Aventura Magazine May 2025

Page 1


Martha Graeff

FEATURES

54 FOREVER YOUNG

Martha Graeff’s new medically backed wellness brand offers a better way to age, one sip at a time

By Paige Bowers

60 WELLNESS FROM A TO Z

Reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit with 26 tips and trends to enhance your health

By Skye Sherman

68 BY INVITATION ONLY

Decode the dress code for any social occasion this summer By Katherine Lande

Magnificent Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Necklace Circa 1960s
Exquisite Cartier Stylized Floral Earclips Platinum | Diamonds | Circa 1950s
Photography – Ian Jacob Studios Hair/Makeup – Deborah Koepper
Styling – Zlata Kotmina

DEPARTMENTS

12 FROM THE EDITOR

AVENTURIST

15 THE MIX

Race Week returns to the Magic City

18 HOLIDAYS

Our favorite ways to celebrate mom this month

20 AROUND TOWN

Light up the night with a fun festival, plus water safety tips in honor of Drowning Prevention Month

22 SCOUTED

These self-care practitioners are the talk of the town

24 Q&A

Meet holistic health coach Asha Walker

26 SPOTLIGHT

A new book sheds light on the wisdom of South Florida’s nonagenarians

28 PROFILE

Dr. Antonio Marttos keeps things safe at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix

30 AGENDA

Mark your calendar for these five can’tmiss events

STYLE

33 IT LIST

Modern basket bags

34 THE LOOK

Fruit-inspired accessories for spring

36 THE EDIT

Emerald-hued must-haves in honor of May

38 JEWELRY BOX

Dainty bugs, dazzling jewels

40 BEAUTY

Marine-based skin care

42 TRENDING

Grape-powered products

JOURNEYS

45 WANDERLUST

Swimming with the “Big Three” and more in Western Australia

48 QUICK TRIPS

The celestial charm of the St. Regis Kanai Resort on the Yucatán Peninsula, plus the star-studded allure of the West Hollywood Edition

50 HIGH ROAD

Hummer’s electric SUV is built for speed

52 HIGH SEAS

Silence is golden aboard the Sialia 57 TOP

74 PHYSICIAN PROFILES

The area’s premier doctors

SIP & SAVOR

93 OPENINGS

Aviv elevates Israeli cuisine

94 LOCAL BITES

Bourbon Steak’s Michael Mina launches a new cookbook, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream opens a Miami Beach scoop shop

96 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

A cocktail to transport you to The White Lotus—no passport needed

97 POUR DECISIONS

Sparkling wines fit for the F1 podium

HOME

99 INTERIORS

A Brazilian designer reinvigorates a penthouse with 360-degree water views in Sunny Isles

100 BY DESIGN

Rev up your home decor with furnishings and more evocative of automobiles

102 ELEMENTS

Go all in on color drenching

104 INSPIRED LIVING

Try this trio of design elements rooted in global wellness concepts

SOCIAL STUDIES

109 SEEN ON THE SCENE

Pics from Miami’s most fabulous events

LAST WORD

112 ON THE RECORD WITH...

Amber Barbach, founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization

ON THE COVER: MODEL:

MARTHA GRAEFF

LOCATION:

THE SURF CLUB, SURFSIDE

PHOTOGRAPHER: TON GOMES

STYLING AND CREATIVE DIRECTION: LIANDRA SALES, ANDRES TUFANO PRODUCTION: SKEP360 HAIR AND MAKEUP: DIMA OSKO

CLOTHING: LISU VEGA

JEWELRY: DENISE PACINI

THEWELLBayHarborIslandsismorethan a high-endhome It’s400,000 square feet of spacesandservices surrounded bytranquilbeautyto helpyoulive a healthier, balanced everyday —It’s fresh-pressedjuiceat your doorstep, a weekly massageinyour living room, yoga on the terrace,workoutsin your private gym,abreakthrough sessionwith your nutritionist, restored sleep, new meditation practices, fitness in body, mind and spirit—your home for personal wellness.

Residences from $1.4 M

Approaching Completion. Move-In This Year.

EXCLUSIV ESALE SBYDOUG LA S ELLIMA ND EV ELO PMEN T MARKETIN G Thisprojectisbeing developedby1177BayHarborIslands LLC, a Delawarelimitedliability company (“Developer”), which has alimitedright tousethe

Bay Harbor Islands, FL

ofTerra andTHEWELL. Any and allstatements,disclosuresand/or of theproject.The Terra and THE WELL groupsof companies are eachcomprisedofseveral separatecompanies that are legally distinct. Reference to

Oral representations cannot be relied uponas correctly statingtherepresentations of thedeveloper.For correctrepresentations,makereferencetothis brochure andtothedocuments

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW

Editorial Director

AMARAN,

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Daphne Nikolopoulos

Editor in Chief

Kristen Desmond LeFevre

Creative Director

Olga M. Gustine

Executive Editor

Mary Murray

Fashion Editor

Katherine Lande

Automotive Editor

Howard Walker

Travel Editor

Paul Rubio

Libations Editor

Jules Aron

Web Editor

Abigail Duffy

DESIGN

Art Directors

Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto, Ashley Meyer

Digital Imaging Specialist

Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Jane E. Enos, Allison Wolfe Reckson, Gaylene Salomons

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paige Bowers, Alena Capra, Jeanne DeLathouder, Caitlin Granfield, Linda Marx, Sarah Phillips McCartan, Nicole Neal, Erin Michelle Newberg, Jesse Scott, Skye Sherman, Liza Grant Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Ton Gomes

SUBSCRIPTIONS

800-308-7346

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE – FOR YOU

UHealth – University of Miami Health System is expanding access to high-quality, academic-based medicine in North Miami, Aventura and surrounding areas. Opening Fall 2025, UHealth SoLé Mia will be the largest ambulatory facility in the UHealth network, offering advanced care across a wide range of specialties, innovative treatments and cutting-edge research—all in a state-of-the-art setting with serene green spaces and ocean views. Bringing world-class health care closer to where you live, work and play, UHealth SoLé Mia will redefine health care for the communities it serves. Less time in traffic. More time for exceptional care.

Publisher Terry Duffy

ADVERTISING

National Sales Director

Deidre Wade, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com

Account Managers

Sandy Silverman, ssilverman@aventuramagazine.com

Sima Kohen, skohen@aventuramagazine.com

Advertising Services Coordinator

Elizabeth Hackney

Marketing Manager

Rebecca Desir

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis

Senior Designer Jeffrey Rey

Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt

Accounting Specialist Mary Beth Cook

Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistants Cathy Hart, Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

IT Manager Omar Greene

SUBSCRIPTIONS

HOUR

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

President John Balardo

FROM THE EDITOR

BEHIND THE SCENES

SHOOT YOUR SHOT

It was a dream day atop The Surf Club in Surfside as Ton Gomes and team photographed Martha Graeff for this month’s cover and lead feature story. If you haven’t tried her new line of Happy Aging wellness shots, do yourself a favor and get on the waiting list: the popular products have sold out a handful of times already, with restocks ramping up to meet demand. My favorite? The NAD+ Longevity shots, which boost cell turnover and repair (and honestly taste delicious, to boot).

LIVING WELL

What does it mean to live your best life with health and purpose? To find answers, sometimes it helps to look to Miamians who seem to have it all figured out (or who are at least on the right path). That’s the focus of this month’s wellness issue of Aventura magazine.

Martha Graeff is one of those folks. The former model (and this month’s cover star) has reinvented herself as a wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Happy Aging. Now, she’s teaming up with Dr. Daniel Yadegar— a Harvard-trained longevity expert—on a new wellness brand that combines cutting-edge research with practical advice to help women live healthier, longer lives. Don’t miss her story in “Forever Young” beginning on page 54. With the wellness world rapidly evolving (thanks, AI!), it’s hard to keep up with all the new gadgets, technologies, and methods designed to optimize well-being. If you find yourself awash in the sea of self-care options, we’re here to help. In “Wellness from A to Z,” we delve into an alphabet’s worth of ideas to help you live healthier, feel better, and age more gracefully. Turn to page 60 and learn about everything from energetic healing to sleep tourism— including practitioners across South Florida to try for a treatment or two.

In need of a new doctor? This issue’s Physician Profiles section (beginning on page 74) offers a curated list of hundreds of Miami-Dade’s top docs in nearly every medical specialty imaginable, all chosen by their peers for their experience and trustworthiness.

This month marks the return of Miami Race Week with all its activations and parties—culminating in the fourth iteration of the Formula 1 Crypto. com Miami Grand Prix taking place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. From our spectator’s guide to the race (starting on page 15), to a profile of the trauma doc who stands at the ready to keep racers safe when accidents happen (page 28), to podium-worthy sparkling wines to celebrate your F1 experience (page 97), to ways to bring life in the fast lane into your home decor (page 100), you’re sure to find something in our pages that revs your engines.

Here’s to wellness in all your endeavors this month—and to living your best life! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@aventuramagazine) and to subscribe to our Insider’s Guide e-newsletter at aventuramagazine.com to stay up-to-date on all that the Magic City has to offer.

AVENTURIST

THE INSIDE TRACK TO ALL THINGS NEW AND NOW IN MIAMI-DADE

RACE WEEK RETURNS

The Formula 1 Crypto. com Miami Grand Prix is back for its fourth year, with all the fast-paced racing action set to take the track at Hard Rock Stadium May 2-4. Last year’s big race was a showstopper on many fronts. It marked a breakout moment for McLaren driver Lando Norris—garnering him the first win of his young Formula 1 career and ending Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen’s two-year reign as Miami’s champion. What will 2025 bring? Turn the page for our guide to all things race week. (f1miamigrand prix.com) —Jesse Scott

AVENTURIST

OUR MUST-NOT-MISS PICKS FOR THIS YEAR’S BIG RACE

HOW TO GO

SINGLE-DAY ACCESS TICKETS

Reserved grandstand seats—offering circuit views under shade—can be purchased for $65 and up, depending on your preferred seating location. More economical options include the Marina Grandstand and Beach Grandstand, while a spot at the Start/Finish Line Grandstand runs $115 per day.

BASIC THREE-DAY ACCESS PASSES

For your basic full access, go for the Campus Pass, which starts at $430 for all three days. It grants general admission access to multiple prime viewing platforms (but no reserved seats) throughout the grounds, as well as to dozens of food and beverage vendors.

Life in the FAST LANE HOT SEATS

LUXURY SUITES AND CLUB PASSES

Admission to the Paddock Club and other luxury areas—like the climate-controlled Casa Tua and the 72 Club—start at $6,000 per person for three days. Opt for the Yacht Club ($4,000 for a three-day package) to sit in a dockside oasis at the MIA Marina as you watch the cars go by in Turns 6, 7, and 8. Or go for the Hard Rock Beach Club access (yes, it has a pool you can take a dip in) with three-day packages starting at $1,500.

SHOP

Miami-bred Maranello Designs is best known for its custom-designed, race-inspired chairs that are functional pieces of art. DJ Khaled, Marc Anthony, and Rick Ross are among the brand’s fans. Don’t miss Maranello’s trackside art exhibition in the Promenade section at the raceway for a look at these high-octane creations—from driver-worthy seating to sculptural sound systems crafted with genuine F1 exhausts to life-size recreations of legendary racecars. (maranellodesign.com) —J.S.

VIP EXPERIENCES

For a guided paddock tour, a championship trophy photo opportunity, or a guided stroll along the starting grid, F1 Experiences and its on-site Champions Club offer exclusive events, plus an air-conditioned and catered clubhouse. (f1experiences.com)

RACING FAN FEST

Just a few miles away in Wynwood, the largest off-track fan festival, known as Racing Fan Fest, will include racing simulators, retired race cars on display, DJ entertainment, and more throughout the weekend. Best of all, it’s free. (racingfanfest.com)

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

The concert lineup will be curated by renowned DJ and producer Kaytranada, with two major headliners at press time: Pitbull will perform May 1, while Kygo will take the stage May 2.

CENTRAL FOUNTAINS AREA Try Dos Croquetas and Bodega for Latin fare; hit up the Glenfiddich Bar for a Scotch flight.

MIA MARINA Italian Vice will serve icy treats, while Sweet Liberty will have bites and booze.

WEST CAMPUS Miami food hall Julia & Henry’s will have a new setup of eight restaurants, including Pubbelly Sushi and L’artisane Bakery. (f1miamigp.com/food)

YSETRUOC FO

HOLIDAYS

The Mother LODE

CELEBRATE MOM IN THE MAGIC CITY THIS MONTH

NO MAMA GIFT DRAMA

Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge, but Miami’s local maker landscape makes it easy to surprise Mom with something homegrown. Whether she loves fashion, fragrances, or a touch of artistry, these three Miami-made finds go beyond the usual flowers and chocolate.

