Delamar V 2 2025

HOCKNEY/ORIGINS

David Hockney (British, b. 1937)

Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16), 1978

Colored and pressed paper pulp, 72 x 85 ½ in.

Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection ©David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd.

PUBLISHER

CULINARY EDITOR

Marci Moreau

ART DIRECTOR Kim Hall

DELAMAR VP OF SALES & MARKETING

Jackie Kosiba

ADVERTISING SALES

13777 Ballantyne Corporate Park Suite 210 Charlotte, N.C. 28277

203-561-5086 colleen@vivant.media

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Colleen Guilfoile

Richmond

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Katelyn Rutt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katelyn Rutt

Marci Moreau

Georgette Gouveia

Vivian Ashcroft

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tina Sommers

Michael Biondo

Kaitlin Parry

Hicham Amaaou

Cover Photo: Tina Sommers

Delamar Westport

Gary Blaustein

ONLY AT DELAMAR

Curate your private experience with Delamar, from afternoon tea to a Gilmore Girls weekend.

LUCULLAN

21 THE CAR - Maserati’s MCPura

THE BAG - The $10 Million Carryall

THE SCENT - Guerlain and Hennessy Stir Things Up

33 LIQUID CALM - How a Humble Connecticut Shrub Became Skincare Gold

LYING ON LIGHT - The Infrared Amethyst Biomat

40 THE CHAIRMAN’S ESCAPE - Frank Sinatra’s Love Affair with Fairfield County 44 FAIRVIEW & VISTA POINT - A New Chapter Of Living Well

TRUE AMERICAN LUXURY - The RobertJames Story

EPICUREAN

59 THE FINAL IMPRESSION: Inside the Artful World of Pastry Chef Alexander McClenaghan

FROM MARKET TO MANOR - The Fresh Direct Experience in Fairfield County

HOME

69 ROOTED IN HISTORY DESIGNED FOR TODAY with Amy Zolin of Clarity Home Interiors

FROM RUNWAY TO RECEPTION - How Christian Siriano Transformed Delamar

THE ART OF ARRIVAL - The Reimagined Super Suite at Delamar Greenwich

ROOMS WITH A VIEW - Thirty Years of Design Magic in Six by Eight Feet

SHELTER ABOVE THE SEA - A Conversation with Thomas A. Kligerman

CULTURE

103 BEYOND THE LOBBY - A Collector’s Journey Through Delamar

BARNEYS: Where Fashion Became Culture

TRAVEL

113 SPLENDIDO - The Return of a Riviera Icon WESTPORT

292 Post Road East

5 Riverside Lane

Only at Delamar

THE BELVEDERE FLOOR AT GREENWICH HARBOR

cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Throughout the day, enjoy $30 in daily mini-bar credits, curated pillow and aromatherapy options, and even in-room fitness kits. Beyond the comforts of your elegantly appointed quarters—which offer plush beds, spa-inspired bathrooms

Perched on the exclusive fourth floor, the Belvedere Floor at Delamar Greenwich Harbor is a haven of personalized elegance and thoughtful indulgence. From the moment you arrive, a dedicated concierge anticipates every need, handling everything from bespoke in-room dining to wardrobe pressing. Start each morning with warm croissants, artisan coffee, and tea delivered straight to your suite, then unwind with evening receptions featuring signature

with premium BVLGARI amenities, and sweeping harbor views from private balconies—you’re invited to savor a complimentary 30-minute harbor cruise on select mornings and Sundays. Plus, boundary-pushing experiences like stargazing evenings, fireside s’mores by the waterfront, live music with wine and cheese in the library, and access to kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, board games, and an artist’s retreat compose a richly curated stay that feels deeply bespoke and deeply memorable.

WELLNESS & BRAIN OPTIMIZATION

Rediscover clarity, balance, and vitality with a thoughtfully curated two-night retreat at Delamar Southport—where luxury meets holistic well-being.

Your experience begins with a private consultation with Dr. Brian Uss, whose integrative approach to functional medicine is tailored to your individual needs. Deepen your journey with a Brain Health program led by Caroline Mazza, designed to enhance cognitive function and support the mindbody connection.

A retreat in every sense—restorative, inspiring, and uniquely yours.

EXPLORE THE BRUCE: A WORLD OF ART, SCIENCE

& WONDER

Just steps from Delamar, the acclaimed Bruce Museum offers an inspiring journey through art, science, and natural history with a dynamic rotation of exhibitions throughout the year. As a special perk, Delamar guests are invited to enjoy complimentary guided tours every Tuesday at 2:00 PM and Saturday at 11:00 AM—simply present your room key for access.

MORNING COFFEE WALKS WITH HARRY

Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee and a friendly stroll alongside Delamar Mystic’s hotel manager, Harry Staley. From 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, guests are invited to meet Harry in the hotel lobby or at La Plage to sip and chat before heading out on a relaxed 20-minute walk to the iconic Mystic Drawbridge. Along the way, enjoy local stories, scenic harbor views, and a charming introduction to downtown Mystic. In the case of inclement weather, guests may enjoy a guided tour of the hotel, or light rain gear will be provided.

MACKENZIE-CHILDS DELAMAR AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE

Delamar Hotel Collection proudly celebrates its ongoing collaboration with the iconic MacKenzie-Childs and the exclusive Plum Check collection. Born from Delamar’s signature plum palette and the timeless charm of its boutique hotels, this collection fuses whimsical elegance with the artisanal craftsmanship that defines MacKenzie-Childs.

Guests can immerse themselves in the experience through the MacKenzie-Childs x Delamar Afternoon Tea, a refined and playful ritual offered at Delamar’s celebrated restaurants—l’escale in Greenwich, Artisan Southport, and Artisan West Hartford. The tea features artfully arranged finger sandwiches, seasonal pastries, and premium loose-leaf teas served atop Plum Check pieces, paired with a glass of Delamar’s private-label brut champagne for a touch of celebratory sparkle.

Southport & West HartfordEXCLUSIVE CAUDALIE PACKAGE

Treat yourself to the ultimate escape with the exclusive Caudalie x Delamar package, a thoughtfully curated blend of indulgence and wellness. Enjoy a two-night stay in luxurious accommodations with a Caudalie welcome gift, your choice of a 60-minute Premier Cru Anti-Aging Facial or Vine Body Wrap with Dry Brush Energizing, and a rejuvenating atmosphere from start to finish. The experience is complete with a seasonal 3-course farm-to-table dinner at Artisan, perfectly paired with an optional bottle of wine from Caudalie’s Bordeaux vineyard, Château Smith Haut-Lafitte.

West Hartford - GILMORE

GIRLS-INSPIRED GETAWAY

Step into the charming world of Gilmore Girls with our exclusive Gilmore Girls-inspired getaway package at Delamar West Hartford—your perfect Connecticut escape. From the moment you arrive, immerse yourself in the quintessential Connecticut experience with elegant accommodations, thoughtful nods to the beloved series, and curated activities inspired by Rory and Lorelai’s adventures. Whether you’re savoring afternoon tea worthy of Emily Gilmore, taking a nostalgic trip to Rory’s time at Yale, or indulging in a culinary experience reminiscent of Sookie’s kitchen, this getaway is the perfect escape for every fan looking to relive the magic of the show in true Gilmore style.

LUCULLAN

THE CAR

Maserati’s MCPura: Einstein-Inspired Swagger for the Supercar Set

Launching a brand-new supercar in the middle of a pandemic? Bold move. Sadly for Maserati, the MC20’s timing was as cursed as leaving your umbrella at home in a thunderstorm. Sales never quite caught fire, and the promised electric version fizzled out before it even plugged in.

Enter the MCPura—Maserati’s latest attempt to remind everyone it still knows how to build something jaw-droppingly fast and unapologetically Italian.

Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the MCPura is essentially the MC20 with a fresh haircut and a new name inspired by none other than Albert Einstein himself. Yes, Maserati is rolling out the big brain references, declaring in its press release: “E = MCPURA.” Translation: this car is supposed to be a pure, multiplied expression of excellence. Or something like that.

Underneath the poetic marketing, the hardware stays gloriously familiar. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6—dubbed Nettuno—still pumps out 621 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it launches the MCPura from zero to 60 mph in a retina-flattening 2.9 seconds. Keep your foot in it, and you’ll hit 202 mph.

Like before, you can pick your flavor: coupe or Cielo (convertible, for those who prefer their hair whipped into submission by the wind).

The styling has been tweaked just enough to keep your neighbor guessing. The front and rear fascias are reshaped, and Maserati’s paint team has clearly been let off the leash. New colors include Devil Orange, Verde Royale, and Night Interaction— plus the show-stopping Ai Aqua Rainbow, a shimmering hue that made its debut at Goodwood in matte and gloss finishes.

Inside, the MCPura feels a touch more special, thanks to

Alcantara-trimmed seats laser-etched with the Maserati trident. Because if you’re spending a quarter of a million dollars on a car, subtlety is strictly optional.

And speaking of spending: while Maserati hasn’t confirmed U.S. pricing, expect something around $250,000 for the coupe and closer to $285,000 for the drop-top Cielo. Deliveries kick off this December, just in time to treat yourself for the holidays—assuming you’ve been exceptionally good this year.

Whether the MCPura can break Maserati’s streak of bad timing is anyone’s guess. But one thing’s clear: between Einstein equations, kaleidoscope paint, and a soundtrack courtesy of 621 furious horses, the MCPura isn’t here to blend in.

Because sometimes, you need a little hyperbole—and a lot of horsepower—to make a fresh start.

