

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beachside music make for a festive atmosphere during the annual California Wine Festival—a midsummer tradition in Santa Barbara.

Sandpiper, hugs the coast as it winds through the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer. Glen Annie’s rolling foothills and detailed architecture take golfers in a whole new direction.

THE SPA The Spa at Bacara has 36 private rooms and a wide array of treatments that can be customized and combined any way you like.

SANDPIPER AND GLEN ANNIE Pack the clubs

for 18 holes on some of California’s finest golf courses. The public course,

delicious food and

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SNOWMASS VILLAGE

COLORADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE GOLDENLEAF 5 BED / 5.5 BATH

Snowmass Village is a charming mountain hamlet surrounded by majestic peaks and some of the country’s most coveted terrain, providing for a bounty of exciting outdoor activities year-round. Depending on your preference, your Personal Vacation Advisor and concierge team can arrange a customized itinerary that will have you outside and active, indoors and comfortable, or somewhere in between.

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HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS

First Tracks isn’t just a name. With the Two Creeks chairlift right outside this Inspirato residence, you can enjoy first tracks on many of Snowmass’s exciting runs. And for that time off the slopes, this threestory residence gives your teenage kids enough space to have fun on their own.

GOLDENLEAF This beautiful home provides the optimal atmosphere for the entire family to relax and enjoy one another’s company. A grand stone fireplace opens to the

comfortable living room on one side and a 10-seat dining table on the other.

Beneath vaulted ceilings, tall windows welcome morning sunshine and offer gorgeous views of the Snowmass valley.

The home also features a TV room with a pool table, and a private back patio with a hot tub.

FOOD AND DRINK From imaginative upscale cuisine to a low-key evening engaged in comfortable conversation with friends, Snowmass delivers. Try the

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Village Tavern for a laidback après-ski experience, or local favorite Il Poggio’s for excellent Italian fare.

Your Destination Concierge can call ahead and reserve an outdoor table with your own personal fire pit at Venga Venga, and be sure to try their spicy orange margarita with a side of queso fundido.

FESTIVAL SEASON

Snowmass Village hosts a wide variety of fun festivals and events throughout the year. From Jazz Aspen Snowmass to a culinary festival, wine festival, the annual Snowmass Balloon Festival and Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, nearly every weekend hops with activity and excitement.

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ST. BARTS Boasting celebrity-enticing accommodations, posh designer boutiques and upscale duty-free emporiums—not to mention miles upon miles of postcardworthy shoreline—the très-chic island of St. Barts is a true Caribbean paradise.

Add gourmet French, Creole and Caribbean fusion cuisine to its laundry list of assets, and it’s easy to see why this petite volcanic isle is a perennial favorite among jetsetters.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Le Sereno

overlooks the stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac and sits among an almost halfacre of lush, landscaped gardens with private terraces, pool and parking.

THE BEACHES The dazzling white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing, and your Destination Concierge will help you find the best spots and the best services.

HOSPITALITY IN ANY LANGUAGE The island’s

elegance is unsurpassable, primarily because of

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FRENCH WEST INDIES

the Parisian influence.

Islanders speak French fluently, and most speak English as well. You’ll find a welcoming smile everywhere you go.

KITE SURFING Kite surfing is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports on St. Barts. Former kite-surfing champion Enguerrand Espinassou gives expert lessons at the Dive Center on Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach.

THE SAILING Some of the most incredible yachts in the world have slips on St. Barts, and for good

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THE AMENITIES Enjoy full access to Le Sereno’s resort amenities, including a beachfront swimming pool, fitness center and personalized beachside service.

RESTAURANT DES PÊCHEURS Experience

reason—this quiet island is an impeccable sailing location. St. Barts Sailing School, located at Public Beach, offers lessons to help improve your skills, and boat charters are also available.

some of the finest dining on St. Barts without leaving Le Sereno. Restaurant des Pêcheurs serves a casual breakfast and lunch, and we especially recommend its more upscale dinner. The saffron-based bouillabaisse with local seafood from Chef Jean-Luc Grabowski is known island-wide as a meal you have to taste.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE L’VILLA SANCTUARY 3 BED / 4.5 BATH

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TELLURIDE Set amid the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is an eclectic Western town that’s a charming combination of raucous Old West roots and world-class mountain luxury—all delivered with a local flair that makes Telluride a unique and welcoming destination.

HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS

Inspirato’s Gold Hill home is conveniently located on the Telluride Golf Course in Mountain Village with access to the area’s famously efficient gondola system. At Wilson Ridge, you can ski right out the back door and onto the slopes. Evergreen is only 50 yards from the slopes, and boasts a large, handsomely appointed interior. And at Vermilion, you’ll have access to a slopeside ski valet.

WINTER THRILLS With more than 2,000 skiable acres, including the wideopen playground known as Revelation Bowl, it’s easy to understand why locals love to tout the Telluride Ski Resort. But downhill isn’t the only way to go: Nearby snow-covered mountains offer hut-to-hut ski tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and the chance to bundle up for a tear through the woods behind a team of sled dogs.

SUMMER FUN When the snow recedes to reveal untold stretches of grand hiking and biking terrain, locals take to the

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hills. The town also plays host to nearly weekly world-class events and festivals throughout the summer, including the life-list-worthy Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

PERFORMING ARTS

Built by miners in 1913 for vaudeville performances, the Sheridan Opera House is the centerpiece of the renowned Sheridan Arts Foundation. From music and dance to comedy and drama, the foundation fosters a stimulating variety of performing arts throughout the year.

FESTIVALS Famous for its steep skiing in the winter, in the summer months Telluride is a hotbed of music, art, food and film festivals almost every weekend.

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

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TEXAS

HOTEL PARTNER BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA 1 BED / 1 BATH

Forget dusty trails and rough-andtumble cowboy lore; the Texas Hill Country is adorned with springfed rivers, rolling green fields and sparkling blue lakes. Your home base at Barton Creek Resort & Spa is in the center of all the action, from on-site activities such as the pool and Crenshaw Cliffside golf course to the rocking honky-tonks and hip art galleries of nearby Austin.

HIGHLIGHTS ROOM SERVICE Guest

rooms at Barton Creek feature luxurious furnishings with a Texas flair, large plasma televisions and picture windows. Suites offer separate parlors, dining rooms and dressing areas.

LAKE LIFE Take a motorboat or pontoon cruise on Lake Austin to start the trip off right.

Before launching, though, stop by the Whole Foods flagship store for a selection of fresh, organic

and local picnic food you can enjoy out on the lake or from the shore while you dip your toes into the water.

