The 'O' Issue 2021

DALLAS NATIONAL Perfect Private Period

Deep Dive into The Maldives

Pure Luxe Deep Dive into in all aspects Pure Luxe The Maldives Aggieland Aggieland in all aspects Hospitality Hospitality

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Contents Volume 18, Issue 5

FEATURES 12

A&M HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER Experience one-of-kind howydy hospitality.

Richard Arebalo

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BARLATA RESTAURANT Tapas and tradition served in fast-paced Austin.

Richard Arebalo

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‘O’ LET’S GET LUXE

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You want the best. Here it is just in time for summer.

Michelle Keller

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DALLAS NATIONAL GOLF CLUB Often discussed as one the best clubs in Teaxs, but rarely seen.

Carl Mickelson

DALLAS NATIONAL Perfect Private Period

Deep Dive into The Maldives

Pure Luxe Deep Dive into in all aspects Pure Luxe The Maldives Aggieland Aggieland in all aspects Hospitality Hospitality

ON THE COVER All eyes gaze upon a marvel of design, Dallas National is on par with excellence.

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20 Contents Volume 18, Issue 5

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THE ‘O’ ISSUE 2021

COLUMNS 20

FITNESS Start looking forward to leg day. Legs are a tremdous source of your power.

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PUTT FOR DOUGH Unpack the complicated legislation of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

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DRIVE FOR SHOW 2021 Mustang Mach-E. American muscle has a new twist.

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EQUIPMENT The seach for a better swing goes high-tec.

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HEALTH Meet Dr. Jeff Luke. He will help you feel better with his approach to healing.

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BUCK’S TIPS How long will your swing last? It may be time to change your swing.

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ON YOUR GAME One on one with golf’s most sought after course architect, Tom Fazio.

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TRAVEL Dream underwater in The Maldives.

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WINE Château La Croix St. Georges Pomerol. So many choices, start here.

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CIGARS Padron Anniversary 1964 Exclusivo Maduro. It’s a celebration.

From the Publisher SEARCHING FOR THE POP e live in a pop dominant culture. If we want something to stand out, we say it has to pop. We want our photos to pop. We look for it in our cereal. It can have the snap and crackle but it must have the pop.

When we strike the golf ball, you want to pop it whether on a putt, chip, or drive. When speaking to a large group of people, if you want a sudden outburst of applause, just drop the name of the city where you are and you’ll get what pro wrestlers refer to as a “cheap pop”. When I was growing up in the 80s there was a dance sensation call the “pop”. On one occasion, someone passed the basketball to me and it hit the tip of my fingers and jammed it. The first thing everyone said was that if I wanted to feel better, I should pop it back into place.

I could go on and on. Way back in 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic, we all were stuck at home. As a way to spend the time America was captivated by “The Tiger King”. We spent an inordinate amount of time binge-watching TV. I too fell victim to this habit. I discovered on youtube chiropractors giving patients alignments as a way to pass the time. It was my guilty pleasure. You could hear the loud “popping” and the patients would moan with pleasure after their initial shock of the sound. This was fascinating, to say the least. After months of this particular source of entertainment, I thought I should give this a try. I wanted to feel better too but I was reluctant to get popped.

Unlike most of you, I am getting older and I’m not as pain-free was before. I equated the popping to instant gratification to feel better.

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago. A friend told

me I should meet a chiropractor he was working with and perhaps would be a great fit for OTL. I thought it was a Dr. Alan harper’ type we see on TV (‘Two and a Half Men’) Enter Dr. Jeff Luke. He is a real game-changer.

This a story and not an infomercial. I always share with you things that are going on in my life. OTL has now added Dr. Jeff Luke to our editorial team.

We are so excited to share with you his wealth of information and an abundance of healing. All without the pop. He will help you feel better and live better. Just ask me about it when you see me.

Speaking of older people getting it done, as I write this, 50-year-old Phil Mickleson just won the PGA Championship, the oldest golfer to do so.

He was playing with Brooks Koepka who is known for his power on and off the course. Phil wasn’t finessing. He has beating Brooks at the power game, impressive. Phil’s experience and maturity also contributed to the win. Phil has always been a great golfer but if I’m being honest, which I always am, the biggest change is that he has invested in his physical condition. He is in a much healthier place. That’s my take-away. Not only can we be inspired by Phil, but we can also learn from him.

We have the power to change our direction no matter the path.

This is an exciting issue with so much to read and see. We return to Dallas National Golf Club.

It is aging quite well. We visit Aggieland’s newest hotel and conference center. Football crowds are right around the corner.

Texans are ready to get out and enjoy the summer of 2021. We will be there every step of the way.

Play on through.

Sedric Walker • Publisher O T L G O L F. C O M

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/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

@otlgolf

otlgolf.com

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andon Guillory, Loui Shaya

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Keller, Leslie Stevenson, Art Stricklin, Tara Lee Maloney

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natalie Kalbas

CONTENT SPECIALIST Joel McColl

INTERNET & DIGITAL Alexandria Moya, Karen Kreeps

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OTL magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located at 210 Grand Isle Drive. Round Rock, TX 78665. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. OTL reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. ©2021 by OTL. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of OTL is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to OTL are sole property of OTL and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OTL or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. OTL assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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If you’ve ever attended a sports event with, say… 80,000 people or so, perhaps Dallas AT&T Stadium, or maybe with 8,000 fewer of your friends at NRG Stadium in Houston, then you know that logistics; parking, lodging, and dining can be a pretty daunting challenge. Trying it in a stadium that holds nearly thirty percent more people in a much smaller town could be an experience for only the very determined. locking in at just shy of 103,000 seats, Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M University is actually the fifth largest sports stadium in the world and the fourth largest if you don’t count the national arena in North Korea.

If you’ve met many Texas Aggies in your time, then you’d know that on important game days, Aggie determination will fill that stadium to capacity.

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One feature that could possibly rival the feeling of watching your team win is having most of those aforementioned logistical challenges disappear.

Since late 2018, directly across the street from the massive stadium is the state-of-the-art Doug Pitcock ‘49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center.

With 250 guest rooms, eleven beautiful suites, and two jaw-dropping penthouses, the convenience and comfort of the hotel can make a game day not only enjoyable but virtually effortless. Adding to the con-

Location is Everything Aggieland Hospitality STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / OTL MAGAZINE

venience, a 1,400-car parking garage complete with electronic sensors to highlight availability is a serious plus.

I had the privilege of staying at this property recently and found that though new, it has a deep connection to the school’s traditions and past.

As you walk into the hotel, the vast ceilings in the extended entry hall create an impression of quiet luxury. Gray tones and extensive wood used throughout the hotel are interrupted only discretely by A&M logos. The rooms themselves continue the gray and wood design but feature hints of maroon in accents and sometimes furniture. Most striking, however, are the large vintage photos mounted above the beds in the guestrooms.

The beautiful black and white images range from panoramic views of some of the earliest campus buildings to many moments captured in the original 1905 stadium. There are great shots of The Fightin’ Texas Aggie band in the famous “Block T” formation, nostalgic memories from a formal dance, and several timeless shots of yell leaders and cheering crowds.

Although there was a charity event in the hotel ballroom that Saturday night, I was able to book a suite on the seventh floor. The unit was generously sized and very comfortable. The showpiece in the dining room was a long, rustic wood table, with seating for six. Its backdrop, a spectacular wall of windows facing the Stadium’s impressive north façade. The sleek living room featured a leather sofa, classic chairs, and an equally impressive, long vista of west College Station and beyond.

I could certainly see having friends to a nice inroom dinner before walking across the street to enjoy a great game.

The bedroom, which could be closed off completely, shared the same westward views as the living room.

It was generally quiet except for the occasional trains familiar to anyone having lived in College Station.

Prominently above the bed was a six-foot photo of a 1930’s Ring Dance. (An Aggie tradition going back to 1936.)

Completing the suite, the bathroom though modest in size, had a few interesting touches. Beekman 1802 O T L G O L F. C O M

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Hotel east penthouse bedroom

Hotel west penthouse living Room

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toiletries are a nice upscale touch, but I have to admit… I’ve been in a lot of hotels in my last few decades and can safely say that the water volume from the shower had to be some of the best I’ve ever experienced. It felt a bit decadent and is undoubtedly a rarity these days. Lastly, not missing an opportunity to carry a theme, the chrome shower controls are monogrammed with a big “Gig ‘em!” and turning the handle completes the signature thumbs up.

The suites at the hotel can vary by size, layout, and the number of bedrooms; but, the penthouses (one east and one west) are on a genuinely Texas-sized scale.

At almost 1,900 square feet, the East Penthouse on the hotel’s eighth floor is eclectic and luxurious. It features two living rooms and an extended outdoor patio with expansive views of central campus and Kyle Field – honestly, no venue could be surrounded by more of Aggieland.

One unique feature of the master suite is a soaking tub with the same phenomenal views of the campus.

The West Penthouse is slightly smaller than the East unit but features an office with A&M memorabilia and two separate patios, one facing the Stadium and the other facing west.

Fireplaces in each of the penthouses also make for incredible evenings on cooler nights.

Thanks to Sales/Marketing Director Tory Enriquez, I was able to tour a few other room options. I found the standard rooms to be generous in size and equally attractive, with at least half sharing the impressive stadium view.

In addition to lodging, the facility, estimated to have cost $134 million, offers thirty-three thousand square feet of ballrooms, business conference rooms, a large data-connected executive board room, and several individual video conference rooms.

Most of the larger rooms are dividable to allow versatility of use. Many of the meeting rooms have access to exterior green spaces and therefore feature an abundance of natural light.