Images courtesy of Maserati.

THE BAG

The $10 Million Carryall: How Jane Birkin’s Bag Became a Legend

In a moment that instantly rewrote the annals of fashion history, Jane Birkin’s very first Hermès Birkin bag sold at auction this July for a staggering $10 million.

Not merely a handbag, but the handbag that started it all—the one that transformed a casual mid-air complaint into the ultimate status symbol.

The legend began in 1981, when Birkin, the effortlessly cool actress and singer, found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermès, on a flight from Paris to London. As the story goes, she bemoaned the lack of a chic, practical carryall to corral her belongings—a confession that inspired Dumas to sketch a roomy, structured leather tote on the back of an airplane sickness bag. By 1984, the Birkin was born: spacious enough for baby bottles and scripts, refined enough to make fashion editors swoon.

This record-smashing specimen wasn’t just any Birkin fresh from the atelier. It was Birkin’s personal, well-loved companion, marked by scuffs, stickers, and a dangling nail clipper—an authentic reflection of her nonchalant glamour. Unlike the pristine crocodile-skin trophies coveted by collectors, this bag bore the unmistakable patina of real life. And that, it seems, made it priceless.

At the Sotheby’s sale in Paris, collectors and celebrities alike clamored for a chance to own this piece of pop-cultural mythology. Rumor has it that several famous Hermès devotees jockeyed for the winning bid before a private Japanese collector ultimately claimed victory.

Its eye-watering price tag is more than just a testament to luxury excess—it signals our collective appetite for objects that blur the line between artifact and accessory, utility and legend. The Birkin has always been a canvas onto which we project aspiration, taste, and status. Now, it’s also a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary icons begin with a sketch on an airplane and a woman who simply needed a better bag.

Jane Birkin with her original birkin bag, 1996 (image credit: Mike Daines/Shutterstock)

THE SCENT

A Scent Worth Sipping:

Guerlain and Hennessy Stir Things Up

What happens when two French icons—one a master of perfume, the other a legend of cognac—decide to upend tradition? You get Habit Rouge Spirit, the world’s first fragrance aged in authentic Hennessy barrels. Yes, really: this is a scent with as much swagger as a fine pour of XO.

The idea was born from a shared curiosity. Guerlain’s master perfumers, long known for their refined, evocative compositions, began to wonder how the time-honored rituals of distillation and barrel-aging might transform a fragrance. Across the vineyards and cellars of Cognac, Hennessy’s Master Blender was intrigued by the prospect of lending oak’s mellow richness to a completely different art form. So together, they embarked on an experiment: what if perfume could be “finished” like a rare spirit?

In the cool, quiet darkness of Hennessy’s storied oak barrels, something remarkable happened. Over months, the woody elegance of Guerlain’s classic Habit Rouge mingled with the robust leather,

warm spices, and toasted vanilla notes drawn from the casks—many of them the very same used to age Hennessy’s most celebrated eauxde-vie. The resulting blend was unlike anything either house had ever bottled: smooth, layered, and just a little bit decadent.

Visually, Habit Rouge Spirit doesn’t disappoint. Housed in a sculptural glass flacon, it feels like something you’d display proudly on your bar cart—just don’t try to drink it. A spritz is all it takes to understand that this isn’t your everyday cologne. It’s an olfactory experience with serious character.

More than a novelty, this fragrance marks a new frontier in creative collaboration. In a world where luxury often plays it safe, Guerlain and Hennessy have proven that sometimes the best ideas come from blending disciplines—and having the audacity to ask, what if?

Consider this your invitation to indulge in a scent that defies convention. Who says your signature fragrance can’t come with a splash of something delicious?

Image courtesy Hennessy

MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM

Explore Mystic Seaport Museum, the nation’s leading maritime museum, to find your sea story. The Museum is conveniently located adjacent to Delamar Mystic and open year-round. Visit mysticseaport.org or scan the QR code below for the current schedule of activities.

START YOUR STORY WITH US AT DELAMAR

From coastal elegance to timeless New England charm, each Delamar location offers the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable day.

Scan here to learn more

WELLNESS

LIQUID CALM: How a Humble Connecticut Shrub Became Skincare Gold

Written by Viviane Ashcroft

When most people think of Connecticut exports, they picture submarines sliding into the Thames or maybe a fall harvest of shiny red apples. But there’s something far more unassuming—and arguably more healing—that has quietly traveled from this corner of New England into medicine cabinets and spa shelves around the world: witch hazel.

Long before it became the darling of clean beauty brands and TikTok skincare routines, witch hazel was revered by New England’s earliest communities. For centuries, Native American tribes—including the Mohegans, Pequots, and Iroquois—steeped the plant’s slender twigs and bark into soothing poultices to treat swelling, wounds, and skin irritations. European settlers quickly adopted these remedies, making witch hazel an indispensable cure-all.

Its name, however, owes more to language than folklore. “Witch” comes not from sorcery but from the Old English wice, meaning “pliant” or “bendable”—a nod to the plant’s flexible branches, which were also used as divining rods to locate underground water. That blend of practicality and quiet mystique made witch hazel a staple in Colonial apothecaries.

By the mid-1800s, a Connecticut entrepreneur named Thomas Newton Dickinson decided to bring this centuries-old knowledge into wider use. In Essex, he began steam-distilling witch hazel by the barrel, creating a pure,

potent extract that quickly earned its place in American medicine cabinets.

Remarkably, that tradition hasn’t skipped a beat. Today, the heart of authentic witch hazel production still beats in the quiet town of East Hampton, where American Distilling operates a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility.

Nearly all of the world’s witch hazel is produced here. Whole branches are hand-selected from thousands of acres of New England woodlands—yes, mostly right here in the Nutmeg State—then chipped, steam-distilled, and aged in barrels just as they were 150 years ago.

Walk through the plant (or peer behind the scenes if you’re lucky enough to score a tour), and you’ll find the old ways meeting the new. Modern stainless-steel stills hum alongside time-worn wooden barrels. Employees with decades of experience oversee the delicate process of extracting the plant’s naturally soothing tannins. Even today, every bottle of Dickinson’s and T.N. Dickinson’s witch hazel can trace its roots—literally—to Connecticut soil.

At a time when many wellness trends are little more than fancy packaging and viral videos, witch hazel stands out for its staying power. The science is simple and solid: those tannins really do help tighten pores, calm inflammation, and even tame puffy eyes.

And in a world of mile-long ingredient lists, there’s something elegant about a remedy whose label still reads simply: Distilled Witch Hazel.

A REMEDY WITH ROOTS

If you were living in the 19th century, the most common way you’d encounter witch hazel was as a trusted liniment for everyday injuries. The single most popular historical use? As an external treatment for inflammation and wounds. Generations relied on witch hazel decoctions to soothe swelling—especially bruises and sprains—to treat cuts, insect bites, and skin irritations, and to ease sore muscles. It was a first-aid essential long before anyone imagined bottling it as a clarifying toner.

5 WAYS TO USE WITCH HAZEL THIS WINTER

1. AS A FACIAL TONER: Tighten pores and balance oily skin after cleansing.

2. TO SOOTHE WIND-CHAPPED SKIN: Mix with aloe vera gel for a calming treatment that feels like a spa day.

3. AS A POST-SHAVE REMEDY: Reduce razor burn and redness the old-fashioned way.

4. FOR PUFFY EYES: Chill it in the fridge and dab under your eyes for an instant de-puffing boost.

5. IN A WARM COMPRESS: Soak a cloth, place it on your temples, and let the tension melt away.

So the next time you dab a little onto a sunburn or swipe it across your cheeks after a cold winter walk, take a moment to appreciate the modest shrub that made Connecticut the unofficial witch hazel capital of the world—and the generations of craftspeople who’ve kept it that way.

LYING ON LIGHT

The Infrared Amethyst Biomat

Written by Viviane Ashcroft

What if the path to profound relaxation wasn’t a candlelit massage or a steamy soak, but simply stretching out on a mat infused with crystals and invisible rays of warmth? Welcome to the Infrared Amethyst Biomat, Delamar’s most quietly powerful spa experience—and a secret weapon for stress relief, detoxification, and next-level bliss.

First, let’s set the scene. You arrive for your treatment—maybe you’ve booked a deep-cleansing facial or a tension-melting massage—and you’re invited to recline on what looks, at first glance, like an elegant padded mat. But this isn’t any ordinary spa prop. Hidden beneath the surface is a matrix of crushed amethyst crystals and sophisticated infrared technology designed to work in perfect synergy.

Here’s how it works: as the Biomat gently heats, it emits far-infrared rays—essentially a soothing wavelength of light energy that penetrates deep into muscles and tissues. Unlike a traditional heating pad, which simply warms the skin’s surface, these infrared waves reach several inches below, encouraging circulation, easing inflammation, and coaxing your body to release stored tension.

But the amethyst is more than just a pretty mineral. For centuries, this violet gemstone has been prized for its purported calming and balancing properties. On the Biomat, the crushed amethyst acts as a natural amplifier of the infrared rays, helping disperse the heat evenly and creating an environment of serene, cocoon-like warmth.

The experience is almost meditative. As the gentle heat melts away knots you didn’t know you had, your breathing slows, your mind

clears, and you drift into a state somewhere between waking and dreaming. Some guests describe a subtle, almost energetic buzz—like the body is recalibrating itself on a cellular level. Others simply emerge feeling lighter, clearer, and profoundly rested.

Beyond relaxation, the Biomat offers real, science-backed benefits. Infrared heat has been shown to:

• BOOST CIRCULATION, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body.

• REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND PAIN, making it a favorite among athletes and those with chronic muscle tension.

• SUPPORT DETOXIFICATION, helping the body release impurities through gentle sweating.

• CALM THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, promoting deep restorative rest.

Pairing the Biomat with a facial or massage is like upgrading from coach to first class: the treatment is elevated, the results are magnified, and you float out the door feeling transformed.

If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to literally lie on light—or you’re simply searching for the ultimate antidote to modern stress— consider this your invitation to stretch out, surrender, and let the amethyst do the work.

Ready to experience the Biomat? Discover Delamar Spa’s infrared offerings and book your session today. Your body (and mind) will thank you.

203.292.8049 | @Camorosalon

Past, Present, & Future

The Greenwich psychic and spiritual worker, renowned for her celebrity and Wall Street clientele in Manhattan, shares the story behind her divine gifting.

Timothy Leary

Unlike most vocations that require the honing of new skills, Janet Lee’s foray into the world of psychic and spiritual work was incredibly innate.

“I am a born-gifted psychic with an Indian background,” Lee says. “My entire family has the ability to look into a person’s past, present, and future and help them shed light on troubling issues in their life. My grandmother was a handson healer, my mother was a born-gifted psychic with vision, and I have the divine ability of both gifts.”

Written by Katelyn Rutt

This dual-ability, Lee says, is very unique in the industry. It’s arguably what brought her from northern Connecticut to Greenwich decades ago—a charming area she has now called home for nearly 25 years.

“I was approached by Saks Fifth Avenue to do a promotion,” Lee says. “They asked me to come in and do psychic readings for any $100 purchase at the Lancôme counter, so I came across to Greenwich.”

On the morning of the promotion, the line zig-zagged and Lee was booked with readings for most of the day.

“The second request I got from Saks Fifth Avenue was to return and work for Chanel, doing readings for each $500 purchase,” Lee says. “Once again, the line wrapped around the corner of the store.

In the third conversation I had with Saks Fifth Avenue they said, ‘Janet, can you please be our VIP psychic for the store?’”

From that moment forward, the “Greenwich Psychic” was born. Lee worked at Saks Fifth Avenue every weekend, prompting her to eventually open her own shop on Greenwich Avenue where she could specialize in psychic and spiritual work.

Since then, Lee’s psychic work has expanded to include a luxurious office suite in Manhattan where she conducts most of her readings for her Wall Street clients. Both of her office spaces blend luxury with comfort and feature a home-like atmosphere.

“In a typical reading, people will come in, sit down, and I will do most of the talking,” Lee says.

“The reading starts by going through a person’s past, present, and future. Most of the time, the reading concentrates on the mind and heart, what’s going on in the present, and healing any broken parts.”

Confidentiality is highly important to Lee, who has a list of high-profile clients she guards carefully. No matter the client or the unique struggles they bring to Lee, the psychic finds deep fulfillment in her calling.

“When they enter, clients are broken and hopeless,” Lee says. “After working with me, we’ve picked up all of the pieces and put them together again. Clients always leave feeling whole and happy.”

WATERFRONT VIEWS & COASTAL CUISINE

Savor a coastal dining experience that celebrates New England’s finest ingredients, with flavors inspired by Mystic’s Portuguese maritime heritage. Locally harvested seafood, seasonal produce, and sustainable meats are expertly prepared and served in a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the Mystic River.

THE CHAIRMAN’S ESCAPE

Frank Sinatra’s Love Affair with Fairfield County

Written by Viviane Ashcroft

Frank Sinatra was a man who needed no introduction—his voice could melt hearts, his blue eyes could fill stadiums, and his swagger made entire generations swoon. But behind all that bravado was a surprising secret: Sinatra had a soft spot for the leafy lanes and genteel hush of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Yes, the same Sinatra who held court in Las Vegas lounges and Manhattan penthouses also adored the understated allure of the Connecticut countryside.

Sinatra first discovered this quiet corner of the world in the late 1950s when he was searching for an escape from the glare of Hollywood and the relentless buzz of New York City. At the time, his career was roaring back to life with the release of Come Fly With Me and his Oscar-winning turn in From Here to Eternity. Yet despite his professional renaissance, he craved a place where he

could simply be Frank—a man with as many vulnerabilities as triumphs.

He lived in a secluded house in Weston, a tranquil town neighboring Westport, where he could trade paparazzi flashes for the shimmer of Long Island Sound at dusk. The property was the antithesis of showbiz excess: refined, peaceful, and impossibly picturesque. Think sweeping lawns, dignified old trees, and windows that framed the landscape like a living painting.

Local lore suggests that Sinatra was first drawn to the area after visiting friends in Westport. At the time, Fairfield County had quietly become a magnet for artists, actors, and writers—people who craved creative energy without the self-importance of Manhattan. Steinbeck, Marilyn Monroe, and Bette Davis all spent time in the region. Sinatra, whose life oscillated between spotlight and solitude, was captivated by this balance.

Though the house was designed for discretion, it still saw its share of memorable evenings. Friends and colleagues occasionally visited for relaxed dinners or nights spent listening to records by the fireplace. There were no velvet ropes, no frantic publicists—just Sinatra, a small circle of confidants, and the soundtrack of big band records spinning into the night.

During his Connecticut sojourn, Sinatra was often seen at the Clam Box in Westport—then a local institution—ordering fried

clams and sipping scotch with a grin. He would browse the antique shops along the Post Road and occasionally pop into independent record stores to see what jazz LPs he could add to his collection.

For the famously restless Sinatra, Connecticut offered something few places could: civility without pretension, elegance without flash. On weekends, he’d slip out for long drives through Weston and New Canaan, exploring winding roads flanked by stone walls and Colonial farmhouses no one would ever peg as a Rat Pack haunt.

Locals still swap stories of glimpsing him around town—always charming, always impeccably dressed, never too busy to share a warm smile or a quick word. Some remember him attending low-key gatherings at neighbors’ homes, where he was just another guest with stories to tell.

During part of this period, Sinatra was romantically linked to Mia Farrow, whose own family had ties to Connecticut. Though their marriage would be famously brief, it’s said that some of their most peaceful days together unfolded in this hushed corner of New England.

While his time in Fairfield County was relatively brief—just a few years before other commitments and changing relationships pulled him back to California and New York—it left an impression that lingered. It’s in the way the region balances sophistication with a streak of quiet rebellion. It’s in the way an old jazz record sounds at midnight on a porch overlooking the trees. And it’s in the simple fact that, for a while, the biggest star in the world chose Connecticut as his retreat.

For all his fame, Sinatra’s Connecticut years reveal something wonderfully human. The man who sang of strangers in the night and regrets too few to mention was also a man who cherished the familiar: a quiet drive, a favorite record, a home that felt like his own.

So here’s to Fairfield County, the backdrop for one of Sinatra’s lesser-known chapters—a love of a life that felt real, unpolished, and blissfully out of the spotlight.

As Ol’ Blue Eyes himself put it, “The best is yet to come.” And perhaps, for a while, the best was right here, hidden behind a pair of stone gates on a quiet Connecticut road, where the Chairman of the Board found a little piece of ordinary happiness.

FAIRVIEW AND VISTA POINT

Written by Marci Moreau

“Where every view, every moment, and every life is well lived.”

Written by Marci Moreau

As we journey through life, the meaning of living well becomes increasingly profound. Where and how we choose to live reflects some of life’s greatest gifts~purpose, connection, and quite simply, joy.

At Fairview, living well is not just a philosophy, it’s their mission. Since 1892, Fairview has been a trusted, mission-driven nonprofit, and today it thrives as Southeastern Connecticut’s newest life plan community.

Founded to inspire individuals to live their best lives by embracing a culture of independence, compassion, and community, and proudly affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Fairview brings the idea of living well to life, every single day. This means creating a life that aligns with personal values and fosters deep, meaningful relationships, all within a supportive environment where aging is seen as growing more: in wisdom, in connection, and in purpose.

Located on 70 acres of pristine waterfront overlooking the Thames River, the view is more than just beautiful~it’s essential to the experience of living well. Directly across the water, the United States Coast Guard Academy anchors residents to the region’s rich maritime history. Sailboats drift by. Submarines pass with quiet determination. Sunsets spill golden hues across the water.

The surrounding landscape is as dynamic and meaningful as the lives within the Fairview community.

This extraordinary setting provides the perfect foundation for the vibrant, independent lifestyle offered at Fairview. Independent living is available through two unique residential options, Thames Edge and Fellowship Manor. Thames Edge offers 40 elegant freestanding homes designed for those who value privacy, space, and the freedom of maintenance-free living. Fellowship Manor, a historic landmark originally built in 1925 as an infirmary hospital, has been beautifully restored to feature 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. These residences offer sweeping river views and are part of Fairview’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), providing peace of mind and a true sense of belonging.

In addition to independent living, Fairview’s 100-unit health care center provides both long-term and short-term care, along with outpatient therapy services, ensuring comprehensive support for residents’ evolving needs.

Beyond exceptional care, Fairview fosters a vibrant community where connection and purpose thrive. Days are filled with opportunities to engage, whether in lively social events, enriching wellness programs, or quiet moments along waterfront paths and gardens. Every aspect of the community supports connection, purpose, and well-being, encouraging residents to pursue their passions, deepen friendships, and embrace each day fully.

INTRODUCING

VISTA POINT AT FAIRVIEW –A NEW CHAPTER OF LIVING WELL

At Fairview, life doesn’t slow~it truly deepens. And Vista Point is the next expression of that philosophy, carrying forward a mission of living well with renewed vision and vitality.

