A stylish new English rail adventure; an iconic Florida beach club reborn; a membersonly wine club in Texas; and all the travel accessories you need for your next big getaway.
38 Art Crush
Joey Lico, executive director and global curator of the members club and cultural agency The Cultivist, curates a blue-chip collection of the exhibitions, shows, and experiences worth traveling for this season.
42
Time to Travel
Whether you’re crossing continents or simply crossing town, these elegant analog timepieces ensure you’ll look sharp around the clock.
46
A Jacket’s Journey
Sourced in Australia and made in Italy, Zegna’s Vellus Aureum “golden fleece” collection is as well-traveled as those who wear it.
50
Ice Queen
Figure skater Amber Glenn has landed the triple Axel, won multiple national titles, and is primed to become a star at the 2026 Winter Olympics—and she’s doing it all on her own terms.
54
Close to the Wind
A journey with Barton & Gray Mariners Club brings the thrill of the sea to modern sailers.
60
There’s Something About Mayakoba
Beyond the bustle of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, craft and nature artfully commingle—if you know where to look.
74
Where the Grass Is Greener
For PGA pro Brendon Todd, golf is more than a competition; it’s a lifelong pursuit—and a great excuse to travel.
88 Hidden Treasures
Photographer Ken Kochey captures the spirit of Japan on an Exclusive Resorts Once-ina-Lifetime Journey that reveals the country’s singular culture in three distinct destinations.
102
Grander and Grandeur
The impulsive ease of click-tobuy is falling out of fashion as exclusive brick-and-mortar experiences usher in a new era of immersive IRL shopping.
112
The Charleston Dish Culinary expert Stephanie Burt takes The Club on a palateexpanding journey to taste the Holy City’s beloved classics and trailblazing new dishes.
126
Napa’s Next Great Generation
As Napa Valley approaches 50 years since its monumental rise to the global wine stage, five local vintners share their vision for the region’s next chapter.
140
Meet Me on the Mountain
From early-morning lift rituals to secret runs and après haunts, here’s how three pros ski their home mountains.
159 Clubhouse
In conversation with former Formula 1 CEO and Chairman Chase Carey, packing with Skift President Carolyn Kremins, Member events, and more.
Club Member Benefits
Look for the Exclusive Resorts icon throughout this issue, then turn to page 162 to discover more Members-only perks.
On the Cover
PGA pro Brendon Todd arrives at Sea Island in style in a 955 Porsche 550 Spyder. Photography by Mike Schalk
MIKE SCHALK; KEN KOCHEY
The Club experience continues at exclusiveresorts.com/club-journal
Find everything from Club Journals—including a behind-the-scenes look at PGA champion Brendon Todd’s photoshoot at Sea Island—to the latest Club news, events, and additions to the Residence Collection.
Shop The Shoppe Look the part on your next getaway—or at home—with Exclusive Resorts–branded fashion and essentials, plus limited-edition offerings from luxury partners. shop.exclusiveresorts.com
Listen Up!
Offering a rare look into the extraordinary lives of Exclusive Resorts Members, the A Live Well-Lived podcast, hosted by CEO James Henderson, features conversations with Fortune 500 executives, visionary entrepreneurs, Michelinstarred chefs, worldrenowned artists, and elite athletes—all united by a shared pursuit to live richer, fuller, more meaningful lives.
TOP:
You’re holding the inaugural issue of The Club— a natural evolution of Curated, redesigned and reimagined to reflect who we are today, and more importantly, where we’re going.
This is more than a new name for our publication; it’s a declaration of what this community has always been: not simply a portfolio of exquisite homes and experiences, but a shared way of life— curated, connected, and lived with purpose.
Recently, someone mentioned the idea of a Life List. I nearly waved it off. Like many, I’ve always found bucket lists to be a bit…performative. Oversized. More pressure than promise. But the Life List? That felt different. Not a fantasy. A framework. A way to move through time with intention—decade by decade, trip by trip—with the people you care about most.
It reminded me why this Club exists.
Because travel isn’t just about escape; it’s about expansion. About showing your child the world while they still want to hold your hand in an airport. About bringing your
parents along before they start to slow down. About making time in your 40s when there’s none to spare, and reclaiming time in your 50s and 60s, when you finally can.
It wasn’t the idea of a Life List that surprised me; it was how naturally it aligned with the way our Members already live. What began as a smarter way to vacation has evolved into a full spectrum of living well through family trips, milestone celebrations, sabbaticals, returns. Your 10-year Membership becomes 30 without realizing it, because time here tends to fly—and stick.
And in your 70s and beyond? The Life List becomes something else entirely. A chance to return to the places that shaped you—and show them to the people who matter most. To pass down not just memories, but Membership itself. The Club is inheritable—and with that comes the opportunity to leave your children, and theirs, something far more meaningful than a deed or a trust: a tradition.
So yes, The Club is a magazine. But it’s also a mirror. A reflection of where you’ve been, what you value, and what’s still to come.
Inside, you’ll find destination stories, travel inspiration, and the return of Clubhouse, our insider section for Member news, upcoming events, and a look at what’s next. Think of it as a passport to what matters. And a gentle reminder to spend your time like it’s the most valuable thing you own—because it is.
Travel well. Travel far. Travel often.
James Henderson Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Miller
For Caroline Miller, a photographer and former professional ice skater, capturing U.S. Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn for “Ice Queen” was a rare opportunity to combine her two passions. “Having my skates on while shooting, I was able to really capture Amber in her element,” Miller says. “She was gliding, spinning, and twisting into the most beautiful shapes— and I just kept clicking as fast as I could.”
Stephen Collins
Christopher Bagley
When Los Angeles–based photographer and writer Christopher Bagley journeyed to Rosewood Mayakoba for “There’s Something About Mayakoba,” he found a surprising blend of luxury and raw nature at his Exclusive Resorts villa. “There’s nothing like iguana-spotting while sipping artisanal mezcal next to your private pool,” he says.
Lauren Segal
For “Napa’s Next Great Generation,” San Francisco–based photographer Lauren Segal visited the winemakers of five of the region’s top wineries— and was welcomed with incredible hospitality. “Nowhere else is the joy for service more present than in California wine country,” she says. “If you want to be taken care of, these are the places to be.”
“Capturing a likeness is one of the most fun parts of being an illustrator” says Stephen Collins, the U.K.-based artist who penned the Member portraits for this issue’s Clubhouse. “I use a mix of traditional and digital techniques, with the aim being to communicate the subject’s unique style.”
Club Membership is subject to terms and conditions of Club Membership Agreement. Experience Collection travel and European Villas are offered by third parties in collaboration with Exclusive Resorts related parties, including FDL Event Management, LLC which is registered as a seller of travel in the States of Florida, Hawaii, and Washington, and provides travel services under Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST44910. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC.
the club ten
BY SCOTT BAY
Book your journey with the Exclusive Resorts Travel Desk at 877.834.5394.
1/ ALL ABOARD
A love letter to the United Kingdom written in steel and velvet, the new Britannic Explorer is Belmond’s most seductive journey yet. Launched in July, the luxury train chugs through England and Wales with 18 suites, a spa, and a terroir-driven menu by Simon Rogan (of the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume) all wrapped in designer Albion Nord’s opulent interiors.
As Britain’s first new sleeper in decades, it signals the golden era of rail reborn. belmond.com
2/ TIE ONE ON
Gucci’s new 90 x 90 project reimagines the brand’s iconic silk scarves through the eyes of nine international artists. Each uses one of the fashion house’s iconic motifs—flora, fauna, nautical equestrian, or the GG monogram—transforming the 90 cm-by-90 cm silk carré into a canvas of contemporary expression. Among the featured designs are Australian painter Jonny Niesche’s GG monogram with his signature color gradients, and Seoul-based illustrator Inji Seo’s playful nautical animations. Accompanying the launch is Gucci: The Art of Silk, a limitededition book published by Assouline, offering an in-depth exploration of the brand’s silk legacy. gucci.com
3/ PRIVATE PARADISE
South Florida’s historic resort, The Boca Raton, has ushered in a new era of chic with the debut of its refreshed Beach Club. The $130 million hotel-within-a-hotel elevates the barefoot scene at the beloved 200-acre property with glamorous midcentury-modern-inspired interiors, three oceanfront pools, and a half mile of golden beach lined with luxe SaintTropez-style cabanas by Vilebrequin—butler service included. thebocaratonclub.com
4/ WORTHY OF A TOAST
In a salut to the planet, Champagne Talmont uncorks the world’s first ultra-lightweight standard Champagne bottle, weighing just 800 grams. Debuted in the U.S. on Earth Day with its Réserve Brut, the eco-forward design cuts carbon emissions by 4 percent per unit without sacrificing form or durability. Co-developed with French glassmaker Verallia, the bottle is a game-changer for a century-old industry—and its design is completely open-source, allowing any producer to adopt it and raise a glass to the future. champagne-telmont.com
5/ PERFECTLY POISED
With its new En Équilibre high-jewelry pieces, Cartier is proving gravity is optional. The new collection—French for “in balance”—leans into tension: sapphires that hover, rubellites that tilt, emeralds and troïdia-cut diamonds that seem to defy physics. Each feat is made possible by invisible settings, micro-joints, and masterful engineering—a balancing act only Cartier could pull off with such elegant restraint. cartier.com
6/ SAILS UP
Louis Vuitton and Taschen chart a visual odyssey in The America’s Cup, a collectible tome celebrating the world’s oldest sporting trophy. Designed by visionary creative director Marc Newson, the 564-page volume is sheathed in sailcloth and fastened with a custom Louis Vuitton clasp—a tactile nod to nautical rigging. For die-hard sailors, a limited-edition signed version with a carbon-fiber bookstand sculpted to echo a yacht’s keel is the ultimate gift.
Inside, 170 years of sailing lore unfold, from Kaiser Wilhelm II’s legendary Meteor—which, after winning the Queen’s Cup in 1893, was turned over to the Imperial Navy to Australia II’s winged keel, a revolutionary innovation that changed the face of the sport overnight. Rare archival photography, technical drawings, and storied rivalries bring the famed regatta to your armchair. taschen.com
7/ WELL-LOVED, WELL-LIVED
Rimowa’s Re-crafted collection has officially landed Stateside—and sold out just as swiftly as it did in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The refurbished aluminum suitcases, each with its own well-earned scuff and backstory, signal a pivot toward circularity for parent company LVMH as the luxury group’s first foray into resale. And if the frenzy is any indication, it won’t be the last. Backed by a two-year warranty and restored to perfect functionality (without erasing the jet-set patina), these are the ultimate status symbols: worn-in, world-traveled, and one of a kind. The collection is exclusively available on the Rimowa website and regularly updated as collectors trade in their old cases—proof that the future of luxury just might be secondhand. rimowa.com
8/ SERVES YOU RIGHT
Dallas oenophiles club 55 Seventy has arrived in Houston, balancing an 800-bottle wine list with a chef-led dining program that rivals the city’s finest. Think truffle-studded tartare, dry-aged cuts, and caviar service casually plated at the bar. The sommelier-driven sanctuary’s memberships buy more than a wine locker—it grants access to a discerning crowd where vintages flow and the menu changes weekly. 55seventy.com
9/ INTENTIONALLY WES ANDERSON
Whether you’re dreaming up your own quirky blockbuster or simply channeling the colorful world of Wes Anderson, this new Montblanc pen—a collaboration with the director—is as mighty (and stylish) as a writing tool gets. The limited-edition Schreiberling reflects Anderson’s retro palette and signature symmetry, with lacquered details, gold trim, and a handcrafted nib engraved with a train motif. Presented in a jewel box and limited to just 1,969 examples (Anderson’s birth year), it’s the most whimsical way to pen a postcard. montblanc.com
10/ GREAT LAKE ESCAPE
Set on the shores of Austria’s fairy-tale Lake Fuschl, the new Rosewood Schloss Fuschl brings a 15th-century castle into the modern era with a high-design renovation and a collection of outdoorsy experiences. Forage with a local herbalist, smoke just-caught fish, and hike the trails circling the lake before returning to the estate for fireside schnapps in the moody Whiskey Room and local delicacies (schnitzel and Black Forest gateau, anyone?) at the Seeterrasse restaurant. rosewood.com
Art Crush
Joey Lico, executive director and global curator of the members club and cultural agency The Cultivist, selects the blue-chip exhibitions, shows, and experiences worth traveling for this season.
