IS LUXURY Magazine - Fall 2023 issue

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

RAW MATERIALS, REFINED DESIGN

THE MOST STUNNING PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET

GRAND ENTRANCE +

Remarkable estates come to market, redefining luxury in Las Vegas

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

Owner

Ivan Sher

Marketing Director

John Romfo

For Advertising Inquiries, Please Contact: Courtney Furhman, Group Publisher: 702.510.5591

Kimberly Armenta, Publisher: 702.496.2475

Lindsay Presswood, IS LUXURY Sales: 702.461.6167

IS LUXURY, LLC

2130 Park Centre Drive, Ste. 120, Las Vegas, NV 89135

President/Group Publisher Custom Content Editor-in-Chief

Executive Vice President of Editorial Editorial Operations Director Senior Managing Editor National Senior Copy Editor Design Director Deputy Design Director Art Director Contributing Editors Vice President of Production Director Print Media Panning

Alan Klein

Andrea Bennett

Phebe Wahl

Ela Sathern

Elisabeth Brigham

Anna Dunn

Natasha Broomhall

Melissa Miller

Allan Nacapuy

James Aguiar, Michael McCarthy, Allison Mitchell

Amber Berdin

Eric Hominick

Every effort has been made to produce this magazine without error. Should any occur, we reserve the right to correct.

IVAN SHER owner, broker IS LUXURY

PHOTO BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY

The Thriving Luxury Market and the Future of Real Estate in Las Vegas

In the corridors of power and over cocktails at glitzy soirées, one question is on everyone’s lips: What’s the future of the luxury market in Las Vegas? Will we witness a catastrophic crash? What does tomorrow hold for our real estate landscape? These queries echo through business and social circles.

In our daily lives, we often consider ourselves experts on everything that matters, whether it’s the debate on vaccinations, the next presidential election, or the state of the economy. We cling to our convictions, convinced of their accuracy. Yet, let’s remember that they’re nothing more than theories. Even the self-proclaimed experts in their fields are merely theorizing about what lies ahead.

Now, here’s my theory: Las Vegas is just beginning its ascent. We’ve emerged as a city boasting world-class sports teams, stateof-the-art stadiums, renowned

concert arenas, and thriving industries. Silicon Valley magnates and A-list celebrities are choosing to nurture tech and entertainment ventures right here in our backyard. Our tourism industry is booming and our population is surging, with talks of a second airport to accommodate the growth. And let’s not forget that in November, we’ll host Formula 1, one of the largest spectator events globally for 2023. While neighboring states make

choices that financially and socially constrain their residents, Las Vegas beckons with its appeal—no state income tax, exceptionally low property tax rates, and enticing business incentives for both companies and individuals.

Instead of dwelling on others’ economic theories and doomsday prophecies, let’s remember this: We reside in one of the nation’s most rapidly growing cities. People from all corners of the world are abandoning their homes and enterprises to embrace a new life in Las Vegas. I’ve always found little value in dwelling on negativity or worst-case scenarios. Stay steadfast in your own growth, your own businesses, and your families. Stay vigilant, but stay focused. We’ve merely scratched the surface, and there’s an abundance yet to come.

The future of Las Vegas is dazzling, and together we’re poised to reach new heights.

“The future of Las Vegas is dazzling, and together, we’re poised to reach new heights.”

FALLING AHEAD

From Louis Vuitton’s stunning new space on the Wynn Esplanade to Resorts World’s recently debuted tiki bar, Las Vegas’ latest additions are starting the season off strong.

LOUIS VUITTON AT WYNN LAS VEGAS The whimsy, wonder and brilliant craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton have reached a new pinnacle at the maison’s stunning retail store at Wynn Las Vegas. Marking the eighth Las Vegas address for the Parisian brand, the new shopping haven on the Wynn Esplanade brings Louis Vuitton’s complete suite of offerings together under one roof, including ready-to-wear apparel, shoes, accessories, fragrances, leather goods, watches and jewelry.