The hotel’s proximity to the stadium is certainly a huge plus, but as Director Tory explained, its relatively central location on campus makes it ideal for hosting functions like academic symposiums. The venue is also used extensively for corporate recruitment.

The main ballroom with a capacity of 800 regularly plays host to college social functions but is also utilized for upscale charity events and weddings.

For dining, there are three venues; The Junction Market & Cafe, a quick snack and

Hotel east penthouse view of Kyle

coffee bar, Block T Bar & Grill, which is very popular on game days, and the larger Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen restaurant for most other meals.

Though a good amount of change has happened since first opening, BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, the hotel operator, initially worked with Dallas Chef and Cookbook Author Stephan Pyles on the hotel’s food and beverage concepts. The menus in each restaurant were designed to “enhance the Aggie experience” with fresh, locally sourced Texas fare.

Director of Outlets Dalton Farel feels that even though the Pyles recipes may have evolved, the philosophy of local, Texas-sourced products is still firmly part of the hotel’s DNA. At various times throughout the day, I found the offerings at The Junction Market & Cafe to be really good. Fresh, well-made wraps, desserts, and cold drinks were always just a quick elevator ride away.

Dinner on my first evening was at the Block T Bar & Grill on the second and third floors of the hotel. The bar itself is high energy and opens to the hugely popular terraces facing the stadium (just beyond is the impressive swimming pool area).

Dinner started with one of the bar’s specialty cocktails, the Pond Hopper, made with cucumber, basil, lime, and Hendricks Gin, perfect for a hot day. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with fried onions and coleslaw. The sandwich was excellent, as the lean pork kept the sandwich from being too greasy. Plenty of moisture and flavor came from the smoky BBQ sauce.

The banana pudding served in a mason jar was certainly a step above expectations with a

light mixture of banana cream, whipped cream, and mild caramel.

Though not a game night, the bar still had a good-sized crowd; several groups of (legal age) students and students with parents shared the bar with groups of men in classic Corps of Cadets uniforms.

For breakfast the following day, I stayed in the hotel and tried the Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen restaurant. I was greeted again with the signature (and sincere) “Howdy.”

As I was in Aggieland, I opted for the “Aggie Scramble.” A large bowl with scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, and onions was served with fresh biscuits and good coffee.

Though it rained a good part of my stay, it’s important to note that the George H. W. Bush Library is less than two miles from the hotel and will certainly be on the agenda for a future trip.

In between rain showers, I took a few short walks around the campus, though given its considerable size (biggest in Texas), some very long walks could be taken and not leave the campus at all. Connections to the hotel abound. From the vintage pictures, it would be difficult to mistake the dome of The Academic Building or not recognize the broad profile of the Century Tree done in cut-out fashion just outside of the hotel’s ballroom.

I filled the rest of the time with reading and simply enjoying the incredible views from my rooms.

On my last evening, I met colleagues for dinner at Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen.

Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin O T L G O L F. C O M

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The dinner menu allows for casual dining and fine dining alike. Burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches are available alongside pork tenderloin, rib-eye steaks, and salmon.

We each opted for one of the latter.

I started with one of the holdovers from the Chef Pyles collaboration – the tortilla soup. It had a perfect amount of flavor and heat and wowed with generous chunks of smoked chicken, avocado, and cotija cheese - not an item to miss.

My bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin was spoton, served with Boursin mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Director Dalton found us a 2013 Pelle Legna from a winery in Tyler, Texas (another Aggie connection). The wine was an unusual blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, with the rest being Merlot, Zin, and even a touch of Sangiovese. It paired well with both steak and pork.

I finished my last night happily with a cheese plate and a glass of Bergstrom Pinot in my room

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with Kyle Field just outside the window.

One feature that probably doesn’t get sung as much as the rest is the young staff at the hotel.

Again, the hotel benefits from a large pool of students to hire throughout the year because of its location. Many are new to jobs, and most, new to the hospitality industry. Both Directors mentioned that the hotel does indeed focus on training. From the front desk to the restaurant experience, the service was very noticeably efficient and friendly.

My favorite story shared by Tory was about the surprising caliber of the student staff. Inevitably, with graduation, many on the team leave for careers… in one recent and memorable case, a team member designed a deep-sea submersible that generated its own power as their student project, This ultimately led them to be hired by the largest independent automation and controls onsite-field-service provider in the country. And here, I believe, with so many similar stories lies the Texas A&M Hotel’s connection to the future.

The Junction Market&Cafe

Century Ballroom

Vintage photo of A&M Ring Dance

Double Queen Room

THE ‘O’ ISSUE 2021

OTL / FITNESS 20

THE ‘O’ ISSUE 2021

LEG DAY STORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON

fitness

The importance of leg day cannot be emphasized enough, yet it is often dreaded, or worse, skipped altogether. Upper body workouts are generally favored over lower body exercises because they tend to take less energy, the muscles are smaller and have countless movements one can execute to build them, and especially for men, having a toned, strong upper body is important for their physical appearance. The muscles in our lower body, such as glutes, quads and hamstrings, are crucial for our overall health and wellbeing.

Here are a few reasons why we should take more time to focus on leg work along with a few exercises you can incorporate into your routine.

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of us out there who may have started focusing more on their leg workouts with a main focus on the booty, and this is not just the ladies.

Nothing is wrong with that; having a reason behind what we do is important for us to find our motivation and stay consistent even when we feel like quitting. A perky backside is not the only benefit of strong glutes though; consider the daily activities in which we find ourselves that profit from strong glutes--using the stairs at home or work, sitting down or standing up from a chair, all of which are very basic yet essential to daily function. If you don’t think you use your glutes much, build a workout that targets the glutes and see how much you feel it while going about those simple, daily activities.

Glutes are not always the main focus, however; there are many other muscle groups in our lower body that are fundamental to our physical health and injury prevention. Quads, hamstrings and calves are also all vital to maintaining a strong and stable lower body.

By preserving your strength in your legs, you are setting yourself up for less injuries in the future. Consider a time when you picked up something a bit heavy, maybe moving boxes, furniture while rearranging the house, or a sleeping child, and didn’t engage your legs and core before standing up, I’m sure the sharp pain that went through your back is not a fond memory.

Not everyone has two hours a day to dedicate to the gym, which is why incorporating compound lifts can be highly beneficial, not

The muscles in our lower body, such as glutes, quads and hamstrings, are crucial for our overall health and well-being.

only to save time, but also to burn fat more quickly and work more than one muscle group at a time. Deadlifts are an exercise in which you will engage core, hamstrings, glutes and even the back muscles all in one swift movement. Be sure to set up and execute with care to ensure safety, this includes keeping your hips low, shoulder blades back and chest up.

There are countless videos on how to safely set up and execute a deadlift, so never be afraid to check them out to get the most out of your lift.

Another exercise that is beneficial to obtaining a strong lower body is split squats, or sometimes called standing lunges. This exercise is relatively safe not only because you can isolate each leg and not load weights on your back, but also because it is simple to set up which is why it is more popular. Remember to keep your feet hip-width apart, shoulders over hips, front knee over the ankle, and back knee under your hip for the most effective movement. Split squats are beneficial because they focus on various muscles in the lower body as well, including hamstrings, glutes, and a little bit of the quads. If your focus is hamstrings and glutes, try to press through the front heel instead of putting most of your weight on the ball of your foot.

Building lower body strength takes time, dedication and grit, but it is worth the sacrifice.

Not only does developing and maintaining strength in your lower body provide extra confidence, but it also helps promote decades of strong bones, less injury, more stability, and overall better function for daily life. It’s more than aesthetics. It’s power, it’s strength, it’s a way of life.

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STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, was passed and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Aimed at assisting with the economic shortcomings of the pandemic, this legislation covers a broad base of pandemic-related initiatives.

At Austin Asset, we make it a priority to unpack recent legislation and understand the impact on our clients financially. Concerning the

Stimulus Payments

OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

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American Rescue Plan Act, we will discuss the key elements of this bill, and how it could have financial implications in your life and the lives of others. In doing so, we will address the impact of this bill on the following key areas: stimulus payments, the Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, unemployment aid, COBRA, and the expansion of PPP loan eligibility for businesses.

The American Rescue Plan Act included direct stimulus payments of $1,400 to eligible individuals with an AGI of $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less for MFJ).

If you are below these thresholds, you will receive the full amount. However, if you exceed the AGI threshold of $80,000 for single filers or $160,000 for married filing jointly, you will not receive any of the $1,400 stimulus payment. Alternatively, if your AGI is in between the two numbers in the phaseout range, you will receive a reduced stimulus payment. This new stimulus package also expands the eligibility from children under 17 to include all dependents in the household. This includes college students or adult dependents.

It is important to note that the IRS will determine your stimulus eligibility based on your 2019 tax return, or 2020 tax return if filed. To receive the stimulus payment, you must not be a dependent of another taxpayer and

have a valid social security number. As far as the payment timeline is concerned, the IRS designated March 17, 2021 as the official stimulus payment date.

Most people who are eligible for the stimulus payment will receive their payment via direct deposit if this information is already on file, requiring no action on their end. On the other hand, if you are eligible for a stimulus payment, but your direct deposit information is not on file, you will receive payment in the form of a check or debit card. If you receive a debit card in the mail, which is called the Economic Impact Payment Card, it should come in a white envelope with the U.S. Department of Treasury seal. The IRS said this will be a Visa card with MetaBank listed on the back of the card. If you would like to track the status of your stimulus payment, the IRS has a “Get My Payment” page where you can discover more information specific to your stimulus payment.