LEFT AND RIGHT: DAVID CARDELÚS
V&A East Storehouse LONDON
“Do not touch” has been tossed out the window at this new four-story interactive London space, housing more than half a million objects from the V&A’s vast permanent collection. An interactive approach to museum-going, the space allows visitors to select a piece online, then show up at a scheduled time to view—and even touch—typically hands-off masterpieces, from artifacts and paintings to books, manuscripts, and fashion. Walkins are also welcome to wander. “There’s something extraordinary about being allowed to experience art without reverence or distance,” Lico says. “It’s tactile, immediate, and wonderfully democratic.”
Casa Vicens BARCELONA
In a world where made-for-Instagram art shows draw hordes, a crowd-free experience can be revelatory. Case in point: This Antonio Gaudí landmark is a relative secret compared to the Spanish architect’s better-known (and always-busy) structures. Built in the 1880s, Casa Vicens is considered Barcelona’s first true modernist building—and it bears many a Gaudí hallmark, including Moorish details, ornate ironwork, and detailed mosaics. “It’s one of the few Gaudí sites where you can still move slowly, with a sense of calm,” Lico says. “The detail is overwhelming in the best way. It’s like walking through a daydream before it was scaled up to a spectacle.”
Bienal de São Paulo
SÃO PAULO
One of the most influential names in art, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, leads a global curatorial team in this consequential show. “This is the world’s most important biennial right now,” Lico says. “It is where the future of the art world is being built.” This year’s theme, Not All Travellers Walk Roads, urges viewers to “rethink what humanity could mean” in our present, and often polarizing, modern times. What Lico loves most about this biennale—this and every year it is presented—is that it takes place in a city where life and art intersect on a daily basis. “São Paulo as a destination blends life with art in a way that feels almost jarring to us as Americans. You’ll even find some of the most respected galleries in shopping malls.” Through January 11, 2026
Kerry James Marshall: The Histories
THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, LONDON
American artist Kerry James Marshall is one of the most influential contemporary history painters working today, which makes this exhibition—his first major solo show presented in Europe—all the more monumental. “This is a long-overdue moment for Marshall,” Lico says. “His works challenge centuries of art historical exclusion, giving form to narratives long left in the margins. To see them now on the walls of the Royal Academy is as powerful as it is poetic.”
During Frieze London, which takes place from October 9 through 13, The Cultivist will host a private after-hours museum tour at the Royal Academy of Arts, including this very important show. September 20, 2025–January 18, 2026
Museo Casa Kahlo
MEXICO CITY
Frida Kahlo’s art has been celebrated for more than half a century at Casa Azul, her studio turned museum in the Mexico City enclave of Coyoacán. This fall, a new glimpse into her life will merge with the opening of this neighboring museum set within her childhood home. Focused on Kahlo’s early years, the newly renovated structure, known as Casa Roja, will exhibit never-before-shown personal items such as letters, photographs, dolls, jewelry, clothing, and early works, including the very first painting she completed. “This will be an incredible addition to the Coyoacán’s museums, creating a wonderful immersion that gives a complete view into one of the world’s most beloved artists,” Lico says. Opening September 27, 2025
Made in L.A. HAMMER MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES
The Hammer Museum cuts the ribbon on its seventh art biennial this fall, bringing together a diverse group of creatives whose works are inspired by or made in Los Angeles. “This year, the curatorial sweep feels especially strong,” Lico says. The Cultivist’s curator-led private tours will include cocktails with some of the featured artists. Among them, Lico suggests keeping an eye out for Amanda Ross-Ho—known for her incisive installations (shown)—and Jerald Cooper, whose Hood Midcentury Modern photography reexamines architecture through the lens of Black popular culture. October 5, 2025–March 1, 2026
Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NEW YORK
Ruth Asawa is best known for her wire sculptures, but the prolific artist was an explorer of many mediums. MoMA’s retrospective aims to reveal her lifelong pursuit of art in its varying forms, from bronze casts to drawings, paintings, and prints. Among the 300 works that will be shown, Lico emphasizes Asawa’s clay masks, watercolors, and redwood carvings, as well as her looped-wire miniature sculptures, which “reduce her spatial ideas into intimate objects.” The Cultivist will be offering off-hours tours of the exhibit, which runs through February 7, 2026.
Time Travel to
Whether you’re crossing continents or simply crossing town, it’s always a good idea to bring a mechanical watch along for the ride. Unlike a digital device, which easily runs out of juice, a watch powered by a mainspring can, in theory, run forever. These elegant analog timepieces ensure you’ll look sharp around the clock no matter where your next adventure takes you.
BY VICTORIA GOMELSKY
FOR AN AROUND-THE-WORLD JOURNEY
Hermès Arceau
Le Temps Voyageur
World timers have existed since the 1930s, but few rival the elegance of Hermès’s Arceau Le Temps Voyageur. Reintroduced this year, the model features a dreamy dial inspired by Jérôme Colliard’s equestrian-themed Planisphère motif. The 41 mm white gold case houses a 24-time-zone disc, with home time at 12 o’clock and a mobile counter for local time. For the jet-setter who likes to wing it, evocative place names encircling the dial (Rio, Samarkand, Noumea) are inspiration enough to wander far and wide. $37,025; hermes.com
FOR A WYOMING ADVENTURE
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Wearing a watch can seem at odds with the reasons we travel—especially in a place like Wyoming, where time feels expansive. But the aeronautical-themed Calatrava Pilot Travel Time from Patek Philippe may change your mind. Rereleased this year in white gold with an ivory lacquered dial and khaki green strap, the two-time-zone model houses a self-winding movement and an intuitive Travel Time display. The date at 6 o’clock adjusts automatically to local time—one less thing to be distracted by under those endless Grand Teton vistas. $63,906; patek.com
FOR A TOKYO GRAND TOUR
Rolex GMT-Master II
In 1955, Rolex created an entirely new category of wristwatch when it introduced the GMT-Master, the first watch to keep time in two time zones. Built for Pan Am pilots, the model debuted just as leisure air travel was taking off. Since then, it has become the definitive traveler’s watch. In April, Rolex unveiled an 18k white gold version featuring the brand’s first ceramic (“Cerachrom”) dial in a 40 mm case with a left-side crown, specially designed for southpaws. Its two-tone 24-hour bezel—green for day, black for night—adds practicality and stylishness that will never get lost in translation. $48,050; rolex.com
FOR A MEXICAN RIVIERA ESCAPE
Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42
Since 1957, Breitling’s Superocean has been a favorite of fashion-conscious globetrotters. In June, the brand rolled out a new version of the Superocean Heritage that retains the original’s retro vibe (spear-and-arrow hands, anodized bezel, sleek proportions) while updating it with the robust B01 movement. Steeped in the brand’s laid-back elegance, this 42 mm twotone chronograph is a perfect match for Los Cabos’ iconic blend of luxury, leisure, and sundrenched adventure. $10,100; breitling.com
FOR A GRAND CAYMAN DIVE
Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton
One More Wave
The Diver X Skeleton One More Wave was designed for those with a daring—and charitable—spirit. The limited-edition timepiece benefits One More Wave, a veteran-run nonprofit that offers surf therapy to wounded and disabled veterans. Bearing the organization’s signature turquoise-and-gray color scheme, and made from high-tech materials like silicon and carbonium, it’s water resistant up to 200 meters, making it the rare dive watch that’s as functional on a Caymanian reef as it is stylish at a beachfront bar. $30,600; ulysse-nardin.com
FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Taupe
On your next safari, blend in with Hublot’s Classic Fusion Essential Taupe, the fourth edition in the brand’s Essential monochrome series. Available in 42 mm and 45 mm, the genderless piece features a titanium case and bezel, a sunray taupe dial, and a strap that combines rubber and fabric in matching tones. Beneath its minimalist exterior beats an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and 5 ATM water resistance—the ideal accessory for showing off refined tastes, even amid rugged terrain. $8,900 (for 42 mm); hublot.com
A Jacket’s Journey
Sourced in Australia and made in Italy, Zegna’s Vellus Aureum “golden fleece” collection is as well-traveled as those who wear it.
BY JILL NEWMAN
On the remote Australian plains, generations of woolgrowers compete for the annual Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy Awards, an honor established in 1963 by the founder of the Italian luxury goods house.
This isn’t a mere contest; it’s a celebration of an almost-mythical pursuit: the creation of pure-bred merino sheep wool so impossibly fine it reaches the very limits of what nature can produce.
The winning fleeces are transported halfway around the world to Zegna’s Italian Alps workshop, where they are transformed into Vellus Aureum, meaning “golden fleece.” The rarity of this supersoft wool rivals that of the
world’s most prized vintages, represents just 0.05 percent of global production annually, and is achieved through a precise marriage of hightech innovation and age-old craftsmanship.
Each Vellus Aureum garment then makes its way to its new home (ultimately, your closet)—but not without a digital passport in tow. Like an AirTag for provenance, the embedded code can be scanned to reveal a precise lineage, down to a specific farm and flock. It’s stylish proof that fashion is never finished and has no final destination. It is a journey that gives rise to future journeys, wherever in the world it may be worn next.
DESTINED FOR GREATNESS
Above, from left: A scale weighing precious wool fibers on one side and gold on the other—a symbol of the “golden fleece”; a Vellus Aureum coat from Zegna’s fall 2025 collection. Opposite: Zegna’s Trivero wool mill in the Italian Alps. Previous spread, from left: Ermenegildo Zegna in the Italian Alps; herding sheep on the Australian plains; bales of the finest wool destined for Vellus Aureum.
Ice Queen
Figure skater Amber Glenn has landed the triple Axel, won multiple national titles, and is primed to become a star at the 2026 Winter Olympics—and she’s doing it all on her own terms.
BY SCOTT BAY
Amber Glenn owns the ice in a blazer, vest, shirt dress, trousers, belt, and bra from Michael Kors Collection, michaelkors.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE MILLER
To the untrained eye, Amber Glenn’s rise might look seamless—much like the sport itself: elegant, precise, and effortless. In truth, her path to becoming one of the top figure skaters in the U.S. was anything but easy: the product of years of fluorescent-lit mornings in a Texas mall ice rink, endless jump attempts, and a work ethic so relentless a mule would beg for mercy.
“At that age,” she says now, “it felt like life or death.” She was 8—and she’d already reached the national competition circuit.
When we speak one July afternoon, she’s outside in the Colorado sun after a long day of practice, playing with her dog, a Schipperke named Ukkima—borrowed from the fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering. “That game is my first real hobby outside of skating that I’ve actually enjoyed,” she says over toy squeaks from Ukkima.
This detail offers a small but consequential glimpse into the Amber Glenn behind the elite athlete: the deeply human, unapologetically nerdy, and increasingly at-peace person she is today. She’s a rare kind of contender in figure skating, unafraid to speak her mind. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, dealing with ADHD and anxiety, and in 2019, she came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community—the first U.S. women’s champion in the sport to do so. While she is poise, elegance, and power on the ice, she is even more fearless off it, leaning into what makes her different. This is an especially brave move in a sport known for docking its athletes points for the slightest perceived imperfection.
Glenn moved to Colorado Springs in 2022, chasing Olympic-level training and a lifelong dream. “I always loved coming here for competitions,” she says. “There
was one moment I remember as a kid. I looked out the rink windows and saw the mountain lit up in the morning light. I was just in awe.” It was a far cry from her hometown of Plano, Texas, where winters are more of a concept than a real season. “In Colorado,” she says, “I get snow, which pleases me as a proud winter athlete.”
She’s gotten something else in Colorado too: space—to think, get to know her neighbors, and come into her own. “I wasn’t always known for being artistic,” she says of her skating style. “I was definitely more of a strength and powerhouse, but over the years, especially with my mental health struggles, I’ve found this deeper connection to music, to lyrics. Now, when I skate, it’s about feeling something.”
That combination of introspection and sheer power has propelled her career. In 2023, she became one of only a few women in the world to successfully land a triple Axel in competition, and last year, she became the first American woman in 14 years to win the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, a feat that requires both technical prowess and artistry.
This newly defined duality is present off the ice, too. “I used to think that if I struggled with mental health issues, I couldn’t be great,” she says. “But then I started talking about it, and I had younger skaters come up to me and say, ‘I saw you talk about this, and now I told my coach. I told my parents.’ That kind of communication didn’t really exist in ice skating before.”