The magic begins at the store’s entrance. A design first for the United States, a backlit facade of the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram flower sparks intrigue with its dazzling illumination. Inside, the glow brightens with a 28-foot vaulted skylight that brings the outdoors in—shoppers can even step outside to

By Allison Mitchell

bask in a desert-landscaped garden area. Back inside, men’s retail offerings live beneath a digital ceiling that’s framed by the monogram flower motif in oak, and watches and jewelry sparkle against the backdrop of a handsculpted sunburst wall pattern, a design element debut for the brand. Mosaic flooring that references the enchantment of a peacock’s feathers leads to a stack of Louis Vuitton trunks in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, nodding to the brand’s roots as a French trunk-maker. To finish, fine art feels right at home against the brand’s own wearable art—notable pieces include an eye-catching outdoor sculpture by British Indian artist Anish Kapoor and the one-of-a-kind commissioned ceiling by Germany’s Alex Proba. louisvuitton.com, wynnlasvegas.com

A sculpture by Anish Kapoor anchors the verdant outdoor garden.

CATHÉDRALE AT ARIA

Led by executive chef Jason Hall, Cathédrale is a French Mediterranean concept at ARIA Resort & Casino that pays homage to the grit and glamour of New York City’s Lower East Side. The visually striking space is home to coastal dishes inspired by France, Spain, Italy and Greece. Designed by Rockwell Group and led by Tao Group Hospitality’s vice president of design and development, Susan Nugraha, the 266-seat restaurant dazzles with soaring ceilings, sumptuous blue leather banquettes and drapery, flickering candles, carved artwork by Vhils and a canopy of beaded metal chains. How’s that for drama? As for the menu, think signature dishes like the omelette, the whole Dover sole and the 22-ounce prime aged ribeye. “We do an amazing tablesde crepes Suzette for two with orange caramel and vanilla Chantilly,” says Hall. “We also have some visually enticing options, like our Camellia de Mure cocktail, which is served in a teapot and cup, and the Sorrento lemon dessert, which looks like a real lemon on the plate.” aria.mgmresorts.com

STANTON SOCIAL PRIME “Stanton Social was my fi rst restaurant concept in New York City. We wanted to revive the restaurant with a twist by adding prime meats to the menu offerings,” says executive chef Chris Santos of the new steakhouse at Caesars Palace. “Stanton Social Prime features signature shareable dishes, which I am known for, along with prime steaks seasoned with house dry rub, rested in a bath of Beurre de Baratte butter, fi nished with pink Himalayan salt and served with roasted black garlic.” The glamorous steakhouse’s art deco stylings are the brainchild of Rockwell Group and Tao Group’s Susan Nugraha. A feast for the senses, the boudoir-inspired space is illuminated by twinkling blue fringe chandeliers, which reveal plush red and navy banquettes in the main dining room. The sprawling private dining room comes alive with suspended red pendant lights and fl oral-covered walls. taogroup.com

GOLDEN MONKEY TIKI

LOUNGE Genting Palace

Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas has been transformed into a tropical oasis flowing with island-inspired sips and shareable punch bowls. Enter Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge, a cocktail lover’s paradise, where gilded monkey statues and verdant lighting set the mood for your evening getaway. Round up your party pals and enjoy a Jungle Bird cocktail (think Bacardi black rum, Campari, lime, pineapple and Demerara), or snap a photo with a rum-, vodkaor tequila-spiked punch bowl until last call at 2 a.m. Bottoms up, islanders. rwlasvegas.com

Clockwise from top left : Chef’s selection of oysters at Cathédrale at ARIA; tropical-themed decor at Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge; Stanton Social Prime’s private dining room.

POWER MOVES

THE PARTY The Don Julio flowed as VEGAS magazine toasted its 2023 Power Players with an intimate party at RPM Italian at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. THE PEOPLE Hosted by RPM Italian co-founders and celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, the evening spotlighted the 12 men and women featured in VEGAS ’ October 2023 Power Players special section. Partygoers Chrishena Stanley, Jennifer R. Turner and Perez Hilton, among others, gathered to enjoy RPM’s signature Italian dishes while a live viewing of the Vegas Golden Knights hockey game aired. THE PINNACLE Maureen Crampton, the longtime director of marketing and business development for The Forum Shops, joined the Rancics in sharing remarks with the VIP guests. At the evening’s conclusion, attendees took home gifts from Diptyque Paris’ iconic scent collection. Fabulous! —AM