Child Tax Credit

The American Rescue Act also temporarily expanded on the Child Tax Credit for 2021. Households with children under the age of 6 (as of 12/31/21) can claim a $3,600 credit, and children ages 6-17 are eligible for a $3,000 Child Tax Credit. The thresholds for the Child Tax Credit are below: • Joint Filers: $150,000 • Head of Household: $112,500 • Other filers: $75,000

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can potentially be claimed if you paid expenses for the care of a qualifying individual. Historically, the total expenses to calculate the credit were based on $3,000 in expenses for one qualifying individual, or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals. Your eligible expenses are multiplied by your “Applicable Percentage” to find the actual credit amount that you are entitled to. After the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the following changes to the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit apply: • Raised eligible expense limit to $8,000 of expenses for one qualifying child and $16,000 of expenses for two or more qualifying children.

• Increased the maximum Applicable Percentage from 35% to 50%.

• Changed its non-refundable status to become a fully refundable credit.

• Established $125,000 (regardless of filing status) as the AGI where the credit will begin to phase out. There are two sections of where the phaseout occurs: • Between 125k and 185k, the Applicable Percentage phases out from 50% to a 20% floor at 185k.

• At 400k, the 20% Applicable Percentage is reduced by 1% for every $2,000, which means that individuals and couples will not be able to receive any of the Child and Dependent Care Credit if their AGI exceeds $440,000.

Another unique detail regarding the passage of this stimulus bill is that the Child Tax Credit is a fully refundable credit for 2021, which means that you can receive the full tax refund, even if it makes your total tax liability negative.

Although a 2021 tax credit, the IRS is instructed to pay out half of one’s estimated Child Tax Credit for 2021 in equal payments between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. The IRS will base their estimates on the last tax return on file.

Unemployment Compensation and COBRA Here are the highlights of how the American Rescue Act affected unemployment compensation benefits: • Extended Federal subsidies to states providing unemployment benefits to individuals through September 6, 2021.

• Continued the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (created by the CARES Act) forward through September 6, 2021. This program allows certain workers to be eligible for unemployment compensation that would otherwise be ineligible.

• Increased the weekly unemployment compensation amount to be received by an individual by $300.

• Included a retroactive provision, excluding $10,200 of unemployment compensation in 2020 from tax, given that the uniform $150,000 AGI limit was not exceeded across all filing statuses.

• Implemented COBRA subsidies so that those involuntarily terminated from employment can receive health insurance from their previous employer at zero cost from April through September 2021. Employers will receive a refundable payroll credit as reimbursement.

PPP Loans for Businesses Unfortunately, many businesses have suffered financially during the pandemic. In response to this, the American Rescue Plan expanded eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program loans for the first or second draw. As a result, more non-profits will be eligible to apply. The Paycheck Protection Program, which offers forgivable loans to small businesses due to the pandemic, will receive $7.25 billion as a result of the legislation.

The American Rescue Plan did not extend the March 31, 2021 application deadline. If you are curious whether or not your business is eligible for a PPP loan between now and March 31, more information can be found here through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

We hope that this information has given you insight into the major innerworkings of this bill. If you have any questions, we will enjoy having a conversation, as we continue to live out our mission to provide authentic advice.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW 26

2021 MUSTANG MACH-E Ford’s gamble on combining its historic pony car nameplate with the excitement of electric technology pays off in a big way with the all-new 2021 Mustang Mach-E. Ford designers hit the mark wrapping up its Electric Vehicle ambitions in a familiar Mustang package.

The exterior of this 5 passenger, 4-door wagon screams 21st century cool and is full of sporty rolling curves, a simple front end accented by the mustang badge, sleek LED head lights beaming with sophisticated attitude and a tight rear design highlighting recognizable Mustang style tail lights. Yes, Bravo Ford, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is a very good looking vehicle.

There are a number of different options available when it comes to power. The extended range all-wheeldrive version we tested produces 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque and clocked in at 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. We were very impressed by the raw acceleration for a crossover vehicle of this size. The pickup was so intense it forced a smile every time you hit the go pedal. We can only imagine the crisp power that the 480 horsepower GT version will provide. There is also a more tame 266 horsepower option that still gets you to 60 mph in just 6 seconds.

On the road the Mustang Mach-E handles very well.

Once out of the gates, your heart rate slows, that silly grin subsides and you loosen your grip on the steering wheel to enjoy a very comfortable and confident ride.

The estimated cruising range is between 211 and 305

THE ‘O’ ISSUE 2021

miles depending on the battery pack and type of electric motor you choose. Ford provides all Mach-E owners with fast-charging capabilities. The Ford mobile charger provides 30 miles of range per night with a 120 volt outlet and up to 80 percent of battery life overnight with a 240-volt outlet. You can also purchase online a Ford charging station. Once installed by certified electricians this station can add 32 miles per hour and recharge the battery overnight.

Inside the 2021 Mustang Mach-E driver and passengers are provided a clean minimalist cabin experience.

The dash has a cool digital gauge cluster and a supersized 15.5 inch vertically mounted digital touchscreen that serves as the control center for the vehicle. Ford will provide ongoing over-the-air updates that will improve the system while adding new content. You can set and change the color of the ambient lighting, wirelessly charge your electronic devices while enjoying the scenic view above provided by the panoramic sunroof that keeps a good amount of the Texas sun and heat from entering the cabin.

The 2021 Mustang Mach-E unlike its namesake provides plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly 30 cubic feet and double that with the rear seats folded down. That’s more than enough space for a grocery run, road trip or even a quick jaunt to the local home improvement store.

The 2021 Mustang Mach-E starts around $47 thousand dollars. We highly recommend a test drive if you are remotely interested in purchasing an EV.

OTL / EQUIPMENT

The Search for a Better Swing

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Goes High Tech STORY BY MARC HOENIG You may have heard the saying, “If you want to play golf, don’t get into the golf business.” I would add “or have a bunch of kids.” I have four daughters so my golf time is limited. I love to play, but I have to pore over several school and dance calendars to find a six-hour window to hit the links. Then, I have to negotiate with my wife to get the green light. Why am I sharing this? Because like many of you, I do not have a lot of time to go hit balls and work on my game. Even if I did, I would probably be practicing the wrong things.

When the last holidays came around, I gathered up my gift cards and scoured Amazon for the right backyard net and mat. I even bought a launch monitor to tell me how far I was hitting each club and one of those elastic bands to keep my arms together during the swing. The goods arrived and I started swinging.

The family didn’t particularly care for the new addition to the backyard. They thought the net looked ugly and thought I looked ridiculous wearing a glove and soft spikes to hit off a mat. ‘Dad you look like those weird people who bring their own clubs to Top Golf.’ I didn’t care. I was pumped.

I’d go out between sales calls and hit a few. Back to the home office for more calls. Then to the backyard to swing some more. I was convinced I’d build muscle memory and be a scratch in no time.

This is probably a good time to tell you about my game. I play about eight times per year. I usually land in the low 90s. Even though I don’t play often, I get mad when I don’t play well. It really makes no sense. But I’ve tried to convince myself that I shouldn’t get upset because I don’t play much and up until now, I haven’t practiced.

On the advice of a buddy, I downloaded the V1 Golf app. He told me that I might benefit from recording my swing and watching it back from different angles. I’ve always been an analytical person, so I figured I’d be able to identify my swing flaws by seeing them. I recorded some swings over the next few weeks and watched them back in slow motion.

Then I used the app to compare my swing side-byside against the best players in the world from the V1 video catalog.

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I was hitting a lot into the net and I could feel my swing getting better because I was making better contact. This went on for a few days. And, then, golf happened. My swing took a turn for the worse.

I shanked one over the neighbor’s fence. Then I hit it INTO the fence. It was loud. I scared their dog pretty good. I went back to the app to try to figure it out.

No such luck. I didn’t look exactly like Louis Oosthuizen, but my swing still looked pretty good. Back outside. Same result. I was freaking out about my recent case of the shanks. I expressed this to my family over dinner. They didn’t care and made it clear that they didn’t want to know if I was hitting them pure or 45 degrees to the right.

Monday, May 17th. First round in three-plus months. Also, the first round since the mat acquisition (and the shanks). Nervously, I arrived at the beautiful Fazio Canyons Course at Omni Barton Creek Resort. Was up half the night, petrified that my new swing ailments would join me at the course.

Fortunately, I had a good range session (and a cocktail). Crisis averted. I started with a par and ended with a par, sandwiched between several laughs and a 90-minute rain delay. All in all, it was a fun day. I shot 93. More importantly, I won $28 off my buddies.

When I got home I started thinking about my round and decided I was ready to up my game. Once feature of the V1 app is the ability to connect with PGA instructors for a video lesson. I scanned the list of pros and immediately saw the name Buck Mayers. He gave me a few lessons years ago at Grey Rock Golf Club in Austin.

Now he’s the director of instruction at the luxe private Escondido Golf and Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay. He’s really good and has worked with mini-tour players, top college golfers, and thousands of amateurs across his distinguished career. But could he get me on track? I recorded a couple of ‘face-on’ swings and then some ‘down the line.’ I uploaded them and sent them to Buck.

The next day, I got some feedback. He started out gently and reassuringly enough.

Initially, I’d say your balance points are pretty solid. You do a pretty good job of getting the club back into a good path. You just need more room to swing it.

Then, he instantly pinpointed some basic set-up issues that have been creating a trigger effect that seems to be at the root of my swing’s inconsistency. The good news, they’re fairly easy to adjust to and fix.

Your right-hand grip is a little too much in your palm. I like to see it more in your fingers. Your ball position is at least two balls too-far-back in your stance. You’re right-handed, so I’d like to see the ball in your stance in a straight vertical line down from your left ear. The ball too far back is causing you to sway linearly, rather than turn, in your backswing

then slide into the ball with your body hanging too far back. All you can do from there is use your hands to flip and drag the club while pulling the elbow inward. You’re going to miss a lot to the right or overcompensate with the hands and hook it.