Glenn has also learned to channel the intense pressure she faces into motivation—a classic sublimation technique that seems to be working. She just wrapped her first Stars on Ice tour in Japan and the U.S., skating with friends she once idolized, like two-time world champion Ilia Malinin and Olympian Alysa Liu. She’s fine-tuning ambitious new programs for her own Olympics push this winter in Milan and Cortina, Italy. And with a newfound confidence, she’s doing it all on her own terms, grounded in the idea that greatness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing herself.
Embracing what makes her different, she says, makes her better on the ice and in life. She’s not trying to emulate anyone—not in movement, not in mindset. And she wants to leave figure skating better than she found it.
“At the end of the day, I’m still just a fan of figure skating,” she says. “I love it. I want to keep working toward a more authentic and inclusive skating community that allows anyone who wants to enjoy it to be able to find their place in it.”
Perhaps it’s that attitude, not the medals (though more are sure to come), that makes her an alluring modern star of figure skating. The glamorous competition suit she wears is not a costume, not a mask or an attempt to obscure anything; it’s another sparkly chink in the wellearned armor of a passionate athlete in love with the ice—pushing herself and her sport forward with every persistent glide, Lutz, and triple Axel.
Off the Ice in Colorado
Amber Glenn’s go-to spots around the state.
EXPLORE BOOKSELLERS, ASPEN
This indie bookstore, in a Main Street Victorian house, is a beloved literary landmark known for its thoughtfully curated selection and creaky, book-lined rooms. There’s a plant-based cafe upstairs that adds to the charm.
BULLY RANCH, VAIL
Bully Ranch is a cozy tavern that Glenn went to growing up— now, it’s a must-stop whenever she’s in town. It has a laid-back vibe with legendary burgers.
DECA + BOL, VAIL
“This bowling alley is such a fun place,” Glenn says. It mixes sleek lanes with a stylish lounge, and the menu is actually worth ordering from.
PETRIE’S FAMILY GAMES, COLORADO SPRINGS
Her favorite spot for all things Magic: The Gathering, Petrie’s is part game shop, part community hub. It’s where Glenn fuels her love of fantasy and finds escape amid the chaos of training.
“At the end of the day, I’m still just a fan of figure skating. I love it.”
—AMBER GLENN
Glenn on the ice at Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.
CL SE TO THE WIND
A journey with Barton & Gray Mariners Club brings the thrill of the sea to modern sailors.
BY JACKIE CARADONIO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN MCGINN
There’s a moment in sailing—a pivotal, transformative moment—when everything clicks. It may be your first time on a boat. It may be your 100th. But when the sails are hoisted, and the wind fills the canvas— drawing it taut like a great inflating balloon, thrusting the massive vessel forward with an all-powerful force and seeming to challenge gravity as it heels into the sapphire water— something undeniably magical happens.
This is what it means to be a sailor.
Of course, that’s not all it means to be a sailor. But when you’re a passenger aboard Barton & Gray’s Andromeda, that feeling—the rush of becoming one with the wind, of harnessing nature with nothing but rope and sailcloth—is all you need.
“My absolute favorite thing about sailing is turning the engine off,” says Captain Sophie Karnas, an adventure cruising manager who is often at the helm of the Andromeda, a 62foot catamaran with three decks and four staterooms that Barton & Gray acquired in 2022. “The complete silence and the fascinating mathematics behind it are just incredible. ”
That sense of awe is at the heart of Barton & Gray Mariners Club, the members-only yacht club founded in 2006 by avid boaters Tim Barton and Doug Gray. Their idea was to create a yacht club for people who don’t own yachts—or even know the difference between a jib and a mainsail. All that was required to join was a desire to be on the water.
That simple prerequisite launched a club that is now 1,000 members strong, with an
impressive fleet to match: Barton & Gray’s 85-plus vessels—including day cruisers like Daychasers, Hinckleys, and restored vintage Boston Whalers, in addition to overnight options like Andromeda—log more than 10,000 trips per year from more than 40 harbors around the world. Whether for a few hours or a few days, these journeys bring the unrivaled drama of sailing to members, with chef-cooked meals, watersports expeditions, and front-row access to regattas and other sailing events. And now, through Exclusive Resorts’ Private Journeys Collection, Members can enjoy sailings too—a privilege otherwise reserved for Barton & Gray’s inner circle.
During autumn and winter, Andromeda drops anchor throughout the Caribbean and Bermuda before making its way north to Newport, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and the Hamptons for the summer. Sailing at Christmas among the British Virgin Islands and on New York City’s Hudson River for the Fourth of July are especially coveted experiences.
Still, even a half-day at sea promises that magical moment that’s bound to turn any landlubber into a true sailor, Karnas says. “No matter who you are, there’s something amazing about being a part of the age-old tradition of sailing.”
ALL ABOARD
Once reserved only for Barton & Gray Mariners Club members, private catamaran sailings and day cruises are now available to book through The Club’s Private Journeys Collection.
There’s Something About
Mayakoba
Beyond the bustle of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, craft and nature artfully commingle—if you know where to look.
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTOPHER BAGLEY
SSpider monkeys swing from the high branches of zapote trees, iguanas scamper through thickets of palm fronds, and, in a nearby cave, vampire bats whirl, flutter, and squeak. I’m deep in the jungle outside of Playa del Carmen, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in an area that’s home to several species of venomous snakes, even a jaguar or two— and artist Lorena Ancona’s studio.
For Ancona, who grew up in this region, and whose sculptures and installations are exhibited internationally, these native creatures are anything but a nuisance. The sights and sounds are a constant reminder of why she recently moved back home, after stints in Oaxaca and Montreal, to reconnect with her favorite sources of inspiration.
“I realized that I was missing the jungle,” Ancona says, as she sits on a massive chunk of limestone that juts through the wall of her studio from the hill outside. She designed the studio around it, so that stone would shape the room as much as she did.
Any traveler who lands at Cancun’s hectic airport could be forgiven for expecting little in the way of authentic local culture or unspoiled nature in the state of Quintana Roo. From the mariachis-andmargaritas party scene in Cancun to the ever-expanding sprawl of Tulum, much of the Riviera Maya can feel anything but Mayan, with its emphasis on hedonism and
Artist Lorena Ancona at her studio. Opposite, from top: One of Ancona’s ceramic works; ceremonial masks mounted behind the altar in the church at Mayakoba.
An assortment of
Opposite: Rosado at his studio.
hard-sell tourism. But those heading to one of Exclusive Resorts’ four private villas at the Rosewood Mayakoba, near Playa del Carmen, are in for some nice surprises.
For me, the first surprise comes right after check-in at the Rosewood’s serene outdoor reception area, where a canal boat picks up guests for a ride through the resort’s mangrove-lined waterways. I spot herons, turtles, and lizards before we pull up to the dock of my villa, whose double-height, glass-walled rooms are subtly accented with Mexican artwork, from Guerrero animal figurines to wall hangings of hand-woven sisal. The airy four-bedroom residence, with its shimmering pool and multiple outdoor showers, is not easy to leave, but I manage to venture out a few times to meet some of the local artists and creators whose work helps provide a fresh understanding of this complex and dynamic region.
For ceramicist Alejandro Rosado, who moved to Playa del Carmen three decades ago from Mexico City, part of the appeal of Quintana Roo is that its cultural heritage remains somewhat elusive, leaving plenty of room for exploration. Initially trained in Japanese pottery techniques that rely on high-temperature gas kilns and fine glazes, Rosado now often incorporates pre-Hispanic methods into his practice, including the use of a wood-burning kiln that he hand-built in the middle of his overgrown garden.
Left:
Alejandro Rosado’s stoneware (top) and sculptures (bottom).
“The Yucatan is a flat region without much native clay, and despite the rich legacy of Maya ceramics, many of the methods have been forgotten,” says Rosado, who has made pilgrimages to far-flung parts of the peninsula in search of authentic raw materials. His lovely stoneware is sold in the area’s high-end boutiques, while at his studio the shelves are filled with more personal creations, from crocodile sculptures to stunning interpretations of Maya funeral urns.
Ancona, who works in textiles and paint as well as ceramics, also explores the peninsula’s multilayered culture, with a practice that’s informed by anthropology, archaeology, geology, and geography. “For me, they’re all linked,” she says.
As an art school undergraduate in Mexico City, Ancona remembers, she was initially dismissed as a “Cancun girl” by many of her peers, who doubted that anyone from the flashy resort town had the makings of a serious artist. But Ancona’s upcoming solo show at the capital city’s esteemed Anahuacalli Museum will demonstrate why her origins have become central to her work. She has spent years studying the Yucatan’s ancestral materials—consulting with botanists, in one case, to track down a long-neglected indigo shrub that once produced the remarkable blue pigments used on Maya buildings and artworks. Ancona located some of the plants in a remote cornfield and has used the dyes in her ceramic pieces, which often reference serpents, herons, and other ancient icons that are still very much alive around here.
A view of the pool at one of Exclusive Resorts’ four fourbedroom Rosewood Mayakoba villas.
Left, from top: An outdoor dining area at an Exclusive Resorts villa; crafts and furnishings by regional artisans in the villa’s living room.
Opposite: Handwoven
From her studio, Ancona and I drive through the woods for a swim in a nearby cenote, one of the Yucatan’s famous collapsed caves filled with pristine water from underground rivers. Cenotes are unique to this region and were sacred places for the Mayans, revered as gateways to the underworld. As shafts of sunlight pierce the overhead openings, and the reflections of stalactites dance on the water’s surface, it does feel like we’ve floated into a parallel dimension. Then we dry off and head for a lunch of ceviche and beer at a small spot nestled inside the forest. “Now you see why it wasn’t easy for me to survive the Montreal winters,” Ancona says.
Several smaller cenotes are tucked within Mayakoba’s 620-acre community, where the Rosewood resort goes to great lengths to highlight the ecological roots of many Yucatan traditions. “Maya culture plays a central role in the resort’s philosophy,” says the hotel’s managing director, Edouard Grosmangin. At the spa’s temascal sweat lodge, a resident shaman guides guests through an elaborate healing ceremony, while some bodywork treatments begin in a garden dotted with medicinal plants, where guests choose which leaves and scents will infuse their massage oil.
On the design front, Rosewood recently launched a partnership with Obakki, a platform showcasing high-quality, ethically sourced works by artisans. Founder Treana Peake, who sources pieces from all over Mexico, has organized several artisan workshops at Mayakoba, including one
baskets adorn a wall at Rosewood Mayakoba.
with a renowned Oaxacan candlemaker, 75-year-old Doña Viviana Alavez. Peake says that the visiting artisans, who hail from rural villages, have been uniformly struck by how the resort’s design is so finely integrated with the natural world. “When they get here, they all say, ‘This place is just magical,’” Peake says.
Around the city of Playa del Carmen, other discoveries await in unlikely places. One of my top finds is an unsigned store and workshop on busy Ruta 207, which employs some of the region’s best woodworkers. Called Arte Rústico, it’s a family business specializing in custom furniture and accessories made from dense local hardwoods. In the outdoor workspace behind the store, amid the rhythmic hum of buzzsaws and disc sanders, two flocks of chickens and three pet dogs meander among knee-high piles of sawdust.
Back at my Exclusive Resorts villa, I’m reminded again how, in this part of Mexico, in the right setting, the line between design and nature can almost disappear. Even from my perch on the plush living room sofa, the view of Mayakoba’s everchanging wildlife parade is like a wetlands documentary come to life. One morning on the terrace, while scanning the canal through a pair of binoculars, I spot an unusual floating object. Knotty and sparkly, it looks like an interesting sculpture, or maybe a piece of driftwood, until I notice that it has two eyes, and that those eyes are blinking. Yes, it’s a crocodile, and it’s calmly staring right back at me.
Right, from top: Local art, ceramics, and furnishings in an Exclusive Resorts villa; the Kuxtal Sensory Garden at Sense, a Rosewood Spa. Opposite: The view of the lagoon from one of the spa’s treatment rooms.
WHERE TO STAY
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
Exclusive Resorts’ four four-bedroom villas at Rosewood Mayakoba offer a sophisticated living experience immersed in the Riviera Maya’s awe-inspiring tropical environment. Perched above winding lagoons surrounded by lush mangrove jungle, the residences offer expansive outdoor living spaces with private swimming pools and dining areas. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows further connect to nature, while contemporary custom furnishings and decor are crafted by Mexican artisans.