MAKING A SPLASH

THE PARTY It was a night of poolside fun as VEGAS magazine teamed up with The Mirage for its inaugural Tropical Hideaway, a swim soiree held at the property’s Bare Pool Lounge. More than 300 VIPs gathered to sip cocktails by Don Julio, indulge in bites by The Mirage and Carl’s Donuts, and listen to live music by DJ Ben Snowden THE PEOPLE Two-time America’s Got Talent winner Shin Lim, star of Limitless at The Mirage, shared his jaw-dropping magic skills with partygoers. Plumsauce Bling invited guests to shop its blinged-out accessories, Diptyque Paris displayed its signature scents, and whimsical live mermaids splashed in the pool. To commemorate the night, attendees snapped photos in front of colorful installations by Vegas Balloon Company, and Sun City-Summerlin Florist decked out the alfresco affair in beautiful blooms. THE PINNACLE As the sun went down, the party turned up with an energetic fashion show featuring apparel by luxury womenswear brand Vasari. TNG Agency models, glammed by Lei V Artist Agency, sashayed across the runway in summer-chic styles, and guests went home with a swag bag featuring Moroccanoil products.

BY ALLISON MITCHELL

(3) Event hosts Bill and Giuliana Rancic (4) Maureen Crampton addressed the attendees.

(1) The outdoor scene at Bare Pool Lounge

(2) Magician Shin Lim

“ELLIPSE” BY BLUE HERON

NEW CONSTRUCTION/BUILD-READY

10 CHISEL CREST COURT

$10,550,000

6,468 square feet

5 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

5-car garage

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

11 STONESHEAD COURT

$2,900,000

0.99 acre Custom Homesite

9 STONESHEAD COURT

$2,500,000

0.61 acre Custom Homesite

Rhonda Allen, IS LUXURY

702.485.9021 | rhonda@isluxury.com

702.315.0223

NEW CONSTRUCTION/BUILD-READY

1469 MACDONALD RANCH DRIVE

$19,995,000

12,795 square feet

7 bedrooms

10 bathrooms

4-car garage

Pool & spa

Casita, Custom home

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702-400-2400 | ivan@isluxury.com 22 702.315.0223

“CLARIUS” BY BLUE HERON

NEW CONSTRUCTION/BUILD-READY

607 ALPINE SUMMIT DRIVE

$11,500,000

8,258 square feet

6 bedrooms

7 bathrooms

5-car garage

Pool & Spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

LAKE LAS VEGAS

ROMA HILLS

7070 NOMI COURT PENDING

$4,999,990

6,529 square feet

6 bedrooms

8 bathrooms

4-car garage

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

THE ROUGH IDEA

Rough and raw materials are a great way to add an organic, textural element to any interior. From travertine to naturally weathered woods, these furnishings will surely add an earthy element to your living space.

By Phebe Wahl

RH Cupola carved console table, rh.com

Dessislava Madanska Cosmic mirror, 1stdibs.com

Charcoal blocks Shou Sugi Ban side tables, 1stdibs.com

Arhaus Polanco sideboard, arhaus.com

Bernhardt Mactan cocktail table, danielhouse.club

Uttermost Montsant stone table lamp, danielhouse.club

RH Bardot burl bar cabinet, rh.com

Travertine cube, 1stdibs.com

Andrianna Shamaris bleached teak wood round organic coffee table, 1stdibs.com

Sculptural organic wood centerpiece bowl, 1stdibs.com

A LEGACY ILLUMINATED

A friendship born in Las Vegas yields a glimpse into an ancestral vault in Cognac of one of the world’s most extraordinary spirits.

—By Andrea Bennett

You have likely never stepped into the spaces that photographer Mario Basner captures: an abandoned 19th century tuberculosis sanitarium in Germany; the reading room of a Michelangelo-planned Florentine library commissioned by the Medici family in 1523; the Elbe Tunnel in Hamburg, which connects central Hamburg with the south side of the river Elbe and is open 24 hours a day—rendered silent. But the feeling they evoke is familiar, of entering a place emptied of its inhabitants. The size of the photos—some as large as five by nine feet—invite viewers to virtually step right into the space.