Harsh, but he’s right. There’s a big difference between me analyzing my swing and a professional instructor analyzing my swing. He diagnosed me immediately. I’m getting in my own way on the downswing and I’ve been relying too much on quick hand action to compensate.

Buck puts up a video of Masters champion Trevor Immelman’s set-up and swing and illustrates what moving the ball forward in my stance can do. Immelman doesn’t have to sway to get behind the ball. He’s already there and has room to swing freely back to the ball.

Buck then points out another reason why I need to create more space to swing by making a better hip and shoulder turn.

On your backswing, you get up on your toes and move your body upward and that moves you closer to the ball which gives you less room to swing. Your hips get under you, your arms get stuck behind your body so you have to shift back linearly and do your flip-drag move to make contact. Better grip and ball position is going to give your more room to make a good swing.

He shows me how Adam Scott opens up his hips, pelvis and core without swaying back or lifting up. By turning properly, Scott keeps his body inside the narrow phonebooth shape Buck draws over the video. In the side-by-side, I see my head pop out from the top of the box then poke out the side on my cramped follow through while Scott freely unloads on a perfectly-balanced in-to-in iron swing with the shaft fully extended.

Seeing this on video crystalizes the picture for me. I need to create more space to swing on a better path with more power and less hand flipping to fix other faults. On my backswing, I’m thinking about moving more around and back vs. up and forward to give me more space to shallow out the club and swing with pure contact and good direction.

Finally, a prescription for practicing. I know what I should work on.

So, without leaving the house, I got a professional lesson and my swing compared to two Masters winners. With the changes Buck sent me through the V1 system, I can practice, rewind and re-watch his voiceover lessons and then send him videos as I work on his suggestions.

Pounding balls in the backyard was fun. Seeing an improvement in my swing is a game changer. Obviously, Buck can’t alter my family schedule, but he can dial in my irons and create a more enjoyable round the next time I find a window to go play an actual course.

If you want to step up your game, I would definitely recommend trying the V1 app. What do you have to lose, except more strokes?

Learn more at v1sports.com/athletes/v1-golfapp and www.buckmayersgolf.com.

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Barlata

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STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR

In 2013, before the actual opening of Barlata in South Austin, there had already been a considerable buzz about the impending restaurant.

Stories abounded on Chef Daniel Olivella’s colorful past and his success in the culinary industry. He was well known to foodies for his ‘B44 Catalan Bistro’ in San Francisco and the original Barlata in Oakland. Closer to home, he taught very popular classes in Spanish (and Catalan) cooking at Central Market. he funny thing was that, in general, the concept of ‘tapas’ was fairly new to Austin, whereas traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex fare go back as far as the state itself. On more than one occasion, I was quizzed about why I was sharing excitement about a “topless bar” coming to Austin.

In a nutshell, tapas are appetizers – small plates of flavorful meats or grilled vegetables; think shishito peppers, potatoes, Iberico ham, mussels, ceviche, lamb kebabs, etc. with flights of Sherry or Spanish wine.

Eight years later, I’m happy to report that many more Austinites now know and love Spanish tapas and that Barlata is still on South Lamar and thriving.

I had the great pleasure of sitting with Chef Daniel at his restaurant recently, and in a very short time got a strong sense of his love of his culture, his family, and the Spanish food he helped introduce to the US. Daniel’s decision to move to Austin had originally been for a better environment for his family. He liked the feel of the city; it felt familiar yet not quite as urban as SF (despite recent growth.)

The restaurant has been a family enterprise from the beginning. His wife Vanessa Jerez came up with the unique name “Barlata,” which translates as the “can bar,” and he credits a tremendous amount of its success to her business skills. (Their eldest daughter now works at the restaurant as well) It’s important to note that Daniel is most certainly a hands-on chef and regularly works the line at Barlata. I noticed a particular enthusiasm as he was

Shrimp Octopus Ceveche

explaining his method for Sofrito - a Spanish sauce that consists of tomato paste, olive oil, onions, and peppers. He believes that his focus on that base ingredient elevates the many dishes where it gets incorporated.

The ancient Tampa institution, Colombia, and the restaurants of Chef José Andrés notwithstanding, Daniel and I discussed how Spanish food is still relatively unique in the US. Over the last several decades, Mexican, Cuban, and even Central American restaurants have spread to even remote corners of the country. However, Iberian Spanish or Catalonian is still primarily found in larger cities, if at all.

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Patatas Bravas The popularity of tapas in well-traveled cities like Madrid and Barcelona has undoubtedly started to increase the reputation of Spanish food in general though we are perhaps still a long way from having our own verb for it. (“tapear” (tap-eh-are) is now a verb in Spanish meaning to have tapas.)

Over the years, I have been to Barlata many times but tend to bring different friends so I can stick to my very favorites on the menu.

Sherry is a very traditional pairing with tapas in Spain, but any of the 65 or so selections on the wine menu would work just fine. In our interview, Daniel mentioned that the wine list is purposely diverse.

Rather than focus on Rioja and Ribera del Duero (certainly represented), there are selections from smaller regions like Bierzo, Garraf Massif, Monstant, and even the Canary Islands. If you enjoy sparkling wine, seven good Cavas are available, three by the glass. For something a little stronger, 25 House and Classic cocktails are on the menu, including 6 “Spanish Refrescos.”

In addition to 29 cold and hot tapas varieties, Barlata offers small and large portions of classic Paella 32

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and Arossos (a bit creamier).

I usually like to start with an order of grilled shishito peppers – these tend to be mostly mild, with the occasional firecracker sneaking into the mix.

Though many dishes are shareable by two people, I always like getting personal portions of the shrimp and octopus ceviche (bright flavors of lime, red onion, seafood, and cilantro) and patatas bravas (tender cubes of fried potatoes with a sofrito enhanced tomato sauce and garlic aioli).

A favorite that I now make at home is the Catalan classic Pa Amb Tomaquet, ‘tomato bread.’ These are slices of rustic bread grilled over a fire and rubbed with garlic, fresh tomato, and a touch of sea salt. The flavor is incredible, given the simplicity. A great option is to have it topped with Jamon Serrano or the more decadent Jamon Iberico.

Tapas can take their inspiration from many places, and on the menu, you’ll find these beautiful little skewers of Moroccan grilled lamb drizzled with a spicy sofrito pimenton sauce and served with a small side of cucumber salad. (Definitely recommend a per-

Barlata, 1500 S Lamar Blvd #150, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 473-2211

Crema Catalana large sonal portion or two) Depending on your mood, finishing with a Paella for the table is always a great option. Chef Daniel is particular about his style. He believes in a thin but deeply flavorful layer of rice topped with various proteins. The most popular (my favorite) is the Paella Barlata with; chicken, chorizo, shrimp, clams, mussels, peas, and green beans.

If there is room after all of that, the Crema Catalan is the best version of crème brulee – beautiful custard infused with lemon zest and cinnamon, topped with a broiled sugar crust.

An authentic Spanish “tapear” always involves friends and a bit of travel from bar to bar, choosing the best each place has to offer. Though several different tapas bars within walking distance are not likely in the near future, Chef Daniel (and family) have provided the next best thing…. An incomparable assortment under one roof.

On your way out, you’ll see copies of Chef Daniel’s cookbook “Catalan Food” – I highly recommend a copy of that as well.

Paella Barlata

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O T L / H E A LT H

Muscle Evaluation and Activation:

The New Frontier STORY BY DR. JEFF LUKE As a chiropractor, I often take on the role of educator to empower my clients to realize their health and wellness goals.

And because you are with yourself more than you are in my office, it is important to include you in the process. Therefore, I have found it is far easier to enlighten a person’s perspective on health and healing than trying to do it all myself. By being more of a Sherpa than a Guru, I guide clients to see the world and their bodies in a new light. I recommend therapeutic movement and exercise; foods to eat or avoid; and ways to improve mental state. By allowing my clients to choose and own their personal healing path, individuals reclaim their health and becoming their body’s ally.

Rather than sit back passively and wait for someone else to make them well, they grab it by the horns.

Consumer health care has conditioned people to adopt several disempowering beliefs towards what health is, and how to attain it. Many people feel they can simply hand over their ‘health’ to their healthcare provider and return in an hour to pick it up.

We have also been conditioned as consumers to expect to feel better yesterday and have someone else pay for it. We are constantly seeking a magic bullet or pill, but do not actually believe in magic. By reframing what true health and wellness is and how it is attained, my clients, again, are empowered to be their own body’s ally.

The truth is that the body was designed to self-heal and self-regulate, and when given the correct internal and external environment, the body can do seemingly miraculous things. We often forget that the power that made the body, heals the body and that that power did not leave you when you left mom. Armed with this understanding, we can see how the body is always doing the best it can with what it has at a given moment for the overall betterment of you and with the end goal of survival in mind.

Consider that chronically swollen ankle as your body’s own cast, immobilizing inadequately healed tissue. Is this dysfunction or the body’s innate intelligence at play?

In a very general sense, three avenues influence our health, positively or negatively. These avenues are the mental (Emotional), physical (Structural), and environmental (Chemical). Our unique combination of these three influencers of health equates to our personal health state. Each avenue works with the others to establish and maintain homeostasis towards the goal of survival. Just as this relationship between the three avenues can beneficially impact our health and healing capacity, so too can it be detrimental. Special attention must be paid to each avenue to correctly identify causative factors to symptoms or dysfunction so that appropriate treatment may be provided to maximize healing time and potential.

EMOTIONAL Whether you think you can or think you cannot – you are correct. The same is true for our mindset around healing.