Rosewood Mayakoba’s 620 acres are home to seven restaurants and bars, a spa, and a mile of whitesand beach. The Mayakoba development also features a Greg Norman–designed PGA Tour Championship golf course, a watersports center, and the El Pueblito Mexican square with local shops and restaurants.
The private swimming pool at a Rosewood Mayakoba Exclusive Resorts villa.
Brendon Todd, who has been traveling with The Club since 2021, tees off at Sea Island’s Seaside Course.
WHERE THE GRASS IS GREENER
FOR PGA PRO BRENDON TODD, GOLF IS MORE THAN A COMPETITION. IT’S A LIFELONG PURSUIT— AND A GREAT EXCUSE TO TRAVEL.
BY TODD PLUMMER
BY MIKE SCHALK
PHOTOGRAPHY
IIt’s not yet 8 o’clock in the morning in Georgia’s Golden Isles, and Brendon Todd, dressed in a pair of smart slacks and a light sweater, is stepping up to the 15th hole of Sea Island Resort’s Seaside Course. An early tee time is a must for the PGA pro, as much to stave off the heat—which, in just a few hours, is expected to reach a perfectly balmy 90 degrees—as to avoid disturbances to fellow players when he inevitably sends the ball straight to the green.
On this particular morning, however, Todd, a three-time PGA Tour winner, isn’t training or even keeping score so much as he is reflecting. Based in nearby Athens, Georgia, he considers Sea Island’s three championship courses his backyard, and when he plays them, it’s often for personal reasons: to clear his head, to blow off some steam, and to reignite the spark that led him down this career path from a very young age.
The first time Todd picked up a club, he was just 5 years old, a lanky kid chasing his two older brothers from sport to sport. “We were always outside, swimming, playing wall ball, street hockey, baseball—you name it,” he remembers of his youth in Peters Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, and later, Cary, North Carolina.
Among all that healthy competition, he most looked forward to weekend rounds of golf. “My dad had this rule that if we played in the bunkers, he would make us rake it up.” The manual labor was hardly a deterrent, and soon Todd was outscoring his brothers—he even made his first hole-in-one at age 13. “That was kind of my coming-out party,” he says with a laugh.
Three-time PGA Tour winner Brendon Todd arrives at Sea Island Resort in a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder.
“Playing golf on vacation is a time to disconnect from the tournament, where everything is so serious, and just get out there and have some fun.”
Sibling rivalry blossomed into a breakout junior career, with Todd racking up wins with the American Junior Golf Association and representing his Southeast region at the prestigious Canon Cup (now known as the Wyndham Cup), where he played against fellow future PGA stars Webb Simpson and Luke List. He won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association golf championship three times before graduating to pursue the sport at the University of Georgia. There, he achieved All-American status four times and was part of the 2005 team that won the NCAA Division 1 men’s golf national championship.
Turning pro after college, however, proved to be an entirely new challenge, with plenty of ups and downs. Just two years in, he secured a spot to compete on the PGA Tour, and in 2009, at the Athens Regional Foundation Classic, he became the first golfer to score a hole-in-one on the same hole twice in the same tournament. In 2014,
“Sea Island has a wide variance of courses, from Plantation, which is resort-friendly, up to Ocean Forest Golf Club, which is a very private, high-end, challenging championship course,” says Todd, shown here in a Classic hat, Winslow knit polo, and Augie Chino pants from members-only golf brand Redan. On his wrist, he wears a Panerai Luminor 8 Days Titanium watch.
Todd relaxes by the pool at The Cloister at Sea Island after a round of golf.
“I’ve been coming to Sea Island for 25 years— to play in tournaments and to play with family and friends—and I’ve fallen in love with the courses here.”
he captured his first PGA Tour title at the Byron Nelson, followed by a strong performance at the U.S. Open.
But for several years, Todd experienced what he refers to as “a slump,” until 2019 when he experienced electrifying success, with two PGA Tour wins—the Bermuda Championship and the Mayakoba Golf Classic—just weeks apart.“Winning two events on the tour back to back was amazing—not many guys have done that,” Todd says. It was just what he needed to break his not-so-winning streak. “I was off and running and have played five or six great seasons since.”
Now, at 40, Todd still grinds through the PGA Tour, traveling more than 20 weeks per year for the league, which can be especially grueling when you have to leave behind a wife and three kids. The time apart makes off-weeks sacred, and Todd uses those in-between times to travel with his family— something that instantly snaps him back in sync with them. Trips to Hawaii, including Maui’s Montage Kapalua Bay and the Big Island’s Kona Village, are among the many Exclusive Resorts destinations the family has enjoyed, in addition to frequent visits to Sea Island, which feels like a second home. The Georgia resort’s legendary golf courses are certainly a perk, but equally alluring are the expansive beaches, kid-friendly amenities (especially Sea Island’s bowling alley and ice cream parlor), and Exclusive Resorts’ residences that allow everyone their personal space.
With a falcon at Sea Island’s Broadfield Sporting Club, Todd wears pants, Oasi Cashmere Il Conte jacket, and a Melange silk, cashmere, and linen crewneck, all from Zegna.
Lately, golf has become a vacation activity for the entire family. “I have a 10-year-old son who is really talented, an 8-year-old daughter showing great form, and even my 6-year-old daughter has gotten into it,” Todd says. “Traveling to these resorts and introducing my kids to golf reminds me of playing with my brothers and all those formative experiences we had together growing up.”
As for the future, Todd is still very much on top of his game. “The average age of the PGA Tour is dropping,” he says. “It was 31 when I was coming up, now it’s 27, but I feel like I’ve got a few more good years in me.” Indeed, retirement is a long way off: In 10 years, he’ll be eligible to join the Champions Tour, and take on a whole new set of challenges. Wherever life takes him, he’ll keep playing the long game—on and off the course—competing to his full potential, making memories, and passing his love of golf on to a new generation along the way.
CREDITS
Stylist Sara Spicer Murray
Videographer Shane Hecksel
Digitech Peter Murray
Crew Henry Locke
Jonah Krier
Joe Samaniego
Chris Franklin
Jon Oppenheim
Car Courtesy of Jim Goodlett
Opposite: Todd wears deerskin triple-stitch sneakers, crewneck, and cotton and wool pants from Zegna, with Panerai’s Luminor Luna Rossa watch. Below: At the Oak Room bar, wearing Zegna’s Oasi Cashmere Alba overshirt and Panerai’s Radiomir Tre Giorni.
WHERE TO STAY
THE CLOISTER AT SEA ISLAND
For nearly a century, Sea Island has been a beloved American destination—and today, it is a favorite among Members for its 13 Exclusive Resorts residences located steps from the beach. Each Spanish-tiled home features four bedrooms, with dual primary suites, plus a two-story great room and expansive outdoor spaces, including an enclosed patio and private swimming pool.
Since its inception by acclaimed architect Addison Mizner in 1928, Sea Island has grown to include three championship golf courses, seven restaurants and bars, and a 65,000-square-foot spa.
There’s something for everyone here: Gourmands can learn the culinary arts (Members can even arrange a private cooking class in their residence). Adventurers have their pick of horseback riding, sailing, fishing, tennis, falconry, clay shooting, and watersports. A busy social calendar offers even more activities, from sea turtle conservation projects to walking tours of the 100-year-old Cloister.
Treasures
Photographer Ken Kochey captures the spirit of Japan on an Exclusive Resorts Once-in-a-Lifetime
Journey that reveals the country’s singular culture in three distinct destinations.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHEN COLLINS
Tokyo
The trip started off with a bang—or rather a flash of neon. It was the first night of Exclusive Resorts’ Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone Once-ina-Lifetime Journey, and photographer Ken Kochey couldn’t sleep. Forget the jet lag, he thought. He grabbed his camera and set out to explore, instantly finding action in a vibrant alleyway just around the corner from the Peninsula Tokyo.
“It felt like a scene out of Bladerunner, with the crowd and the lights, and smoke coming out of tiny restaurants nestled under the elevated train track,” Kochey remembers of the evening.
More discoveries were to come over the 11-day journey, which included four days in Tokyo, full of sushi-making classes and taiko drum lessons, visits to ancient temples and Zen gardens, and shopping in the legendary Ginza district. For Kochey, the balance of guided experiences and solo adventures was key to connecting with the city in a personal and meaningful way. “Guided excursions are so important in an overwhelming city like Tokyo, but you also need that downtime to wander and get a little lost on your own. In those moments, your eyes and ears are open wider. I find that really liberating.”
A
was a contrasting mix of tourist crowds and locals engaging in rituals. In a quiet corner, Kochey captured this striking image of a woman wearing an elaborate obi (sash). “The moments worth capturing are usually hidden away from where everyone else is looking,” he says. “As a photographer, you develop a sixth sense for finding them.”
Opposite:
visit to Sensō-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo,
Tokyo Drift
Top and right: Outside, Sensō-ji was surrounded by a mass of humanity, but inside was another experience altogether, where locals engaged in quiet traditions like omikuji (fortune telling), printed on strips of paper in drawers. Above: “The master who taught us the art of making sushi at this cooking school in Tsukiji was very traditional,” Kochey says. “He even judged us on our skills—but we all were rewarded with the fruits of our own labors at the end.” Opposite: “At night, you’ll find izakayas packed with salarymen who stay for hours eating and drinking,” Kochey says. “This shot was taken early in the night before the place filled up.”
Kyoto
A bullet-train ride from Tokyo, another world awaited in Kyoto, a city of deeply held tradition and spirituality. The culture, the history, the artisanship—all of it captivated Kochey and his fellow travelers from the minute they arrived.
Over three days, they delved into all of it, learning age-old crafts like indigo dying and visiting a geisha teahouse for ozashiki asobi (games, dances, and songs) and a traditional tea ceremony. They even dressed the part: “For the teahouse visit, three women came to each of our rooms at the Four Seasons Kyoto to dress us in traditional kimonos,” Kochey recalls. “It took them at least 20 minutes to wrap me in all that beautiful fabric.”
Other highlights included a walk through the Fushimi Inari Shrine—known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates lining a pathway to sacred Mount Inari—and a scenic rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest that ended at the Katsura River, where the group boarded a flat-bottomed boat for a serene sailing. Often, the scenes were so breathtaking, Kochey was compelled to contemplate rather than click his shutter. “In moments like these, you have to put the camera down and soak it all in.”
Above: Ema, small wooden plaques, hang at Fushimi Inari Shrine. “You write your hopes, wishes, or prayers on the ornaments before placing them on these lattices on the shrine grounds,” Kochey says. Opposite: A quiet moment on the Katsura River.
Layers of Kyoto
Left and above: “Tea ceremonies are so beautifully precise—geishas train for years,” says Kochey, who, along with other Members, dressed in traditional kimonos for the experience. Top: “While sailing on the Katsura River, a boat glided up to us and sold us some welcome drinks.” Right, from top: A visit to a family-owned teppanyaki was followed by a workshop to learn the art of indigo garment-dying. “Everything in Japan is carried out with such precision. This is a culture that takes great pride in everything they do.”
Hakone
After the energy of Tokyo and the cultural extravaganza of Kyoto, Hakone’s pristine nature offered a new lens on Japan. For Kochey, one of the stars of the mountain town was Gora Kadan, the traditional ryokan inn where Members spent two nights. “The experience is so immersive: You dress in traditional clothes and sleep on tatami mats,” he says. “You have a kaiseki dinner while sitting cross-legged at a dining table in your room, with your personal attendant bringing new dishes every few minutes.”
The group visited Hakone just before the autumn high season and was treated to a kaleidoscope of natural colors. “From our room, we noticed the trees changing overnight,” Kochey says. The spectacle continued on a ferry cruise around Lake Ashi—a tranquil body of water surrounded by a forest of cherry and maple trees—and at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Tokaido Trail. These tranquil moments, soaking in hot springs, breathing in the mountain air, were ultimately Kochey’s most cherished of the trip. “We got a dose of everything on this trip: modern city, tradition, history, incredible food,” he says. “But Hakone’s natural beauty was a side I had not yet seen of Japan. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Above: Fresh sashimi served at Gora Kadan during a kaiseki dinner. Opposite: Framed by forested hills, the iconic red torii of Hakone Shrine rises from the waters of Lake Ashi.