Set against the backdrop of sweeping river views and crafted with inspired architecture, Vista Point is designed to foster wellness, creativity, and meaningful connection. Every detail, from the natural surroundings to the vibrant programming, has been thoughtfully curated to support holistic well-being and community living.

This amenity-rich environment offers a wide range of features that enhance everyday life. A fully equipped fitness and wellness center, scenic walking and nature trails, pickleball courts, and a dog park encourage an active, joyful lifestyle. Residents can relax in the onsite spa, visit the beauty salon or barbershop, or unwind in peaceful gardens and outdoor seating areas. Around-the-clock security, along with included utilities, property taxes, and insurance, ensures peace of mind.

Daily living is made effortless with weekly housekeeping, laundry services, and full interior and exterior maintenance, freeing residents to focus on what brings them joy. A full calendar of social and recreational programs invites exploration, learning, and connection. From lifelong learning and fitness classes to pottery, photography, book clubs, culinary experiences, volunteering, and more, Vista Point offers countless ways to stay engaged and inspired.

Like many homes, dining is at the heart of the Vista Point experience. Residents can choose from five distinctive venues, each offering its own flavor of connection and comfort.

Common Grounds offers the familiar comfort of a morning ritual with artisanal coffee, buttery pastries, and the gentle hum of a day beginning.

The Salty Radish is light, bright, and rooted in wellness, offering vibrant, health-forward dishes that uplift and energize.

Mangia dishes out the heart and soul of Italian comfort food with brick-oven warmth, big family energy, and plates made to be passed around.

1892 channels the charm of a bygone era with its refined, full-service dining with an elegant nod to tradition where every meal feels like a special occasion.

And The Overlook might be Vista Point’s best-kept secret, a moody, lounge-like escape with the understated glamour of a speakeasy. Tucked away with panoramic views, it’s the perfect spot for a craft cocktail and conversation that lingers.

Vista Point also includes several standout features that make it truly exceptional: a private dining room for special occasions, a state-of-the-art aquatics center for both rehabilitation and recreation, and a stunning performing arts center that serves as a cultural hub for residents and the wider community.

In addition to these enriching experiences, Vista Point provides a continuum of care with dedicated assisted living and memory care services. This ensures that residents receive personalized support tailored to their evolving needs, all within the comfort and familiarity of the community they love.

Vista Point is more than a residence, it’s a bold and thoughtful expansion of Fairview’s long-standing commitment to helping individuals live fully, joyfully, and well. It’s a place where every detail is designed to support not just aging, but thriving. A place where independence is honored, community is cherished, and living well is not just a vision~ it’s a way of life.

X DELAMAR

PLUM CHECK TEAPOT

Delamar Hotel Collection is excited to announce its exclusive collaboration with MacKenzie-Childs, launching the Plum Check collection. Inspired by Delamar’s signature plum color, Delamar is excited to offer the exclusive MacKenzie-Childs x Delamar Plum Check Small Teapot, available only through ShopDelamar.com. This limited-edition teapot is a must-have for collectors and a beautiful keepsake of the unforgettable Delamar experience.

STYLE

True American Luxury: THE ROBERTJAMES STORY

Inside the American Atelier: Creating Handbags, Heirlooms, Rooted in Craft, Family, and Timeless Style

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

In an age when Made in America has become more of a marketing slogan than a manufacturing reality, RobertJames stands apart as a true steward of American luxury. While countless brands drape themselves in stars and stripes only to send production abroad, RobertJames, under the meticulous eye of founder and designer James Norton, resolutely keeps craftsmanship rooted at home. Every bag, every detail, and every finishing touch is the work of skilled American artisans whose talent and dedication bring each piece to life.

It’s a conviction that runs deep—an ethos born of Norton’s belief that exceptional artistry still thrives in this country, waiting to be celebrated rather than outsourced. Walk into the RobertJames workshop, and you’ll find time-honored techniques in action: hand-cut exotic materials such as alligator and crocodile, meticulous stitching, and hardware set with the same care as fine jewelry. It’s a testament to what American craftsmanship can achieve when it’s valued and invested in.

But RobertJames is more than beautiful bags. It’s a story of family, heritage, and the women who inspire the brand’s legacy. Each design carries a name that holds personal meaning—children, grandchildren, close friends, and the women who have shaped Norton’s life. The Anka, the Blair, the Dianne—these aren’t just names, but tributes, reminders that luxury at its best is intimate and full of heart.

And the fashion world has noticed. In Palm Beach, where discerning women can choose from any brand in the world, RobertJames has emerged as an emblem of taste and substance. This year, the brand is honored as the “It Bag” for The Old Bags Luncheon, held at the Breakers Hotel on February 18th, 2026, one of the region’s most celebrated charity events. For the uninitiated, this annual affair is more than a luncheon—it’s a gathering of nearly six hundred philanthropists and the fashion elite, the women who set the tone for style from Worth Avenue to Greenwich to the Hamptons. Their embrace of RobertJames speaks volumes: in a sea of logos and mass-produced imports, authenticity still wins.

As the fall/winter fashion season arrives, RobertJames’s latest collections feel perfectly attuned to the season’s mood. Rich, merlot alligator, along with jewel-toned porosus crocodile, echo autumn’s earthy elegance. The Wrenley Tote, with its deep chestnut finish, pairs as effortlessly with a camel coat as it does with an evening dress. Meanwhile, the brand’s growing jewelry line captures the same spirit of luxury and craftsmanship—bold yet refined pieces that feel as timeless as they are modern.

At its core, RobertJames isn’t trying to chase trends or imitate European maisons. Instead, under James Norton’s guidance, it’s quietly building something rarer: an American luxury house with soul. One that honors where it comes from and the people who make it possible, both in the atelier and in the lives that inspire every design.

For those who appreciate the profound difference between something merely expensive and something truly valuable, RobertJames offers an invitation: carry a piece of authentic American craftsmanship into your everyday life. It’s a story worth telling—and wearing.

robertjamesluxury.com

Introducing Maison—our new all-day café designed for every moment. Start your morning with artisan pastries from The Mill and locally roasted Panther Coffee. Swing by for fresh, seasonal grab-and-go bites, or ease into the evening as Maison transforms into a relaxed lobby bar. Whether you’re passing through or settling in, Maison is your go-to spot to unwind, refuel, and feel at home.

ELYSABETH VINEYARDS IS A BOUTIQUE, FAMILY RUN VINEYARD PRODUCING WORLD CLASS WINES IN THE HEART OF THE HUDSON VALLEY. HANDCRAFTED WITH THE UTMOST ATTENTION TO DETAIL, OUR WINES ARE RICH IN DEPTH AND ELEGANT IN FLAVOR.

TO ENJOY OUR WINES AT HOME, PLEASE VISIT SPIRITSNETWORK.COM/ELYSABETHVINEYARDS. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VINEYARD, OUR WINES, AND OUR STORY, YOU CAN VISIT WWW.ELYSABETHVINEYARDS.COM.

EPICUREAN

THE FINAL IMPRESSION Inside the Artful World of Pastry Chef

Alexander McClenaghan

IN THE REFINED HUSH WHERE EACH COURSE UNFOLDS LIKE A CHAPTER IN A STORY, CORPORATE PASTRY CHEF ALEXANDER MCCLENAGHAN IS THE AUTHOR OF THE UNFORGETTABLE FINAL LINE.

FROM CRAFTING AN ANNIVERSARY CAKE WORTHY OF THE OBAMAS TO PERFECTING DELICATE CONFECTIONS IN MICHELIN-STARRED KITCHENS, MCCLENAGHAN HAS BUILT A CAREER DEFINED BY DISCIPLINE, CREATIVITY, AND THE QUIET THRILL OF DELIGHTING GUESTS, ONE SPOONFUL AT A TIME.

“ When imagination and discipline align to create a bite that transcends the guest back in time to a core memory... that is what cooking is all about. ”

– ALEXANDER MCCLENAGHAN

Now, as he brings his talent to the Greenwich Hospitality Group Restaurant Collection, McClenaghan is poised to reimagine what dessert can be, rooted in classical French technique, yet inspired by the seasons and spirit of coastal Connecticut. You’ll most often find him at Artisan Southport, where his personal touch leaves the sweetest impression. His journey began in Kansas City, in his grandfather’s casual Mexican restaurant, where he spent long days immersed in the scent of braised meats and simmering sauces. “One of my childhood favorites was the sopapillas,” he recalls, “a fried pastry that’s drizzled with maple syrup or cinnamon sugar.” That early exposure to both the joy and rigor of hospitality laid the groundwork for a career defined by both.

McClenaghan's approach to pastry is a harmonious mix of precision and play. “Imagination is key to keeping yourself limitless,” he says, “while discipline and refined technique can elevate an ordinary ingredient.” But what truly drives him? “The pursuit of happiness,” he adds. “When imagination and discipline align to create a bite that transcends the guest back in time to a core memory… that is what cooking is all about.”

That philosophy was fully realized in one of his most high-pressure assignments: creating the Obamas’ 25th anniversary cake. “They portrayed themselves as poised and sophisticated, a pair that complemented each other,” he says. The result? A chocolate and hazelnut entremets shaped like a ring, adorned in silver and white accents, both symbolic and celebratory.