Leo Tolstoy wrote that the activity of art is to “…evoke in oneself a feeling one has once experienced, and having evoked it in oneself, then…so to transmit that feeling that others may experience the same feeling.” And although you almost certainly have never stepped into the subject of Basner’s most recent collection, the private Louis XIII cognac storeroom of former Rémy Cointreau chairman André Hériard Dubreuil, you will recognize in these images, too, the same feeling of stillness.

This storeroom is 150 years old and because of the flammability of the massive volume of alcohol it holds, it is completely free of electrical wiring and pitch black. It is not included in a tour of the estate in the Grand Champagne region of Cognac that produces

From the top: Chai André Hériard Dubreuil No. 2 by Mario Basner; Basner Fine Art in Tivoli Village.

MASTERING THE ART OF DESIGN-DRIVEN ARCHITECTURE AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP IN LAS VEGAS.

In a Blue Heron Home, every step is a story, every design a dialogue, and every view a vision.

702.924.2222

some of the world’s rarest cognacs. And no fine art photographer has been allowed in to capture the cellar in over 50 years. Basner describes entering the room, two stories below ground, with no flashlight, the air heavy with fumes from the casks, and brushing away the spiderwebs blanketing its corners. Then with a manual flash, timing each exposure with a stopwatch—some as long as eight minutes—to reveal a centuries-old cellar untouched by time.

The series wasn’t planned, but rather resulted from a friendship forged in Las Vegas. Basner, who opened Basner Fine Art in Tivoli Village in 2017, was attending a charity dinner in Tournament Hills put on by Ivan Sher. “Marie-Amélie de Leusse [current Rémy Cointreau board chair and granddaughter of Dubreuil] happened to be in town and a cognac tasting was in front of some artwork I was

presentng. We ended up sitting next to each other,” he says. He and his wife, Deanna Riley, met up with her in Paris, and their friendship ultimately resulted in an invitation to Cognac. “It was a completely organic idea—both of us saying, ‘What would you think about doing something?’” When Basner did photograph the casks, she accompanied him into the ancestral storeroom. “This was the personal and private side” of the famed house, he says.

The Louis XIII Collection, now illuminated, came full circle when Basner opened his Las Vegas gallery for a group of friends and supporters for an evening unveiling. Brand ambassador Guillaume Vallet treated guests to a Louis XIII Cognac tasting paired with Caspy Caviar from Shaun Hergatt’s Caviar Bar at Resorts World. And though the tasting may have been as close as

many attendees will ever get to this family vault, they felt like they walked right in, tasting glass in hand. “This is the desire I have,” Basner says, “to share experiences, like the only thing that separates you is a window and you’re actually there.”

Basner Fine Art Gallery, Tivoli Village, basnerfineart.com

Clockwise from top left: Guests in front of newly unveiled images from the Louis XIII Collection; Mario Basner with a tasting glass of the rare cognac; the cellars fronted by their finished product.

OPEN DOORS

Look under the hood of the Vegas Valley’s impressive trend: the luxury garage. By Elisabeth Brigham

One of the unique benefi ts of having an abundance of space is being able to outfi t it however you’d like. In the last few years, owners are looking beyond wine vaults and game rooms to express their creativity, shifting into something even more exhilarating. Cue the modern-day trophy room: an ultraluxe garage fi t for your most expensive autos—with room to grow. No, owners haven’t kicked their cars out—they’ve just added a few extras, like home gyms, hidden cocktail lounges, theaters and more. Behind the wheel of it all? Technology, innovation and a whole lot of style, of course. Here, we take a closer look at how some Las Vegas’ homes are tackling the trend.

44 702.315.0223

14

MAGIC STONE LANE

It’s game on at this modern manse tucked in the heart of The Ridges. Not only does the home sport a sparkling outdoor swimming pool and pickleball court, but inside, an expansive 12-car garage, a basketball court and a gaming area await. Perfect for a pickup game with friends or practicing some free throws, the space comes to life with an all-glass garage door, sky-high ceilings, a pingpong table, a movie projector and more.