Natural Wonders
Above and right: “At Gora Kadan, every detail was exquisite, down to the hand-chiseled wood floors, which felt so good on your bare feet,” Kochey says. “In the morning, our personal attendant brought us coffee and tea in bed.” Top row and opposite, from left: One of many footbridges traversing the Haya River; The Weeper, by French sculptor Claude Lalanne, at the Hakone Open-Air Museum; Exclusive Resorts Members wander among the towering trees of the Tokaido Trail.
Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone
Departures for this 11-day Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey are scheduled for fall 2025 and 2026.
Grander
The impulsive ease of click-to-buy is falling out of fashion as exclusive brick-and-mortar experiences usher in a new era of immersive IRL shopping. From instore-only collections and design-your-own workshops to stayall-day amenities like restaurants and private gardens, these lively houses of style are more than places to make a purchase they’re brands come to life.
BY FELIX BISCHOF
and Grandeur
ADRIAN GAUT
Jessica McCormack, London and New York
At Jessica McCormack’s addresses in London and Manhattan, jewelry devotees turn up for easy-to-wear, one-of-a-kind diamonds (see Zendaya’s 5.02-carat engagement ring). They also drop in for a good time. Special in-store events and experiences are McCormack’s way of inviting her clients deeper into her sparkling world, whether it’s an elaborate Christmas grotto to celebrate the holidays or an exhibition of rare high jewelry to pay homage to her inspirations. Her new location on Madison Avenue is part retail store, part workshop, where visitors can watch artisans at work on her latest dazzling creations, or simply hang out among a curated assemblage of books, art, furniture, and curios—all selected by McCormack herself.
AP House, Los Angeles
How would Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, the Swiss watchmakers who founded Audemars Piguet in 1875, interact with their clients today? The brand’s exclusive AP Houses around the world answer that question: with wine tastings and dinner parties, great music and mixology, and, of course, plenty of rare timepieces. There are 25 locations around the world, from London to Hong Kong, but none is more star-studded than AP House Los Angeles, a chic lounge perched above Sunset Boulevard in a West Hollywood penthouse. Regularly filled with a cadre of the watchmaker’s A-list fans, the residential boutique is a place for the haute-horology community to come together—not only to purchase and maintain their coveted watches, but to admire blue-chip art (provided by L.A. dealer François Ghebaly), listen to music (via the curated vinyl station or Steinway grand piano), sip espressos in the cafe, and ogle rare timepieces in an oak-paneled gallery.
Connolly, London
London’s heritage leathermaker has a long legacy of crafting beautiful, supple leather: The British Library, the queen’s coronation coach, the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and luxury carmakers Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce all sport the brand’s custom creations. The atelier, which was founded in 1878 by brothers John Joseph and Samuel Frederick Connolly, even holds a Royal Warrant, issued by King Charles III. Today, the brand is helmed by Isabel Ettedgui, who has channeled Connolly’s expertise into contemporary fashion and lifestyle collections. All can be found in an early 18th-century Mayfair townhouse, where three distinct floors deliver an immersive experience: The first floor is a living space filled with carefully curated antiques, objets d’art, motoring memorabilia, and rotating art exhibitions. The ground floor is dedicated to handmade leather home goods and tailored fashions, while the Driving Collection—designed to evoke your inner Steve McQueen—is on the lower level.
Casa Profumoir, Florence
Created in a partnership between fashion scion Daniele Cavalli and master perfumer Sileno Cheloni, Casa Profumoir is a multi-sensory space billed as an “olfactory library, a customization laboratory, and an experiential house.”
Continuing Florence’s grand history of perfumery, the opulent house is a feast for the senses, with a fireplace, Venetian mirrors, and aromatic garden. Most of all, it’s a chance to delve into all things olfactory, with Cheloni’s team of master artisans guiding visitors in blending their own personalized scents—inspired by the generations of scentobsessed Florentines who came before them, from the friars of Santa Maria Novella to Catherine de Medici.
Boucheron, Paris
Boucheron—a Parisian legacy that has graced wrists, necks, and fingers (including those of Greta Garbo and Elizabeth Taylor) since 1858—is a Place Vendôme icon, having first laid down roots in the prestigious square in 1893. Today, that provenance still stands at 26 Place Vendôme, where the brand’s ancestral flagship brings its designs to life in the elegant former home of the Hôtel de Nocé. The interiors are a dramatic melding of history, including an original grand staircase, with luxuriant modern details like chandeliers designed by Pierre Yves-Rochon. Lounge in the Winter Garden salon, surrounded by green marble and nature-inspired furnishings; shop privately in the secret study decorated with 19th-century chinoiserie; and view archival drawings of high jewelry through the ages in the Creation Room. You can even stay the night in the maison’s jewel-box apartment overlooking Place Vendôme and Napoleon I’s Vendôme Column.
Lalique Maison d’Artiste, New York
Lalique’s crystal has been coveted since 1888, but no shopping experience has showcased the French house’s iconic designs quite like its Upper East Side mansion. Located within the five-story Chopard Mansion—a landmark address that, at varying times, housed the Bloomingdale family and French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger—the Maison d’Artiste is artistic director Marc Larminaux’s crystal dream come to life. Designed as the fictional private residence of an art collector or painter, the art-filled space exhibits notable Lalique collaborations, such as those with architect Zaha Hadid and artists James Turrell and Damien Hirst. Every carefully crafted corner is an opportunity to showcase more designs of past and present, from the decanters and vessels in the Orient Express–inspired bar to the whimsical chandeliers throughout (homages to René Lalique’s original designs).
The Charleston Dish
What’s the dish on Charleston?
It depends whom you ask. For some, there’s no visiting the Holy City without digging into classics like shrimp and grits and shecrab soup. For others, trailblazing newcomers serving innovative cuisines are the hottest ticket in town. Local culinary expert Stephanie Burt goes on a palateexpanding journey to taste it all.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE SCHALK
CChances are you’ve heard about Charleston’s culinary reputation. The local ingredients speak for themselves: plump, juicy shrimp; heirloom vegetables; perfectly dressed oysters; and Carolina Gold rice, which helped build the city, then fueled its modern culinary revolution 250 years later. I can attest that everything you’ve heard is probably true— South Carolina Lowcountry’s crown jewel is inarguably a dining mecca. But at the risk of sounding dramatic, the restaurant scene here is about more than just food. It’s about the milieu of Charleston life itself—and all those who embrace its delicious gifts.
The best restaurants excel at making diners feel like regulars, while simultaneously wowing them with incredible service and cuisine. In Charleston, you can just as easily experience this at the hot new restaurant Michelin is surely eyeing for its first American South guide (coming this fall) as you can at the mom-and-pop roadside barbecue spot. That’s because everyone here takes their cuisine seriously—the ingredients and preparation as much as the setting.
What results at this intersection of setting, service, and culinary skill is the best kind of destination dining, where the location is intertwined with every aspect of the experience, inviting diners beyond the plate to experience the presence of being right here, right now.
Previous spread: At The Obstinate Daughter, Southern classics like Frogmore chowder are honored—and modernized— by chef Jacques Larson.
Above: At The Grocery, chef Kevin Johnson’s Mediterraneaninspired cooking relies on fresh local ingredients. Opposite: Chubby Fish’s nightly changing roster of seafood dishes is best enjoyed family-style.
Opposite, top row: The raw bar at The Ordinary. Opposite, bottom row: Chef Michael Toscano at his da Toscano Porchetta Shop; a fresh feast of local wreckfish, heirloom tomatoes, and more at The Grocery.
The highest concentration of Charleston’s top restaurants is currently the CannonboroughElliotborough neighborhood, a charming area mixing 19th-century houses with small commercial buildings. Independent businesses flourish here, and often sit within a stone’s throw of one other—such as at the corner of Cannon and King streets, where The Grocery and The Ordinary are both located. Opened in 2011 and 2012, respectively, these two restaurants (the latter of which is housed in a former bank building with soaring ceilings and plenty of light-filled windows) helped anchor the neighborhood’s “it” restaurant status.
At The Grocery, chef Kevin Johnson’s approach to cuisine always begins with the land. Woodfired Mediterranean cooking and an impressive larder of preserved food and pickles might be the instruments he uses to create his approach, but the result is always a spotlight on seasonality and heirloom varieties, including what I consider to be the best dirty martini in town: a green tomato pickle martini using local High Wire Distilling Co.’s Hat Trick Gin. It’s a lovely start to a night full of dishes such as wood-roasted peaches with pecan granola, Storey Farms halfchicken with tender local turnips and arugula, and Johnson’s iconic Carolina Gold rice pilau.
The Ordinary’s chef Mike Lata takes us seaward with a sustainable concept that has changed the city’s—and I’d argue the entire region’s— approach to seafood. Lata and his team routinely elevate lesser-known fish varieties and cuts, from tilefish to grouper cheeks, expanding the
range of deliciousness from Lowcountry waters. This restaurant is the city’s measuring stick for pristinely cooked seafood and beautiful oysters, but it’s also a fun and lively bar scene. Have you even been to Charleston if you didn’t come here for one (or two) crispy oyster sliders? I think not.
Nearby, James London and Yoanna Putri of Chubby Fish have taken the city’s seafood inspiration and run with it, hosting a first-come, first-served dinner-party-style vibe. The wines are bright and approachable, and a chalkboard lists the nightly dishes, from whole vermilion snapper slathered in salsa verde to an alwayson-the-menu caviar sandwich. The buzz on the sidewalk as the line builds is part of the fun, with a welcoming staff and camaraderie with your fellow diners while you wait.
For a totally different scene, just a few blocks away, Chez Nous might be Charleston’s most romantic setting, with chef Jill Mathias’s sixdish, handwritten daily menu rotating with the seasons and filled with delicately poached fish served in broth or fresh summer berries with ebullient sabayon. It’s all presented in a softly lit, ethereal setting inside a 19thcentury house that is reminiscent of the European countryside. Somehow it all works.
Newcomer da Toscano Porchetta Shop is another transportive dining experience—this time to a bustling butcher shop in Italy, though still with plenty of nods to Lowcountry ingredients. Here, chef Michael Toscano’s pillowy focaccia serves as an addictive vehicle for a
variety of decadent, handmade sandwiches charmingly served counterside by the chefs. My top pick: an epic fennel-and-rosemary rotisserie porchetta with local Holy City Hogs pork. I pair it with a perfect cortado or chianti, depending on the time of day.
From Cannonborough-Elliotborough, head south to East Bay for Slightly North of Broad (SNOB), where chef Russ Moore carries on the legacy of his mentor, local legend Frank Lee, with crowd-pleasing classics such as shrimp and grits and a fresh take on she-crab soup without roe—to protect local crab populations from overfishing. Working alongside Moore is a seasoned service team who knows how to take care of guests and has a good time doing it.
Farther afield, The Obstinate Daughter, on Sullivan’s Island, is celebrating more than a decade of being one of the Lowcountry’s destination restaurants. Chef Jacques Larson perfected his pasta prowess long ago at his Johns Island restaurant, Wild Olive, and here he melds it with wood-fired pizza and a decidedly coastal aesthetic. Each week, the kitchen turns out hundreds of orders of butterbean puree flatbreads, ricotta gnudi with short rib ragu, and beet salads—and every dish comes out lovingly handmade and carefully presented.
Of course, new glamour has a place in Charleston too, and when I’m in the mood for an extra bit of fanfare, I head to one of two newcomers tucked into quiet corners of the
Opposite: At Chez Nous, chef Jill Mathias’s six-dish, handwritten daily menus rotate with the seasons and regularly feature simple yet perfect classics like shrimp with garlic and olive oil (shown above).
Left to right: A hearty porcini-rubbed prime rib sandwich at da Toscano Porchetta Shop; the dining room at Slightly North of Broad (SNOB); broiled oysters and bone marrow at Marbled & Fin; chef Jacques Larson at The Obstinate Daughter.
peninsula. The first, Marbled & Fin on East Bay above Calhoun, feels like being immersed in a big-budget Broadway revival of a midcentury steakhouse, complete with waiters dressed in green dinner jackets. I order a martini big enough to swim in and pair it with the decadent one-plate bone marrow and dressed oysters appetizer, then take my time perusing the seriously robust selection of steaks.