McClenaghan’s desserts often double as quiet storytellers. He loves to highlight peak-season fruits, artisanal cheeses, single-origin chocolates, and ingredients sourced from local farms. “Combining those unique ingredients with simple techniques and a final touch tableside—when done right, it creates a moment.” He’s especially passionate about ensuring the waitstaff is equipped to share those stories, making dessert not just a course, but a conversation. Though a master of systems and consistency, he still embraces the occasional kitchen surprise. His philosophy in three words? “Playful, ingredient-focused, delicious”—a fitting summary of his style, and perhaps his spirit.

Think understated elegance with layers of comfort: “A culinary welcome mat,” he says with a smile.

Despite his Michelin-starred background, McClenaghan ensures every guest—whether at a fine-dining table or a fireside gathering—feels at home. “Dessert is personal,” he says. “It’s the final note. It should make you smile, reflect, and want to come back.”

And that’s the true mark of success for him. Not just empty plates, but returning faces. “When guests enjoy the food you’ve prepared and begin returning to the restaurant, bringing new friends to share that experience—that’s when you’ve really made an impact.”

FROM MARKET TO MANOR: The FreshDirect Experience in Fairfield County

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

In the refined enclaves of Greenwich, Westport, and across Fairfield County, where discerning tastes meet busy lifestyles, FreshDirect has become more than a convenience—it’s a culinary revolution. This premier online grocer delivers gourmet-quality ingredients and prepared meals straight to your doorstep, redefining the art of grocery shopping with a blend of ease, elegance, and exceptional taste.

FRESH THINKING FROM THE START

Since its founding in 1999, FreshDirect has led the charge in transforming how we buy food, skipping the brick-andmortar stores in favor of a direct-to-consumer model. Unlike traditional grocers, FreshDirect sources its products straight from farmers, fishermen, and small producers, cutting out the middleman to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. From its high-tech facility in the Bronx, each order is packed with precision and delivered with care.

What sets FreshDirect apart is not just its seamless service, but its deeply curated selection. Think locally sourced heirloom vegetables, grass-fed beef, sashimi-grade seafood,

and small-batch cheeses. Their bakery section offers flaky croissants and European-style loaves, while the wine and spirits department rivals a boutique sommelier’s picks.

In addition to raw ingredients, FreshDirect excels at ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook offerings. Their chef-prepared meals—like miso-glazed salmon, short rib ragu, or truffle mushroom risotto—are perfect for weeknights when you want restaurant-quality at home without the prep.

For Fairfield County residents accustomed to a high standard of living, FreshDirect feels like a natural fit. The service understands the rhythm of life here: dinner parties that require an impressive charcuterie board, busy weekdays that call for quick and healthy meals, and family weekends filled with brunches, barbecues, or simple al fresco dining. With convenient delivery windows and user-friendly ordering, FreshDirect brings the farmers market and gourmet grocer to your front door—no traffic, no waiting, no compromise. FreshDirect also places sustainability at the forefront. From sourcing practices that support regenerative agriculture and local economies, the brand is as eco-conscious as it is epicurean. It’s a philosophy that resonates with today’s modern household: thoughtful, healthful, and forward-thinking.

A TASTE OF WHAT’S INSIDE

Here’s just a sampling of what FreshDirect offers:

• Organic fruits and vegetables from Hudson Valley farms

• Fresh pasta and sauces from artisanal producers

• Wild-caught seafood, including sushi-grade tuna and scallops

• International cheeses and charcuterie

• Rotisserie chickens, marinated cuts, and house-made stocks

• Gourmet desserts like tiramisu, fruit tarts, and flourless chocolate cake

• An impressive cellar of wines, bubbly, and craft cocktails

THE FRESHDIRECT DIFFERENCE

Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner in Greenwich, a last-minute soirée in Westport, or simply want your staples delivered to your Southport estate, FreshDirect delivers more than groceries—it delivers lifestyle. The kind that’s fresh, flawless, and right on time.

To learn more or begin your own gourmet delivery journey, visit FreshDirect.com.

MEETINGS REIMAGINED

Inspiring. Collaborative. Elevated.

DISTINCTIVE BUSINESS EVENTS

• Custom curated team building experiences

• Mixed use meeting capabilities & technology

• Award-winning restaurants & dining experiences

• Elevated spa treatments at select locations

• Perfectly sized boutique hotels for exclusive use

• Charming & culturally diverse locations

SCAN HERE

Explore the variety of meeting spaces we offer across our hotel collection

DELAMAR WEST HARTFORD

DELAMAR SOUTHPORT

ROOTED IN HISTORY, DESIGNED FOR TODAY

By Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

Inside a Belle Haven Victorian Reimagined by Amy Zolin of Clarity Home Interiors

Tucked within the storied enclave of Belle Haven in Greenwich, Connecticut, a grand Victorian estate has undergone a transformation that feels less like a renovation and more like a reawakening. With every room, every finish, and every curated detail, this historic residence tells a new story—one of thoughtful design, deep collaboration, and a profound respect for both heritage and modern life.

Designer Amy Zolin, founder of Clarity Home Interiors, partnered once again with a longtime client to reimagine this home from the inside out. Their shared history—having completed several residences together, including an award-winning home in Darien—infused the project with trust and creative freedom. That dynamic resulted in an interior vision that is both refined and expressive, yet deeply personal.

From the outset, Zolin and architect Lisa Mockler approached the project with a reverence for the estate’s original architecture. Though the home underwent a full gut renovation, its character and historic soul remained at the forefront. Original proportions and sightlines were carefully preserved, even as walls were opened and finishes modernized. Working with builder Quinndico Custom Home Builders and landscape architect Kristin Andronowitz, the team brought the residence into the present while allowing it to remain beautifully rooted in the past. “ We’ve worked with this client on multiple homes over the years, and that level of trust allows for something special to unfold. The result isn’t just beautiful— it’s deeply personal. ”

Each room in the home reads like its own carefully composed chapter. The entry makes a statement with hand-painted grasscloth in a Peter Dunham floral motif, setting a tone of layered elegance. It leads to the library, enveloped in high-gloss lacquered blue walls by Fine Paints of Europe—an enveloping space both dramatic and serene. Throughout the home, sculptural lighting fixtures from Urban Electric punctuate each room with character, while antique pieces and tailored upholstery add quiet gravitas.

The living room basks in natural light, with artisan-painted walls

by Floe Decor providing a soft, serene backdrop. A central hall table offers both visual grounding and a subtle invitation for gathering—one of many ways this home is designed for both beauty and connection. Custom millwork, seagrass window shades, and architectural paneling all work in harmony to echo the home’s original design language, while bespoke furnishings add modern sophistication.

Coastal influences gently shape the palette. Subtle shades of ocean blue, sandy taupe, raffia, and linen evoke Greenwich’s shoreline without veering into cliché. Zolin’s background—both Southern and East

Coast—lends a style sensibility that’s layered, livable, and nuanced. Patterns are handled with precision: bold prints balanced by smaller motifs, rich textures softened by light and space. The effect is a home that feels crisp and curated, yet warm and relaxed. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the jewel-box powder room. Wrapped in custom marbled wallpaper and accented with a brass console sink, the space is a moment of unexpected luxury— small in scale but grand in effect. In contrast, the family room and breakfast nook brim with color, movement, and joy, thanks

to a playful mix of prints and tactile layers. Handwoven rugs in raffia and wool anchor the home with natural texture underfoot, providing a foundation for daily living with a sense of grace.

Art plays a powerful, unifying role. While many homes treat art as a finishing touch, here it serves as a guidepost, reflecting the client’s extensive collection and infusing each room with meaning. From photography that recalls the coastal setting to contemporary works that add vibrancy and edge, the art becomes part of the architecture itself.

“ A home with clarity isn’t just visually harmonious—it’s a place that feels like you belong, where

design serves your life, not the other way around.

”

Throughout the design, it’s the unexpected touches that make the biggest impact: a vintage table with sculptural legs, a custom light fixture with a wink of whimsy, a mirror framed in something just a bit offbeat. These moments inject soul and prevent the interiors from ever feeling overly formal. “Luxury doesn’t have to be serious,” Zolin often says—and in this home, it never is.

Above all, this is a residence designed for living. It is not merely beautiful—it is intentional. “Clarity,” as Zolin defines it, “means living with purpose. It’s about surrounding yourself with what matters: beauty, comfort, ease, and connection.” In this Belle Haven home, that philosophy finds its most elegant expression to date.

Architect: Mockler Taylor Architects

Builder: Quinndico Custom Home Builders

Landscape Architect: Kristin Andronowitz

Photography: Davidson McCulloh

POWDER ROOM

RESOURCE LIST:

• Wallpaper: Tania Vartan

BREAKFAST AREA

• Banquette and dining chair fabric: Schuyler Samperton

• Wallpaper: Schumacher

• Window treatments: Schumacher

LIBRARY (BLUE LACQUER WALLS)

• Roller shades: Hartman & Forbes

• Window treatment: Clarence House

• Pillow: Peter Dunham

FAMILY ROOM

• Lamp shades: Fermoie

• Window treatment: Kravet

• Blue Chevron Chair: Schumacher

• Yellow Pillow: Raoul Textiles

LIVING ROOM (FLOWER HANDPAINTED WALLS)

• Light: Urban Electric

Clarity works throughout the United States with projects in Connecticut and New York, Vail, Colorado, Washington D.C. and Charleston, South Carolina. CLARITYHOMEINTERIORS.COM

“ My goal was to create a home that felt effortlessly elegant, where every room offers a sense of welcome and clarity. ”

FROM RUNWAY TO RECEPTION

How Christian Siriano Transformed Delamar Westport Into a Couture-Inspired Retreat

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

When you step through the doors of Delamar Westport, you’re not simply entering a hotel—you’re stepping into a living expression of Christian Siriano’s couture imagination. Known worldwide for dressing red carpets and runways, Siriano has turned his discerning eye to interiors, crafting a space that fuses fashion, artistry, and a touch of theatricality.