Unaddressed and unresolved mental and emotional stress can hinder healing and contribute to pain. Visualize the posture of someone grieving, now oppose that to someone is who just made a million dollars in cryptocurrency. And because of the interconnected avenues our emotional state is heavily influenced by our diet and gut health. For example, feeling moody when hungry and tired after meals are potential signs of blood sugar dysregulation.

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STRUCTURAL There is a limit and capacity to our tissues. Whether it be bone, organ, or cartilage, acute and repetitive stress can cause serious health issues. This underlines the importance of moving and resting within the design of our body. Assessing for primary faults in range of motion, posture, strength, and coordination leads to better treatment. Understandably physical ailments can cause tremendous amounts of mental and emotional stress, as well as deplete our body’s metabolic reserves.

CHEMICAL Chemical: The quality of our internal and external environment logically plays a large role in our ability to function and heal. This includes everything that we put in and, on our bodies, along with all the biochemical processes required to digest, detoxification, repair, and maintenance. From the chemicals used to clean us, our food, our things and more our environment has become increasingly saturated. Avoiding primary food allergens and harsh chemicals from our day-to-day lives drastically improves our ability to recover. Just like it is hard to be productive in a dirty room, your cellular function is reduced in a toxic internal environment.

MY CLINICAL WORK Most clients seek my services for physical complaints, along with my special certifications in muscle assessments and treatment. Of the three avenues discussed above, the physical avenue is my main entry point used to improve health and healing in my clients.

Unlike other muscle-specific therapies and techniques that center around finding tight muscles and releasing them, I take a different approach. Through advanced training in AMIT, I can locate, treat, and re-integrate functionally weak or reflexively inhibited muscle(s) that cause dysfunction and discomfort.

Chronically tight muscles are often associated with an opposite (also called an antagonistic) muscle with weakness and/or inhibition. An example of antagonistic muscles is abdominals and back muscles. They are opposite to each other, and they work synergistically for optimal movement, balance, and overall health.

When a weak or inhibited muscle is left untreated, the body brilliantly adapts by offloading the weak muscle and rerouting muscle recruitment. Of course, this comes at a cost: reduced efficiency and hardwiring compensative movement patterns. These new movement patterns alter load and stress on tissues, ultimately leading to inflammation, degeneration, and pain.

To return to our earlier example of antagonistic muscles, I often see functionally inhibited abdominal and glute muscles causing tightness in the lower back.

Rather than focus on the area of pain (low back), I focus my work on the abs and glutes, which brings balance to the system. In many cases, tight muscles are not the cause but the response. They will release on their own when there is no more need for their adaptive state.

With this understanding and AMIT, I can individual-

ly test and evaluate 200+ muscles per side of the body.

Muscles are then facilitated or “turned-on” through specific and unique stimulation to the mechanoreceptors. This system was developed from the integration of diverse techniques ranging from chiropractic, acupuncture, myofascial therapy, lymphatic and vascular reflexes that reestablish the integrity of the involved muscle.

Unless there is underlying pathology, eg. a torn tendon, ligament or muscle, corrections hold, and the body no longer needs to adapt to the inhibited muscles. Additional therapies and rehabilitation are supported by muscle activation, as you cannot strengthen something you cannot contract.

Jeff Luke is a Chiropractor and owner of M Powered Chiropractic specializing in Advanced Muscle Activation Techniques (AMIT). He is currently practicing in both Austin and Georgetown, Texas. He can be found on Facebook and Instagram @mpoweredchiro and reached at jeff.luke@mpoweredchiro.com or 512-921-5235.

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Let’s Get Luxe

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ER LL KE E LL HE IC M BY Y OR ST O T L G O L F. C O M

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We’re overdue for exceptional exploration, luxury, and happy memory making, won’t you agree?

Adventure is opening back up friends, and it’s time to get back to living your best life.

Who could have predicted an era when travel would have been limited and all of the plans we had on the back burner went straight to the “not going to happen file.” If we learned anything, it’s not to wait? It’s time to take your dreams off the back burner and make them the entree. In this space, we’ll talk about getting your body back on track, your mind back in tranquility, and your life on, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

et’s get your body right and put some work in with a fascia solution. Lingering low back pain, aching feet, or constant tension in your shoulders? Unhealthy fascia can be the cause. Fascia can restrict your range of motion and compress muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, causing pain and tension. Take hold of the improved performance, reduced injury, and overall health benefits that come with understanding and caring for your body’s fascial system. You can learn what it is, how to care for it, and how to maximize performance through healthy fascia with Jenea Frierson at Fit Fascia Solutions. Co-owner Jenea Frierson has worked with professional athletes, chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, acupuncturists, plastic surgeons, and many more health professionals. The focus is on bringing holistic wellness into your life.

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What else needs a tune-up? Sources say we spend an average of 12k miles annually in our cars. So why not make it as comfortable as possible? The smell of fresh leather in the interior and dazzling options are never quite blinged as bright as the 2021 Jaguar Convertible F-Type. Get ready for euphoria from within, the lightweight seats are a snug fit, controls are intuitively accessible and instruments are clear and simple.

The front performance seats in the F‑TYPE are 12‑way adjustable, so you can settle into your own personal sweet spot. Plus, there’s the option of heating or cooling for optimum comfort. Choose to build your own model and go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds with a 3-liter, 6-cylinder, 380HP, supercharged all-wheel drive. Feature-rich with more options and capabilities than you can dream of, this is the car for the affluent in 2021.

Let’s talk about some newbies from the pandemic era. Zoom and similar live meeting apps allowed us to make significant use of our time and helped many businesses survive. Along with this came interactive at-home entertainment.

From apps that offer the ability to watch movies at the same time with video to share reactions, to calling interfaces with virtual game nights, we’ve made some lasting industry firsts.

Wineries offered virtual one-on-one wine tasting events. In California, Dutton Goldfield Winery reached out to us in our homes via zoom and kept us interactive in the things we enjoy.

All you had to do was choose your flight, sign up for the tasting, the wine was shipped and

hospitality manager, Greg Johnson hosted a one-on-one tasting through the wines. Stories were shared about the vineyards, the area they’re from, and what makes them special.

With wines that offer the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure, and balance that are reflective of their cool coastal neighborhood, Dutton Goldfield specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and also produces small quantities of Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Winner of numerous awards this Sonoma Valley winery is sourced from vineyards throughout the Northern California coast, from Marin to Mendocino counties. Call ahead and enjoy a case this summer.

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“Diamonds are a Girls’ Best Friend.” That, ladies and gents, will always be true. “Square-cut or pearshaped, these rocks don’t lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” Marilyn Monroe sang in one of the movies she was famous for. From Tiffany’s to Cartier, and from 8 years old to 110, every girl’s heart has a diamond shape on the inside. Jokes aside, male or female, there’s something for everyone who likes a bit of lux in their attire. The four C’s never hurt anyone’s feelings, especially not mine (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight).

Customize the heart of your dreams at Tiffany’s with the Soleste, heart-shaped Halo engagement ring with a diamond platinum band (available in .5 carat up to 2 carats). The diamond is the shape of her heart in this one-of-a-kind set. Diamonds are still man’s best correspondence seal. Signet rings, monograms, diamond point cuffs are among the things every gentleman needs in his valet. Find the newness your heart desires from the lapel to the belt.

Time is valuable and one of the few things you can’t get back once it’s gone. Why would you treat it any other way than on a brilliant Cartier display? Cartier’s new timepieces-themed “Watches and Wonders” is dedicated to the culture of design this year. Tank Must, Pash de Cartier and Cloche de Cartier all shine in new models. The new version of the Pash de Cartier appeared with a jewelrywatch diameter, a quartz movement, and all the signature details found on a Pasha watch: engraved initials hidden behind the crown to cover the interchangeable straps. A true Cartier signature, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is emblematic of the Maison’s vision of design. With pure lines, precise proportions, precious details, and the accuracy of the shape, every aspect of this watch is a matter of harmony. Cartier completes its collection with a new 40 mm size that complements both men’s and women’s wrists with the same elegance.

Ta n k d e C a r t i e r

Pasha de Car tier

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I’ve spent enough time at home to span a lifetime. Are you as ready to get bathed in sun and fun as I am? We both know you are.

Let’s get a little spa treatment and water fun at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Start and end each day soaking up stunning views from accommodations at Lake Austin Spa Resort. These rooms offer a sanctuary to inspire and rejuvenate while embracing the rustic charm of the Hill Country.

Spend an afternoon reveling in relaxation at the spa, exploring the lake by kayak, or practicing yoga on a paddleboard. When it’s time to settle in, retreat to the comforts of your accommodations under your favorite Texas stars. Our entire resort is an escape from every day, but the LakeHouse Spa takes you even further down the path to true tranquility. Join us as a spa day guest or indulge in all-inclusive luxury as an overnight guest at the resort.

The LakeHouse Spa has incredible amenities to explore as a day guest. From fresh, seasonal dining at the elegant Aster Café, to private suites perfect for couples, treatments are just the beginning of your spa journey.

Experience the world’s best ancient and modern therapeutic techniques in a serene setting. Our one-of-a-kind 25,000-squarefoot facility is an Austin spa oasis that offers all of our guests a calming place to refresh and relax.

But don’t think I forgot about the fun in the sun. Immerse your mind, body, and spirit in a wave of restoration at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Located right on the shores of Lake Austin, this stunningTexas retreat inspires you to form a new relationship with water when you go below the surface and reconnect with life. You’ll find aquatic influences all around you during your stay, from floating water meditation and sundown paddle outings to scenic boat cruises and live music lakeside, as well as aquatic spa treatments, our all-inclusive activities invite you to dive into a new experience while developing a deeper understanding of the transformational properties of water.