Costa, on Broad Street, is another one of my special-occasion spots, with its stunning brass bar, high-ceilinged dining room, and open kitchen that feels like a stage. The star of the show is chef Vinson Petrillo, who weaves Italiancoastal and occasional Asian flavors into a menu chock-full of local produce and seafood. I can’t imagine a visit without the beef carpaccio—its banh mi flavors make for a truly transcendent dish. Add hamachi crudo with ponzu, comforting eggplant parmigiana, and seabass with summer squash to the list of must-tries.
Word to the wise: Wherever you dine, bring your appetite—for good food and good company. Because in Charleston, local flavor is the result of something bigger than ingredients on a plate. It’s a connection to the taste of the season, the unique blending of past and present, and above all else, the passionate people who celebrate our city with every morsel. All you have to do to experience the fruits of their labor is make a reservation.
Above: Monchito’s Meguro Cruise with lychee garnish at Marbled & Fin. Opposite: Shrimp and grits, butternut squash bisque, and cornbread muffins at SNOB.
WHERE TO STAY
71 WENTWORTH
Exclusive Resorts’ four three-bedroom residences at 71 Wentworth blend Charleston’s rich history with modern comfort.
Originally designed in 1872 by prominent local architect John Henry Devereux as a Masonic Lodge in the Tudor Gothic Revival style, the landmark building has been meticulously reimagined with cathedral ceilings, exposed antique brick, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Inside, sleek, contemporary decor balances the historic architecture via open-plan layouts, energy-efficient systems, and professionalgrade kitchens outfitted with top-tier appliances.
Located at the corner of King and Wentworth streets, in the heart of downtown, the residences are steps from the city’s best dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks, offering a true sense of place, steeped in heritage and elegance.
onefinestay is not a listing site. It’s an invitation-only portfolio of remarkable homes, meticulously assembled for discerning families—people who know how to treat a home not as a rental, but as a privilege. Before any guest arrives, we catalogue every detail—from the glassware to the books on the shelf—and when you return, it’s all exactly as you left it. With seamless housekeeping, 24/7 support, and the quiet efficiency of a seasoned estate team, your home is cared for as if it were our own.
SUBMIT YOUR HOME FOR CONSIDERATION TO HOMES@ONEFINESTAY.COM
NAPA’S NEXT GENERATION GREAT
THE CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY’S TOP EXPERTS SHARE A GLIMPSE OF NAPA VALLEY’S FUTURE AS THEY SEE IT.
BY JONATHAN CRISTALDI PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN
SEGAL
IT WAS A PIVOTAL MOMENT the 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting pitting the American underdogs against Europe’s most respected Old World winemakers— and the results were nothing short of groundbreaking: Napa Valley wines claimed a historic victory in both the white and red categories. The upset surprised everyone except the winemakers behind the breathtaking Californiagrown winners. Half a century later, that monumental triumph remains at the root of nearly all that Napa Valley has become, even as a whole new generation of winemakers takes the mantle. Some are newcomers, arriving with fresh eyes and bold ideas, lured by the successes of their predecessors; others are loyal stalwarts of the region’s firmly established traditions. Each of them has a clear yet distinct perspective on what the next 50 years holds for the land of the great American wine—and all of them agree that Napa is just getting started.
Above, from left: A cork oak tree has thrived for generations among Chateau Montelena’s venerable vines; a private tasting at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Opposite: The fruits of more than 50 years of labor at Stag’s Leap.
CARLTON J. MCCOY JR.
Master Sommelier and CEO, Lawrence Wine Estates
Now that our reputation as a great wine region is solidified, our next step is to take a deeper dive into our unique terroirs. In the 1990s, there was an inclination to produce a uniform style—riper and more extracted— to appease critics who preferred that style. However, the current tone in the valley is a return to the balanced wines of the 1970s, which helped establish our initial reputation and have proven to be the most age-worthy. From this movement, we’ve discovered more highpedigreed terroirs that were previously ignored.
To Kalon, for instance, is an excellent vineyard in a region renowned for exceptional sites.
In the U.S., because of looser restrictions, we can evolve more rapidly than other international wine-growing regions. The younger generation here is emphasizing natural farming and winemaking and crafting wines that counter the uniformity of the past 30 years. In 50 years, there will be greater diversity in wine styles to best express our terroir—more experimentation and more questions than answers.
“In 50 years, there will be greater diversity in wine styles to best express our terroir— more experimentation and more questions than answers.”
Ink
The Lawrence Wine Estates collection includes Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Stony Hill, Brendel, and
Grade.
“Napa’s spirit is reinvention. Each generation seeks more excitement and meaning. We’ve only scratched the surface.”
Boisset Collection's Jean-Charles Boisset at The Ink House, an Exclusive Resorts residence. Opposite: The tasting room at Raymond Vineyards.
JEAN-CHARLES BOISSET
Proprietor and President, Boisset Collection
Over the next 50 years, Napa Valley will gain an even deeper understanding of our terroir— like Burgundy did over the course of a thousand years—but we already have global knowledge paired with California’s optimism and American entrepreneurship. We’re accelerating with wines that are more vibrant and more inspirational than ever.
But Napa’s future isn’t just wine. It’s art, fashion, and hospitality. It’s sculpture, digital installations, and culinary diversity. We’re elevating culture and engaging people in multidimensional ways. Napa will be known as much for its festivals, wellness, and creativity as its cabernet. And food! While the icons—Bouchon, The French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty—may evolve, Napa’s future lies in culinary diversity: Persian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian. That global
table will reflect the region’s cosmopolitan energy and attract the next generation of tastemakers.
We’re also pushing beyond sustainability. Biodynamics, lunar calendars, and polyculture—Napa will become an extension of Mother Nature. It will be the world’s most complete region: wine, food, art, tech, and consciousness combined.
As for grand cru and premier cru designations? Vineyard specificity matters, but so does the art of the blend. Cabernet is still king—and queen!—and it’s getting better.
Napa’s spirit is reinvention. Each generation seeks more excitement and meaning. We’ve only scratched the surface. I’m bullish. I’m optimistic. Napa’s next chapter will be the most thrilling yet.
MATT CRAFTON
Winemaker, Chateau Montelena
Winner, Judgment of Paris White Wine Category
I think the Judgment of Paris remains significant because it’s a story that still resonates from a fundamentally human standpoint. It’s a David vs. Goliath event. And to win against Goliath, the strategy is not to play by the established rules. The Judgment of Paris recognized the importance of innovation, of questioning the conventional model, and being daring enough to try something new. That spirit is still part of our DNA.
It’s a tremendous responsibility—but maybe surprisingly, it doesn’t feel like a heavy burden. The same sense of independence, creative freedom, and daring that built Montelena still
drives what we do. I feel very blessed to be part of something so classic, yet so dynamic.
Looking ahead, Napa has every reason to remain aspirational. The combination of terroir, talent, and wealth will continue to drive innovation in wine quality and sustainability. But success is fragile and must be earned every day. The greatest threat is regulation that unintentionally harms the very people it intends to protect. It was that ossified environment in Europe that made the Judgment of Paris not only possible, but necessary. Napa is the gold standard—if we can keep it.
Below: Winemaker Matt Crafton holds a bottle of Chateau Montelena’s 1973 chardonnay, winner of the White Wine Category at the Judgment of Paris. Opposite: The chateau’s stone facade was built into the St. Helena hillside in 1888.
DECANTED PRIVILEGES
At Chateau Montelena, Exclusive Resorts
Members enjoy private tastings of rare library vintages and current releases, plus preferred pricing on all bottle purchases.
“The combination of terroir, talent, and wealth will continue to drive innovation in wine quality and sustainability.”
“Napa Valley is a remarkable region for grape growing, yet it’s still young in the context of global winegrowing, and we’re in the midst of an exciting evolution.”
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ secondever SLV Cabernet Sauvignon vintage made history as the winner of the Judgment of Paris’s Red Wine Category. Opposite, right: The official jury results of the 1976 blind tasting.
MARCUS NOTARO
Senior Director of Winemaking, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Winner, Judgment of Paris Red Wine Category
The legacy of our first commercial vintage— recognized globally after the 1976 Judgment of Paris—remains both an inspiration and a reminder: Quality has always defined Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. After the tasting, many asked what the secret was. The truth? There was no secret—only extraordinary vineyards. Our role today is to honor that legacy by crafting wines of uncompromising quality that speak clearly of place.
Napa Valley is a remarkable region for grape growing, with great diversity in soils, microclimates, and topography. Yet it’s still young in
the context of global winegrowing, and we’re in the midst of an exciting evolution. Growers are embracing more precise and sustainable practices. One of the biggest challenges is managing late-season heat, and we’re seeing innovations, from shade cloth and NDVI satellite imagery [to monitor vine health and density] to experimenting with cabernet franc.
Looking ahead, I hope consumers come to appreciate the diversity of expression across Napa’s sub-appellations. The future isn’t just about making great wine; it’s about celebrating the unique identity of each place.
JILL AND STEVE MATTHIASSON
Co-owners and Vintners, Matthiasson Wines
Fifty years from now, Napa Valley will be more beautiful than ever. Organic and regenerative farming will be the norm, with hedgerows lining every fence and stream, alive with birds, insects, and wildflowers. Monarch butterflies will drift from vine to vine—cabernet sauvignon to ribolla gialla to chardonnay—before returning to rest on the blossoms at the vineyard’s edge.
Cabernet sauvignon will still shine, alongside cabernet franc and merlot, but a new generation of winemakers will bring fresh perspectives and broader styles. And with a deepening understanding of soil and climate, we’ll see a wider range of red grapes planted where they grow best.
White wines will come back to the forefront— chenin blanc in Carneros, vermentino in Calistoga—and the valley will once again be celebrated for both reds and whites.
Most importantly, the land will still be in the hands of families. Large vineyards will have given way to small farms once more, tended by passionate growers shaping the future like the pioneers of the past.
Napa has always belonged to dreamers. That won’t change. The wines will evolve, the land- scape will flourish, and the love of the land will carry on.
“Napa has always belonged to dreamers. That won’t change”
At their namesake winery, Jill and Steve Matthiasson are committed to organic, no-till farming and biodiversity for healthier vineyards and wines.
CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA
Nestled among Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort & Spa is home to four three- and four-bedroom Exclusive Resorts residences. The recently renovated homes feature chef’s kitchens, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and expansive terraces and rooftops for entertaining.
Spread over 28 verdant acres dotted with quaint cottages and flowering gardens, the resort blends farmhouse style with contemporary amenities, including a spa and three restaurants spotlighting the local bounty of Northern California. The adults-only pool overlooks the neighboring vineyards, while complimentary bicycles offer an opportunity to explore the region more closely. Pack a picnic lunch from Market, the resort’s gourmet shop, and enjoy a picnic among the vines, or taste the best of Napa Valley’s wines (and spirits) right at home with a curated flight at the Post Tasting Room.
DECANTED PRIVILEGES
An Exclusive Resorts partner, the Boisset Collection will offer Members private tastings, Champagne brunches, and library flights across its storied estates—a perk usually reserved for wine club members only.
WHERE TO STAY THE INK HOUSE
This grand retreat—a recent addition to The Club’s Residence Collection—is set among the vineyards of the Boisset Collection. The two-story Victorian landmark was built in 1885 by Theron H. Ink, a gold prospector and one of California wine country’s earliest settlers. During the 1960s, it served as a home for Elvis Presley during the filming of Wild in the Country. In 1985, the estate was recognized by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, The Ink House has been reimagined as an exclusive-use residence with four bedrooms— each drawing inspiration from a different moment in its illustrious history (including the subtly decorated Elvis Room). Personal concierges can help arrange intimate tastings with local winemakers and other private events taking advantage of the estate’s 1.25 private acres surrounded by wildflowers and vines.
Meet Me on
the Mountain
From early-morning lift rituals to secret runs and après haunts, here’s how three pros ski their home mountains.
BY SCOTT BAY ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHEN COLLINS
There are places where you can ski, and then there are ski towns—those rarefied places where culture, terrain, and resort collide into something unforgettable. Jackson Hole, Whistler, and Deer Valley have each carved out unique identities in North America’s mountain mythology: Jackson for its no-fall lines and old-school grit; Whistler for its vast bowls and international scene; and Deer Valley for its polished, skier-only serenity. But to really tap the pulse of these epic ski towns, insider knowledge is key. Here, pros who have spent their lives on their home mountain share their hard-earned tips on and off the slopes.