KICK UP YOUR HEELS

Visit the most famous dance hall in Texas, The Broken Spoke, where you can get dance lessons before enjoying rocking performances from artists who might go on to be as famous as Willie Nelson, who started here.

HIT THE LINKS Voted

one of the top golf resorts in Texas, Barton Creek has four championship courses, including the Tom Fazio–designed Fazio

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Foothills. Hit the links on your own or get some pointers at the Barton Creek Golf Academy.

rooms and beautiful stone chateau cellars.

BARBECUE When you come to Texas, you should come ready to eat barbecue. Austin’s Franklin Barbecue was recently named one of the best BBQ spots in the whole country, but families might enjoy Shady Grove with its quirky “hippie trailer” entrance, kitschy interior and the “best patio in town.”

WINE TASTING Texas Hill Country is a quickly growing wine region, with more than 30 boutique wineries with rustic tasting

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THAILAND

S O N E VA K I R I

HOTEL PARTNER SONEVA KIRI 2 BED / 1 BATH

Escape to the untouched island of Koh Kood, a private world of tropical rain forests, white-sand beaches and gorgeous waterfalls. We’ve partnered with Soneva Kiri by Six Senses to give this quiet village atmosphere a luxury upgrade. Although Bangkok is just an 80-minute plane ride away, Soneva Kiri deserves its motto, “No news, no shoes.”

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HIGHLIGHTS ISLAND LUXURY Choose

from the one-bedroom ocean villa suite or twobedroom beach retreat and settle into an unhurried atmosphere that combines island living with modern luxuries such as a private infinity-edge pool, stateof-the-art entertainment systems and appliances, as well as beautiful and open living spaces that bring the outside in—all of which have helped earn the resort a Robb Report “Best of the Best” distinction.

THE SERVICE You’ll enjoy personal butler service, babysitting services, wine cellars, in-villa wireless Internet access, access to the resort’s fitness center and use of an electrical cart, resort buggy or bicycle for getting around the island. Complimentary daily breakfast is also included.

SIX SENSES SPA The award-winning Six Senses Spa invites you to enjoy the SLOW LIFE, its unique philosophy on a holistic lifestyle. Take advantage of personalized sensory spa journeys in one of the 11 uniquely designed treatment rooms

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from a skilled team of international and Thai therapists. Your personal butler will be happy to make an appointment.

A MEAL TO REMEMBER

Acclaimed Chef Khun Benz runs a secluded waterfront restaurant that

serves a daily-changing menu of nine-course authentic Thai feasts.

SEE THE SIGHTS BELOW

With calm, clear waters, an onsite resort PADI scuba center and undersea life from turtles to moray eels, you’ll find some of the best scuba diving in the world just a short boat ride from the island’s beaches.

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TORONTO With top-tier shopping, dining, arts and attractions sprinkled throughout a bustling and beautifully conceived cityscape, Toronto has evolved from simply being Canada’s largest city into one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan destinations.

HIGHLIGHTS LIVE THE HIGH LIFE

For Inspirato members, a vacation at Trump International Hotel & Tower™ Toronto combines the best location, services and amenities you’ll find anywhere in the city. Your custom-designed suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Toronto skyline or Lake Ontario and an elegant, spacious living area with fireplace. The exquisite amenities include the city’s finest spa, nanny services, 24-hour in-room dining and the signature Trump Attaché service.

O N TA R I O

PRIME LOCATION The only luxury hotel in the Financial District, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is just a short walk from the CN Tower, historic Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market.

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DINNER WITH A VIEW

Situated on the scenic 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Canoe restaurant is a local favorite and the perfect venue for a special night out.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Toronto is an urban metropolis within easy

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reach of unspoiled wilderness and heartpumping adventure.

Take a high-altitude ride via a private helicopter tour, soak in the sensory experience of Niagara Falls, explore the Toronto Islands or take in the views

from atop the 1,815-foot CN Tower, the tallest freestanding building in the Western Hemisphere.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT

This acclaimed neighborhood is part European walking district and part SoHo. DINNER WITH A VIEW

Watch the sun set from a table at C5 Restaurant.

Perched on the fifth floor of the Royal Ontario Museum’s modern annex, this spectacular restaurant features a wide variety of regional cuisine and superb wines from Ontario’s best vineyards.

HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER TORONTO

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TURKS & CAICOS Located in the British West Indies, Turks & Caicos is a group of pristine islands prized by beach and water lovers around the world. These gorgeous, low-key islands are ideal for a relaxing family vacation or a romantic getaway.

With easy daily flights, many members find that they can leave their homes in the morning and have lunch on the beach by noon.

HIGHLIGHTS ISLAND OASIS AT THE SOMERSET The

Somerset on Grace Bay was designed for pure relaxation and beach lounging. Choose from a variety of residences, each with unique décor, and enjoy first-class service and top-notch amenities as Inspirato caters to your every desire. Dine on gourmet fare or casual favorites; indulge your senses with an en-suite spa service; or take a dip in the infinity-edge pool or reverse-current lap pool, complete with an underwater sound system.

BRITISH WEST INDIES

TOP BEACH With its turquoise waters and pearlwhite sands, Grace Bay Beach is routinely voted one of the best in the world.

When you stay at The Somerset, you’re just steps away from this stunning stretch of shoreline.

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ACTIVITIES ABOUND

WHILE AWAY THE DAY

Balance your beach time with action-packed snorkeling, waterskiing, kayaking, horseback riding, cave exploring, windsurfing, parasailing and more. With so much— or so little—to do, a vacation in Turks & Caicos will soothe and rejuvenate.

With non-motorized water sports, a reading library, and a regulation croquet lawn, there is constant fun for the young and young at heart.

DECADENT DINING Take pleasure in the eclectic dining options. Indulge in

a private chef for a terrace or beachfront meal that you won’t soon forget.

EXCELLENT FISHING

Anglers of every experience level can enjoy bonefishing or deep-sea fishing all year round. Bonefish are small, fast fish that swim around the low waters of Grace Bay. To catch these agile creatures, you can wade at the water’s edge or cast a line from an offshore boat. Or head into open water and try to land the big one during a deepsea fishing excursion.

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TUSCANY

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I TA LY

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE IL BRONZINO 9 BED / 7.5 BATH

Tuscany was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, but the works of art that have fascinated generations are only part of its allure. You’ll find your eyes following the landscape of rolling green hills, dotted by olive groves and the grapes and trellises of carefully manicured vineyards. You can taste family recipes in the region’s trattorie, and glimpse back to the 11th century in the venerable stone towers of San Gimignano.