Both functional and aesthetic, 14 Magic Stone Lane’s 12-car garage is complete with a basketball court and gaming area.

1300 BIRCH STREET

Nestled nicely in the historic Scotch 80s neighborhood lives this midcentury estate complete with not one, but two garages. The first structure in this car compound extends o the main house with room for two everyday autos, while a separate collector’s garage lies just around the corner. Fit for eight favorite toys, this showroom knows no bounds—with state-of-the-art car lifts, auto memorabilia and more.

2738 CARINA WAY

This 14,277-square-foot abode is home to the ultimate status symbol: a 12-vehicle garage, showcasing an exquisite elevator that brings cars directly to the second floor’s owner suite. As if that’s not impressive enough, as you get deeper into the garage, it transforms into the ultimate gym—outfi tted with a stunning basketball court with Las Vegas’ favorite team logos.

From top: 1300 Birch St.’s second garage offers space for up to eight cars; between its basketball court and car elevator, 2738 Carina Way puts a fresh (and personal) spin on the ultraluxe garage trend.

THE ACE UP OUR SLEEVES

Ask virtually any fashion-forward woman in Las Vegas where she buys her clothes, and she’ll say, “Of course you know Ardi.”

By Andrea Bennett

More than once, I’ve walked into Vasari in Tivoli Village to buy a dress and have exited with the one I would never have tried on but is somehow, mysteriously, perfect. In fact, it’s no accident, but the uncanny ability of owner Ardi Najmabadi to match women with the clothing that instantly elevates their style and often—as in my case—digs them out of a fashion rut. He is the secret weapon of virtually every fashionforward local socialite, and plenty who come from out of state specifically to be styled by him. He doesn’t advertise, and his clients are strictly word of mouth—one woman with fabulous taste to another. In fact, the store depends less on its foot traffic than on a group of around 200 devoted clients who build their entire annual wardrobe with his expertise.

Where many of the nation’s department stores are now just storefronts whose real inventory is online, Vasari is an individualized experience (with only one of each size—so the selections are always fresh). When we spoke in August, he had just returned from showrooms in Paris and Athens and was preparing for fall buying trips in Milan and Bologna— spotting the trends and selecting pieces specifically for his clientele and the events he knows they’ll be attending.

In a city with a notoriously fickle retail scene, Vasari is now an institution, having landed at Tivoli in 2011. Najmabadi founded Vasari as a multibranded men’s European sportswear store in San Francisco in 1989 and opened his first Las Vegas store in 1992 at The Forum Shops at Caesars. He shifted into women’s apparel, finally dedicating the store to it, and offering bridge lines (luxury pieces at more accessible prices) like Bronx and Banco, PatBo, Veronica Beard, Alice + Olivia, Vasari store owner and outfitter of the city’s most stylish women Ardi Najmabadi with a rack of fresh finds

Mother Denim, Alexis, A.L.C. and Self-Portrait, among others. Where there are plenty of stylists in the world, he is also equal parts sociologist and psychologist. “A woman walks in, and after 30 seconds, I know her personality. I know what will suit her; I know if the dress runs small or large and if that size will fit her,” he says. The collection is now the most cohesive and beautifully curated it has ever been, and he has added fine jewelry from brands like Bridget Shuster, a local designer whose diamond, gold and platinum pieces are the picks of a growing roster of low-key fabulous celebs. As he looks forward to fall, well into his third decade in this business, Najmabadi has the same excitement of a boutique owner in year one. “I can’t even pinpoint it,” he says. “Your mouth will drop. I think this fall we’re on fire.” Vasari, Tivoli Village, 702-597-9500

From left: Feathers dominated this year’s fashion scene—notably the Met Gala—and nowhere were they more vibrant than Vasari; the store from the street at Tivoli Village.