Lynsey Dyer at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s high-elevation backcountry terrain.
IAN JOHNSTON
Lynsey Dyer | Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
As a backcountry guide, advocate for wildlife corridors in the Tetons, and host of the Showing UP with Lynsey Dyer podcast, Jackson native Linsey Dyer is as much a steward of mountain culture as she is a kick-ass skier. She volunteers with the nonprofit Coombs Outdoors to get underserved kids outside and is raising capital for a documentary about overlooked big mountain ski pioneer A. J. Cargill. But on the mountain, she is focused on technique: “I already have my PhD in skiing,” she says. “Now I’m focused on precision.” Whether she’s chasing powder in the side country or sipping beers at The Bench, Dyer’s love for Jackson is as deep as its snowpack—and her knowledge of it is unmatched.
Why Jackson Hole?
Jackson is a community mountain. We are all here to share the stoke and keep the soul alive.
First time at Jackson Hole—what do we need to know?
Ride the tram to the summit and take in the iconic Corbet’s Couloir. I suggest leaving the run itself to the pros though— just enjoy the views. It’s a rite of passage.
What is your favorite run for...
A bluebird day: Laramie Bowl or the Grand because the sun hits them in the right way. Fresh powder: Cowboy powder on groomed terrain. You get that soft snow over a consistent base. It’s magic for first turns. Early season: Stick to the groomers, which are reliable even when coverage is thin or icy.
Where should beginners spend their time?
Sweetwater Gondola’s learning area is a great line for beginners, though it can get quite crowded.
Where should seasoned skiers go to push their limits?
Hire a guide and head out the backcountry gates. The side country is right off the tram—get your avi gear, bootpack, or tour, and it’s game on.
Any secret spots?
The Bench. It’s where the old-school legends still gather around 4 p.m. to share some beers at the end of the day. It feels like the real soul of Jackson.
Where is the best après?
For the classic scene, head to Mangy Moose, but for a Jackson-only vibe, it’s always the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
What about local haunts?
I’m partial to the restaurants in Wilson, like Pica’s Mexican Taqueria for low-key tacos.
The iconic Corbet’s Couloir, a rite of passage for ski aficionados. Opposite, from top: Jackson Hole’s Aerial Tram gains 4,139 vertical feet to the resort’s summit; the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
Mike Douglas | Whistler Blackcomb
Mike Douglas hasn’t just been skiing Whistler for 37 years—he transformed the sport of skiing on its very peaks. In 1997, he led a renegade team of athletes on newfangled twintip skis to compete in the X Games for the first time ever. “We were skiing backwards, doing snowboarding-style tricks, and it blew people’s minds,” Douglas says. “We didn’t realize at the time, but we were changing the sport.” Today, Douglas is less concerned with tricks and more interested in storytelling. As founder of Switchback Entertainment, he has produced acclaimed ski films and documentaries that explore everything from climate change to deep-snow adventures. “I’m proud to still be doing what I love,” he says, “not chasing podiums, but perfect days.” That now includes hosting exclusive guided ski trips around the world with fellow legend Chris Davenport. From Japan to Chile to a soon-to-launch itinerary in Switzerland, the trips are small and largely word of mouth.
Why Whistler?
It’s Canadian, meaning, it’s more chill, more international, and less posh.
First time at Whistler—what do we need to know?
Don’t trust the valley weather. Clouds there can mean bluebird conditions at the resort.
What is your favorite run for...
A bluebird day: Peak chairlift. Not only is it epic terrain; it’s a show: Locals huck off the cliffs and you can watch it from the lift line. Fresh powder: Glacier Express has tons of rocky, tree-filled terrain with hidden powder stashes. Early season: Jersey Cream normally gets pillows on the groomers.
Where should beginners spend their time?
Emerald chair or Catskinner. Both are great for beginners,progressing to intermediates.
Where should seasoned skiers go to push their limits?
Hike Spanky’s Ladder to the gemstone bowls. Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond are some of the steepest and longest inbound runs you’ll find in North America.
Any secret spots?
Learn to ski tour. The flute zone off Symphony chair is a short hike and avalanche controlled for some epic runs.
Where is the best après?
Dusty’s Bar and BBQ in Creekside for locals, live music, and no frills. Longhorn Saloon in the village if you want a see-and-be-seen scene.
What about local haunts?
Sushi Village, which has been the soul of Whistler since the ’80s. There’s also Rockit Coffee Co. for a cool retro vibe.
Glacier Express leads to powder heaven and tree-filled terrain.
Opposite, from top: The cliffs off Peak Express, where skiers can be seen showing off from the lift line; retro-cool Rockit Coffee Co. in Whistler Village.
Jaelin Kauf | Deer Valley Resort
Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf made the move to Park City, Utah, nearly a decade ago, and today, Deer Valley is both her training ground and her escape. Raised by pro mogul skiers in Wyoming, she originally resisted following in their tracks—“I avoided moguls at all costs”—but was soon hooked by the challenge. “It’s all the best parts of skiing packed into one 30-second run,” she says. Kauf loves the convenience of Deer Valley’s terrain and taking easy groomer laps on Lady Morgan—but her focus is far from mellow: With her third Olympics on the horizon, and the long-awaited debut of dual moguls, she is in full-out mode, hoping to elevate her sport and her own performance. “It’s exciting to be part of the evolution,” she says. Whether she’s charging a comp line or cruising groomers, Kauf brings a quiet confidence to the mountain—one that comes from knowing exactly when to push and when to just enjoy the ride.
Why Deer Valley?
The sheer amount of skiing and its service focus. There’s the ski concierge and they remember your name, and yet it’s still low-key.
First time at Deer Valley—what do we need to know?
Head to the top of the mountain, where you can see Heber Valley, Big Cottonwood, and Park City. It’s epic to see all of Utah’s main ski areas from one vantage.
What is your favorite run for...
A bluebird day: Lady Morgan chair. It’s super scenic, fun terrain. Fresh powder: Head to the Empire zone, under the lift, through the trees, and out to the ridge. There are great chutes if you time it right. Early season: Hit Sterling Express off Bald Mountain for flawless groomers.
Where should beginners spend their time?
Almost anywhere—Deer Valley is known for its groomers, making it a smooth place for learning.
Where should seasoned skiers go to push their limits?
Empire or Lady Morgan’s steep chutes and drops. That’s where I would go to challenge myself when I was younger.
Any secret spots?
They’ve all been discovered! But the chutes off Empire still keep things spicy.
Where is the best après?
I like to go to High West Saloon on Main Street at the bottom of the Town Lift for great food and even better whiskey—my favorite is Campfire.
What about local haunts?
Flying Sumo for sushi on Main Street and the rooftop at Boneyard Saloon for a chill, low-key vibe.
The flawless groomers of Stein’s Way run off Bald Mountain. Opposite, from top: Jaelin Kauf at the FIS Ski World Cup, an annual event hosted at Deer Valley; aprèsski at Park City’s High West Saloon.
WHERE TO STAY
JACKSON HOLE
Just minutes from Town Square, The Glenwood’s estates are a short shuttle ride away from Jackson Hole Ski Resort’s epic pistes. The modern threestory residences are serene retreats for après-ski relaxation, featuring private rooftop decks, hot tubs, and firepits.
WHISTLER
Ski right out your door to access North America’s largest ski resort. The four Kadenwood estates each feature four bedrooms, private hot tubs and steam rooms, spectacular mountain views, and direct access to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connecting all 8,171 acres of Whistler-Blackcomb’s skiable terrain.
DEER VALLEY
Choose from the full-service three-bedroom suites at Montage Deer Valley or the four-bedroom private estates of Ironwood for ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort’s four mountains. At Montage Deer Valley, guests have access to Utah’s largest spa and five restaurants, including a Veuve Clicquot yurt après lounge.
Sundial House at Kadenwood in Whistler, B.C.
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clubhouse
A CLUB. A COMMUNITY. A WAY OF LIFE.
Model Rocky Barnes on a Club escape at Esperanza Resort, Auberge Collection, in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Right On Track
Exclusive Resorts Member Chase Carey first retired in 2016, capping off a 22year career at Fox, where he served as president and COO of the media giant. But his departure didn’t exactly launch his golden years. No sooner had he closed one chapter than another roared open. Formula 1 came calling, asking Carey to help reinvent the sport with an eye toward igniting a new American audience. And reinvent it he did: As chairman and CEO, he introduced fanfirst initiatives, including the hit Netflix series Drive to Survive, now in its seventh season, and overhauled the rules of the game to make races more competitive— and more thrilling for spectators. Countless miles later, Carey is still racing around the world for business and leisure, often in the same trip.
You’re now twice retired. Does that mean you’re finally taking it easy?
I’m largely retired. I stepped down as CEO of F1 in 2020 and returned
“
Sports
are about engaging fans, creating stars, making events
special—and that’s what we did.”
in a limited role as a non-executive chairman in 2024. I’m also on the board of Liberty Media, the entity that owns F1, and non-executive chairman of MotoGP, the global motorcycle racing competition Liberty acquired in 2025. And I’m still on the board at Fox and the lead independent director there.
What kind of travel comes with an F1 gig? For both of my careers, the travel was constant. With F1, it was a seven-days-a-week job. I was on the road 70 percent of the time. I attended every single race: the historic tracks at Silverstone and Monza, night races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, iconic races like Monaco...
Was it all business, all the time?
By then, my kids were grown so my wife Wendy would come meet me, and we’d find ways to make vacations around my work. She’d come to the Singapore race and then we’d spend four days in the Maldives. After Abu Dhabi, we went to Marrakech; after Milan, it was Lake Como.
You were part of a team that was integral to making F1 the sport as we know it today. At the end of the
day, all sports are about engaging fans, creating stars, making events special—and that’s what we did. We connected with fans on digital media, we made the events spectacles and the racing tracks better, and we made the sport healthier overall.
You also instituted budget caps for the teams. How did that go over? Some of the teams had reservations about it at first but it was really important to create a competitive playing field. You want the underdog to have a chance, and without a cap, only a couple of teams could really compete. Now the teams agree it made a better sport for everyone.
What kind of travel are you doing these days? I attend about six to eight races per year now. We just stayed at the Exclusive Resorts Park Avenue apartments for the premiere of the F1 movie. We were early members of The Club, and it has shaped a lot of our family travel. Our regular ski trips were always to Vail. These days, with grandchildren, it’s a lot harder to get everyone together, but we still find ways—we just booked the Exclusive Resorts yacht for next February.
The Big Picture
In his seven years as an Exclusive Resorts Member, Omar Shahine has traveled to 27 destinations with The Club. “When we joined in 2018, I had a very long list of places I wanted to take my family,” the Seattle-based Microsoft executive says. “I’ve already checked everything off that list.”
In nearly all his family travels, Shahine has been motivated by a single mission: “It’s really important to me that my kids experience different cultures and ways of life,” he says. “I want them to send them off into the world with a really solid foundation.” Whether it’s Thanksgiving in Paris, summer in South Africa, or winter break in Peru, each trip has checked off an item on a far more meaningful to-do list: Every new food sampled, history lesson learned, and adventure conquered is another step in the great life exercise of building character.
Shahine, an avid photographer who publishes his own Substack, called OmarKnows, is now focusing on building a new list—this one filled with the dreams and wishes of his kids. “The crazy thing is we haven’t even come close to experiencing the majority of Exclusive Resorts’ portfolio,” he says. “I still see a lot of family trips in our future.”
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
“I was very intent that we hit some of the big-ticket destinations before my kids go off to college,” Shahine says, adding that such trips have provided a sneaky education for his two children—especially his son. “He’s drawing connections between things we have experienced and what he’s learning in school. I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s intentional!’”
SOUTH AFRICA
A safari in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park was eye-opening for the entire family— especially Shahine’s daughter, who discovered a deeper love of animals. “She now understands that there are amazing animals in all corners of the world, so her travel list is getting pretty long: tigers in India, gorillas in Rwanda, penguins in Antarctica.”
PERU
“I want to learn and grow as a person, and I think you need to be challenged and a little bit uncomfortable to grow,” Shahine says. That was especially true in Peru, where the family climbed Machu Picchu. “It was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.”