HIGHLIGHTS THE CHIANTI REGION In

1716, former Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici decreed that four area villages would be the only officially recognized producers of Chianti wine.

One of these villages, Greve, is the site of a restored stone farmhouse that is now Il Bronzino.

These Inspirato residences can be combined as a ninebedroom villa or enjoyed separately. Il Bronzino is located between Florence and Siena.

THE VILLAS All of Inspirato’s spacious residences are situated amid impeccably manicured gardens and feature incredible views of the area’s rolling green hills and surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

YOUR OWN WINE GUIDE Your Destination

Concierge is happy to arrange for an expert sommelier to help guide you through the region’s outstanding Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Montefalco Rosso and Super Tuscan

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wines. Your concierge can also arrange a private chef.

from miles away, there’s nothing like a stroll on the town’s ancient stone streets to really feel like you’ve stepped back in history.

SHOPPING IN SIENA

You don’t have to go to Florence for high fashion. Instead, walk the pedestrian streets Via di Cittá, Banchi di Sopra and Via Dei Montanini in Siena.

SAN GIMIGNANO The charming hill town of San Gimignano features stone architecture that dates to the 11th century. Though you can see its 14 towers SCAN THIS CODE WITH A QR READER TO LEARN MORE

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VAIL

COLORADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUE SKY 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

Boasting thousands of skiable acres, posh residences and an array of world-class amenities just steps from the lifts, Vail Mountain is a magnet for discerning jetsetters. Vail Village is reminiscent of an elegant alpine resort, teeming with upscale boutiques, Michelinstar-rated restaurants and laid-back bars serving up hot toddies and warm company.

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HIGHLIGHTS VAIL VILLAGE CONVENIENCE Eagle’s

Nest and Blue Sky private homes offer convenient access to Vail Village, with complimentary parking spots in the heart of Vail Village and two ski lockers near the base of the mountain, all of which are included in an Inspirato vacation.

SOLARIS Seventeen of Inspirato’s Signature Residences in Vail are in the centrally located Solaris complex, just steps from the lifts. Ranging from

three to six bedrooms, each residence offers views of the surrounding peaks, access to the indoor pool and hot tub and priority reservations at Matsuhisa Vail, one of the most popular restaurants in the Vail Valley.

FRESH TRACKS Known as the largest—and arguably the most popular—ski mountain in the United States, Vail Mountain offers nearly 200 trails for serious outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

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NIGHTLIFE Just outside our Solaris residences, Nobu Matsuhisa’s gourmet cuisine, Vail’s only movie theater and a stylish bowling alley are all within steps of one another, not to mention a bounty of excellent bars and restaurants.

WARM-WEATHER ACTIVITIES Saddle up

for a trail ride with a local dude ranch, take a halfday Jeep tour through alpine forests, tee off for a game of golf, cast a line into a blue-ribbon trout stream—when the weather warms, the opportunities are nearly endless.

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VANCOUVER A city of glass, water and stone, Vancouver is a dazzling metropolis unlike any other in the world.

From the modern glass towers that scratch the sky to the blue expanse of the northern Pacific Ocean to the lush green mountains and snow-covered peaks that climb straight out of the sea, the city’s attractions range from intensely urban to wildly untamed. Getting here is easy. Leaving is something else entirely.

HIGHLIGHTS ROOM WITH AN ENDLESS VIEW Your home away

from home in Vancouver, the Fairmont Waterfront has a front-row seat to the float planes and water taxis, barges and ferries that move people and products into and out of the city. In the distance, the northern Rockies climb skyward.

MODERN AMENITIES

Wireless Internet, flatscreen TVs and indulgent pillow-top mattresses are standard in every spacious, elegant room at the Fairmont Waterfront.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA

A DAY AT THE PARK Like Central Park in Manhattan, Stanley Park is this city’s outdoor oasis and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Walk or ride a bicycle along the 120 miles of trails that wind along the harbor and into the evergreen forests farther inland.

TAKE A HIKE

Approximately 30 minutes from the city center, Capilano Canyon is an easy escape and a great way to experience nature, including a salmon hatchery offering a close-up peek

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at salmon migrating up the river that runs 230 feet below the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.

ISLAND HOPPING

You could spend days wandering the fresh-food market and unique artisan shops on Granville Island.

Start with a weekend at Edible Canada, followed by

a tasting tour of the fresh cheeses, breads, teas and pastries in the market, and before you go pick up a handmade sweeper at the broom shop—don’t worry, it’s just for show.

NIGHTLIFE Jam-packed with trendy eateries, pubs and cocktail bars, Gastown is the heart of the evening action. Start with appetizers at Salt, on famous Blood Alley, and continue to any of the countless modern bars, where mixologists whip up cocktails even you couldn’t dream of.

HOTEL PARTNER FAIRMONT WATERFRONT 1 BED/1 BATH

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VIRGINIA This sprawling colonial resort in the Allegheny Mountains is the kind of place where you expect to see people playing croquet on the lush green lawns or smoking pipes by a stately fireplace.

And you just might.

With 3,000 acres of wooded mountainside, families and couples can escape the hustleand-bustle for this quiet, nature-filled retreat.

HIGHLIGHTS HOME AT HOMESTEAD

Your 600-plus-squarefoot, two-bedroom suite features spectacular mountain views from the porch, an elegant living area and wellappointed bathrooms.

SIT AND SOAK The

soothing clear waters of the natural hot springs have drawn visitors to this area for centuries.

Today, enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, separate men’s and women’s pool houses, and a brand-new waterpark for the kids.

THE HOMESTEAD

CARRIAGE RIDE Step—or ride—back in time on a horse-drawn-carriage tour of the resort’s winding mountain trails.

CANYON RANCH SPACLUB AT THE HOMESTEAD Using

botanicals from the surrounding countryside, the massages, facials and body treatments at Canyon Ranch are different than what you’ll find anywhere else. The 60,000-square-foot facility also includes a full fitness facility offering classes and private instruction.

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BIRDS OF PREY A time-honored tradition in Virginia and the “sport of kings,” falcon hunting is a unique activity you have to experience. Learn the history and technique of hunting with these beautiful birds at The Homestead’s Mews.

INSPIRED EATS From the refined seasonal dishes served in the main dining room to the gastro-pub comforts like chicken pot pie at Sam Snead’s Tavern, the Homestead dining experience is all-encompassing.

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WHISTLER

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BRITISH COLUMBIA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHÂTEAU MONDEAU 5 BED / 6 BATH

With the nearby peaks and the Garibaldi Provincial Park, there will never be a lack of things to do when touring one of North America’s premier ski destinations.