Led by Executive Chef Stéphane Beaucamp, the resort’s lakefront dining room and Aster Café specialize in French influences with local inspiration to cook up healthy, flavorful creations you’ll remember long after the dishes have been cleared. Whether you’re participating in a chef-led cooking class or indulging in one of the three meals included in your overnight stay, you’ll find satisfaction in a meal that is best served by the water.

These are just the beginnings of a summer of luxury that’s waiting for you to claim. Whatever you do this summer, even if it’s in your backyard, make the most of it. Breathe in every single second of it.

Cherish time, the air, freedom, and most importantly life.

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OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

IS IT TIME FOR A SWING CHANGE? STORY BY BUCK MAYERS One of the greatest things about golf - we are always learning. Some of the bests of all time have had multiple coaches over their successful careers, yet many have also failed in “the search of perfection”. This could also apply to the best coaches on the planet who have lost their jobs teaching former number one players on professional tours. There are vast philosophies in systems and methods that have worked for some but not others. Who really knows why Norman, Faldo, Woods, Ko, Wei, McIlroy, Rose, Mickelson, and so many others have sought alternative coaching?

Was the swing truly the answer or the problem to begin with? Above all, we must recognize that

the golf swing may be simple in theory, the machine that performs it is extremely complicated.

The greatest challenge to the teacher/player lies in the recognition and treatment of the individual differences. Self-discovery is a big part of learning and hearing something different might trigger a new pattern of confidence and belief to a more productive or simpler approach to improve. Mr. Penick once said, “try learning to say the same thing 10 different ways”.

Coaches can impart useful knowledge, yet the skill and work ultimately come from the student.

Trusting your plan is critical.

Here are some words of wisdom from some of the best that have ever played the game: Ben Hogan – “The average golfers’ problem is not in the lack of ability as it is from the lack of knowledge of what he or she should be doing.”

Bobby Jones - “The one influence most likely to assure the satisfactory progression in the swing is clear visualization in the players’ mind and movements. This can do more for a player than anything else he can possibly do, and I always stress that point.”

Alex Morrison - “The excellence of your game will depend upon the extent to which your mind takes charge, and the way your body responds to its commands.”

In sports/golf, you experience every possible emotion and psychological state as you are forced to respond to constantly changing circumstances.

You can always go back to what worked best. But remember, only make changes that result in you playing better versus swinging better.

Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX and can be reached at www.buckmayersgolf.com

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Dallas National

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Stands Apart Perfectly Private STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

I’d heard things. Being in the golf industry, there’s no way I could have missed all the superlatives, the plaudits, the number-one-rankings and the celebrity and Tour player name-drops through the years. But, how the heck had I made it almost two decades without even seeing Dallas National Golf Club in person? ales of the often-top-rated course in Texas (according the Dallas Morning News’ where it came in at #2 annual rankings after a run at #1 – it also comes in #71 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses) have scaled to epic proportions of wonderment and awe. The only non-empirical conclusion had to be that the place was amazing, but in 2021, it was high time I got there and formed my own opinion. It’s completely my fault – and partially attributed to my lifelong, laughably petty ‘Houston Kid’ feud with all things Dallas - that I hadn’t gotten around to experiencing Dallas National until last month. I just don’t travel up there much. This was a procrastination I regretted instantly.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a storied and spectacular country club market. The club that aficionados have perennially placed on a pedestal over major championship sites like Colonial Country Club, Dallas Athletic Club and Northwood Club must have it all – from a standout golf course design to top-tier amenities and an unforgettably golf-centric culture.

To see Dallas National, though, is to believe such a place can exist.

I notice things. Especially things like ample, secluded, brilliantly designed short game practice ar-

Hole #10

eas. Dallas National’s, tucked into a quiet treelined cove, is as good as any I’ve seen and I used to specifically scout the industry’s best short game facilities as part of my previous job. Multiple targets from greenside to 135 yards, expertly-designed putting greens (seven Bentgrass and even one that’s Bermuda) and fantastic surrounds and bunkering all inspire creativity and demand precision. I’m not even parked and I’m impressed.

Across from the Hill Country Chic-Ranch-Style clubhouse, is a 6,000 square foot indoor game improvement-driven performance center, with everything a golfer needs to practice, learn and have a good time. The learning center has a dining and cocktail area on one end and workout facilities, high-tech hitting bays, launch monitors, simulators and a custom fitting studio that’s as stocked as any brand name retail fitter on the other. On rainy days and fun-filled evenings, it’s easy to feel like a kid in a candy store in this immersive space. Outside, Dallas National’s 130-yard wide driving range is decked out with the essentials for quality practice including the innovative TrackMan Range system that allows golfers to get launch monitor ball data delivered to their smart device as they hit balls. At this point, you start to understand why top professionals like Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, Carlos Ortiz, and Will Zalatoris practice and play here.

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Hole #5 The thing that stands out about this celebrated 7,404-yard, par-72 Tom Fazio designed is that it really does have the topography and aesthetic earmarks of a course set in the Central Texas Hill Country. Think San Antonio with denser vegetation or Horseshoe Bay without a single residential lot on the course. Then add lush Zoysia fairways and pampered Bentgrass greens and an unspoiled serenity you might expect on land that was never touched (except by a small devout convent of nuns who maintain their spot on a quiet, secluded hilltop) until work began on the golf course at the start of this century. It was a potential quarry site, but thankfully for DN’s membership, that never panned out and the 400 rolling acres with 170 feet of elevation changes were secured by developer John MacDonald to enable the club’s August 2002 opening.

Prior to my maiden round there, I sat in Dallas National’s posh, comfortable 19th Hole dining room with the club’s general manager David Denley and longtime and-recently-outgoing

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chairman Dennis Barnes and learned a bit about the history of the land and the club and what it’s really like inside the gates of one of the country’s most sought-after private clubs.

“The culture is very laid back here. We’ve all been to those golf clubs where you kind of have to have your head on a swivel and you’re afraid of making a mistake. That’s not this place,” says Barnes. “We’re all equals out here. Everybody parks their egos. We’ve got a lot of celebrities and very successful people out here, but everybody’s on the same footing.”

The three of us found we shared an appreciation for Fazio’s ability to stage a dramatic pacing of holes that often starts gentle, ramps up the challenge in the middle part of the opening nine, dazzles with some standout holes in the middle of the round and demands great shots over the last four or so holes. That’s essentially the pace of things at Dallas National as the holes wind up and down the property’s plunging hillsides.

“This is a fun golf course with some generous

Hole #13 landing areas off the tee but certainly design elements that humble us and greens that are challenging but fun to play every single day. And, while there are those ample landing areas, missing a fairway wide won’t put you in a neighboring fairway. It will mean a lost ball or taking relief from a penalty area.”

The round at Dallas National opens with a pleasingly-open and shortish par four (just 385 from the back Texas tees) and is followed by a scorable dogleg-right par five with a generous landing area. Long-hitting members take on the tree-hemmed corner to set up shorter second shots. After a testy mid-length par three and winding but manageable treelined par five, the Hill Country nature of the course starts to come alive at the long par-three fifth. A sizable carry to the deep uphill green that slopes front to back is needed on this beautifully framed 225-yarder.

Crossing the second of the course’s signature bridges gives the sense of climbing into hillier terrain and more demanding shot values.

Fazio tests then tempts golfers in equal measure with a long par 4 at six and the potentially drivable par-four seventh. The city view from seventh green is just one of 800 or so things that make Dallas National unforgettable.

The 475-yard 8th calls for a well-struck tee shot and approach on reasonably flat plateau of land. Meanwhile, the while the ninth swoops down a wildly sloping valley – balls landing in the first cut on the right frequently trundle back down the middle of the fairway – then plays back uphill to a narrow and beguiling putting surface.

Stay focused on the swiveling 610-yard parfive 10th. Three well-struck shots into a deep, uphill green can set the tone for a special back nine experience. The 11th is a purely enjoyable, gently uphill par 4 of just 367 yards from the first set of member tees. The hole doglegs left to right and sits in a secluded, bucolic part of the property reminiscent of the deep hills of North Carolina.

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Hole #9

On 12, a brawny, 429-yard par four and 13, short but cinematic par 3 of 154 yards from the back tees, a rushing creek and tall treeline defines the right perimeter and character and the inspiration to shape shots emanates from like the breeze. This stretch of holes is fantastic.

The fourteenth, another hole that swings from right to left with a devilish drop off on the left side of the hole, plays just 374 up the slope but conservative shots down the right side can make it play longer than yardage. The 457-yard 15th asks for a lengthy drive down the right side and longish approach back across the dogleg to an ample green where back pin placement is tall order at a pivotal time in the round.

When it comes to that pacing we mentioned, this is the stretch in the round where Fazio rewards the players who hit it more sharply as the day progresses. If that’s not your tendency or fate, this closing stretch could prove costly. The 16th is the #1 handicap hole at 489 yards from the tips with bunkered tightening the landing area on the left and stern treeline bordering the right. Solid ball striking is imperative to close out this round.

That’s especially at true at the 245-yard 17th.

Save a pure swing for this demanding one-shot hole, where exposed rock and native grass make you swear you were in San Antonio.

The 18th hole at Dallas National is an excellent finishing hole on any level. Playing 548 yards from the back tees means two mighty swings can get you a reasonable approach into this wonderful green setting tucked into an intimate elevated nook. There’s hardly a flat putt on this last green, guaranteeing drama into the tap in falls. A perfect capper to a distinctively pleasing round. There are stories that the Presidents Cup nearly came to Dallas National several years ago. It would have looked tremendous on TV and the tension and risk/reward elements of the course would have been electric for the elite match play format.

So, yes, the verdict is that Dallas National is one finest courses in Texas and a delight for golfing purists – a golf club as opposed to a country club. It’s clear why North Texas golfers (and many from around the country) who could play anywhere, have joined there.