THE RIDGES

14 MAGIC STONE LANE $15,750,000 12,658 square feet

6 bedrooms

10 bathrooms

12-car garage

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY 702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

92 SUN GLOW LANE

$12,950,000 9,311 square feet

5 bedrooms

7 bathrooms

5-car garage

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

20 SOARING BIRD COURT

$10,000,000

8,244 square feet

4 bedrooms

8 bathrooms

4-car garage

Pool & spa

Seller represented by Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

3062 WANDERING RIVER COURT

$2,250,000

5,193 square feet

4 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

3-car garage

Pool & spa

Madison Blau Benshimon, IS LUXURY 702.862.0154 | madison@isluxury.com

Lester “Chip” Madsen, IS LUXURY 702.420.3332 | chip@isluxury.com

WILLOW FALLS

CANYON FAIRWAYS

9320 TOURNAMENT CANYON DRIVE $2,500,000

3,894 square feet

4 bedrooms

5 bathrooms

3-car garage

Pool & spa

Nicole R. Tomlinson, IS LUXURY 702.528.4360 | nicole@isluxury.com

605 CANYON GREENS DRIVE $2,100,000

4,040 square feet

4 bedrooms

4 bathrooms

3-car garage

Pool & spa

Denise E. Reichartz, IS LUXURY 702.596.8988 | deniser@isluxury.com

8725 NEWPORT ISLE COURT

$4,288,000 10,941 square feet

6 bedrooms 10 bathrooms

3 -car garage

Pool & spa

Julian Crider, IS LUXURY

702.875.1382 | julian@isluxury.com

THE LAKES 68 702.315.0223

99 SPANISH GATE DRIVE

$25,000,000

110,320 square feet

25 bedrooms

48 bathrooms

16-car garage

15.9 acres

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

SCOTCH 80’S

1300 BIRCH STREET

$3,950,000

6,678 square feet

3 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

10-car garage

Pool & spa

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY

702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

Liis Neroli Weather candle, liisfragrances.com

LAFCO New York Paloma Melon candle, lafco.com

Jonathan Adler Muse candle, jonathanadler.com

Byredo Summer Rain candle, byredo.com

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Cafe Society perfume gun, fredericmalle.com

Trudon Ernesto scented room spray, hudsongracesf.com

WITH LOVE FROM COMO,

Grand Hotel Tremezzo and its new sister hotel, Passalacqua, establish the gold standard for getaways on Italy’s Lake Como.

BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY

Valentina De Santis, elbows and hands working in unison, navigates hairpin turns behind the wheel of a mini orange Fiat. Instead of slowing around each curve, she accelerates. My grip on the wicker car seat tightens as there are no seat belts in this zippy, vintage vehicle.

“Faster?” she asks, laughing. I smile nervously and tell her to go for it. We whip around the steep road that winds like corkscrew pasta from the new Passalacqua

(passalacqua.it) to Lake Como at the base of the Italian Alps. De Santis isn’t a stunt driver. She’s the CEO of Passalcqua and the belle epoque-style Grand Hotel Tremezzo (grandhoteltremezzo.com), representing the third generation of family leadership in the latter’s long and storied history.

When we finish our adrenaline ride, I ask De Santis what distinguishes the 24room Passalacqua from its sibling, which was opened in 1910, making it the oldest resort on Lake Como. CONTINUED...

The view of the lake from one of the pools at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the oldest resort on Italy’s Lake Como. oldest Italy’s

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY

“Grand Hotel Tremezzo will always feel special, with the buzz of a great seasonal resort,” she says. “With Passalacqua, we wanted the place to feel like a family villa, an escape to someone’s grand home.” The property was built in the 18th century and was renovated for the opening last summer. It sits in the lakeside village of Moltrasio, where yellow and pink homes dot the undulating hills. The setting prompts days of getting lost among the restored gardens, dining on the flagstonelined terrace where the waitsta don white tuxedos, or enjoying the subterranean sauna and steam bath framed in an ancient stone chamber. Want to splurge? Check into the 2,700-squarefoot Bellini suite.