“I thought, what if a couture dress became a room?” Siriano says, reflecting on the project. That single question ignited a design journey that transformed the Westport property into a place where elegance and approachability coexist, and every detail feels meticulously considered.

Fashion, Siriano explains, has always been the heartbeat of his creative life. For Westport, he drew on the same principles that make his gowns so coveted: drama, sculptural form, and texture. “Whether it’s a gown or a gorgeous lobby, I want people to feel fabulous the moment they arrive,” he shares. That philosophy comes to life in rich upholstery, unexpected pops of color, and

furnishings that seem to have been draped into place rather than arranged. The result is a lobby that feels like an unveiling—one part gallery, one part stage set.

A centerpiece of this vision is the Siriano sketch wall, an installation that offers guests a glimpse into his creative process. “A sketch is where the magic begins— it’s raw and emotional,” he says. “It captures the energy of a whole collection in just a few lines.” The wall doesn’t simply decorate; it narrates. Guests often find themselves lingering here, taking photos against a backdrop that feels both intimate and iconic.

While Siriano’s aesthetic is distinctly global, his commitment to community is equally powerful. Working closely with Connecticut-based artisans, he ensured that the project was grounded in local craftsmanship and spirit. Longtime collaborators Kostas Upholstery brought couture-level detail to nearly every piece in the lobby. “Their craftsmanship is honestly incredible,” Siriano says. “They just get it—the shape, the structure, the care.”

Art by Connecticut’s Lisa Bagley and David Stephen Johnson adds a modern, emotional dimension to the space. Each piece was chosen not merely for its beauty but for its ability to make guests feel something lasting. “Everyone we brought in had a personal connection to the work,” Siriano says. “I think that heart is what gives the space its soul.”

Westport’s artistic heritage was a profound influence. “You feel the creative energy here the moment you arrive,” Siriano reflects. From writers and painters to performers and designers, generations of artists have called this town home. “I didn’t want to recreate history,” he explains. “I wanted to channel it in a fresh, modern way.” The result is a blend of layered textures, sculptural furniture, and art that feels both curated and alive—spaces designed to inspire, whether you’re settling in with a novel or sketching your next big idea.

Siriano’s signature style reaches its fullest expression in the Siriano Suites—three distinct spaces that feel like stepping into the pages of a glossy editorial spread. The Presidential Suite is serene yet sophisticated, with a palette of pale neutrals, layered fabrics, and sculptural furnishings that create a cocoon of calm. “It feels like a modern artist’s retreat,” Siriano notes. “Fresh, elegant, and a little dreamy.”

The two signature suites are more dramatic, blending unexpected color palettes with custom furnishings that evoke the energy of a runway collection. “Every room was designed to inspire and indulge,” Siriano says. “Like a couture fitting—but with room service.”

Throughout, texture is paramount: plush bouclé, sleek brass accents, lacquered woods, and matte ceramics interplay to create a tactile narrative. “When you walk into a space, you shouldn’t just see the luxury—you should feel it,” Siriano emphasizes.

For Siriano, the mark of a successful space is its ability to spark conversation and create comfort in equal measure. “It’s about the push and pull between drama and intimacy,”

he says. Rich, warm materials invite guests to linger, while sculptural silhouettes and focused lighting create moments of visual intrigue. “It’s like dressing someone for the red carpet,” he explains. “You want them to feel amazing and at ease, but you also want all eyes on them.”

A key consideration was versatility. From seasonal changes to private events, the design needed to adapt gracefully without losing its identity. “We treated it like a classic black dress,” Siriano says. “The core silhouette is timeless, and you can reinvent it endlessly with new accessories.” Foundational pieces were chosen for their enduring elegance, while textiles and decorative accents can be refreshed to keep the space feeling current.

Even with Siriano’s clear vision, the project had its share of surprises. Proportions had to be adapted, budgets balanced, and timelines met. But as in fashion, limitations often became opportunities. “Sometimes the best ideas happen because you have to get inventive,” he says. “Those constraints push you to think differently, and that’s when you create something truly special.”

In the end, Siriano’s design for Delamar Westport is more than a beautiful setting—it’s a testament to the idea that a hotel can feel as transformative as slipping into a perfect gown. It’s a place where luxury is layered, personal, and never out of reach—a living reflection of Westport’s creative spirit, tailored with a couture touch.

Dandelion

THE ART OF ARRIVAL: Reimagining Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY IS ABOUT TO BE REVEALED ON THE GREENWICH WATERFRONT. SOON, GUESTS AND LOCALS ALIKE WILL STEP INTO SPACES THAT FEEL FAMILIAR YET ENTIRELY NEW, WHERE EVERY DETAIL HAS BEEN REIMAGINED TO SURPRISE, INSPIRE, AND DELIGHT. CONSIDER THIS YOUR INVITATION TO DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO OF THE WORLD’S MOST CELEBRATED DESIGNERS SET OUT TO REDEFINE THE ART OF HOSPITALITY.

Photo by Lesley Unruh

When two of the most respected names in interior design take on a project as iconic as Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, you know something special is about to unfold. Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence of the celebrated firm Williams Lawrence are known for transforming spaces with a unique balance of elegance, comfort, and character. For the redesign of this beloved waterfront hotel’s lobby and new penthouse suite, the duo is bringing their signature residential sensibility to the world of hospitality—promising an elevated yet intimate transformation in these key spaces.

For Bunny Williams, it all began with a childhood visit to the legendary Greenbrier Hotel, where Dorothy Draper’s glamorous and residential-feeling interiors left a lasting impression. “What was so extraordinary to me about the Greenbrier was how glamorous and stylish but cozy and residential it was,” she recalls. “You felt like you wanted to live in the rooms.” That early experience helped shape her intuitive approach to design—one that blends sophistication with soul.

Elizabeth Lawrence describes their design ethos as a thoughtful mix of eras and styles—classic and modern pieces layered together to create timeless rooms that feel lived-in rather than styled. “We always say we don’t want someone to know exactly when a room was designed,” she says. “We want to create a timeless quality that feels like it’s come together slowly and intentionally.” It’s this curated, collected feel that will anchor the refreshed interiors of Delamar Greenwich Harbor.

Both designers agree that truly successful interiors engage all the senses. Bunny, known for her deeply functional spaces, always starts with how people feel in a room. “How are people going to be comfortable sitting in the lobby as a group, or by themselves?” she asks. “Where are they going to have their coffee while waiting for someone?” From lighting for bedtime reading to flexible furniture arrangements in communal areas, every design detail at Delamar is

being considered with the guest’s comfort in mind. When asked what inspired their design concept for the lobby and Penthouse suite, Bunny emphasizes the importance of evolution. “I have a more eclectic approach to design—I like to mix different styles and periods,” she says. “I think that gives a hotel a very appealing nature because everyone can find something they like in it.” The goal isn’t to erase Delamar’s traditional charm, but to enhance it, layering in fresh, contemporary touches while honoring its coastal heritage.

The Williams Lawrence team is in close collaboration with the hotel’s staff and ownership to ensure that every design choice enhances the guest experience. “We want to raise expectations and create a new level of comfort and atmosphere,” Elizabeth shares. From reimagined suites to thoughtfully designed public spaces, every element aims to surprise and delight. “This isn’t just a stylish makeover—it’s about ushering in a new era of hospitality.”

With Delamar’s stunning Greenwich Harbor views, the natural beauty of the setting is a design muse in its own right. “The light that comes off the water brightens the spaces and connects guests with the surroundings,” Elizabeth says. Instead of going too nautical or literal, the design will subtly reference the harbor with textures, tones, and spatial openness that mirror the serene coastal environment.

At the heart of this project is the desire to make guests feel at home—but better. “It’s rare to come back from a hotel visit and wish your own home was more like the hotel you just left,” Bunny and Elizabeth muse. “But that’s what we want every guest who stays at the super suite to feel.” They’re infusing a sense of ease and purpose, where style meets comfort and every detail feels intentional.

One thing is clear: this isn’t just a design project. It’s a reimagining of what hotel living can be—timeless, inviting, and inspiring, with just the right touch of magic.

TUESDAY - THURSDAY | STARTING AT 2PM

ROOMS WITH A VIEW:

Thirty Years of Design Magic in Six by Eight Feet

IMAGINE A COUNTRYSIDE TERRACE CELEBRATING THE FIRST HARVEST, A FRENCH MUSIC SALON, OR A MEDITATION ROOM THAT SUBTLY SHIFTS COLOR AS YOU WALK BY. NOW PICTURE ALL OF THESE SPACES—AND MORE—TUCKED INSIDE A SIX-BY-EIGHT-FOOT CUBE.

By Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

Welcome to Rooms With A View, New England’s most inventive design event, where vision and virtuosity meet within the confines of three sheetrock walls. For thirty years, this beloved showcase has transformed the Southport Congregational Church into an irresistible destination for design lovers, collectors, and the simply curious.

In the early 1990s, the church’s longtime fundraiser, the Southport Antiques Show, was nearing the end of its run. A new idea was needed—something fresh, modern, and unforgettable. The concept that emerged was as radical as it was inspired: a mini decorator’s showhouse filled with “vignettes,” concept rooms designed to showcase talent and spark imagination. While the idea generated equal parts excitement and confusion (“What exactly is a vignette?”), when the committee approached the late Albert Hadley—often called the Dean of American Design—he immediately recognized its brilliance. Hadley signed on as honorary chairman and became the show’s guiding spirit.