Inspirato will ensure the finest mountain vacation you can find in British Columbia, providing you with first-class access to Whistler-Blackcomb’s year-round resort activities and the finest in mountain living.

HIGHLIGHTS CHÂTEAU MONDEAU An

impressive mountain road leads to Château Mondeau, a magnificent stone chalet standing among pine trees and pure serenity.

The luxuriously appointed residence is a modern take on a majestic castle, with soaring ceilings and English colonial hardware, all surrounded by amazing valley views and easy access to Whistler’s world-class runs.

PEAK EXPERIENCE The twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains combine to form the largest

ski resort in North America in the winter, and house a renowned mountain bike park in the summer.

Whistler also features a quaint European-style village, world-class dining and a hot nightlife scene unique to North American ski resorts.

FRESH TRACKS Ask your

Destination Concierge about Fresh Tracks. You’ll board the Gondola at 7:30 a.m., enjoy a great (and filling) breakfast buffet high on the mountain at Roundhouse Lodge, and then make tracks before anyone else.

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HELI-SKIING After a few days of hitting the pair of mountains in town, it’s time to get a little more daring. Let your Destination Concierge book a helicopter skiing tour through Whistler Heli-Skiing and you’ll enjoy guided access to 432,000 acres of incredible backcountry terrain.

VALLEY TRAIL The Whistler Valley Trail connects in several places in the village, and each way forks in different directions, so you can pick multiple routes on this scenic paved path that’s very popular for running, biking and rollerblading.

APRÈS-SKI Dusty’s, Whistler’s oldest hotspot, is also its best for an aprèsski nosh. Dusty’s has been in business since 1965, and its interior is designed like a classic Western ski lodge. The sunny patio is a local favorite.

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WINE COUNTRY

SONOMA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE MANZANITA 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

You needn’t travel all the way to Bordeaux or Tuscany to enjoy a world-class wine destination. The hills and valleys of Sonoma and Napa, with their countless vineyards and tasting tours, make an ideal stateside getaway. But the fun doesn’t stop when the bottle runs dry; outdoor activities like tennis, canoeing, golf and biking keep the fun going.

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HIGHLIGHTS SIGNATURE RESIDENCE

With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and 3,600 square feet, the Manzanita residence is a sprawling wine-country estate perched majestically on a hill near the Mayacama Golf Club. The home also features a separate casita.

PRIVATE COMPOUND

The spectacular Palladian Estate is set on 40 acres of Mediterranean gardens and meadows, all awash in the fragrances of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary.

THE GOURMET KITCHEN

All residences’ gourmet, professional-grade kitchens are big in size and long on beauty. To enhance your wine-country experience, arrange for a private chef to prepare an unforgettable meal expertly paired with the wines you gather during your daily excursions.

THE WINERIES Visit some preferred vintners, including Cakebread Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Jackson Family Wines, Lancaster Estate,

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HOTEL PARTNER PROPERTY California

style and stunning garden views make the guest rooms and suites at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn cozy and welcoming.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY Like all Fairmont

Terra Valentine and many more. We can also help you discover smaller, family-run wineries that speak to the heart of California’s original winemaking culture.

properties, the Mission Inn is dog friendly, so you can bring your four-legged family members along for the vacation. Amenities such as dog beds and nightly treats are standard.

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PORTFOLIO A D V E N T U R E D E S T I N AT I O N S

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AFRICAN SAFARI

K E N YA

EXPLORE THE AFRICAN WILD

Inspirato’s East African Safari Experience takes you to the open plains and green hills of Kenya, where you’ll enjoy amazing and intimate interactions with the wildlife and culture of this special area.

Marvel at the sunlight on the snow-capped hills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and elephants ambling toward watering holes.

Look for wild game such as zebras, gazelles and wildebeests on grassy plains. In these private game reserves, you can also enjoy unexpected

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activities like mountain biking, horseback safaris and a hot-air balloon ride over the African savannah. In a word: unforgettable.

HIGHLIGHTS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

You’ll enjoy up-close encounters with Africa’s breathtaking wildlife on guided tours of private game reserves, and experience the lifestyle of the Masai people with intimate encounters.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Throughout your safari experience, you’ll enjoy comfortable lodging and permanent tent accommodations with private attached baths.

This personalized, upscale camp experience combines thoughtful service and attention to detail with the immersive feeling of connecting with the daily rhythms of the African savannah.

BY LAND AND BY AIR

Your African experience is enhanced with novel and unforgettable modes of viewing the

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landscape and wildlife, including bike safaris, hot-air balloon rides, Jeep tours, horseback rides, tracking with bloodhounds and more.

THE CONVENIENCE

You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with booking a fully vetted and road-tested African safari experience. It’s easy to book, all activities and meals are pre-arranged, and your comfort and safety are accounted for at every step. No detail is left to chance, and the service is consistently excellent throughout.

ITINER A RY DAYS

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You’ll depart on an overnight flight and arrive in Nairobi the following evening. You’ll be personally greeted at the airport and transported via safari Land Cruiser to your boutique hotel.

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A short morning flight delivers you to the Chyulu Hills in southeastern Kenya, where you can soak in views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from your villa suite,

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which includes a private plunge pool and a rooftop “star bed” to gaze at the night sky. You can enjoy coffee or tea in your room each morning, picnic or poolside lunches, and candlelit dinners. During the days, you might explore the plains by horseback, Land Rover and on foot.

Keep your eyes peeled for gazelles, gerenuks, zebras, elands, oryx, giraffes and wildebeests, as well as cheetahs and lions.

There’s also a swimming pool at the lodge if you want to take a dip.

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After breakfast, take a short morning flight to your exclusive camp in the northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With only seven tented rooms—each with sweeping views—this is a

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very personal and upscale camp experience. These days will include morning and afternoon game drives, the option of a hot-air balloon ride for a nominal fee, excursions in custommade safari vehicles and visits to authentic Masai villages. The wildlife that resides here includes lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs, as well as sunbathing crocodiles, massive hippos, elephants and much more.

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A late-morning flight to Nairobi takes you to a dayroom at an upscale hotel. You can relax there or explore the area for shopping and dining. You’ll be transported to the hotel that evening for an overnight flight and arrive home the following day.

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INSIDER

MUST SEE The Wildebeest Migration Visit Kenya from July to September, the country’s coolest months, to witness the great wildebeest migration at its peak. This is when impossibly huge herds of wildebeest make their way from spring breeding and feeding grounds, across the Mara River and toward the green grasses on the other side.