Lake Como is more than a cinematic setting and microclimate; it’s also a waterway to visit spots like Bellagio (stroll the Salita Serbelloni) and the wisteria-laced Villa del Balbianello. The easiest way to cruise is via vintage midcentury boats—owned by Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua— complete with Loro Piana fabric, wood paneling and a Champagne-popping crew. The experience has a Talented Mr. Ripley feel, especially when docking at the 84-room Grand Hotel Tremezzo, its creamy yellow facade a mix of grandeur and whimsy. Suites have been

Clockwise from top: The 24-room Passalacqua opened last summer as the sister property of Grand Hotel Tremezzo; views of the lake from the Maria suite at Grand Hotel Tremezzo; CEO Valentina De Santis, the third-generation leader of the familyowned and -operated resorts, and her zippy Fiat; Grand Hotel Tremezzo opened in 1910.

updated and doubled in size, with decks and hot tubs overlooking Lake Como and the gardens of the not-to-miss Villa Carlotta (villacarlotta.it).

The scene at Grand Hotel Tremezzo includes a private beach spiked with billowing orange and white umbrellas; a Water on the Water pool; and, on the backside of the property, a poolside bar and trattoria dubbed Piscina dei Fiori.

The property’s outdoor area is a tale of two resorts.

The beach and its adjacent bar hum with the rhythm of Lake Como: scooters negotiating the narrow roads, chic couples sipping AperiTEAvo (a new twist on the Italian Aperol spritz and afternoon tea) at Giacomo al Lago and house music drifting across the lake. Behind the property, guests discover a more subdued, Narnia-like tableau: the most beautiful pool on the planet (I can’t stop snapping photos), clay tennis courts and a fragrant walking trail—framed in azalea and rhododendron—leading to a peak o ering staggering views.

After a walk, I take a pizzamaking class at T Pizza. This isn’t a lark; the wood-fired oven produces more than 300 pizzas a day, and the chefs guide guests through the steps of making flawless Italian dough and customized pies. For something more subdued, visit the resort’s spa in an 18th century villa.

Couples choose the T Spa Suite for treatments, including hotstone and candle massages, rose and purifying facials, and aromatic herbal scrubs, followed by dips in the Turkish bath or time in the Mediterranean steam room.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo boasts a laudable food service program, including memorable meals at Giacomo al Lago (mustorder: tortelli cacio e pepe) and L’Escale (must-order: spaghettoni alla carbonara). But La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi receives the loudest hosannas as the only

to earn three Michelin stars and legendary status.

Legends are everywhere here, even romantic ones. In the 1970s, the De Santis family discovered hundreds of love letters hidden behind walls in some rooms. No one knows who wrote them, but they were likely penned a century ago when European and American aristocrats frequented the resort. The hotel’s owners decided to share the spoils: Each night, guests receive one of 10 love letters, along with Italian sweets, on their pillow. A sample: “I want to gently caress the reflections embroidering your dress, arms and neck. I want to tell you how beautiful you are, but instead I stay silent. And that’s when you ask me if I’m happy.”

Those are some smitten guests. They fell for the flesh, no doubt, but also the heady swirl of hues, scents and birdsong that inhabit this special place.

the which, along with other genius

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, PHOTOS: BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY; COURTESY OF GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO; BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY; COURTESY OF GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO

GLAMOROUS GETAWAY

Bulgari

BY JAMES AGUIAR

Sometimes when you book your travel plans and pack your bags, you have a checklist of hopes and desires for the destination. Well, I can honestly say you can throw that list away immediately and rest assured that your time at Bulgari Resort Bali (bulgarihotels.com) will tick all the boxes you thought you needed and more.

The first surprise is the location. Situated on the very rugged coast of South Bali (an unexpected spot for the luxury jeweler better known for red-carpet glamour and A-list star wattage), the hidden resort immediately envelops you with a sense of calm and the promise of exploration. At no time does one feel pressure to do anything but just be. With an attentive and perfectly discreet sta and a personal butler at the ready, paradise can literally be found as soon as the doors open to your private villa—or mansion, if you prefer. Blending high Italian design

with traditional Balinese structures proves to be a winning formula with local stone and wood accenting and framing European elegance. Your breezy pavilion is the perfect place to have lunch or sip exotic teas left graciously each evening after returning from an elegant dinner. With a private plunge pool steps away, there is no need to leave the room.