Albert Hadley

From these humble beginnings, Rooms With A View has grown into a nationally acclaimed design showcase, known for presenting award-winning talent from across the country alongside the best of the regional design community. Alumni include some of the most influential names in American interiors: Bunny Williams, Thom Filicia, Jeffrey Bilhuber, David Kleinberg, Victoria Hagan, Charlotte Moss, and many more who have gone on to

define how we live and decorate today. More than three hundred vignettes have been imagined and installed over the years. Plastered, mirrored, and lacquered walls, parquet and antique tile floors, built-in bookcases, windowpanes, and even the occasional fireplace have all been squeezed into spaces no larger than a generous walk-in closet. The result is a temporary, immersive world of design that feels both accessible and aspirational.

Room by Patrick Mele

In 2019 Christopher Philip was named Executive Director of the event. His job was to revitalize the show with fresh new thinking and ideas. In his first year he and longtime Rooms With A View Design Chairman Parker Rogers formed the Design Advisory Board. The board consists of designers, editors, manufacturers and leading industry professionals. Much of the current success of RWAV can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the board. Long contributors include Barbara Sallick, the event’s Honorary Chairman, Rhonda Eleish, Edie Van Breems, Christina Roughan, Victoria Vought, Sydney Frazier and many more.

Room by Amanda Reynal

Albert Hadley Sketch

“Every year our goal is to build on the success of the prior year by constantly looking for new ideas to keep the show growing and evolving,” said Philip.

In 2019, Rooms With A View created the Rooms With A View / New York School of Interior Design Scholarship to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary and to honor Albert Hadley. Albert Hadley was a major supporter of young emerging talent. In addition to a cash prize, the winner is invited to create a vignette—a transformative opportunity that has helped launch new careers.

Perhaps more than any other design event, Rooms With A View celebrates the art of making the most of what you have— be it forty-eight square feet of sheetrock or the power to make a difference. It’s a reminder that creativity flourishes within constraints, that generosity fuels vision, and that great design is always an invitation to feel at home. Whether you come for inspiration, shopping, or the simple joy of stepping into twelve little worlds of possibility, Rooms With A View is ready to welcome you. roomswithaview.org

Room by Doniphan Moore

Room by Parker & Co.

SHELTER ABOVE THE SEA: A Conversation with Thomas A. Kligerman

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

Photography by William Waldron

WITH ITS UNCONVENTIONAL “UPSIDE DOWN” FLOOR PLAN—PRIVATE BEDROOMS TUCKED BELOW, AND SOARING PUBLIC SPACES ABOVE— THIS MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL HOME REINVENTS THE SHINGLE-STYLE

TRADITION THROUGH A MODERN LENS. DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT

THOMAS A. KLIGERMAN, THE PROJECT BALANCES PROTECTION AND OPENNESS, HISTORY, AND INVENTION. DRAWING FROM HIS YEARS

SAILING ALONG THE RHODE ISLAND COAST AND A CAREER SHAPED BY FORMATIVE TIME AT YALE AND AS A PARTNER OF HIS OWN DESIGN

FIRM, KLIGERMAN INFUSES THE DESIGN WITH QUIET RIGOR, SCULPTURAL CLARITY, AND DEEP RESPECT FOR PLACE. THE RESULT IS A HOME THAT SPEAKS NOT JUST TO THE VERNACULAR OF NEW ENGLAND BUT TO THE SOUL OF COASTAL LIVING.

Nestled on a knoll gently descending to the sea and surrounded by water on three sides, this coastal home finds its roots not only in New England’s architectural traditions but in the life experiences of its architect. Thomas A. Kligerman drew on personal memories, academic lineage, and a sailor’s sensibility to shape a residence that is both timeless and quietly radical.

The decision to invert the conventional home layout—placing bedrooms on the lower floor and main living spaces above— stemmed directly from the site’s topography. “You enter on the high side,” Kligerman explains, “so naturally, the entrance hall, living, dining, and kitchen made most sense there.” From this elevated vantage point, the rooms open into dramatic roof forms, framing views of distant islands and maximizing the home’s dialogue with its surroundings. The bedrooms below, cooler and more private, each orient away from one another—thanks to the angular plan—to offer secluded views and a quiet, cocooned atmosphere.

That geometry was no accident. The house, Kligerman says, “twists around a courtyard” and incorporates gentle curves that echo the elegant arcs of a sailboat’s hull. Having spent summers sailing in Rhode Island, Kligerman has a deep appreciation for the interplay of light and surface that characterizes life at sea. “The shadows and ever-shifting patterns across those curved surfaces are part of the appeal of being on a boat,” he reflects. That same sense of shifting light and sculptural motion animates the architecture of this house.

Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in the staircase connecting the two levels. A sweeping arc carved from 27-footlong boards of sinker cypress, it mirrors both the physical movement between floors and the visual horizon of ocean meeting sky. At night, seen from the courtyard, the stair’s convex form plays poetically against the concave curve of the clerestory windows above.

While deeply contemporary, the home is also steeped in the shingle-style tradition—though interpreted with restraint and refinement. “We stripped it down,” Kligerman says, removing ornamental details such as large casings, rake moldings, and painted accents. Even paint itself was eliminated from the exterior. The result is a monochromatic structure of weathered gray cedar shingles, punctuated only by a stone base and stone entry wing, allowing the form to speak without embellishment.

Kligerman’s sensitivity to history is no accident. As a student at Yale, he studied under architectural historian Vincent Scully, who famously coined the term “shingle style” in the 1940s. That academic lineage—shared by contemporaries like Robert A.M. Stern, Mark Simon, and others—continues to inform his work. “Scully’s influence was felt throughout the culture of education there,” he recalls, shaping a generation of architects attuned to both tradition and innovation.

This dual awareness—of the past and the present—was especially crucial given the home’s seaside location. Balancing openness with protection meant relying on enduring materials like stone and cedar, but applying them to a design that embraces expanses of glass and abundant natural light. “Most newfangled synthetics look best when new,” Kligerman says. “But materials like real stone and shingles just get better with age.” The house thus honors the permanence of the coastline while remaining attuned to how people live today.

Throughout, there are moments of intimacy that speak to the architect’s personal touch: a cozy napping nook by the fireplace, a hidden stair leading from the study to the primary suite, a screened porch that welcomes breezes and shifting light from both ocean and courtyard. These details add emotional texture to a home designed not just for shelter, but for experience.

Ultimately, Kligerman hopes that visitors to the house will feel a kind of unfolding surprise: “Walking under the building into the courtyard, entering into a small entrance hall only to turn to an expansive view of the ocean… slipping into the screen porch or down the stairs to the cool and cozy bedrooms below.” It’s a journey through contrast—light and shadow, openness and seclusion, tradition and reinvention.

And in that contrast lies the magic of this home: a place that captures the rhythms of coastal life while quietly reshaping how we inhabit it.

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GIVES BACK

JACQUES PEPIN FOUNDATION CHARITY DINNER

L’escale Restaurant had the honor of partnering with legendary French Chef Jacques Pépin and his foundation for an unforgettable evening celebrating his 90th birthday. Proceeds from the event supported the meaningful work of the Jacques Pépin Foundation, which continues to enrich lives through culinary education, training, and mentorship.

CULTURE

BEYOND THE LOBBY: A Collector’s Journey Through Delamar

Written by Georgette Gouveia

FROM MONUMENTAL BRONZES TO BESPOKE WALLPAPERS AND CONTEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS, EACH DELAMAR HOTEL

BECOMES A LIVING GALLERY—HONORING MARITIME LEGACY, CELEBRATING MODERN ARTISTRY, AND INVITING GUESTS TO

DISCOVER BEAUTY IN EVERY DETAIL.

Charles Mallory has an eye for art and classic cars, which he collects, and even women’s compacts, which he has branded.

But what he primarily has an eye for and on is Connecticut’s Delamar Hotel Collection, which he founded in 2000, serving as owner and CEO. Delamar Mystic joined Delamar hotels in Greenwich, Southport, West Hartford, and Traverse City, Michigan, as the collection marks its 25th anniversary. Adding to the celebration, the July 1 opening of Delamar Westport, while a sister property in the town, The Inn at Longshore, continues to undergo an $8 million renovation and expansion.

Mallory has enhanced these spaces, individual in their blend of elegance and comfort, with works from his art collection as well as artistic collaborations. Perhaps nowhere is this more dramatically apparent than at Delamar Mystic, which opened this past February and blends Mallory’s maritime heritage with modern amenities.

Arriving at the hotel, guests are greeted by Bessie Potter Vonnoh’s “Life and Love Springs From the Sea,” a monumental bronze sculpture by the Old Lyme, Connecticut, artist, one of the leading female sculptors of her day. Commissioned in 1935, the piece embodies Vonnoh’s lifelong mission to “look for beauty in the everyday world, to catch the joy and swing of modern American life,” as she said in a 1925 interview.

Inside, a welcome from Mallory’s ancestors awaits. The present Charles Mallory comes from a long line

of shipbuilders. Patriarch Charles Mallory arrived on Mystic’s shores in 1816, using a sailmaking apprenticeship as an entrée into building and investing in merchant ships. His son, Charles Henry, mixed the growing family business with a love for yachting, racing in the 1850s.