This huge migration also attracts a wide variety of predatory animals, and is a natural phenomenon that must be experienced firsthand to truly understand its magnitude.

• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.

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C LAZY U RANCH

COLORADO

EXPLORE THE WILD WEST

Our C Lazy U Luxury Guest Ranch & Resort Experience takes you into Colorado’s Wild West and introduces you to an elegant, friendly and fun guestranch culture, complete with gourmet meals and luxury lodging. Located on more than 8,000 acres in Granby, where the Colorado River runs off the Continental Divide and winds its way through mountain valleys and the White River National Forest, C Lazy U is a land of lush green meadows, bright

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blue skies and fresh, clean air. Every season brings unique beauty and new activities for the whole family. From relaxing spa services at the Lazy You Spa and daily horseback riding with a wrangler guide, to fly fishing and trap shooting in warm weather and private snowcat-assisted skiing and ice skating in the winter, you can create memorable experiences day after day.

HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY FOCUSED Children and teens will enjoy the outstanding kids’ program, brimming with action and entertainment, led by cool and talented counselors, while adults will revel in as much or as little adventure as they desire. From pony rides and crafts for the littlest ones, to scavenger hunts and hayrides for the older kids and overnight camping and whitewater rafting for teenagers, your children can explore the ranch and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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Families eat breakfast together each morning and have an organized family activity each evening.

YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES

This luxury guest ranch is bustling every day of the year. When you’re not in the saddle, go snow tubing, sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter and go hiking, biking and fly fishing in the summer, just to name a few of the fun activities.

“FIVE-SPUR SERVICE”

From the first “howdy” to the final tip of their hat, C Lazy U staff members make you feel instantly at home and welcome you into the ranch family. A renowned chef prepares delectable, gourmet, family-style meals, and your luxury accommodations offer firstclass comfort and solitude, with stone fireplaces, nightly bed turndown, plush robes, iHome docking stations and fresh snacks that are replenished daily.

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and in wintertime, take a ride down the private luge run, play ice hockey or go snowshoeing.

ITINER A RY DAY

1

Fly into Denver International Airport or another nearby airport and ride through the majestic Rocky Mountains to C Lazy U Guest Ranch & Resort. The friendly staff will welcome you and show you to your luxury accommodations.

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After breakfast with your family, an experienced wrangler will match you with a horse that fits your personality and skill level. You can swim in the refreshing pool or hot tub, go hiking, biking or fishing, play tennis, or go trap or archery shooting.

While the kids eat dinner with their counselors and their newfound friends, you can swap stories with other adults over Rocky Mountain trout or rosemary rack of lamb before indulging in decadent desserts and after-dinner drinks by the fire.

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Tip your hat to C Lazy U and head home with Wild West memories to share.

by a nightly family activity, where you can spend time with your loved ones, eat ice cream and later enjoy optional programmed events at the Patio House.

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5

6

Spend your days finding action and adventure. In summertime, participate in cattle drives and other cowboy adventures,

• Please note that itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities they prefer.

During the summer months, there is a seven-night stay requirement, and during the winter, there is a two-night minimum. Please call your Personal Vacation Advisor for details about available luxury accommodations.

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INSIDER

MUST DO Get Horseback in the Rocky Mountains The essential C Lazy U experience is built around its horseback program. One of the premier horseback riding ranches in Colorado, C Lazy U maintains a herd of more than 175 horses, and its experienced wranglers will match you with the perfect horse for your stature and riding ability. You’ll get to know your horse during daily morning and afternoon rides, and kids will enjoy an opportunity to take a morning wagon ride out into the pasture to help the C Lazy U staff feed the herd.

There’s nothing like the feel of a warm muzzle as eager mouths reach for a fresh flake of hay.

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Take a day for yourself and relax with a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure or other spa service at the Lazy You Spa. Or opt for the “Cowboy Soak,” a relaxing moonlit soak in deep copper tubs overlooking Willow Creek— complete with Champagne and strawberries. Meet up with your family just in time for the weekly family cookout, followed

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GALAPAGOS VOYAGE

GA L A PAGOS ISL A NDS

EXPLORE AN EXOTIC DESTINATION

In the Galapagos Islands, you’ll experience up-close encounters with some of the most unique wildlife, flora and fauna in the world. Sail among the islands on an intimate, richly appointed expedition ship with a maximum of 48 guests, and gain insight into the islands’ diverse flora and fauna through the expertise of experienced naturalist guides.

It’s the ideal way to experience all that the Galapagos have to offer.

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HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPERIENCE Most of your time will be spent within the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where you might see penguins, sea lions, albatross, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies, flamingos and much more—all from an incredibly close vantage point.

THE NATURAL WORLD

The Galapagos are home to an amazingly diverse assortment of creatures both in the sea and on land. While kayaking, snorkeling and walking these remote islands, you’ll observe surfacing dolphins and whales, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, seals and so much more.

INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS

The expedition ship enlists only the most qualified naturalists, and guides lead groups of no more than 12 on each island, so you’ll

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get to know the guides on a personal level as they share their expertise and introduce you to the wonders of the Galapagos.

ITINER A RY DAY

1

You’ll fly overnight from North America and arrive in Ecuador the following morning, where we’re happy to arrange ground transportation and a comfortable hotel in the heart of historic Quito.

DAY

2

After a morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos, your journey begins aboard the ship, which offers two offshore site visits per day and ample opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, kayak, bird-watch and take great close-up photographs.

Today is your first chance to see wildlife. Look for flamingos and other coastal birds on the white sands of Las Bachas Beach.

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3

Follow a trail to the Fur Seal Grottos on Santiago Island, where you can swim and snorkel or look for sea

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DAY

5

Today you’ll see ancient cave art on the walls of Tagus Cove before hiking to the top of Darwin Volcano.

Later you’ll cruise through a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles and rays.

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urchins, octopi and starfish in tidal pools along the black-sand beach. Next, head to Bartolomé Island, where penguins gather near the snorkeling area around Pinnacle Rock.

Trek to the top of the island for exceptional views or enjoy a panga ride to explore nooks and crannies along the coastline.

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4

Prepare to see land iguanas on Santa Cruz’s Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill).

Pintail ducks and pink flamingos may greet you as well. On the following stop, sea lions and pelicans gather on the beautiful red-sand beach of Rábida, which is also one of the tour’s top snorkeling sites.

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Fernandina offers some of the area’s most unique wildlife, including flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk. On the snorkeling or panga trips that follow, you may spot Nazca boobies, pelicans and swallow-tailed gulls.