So, I may always love Hakeem more than Dirk and Earl Campbell over Tony Dorsett, but I’ll readily admit Dallas has some undeniable charms. Some, like Dallas National, can be found where you least expect them. If you have the opportunity, don’t pass up your chance to see why Dallas National is one of the state’s most laid back yet highly-decorated golf clubs. The place and its vibe just stay with you.

Hole #11

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME

Tom Fazio

America’s great living architect STORY BY ART STRICKLIN

One of the more popular bumper stickers in these parts reads, ‘I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.’

Tom Fazio, 76, certainly wasn’t born here, growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs and going to work for his uncle, 10-PGA Tour winner George, in the 1960s in the family golf architecture business.

He does not live in Texas (North Carolina in the summer and fall, Florida in the winter and spring), but has been here enough times to design highly rated courses, he could almost be considered an honorary Texan.

Fazio first arrived in Texas in the mid1980s to build the first Barton Creek Golf Course in West Austin for Texas political legends John Connally and Ben Barnes.

That’s where he first met Brent Buckman, then a recent graduate from the University of Texas, now the Director of Golf at the new Driftwood Golf Course, just south of Austin, and first became aware of the possibility of Texas golf.

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The original Barton Creek Course along with Wayne and Norman’s Hurd Horseshoe Bay project jump-started the Hill Country golf boom which is still ongoing. Not only did Fazio do two courses at Barton Creek, but he also did the outstanding Escondido course at Horseshoe Bay and has recently been working on Driftwood in the small town of the same name which will open this fall.

No non-Texas architect has done more original Lone Star courses than Fazio and very few architects of any kind have done as many courses in as many different Texas locations.

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Fazio has worked from El Paso (Butterfield National) to Dallas (Vaquero, Westin Stonebriar and Dallas National), The Woodlands (Carlton Woods) to San Antonio (Briggs Ranch), and Horseshoe Bay (Escondido Golf & Lake Club) to Austin (Barton Creek Foothills and Canyons) and now Driftwood.

That doesn’t even count the re-dos, renovations and recommendations to various Lone Star Links landowners.

Still, he’s as energetic as ever to build the next great golf course, likely in Texas, or somewhere else where he has his name on some of the great courses and renovations around the country and in the UK.

With his sons Logan and Austin, he is still active in the business having designed more than 200 courses nationwide with 46 of them being named to the greatest 200 courses in America by Golf Digest.

Recently he said his wife has just taken up golf and wanted to play every course her husband had designed. “I’m not sure I can remember them all,” he replied with a smile.

But he was happy to talk recently with OTL Senior Writer Art Stricklin about his golf courses in Texas and elsewhere, what he loves about working in the Lone Star State and Bryson Proofing Augusta National.

“There are just two things I learned from designing so many Texas courses. One, you’re going to hit rock if you go more than two to three feet below the surface. I go to work on a new Texas course and you hit rock and, yep, there it is again.”

OTL: You have done so many great golf courses in your career, is there a certain Tom Fazio style?

TOM FAZIO: My philosophy is that my work has no style. It all depends on the course. Vaquero (Westlake) had a different style than Dallas National which has a different style than Briggs Ranch (San Antonio). All different kinds of styles and no overriding style at all. I guess the only thing you can say is I don’t like to do the same golf course design over and over again. To me, that’s boring. I want to do something different.

OTL: One of the things your courses are known for is hiding the cart paths. How do you go about making sure the concrete doesn’t get in the way of the course.

TF: To me, cart paths are just a hard surface.

It’s part of the game of golf now, but you can’t let it destroy the elements of nature. As a traditionalist, I’d like to do away with all cart paths, but that’s not reality now. Cart paths are about creating access for some people. Cart paths are a necessary evil now and you have to be able to work around them.

OTL: It’s pretty amazing when you look at all the courses all over the state of Texas.

There is hardly a major area you haven’t work in. What have you learned from working so much in Texas?

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TF: There are just two things I learned from designing so many Texas courses. One, you’re going to hit rock if you go more than two to three feet below the surface. I go to work on a new Texas course and you hit rock and, yep, there it is again.

Secondly, you also know the wind is going to blow a good portion of the time, so you always have to take that into account. I always want to take a good piece of land and make it great, but in the Hill Country, it’s hard to find a bad piece of land. In Austin, I don’t think you can do it.”

OTL: When you talk about the rock at many of the Lone Star courses you design, how do you defeat that?

TF: Well, you need a whole lot of dynamite and an unlimited budget, which usually helps.

OTL: Are you surprised you’ve done as many courses as you have in Texas, considering you don’t live here and you travel all over the country to design courses?

TF: 35 years ago when I first opened Barton Creek, I never knew I would return to Texas so many times to design courses, but I hoped I would.

OTL: Why do you think that is?

TF: Texas is full of “can do” people who want courses done right. John Connally and Ben Barnes were can do political figures, Jim Bob Moffitt

on your game (instrumental in development of the second Barton Creek course), was can do, Mike Meldman (developer of Vaquero and Driftwood) is another one. That helps when you want to do any great courses. You’ve got to have a great partner.

OTL: You’ve been designing golf courses for four decades, is golf course design harder or easier now?

TF: I think everything is easier now and anybody who says the good old days were the best doesn’t remember it the way it was. We are able to build on more difficult sites now because of the technology and the modern equipment we have now.

Look at the new Driftwood course we’re doing just south of Austin. It will have the best of modern technology and new-age grasses, zeon zoysia grass on the fairways and tees, 007 bentgrass on the greens, it will have sand capping to help drainage from Central Texas rains and lined manmade lakes to prevent seepage during droughts and downpours OTL: You’ve won a ton of awards and honors in your career, but is there pressure to always try to top yourself with another new course in Texas or elsewhere?

TF: If I stop designing courses today, I could live on my laurels for a while, but I’m always being judged by my newest course and that’s the way I like it.

At Barton Creek, the (first) Canyons was good and well accepted, but when I did the second one the pressure was on and it had to be good or people would say, “Oh my gosh, he’s slipping.”

It keeps you working and keeps me out of the bars, because the challenge is, the industry is very competitive. It’s like Tiger Woods in his prime. If he missed two cuts one year, did he have a bad year?

He won two majors and finished second and fourth in the others, did he have a bad year with the two missed cuts? You’re always judged by your latest efforts. People hire me for quality and because we have a commitment to quality, but the only thing that counts is the end results.

OTL: One of the places you have worked was Augusta National. There was always talk about Tiger proofing the courses when he was winning Masters, do you think we need to Bryson proof the Masters course now?

TF: We’ll just have to wait and see about that.

The holes at the Masters if you try to cut over them like he wants to do, you just go further away from the fairways. It’s not a straight shot to carry over the trees. Bryson has played in the Masters I think three

times. We haven’t had to change anything yet. So we will just have to wait and see. Working at Augusta national has been a great honor and privilege and a great relationship with those people.

OTL: Are there any new trends for the 21st century?

TF: I don’t really know of any, but I’ve never been a big trend person. The trend of the 1980s was to build hard and difficult courses, but I’ve never done that. Golf is an old and traditional game and that’s the way I like to build.

Shadow Creek (Las Vegas) foreshadowed a trend of building a course in a desert location like building the Westin Stonebriar (Frisco) in an overgrown wheat field.

FA Z I O C A N Y O N S G O L F C O U R S E OTL: When people want a Tom Fazio golf course, are they aware of the cost involved?

TF: They know that Fazio is not the cheapest architect out there, he’s one of the most expensive actually. A lot of times I try to talk people out of doing a project because they need to make sure it makes financial sense. I tried to talk the people out of doing Dallas National, to make sure it made sense, but they had a dream and were going to set the market and that’s what they did.

OTL: Have prices increased for great golf courses as they have for everything else in the golf industry?

TF: When I first started in the 1960s, you could build an entire course for $180,000 to $200,000, total, that was everything. Now you spend that much on landscaping or marketing or advertising.

OTL: Thanks for the time and the interesting conversation.

TF: You’re welcome.

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OTL / TRAVEL

Let’s exceed limitations for the getaway of a lifetime. Have you imagined what it’s like to sleep with sea creatures surrounding your dreams in reality? Or dine in a restaurant while a scuba diver casually swims past your window? What about the option to sit above or below the ocean (and still breathe without scuba gear) in mere moments?

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Dream Underwater in the Maldives

STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND

elcome to the first-of-a-kind, in a class of its own, The Muraka.

This luxury two-level residence has a master bedroom submerged over 16-feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. As part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, Muraka pushes the boundaries of technology and exceeds the limits of average imagination.

On a whole other level of class, you’ll choose to arrive by private seaplane or travel from the main resort by private speedboat, which you can use for the duration of your stay, before being escorted along The Muraka jetty by your personal island host.

With accommodation options above and below water, a hybrid exists. Above water, enjoy living and dining areas fitting among the world’s most exclusive residences. Tucked among the tropical greenery on the beach, the 2-bedroom

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deluxe beach villas feature absolute privacy and exclusivity.

Each villa has been architecturally designed to sit in harmony with the natural environment. Senses are awakened here, not overwhelmed. An outdoor deck with an infinity pool and on-call spa treatments complete with a fitness trainer to keep you on track.

Winner of the “Maldives Leading Water Villa Resort 2016”, the Rangali Island villa is equipped with a private sun terrace and a plunge pool. Phenomenal self-improvement titan and author of “Money: Master the Game,” Tony Robbins says he starts every morning with a dip in the jacuzzi followed by a cold plunge. If that truly helps you maximize your day (which, as a Robbins self-love fanatic, I whole-heartedly believe it does), why would your vacation routine be any different?