Start Your Engines
MONACO | MAY 2025
Club Members gathered for a long weekend of fast cars, high seas, and world-class hospitality at the Monaco Grand Prix. From a 140-foot superyacht anchored in Port Hercule, they watched as 10 teams roared through the city’s historic streets and cheered as McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory. The weekend also included a welcome reception at Blue Gin Lounge, with dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin and an intimate Louis XIII cognac tasting.
Off to the Races
KENTUCKY DERBY WEEKEND | MAY 2025
The hats were large, the juleps strong, and the access unmatched. Over three days, Members experienced the 151st Kentucky Derby in signature Club style, starting with a farm-to-table dinner and julep-making under the stars. On race day, they were dressed in bespoke headwear and watched the Run for the Roses from a private suite. Every detail dazzled—including a surprise visit from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear—and when Sovereignty thundered across the finish line, Members were there to cheer him home.
Driven by Excellence
ROLLS -ROYCE DINNER AND LAUNCH CELEBRATION | MARCH 20, 2025
In March, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Exclusive Resorts co-hosted an intimate celebration to debut the marque’s Cullinan Series II at its new state-of-the-art Calgary showroom.
Members enjoyed a multicourse dinner with rare wine pairings led by a Master Sommelier, followed by live music and an immersive unveiling of the Cullinan’s reimagined design.
Wonders Down Under
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY | JANUARY 2025
Over 12 unforgettable days, Members traveled from Sydney—where they climbed the Harbour Bridge and surfed at Bondi Beach—to the Great Barrier Reef for a private yacht cruise in the Whitsundays and a luxurious stay at Qualia resort. In New Zealand, highlights included a sheep-shearing farm visit, wine tasting at Cloudy Bay Vineyards, thrilling jetboating through Dart River Valley, and a helicopter landing at Milford Sound.
2025
Mark your calendar for these events, from Exclusive Resorts trips and experiences to global happenings.
September 23–29
THE RYDER CUP
FARMINGDALE, NY
The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious and thrilling events in golf, bringing together the best players from Team USA and Team Europe in a fierce competition that dates back to 1927. Held biennially, this iconic tournament is renowned not only for its intense matches but also for the camaraderie and sportsmanship it fosters.
Discover Turkey’s rich tapestry of history and beauty, from Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar to a private yacht cruise along the Bosporus. This 10-night journey explores Ephesus’s ancient ruins With resident archaeologists and Cappadocia’s Kaymakli Underground City and UNESCO Open-Air Museums. In Bodrum, see the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and St. Peter’s Castle, and set sail in Bodrum Harbour. Departures on September 2, 16, and 30, and October 14 and 28.
October 4
3RD ANNUAL MEMBER DINNER
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY
YOUNTVILLE, CA
Join us for an indulgent evening
at The French Laundry, where chef Thomas Keller will host a private dinner for Exclusive Resorts Members. The night will commence with a luxurious Champagneand-canapé reception. Guests can explore the restaurant’s iconic kitchen and wine cellar before indulging in a meticulously curated seven-course chef’s tasting menu. As a memento, diners will receive with a signed copy of Keller’s The French Laundry Cookbook .
October 15–19
FRIEZE MASTERS ART FAIR
LONDON, UK
Frieze Masters stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of art through the ages. Set at the heart of London’s vibrant cultural scene, this prestigious fair unites an extraordinary collection of masterpieces spanning centuries— from antiquity to the modern era—creating a dialogue between the city’s rich artistic heritage and its contemporary creative energy.
October–November
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY: PATAGONIA EXPEDITION
CHILE AND ARGENTINA
On this eight-night, nine-day Oncein-a-Lifetime Journey, delve into the heart of Argentina’s capital for private tango lessons and exquisite cuisine before venturing to El Calafate and the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Next, travel to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park to hike to the electric-blue Laguna Azul and the base of the legendary Torres. Departures on October 12, 17, 31, and November 7.
November
4
MELBOURNE CUP
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a horse race; it’s an iconic event that has been dubbed “the race that stops a nation.” The prestigious thoroughbred horse race is the jewel in the crown of Australia’s racing calendar, held annually at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, with top events such as the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival attracting racing enthusiasts, socialites, and celebrities.
November 7–11
WOMEN’S WELLNESS RETREAT
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO
This four-night escape focuses on longevity and transformation via integrative health classes and
cultural immersion. The Membersonly curated event will be led by Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, an expert in women’s health and integrative medicine for women in midlife and beyond. Members will stay at a tranquil retreat, with farm-totable dining, wellness-focused daily activities, integrative health classes, and discussions. In addition to the wellness program, experiences in the city of San Miguel de Allende will connect guests with the vibrant local culture to inspire further connection, growth, and relaxation.
December 4–7
ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH
MIAMI BEACH, FL
Art Basel Miami Beach is a kaleidoscope of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity set against the stunning backdrop of Miami’s vibrant coastline. As one of the most anticipated events in the art world, this annual extravaganza transforms the city into a dynamic hub of artistic expression, drawing collectors, curators, and enthusiasts from around the globe.
January–March
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY:
WINTER WONDERLAND NORWAY
Embark on a nine-day adventure through Norway, blending stunning landscapes with magical Arctic experiences in the wild. Highlights include a train journey on the Flåm Railway, a reindeer-sledding excursion, and a stay in an ice room at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. In Oslo, private access to top museums includes an after-hours viewing of Edvard Munch’s The Scream Departures on January 23, February 6, and March 6 and 20.
2026
March–April
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME
JOURNEY: SOUTH KOREA
SEOUL, BUSAN, AND JEJU ISLAND
This nine-day itinerary begins in Seoul— with visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a hanbok fitting, and a rare conversation with a North Korean defector after a private DMZ tour—and ventures onward to Gyeongju’s UNESCO sites, the coastal city of Busan, and the volcanic island of Jeju. Departures on March 23 and 30, and April 6 and 13.
July–August
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY: WORLD HIGHLIGHTS BY PRIVATE JET
Join an unforgettable 22-day journey by chartered private jet, touching down in eight countries, with visits to Budapest, Tbilisi, Istanbul, the Seychelles, and more. World Highlights by Private Jet Expedition will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions on flights operated by Icelandair. July 30–August 20
Club Member Benefits
Belmond Brittanic Explorer
Book your journey with the Exclusive Resorts Travel Desk at 877.834.5394.
The Boca Raton Club
An Exclusive Resorts partner, The Boca Raton Club welcomes Members for dining, wellness experiences, and more.
55 Seventy
Exclusive Resorts Members enjoy access to 55 Seventy’s Dallas location and the soonto-open Houston location.
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl Rosewood Schloss Fuschl can be booked using Plan Days by visiting the Member Portal at member.exclusiveresorts.com.
The Cultivist
Exclusive Resorts Members receive three complimentary months on an annual The Cultivist membership. For details, visit thecultivist.com/ exclusiveresorts.
Barton & Gray
Mariners Club
Exclusive Resorts Members can use Plan Days to book a one-time private catamaran sailing or day cruise by visiting the Member Portal at member.exclusiveresorts.com.
ELEVATE EVERY JOURNEY WITH A CULTIVIST MEMBERSHIP.
Our concierge services and unparalleled global network bring ease to an art-filled life.
Members enjoy exclusive access to inspiring art and cultural experiences around the world, meeting the creators and collectors shaping taste today and joining a community of fellow art-lovers for exclusive trips, dinners, private tours, and more.
Membership is by application only, with Exclusive Resorts members receiving priority consideration . Just email contact@thecultivist.com
Keep Calm and Carry On
For Carolyn Kremins, there is one cardinal rule of travel: carry-on only. “The mission is to get out of the airport as fast as I can, whether it’s to get to my destination or home,” the Skift president and Exclusive Resorts Member says. There are no exceptions—even for a recent three-week trip that included nine planes, one boat, and seven different accommodations. The secret to fitting it all? A great suitcase and a mastery of the art of mixing business and leisure with versatile looks. Here, a cheat sheet of her must-pack items, no matter the destination.
New to the Residence Collection, Villa Solana sits in the Spanish coastal retreat of Marbella’s most exclusive gated community. Designed for families and large groups, the eight-bedroom estate includes dual kitchens, a private cinema, a gym, and lush gardens with a heated pool. Sweeping mountain views, refined Mediterranean design, and proximity to golden beaches, world-class dining, and Puerto Banús’s famed yacht marina make it an unparalleled Costa del Sol escape.
Investing in Experiences
With smart planning, women can turn their later years into their most adventurous.
BY STEPH WAGNER, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF WOMEN & WEALTH, NORTHERN TRUST
As women, our curiosity and desire to explore don’t fade with age—they deepen. Today, many women over 50 are redefining what it means to live fully, often putting travel at the center of their lives. And this isn’t just a passing trend: A recent survey shows that 77 percent of women value travel experiences more than material possessions (Global Rescue). Concurrently, the economic power of women continues to soar: By the end of the decade, American women are expected to control roughly $30 trillion (McKinsey & Company)—a shift that will empower them with even more financial resources to invest in travel that nourishes their spirit in the second half of their lives.
More than ever, women are traveling with friends, joining guided tours, or going solo—seeking not only new destinations, but also meaningful connections, cultural richness and personal growth.
But here’s the truth: Making these experiences possible requires more than wanderlust. You need a plan— not just a financial plan, but an intentional road map that empowers you to say yes to opportunities and gives you permission to prioritize your desires and savor the journey without the weight of guilt or fear.
Personally, this is something I’ve always struggled with. Even as a personal finance expert, I still get anxious about spending money on the “fun” stuff. Not long ago, I panicked after booking a trip to England with a new friend. I’d always dreamed of London—Buckingham
Palace, the British Museum, and, of course, Harrods. But as a single mom of three boys, I hadn’t taken a vacation on my own in nearly 13 years. Every ounce of my energy—and my money— had gone toward meeting their needs.
So when the chance came, it felt like the start of a new chapter — one where I could finally put myself on the list. And yet, I kept waking up stressed, ruminating on not just the financial impact, but the guilt of taking time away from my family and career. My brain kept whispering: You can’t do this. Now isn’t the right time.
But in my heart, I knew I couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity. The value of new memories, joy, and deepening a friendship outweighed the numbers in that moment. So, I went—and it was worth every penny.
That trip taught me two important lessons: First, we need to give ourselves permission to prioritize our needs. Too often, women put their dreams last. If we wait for a “perfect time,” it may never come. Allowing ourselves the grace to say yes is a powerful act of self-care.
The second lesson I learned is that planning creates freedom. Financial planning isn’t about restriction—it’s about building the confidence that you have the funds to support a full lifetime of needs and feeling empowered to seize new and exciting opportunities. When we think ahead and direct our money toward what truly lights us up, we can say yes without the anxiety.
Here are a few steps that can help you feel empowered to prioritize travel experiences:
Reframe spending on travel as an investment in your wellbeing, not an indulgence. Research shows that meaningful experiences enrich not only our happiness, but also improve our health. In fact, one study showed that spending more time on vacation is correlated with fewer cardiovascular-related issues (Psychology & Health Journal). Be intentional and identify what you seek to experience. Take time to reflect on what you seek to gain from your travel. Perhaps it’s creating memories with new or old friends, learning about new cultures, or simply detaching from the day-to-day demands of your life. Identifying the purpose behind your travel and choosing experiences that will fulfill those needs will help you feel more confident your investment will deliver a valuable return.
Make travel part of your wealth plan. Work with an advisor that takes time to understand the full vision you have for your wealth, and helps you construct a plan to make the most of every chapter while minimizing risk and funding your goals. This kind of comprehensive planning can help you feel confident that you can meet your needs at every stage of life—all while enjoying the benefits of a life well-traveled.
At the end of the day, traveling isn’t about checking places off a list—it’s about honoring yourself, your dreams, and the life you’ve worked so hard to build. With the right plan, you don’t just dream about adventure—you live it.
Among the Sacred Flames
“One of my favorite things to photograph in Papua New Guinea is sing-sing, a local festival where tribes perform ancestral dances in traditional dress,” says photographer and Club Member Keith Philpott, who visited the country’s remote villages while sailing on The World’s Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Expedition in 2024. Vibrant colors and rituals offered endless photo opportunities—especially on one very special night during a Baining Fire Dance. “This captivating event is typically an all-night affair, as dancers with large handmade masks careen in and out of a giant bonfire and perform their sacred rituals. Occasionally, a dancer’s combustible costume catches fire, leading to even more excitement.”