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At the Charles Darwin Research Station, gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the biggest treat, however, will be the opportunity to see the islands’ famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

The day begins with a panga ride through saltwater inlets frequented by sea turtles, sharks and rays on Black Turtle Cove.

At midday you’ll travel back to Quito, where you can refresh before your flight home the next day.

We are glad to arrange ground transportation and accommodations in Quito.

DAY

After a restful evening, board a morning flight for your return home.

DAY 8

Today’s journey begins among the frolicking sea lions on the white-sand beach of Gardner Bay. Then it’s on to Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the trip’s most popular stops.

The area’s isolation has led to a high proportion of endemic fauna, as well as rare finches and the only population of albatross on the planet.

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MACHU PICCHU

PERU

EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICAN CHARMS

Our custom Peru Experience— featuring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco and Machu Picchu—introduces you to this South American country’s rich cultural history, friendly locals and stunning scenery.

Set in the beautiful Andes Mountains, Peru has strong Inca and Spanish influences, and the country is teeming with ancient ruins and historical enchantments. Learn about past civilizations and view awe-inspiring artifacts that are

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thousands of years old, all while surrounded by nature at its finest.

HIGHLIGHTS PERU YOUR WAY Packed with variety, your entire Peruvian experience provides a variety of activities to explore the Andean landscape. You’ll enjoy private tours and luxurious accommodations at each destination; dine on Peruvian delicacies; set your heart pumping with outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; or

choose to relax and enjoy the views. Personal hosts and expert guides will escort you through every step of your trip, ensuring five-star service and an unforgettable experience.

EXPERT PRIVATE GUIDE

With the help of a private, English-speaking guide, immerse yourself in the diverse and fascinating culture of the Andean people, experiencing local food, religion and art.

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NEW WORLD WONDERS

Discover the Inca civilization through the many ruins, ranging from Machu Picchu, one of the most aweinspiring archaeological sites in the Americas, to Sacsayhuaman, an ancient battlefield.

ADDITIONAL EXCURSION

In addition to our Peru experience, you can add to your trip by taking an excursion to the lush Amazon jungle or exploring the 3-million-year-old freshwater Lake Titicaca.

ITINER A RY DAY

1

When you arrive at Lima’s international airport, your personal host will greet you and assist you with check-in at Costa del Sol, a comfortable accommodation conveniently located directly across from the airport.

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DAY

2

After a short flight to Cusco and a private transfer to the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a homemade Peruvian lunch and breathtaking views at the Hacienda Huayoccari, a working farm in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Venture into Incan history on a private horseback riding tour and hop on a mountain bike to explore the Maras salt flats and the ruins in Moray.

You will sleep well at Sol y Luna, a peaceful lodge in a gorgeous, natural setting.

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4

5

Take in spectacular views of the Andes and of vibrant villages before arriving at Machu Picchu. You may elect to arrive at Machu Picchu via the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, or you can take a train to Kilometer 104 and hike the last portion of the Inca Trail with your guide. You can choose to do as much or as little hiking as you desire, and you may also participate in a private meditation ceremony performed by a Paco (Andean Shaman).

Stay at the luxurious Machu Picchu Inkaterra Hotel, which boasts beautiful gardens and a glass-walled restaurant.

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Meet local artisans at San Blas Square or dine on a decadent Peruvian lunch served in an open-air patio before traveling to Lima and boarding your international flight home.

• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer. preparation for your private Peruvian cooking demonstration and introduction to nouveauAndean cuisine. Explore the Plaza de Armas,

Qoricancha, the Museum of Religious Art and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Sleep comfortably at La Casona, a converted 16thcentury manor house.

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MUST SEE Sunrise over the Ancient Ruins Viewing the sunrise over Machu Picchu, as you will during your Peruvian adventure, can only be described as a religious experience. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient Incans built this impressive collection of structures deep in the wilds of Peru’s Cusco Region in the mid-1400s.

It was abandoned just 100 years after its completion during the Spanish Conquest, and today most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed to give a sense of what Machu Picchu must have been like at the height of its glory.

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Travel by train and private transfer to Cusco, where your knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour around the Sacsayhuaman ruins. Later choose fresh ingredients from a traditional market in

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MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE

MEMBERS ONLY EXPLORE // ITALY, FRANCE, MONACO & SPAIN

The world may never look the same after a Mediterranean voyage with Inspirato and Silversea, the world’s leading small-ship luxury cruise line.

During this exclusive voyage, you can clink martini glasses at a Monte Carlo blackjack table, sink into a plush lounge chair on the sunny Saint-Tropez sand and gaze in wide-eyed wonder at the impossibly blue Mediterranean waters.

This unforgettable journey features a custom itinerary that

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE S SPRING 2013

combines the most romantic ports along the Italian, French and Spanish Rivieras with onboard luxury every step of the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

windows and private verandas. Recount the day’s adventures over a gourmet candlelit dinner with your spirits of choice, and enjoy the ship’s pool deck, fitness center, casino and show lounge. It’s all included.

CRUISING, ELEVATED

THE SPA AT SILVERSEA

For Inspirato members, this intimate private cruise includes membersonly deck parties at enchanting ports of call and customized shore excursions. Complimentary butler service is available on board day or night, and suites feature picture

Relax your body and mind in this soothing sanctuary at sea. Appointments for chargeable services may be made on board the ship, or in advance via your Personal Vacation Advisor.

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ITINER A RY DAY

1

Depart from the port of Civitavecchia, Italy, which is about a 1.5hour drive from Rome.

DAY

2

Your first port of call is Portovenere (Cinque Terre), Italy. This coastal area is made up of five tiny villages clinging to the cliffs along the Ligurian coast in Northwest Italy. You can trek along the winding, cliffside Cinque Terre or experience the “Flavors of Liguria” with an excursion

to the famous Cappun Magru restaurant and a scenic tour of Volastra.

DAY

3

Spend a relaxing night at sea, and awake in Portofino, Italy. Once an ancient Roman colony, Portofino blends oldtown elegance with chic aesthetics and is a popular destination for affluent vacationers.

Tour picturesque villages such as the charming seaside towns of Rapallo, once favored by famous writers such as Ernest Hemmingway

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MONTE CARLO

and Ezra Pound, and Santa Margherita, one of the Italian Riviera’s preeminent resorts.

DAY

4

Nice, France, blends the old world with the new in an elegantly relaxed setting that befits its stature as the “Queen of the Riviera.” English aristocracy favored Nice

as a winter retreat during the Victorian era, and today you’ll enjoy visiting its fine restaurants and shops in the stately Place Massena. End the day with a relaxing stroll along the palm treelined Promenade des Anglais. The ship will overnight in Nice.