MOM’S DAY OUT

FINE ART FASHION

Alepel’s hand-painted leather goods turn fashion into fine art, offering wearable masterpieces that will make any outfit pop. (alepel.com)

MAKE SCENTS

BAG IT UP

Linnette’s chic, sustainable handbags blend timeless elegance with modern edge. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the bags make a bold statement while remaining effortlessly functional. (shoplinnette.com)

Wanderlust Candle Company transports Mom around the world with handpoured candles inspired by destinations like Kyoto and the Amalfi Coast. Or try the new Miami candle for a staycation scent. (thewanderlustcandle.com)

DAY AT THE DEERING

On Mother’s Day, explore the iconic Deering Estate with a guided House Tour at 11:30 a.m. or a Nature Preserve Tour at 12:30 p.m. For a water adventure on site, set sail on a Mother’s Day Bay Cruise aboard the Pelican Skipper, a 45-foot catamaran. Sip on a glass of champagne as you cruise Biscayne Bay. Cruises are offered from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 2–4 p.m on May 11. (deeringestate.org)

RUN LIKE A MOTHER

For sporty moms who like a bit of action in their Mother’s Day celebration, the Key Biscayne Mother’s Day Run takes place May 10, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances with panoramic waterfront views. (thebestraces.com)

X

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

If only for the photo ops alone, matching mother and daughter duds are an ideal way to get into the Mother’s Day spirit. We’re loving the options from Miami-based Guadalupe Design . Twice a year, the company unveils a handful of styles of matching and complementary outfits for moms and their daughters. Founded by sisters Daniela and Moira Garcés, the company’s collection is inspired by the duo’s own daughters. “Our kids are involved in the process,” Daniela says. “It’s important to see and know what kids of all ages are wanting to wear.” (guadalupedesign.com)

YOUR VISION IS OUR FOCUS

Dr. Alan Mendelsohn M.D. F.A.C.S.

Preeminent Laser Cataract Surgeon Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Fellowship Trained Glaucoma Specialist including Glaucoma Lasers & iStents

Considered “Doctor’s Doctor” in South Florida

Dr. Nathan Klein O.D.

Renowned Contact Lens Specialist, including Scleral Lenses

Comprehensive Adult & Pediatric Care

Expert in Diagnosis & Dry Eye Treatment

Specialist in Myopia Management

AROUND TOWN

WATER LANTERN Festival

There’s just something magical about watching as hundreds of glowing lanterns drift across the water, each carrying a message of hope, love, or remembrance.

On May 3, the Water Lantern Festival will bring this moving experience to the masses at Miami’s Tropical Park, transforming one of the park’s lakes into a glowing sea of dreams.

The event opens at 5 p.m. with live music and food trucks. Ticketholders will receive a personalized lantern kit, allowing them to add their own messages and designs before launching the lantern onto the water at sunset (approximately 8

p.m.) Pro-tip: arrive early to grab a good viewing spot, and bring a blanket or chair for comfort.

After the float, event staff cleans up the lanterns, which are made of rice paper and wood; the lanterns’ LED candles are also reused and recycled.

The entire experience has garnered national attention, with USA Today naming it the No. 1 festival experience in the United States. This month’s event in the Magic City is just one stop on a multimonth, nationwide string of Water Lantern Festivals, with cities from Los Angeles to Chicago hosting similar glowing celebrations. (waterlantern festival.com) –J.S.

DROWNING

PREVENTION

MONTH

A viral video led Wandy Blanco to launch a new career and a new passion. It was 2007 when she came across a video on social media of a baby falling into a pool and then miraculously swimming to safety. Inspired by her own 5-month-old niece, Blanco decided to train to become an Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor, teaching survival-based swimming to children as young as 6 months old. Since moving from Puerto Rico to Miami, she now trains more than 100 students each year through ISR Weston. In honor of Drowning Prevention Month in May, Blanco offers three key tips to keep you and your little ones safe around South Florida’s ever-present water sources. (isrweston.com) —J.S.

1

Ensure adult supervision. If more than one adult is present, make each adult responsible for a 15-minute increment of vigilance, and rotate with purpose. Accidents often happen when you think someone else is responsible.

Provide physical barriers. Pool fences are helpful, but make sure kids can’t climb over them using a chair.

2

Remember to keep toys out of the pool, as they may entice little ones to venture toward the water.

Give kids swimming skills. Survival swimming and knowing what to do in case a child falls into the water can be the difference between life and death.

3

Expert Advice from a Facial Plastic Surgeon

THINGS YOU MUST KNOW WHEN CONSIDERING A FACELIFT

When done properly, a facelift rejuvenates and refreshes, without leaving people looking over-pulled or fake.

As someone who performs revisions, Dr. Z has identified some of the top few misconceptions that lead patients down the wrong path, resulting in poor outcomes, deformities, and the need for cor-rective surgery.

1. THE MYTH THAT LESS SURGERY GIVES MORE SUBTLE OR NATURAL RESULTS

These “smaller”, “quicker”, “less invasive” surgeries are typically shortcuts. They rely on pulling and stretching the skin, which leads to the typical problems we encounter, and many of the issues that scare patients from having a facelift in the first place.

2. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT A QUALITY FACELIFT TRULY IS

AND DOES

A good quality lift focuses on repositioning the facial fat pads of the SMAS layer, and platysma muscle of the neck along the correct vectors, without tension. The full story is outside the scope of this article, but make sure you take the time to learn about this from qualified websites and from high quality surgeons.

3. BEING SOLD INTO A PARTICULAR FACELIFT WITH A FANCY NAME

It may seem like there are 100’s of different facelifts, but in reality they boil down to the surgeon doing one of three things, pulling the skin only, pulling the SMAS, or repositioning the SMAS with a deep plane lift. Ask your surgeon which type of lift their facelift falls into. Ask what distinguishes their specific lift and how. You don’t have to be a surgeon to

understand the basics of the technical differences.

4. CHOOSING A SURGEON BASED ON THE WRONG MERITS

Keep in mind that not every plastic surgeon is able to perform a quality facelift, especially a deep plane lift. In fact, Dr. Zhuravsky is a faculty member for an international course that teaches other well established surgeons how to perform this optimally. Don’t solely pick a surgeon based on their ability to perform other procedures, their location, marketing, or fame. First learn about the surgery, then talk to your surgeon about it. Find out what they are proposing and evaluate their concern for your best interest.

5. RELYING ON ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES TO AVOID A LIFT

Advances in biology have given us many wonderful treatments to improve age related volume loss and skin changes. These are often beneficial as adjuncts to surgery, however they are not replacements and can lead to problems when used inappropriately. We frequently see patients who have spent years on “alternatives”, without ever reaching a satisfactory result, only to end up having a facelift anyway. Surgery can often be more difficult in these cases with increased scar tissue and altered anatomy. It is important to consult with providers that will offer the proper treatments, not merely the only ones at their disposal.

AVENTURIST

SCOUTED

BE WELL

TREAT YOURSELF TO EXPERT CARE AT THESE MAGIC CITY WELLNESS WONDERS

Welcome to the Magic City’s feel-good galaxy. From colon cleanses to collagen building treatments, here are six celebfavorite local wellness providers who are dedicated to enhancing your well-being one day at a time.

COLLAGEN CREATOR

Jill Black Holistic

Jill Black is a master of a few unique trades in the holistic landscape, but the most notable is her Collagen Building Microcurrent Facial. This anti-aging facial stimulates the skin to make its own fibroblasts of collagen and elastin. At the same time, microcurrents (delivered via a pair of wands) exercise the muscles of the face, resulting in a tighter and more lifted appearance. For best results, Black recommends an initial round of five weekly treatments and then monthly treatments for maintenance. (jillblackholistic.com)

INSIDE OUT

Feel the Heal

BREATHE EASY

O2 Pure Hyperbaric Wellness INSIDE A MEDICAL OFFICE BOASTING OUTER SPACE–CHIC VIBES, O2 PURE OFFERS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CHAMBERS THAT INCREASE THE BODY’S OXYGEN CONCENTRATION BY UP TO 1,200 PERCENT. BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WITH INFECTIONS, POST-SURGERY INCISIONS, AND MORE, THE THERAPY ENHANCES COLLAGEN, BONE, AND CARTILAGE REPAIR AND REGENERATION. (02PURE.NET)

DOWN THE DRAIN

Facial Healing by Adi

Sure, you can gua sha at home. But there’s nothing quite like Adi Kaplan’s lymphatic drainage facial. She’s an expert at slimming down faces while draining excess liquid through strategic taps and touches to specific points on the face, neck, and scalp. Walk out feeling fully snatched with an enhanced jawline and facial features you never knew existed. (fhbyadi.com)

SCANNING SENSATIONS

Prenuvo

What was once an uncomfortable and secretive conversation has become a hot health care trend. Proponents of colonics note such benefits as increased energy, decreased constipation, and system detoxification, to name a few. Miami native Daryn Herzfeld opened Feel the Heal nearly 25 years ago and has since expanded her operation and garnered a star-studded client roster. Try pairing the colon therapy with a Hydrafacial for the ultimate inside-out cleanse. (feeltheheal.com)

Take a proactive look inside your body at Prenuvo, which opens in Coral Gables this month. The company’s MRI whole-body scans offer life-saving technology for early cancer detection and more, capturing millions of data points from head-to-toe, including images of major organs, the brain, and the spine. (prenuvo.com)

HYDRATION HAVEN

Elite Hydration Care and Spa

Why leave the comfort of your home for an IV boost when you can have RN-BSN IV specialist Yordan Fando of Elite Hydration Care come to you? From migraines to hangovers, or for maintenance services like athletic recovery and performance, Fando does it all. You can even add a booster of glutathione or B-12, or sign up for a three-month slimming semaglutide program. (myelitespa.com)

team

Jeancarlo lost 222 pounds.

Jeancarlo tried for years to lose weight—without success. He felt discouraged, but he wasn’t alone. With the help of weight-loss surgery and the dedicated team at Jackson Health System, he found the solution that worked for him. At Jackson, we take a personalized approach to weight loss, exploring every option to create a plan tailored to you. With support every step of the way, you’ll have the tools you need for lasting change. Because the right care makes all the difference. Find the solution that fits you. Visit JacksonWeightLoss.org to register for a free virtual seminar or call 786-789-5562 for a phone consultation.

CURE-ALL

As a self-proclaimed theater kid, Asha Walker learned many skills, including how to articulate her views on life. She also watched her educator parents as they started a school for low-income children and stressed the importance of giving back. Now as a wellness entrepreneur and certified holistic health coach who splits her time between Miami and Palm Beach, Walker employs those life lessons and experiences to help others feel better. In 2013, she launched Health in the Hood, a nonprofit organization with a mission to create equal access for all through urban vegetable gardens and wellness programs. Just last year, she debuted Cured, a holistic wellness app consisting of more than 70 modules categorized around food, movement, and longevity. She also runs Asha Walker Wellness, a platform featuring educa tional and inspirational content. Aventura recently caught up with Walker to chat about Cured and more. (ashawalkerwellness.com)

Aventura: How did Cured start?

Walker: I have such a secure background from my wonderful and giving parents that I like to help other people in many ways. I have the desire to make their lives better by focusing on the whole person. Acting in my earlier years gave me the skills to lead people. Now with Cured, I point them in the right direction for healthy living with the ability to track individual progress. Even though giving back has always been a part of my family’s life, it is also what makes me happy.

How is Cured different from other wellness apps?

I wanted to make wellness simple, so each user can become his or her own health coach. I target food, movement, and longevity, which includes

areas like sleep, hydration, genetics, healthy cooking, inflammation, and many more.

How does Cured focus on the “why” component of establishing consistent habits?

By navigating the app, users organically uncover the root causes of their personal imbalances, make lifestyle changes, and seamlessly integrate holistic wellness into their daily lives.

What other qualities make Cured stand out from other wellness apps?

This app is a wellness switchboard, an interactive library that puts users in the driver’s seat of their wellness journeys. Cured users become their own health coaches, their own healers, their own cure.

What are your future goals in the wellness space?

Sharing the ripple effect of health across the world is my goal. I love to help people lead happier and healthier lives. Nourishment all around is so important. I aim to help my subscribers behave better as well as look and feel better.

Asha Walker (above and left) created Cured, a holistic wellness app focused on food, movement, and longevity.
Bottom left: Genna Mark, Walker, Kelly Blanco, and Johanna Gomez at the Cured launch event.

« AVENTURIST

FOR THE AGES

A NEW BOOK GIVES VOICE TO FLORIDIANS WHO’VE SURVIVED—AND THRIVED—FOR 90 YEARS OR MORE

We’ve long been advised to listen to our elders. Now a new book called Wisdom of the Century helps us do just that—capturing the stories of 90 Floridians over the age of 90.

The book is the brainchild of clinical psychologist Sandra Coiffman. During her work in senior living communities, Coiffman says she often ruminated on the experiences of her older clientele. “I spent so much time talking to the residents and I was just in awe about their stories,” she says. “This generation has really gone through a lot. They’ve seen the first man on the moon, they’ve seen the advent of the internet, computers, cell phones. It’s amazing how adaptable they are.”

Coiffman decided their stories needed to be told, so she partnered with South Floridians Jenny Menzel, Merle Saferstein, and Pipe Yanguas to bring their words and portraits to life. The resulting book answers questions

about the tapestry of the human experience—woven together from individuals who have endured wars, pandemics, economic collapse, social upheavals, political unrest, tech revolutions, and beyond.

For Coiffman, the lesson that struck her most during the three years it took to create the book is the way the featured nonagenarians see their lives as a series of phases to both endure and to celebrate. “That perspective of adaptation was a huge lesson for me,” she says. “Life is not what happens to us. Life is what we create—despite the circumstances that happen to us.”

Coiffman reveals that a number of the book’s personalities hail from Aventura. Here, six locals share their best advice for how to live well for nearly a century and beyond. (wisdomofthecentury.com)

Born in New York City in 1927, Baros has been a Florida resident since 1936 when her family moved south. She considers herself a lifelong student and an educator of children with special needs. Words of Wisdom:

• When you want your husband to do something, never ask him at night. Ask him in the morning.