Let’s make our way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater aquarium and architectural

travel

masterpiece. With a 180-degree curved acrylic dome, the master bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows. What’s that behind your coat in the closet? It’s another unbelievable view of the ocean habitat.

As you explore the depths of the ocean like never before you’ll direct and star in your own documentary. Discover new perspectives, dive or snorkel with a film crew, and document the vibrant reef beyond the glass walls. Experience the reefs by night and explore the enigmatic dark blue waters. Take in the distinctive glow of plankton and corals, as the shy underwater creatures of the South Ari Atoll come out to play.

This is the vacation beyond your dreams. Treat it that way. Don’t rush the experience, take time to connect with your natural surroundings and find peaceful solitude through meditation, relaxation, and yoga. If high-impact is where it’s at for you, boot camp and circuit classes are available along

with beach volleyball, table tennis and power walking.

You’ll reach comfort on a whole other level in The Quiet Zone, an adults-only, open-air bar. Complete with comfy daybeds, chilled music and a beach backdrop, this is the place to drink, dine or do nothing.

Two of life’s truest pleasures are good food and good wine. Prove me wrong. Fantastic tapas, fondue, or a platter of your choice, your table is laden with a selection of cheeses, bread accompaniments and wines at the Cheese and Wine Bar. Featuring nostalgic themes and fresh ingredients from the resort’s hydroponic garden, dip into carnivals, candies and youthful temptations – spiked with your favorite grownup additions.

If you are of the Foodie genre, get ready for a culinary

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND

excursion Amuse-Bouche (term definition: “amuse the mouth”). With your own personal chef 24-hours per day, learn the techniques behind celebrity chef Jereme Leung’s world-renowned delicacies in Ufaa Restaurant’s open-sided kitchen.

Ufaa – which means “happiness” in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi – is an innovative culinary concept featuring flavors from the distinctive cultures and provinces of China. This relaxed restaurant and teahouse serve handmade noodles, dim sum and signature hot pots.

(You had us at dim sum.)

The ambiance at Ufaa is relaxed and inspired by the island. Catch up over delicious cuisine and a game of mahjong in the teahouse within the restaurant, notably with communal spaces and private dining rooms.

Designed for guests with a penchant for all things refined, select exclusive menus were crafted with produce from the Maldivian surroundings and inspired by Chinese heritage.

The complexity of each dish offers the opportunity to pair your meal with wines, equaled in complexity and excitement. Crafted by passionate sommeliers, the beverage menu complements and elevates your dining experience.

Let’s take it five meters deeper... below the sea that is. Dine five meters below the surface of the ocean, in the world’s first undersea restaurant. With panoramic coral garden views and fusion menus matched with fine wines. Ithaa can be reserved for private dining, weddings and special occasions. (A wedding or a monumental anniversary would be life-changing and memorable here.)

Take al fresco dining to a higher level with one-of-akind beach events. Indulge in the company of one another with private dining, or take part in our lively dinners right on the beach. Terracotta skies, glittering water and a personal chef, what more do you need? Enjoy this romantic experience and dine between the sand and the stars. Choose a formal candlelit dinner, or live a castaway dream come-to-life on comfy carpets on the sand.

Every Monday at Deluxe Beach Tip, try local short eats, curries and seafood – accompanied by dips and sauces, handmade by women from our neighboring islands. The evening is complete with traditional palm leaf weaving and a Bodu Beru performance at Rangali Bar. Relaxed dining is available on the white sands of the Deluxe Beach where you choose from a selection of freshly

caught local fish, seafood and prime cuts, accompanied by free-flowing beer, soft drinks and the sommelier’s choice of wine.

On Saturday’s a bountiful seafood feast, featuring Maldivian lobsters and shellfish caught off the resort’s shores. Dine above patches of coral and spot the occasional reef shark or stingray passing by beneath. The evening is complemented by free-flowing Ruinart Champagne and live entertainment.

There’s so much to sea and do here (pun intended).

Cultural hotspots, diving and snorkeling are among the highlights. Visiting the Maldives is an experience, a journey that will touch your soul. A journey that you can indulge yourself in, and an opportunity to splurge on your mind, body and soul. Resort spas not only match the luxurious environs and the classy touches of their cozy bungalows and sexy villas. Spas in Maldives are an experience in themselves. Sprawling garden spas, with massage rooms merged into their lush tropical surroundings, or one built on stilts over the crystalline waters of the lagoon, it’s for you to choose. Immerse yourself in meditation. Just you and the boundless blue horizon, where the endless sea merges into the sky, with not a speck that distracts you from your mind.

Sound good? Let’s go.

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OTL / WINE

Château La Croix St. Georges Pomerol STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FOOD AND WINE EDITOR

There are so many wine-producing châteaux in Bordeaux that if you wanted to try one from each at a rate of one per day, you could go for nearly 20 years.

While Bordeaux’s famous 1855 classification of first through fifth growths account for the bulk of the region’s celebrity status, the vast majority of Bordeaux wine is made by far less famous producers. Paradoxically, some virtually priceless vineyards in the area were not even in existence in 1855.

The grandest exception to the 1855 list is the AOC of Pomerol. Established only in 1936, it is home to some of the world’s most expensive and highly coveted wines: Chateau Petrus, Chateau Le Pin, and Château Lafleur. On average, bottles of Château Le Pin sell for about $4,000.

It is a very happy coincidence that a 40 dollar wine that I tried recently comes from grapes grown just a few rows away for the vines of Chateau Le Pin. (Micro terroir is a thing, but just a few rows?)

Château La Croix St. Georges has been in the Janoueix family since 1932 and one of its youngest members, Jean Philippe has been managing the property and producing some outstanding wines since 1999. He is conscious that his property at the center of the Pomerol plateau has some very celebrated neighbors, and he credits the high gravel quality of the soil for the exceptional fruit.

Like the ratio of the grapes grown on the property, the 2014 La Croix St. Georges is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

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The initial aromas of the wine are classic red fruits and cherry with a bit of vanilla and cigar box notes from the unique oak barrels used on the vineyard. Given the higher Merlot content, the wine is more fruit forward with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and some black currant. The tannins are medium with a soft (flint) minerality in the finish. The 2014 has a little purple in the color indicating young age, but we found that the tannins settle quickly.

We paired the wine with roasted beef tenderloin and classic fondant potatoes. The consensus was that it was a beautiful wine.

The 2014 Château La Croix St. Georges has ratings between 89 and 90 and runs for about 45 dollars.

The 2015 vintage, due in July and is rated an average of 91 points with a 92 rating by Robert Parker.

OTL / CIGARS 68

Padron Anniversary 1964 Exclusivo Maduro STORY BY TARA LEE MALONEY I decided I wanted to review this cigar while listening to a friend tell stories about the company’s beginnings. I once was asked what the best cigar I ever smoked was. Not my favorite cigar, but the best? It only took me a moment to shout out Padron’s 50th Anniversary. A very good friend bought one for me on his birthday and I remember enjoying it so much I could not hear any sounds around me, including my friend talking. I enjoy, really enjoy, Padron cigars but I have never said they were my favorite. My friend’s stories about the Padron family were so interesting. Let me share a bit of them.

José Orlando Padrón born in 1926 in Cuba. Jose moved from Cuba in 1961 after his tobacco farm was nationalized by Fidel Castro, went to Spain, then New York, and then he brought his tobacco knowledge to Miami. He began making cigars under his name in 1964 in Florida. He then moved the company to Estelí, Nicaragua in 1970. The company controls all aspects of cigar production, including growing, sorting, quality control, and distributing. You can tell the time and care they put into each cigar. They take the time to age

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the tobacco for years because their name is on the cigars.

Jose Orlando Padrón passed away on December 5, 2017.

His family still runs the company and always has wonderful stories to tell about their patriarch.

Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Strength: Medium/Full The Exclusivo size is a bit thinner and longer than the robusto. They are full of Nicaraguan tobaccos from Jalapa, Condega and Estelí. The tobacco is grown in the open sunlight which makes for a richer flavored leaf.

Then they are pressed in a distinctive box press style. The maduro wrapper is dark, smooth, and glistening. The feel of the cigar is dry and firm. The cigar looks enticing and makes you want to try it.

The pre-light draw is open and full of rich coffee and chocolate flavors. After toasting the foot, I enjoy a cool draw with coffee, earth, and chocolate. These flavors compliment each other perfectly, none overpowering the other. The ash is nice and firm and holds. As I smoke the cigar, I pick up subtle pepper notes, still not overpowering the other notes. As I move into the next few inches, I detect some leather (I know, it took me a long time to understand what that flavor profile was.) In the last part of the cigar, I detect some nutty notes and the leather has gone. The smoke has engulfed me in a cloud of dreams.

The strength of these cigars is deceptive to me. I begin thinking this is a mild cigar but after it gets warm and I smoke more I realize the strength. I want to smoke this cigar after a nice dinner with a sweet rum. I like a full-body cigar and this one meets my needs. I have not had a Padron that did not smoke beautifully, from the flavor profile to the construction, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

The family (I have met several family members) is the most warm-hearted, knowledgeable group of people I have ever met. If you have not had a Padron, I would strongly suggest you try one. The Padron family’s attention to detail shows in every one of their cigars.

OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

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Houston Oaks 936.372.4311 www.houstonoaks.com

Austin Subaru 512.323.2837 austinsubaru.co BlueJack National 281.475.2166 bluejacknational.com

La Cantera 210.558.6500 lacanteraresort.com

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Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com

Omni Resorts omnihotels.com/bartoncreek 512.329.4000 Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net Sewell 737.255.4100 JaguarNorthAustin.com / LandRoverNorthAustin.com Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center TexasAMHotelCC.com Veneno Tequila 281.727.0944 venenotequila.com