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would easily fit inside New York City’s Central Park), yet attracts an affluent, glamorous and pampered crowd. The ship will overnight in port, allowing for ample time to explore its museums, boutiques and world-class restaurants. Try your luck at one of Monte Carlo’s famous casinos. The Place du Casino, trimmed in gold leaf, is a standout.

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6

Saint-Tropez, France, is known for its famous and wealthy guests, including jetsetters, models, actors and millionaires.

Explore its many finesand beaches and all they have to offer, including the ultra-exclusive Club

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The tiny principality of Monte Carlo, Monaco, covers only 473 acres (it

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55 in Ramatuelle. Or opt for a guided walking tour of Saint-Tropez’s rich architectural heritage, ending in an intimate village garden where an expert oenologist will introduce you to the Saint-Tropez Peninsula’s excellent wines.

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7

The charming village of Sète, France, serves as a gateway to Montpellier, the capital of the LanguedocRoussillon region of Southern France, and provides access to nearby destinations such as Provence, Carcassonne and Pezenas. Sample the flavors of the Languedoc region during a visit and wine tasting in Montpellier or embark on a guided walking tour through the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.

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8

Barcelona, Spain, is a vibrant cultural hub that was once home to architect Antoni Gaudi and painters Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Picasso.

It’s a fitting final port for your grand Mediterranean adventure, as Barcelona is filled with a wealth of historical treasures and natural beauty. Visit Las Ramblas promenade with its flower stalls, bird vendors, mimes, musicians and outdoor cafes; tour the Miró Foundation, a gift from the artist Joan Miró to his native city; and don’t miss the superb Catalonian National Museum of Art.

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PATAGONIA

CHILE

EXPLORE RUGGED PATAGONIA

Experience the allure and wonder of Patagonia, a pristine natural wonder and one of the most ruggedly beautiful places on the planet. You’ll enjoy a sustainable, ecotourism experience that blends serene comfort, rustic elegance and Patagonian authenticity in an amazing package.

There are numerous ways to experience this area’s natural offerings for every skill and experience level.

Consider world-class

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fly fishing, horseback riding with a gaucho, kayaking to a colony of sea lions, learning about local Patagonian traditions such as weaving and mate, or engaging in community service projects like helping teach an English class or tending an organic garden. It’s a rich cultural experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS RUSTIC ELEGANCE

Despite your remote location, your comfortable accommodations are

equipped with luxurious amenities and private, en-suite bathrooms.

While you are focused on adventure, the local hospitality team takes care of every detail, including preparing delicious food, serving fine Chilean wine and ensuring each guest is happy and comfortable.

THE NATURAL WONDERS

From scenic river valleys, spectacular lake frontages and soaring glaciercovered volcanoes, to fjords, verdant forests and unspoiled wildlife

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habitats—Patagonia is a wonderland for outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts.

THE ADVENTURES

Get to know Patagonia while horseback riding, river floating, fly fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, participating in a scientific study or learning new skills on a photo safari.

The world-class guides are experts in outdoor fun.

THE SIMPLE CONVENIENCE We take

care of all the details, customize your trip to your desires, and provide the best outdoor gear

and equipment for you to use, while bilingual guides and experienced professionals ensure your fun and safety. All you have to do is show up.

ITINER A RY DAY

1

When you arrive at the Santiago International Airport, a representative will greet you and show you to your domestic flight or transfer. Spend the night in either Santiago or Puerto Montt.

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DAY

5

Hike around Valle California in the morning and then board a charter plane in Palena and fly to Melimoyu.

Once in Melimoyu, guests will have the rest of the afternoon to meet the Expeditions Team and plan the second half of their trip. Relax at Casa Bahía, a renovated homesteader’s house.

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Kayak to Melimoyu village, spot rare birds and then take a helicopter ride.

Boat through the fjords of coastal Patagonia while taking pictures of sea birds and dolphins—and if it is

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2

3

February or March, the southern hemisphere’s whale migration season, you may spot orcas and blue whales.

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9

Take a charter plane to Puerto Montt and connect with a domestic flight to Santiago, Chile. Overnight in Santiago before your international flight home, or continue on to your next destination.

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INSIDER

MUST FEEL The Warm Chilean Summer Chile is counter-seasonal, so its seasons are reversed when compared to countries in the Northern Hemisphere such as the United States and Canada. Take advantage of this fortunate reversal by escaping winter’s chill and visiting during Chile’s summertime, specifically between December and February. It’s the best time to visit Patagonia.

Temperatures during these months are generally warmer, and trails are more accessible. The months of November, March and April tend to have cooler temperatures but less wind.

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From Puerto Montt, hop on a charter flight that will take you to your first destination. The on-site team will welcome you with hors d’oeuvres and a Chilean Pisco Sour cocktail before you relax in a wood-fired hot tub.

The next morning, walk El Tigre trail and visit ancient forests. Enjoy lunch in the quincho (a traditional Chilean barbecue area) and then gallop on horseback to explore Thunder Hill.

Hike, fly fish or float on the river. Each day, the head guide will meet with you to review the excursion options for the following day, along with lunch and dinner choices.

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YACHT CHARTER

LADY J

EXPLORE THE LADY J YACHT CHARTER

Memories from a week aboard the 142-foot Lady J luxury yacht will last a lifetime and a half.

Imagine stepping off the dock and into a world of first-class service and opulence that floats from one of the Atlantic’s most breathtaking islands to the next while you bask in the warm sun and fresh sea breeze. From the time you wake up in your private suite and enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast to the moment you fall asleep under the brilliant night sky, the

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE S SPRING 2013

attentive staff is on hand to meet your every need.

On board, the amenities include immaculate wood-paneled state rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a formal dining room, multiple lounge areas, expansive decks with a bubbling Jacuzzi, plenty of lounge chairs and even workout equipment.

When you’re ready for a bit more speed, hop onto one of the two WaveRunners, the 32foot Intrepid or your additional towed tender to explore the nooks

and coves of the islands.

When you’re ready to return to the yacht, you’ll be greeted with a glass of Champagne and a gourmet dinner.

HIGHLIGHTS TIME TO PLAY Old and young kids alike will love kayaking or paddleboarding along the shoreline, playing on the sandy beaches or casting their lines while deep-sea fishing. In the more secluded bays and inlets, you can water ski behind the tenders while the yacht waits farther out in the open waters.