• Pick your battles and understand that you can’t always have your way.

• Stay interested in what’s going on around you and get educated.

Born in 1929, Libman moved to Miami Beach when his family purchased the Betsy Ross Hotel. He went on to own a pair of restaurant chains. He was also a champion weightlifter and a judo master. Words of Wisdom:

• Everything you do is a decision you make.

• If you want to do something, do it. Don’t hesitate or procrastinate.

• If you want to live to be 93, start early and work on it. Forget sugar and soda.

Born in 1930, Gold was 11 when she and her family were taken to a ghetto in Bershad, Ukraine, during the Holocaust. Only Gold survived. She later became a nurse.

Words of Wisdom:

• If there is a why, there is a how.

• Make sure to have hobbies, especially as you face retirement.

• It's important to have mentors helping you throughout your life.

Charles Block

An author and an early pioneer of computing technology, Block (born in 1927) has worked for major corporations, traveled the world, and written three books.

Words of Wisdom:

• Don’t have huge expectations. Control them.

• Plan events to punctuate life in some way.

• Enjoy what you have, and don’t spend money when it isn’t necessary.

Joanie Glogover

Glogover (born in 1930) followed her mother into the family business of education, teaching kindergarten in the New York Public School system for more than 30 years.

Words of Wisdom:

• Age is only a number.

• Don’t fall into the trap of allowing children to become your parents as you age; that will cause you to lose your own identity.

• The hardest part of growing older is losing friends and being the last one standing. Try to have a mixture of younger people in your circle of friends.

Fuchs was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1929. His Jewish parents enrolled him in a Catholic school to protect him during the Holocaust. A self-taught musician, Fuchs eventually became a conductor, composer, and noted musical director.

Words of Wisdom:

• Quit when you’re doing well before they throw you out. There is an end to everything. It’s best when it’s a good ending.

• You must learn to love yourself. Once you do, you are free to start loving others.

• Do what nature has done over centuries. Adjust and evolve.

MEDICINE ON THE MOVE

TRAUMA SURGEON ANTONIO MARTTOS IS THE DOC ON CALL FOR THE FORMULA 1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX’S MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

The reasons Dr. Antonio Marttos loves his profession sound very similar to the reasons racecar drivers love theirs.

“I like the speed, the stress, the quick decisions you need to make,” says Marttos, who has served as the chief medical officer of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix since the inaugural event in 2022. In this role, he leads a medical team of physicians, nurses, radiologists, and pharmacists. “I can guarantee in Miami that you have the best health care professionals around the track.”

Preparation for the three-day racing event—which will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens May 2-4—is a feat of critical care choreography that requires a full year of planning. Marttos’ team works closely with fire-rescue personnel and emergency medical technicians, doing what he describes as “extensive training on how to remove a driver from the cockpit, and what to do if the car is on fire. We even simulate the conditions and the noise.” This training, he notes, improves care for accident victims on South Florida roads.

On race days, the medical and rescue personnel assemble at 6 a.m., with Marttos at race control center ensuring coordinated care around Miami International Autodrome’s 3.3mile track. Fully equipped Jackson Health trauma suites and even an onsite blood bank stand at the ready.

Marttos says the ability to stabilize patients at the track is crucial. In

medicine, there is an acknowledged “golden hour”— the first 60 minutes after an injury when, with rapid medical care, the chances of survival greatly increase. However, that doesn’t always apply in scenarios involving Formula 1 cars, which travel at speeds of more than 200 mph. “It’s not an hour,” says Marttos. “It’s minutes and seconds that can make the decision between life and death.”

Growing up in São Paolo, Brazil, Marttos raced go-carts and followed Formula 1 racing.

One of his favorite competitors was the legendary Brazilian driver

Ayrton Senna, whose 1994 death changed car design, tracks, and safety protocols and influenced how Marttos views his Formula 1 duties.

Marttos also provides medical care at other motorsports races nationally and internationally, and at events like the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In 2014, he treated Brazilian gymnast-turned-skier Lais Souza, who suffered a spinal cord injury in Utah while training for the Winter Games in Sochi.

When he’s not on the track, Marttos is treating patients at Jackson Health’s Ryder Trauma Center—victims of shark attacks, sports injuries,

and accidents of all kinds. In 2023, Miami-Dade Police officer Matthew Larsh stopped by for an emotional reunion with Marttos, thanking the doctor for saving his life after his motorcycle collided with an SUV.

Marttos says he’s proud to call Miami—where he’s lived for 21 years— home. And the city’s warmth, openness, and caring are on full display on race days. “The entire city is supporting us,” he says. “It’s a privilege to meet amazing people and guarantee that all the drivers, spectators, VIPs, and every single person has the best medical care possible.” «

It’s not an hour. It’s minutes and seconds that can make the decision between life and death.”
Antonio Marttos wears a fire suit designed to protect him from the intense heat and potential dangers of attending to a Formula 1 crash victim trackside.

Miami Marlins Home Games

May 2-7, 16-21, and 30-31

The Miami Marlins will play 14 home games this month, with series against the Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants. Check out themed games like Star Wars Day (May 4) and Barbie Night (May 16), plus games highlighting cultural heritages from Haitian to Hawaiian. Don’t miss opportunities to score specially themed jerseys, attend post-game concerts, and participate in fun giveaways (like the Celia Cruz bobblehead promotion May 18). (mlb.com/marlins)

The Air Dot Show Tour

May 3-4

Look to the skies of Fort Lauderdale Beach between 18th Street and Sunrise Boulevard for the annual Air Dot Show Tour. Watch as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly F-18 Super Hornets in formation, with the aircrafts’ wings only 2 feet apart. The F-22 Raptor demo show features jets making summersaulting turns while spewing enormous vapor clouds. And don’t miss the crowd-favorite arrival of the SOCOM Para-Commandos: activeduty members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines who parachute and land on a target on the beach. (fortlauderdaleairshow.com)

Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose Live Tour”

May 23

See entrepreneur, author, and host of the On Purpose podcast

Jay Shetty at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino May 23. The London native became a Hindu monk and found ways to connect our digital world with ancient teachings, which he relays to his audience. (casinohardrock.com)

Best of the Best Music Fest

May 25

What better way to spend Memorial Day weekend than at the nineteenth annual Best of the Best Music Fest at Bayfront Park? Dance to Caribbean music, hip-hop, R&B, Soca, and reggae, and then sample Caribbean food from an array of vendors. The festival will take place from 2 to 11 p.m. Check the website for a lineup of featured musical acts and get your dancing shoes ready! (bestofthebest concert.com)

Miami Swim Week

May 28 to June 1

Now in its twenty-first year, Miami Swim Week will showcase the hottest swimwear by renowned designers from across the globe. The four-day extravaganza includes runway shows and VIP events by Art Hearts Fashion, Paraiso, and Miami Swim Week The Shows. Visit their websites to find out when and where your favorite brands will have their models strutting their stuff. (miamiswim week.net, paraisomiamibeach. com, dcswimweek.com) —Caitlin Granfield

Basket bag with rope strap ($2,600), Prada, prada.com

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Le 37 Mini bucket bag with raffia and leather ($2,400), Saint Laurent, ysl.com

Amphora Natural bag with crystals and natural rattan handle ($665), Le Ninè, leninestore.com

Watermill bag with natural straw and gold metal strap with leather ($645), Altuzarra, altuzarra.com

Jackie 1961 bag in wicker ($8,000), Gucci, gucci.com 4 5

CHANNEL STYLE ICON JANE BIRKIN WITH THESE NEW INTERPRETATIONS OF THE TIMELESS BASKET BAG X 8

The Island bucket bag with custom scallop, shell, and starfish strap ($325), Poolside, wearepoolside.com

Sunkissed bucket bag with natural rattan and metallic gold-tone leather trims ($1,150), Aquazzura, aquazzura.com

Lunchpail bag with metallic mélange handwoven in Africa ($760), Cesta Collective, cestacollective.com

Mer Basket bag with Iraca rattan ($295), Asha by Ashley McCormick, ashabyadm.com

Sardine bag with wicker cage construction and metallic top handle ($9,400), Bottega Veneta, bottega veneta.com

THE LOOK

FRUIT STAND

VALENTINO PRE-FALL 2025

Designer Alessandro Michele delivers a quirky ensemble with a cherry print dubbed “Cherryfic.”

LIVEN UP YOUR LOOK WITH A BOUNTIFUL SELECTION OF FARM-FRESH ACCENTS

CHERRY ON TOP

Valentino Garavani Antibes small tote ($2,000), Valentino, multiple locations, valentino.com

PUCKER UP

Lemon earrings with yellow opal, emeralds, 18-karat gold, and rhodium ($7,800),

OFF THE VINE Blueberry and currant necklace ($6,175), Roger Vivier, Bal Harbour, rogervivier.com

STYLE NOTES

Brent Neale, brentneale.com

HAUTE HARVEST

Citrus Punch sandals 105 ($1,150), Aquazzura, Bal Harbour, aquazzura.com

FRUIT OF THE DAY:

Pick one statement print or accessory.

TUTTI-FRUTTI: Embrace whimsy in your wardrobe.

VERY BERRY:

Opt for a juicy shade on your cheeks, lips, or nails.

SWEET DREAMS

Crystal strawberry clutch with chunky chain strap ($4,995), Judith Leiber, judithleiber.com

THANKS A BUNCH Grape acrylic clutch ($598), Cult Gaia, Miami, cultgaia.com

Adam lace-up leather sandals ($1,690), Bottega Veneta, Miami, Bal Harbour, bottegaveneta.com
RED DELICIOUS
Jonie bag with cherry print ($275), Coach, Aventura, coach.com

THE EDIT

Emerald City

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Blue Pheasant Eloise dinner plates ($152 for set of four), Anthropologie, anthropologie.com

This handmade stoneware collection—covered in a reactive emerald glaze speckled in white—will have your meals reaching galactic levels (a bonus for those, like me, who don’t excel at cooking). —Gaylene Salomons, contributing editor

MALACHITE MOMENT

Portal malachite necklace ($1,060), La DoubleJ, ladoublej.com

Considering malachite’s status as the stone of transformation, I love the idea of wearing a chunk of it close to my heart. La DoubleJ’s Portal malachite necklace hangs from a gold-dipped brass chain for the ultimate boho-chic statement.

—Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

CHANNEL MAY’S BIRTHSTONE WITH EMERALD-HUED HOME AND FASHION ACCESSORIES

CASE CLOSED

AirPods case in emerald ($250), Bottega Veneta,

bottegaveneta.com

Store your listening devices in style with this silicone holder. Designed for third-generation AirPods, the case is meant to emulate Bottega Veneta’s iconic woven

leather goods and features a detachable strap. —Jane E. Enos, contributing editor

GLAMOUR IS WHAT I SELL

Marlene jeweled birthstone headband in emerald ($195), Lele Sadoughi, lelesadoughi.com

As a lover of all things Old Hollywood, I can’t wait to add this headband— inspired by the iconic Marlene Dietrich—to my collection. The top knot recalls Dietrich’s signature turbans, while the rich color and sophisticated sparkle are sure to bring just the right amount of glitz to a casual look.

—Mary Murray, executive editor

Scalamandré Maison decorative tray in green

($285), Port 68, perigold.com

Square away your summer soirees with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served on Port 68’s whimsical Lucite tray. Scalamandré’s zebra motif, first created by the maison in the 1970s as a wallcovering, provides an unforgettable backdrop for fabulous fetes.

—Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

GREEN LIGHT

Emerald-cut emerald and pavé ring ($3,720), Isa Grutman, isagrutman.com

It should come as no surprise that this redhead’s signature color is green. That’s why I’m head over heels in love with this ring, featuring an offset Colombian emerald atop a band encrusted in diamonds. It’s my favorite way to wear a little bit of green every day. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief

One-story

Two-story

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JEWELRY BOX

3 2 4

Snug as a Bug

NATURE’S TINIEST CREATURES GET A DAZZLING UPGRADE

1. WINGING IT Cicada dragonfly earrings with diamonds and yellow diamonds set in platinum, price upon request. (cicadajewelry.com)

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2. SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Picchiotti butterfly brooch with diamonds and rubies set in 18-karat white gold, price upon request. Neiman Marcus, Coral Gables (neimanmarcus.com)

3. ALL A FLUTTER Graff butterfly necklace with diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, price upon request. Graff, Bal Harbour (graff.com)

4. SEEING DOUBLE Tanya Farah Butterflies Bypass cuff with diamonds and emeralds set in 18-karat gold, $42,000. (tanyafarah.com)

5. CUTE CRITTER Ana Katarina Four Elements ladybug ring with diamonds, enamel, and mother-of-pearl set in 18-karat gold, $4,285. (anakatarina.com)

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6. GOTTA FLY Provident Jewelry custom dragonfly brooch with colored gemstones including apatite, lolite, tanzanite, tsavorite, and sapphires set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Provident Jewelry locations (providentjewelry.com)

7. LADY IN RED Yvonne Léon ladybug ring with gray diamonds, black diamonds, and red agate set in 9-karat gold, $2,580. Kith, Miami Beach (kith.com)

8. SPIDEY SENSES Lugano interchangeable spider ring and brooch with diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and black ceramic, price upon request. (luganodiamonds.com)

9. CROSS-POLLINATE Gucci High Jewelry earrings with emeralds, spinels, and diamonds set in white gold, price upon request. By special order at select Gucci boutiques (gucci.com)

OUT TO SEA

Put the sea’s bounty to good use in these mineral-rich formulas that highlight the ocean’s boundless power: Wonder Valley Seaweed Body Scrub, a concoction of Alaria seaweed, mineral clays, and sea salt that feels like an oceanic plunge in a tube ($48, welcometowondervalley.com); Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil, with spirulina and kelp to slow cellular aging and boost skin metabolism ($58, Sephora locations); Repêchage Vita Cura CelluSea Smooth Multi-Action Body Exfoliator, with seaweed extracts and aloe ($54) and Rapidex Marine Exfoliator with Phyto-Marine Actives, a renewing two-week peel packed with seaweed and phyto-marine extracts ($68 for 14 ampules, repechage.com); and Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish, with balancing glacial oceanic clay and smoothing volcanic ash ($48, ursamajorvt.com). —Abigail Duffy

Aged to PERFECTION

UNCORK A NEW BEAUTY ROUTINE WITH SKIN CARE DERIVED FROM GRAPES, VINES, AND MORE

BRAD’S BEST

The ingredients in Beau Domaine’s skin care formulations are sourced from the Perrin family vineyards in France’s Rhône Valley—and touted by company co-founder and fellow vineyard owner Brad Pitt. With moisturizing and soothing properties, vitis vinifera (grape) fruit water serves as the base of The Cream ($99). Completely vegan and designed for both men and women, this formula aims to leave skin looking plumped, fi rm, rested, and radiant. (us.beau-domaine.com)

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

The French skin care company Caudalíe is a leader in vinotherapy, the practice of using wine byproducts to craft beauty products. The key ingredient in the brand’s Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum ($82) is viniferine, a patented natural extract derived from vine sap that can fade dark spots and restore skin’s natural radiance. Apply the serum in the morning and evening to minimize the appearance of dark spots created by sun, acne, pregnancy, or age and reveal a visibly brighter and more even complexion. (us.caudalie.com)

Bio-Beauty

Alex Verier and Jérôme Moisan are the duo behind Pelegrims, a vineyardto-skin brand based in England. By partnering with Westwell Wines, an award-winning producer of still and sparkling wines in Kent, they have access to grape extracts and materials left over from the winemaking process to use in their products. In the Grape Leaf Sheet Mask ($53 for one-month supply), grape leaf extract, millet seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide work together to deliver firming, refreshing, and plumping results. (pelegrims.com)

LIP LOCK

IN KEEPING WITH ITS FARM-TO-TABLE APPROACH TO BEAUTY, FARMHOUSE FRESH’S BLACKBERRY WINE SUGAR LIP POLISH ($15) INCORPORATES MERLOT FROM GRAPES GROWN IN TEXAS ALONG WITH ORGANIC BLACKBERRIES FROM OREGON AND CANE SUGAR FROM GEORGIA. SIMPLY APPLY TO LIPS, GENTLY MASSAGE, AND THEN REMOVE WITH A DAMP CLOTH TO SOFTEN AND SOOTHE DRY LIPS WHILE SUPPLYING THEM WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTI-AGING BENEFITS COURTESY OF THE GRAPE’S NATURAL PHENOL, RESVERATROL. (FARMHOUSEFRESHGOODS.COM)

ALL IN THE FAMILY

VINTNER’S DAUGHTER FOUNDER APRIL GARGIULO GREW UP IN A WINEMAKING FAMILY IN THE NAPA VALLEY, AND HER HERITAGE SHINES IN HER SKIN CARE PRODUCTS. THE WINNER OF MORE THAN 35 “BEST OF” AWARDS, GARGIULO’S ACTIVE BOTANICAL SERUM ($215) CONTAINS GRAPE SEED OIL (DERIVED FROM GRAPES PLUCKED FROM ESTATE VINES AND NEIGHBORING WINE REGIONS) TO HELP WITH HYDRATION, INFLAMMATION, AND ACNE. THE SERUM ALSO INCLUDES A LITANY OF OTHER BENEFICIAL OILS, SUCH AS ROSE, NEROLI, DANDELION, JASMINE, AND EVEN SUNFLOWER. (VINTNERSDAUGHTER.COM)

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

WHERE THE OUTBACK MEETS THE OCEAN

DISCOVER COASTAL MAGIC ON WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S NINGALOO REEF

Surrounded by some of the most stunning and biodiverse oceans on the planet, Australia boasts paradisiacal marine habitats from coast to coast. Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef may be the most famous, but if you’re looking for pristine, kaleidoscopic coral gardens and animal encounters without the crowds, consider heading to Western Australia, home to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef.

Known for the “Big Three” (a play on safari’s

“Big Five”), Ningaloo Reef hosts one of the largest known aggregations of whale sharks (March to August), massive amounts of balletic manta rays, and an aquatic highway for some 40,000 migrating humpback whales (June to October). During Austral winter, it’s not unusual to glimpse more than a few of the gentle giants breaching from the plane before you even land.

Located in the most far-flung region of a vast country, Ningaloo spans nearly 200 miles along

the northwest corner of the continent. While it’s a journey to get there, once you arrive the reef’s 300 types of coral lie within easy reach; as the world’s biggest fringing reef, most of Ningaloo’s coral thrives near the shore in shallow, piercingly blue waters. All you have to do is grab your mask and fins and dive in—no boat required. Strong swimmers should opt for Turquoise Bay, where the draft current will carry you past more than 500 species of fish, while Osprey Bay is a top site for endangered green sea turtles. Finding a humpback or whale shark, however, takes a little more effort. To increase your odds, book with Exmouth Dive and Whale Sharks Ningaloo (exmouthdiving.com.au). The company uses light aircraft to spot megafauna from above, enabling its boats to go directly to sightings before any other operator. An in-water interaction is guaranteed for whale shark swims from March to early August, when the spawning coral attracts swarms of plankton.

While this region of Western Australia is best known for its marine treasures, Cape Range National Park on the North West Cape offers its share of thrilling land-based adventures as well. When exploring this dramatic stretch of rugged limestone ranges and 400-million-yearold gorges, you won’t have to look hard to spy ancient marine fossils in the cliffs’ multicolored layers.

Join Trek Ningaloo (trek ningaloo.com.au) on a journey back 25 million years in time as you hike into Mandu Mandu Gorge or around the rocky gullies of Charles Knife Canyon, taking in spectacular panoramic views of the range and

electric sunsets. Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for iconic Australian wildlife like kangaroo, emu, and echidna or stop by the Mangrove Bay bird hide, where resident and migratory species such as osprey and brahminy kite flock to feed on small fish in the shallows. For a more leisurely afternoon, enjoy a paddle or boat cruise up Yardie Creek and search for nimble black-flanked rock wallabies along the cliffs.

Many intrepid travelers choose to fully immerse in the outdoors, camping at one of the Ningaloo Coast’s managed sites, which must be arranged in advance. But for one of Australia’s most stylish glamping experiences, check into Sal Salis (salsalis. com.au), an eco-luxury lodge tucked along the undulating sand dunes of Cape Range National Park.

Each tent—equipped with an eco-friendly toilet, hot shower, and handcrafted bed—lies roughly 150 feet from the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. Dedicated activity guides are on hand to show you around the surrounding wilderness during inclusive snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking expeditions. In the evening, tuck into a family-style, three-course meal prepared using fresh, local produce and gaze up at unobstructed views of the Milky Way. Out here, you can see forever.

Clockwise from left: snorkeling along Ningaloo Reef; Sal Salis in Cape Range National Park; green sea turtles abound in Osprey Bay; Turquoise Bay; Charles Knife Canyon; one of Sal Salis’ eco-luxury tents.

ON THE ROAD

Reaching Ningaloo can be as simple as a two-hour direct flight from Perth to Exmouth. But if you have the time—and the thirst for adventure— why not make it a road trip? The Coral Coast Highway takes roughly 13 hours to drive nonstop, but you may want to spend as much as a week savoring the route’s white-sand beaches, ancient gorges, and charming towns. Here are five destinations you shouldn’t miss along the way.

NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK

Thought to have been created millions of years ago from eroded seashells, this ancient landscape is home to thousands of towering limestone pillars known as the Pinnacles. Visit at night with Lumineer Adventure Tours for a sunset barbecue dinner in the desert and stargazing tour, led by an Aboriginal guide and featuring a computerized telescope and astro binoculars. (lumineertours.com.au)

SHARK BAY

Australia’s largest bay, Shark Bay has a rich Indigenous history, having sustained the Nhanda and Malgana people for more than 40,000 years. Learn more about the traditions, stories, and nature of the region with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, via bushwalking, kayaking, 4x4, and snorkeling tours. (wulagura.com.au)

TOURISMWESTERNAUSTRALIA

PERTH

Don’t skip over the capital of Western Australia before hitting the road.

A guided Swan River cruise on Little Ferry Co.’s Edwardian-style electric boats provides a picturesque tour of the city as well as a convenient way to get around. Hop on and off as you please between hot spots like Optus Stadium and entertainment hub The Point. (littleferryco.com.au)

KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK

CONTAINING MORE THAN 450,000 ACRES OF DRAMATIC ROCK FORMATIONS MADE FROM 400-MILLION-YEAR-OLD SANDSTONE, KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK MAKES FOR ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY BUSHWALKING SITES, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN JULY AND OCTOBER WHEN UPWARDS OF 1,100 VARIETIES OF WILDFLOWERS BLOOM. HEAD TO KALBARRI SKYWALK FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OVER IT ALL. (KALBARRI.ORG.AU/EXPLORE/NATIONAL-PARK)

Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve

Embark on a short but scenic helicopter ride with Coral Coast Helicopter Services to arrive at Hamelin Pool. After landing on the beach, you’ll snorkel with stromatolites, considered to be living fossils and the world’s oldest life-forms that date back billions of years. These rare reefs are found in only a few salty lagoons or bays on Earth. (coralcoasthelicopters.com.au)

QUICK TRIPS

MAYAN MYSTIQUE

IMMERSE IN THE ENCHANTMENT OF THE ST. REGIS KANAI RESORT IN MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA

Among the wealth of new properties dotting the Yucatán Peninsula, The St. Regis Kanai Resort reigns as a trailblazing tropical hideaway—a clear departure from the brand’s usual stately aesthetic and formality. Built on the land claimed as the celestial birthplace of the Mayans, this sprawling 124-room resort honors its ancient astronomical roots with a multicircular design by Edmonds International that speaks to planetary alignment within the Mayan calendar. While you may need to explore aerial views to fully appreciate the intricate, culturally inspired architecture, the resort’s design immediately creates a personal connection to Mayan healing and folklore from the moment you arrive.

Throughout this intergalactic sanctuary, the true luxury lies in the expansive spaces. A collection of sleek, low-rise, white buildings floats above verdant mangroves, linked by wooden walkways that lead to a breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean Sea. Even the

smallest guest rooms boast 592 square feet and exude Mayan-inspired minimalism—evident in such details as ceramic light pendants and walnut headboards carved with traditional patterns—offset by opulent bathrooms with green marble double sinks and suspended mirrors. Beyond these luxurious accommodations, wide open spaces await, featuring multiple swimming pools, a beach club, several dining options, and countless spots in which to unwind while taking in the natural beauty surrounding the resort.

The Mayan immersion extends to the

spa, particularly through the must-try Celestial Journey. This three-hour experience consists of three unique rituals: Secret Garden, Celestial Energy, and Under Sky Bathing. The Secret Garden includes a guided tour through a lush garden of native herbs and botanicals, allowing guests to create a personalized wellness elixir. Celestial Energy employs color and aromatherapy to align with the Motz (Pleiades star cluster) and the light of Ixchel (the moon), while Under Sky Bathing provides a tranquil soak in waters infused with Mayan botanicals and hydrating salts, paired with a head and neck massage. For those seeking more conventional treatments, The St. Regis Spa also offers a range of body and facial services using St. Regis and Sothys Paris products, occasionally blended with herbs from the Secret Garden. The spa’s hydro circuit, too, is particularly notable, underscored by a seductive relaxation pool with a variety of seating options, from submerged chairs to nests suspended over the water. (marriott.com) «

Featuring a multi-circular design, the grounds at The St. Regis Kanai Resort boast multiple swimming pools with such features as half-submerged lounge chairs and modern-style cabanas.
Clockwise from left: Wake up over the mangroves, ogle the Mayan-inspired design, and feast on ingredients-driven cuisine at The St. Regis Kanai Resort.

L.A. LUXE

IN A CITY WHERE FAME IS NO EASY FEAT, THE WEST HOLLYWOOD EDITION EMERGES AS A TRUE SUPERSTAR

While the city of West Hollywood sits at the heart of Los Angeles County, this storied area—where the West Hollywood Edition is situated—was largely unscathed by the recent fire devastation.

At just five years old, the property may be a newer establishment along Los Angeles’ iconic Sunset Strip, but it’s already among the most famous. A shining example of Ian Schrager’s next-generation hotel brand, this outpost at the crossroads of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills encapsulates the company’s ethos: redefining traditional luxury while creating a self-contained haven of entertainment, indulgence, and culinary delight. It’s no wonder why Angelenos and world travelers alike can’t get enough.