At Mystic, the founding Mallorys’ stately portraits meet you, along with a reef-like Timorous Beasties wallpaper that has a bespoke crab and lobster motif. Oil paintings and watercolors of 19th-century ships and other nautical scenes from Mallory’s art collection festoon guest rooms and corridors, which include Schumacher wallpapers in blues and emerald green. Other touches, nodding to Mystic’s and the Mallorys’ global trade routes, are quirkier. An archival world map adorns the lobby ceiling while the elevator’s mosaic floor reproduces the face of a compass.

Custom, Victorian-tiered chandeliers of shimmering blue-green prisms in the lobby, as well as the sconces in the hotel’s La Plage Restaurant & Oyster Bar, echo a time when prisms refracted daylight on ships to illuminate life below deck. A trumeau mirror, crowned with a maritime painting, hangs above the fireplace in the lobby – the setting for the Juniper Books installation, whose spines form a whaling ship and a map of Mystic Seaport.

“My grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all presidents of Mystic Seaport Museum, so this is particularly personal for me,” Mallory said in a statement. “I wanted the hotel to feel like it belonged to both the past and the present. Think of it as a respectful handshake between centuries.”

The artworks in the other hotels also reflect their unique characters. Traditional, representational paintings in Delamar Greenwich Harbor and its l’escale restaurant bar capture the oldworld, Mediterranean grace of the surroundings. Contemporary works of marine life and comforting decorative objects – books, globes, and vases – underscore Delamar Southport’s casual seaside charm.

Artistic collaborations help define two other properties. Delamar Westport features the work of fashion and interior designer – and Westport resident – Christian Siriano, who brings his creativity to the hotel’s lobby and the “Siriano Suites,” three suites that include the 3,000-square-foot presidential suite.

Meanwhile, at Delamar West Hartford, the New Britain Museum of American Art provides a rotating selection of works for exhibit in partnership with Delamar Hotel Collection. Among the works that have been displayed there is Johnny Swing’s “Fortune Cookie Bench,” made of quarters.

“I’m not Steve Wynn,” Mallory told the Hartford Courant’s Rand Richards Cooper. “I can’t fund my own hotel museum. So it’s terrific to have this relationship.”

BARNEYS: Where FASHION Became CULTURE

Written by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

During the most thrilling decades in New York City, Barneys wasn’t simply a department store—it was a stage for the most influential moments in fashion, a place where creativity collided with commerce, and where style became a cultural language.

In They All Came to Barneys, published in September 2025, Gene Pressman tells the story only he can: from the inside. As the grandson of founder Barney Pressman and co-CEO of Barneys New York during its most innovative era, Gene offers a rare and stylishly candid glimpse into the multigenerational rise—and dramatic fall—of one of the most iconic fashion empires in retail history.

Barneys began humbly in 1923 as a discount men’s clothier on Seventh Avenue. But over three generations—Barney, his son Fred, and Gene—it evolved into a global phenomenon that would redefine luxury retail. Under Gene’s creative direction, Barneys became a launching pad for now-legendary designers such as Giorgio Armani and Azzedine Alaïa, introduced

avant-garde European fashion to American audiences, and turned shopping into a curated, cultural experience. It was a place where Anna Wintour, Steven Meisel, and entire movements in fashion and art converged.

Told with razor-sharp wit and inimitable style, Gene’s memoir spans the birth of ready-to-wear in the 1960s, the glittering disco years of the 1970s, the devastation of AIDS in the 1980s, and the sweeping globalization of the 1990s. It’s an insider’s tour of high fashion’s backstage—from Savile Row and Paris bistros to club nights in downtown Manhattan. Through it all, Barneys became synonymous with daring, sophistication, and that elusive thing: cool.

But the story also traces the risks behind the glamour. As the company expanded into a billion-dollar retail empire, it faced mounting financial pressures, ambitious overreach, and shifting market tides. The result was one of the most storied—and sobering—downfalls in fashion retail. They All Came to Barneys is both a celebration of brilliance and a cautionary tale about legacy and reinvention.

Though Barneys’ flagship on Madison Avenue was its crown jewel, one of its most beloved outposts was right here in Westport. For years, Barneys anchored Main Street with effortless style, bringing cutting-edge fashion to the heart of coastal Connecticut. Locals fondly remember it not just as a store, but as a statement—of taste, of modernity, and of Westport’s place on the cultural map.

While the storefront is no longer open, its spirit still lingers—in the town’s

elevated sensibility and in the memories of those who walked through its sleek, minimalist doors.

Whether you're a fashion aficionado or simply drawn to great storytelling, They All Came to Barneys is a page-turner. Rich in style, layered with legacy, and written with both flair and heart, it captures an unforgettable era—and one family's stylish mark on it.

Barneys may be gone, but its influence endures. And now, so does its story.

SAIL IN STYLE

Delamar

Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard Barton & Gray’s prestigious Daychaser yacht.

Set sail from Greenwich Harbor on a private morning or afternoon charter cruise, where you’ll explore hidden coves, iconic landmarks, or even the Statue of Liberty—your journey, your way. Indulge in a gourmet lunch for two, expertly crafted by L’escale, as you glide across the water. Retreat to the Belvedere Floor for a luxurious one-night stay, complete with a welcome fruit basket and a bottle of wine awaiting your arrival. Our dedicated Belvedere Floor concierge is on hand daily to cater to your every need, ensuring a truly refined escape like no other.

To reserve this exclusive package, contact our concierge at Belvedere@thedelamar.com Package available May-October. Subject to availability.

TRAVEL

The Return of a Riviera Icon: SPLENDIDO, REIMAGINED

Written by Viviane Ashcroft

Images courtesy of Belmond

Perched high above Portofino, with cinematic views over the cerulean curve of the Ligurian coast, the legendary Splendido has officially emerged from its glamorous cocoon—and what a metamorphosis it is. After an extensive renovation by the design darlings at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, this former 16th-century Benedictine monastery has shed none of its Dolce Vita charm and instead has embraced a new chapter of Riviera reverie.

Gone is the faded grandeur of years past—though fret not, the pastel façade and seductive scent of bougainvillea remain. What greets you now is a masterclass in Italian elegance: think botanical frescoes, Genoese marble, and bespoke pieces sourced from artisan ateliers stretching from Venice to Florence. This is not your typical seaside redo. This is Splendido, reborn.

Evenings begin—and often end—at Baratta Sedici, the new social epicenter of the property. With its glowing white onyx bar, terracotta tones, and hand-painted vines trailing up whitewashed walls, it’s the kind of place where glamour floats effortlessly between cocktails. The La Vela is the star here—a sultry mix of Portofino Gin and Campari—and pairs delightfully with murmured gossip and golden sunsets. If you’re feeling bold, try the U Chef, an herbal-meets-spice marvel that lets horseradish and tomato take a spirited twirl.

Culinary pleasures continue at La Terrazza and the Splendido Grill, where Executive Chef Corrado Corti has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of Ligurian dining. Tables spill out beneath draped wisteria, and the menus lean into seasonality and regional elegance. It’s the kind of place where time slows to the rhythm of hand-rolled pasta and well-poured Barolos.

And for those who believe beauty is a lifestyle, not just a look, Splendido now boasts Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa. Nestled discreetly in the lush Portofino Natural Park, this sanctuary blends haute skincare with the hush of nature. Four treatment rooms, a quiet rooftop retreat, and al fresco rituals in the Jardin des Rêves provide everything one needs to restore post-flight, post-party, or post-prosecco. Add in a saltwater pool with views straight out of a Fellini film, a hillside tennis court, and personal training on demand, and suddenly you’re living your wellness fantasy—in Dior, no less.

The guest rooms are as romantic as a whispered secret. Each is layered with Ligurian charm: handcrafted ceramics, traditional Chiavari rattan, and antique furnishings sourced from estate sales and lovingly revived in Genoese style. But it’s the Baronessa Suite that captures hearts. Feminine and theatrical, with blush-pink touches, floral motifs, and a private garden entrance leading directly to the panoramic pool—it’s as if the spirit of a glamorous contessa had left her diary open for guests to read.

And then, just beyond the main hotel, comes the pièce de résistance: Villa Beatrice. This private palazzo rises like a dream over the Gulf of Tigullio. A former family residence, now exquisitely reimagined, it’s the sort of place where one hosts candlelit dinners barefoot, dances on tiled terraces, and wakes to the sound of the sea just beyond the arched Gothic windows. With frescoed ceilings, Art Nouveau flourishes, and Belmond’s signature touch, it’s not so much a villa as a siren song for summer.

In a world that rushes endlessly forward, Splendido invites us to slow down, sip something sublime, and remember the power of a place that has seen it all—and still manages to take our breath away. Portofino hasn’t just gotten its crown jewel back. It’s been polished, perfected, and put back on its rightful throne.

Images courtesy of Belmond

Vivant Approved: With elegant exuberance and a wink toward the past, Splendido is officially our Summer Escape of the Year.

EAST HAMPTON’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BED & BREAKFAST

WHERE HISTORY MEETS INDULGENCE

Step beyond the ivy-covered walls and discover a retreat like no other. From sunlit breakfasts beneath a wisteria canopy to languid afternoons by the sparkling pool, The Baker House 1650 is a celebration of timeless elegance and modern comfort.

Nestled in the heart of East Hampton Village, this award-winning English manor invites you to unwind in beautifully appointed rooms, rejuvenate in the tranquil spa, and savor every moment of your escape. Come experience why The Baker House 1650 is consistently named one of the East End’s most enchanting destinations. Reserve your stay today.

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