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TIME TO RELAX When you need a break from all the playing, slip into your swimsuit and sunbathe on the deck or sip cocktails in the Jacuzzi. Or get out of the sun and relax in your room, which is equipped with a complete entertainment system.

ISLAND TIME With several days in each port of call, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beaches, cafes and shops.

ITINER A RY 1 Launching from the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, you’ll first have time to explore the beaches or the wooden trails farther inland, from which you can see the cays below. Days two and three, you’re free to explore the Dutch side of the island and the opposite French side, including Marigot Bay, where you can kayak or swim in the warm waters. In the afternoon, cruise to St. Barts, where you’ll dock overnight and then explore the French

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town of Gustavia and Grand Cave for the next couple of days. The last few days are spent visiting the islands of Saba and Anguilla, where you can snorkel, horseback ride or shop. Return, rested and tanned, to St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay before departing for home.

ITINER A RY 2 Start your trip and return in the middle to Paradise Island, Bahamas, where you can begin to unwind at the Hotel Atlantis’ casino, waterpark or dinner show.

Depart from Nassau on day two and cruise to Highborne Cay, Exuma, where you can lounge on the beach, water ski, fish or

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visit Iguana Island. Next, it’s off to Norman Cay for more fun in the sun and sand.

After the mid-trip stop at Atlantis, continue to Rose Island, where you can swim with the dolphins, snorkel or ride Sea Doos. The last couple days are spent at Providence Island, where you can enjoy a submarine tour before returning once again to Paradise Island’s Atlantis Resort.

you can bike the idyllic streets and visit eclectic boutiques. Over the next couple of days, explore Nantucket, Hadley’s Harbor and Vineyard Haven. As you cruise back to Newport, a mansion tour is a must, as is a bike ride along the stunning Ocean Drive. The expert staff will make sure you experience all of New England’s highlights, and do so in complete comfort.

ITINER A RY 3

• Please note that itineraries are highly customizable so that members can choose the activities they prefer.

If the tropics aren’t your speed, head north to explore the historic lighthouse towns of New England’s rugged seacoast. Your trip begins in Newport, Rhode Island, one of the sailing capitals of the world. Depart from Martha’s Vineyard, where

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T H E GR E AT L I F E

INTO THE BREACH

As a daughter heads into her teenage years, a father launches an offensive he hopes will cement their relationship for all history.

BY CHRIS RODELL

I

’m doing something tomorrow I haven’t done in more than 20 years: getting in the car and going for a long drive, hoping that I can get a girl to fall in love with me.

The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, although the girl is smaller. She’s my 12-year-old daughter, and we’ll be consecrating our weekend together over our shared interest in American history.

We’re going to Gettysburg. I’ve been reconnoitering my battle plan since last fall, when I yanked her out of school one Friday for lunch and an early screening of Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln. My march to Gettysburg is every bit as important to me as Robert E. Lee’s was to him.

It’s do or die.

As the country faces one fiscal cliff after another, Josie and I are perched on a personal one. And I know that in a year, as she rounds the corner into adolescence, she won’t be applying the brakes as she approaches the cliff.

She’ll be flooring it.

It’s perfectly natural.

She’s starting to understand the joy of camaraderie, of being with your own, of friends banding together against common enemies. Guys like you and me. Dads.

But I’m playing my role, too. As she starts to test the boundaries of her newfound freedom, I’m standing guard against

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“I WILL REVEL IN THE LITTLE FATHER AND DAUGHTER MOMENTS—THE TALKS, THE SECRETS, THE SONGS AND THE TOGETHERNESS OF TIMES I KNOW SHE’LL NEVER FORGET.” her going too far. Kids need that ... don’t they?

Many fathers I know say the same thing. When a daughter hits 13, she moves away from her father, who as a result of her biological and emotional changes, becomes an even more alien creature next to Mommy.

Friends warn that my little girl and I are on the verge of a civil war destined to last about five years—a little longer than

what many of our Southern friends still refer to as “the War of Northern Aggression.” As a natural pacifist, I will do everything I can to avoid the coming storm.

That means taking my sockdologizing old mantrap of a girl on a daddydaughter weekend to Gettysburg, where we can experience a turning point in our nation’s heritage together.

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Calling a girl a “sockdologizing old man-trap” probably doesn’t sound like a term of endearment. But it is with me and J-Ro. It’s our thing.

It was a year ago when I was reading Jay Winik’s outstanding Civil War history, April 1865: The Month That Saved America. Josie was watching something I deemed insufficiently worthy, so told her to shut off the damn TV. I had a story to tell her.

I read to her the part where John Wilkes Booth skulked into the private presidential box at Ford’s Theater during a performance of Our American Cousin and waited for the precise moment when actor Harry Hawk declared an adversarial character a “sockdologizing old man-trap.” The insult provoked the biggest laugh of the play, and Booth hoped to use the guffaws to cover the pistol’s clap.

Those were the last words Lincoln ever heard.

The story had the intended effect. Josie was mesmerized. I knew I’d seized a piece of her growing intellect that would be forever mine, an essential fortification no future boyfriends or interests could ever fully breach.

So she and I bond over history, and tomorrow we will drive four hours, tour the battlefields, visit the museums and soak up historical minutiae that will forever enthrall.

But it won’t be Lincoln and all that happened between Union and Confederate that’ll matter most to me. It’ll be all the little father and daughter moments in between. I will revel in the talks, the secrets, the songs and the togetherness of times I know she’ll never forget.

And neither will I. See, this weekend isn’t really about studying American history.

It’s about making our own.

ILLUSTRATION by VIN GANAPATHY

ACCESS For Members Only

Your Inspirato membership is much more than great vacations. It’s also a ticket to VIP events, celebrity oneon-ones, backstage experiences and exclusive packages built around some of the biggest events in the world.

Through Inspirato Access, members have the opportunity to attend the Masters and New York Fashion Week, go behind the ropes at Sundance Film Festival, enjoy a private concert with Katy Perry, and much more.

These members-only packages from Inspirato Access are extremely limited and priced to sell out quickly.

Your favorite event may be next on the list.

888.546.5008 | inspirato.com/access

Visit Inspirato.com/access to learn about the exclusive opportunities available to club members.

Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details.

Inspirato® is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, (303) 586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2013 Inspirato LLC.

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Moonstruck Astronomical wristwatch. Self-winding.

Moon phases. Platinum case. Water-resistant to 100 m. Leather strap with folding buckle.

Limited Edition of 500 pieces.

W W W . U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

F O R A C ATA L O G , C A L L 5 6 1 - 9 8 8 - 8 6 0 0 O R E M A I L : U S A 1 0 9 @ U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M