The 190-room, 13-story high-rise marries sleek design with inviting ambience. Its understated exterior, crafted by renowned British architect John Pawson, serves as a prelude to the bold interiors within. Guests are welcomed

through a grand cedar door into a soaring lobby space, where towering Italian travertine columns and a glowing central bar set the tone. A mix of earthy and colorful furnishings invite relaxation and revelry, providing an idyllic backdrop for L.A.’s style-conscious crowd to mingle, sip cocktails, or simply see and be seen. At the far end, emerald drapery reveals the firelit entrance to Ardor—a flora-filled restaurant serving vegetable-forward California cuisine.

From firm ground, the hotel’s magnetic energy flows into the subterranean vortex of disco ball–heavy Sunset nightclub and rises toward the heavens by way of a sprawling rooftop oasis. At the Edition’s summit, an infinityedged pool and The Roof resto-lounge deliver unbeatable views of the glittering skyline. By

day, it’s a breezy retreat for sundrenched drinking; at night, it transforms into a glamorous perch where music-themed cocktails pay homage to pop icons. Standouts include the Gimme More, a refreshing mix of Belvedere Vodka, pear, ginger, and lemongrass, and the Drunk in Love, a heady concoction of Roku Gin, bergamot, basil, orgeat, and lime.

Promising tranquility amid the buzz are the Edition’s eco-chic guest rooms. Dressed in light wood furnishings and neutral tones, each room has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private terrace or French balcony. Minimalist bathrooms are outfitted with natural stone, custom Le Labo amenities, rainfall showers, and freestanding tubs in select suites.

Tourism to intact areas of Los Angeles is proving critical as the region rebuilds. Like the still-thriving neighborhood it inhabits, The West Hollywood Edition strikes a delicate balance between cutting-edge and timeless. It’s a statement—a dynamic reflection of L.A.’s enduring spirit, boundless glamour, and endless possibilities, firmly securing its place as an emblem of the city’s ever-evolving allure. (editionhotels.com/weho) «

QUICK TRIPS
Scenes from The West Hollywood Edition, clockwise from far left: the lobby and entrance to Ardor restaurant; a Superior Suite; the front drive; the rooftop pool. NIKOLAS

HIGH ROAD

KING OF THE HILL

B

ig news. No, really big news. The all-electric GMC Hummer SUV may look as gargantuan and ungainly as a Waste Management dump truck, but surprise, it might just be the most fun and feisty SUV this side of a Lamborghini Urus.

A lot of that comes down to raw power. This thing is a Hoover Dam on wheels, a road-going Saturn V rocket. Three humongous electric motors—one up front, two in the back—deliver a combined 830 horsepower and an astonishing 11,500 pound-feet of stump-pulling torque.

Engage the insane Watts to Freedom launch control—yes, as in WTF—and the Hummer’s supercomputers prime the systems for max power. Now squeeze the brake pedal while stomping on the gas and prepare to yell, “Jeez Louise!” Big Daddy Don Garlits in his Swamp Rat dragster probably never felt this much thrust. Click a stopwatch and 60 mph comes up in 3.5 seconds. It’s the kind of instant acceleration that will steal your breath and leave you struggling to not throw your

hands in the air as if you were riding SheiKra at Busch Gardens.

Yes, a rival Rivian R2 electric sport-ute is good for standstill-to-60 sprints in around 3 seconds and the aforementioned Lambo Urus Performante will rocket to 60 in 3.1. But what makes the Hummer’s acceleration so insane is that this towering rocket ship tips the scales at a truly elephantine 8,673 pounds.

That weighty weight is only matched by the truck’s oversize footprint. Bluff nose to upright tail, it measures 197 inches long, 87 inches wide, and up to 83.6 inches tall. No wonder climbing aboard feels like scaling the side of El Capitan.

Now, one might think that with these XXL dimensions, the Hummer would feel like a bull in a china shop maneuvering into any parking space that wasn’t the size of a football pitch. Not so. The party trick here is its rear-wheel steering that, at low speeds, turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front ones. It gives the Hummer a pinch-tight turning radius of just 35.4 feet.

POWER FILE

PRICE: $104,650 FOR HUMMER EV 3X ENGINE: TRIPLE 287-HP

ELECTRIC MOTORS COMBINED POWER: 830 HP TORQUE:

11,500 LB-FT TRANSMISSION:

SINGLE-SPEED AUTOMATIC

0-60: 3.5 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 112 MPH (LIMITED) LENGTH/ WIDTH: 197/87 INCHES WEIGHT:

8,673 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT:

BECAUSE WHILE IT’S BIG, BRASH, AND WAY OVERWEIGHT, IT’S AN ABSOLUTE GRIN-INDUCING BLAST TO DRIVE.

GMC’s Hummer EV SUV is the follow-up to the Hummer EV pickup launched in 2021. It’s visually more interesting, with a high waist, low roofline, and a light bar on the front grille that spells out “Hummer” in white LEDs. When it’s charging, the lights turn neon blue to indicate its power progress.

And speaking of charge, the EPA estimates a range of 315 miles, though the best I could get was 304 miles. Owners of this Hummer EV, however, will need to have a Level 2 home charger; juicing the massive 170-kWh battery pack using a standard 120-volt plug would take a day, as opposed to eight hours with a Level 2. Finding a DC fast charger is the best solution, as it will add 100 miles in just 10 minutes.

Climb aboard—there are side steps and meaty grab handles to help—and the Hummer’s cabin is a lovely place to be, especially if you unclip the four lightweight rooftop sky panels, which store easily in the front trunk. The roomy cabin holds five in comfort, with acres of

rear legroom and elbow room. Fold down the back seats and there’s a whopping 82 cubic feet of cargo space.

Out on the streets, the Hummer impresses with its magic carpet–like air suspension ride, low-roll cornering, and surprisingly precise steering. The only downside is a bit too much wind and tire noise.

GM currently offers a pair of 2025 Hummer EV SUVs, kicking off with the twin-motor 2x at $96,550 and topping out with the triple-motor 3x at $104,650. Of course, no one needs an electric Hummer SUV. But oh, the fun you’ll have driving one. Plus, it makes way more sense than the Tesla Cybertruck. «

HIGH

PEACE AND QUIET

POLISH BUILDER SIALIA’S ALL-ELECTRIC 57 FAST CRUISER CAN GO THE DISTANCE IN SILENCE

In the words of John, Paul, George, and Ringo: “You say you want a revolution.” This Beatles hit was released in 1968, but had it come out today, the Fab Four could have been singing about this sleek new Sialia 57 weekender from Poland.

How come? Its highly sophisticated hybrid-electric power train is quite the revolution. It might even convince a few of us Florida boaters to ditch fossil fuels in favor of zero-emission, plug-and-play power.

Until now, electric boats have tended to be either small, surreyfringed, Duffy-style cocktail cruisers or bulky power catamarans with a roof full of solar panels. The Sialia shakes things up. This carbon-hulled marvel uses a bank of heavy-duty lithium batteries to juice a pair of beefy 400-kW electric motors that deliver a combined 1,000 horsepower. Flat out, this 57-footer can hit a top speed of 27 knots and cruise in stealthy silence at 16.

Throttle back to 8 knots and the 256kWh battery bank can provide a range of around 40 miles, or 100 miles at 6 knots. To counter any anxiety surrounding nautical range, the Sialia comes with a silent-

running, variable-speed onboard diesel generator that can extend the range to 360 miles at 16 knots. That’s an easy run to the Bahamas and back, or down to the Keys for a day of fishing. Stop for lunch and the range extender can recharge the batteries in 30 minutes.

This electric 57 is the bold vision of Sialia Yachts co-founders Stanislav Szadkowski and Tomasz Gackoski. Szadkowski is one of the world’s leading pioneers of heavy-duty traction battery technology; most of the electric buses on the road today are powered by his batteries. Gackoski’s background is in aerospace engineering with a specialty in high-tech composites. Their first effort is this new Sialia 57, aptly named Deep Silence.

Put aside for a sec all the advanced electric technology—the boat itself is one of the coolest looking cruisers around. Dutch designer Denis Popov came up with the head-spinning lines of the new 57, with its swept-back hardtop, wavecleaving bow, and big hull windows. The design of the slender, all-carbon-fiber hull is from the drawing board of Holland’s famed Vripack studio.

POWER FILE

PRICE: FROM $4 MILLION LENGTH: 57 FEET, 7 INCHES BEAM: 15 FEET, 7 INCHES DRAFT: 3 FEET, 3 INCHES POWER: 2 X 400-KW ELECTRIC MOTORS BATTERY: FROM 256 KWH TO 1,000 KWH TOP SPEED: 27 KNOTS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S THE WORLD’S FIRST SERIOUS ELECTRICPOWERED FAST CRUISER.

Step aboard via the wide swim platform and into the vast cockpit, where the 57 has a great feeling of space. In the center is a huge sun pad that, at the touch of a button, levitates to reveal massive storage for all the water toys you’d ever need. Forward of the sun pad is a cool U-shaped seating area that can be covered by a powered sunshade extending from the hardtop. In a clever piece of flexible design, the backrest can flip forward to create rear-facing seating.

The full galley has a cooktop, fridge, ice maker, and sink as well as a comfy chaise for stretching out with a beach read. Forward, behind the

windshield, is another U-shaped sofa for more relaxing, with the well-equipped helm station opposite. And this whole area can be opened courtesy of a powered canvas sunroof.

Steps lead down into the air-conditioned cabin below decks, with a second galley, L-shaped sofa, and table for dining. There’s a forward double berth with a privacy curtain that would be perfect for kids. The owner, however, gets a roomy full-beam cabin with a head and shower.

The only downside of all this is price. Sialia is replacing this 57 this year with a slightly stretched 59 that boasts bigger batteries and a tender garage. It will cost around $4 million. There’s also a new Sialia 45 being readied for the fall boat show season that’ll be priced at around $2 million.

Looking for a deal? Deep Silence itself is currently on the market through Sialia’s U.S. distributor, Fort Lauderdale–based Yacht Sales International. With an uprated 500-kWh battery and all new soft furnishings, she’s keenly priced at around $2.8 million.

As for all that stealthy silence and whisper-quiet cruising? Priceless. «

Forever young

Wellness influencer Martha Graeff talks about her self-acceptance journey and the creation of her new longevity line, Happy Aging

n

Once upon a time, there was a man who told Brazilian model-turned–wellness advocate Martha Graeff that she was past her prime. Graeff was in her thirties—and wearing that decade of her life like a slinky dress at a beach party. But as good as she may have looked on the outside, on the inside, Graeff suspected that this man was calling her old. She Googled the phrase just to be sure that was what he meant. It did.

As much as his words stung back then, Graeff is now having the last laugh, after launching a new line of longevity beverage shots called Happy Aging late last year.

“It’s more than a product,” she says, looking every bit unbothered and youthful. “It’s a movement. I see women fighting with the way we are looking. And it’s starting younger and younger— including myself. I wanted to start embracing this process and create a movement where others could too.”

Graeff’s own story involves a journey toward embracing herself—flaws and all—and finding inner peace. Born and raised in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Graeff was actively recruited by a modeling agent who came to her school and tried to persuade her to work in Europe during her two-month school break.

“My mother was a TV presenter in Brazil and my first jobs were with her,” Graeff recalls. “When I was 13, I

“i see women fighting with the way that we are looking. And it’s starting younger and younger— including myself. I wanted to start embracing this process and create a movement where others could too.”

did a commercial with her, and that’s how I got started in TV. I have always loved to communicate. In fact, I didn’t love modeling because I couldn’t communicate in it. One of the things about my personality is I like to have a conversation.”

The modeling agent was persistent. At first, Graeff’s parents felt she was too young to leave home to model. But they eventually relented, and Graeff started working in Europe at age 16. Though there were upsides to the steady work, there were also downsides of being a young woman far from home and her mother’s nourishing meals. As a teenager left to her own devices, Graeff says she started eating Häagen-Dazs ice cream and other things she wasn’t allowed to eat at home. Before she knew it, she’d gained 22 pounds. Her modeling agency told her she was overweight and needed to do something about it, but they provided her with no guidance on what to do. She says it was “mentally very damaging.”

Graeff developed an eating disorder that she struggled with quietly, until she opened up to her family and got the help she needed to overcome it. “That’s something I always talk about with young girls,” she says. “Sometimes little comments can do [damage] to a teenage body, you know, because at that age we’re changing, and everything is changing. So, I am careful with my own daughter, and in fact, I would never encourage her to go into [modeling]. After what I’ve seen, there are beautiful things out there, but I feel it’s very lonely, and it can get cruel at times too.”

Graeff moved to Miami in 2010. Six years ago, she took her first journey to India, discovering that the country was a much-needed tonic in her life. Something shifted inside of her. She started meditating, focusing on her wellness, and auditing what she wanted—and didn’t want—in her life.

“It was a time when I said I need to add meaning to my life,” she recalls. “I needed to have purpose. I said I have all the tools. I have the online exposure with my followers. What

if each of those followers gave me a dollar?”

She co-founded a philanthropy in Miami, Bazaar for Good, which raises money to improve children’s education and health care around the world. Among other things, Bazaar for Good has built a school in India and provided heart implants for pediatric patients in Venezuela. Last year, it raised $700,000 to benefit Style Saves, which provides school essentials, food, and clothing to more than 150,000 students in the MiamiDade area. Their work is ongoing.