When (and if) you do decide to exit your villa, you will be greeted with numerous things to take your mind even further away. There are dining options that will transport you to Italy inside the elegant Il Ristorante Luca Fantin, where I indulged in a tasting menu with too many courses to count and each one more phenomenal than the next, all with the perfect wine

pairings. The spa is a majestic escape with couples and individual rooms and a stunning infinity pool with two temperatures for a hot tub experience. Perhaps the most exciting experience is a trip down the cli side on an inclined elevator that descends to a private beach with powdery white sand that could stand in for a location from the television series Lost. Don’t forget to have lunch midway down at La Spiaggia— you won’t soon forget it.

Located near Uluwatu where one of Bali’s most sacred temples is situated, the 59 villas never seem to

overwhelm guests, and the lush gardens and impeccably kept grounds ensure privacy. If shopping is your desire, the resort o ers traditional gifts and a BVLGARI boutique right on property. With tradition, glamour and elegance served with the utmost luxury and excellence in hospitality, Bulgari Resort Bali is your next destination— just be prepared to never want to leave.

Clockwise from top: A stunning courtyard and pool area at one of the Bulgari Resort Bali mansions; The Bulgari Bar offers cliff side views of the ocean and Balinese sunsets; Sangkar Restaurant serves international specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Bulgari Villa features two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a private cinema, a kitchen and a spa treatment room, as well as a 20-meter private pool and meditation pergola.

27 EAGLES LANDING LANE

$14,900,000 13,489 square feet

6 bedrooms

8 bathrooms 10-car garage

Pool & spa

Lester “Chip” Madsen, IS LUXURY

702.420.3332 | chip@isluxury.com

$5,375,000 7,264 square feet

4 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

5-car garage

Pool & spa

Gretchen Wills, IS LUXURY

702.533.1654 | gretchen@isluxury.com

ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE

9103 ALTA DRIVE, UNIT #304

$1,695,000

3,100 square feet

3 bedrooms

4 bathrooms

Anthony Spiegel, IS LUXURY 702.445.4555 | anthony@isluxury.com

WALDORF ASTORIA

3750 LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD, UNIT #4502

$3,650,000

2,247 square feet

2 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY 702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE

9103 ALTA DRIVE, UNIT #501

$3,100,000

4,826 square feet

4 bedrooms

6 bathrooms

Anthony Spiegel, IS LUXURY

702.445.4555 | anthony@isluxury.com

ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE

9101 ALTA DRIVE, UNIT #1

$2,699,000

3,261 square feet

2 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Anthony Spiegel, IS LUXURY

702.445.4555 | anthony@isluxury.com

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

7 COTTONWOOD CANYON COURT

$1,985,000 0.65 acres Custom Homesite

Denise Reichartz, IS LUXURY | 702.596.8988 | deniser@isluxury.com

ONYX POINT

9984 COPPER EDGE ROAD

$1,850,000 Single-story 5 bathrooms

3,798 square feet 4 bedrooms Pool

Samuel L. Coleman, IS LUXURY | 702-883-7845 | sam@isluxury.com

THE CLIFFS

6154 AMBER VIEW STREET

$1,800,000 5 bedrooms Pool

3,880 square feet 5 bathrooms

Samuel L. Coleman, IS LUXURY | 702-883-7845 | sam@isluxury.com

SEVEN HILLS

2674 BOBOLI CORT

$1,676,000 0.63 acres Custom Homesite

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY | 702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

ASCAYA

22 SANCTUARY PEAK COURT

$1,575,000 0.57 acres Custom Homesite

Ivan Sher, IS LUXURY | 702.400.2400 | ivan@isluxury.com

THE VINEYARDS

10817 BERINGER DRIVE

$1,475,000 Single-story 4 bathrooms

3,658 square feet 4 bedrooms Pool & spa

Gavin C. Williams, IS LUXURY | 702.521.8045 | gavin@isluxury.com

TENAYA FARMS

7471 BACHELORS BUTTON DRIVE

$1,350,000 5 bedrooms Pool & spa

5,203 square feet 5 bathrooms

Evangelina Duke-Petroni, IS LUXURY | 702.278.3222 | evangelina@isluxury.com

ASCAYA

27 BOULDERBACK DRIVE

$1,450,000 0.45 acres Custom Homesite

Anthony Spiegel, IS LUXURY | 702.445.4555 | anthony@isluxury.com