Happy Aging’s work is ongoing too—per-

haps a reflection of the fact that as Graeff nears her fortieth birthday, she’s as grounded and graceful as she’s ever been, the result of a long journey of self-work and self-understanding.

When she developed the idea for Happy Aging, she says she was biologically 12 years older than her chronological age—in part because she was going through a divorce. She was stressed and wasn’t digesting food well, she says. When she reflected on names for the product, she says she initially nixed the phrase “Healthy Aging” because we’re not always aging healthily. Sometimes we get up at

Martha Graeff’s new wellness line combines her love for all things beauty with science-backed solutions for promoting wellness at any age.
“it’s about creating connections with women and just sharing stories about aging and maturing together.”

n7 a.m. and have a green juice. Other times we stay out late and drink wine.

Graeff co-founded Happy Aging with Dr. Daniel Yadegar, a Harvard-trained physician and longevity expert who specializes in age management and regenerative medicine.

“There’s a stigma with aging,” Yadegar says. “It’s psychological, and people like to figure out how to do it in a graceful way that gives them agency over the process.” The Happy Aging shots, Yadegar says, are just one lever you can flip to improve your longevity.

There’s a shot for whatever your wellness goal may be. The NAD+ Longevity shots include eight ingredients—among them resveratrol and nicotinamide riboside—that slow aging, improve skin elasticity, boost energy, and support cognition. (At press time, those shots had sold out twice, and the third restock was in the process of being shipped out to customers.) There’s also a Glow shot for glowing skin, and a Calm shot for increased zen. More products will be added in 2025, Graeff says, as will in-person yoga classes, meditations, and retreats.

“I wanted to bring happiness into the process,” she says. “Whoever meets me says that I do have this factor of happiness and making people feel happy. And I like that even though we’re science-backed and we have a medical doctor on board, we can be a new company that has this freshness and [we can] talk about something that is so difficult in an open way. If you sit with me, I can talk about everything, and I make people comfortable to share. It’s not just about creating products. It’s about creating connections with women and just sharing stories about aging and maturing together.”

At the end of the day, Graeff’s own secret to happiness has been gratitude, even in times when life is at its hardest. She gets up every day at sunrise and writes about three sources of gratitude—things like her daughter’s smile, her own breath, and the friends she has at her side. “I feel like I’ve lived a lot,” she says. “I feel like I’m 90.”

But Graeff doesn’t look a day over 25, a testament to a life she has lived like a woman well within her prime. «

Graeff takes the NAD+ Longevity shot from Happy Aging over ice in her Sunny Isles home.
Creative direction: Liandra Sales and Andres Tufano
Production: Skep360
Hair and makeup: Dima Osko
Styling: Liandra Sales and Andres Tufano
Wardrobe: Gowns by Lisu Vega
Jewelry: Denise Pacini

A

WELLNESS FM Z to

OUR A-TO-Z GUIDE EXPLORES THE LATEST TRENDS, TREATMENTS, AND TOOLS—FROM ANCIENT HEALING PRACTICES TO CUTTING-EDGE TECH—AIMED AT A LIFE WELL-LIVED ACROSS SOUTH FLORIDA

A

IS FOR ADAPTENS

rooms actually do? In scientific terms, they help to regulate the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its sympathoadrenal system (the connection between the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla), which are both involved in the body’s response to stress. In practical terms, they help the body return to a place of balance after a stressful experience. Taken over time, they can help your body build resilience to stressful events. Whether you’re trying adaptogens to tap into the wisdom of ancestors or using them as a modern biohacking tool, Sacred Space Miami at Modern Farmacy offers a curated wellness shop stocked with adaptogenic herbs for your journey. (sacredspacemiami.com)

BIS FOR BATHWORK

When you take time to breathe deeply and with purpose, you send healing signals to your brain. Breathwork can release toxins and stress when you breathe out, and nourish your mind and body when you breathe in. As Miami-based Willfly founder Stephi Wald puts it, “How you breathe is how you live.” Wald offers breathwork sessions to help individuals access the subconscious mind and push past limiting beliefs—using nothing but the air you breathe. (willfly.co)

IS FOR CO THERAPY

If you haven’t been coaxed into an ice bath or invested in a cold plunge tank of your own by now, it’s time to try out the trend. Entire communities have cropped up around the many benefits of cold exposure. Frostdipping enthusiasts like the Miami Ice Club (miamiiceclub.com) in Brickell and The Cold Collective (thecold collectivewpb.com) in West Palm Beach practice cold therapy for improved circulation, anti-inflammatory responses, endorphin-triggering mood boosts, and metabolic rate enhancements—among other benefits.

D

IS FOR DATA-DVEN HEALTH

In the age of tech-driven wearables like Oura Rings, Apple Watches, and Whoop Fitness Trackers, data on our own health—from sleep efficiency to heart-rate variability to post-workout recovery percentages and beyond—can unlock new ways to optimize wellness. Today’s smart devices monitor key biomarkers and offer real-time insight to help manage stress, track athletic performance, improve exercise efficiency, and even prevent or plan pregnancy.

E IS FOR ENERGEC

The ancient art of energetic healing is said to be able to clear negative energy, promote relaxation, balance the body’s chakras, and realign energetic flow. Tap into your own energetic field at Agape Healing in South Beach. Their practitioners offer a menu of services including Reiki Energy Healing, Sound Healing and Tetah Healing that target physical, emotional, energetic, astral, and etheric levels—encouraging key healing connections among mind, body, and soul. (reikihealingmiami.com)

EIS FOR FUNCONAL MEDICINE

While conventional medicine aims to treat a patient’s specific symptoms, functional medicine takes a more holistic approach that looks at the root cause of illness and considers the body as a whole. Functional doctors at Tringali Vibrant Health (tringalihealth.com) in the Palm Beaches or at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine (naplescfm.com) take a deep dive into the genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental influences behind a patient’s wellness.

From AO Scans—a technology that uses bio-frequencies and electromagnetic signals to identify potential health issues—to Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy for chronic infections, and even cancer, functional medicine blends cutting-edge science with holistic healing practices. Addressing health concerns (like autoimmune illnesses, allergies, gut issues, infertility, migraines, or vertigo) from a functional medicine approach can include vitamin supplementation, IV therapies, in-depth diagnostics, or alternative modalities like hyperbaric oxygen chambers or Shiftwave treatments that aim to retrain the nervous system.

Since there’s no onesize-fits-all approach to functional medicine, treatment plans are customized specifically to individual patient needs. The goal is not the absence of disease but optimized health.

G

IS FOR GUT HEALTH

Time for a gut check? Forget scheduling appointments with labs and doctors. Tiny Health’s Adult Gut Health Test is an at-home diagnostic that gives you detailed, actionable gut diversity analysis. In just three weeks, you’ll receive a report with personalized tips plus a one-on-one coaching session to review your results with a specialist. (tinyhealth.com)

HIS FOR HYDRAON

Staying hydrated is crucial for nearly every bodily function—from joint lubrication to regulating body temperature. For South Floridians looking to keep their water source local and natural, Floridian Spring Water is sourced from the Floridian Aquifer before it flows into Crystal River’s Kings Bay—a renewable resource replenished by rainfall. Sign up for a subscription and get free delivery within Florida. (drinkfloridian.com)

I IS FOR IMMUNITYBSTERS

Ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, and probiotics support the body’s natural infection-fighting system. For a beverage that combines these kinds of natural tonics, try the Immunity Booster at Pura Vida Miami locations across the Magic City. The shot contains ingredients like orange, pineapple, ginger, lemon, honey, cayenne, and a touch of garlic. On their own, each of these ingredients offers immunity-boosting health benefits. But together, they’re a powerhouse of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory goodness. (puravidamiami.com)

IGetting your thoughts out of your mind and down on paper is a great way to support mental wellness—from recording gratitude to letting go of negative thoughts. Guided journals from Inside Then Out make checking in with yourself chic. Founder Nya Jones created the brand’s Better Every Day journal with 365 prompts to build a few minutes of reflection into your daily routine. (insidethenout.com)

Kinetic therapy is more than a massage. Using specially designed tools, practitioners apply pressure to targeted areas to break up scar tissue and adhesions for improved circulation and range of motion, while reducing chronic pain. At Kinetic Body Therapy in Miami Beach, bodyworker Edan Harari applies techniques to release tension, restore movement, and optimize performance for athletes and everyday folks alike. (kineticbodytherapy.com)

L

IS FOR LIGHT THERAPY

Encompassing a variety of types of light—including LED, red light, blue light, and laser technology—light therapy offers solutions for people looking to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen. In Naples, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kent V. Hasen (drhasen.com) offers these targeted treatments for noninvasive resolutions to a variety of skin woes.

If you’re more of a DIY type, Kineon’s Red Light Therapy (kineon. io) device promises to accelerate athletic recovery and provide pain relief, while the Nira Laser Collection (niraskin.com) promotes firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

N

IS FOR NUTRITION DRIVEN BY AI

AI is revolutionizing just about everything in our lives, so why should nutrition be an exception?

Users of the MacroAI app can log meals with a simple voice command, and AI will instantly analyze the meal’s macros, generating a personalized diet score, complete with tweaks to meet pre-set fitness goals. The app can also recommend recipes to optimize meals for users who follow keto, vegan, and paleo diets.

M IS FOR MEDITATION

Meditation fosters mindfulness, reduces stress, and promotes inner peace. In Miami Beach, visit the Faena Hotel’s Tierra Santa Healing House on Sunday afteroons for the Twin Hearts meditation sessions. Led by certified pranic healers, these complimentary, hour-long sessions tap into techniques proven to promote the expansion of positive energy into your physical and emotional well-being. (faena.com/miami-beach)

While last-gen nutrition-tracking apps took up to a minute or more to log a meal, MacroAI does its thing in mere seconds. The app also learns and adapts to users over time; you can even chat with it for diet and fitness consultations tailored to you.

MacroAI’s development team promises that future versions will allow you to track intake, monitor your eating habits, and provide real-time feedback by letting your camera eat first—using a photo of any dish or via images uploaded from wearable devices like smart glasses. (macroai.ai)

M

O

IS FOR THE OZEMPIC CRAZE

The meteoric (albeit controversial) rise of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications—originally designed for diabetes management but now used off-label for appetite control—has sparked widespread interest in weight loss, metabolic health, and the costbenefit analysis of losing weight via pharmaceutical interventions (as opposed to traditional methods of diet and exercise). While the results speak for themselves, questions remain about potential long-term effects and shifting societal attitudes toward obesity and weight management.

P

Q

Who wouldn’t want to play their way to wellness? Whether it’s pickleball or posh padel—a Mexicanborn blend of tennis, squash, and racquetball—there are plenty of ways to have fun on the court. These fast-paced games improve agility, coordination, and endurance.

Booking a match at North Miami’s Reserve Miami at SoLé Mia (reserve padel.com), the Kinetic Indoor Racquet Club (kineticracquet.com) in Naples, or the Padel Club (padelclub. us) in West Palm Beach comes with fringe social-club benefits like a gym, spa, bar, lounge, sauna, ice plunges, and more. There’s even a padel court made from recycled steel floating off Miami-Dade’s Fisher Island this season.

Step into stillness at a quiet retreat, where the focus is on fostering deep reflection, mindfulness, and clarity. The rules are simple: commit to “Noble Silence,” where you are invited into quietness unless speaking is necessary. In Miami, Modern OM Bungalow’s annual silent retreat starts with chanting sessions followed by meditation and mindful eating practices. (clubmodernom.com)

R IS FOR REFLEXOLOGY

By applying pressure to precise body points, reflexology can stimulate circulation and alleviate pain in a variety of organs and systems, according to Tammy Fender. Her namesake, worththe-drive spas in the Palm Beaches offer the healing service. “Overall, the effect is energizing but also relaxing and helps guide the whole being into balance,” she says. (tammyfender.com)

RS IS FOR SLEEP TOURISM

The American Sleep Association estimates that 50 to 70 million Americans (that’s one-third of all U.S. adults) experience sleep disorders. If you’re in that camp, consider sleep tourism: vacation retreats where sciencebacked programs help guests reset their circadian rhythms and improve snooze quality. In Miami Beach, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort’s Sleep Well Retreat (carillonhotel. com) combines holistic therapies with the sleep-optimizing Bryte Balance Smart Bed to promote deeper, more restorative rest.

At home, try serving up a better night of sleep with these two bath products that promise some serious snoozing:

• Plant medicine–powered brand OM Wellness offers soaks that combine pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts with therapeutic-grade essential oils and potent quantities of CBD. You can soak your full body, hands, or feet or use it as a pre-bedtime compress or scrub. (om-wellness.com)

●• Flewd’s single-dose soaks contain highly concentrated bioavailable nutrients to target aches, anxiety, and more. Think of it as a supplement you absorb through your skin instead of a pill you swallow. Flewd’s Insomnia Ending varietal contains magnesium, vitamins A and E, and LCarnitine and promises to ease you from wide awake to sound asleep (once you exit the tub, of course). (flewdstresscare.com)

TGermless, on-demand, and fully customizable, touchless spa treatments use technology like AI-driven massage beds, infrared therapy, and meditation pods to deliver a human-free, handsfree experience. At Miami’s Kimpton Epic Miami Hotel’s Privai Spa and Fitness, try the brand-new, fully automated Aescape AI-powered massage—designed to mimic the feel of a skilled human therapist but with superhuman precision. Or go for guided meditations and ambient lighting inside the futuristic Somadome wellness pod. (kimptonepic.privaispas.com)

“Unplugging from the digital world frequently is essential,” says Dr. Natalie Rosenzweig, founder of Above Down Chiro in West Palm Beach.

“With constant hits of dopamine from social apps, we’re affecting our brain’s ability to produce a normal response to positive stimuli in our environment and relationships. We can burn the reward center of our brains out, so to speak.” Rosenzweig’s recommendation? “Set realistic boundaries with tech, like putting your phone on airplane mode by 8 p.m. and at least one day per week to digitally detox and be physically present.”

(abovedownchiropractic.com)

UV

V

The vagus nerve is the communication superhighway between your brain and your body, overseeing involuntary functions like digestion, heart rate, and mood. Stimulating it can relax you, reduce inflammation, and provide physical and emotional health benefits.

A natural and popular way to stimulate the vagus nerve is the WimHof Method, which combines breathing exercises, cold exposure, and meditation. In West Palm Beach, sauna-

and-plunge oasis Pura Vida Wellness (puravidawellness.com) organizes WimHof workshops and day retreats. In Naples, the Heal Thyself Institute (healthyselfswfl.com) is a holistic health haven offering vagus nerve health support. Or start where you are: devices like Sensate (us.getsensate.com) use vibration and sound to destress your nervous system in 10 minutes—and they feel as soothing as a cat purring on your chest.

W Z

IS FOR WENESS GARDENS

Cultivating a garden of edible medicinal herbs and plants puts your own health in your hands—literally. Many easily growable sprouts pack a punch: Moringa is rich in antioxidants and can boost energy; chamomile flowers, a favorite of sleepytime teas, are renowned for their calming effect; echinacea boosts the immune system, potentially reducing the duration of colds; calendula petals’ anti-inflammatory properties make them the perfect ingredient for a wound-healing salve; and if you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know the soothing properties of aloe vera.

Kendale Lakes’ Ready-to-Grow Gardens (ready-to-grow.com) specializes in helping Miamians cultivate organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits, with services ranging from designing and installing edible gardens to providing organically grown starter plants and gardening supplies. Farther north, the Swinton Community Growing Project (instagram.com/ swintoncgp) in Delray Beach is an organic food forest and community gathering space.

X IS FOR EXERCISE Y IS FOR YA

We all know the importance of exercise, but we don’t all make the time. Enter micro-workouts: quick, high-intensity sessions that boost strength, endurance, and metabolism in minutes. With locations in Miami Beach, Midtown, Coconut Grove, and Doral, Anatomy Gym (anatomy fitness.com) offers quick classes sure to suit your schedule, whether you’re a solo fitness junkie or prefer a group setting. Gym membership not your style? Keep a set of aesthetically pleasing weights from Obshay (obshay.com)—disguised as decor— near your desk or throughout your home for midday or minute-long lifts.

No practice harmonizes flexibility, strength, and inner peace quite like yoga does. In Wynwood and Coconut Grove, Mimi Yoga (mimiyoga. com) offers classes with different flows and goals for all levels of yogis in a welcoming, noncompetitive environment. Yoga Path Palm Beach (yogapathpalmbeach.com) located in West Palm Beach is a haven for vinyasa, yin, sound healing, meditation, and even teacher training—all led by instructors who are certified by the Yoga Alliance.

YAmericans, especially trendsetting members of Gen Z, have been drinking less alcohol than ever. And since the U.S. Surgeon General outlined a direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk earlier this year, more folks are eschewing alcohol to adopt a zeroproof lifestyle.

Stock up on nonalcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and botanical elixirs at Nolo Miami (nolomiami.com), South Florida’s first retailer devoted exclusively to zero-proof products—founded by a a husband-and-wife team on a mission to elevate the zero-proof experience. In Palm Beach County, Kapow’s (kapownoodlebar.com) innovative mocktail program aims to align the chakras without a dreaded hangover the next day. «

BY INVITATIONOnly

O-Shape handbag without chain ($1,725), chanel.com

STYLE NOTE: Channel a new way to wear the classic nautical stripe and color combo of navy, white, and red.

LOUIS VUITTON GO-14PM handbag ($6,050), us louisvuitton.com

JACQUEMUS

The Rond Carré clutch ($1,250), jacquemus.com

DY Mercer Triple Ring Drop earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($7,800), davidyurman.com

Fred Force 10 White Cord with 18-karat yellow gold LG buckle ($5,200), hamilton jewelers.com

Pyraclou 60 mm espadrilles ($945), christianlouboutin.com

CHANEL
HAMILTON JEWELERS
DAVID YURMAN
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
PRADA
LOUIS VUITTON

DINNER ALFRESCO X

STYLE NOTE: Lean into bold tropical prints and islandinspired hues for a sultry evening under the palms.

ROGER VIVIER

Efflorescence clutch in pink satin ($1,785), rogervivier.com

ROBINSON PELHAM

Turquoise earrings set in 14-karat yellow gold with turquoise studs ($3,110), Marissa Collections, marissacollections.com

GUCCI

Bamboo choker necklace in Rosso Ancora red enamel and gold-toned finish ($2,600), gucci.com

BOTTEGA VENETA Knot Intreccio leather minaudière clutch ($5,950), bottega veneta.com

DAVID YURMAN

Sculpted Cable Open Cocktail ring in 18-karat yellow gold with Madeira citrines and rubellites ($5,200), davidyurman.com

SAINT LAURENT Dominique sandals in satin crepe ($990), ysl.com
LA DOUBLEJ
CAROLINA HERRERA
JOHANNA ORTIZ

IN THE GARDEN X

STYLE NOTE: Curate your look with romantic prints and accents that resemble a mixed floral bouquet.

VERSACE Embellished Kleio shoulder bag ($4,800), versace.com

MISH FINE JEWELRY

Laelia French Wire earrings in 18-karat yellow gold and emeralds (price upon request), mishfinejewelry.com

LOEWE

JIMMY CHOO

Bon Bon satin bag with daisies degrade and metal handle ($2,150), jimmychoo.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

English Rose printed mini TRO bag ($2,790), oscardela renta.com

VALENTINO

Valentino Garavani VLogo pointed floral satin pumps ($1,450), valentino.com

Printed Nappa Pebble soft mule 45 loewe.com

($1,150),

VERSACE
VALENTINO

WHITE PARTY X

STYLE NOTE: Play with interesting textures and silhouettes for a fresh take on this monotone summer staple.

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

Natalie leather barrel bag ($2,100), michaelkors.com

DIOR D-Vinity choker necklace ($2,350), dior.com

TOD’S White leather shopping tote ($2,125), tods.com

LOEFFLER RANDALL

Priscilla cream heeled leather sandal ($395), loefflerrandall.com

CULT GAIA Atum brass and pearl earrings ($198), cult gaia.com

CHLOÈ Ghillies lace-up pumps ($990), chloe.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY
AKRIS
MAX MARA

ON THE RANCH X

STYLE NOTE: Elevate the outdoors with denim, suede, raffia, and wood. For style bonus points, add a chic bandana.

VENETA

Hobo Foulard shoulder bag in bandana print leather ($3,950), bottegaveneta.com

CHANEL Brimmed hat ($1,625), chanel.com

FENDI

CHOO

Chocolate suede platforms with Sangallo embroidery ($1,295), jimmychoo.com

Blue FF Denim Baguette handbag ($3,490), fendi.com

Medium Sicily bag in suede ($3,745), dolcegabbana.com

Washed Denim Toy pump 90 ($1,100), loewe.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

BOTTEGA
JIMMY
LOEWE
ZIMMERMANN
VERONICA BEARD

SAFARI AT DUSK X

STYLE NOTE: Bring high glamour to the desert with earthy tones mixed with luxe appliqués and accessories.

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

Ischia mini leather and fringe bucket bag ($1,850), michaelkors.com

TORY BURCH

Peep Toe pump ($448), tory burch.com

Medium new Bobby bag ($5,700), dior.com

TIFFANY & CO.

Tiffany Hardwear

Large Link bracelet in yellow gold with diamonds ($27,300), tiffany.com

FERRAGAMO

Heeled sandal with ribbon ($1,150), ferragamo.com

VUITTON LV fan handbag ($3,950), us louisvuitton.com

LOUIS
DIOR
SAINT LAURENT
DIOR

AVENTURA MAGAZINE PRESENTS

Physician

Profiles

On the following pages, you’ll discover our carefully curated list of 130 Top Doctors as chosen by their peers. We profile some of the most trusted and experienced physicians across Miami-Dade County, many of whom give their time and talents to make our community even stronger.

Physician Profiles

ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Michelle Eisenfeld

Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida Aventura 305-932-5662 allergyweb.com

Barry Mark Florida Center for Allergy & Asthma Care Aventura 305-932-3252 physicians.florida-allergy.com

Yoram Padeh

Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida Aventura 305-932-5662 allergyweb.com

CARDIAC SURGERY

Maurice Mawad

HCA Florida Heart and Vascular Care - Aventura Aventura 786-428-1059 hcafloridahealthcare.com

CARDIOLOGY

Ravi Chiravuri

Miami International Cardiology Consultants Aventura 305-396-3858

Leonard Pianko

Leonard Pianko, MD –Aventura Cardiovascular Center Aventura 305-384-4720 leonardpiankomd.com

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

Marianna Zeichen

Jackson Health SystemColorectal and Minimally Invasive Surgery Specialists Miami 305-585-4564 jacksonhealth.org

HELPING HANDS

Dr. Joshua Lampert honors the memory of his mother by providing free reconstructive surgeries to local mothers in need

Grief mixed with gratitude is powerful medicine. Dr. Joshua Lampert knows this, so when the Aventura-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon lost his mother to a rare metastatic cancer, he sought to heal himself by healing others.

The result is A.L.L. for Moms, a charity day of surgery launched in 2023, which provides medically necessary aesthetic or reconstructive procedures to Miami-area mothers in need.

“She was my mentor and my role model, and a key factor to me being able to develop my practice,” Dr. Lampert says of his mother, Adele Lynn Lampert. “After she died, I thought, ‘Let’s do something locally one day a year and put it on Mom’s birthday as a positive way to remember her.’”

Dr. Lampert credits his mother with encouraging him in the visual arts—an interest which turned out to be a boon for an aesthetic surgeon who took graduate level sculpting classes while attending medical school, at one point almost leaving the latter to pursue an MFA.

But a third-year rotation in plastic surgery offered the perfect synthesis of art and science. In 2010, Dr. Lampert relocated to Miami, initially practicing under Dr. Anthony Wolfe—who is considered a founding father of craniofacial surgery. “Miami has a rich history of leadership in reconstructive surgery,” says Dr. Lampert, who now trains future practitioners as an assistant professor at FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

It’s a busy life, but he knows where he’ll be from morning to night on the twenty-first of May each year: in his surgery center, operating on women like A.L.L for Moms recipient Paulette, who called the removal of her breast implants life changing. “I’m more active, I’m more energetic with my daughter. I feel better, I sleep better,” she says, her voice quavering with gratitude.

Dr. Lampert says it is he who is grateful. “The day of surgery takes us back to that original reason we became doctors in the first place: to help people.” (lampertmd.com) Nicole Neal

Physician Profiles

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE AND PULMONARY DISEASE

Michael Campos University of Miami Health System Miami

305-243-6387 doctors.umiamihealth.org

Joseph Paprota Mount Sinai Emergency Center, Physician Offices, Cancer Center and Diagnostic Center Aventura Aventura 305-674-2055 msmc.com

Martin Valdivia-Arenas

Vincenzo Novara MD and Associates North Miami Beach 305-651-3038 npcca-fl.com

DERMATOLOGY

Carlos Cohen

Carlos Cohen, MD Dermatology Aventura 954-436-2200 carloscohenderm.com

David Drachman

David Drachman, MD Aventura 305-935-2990 yelp.com

Newsha Lajevardi Newsha Dermatology + Cosmetics Aventura 305-330-9933 newshaderm.com

Melissa Lazarus

Lazarus Dermatology Bay Harbor Islands 305-864-6200 lazarusmd.com

Mark Nestor

Mark Steven Nestor, MD, PhD Aventura 305-933-6716 marknestormd.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 81

Marisa Potter

Dr. Marisa Potter Dermatology Aventura 305-363-1956 potterderm.com

Barry Resnik Resnik Skin Institute Aventura 305-692-8998 drresnik.com

Joseph Seber

Joseph F. Seber MD North Miami Beach 305-947-1466

EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT

Simon Angeli University of Miami Health SystemDon Soffer Clinical Research Center Miami 305-243-3564 doctors.umiamihealth.org

Paul Foster

South Florida ENT Associates Aventura 305-531-7637 sfenta.org

Scott Goldberg

South Florida ENT Associates Aventura 786-442-1557 sfenta.org

Paul Kleidermacher

South Florida ENT Associates Aventura 305-932-6375 sfenta.org

Jesse Salmeron

Jesse Salmeron MD North Miami Beach 305-652-8151 jessesalmeronmd.com

Bahbak Shariat-Madar

South Florida ENT Associates Aventura 305-531-7637 sfenta.org

UNDER PRESSURE

Dr. Maria Delgado-Lelievre is the founding director of the University of Miami Comprehensive Hypertension Center—the only American Heart Association-certified comprehensive center in South Florida

At an age not generally associated with lofty contemplation, 13-year-old Maria Delgado was pondering how best to live a meaningful life. Should she pursue astrophysics? Or maybe, with a father who was a doctor, professor, and scientist, she should consider medicine? “As a child, I was asking myself these questions: Do I want to do something that will help people during my lifetime, or do I want to do something that is more abstract?” she says.

With astrophysics, it would be the latter—a chance to contribute to a body of knowledge that might eventually lead to travel into another galaxy. “But I knew in my lifetime that would not happen,” she says. So medicine, with its promise of a more immediate impact, it was. A few decades later, now Dr. Delgado-Lelievre—a lauded hypertension specialist, professor, and scientist—knows she made the right choice.

As the founding director of the University of Miami Comprehensive Hypertension Center and an assistant professor at the Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Delgado-Lelievre has devoted her career to the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and study of high blood pressure—a disease that affects almost half of American adults. Her special interest in the genetic predisposition to high blood pressure lead her to become one of the first researchers to identify low potassium within cells as an iheritable trait for hypertension.

Dr. Delgado-Lelievre and her team started the Comprehensive Hypertension Center to treat high blood pressure with personalized programs for each patient, to research and educate on hypertension’s causes and its care, and to develop innovative ways to reduce blood pressure and its complications nationally and globally. In 2023 and 2024, the Center received the Gold Plus distinction from the American Heart Association. Treatment has gone “from taking a pill and getting a cuff around your arm to more personalized medicine,” says Dr. Delgado-Lelievre, whose genuine warmth and extensive knowledge have earned her highest marks from patients.

“It’s amazing how science and technology have advanced,” she says. “But what’s always the same is the human being. Medicine is always a relationship between two people.” (med.miami.edu) Nicole Neal

Physician Profiles

EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT

(cont.)

Jay Young South Florida ENT Associates Aventura 305-707-0368 sfenta.org

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Daniella Lamour

Jackson North Emergency Medicine North Miami Beach 305-654-5200 jacksonhealth.org

ABOUT THE LIST

Medical decisions are some of the most important choices our readers make. In an effort to provide the best medical information available, AVENTURA magazine has enlisted a professional marketing company, Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan, to identify the Top Doctors in the Aventura area. Together we surveyed licensed physicians, asking them to reveal the best medical professionals in our area. These Top Doctors have been scrutinized for the legitimacy of their licenses as well as their status with the Florida Department of Health. While there are outstanding professionals who aren’t listed here, we hope you’ll give these doctors special consideration when choosing a medical professional.

Seth Marquit

Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami 305-343-2974

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES, AND METABOLISM

Marcos Chertman

Marcos Chertman M.D. P.A. Bay Harbor Islands 305-861-8450

Lila Chertman

Marcos Chertman M.D. P.A. Bay Harbor Islands 305-861-8450

Leonard Thaler Aventura Endocrine Associates Aventura 305-937-3000 aventuraendocrine.com

Ariel Zisman Dr. Zisman Endocrinology & Weight Loss Aventura 305-466-9500 drzisman.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Gendy Carela-Kirby

Sanitas Kendall Medical Center Miami 844-665-4827 mysanitas.com

Anthony Dieguez Practical Management North Miami Beach 305-651-9988 mhs.net

Jim Huang FastCare LLC Aventura 786-923-4000 myfastcare.com

Tannaz Nekoi-Panah One MedicalEsplanade at Aventura Office Aventura 888-663-6331 onemedical.com

Mailene Yanes Sanitas Kendall Medical Center Miami 844-665-4827 mysanitas.com

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Howard Estrin Surgery Center of Aventura Aventura 305-927-2307 scaventura.com

Lewis Felder Gastro Health - North Miami Beach North Miami Beach 305-770-0062 gastrohealth.com

Steven Kaplan Dr. Steven R Kaplan MD Aventura 305-466-1836 hcafloridahealthcare.com

GENERAL SURGERY

Rafael Azuaje Miami Hernia Center Aventura 305-510-4655 miamiherniacenter.com

Hakan Charles-Harris H. Charles-Harris, MD & Associates Miami 305-691-2941 all-surgery.com

Gerardo Kahane HCA Florida Miami-Dade Surgical Specialists - Aventura Aventura 305-936-2565 hcafloridaphysicians.com

Elias Mizrahi

Jackson Medical CenterNorth Miami North Miami Beach 305-585-8746 jacksonhealth.org

HAND SURGERY

Alexander Krawiecki South Florida Surgery and Hand Care Aventura 786-519-4263 southfloridasurgery.com

HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Elisa Krill-Jackson University of Miami Health SystemsSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aventura Aventura 305-243-5302 doctors.umiamihealth.org

Jose Lutzky University of Miami Health SystemsSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aventura Aventura 305-243-5302 doctors.umiamihealth.org

HOSPICE/ PALLIATIVE CARE

Nora Gonzalez Holy Cross HealthCatholic Palliative Care Services Inc Miami Lakes 305-351-7086 holy-cross.com

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Lorraine Dowdy Midway Specialty Care Center Miami 305-740-6071 midwaycare.org

Simon Edelstein InfectionRX Aventura 305-933-8433 infectionrx.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Adam Au Physicians Creek Medical Center North Miami Beach 305-720-4004 physicianscreek.com

MARK S. NESTOR MD, PhD

DERMATOLOGY

SCA Dermatology, Center for Cosmetic Enhancement, and Center for Clincial and Cosmetic Research 2925 Aventura Blvd., Suite 205 • Aventura 305-933-6716 • marknestormd.com

Mark S. Nestor, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in aesthetic dermatology and all aspects of clinical dermatology including the cutting-edge noninvasive skin cancer treatment called image-guided radiation therapy. Dr. Nestor is considered a world expert in clinical and cosmetic dermatology, including laser surgery and has been the director of the Center for Cosmetic Enhancement and the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Aventura for over 30 years. He is also a voluntary professor in the Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He received his Medical Degree and PhD from University of California (UCLA) and his dermatology residency training from New York University.

His office has over 50 state-of-the-art devices and he conducts research and lectures around the world on the newest devices, fillers and botulinum toxins as well as innovations in clinical dermatology and skin cancer treatment.

Dr. Nestor and his staff differentiate themselves by giving the best care to patients and by utilizing state-of-the-art science, coupled with a team of professionals who deliver compassionate and caring clinical and aesthetic treatments. The core philosophy of Dr. Nestor’s practice is providing exceptional and complete patient care. The patients always come first. Dr. Nestor’s clinical team is set up to make sure that patients get not only the best care but are treated personally and professionally in a way that will allow them to feel that they are truly “cared for.” Additionally, when it comes to aesthetics, it is ideal to have patients look the best they can and look natural while decreasing the outward signs of aging. Artificial is not a good look for anyone.

Dr. Nestor also believes that the most important issue for health and wellness is prevention and early treatment of disease, especially when it comes to skin cancer. This involves careful monitoring and education as to those lifestyle changes that need to be made to prevent not only skin cancer but aging of the skin.

Physician Profiles

INTERNAL

MEDICINE (cont.)

Robert Besen

Robert Besen MD Aventura 305-792-4500 drbesen.com

Nora Gonzalez Holy Cross HealthCatholic Palliative Care Services Inc Miami Lakes 305-351-7086 holy-cross.com

Deborah Holmes

AHF Healthcare Centers North Miami Beach 305-405-0045 hivcare.org

Hector Rivera

Hector Fabio Rivera, MD North Miami 305-585-4564 jacksonhealth.org

Elliott Stein

MDVIP - Elliott A. Stein, MD Aventura 305-933-8966 mdvip.com

Miriam Zylberglait Virtual Wellbeing MD 786-585-4512 virtualwellbeingmd.com

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

Elvire Jacques Memorial Healtcare SystemMemorial Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine Aventura 954-265-3015 mhs.net

Felipe Tudela

Jackson Medical GroupHealth District Miami 305-585-4564 jacksonhealth.org

NEPHROLOGY

Wendy Glaberson

Miami Pediatrics Bay Harbor Islands 305-868-5181 miamipediatrics.com

Giselle Guerra

Jackson Health SystemMiami Transplant Institute Miami 305-355-5000 jacksonhealth.org

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Nelson Adams

Metro-Miami OB/GYN Associates North Miami Beach 305-653-4105 metro-miamiobgyn.com

Mark Firestone

Aventura OB/GYN & Associates Miami 305-933-3030 myaventuraobgyn.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Isi Esquenazi

Airala Eye North Miami Beach 786-708-8372 airalaeye.com

Joseph Hoffman Eye Centers of South Florida North MiamiBeach 305-947-0027 myeyecenters.com

Emery Jaffe

Jaffe Eye Institute Aventura 786-952-6139 jaffeeye.com

Aarup Kubal Your Eye Specialists Aventura 786-955-6256 yeseyespecialists.com

Ira Levine Ira K. Levine, MD, PA Bay Harbor Islands 305-865-0272

Susan Luscombe

Susan M. Luscombe, MD Aventura 305-931-7995

NEUROLOGY

Jonathan Cross FIRST Choice Neurology - Aventura Neurologic Associates, LLC Aventura 305-933-5993 fcneurology.net

NEUROSURGERY

Ricardo Komotar

Spine and Brain Clinic Miami

305-689-2427 ricardokomotar.com

Andrew Lozen

HCA Florida Neurosurgical Specialists - Aventura Aventura 305-937-3022 hcafloridaphysicians.com

Richard Friefeld

Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of North Miami Beach North Miami Beach 305-944-2902 trevicnm13.wixsite.com

B. Grabois

Aventura OB/GYN & Associates Miami 305-933-3030 myaventuraobgyn.com

Louis Gutierrez

Louis Gutierrez, MD PA North Miami Beach 305-652-3424 louisgutierrezmd.com

Paul Norris

Miami Beach Gynecology North Miami 786-216-7803 miamigyno.com

Joseph Selem

Miami Eye CenterJoseph Selem, MD, PC Miami 305-326-0260 miamieyecenter.com

Alan Silbert

Miami Eye Specialists North Miami Beach 305-651-4300 miamieyespecialists.com

Adiel Smith

South Florida Retina Institute Aventura 786-590-1777 southfloridaretina.com

MARC E. BOSEM MD

CorrectVision Laser Institute 21550 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 133 • Aventura 954-442-1133 • correctvision.com OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Marc E. Bosem is the visionary founder, chief surgeon, and esteemed board-certified medical director of CorrectVision Laser Institute. Renowned as a pioneer in laser-assisted cataract surgery, Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), EVO ICL, LASIK, ZEISS SMILE, PRK, and Refractive Lens Exchange procedures, Dr. Bosem obtained his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and completed a research fellowship at the University of California, San Diego.

Since 1992, Dr. Bosem has distinguished himself as a leading expert in vision correction, being among the first in the United States to implement numerous groundbreaking techniques in LASIK, PRK, ZEISS SMILE, EVO ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange, Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) and cataract surgery.

With over 30 years of unparalleled surgical expertise, Dr. Bosem is passionately devoted to delivering exceptional, customized vision correction solutions powered by the most advanced technologies available. His office-based surgical suite is thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by a highly skilled and trustworthy staff, ensuring that every patient enjoys a reassuring and compassionate experience.

Dr. Bosem has authored numerous influential publications on laser vision correction and glaucoma treatments, regularly presenting his cutting-edge research on corneal laser therapies at prestigious international forums.

Dr. Bosem’s dedication to innovation earned him the role of official eye surgeon for the Florida Panthers from 2021 to 2024. He has also treated other athletes, including Dorian O’Daniel, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Bosem is a devoted family man, happily married and a proud father of two. He remains committed to offering his patients the highest standards of care and the best possible outcomes in vision correction, reinforcing his status as a trusted leader in the field of ophthalmology.

DANIELLE COLLINS

PMHNP-BC, APRN

PSYCHIATRY

Blue Butterfly Psychiatric Services 3580 Mystic Pointe Drive, Suite 111 • Aventura 954-295-7333 • psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/danielle-collinsaventura-fl/1269669

In the vibrant realm of South Florida’s healthcare, few figures shine as brightly as Danielle Collins, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of unwavering compassion and commitment to mental health and substance abuse treatment. She has dedicated her career to breaking this stigma, driven by a desire to create meaningful change in the lives of her patients.

Physician Profiles

OPHTHALMOLOGY (cont.)

Luis Villani Miami Beach Center For Ophthalmology, P.A.Luis D. Villani, MD Bay Harbor Islands 305-674-2047 miamibeachophthalmology.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Sophia Deben International Orthopaedics Specialists North Miami 786-923-3000 drsophiadeben.com

Frank Eismont University of Miami Health Systems Miami 305-243-3000 doctors.umiamihealth.org

Thomas Errico Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miami 786-624-2225 nicklauschildrens.org

Joseph Gjolaj University of Miami Health Systems Miami 305-243-3000 doctors.umiamihealth.org

Felix Ramirez All-Pro Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Hialeah 954-322-1110 allproorthopedics.com

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Satinder Sandhu University of Miami Health SystemPalmetto BGay Miami 305-243-5430 jacksonhealth.org

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Jennifer Garcia Jackson Health SystemMiami Transplant Institute Miami 305-355-5000 jacksonhealth.org

PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY

Wendy Glaberson Miami Pediatrics Bay Harbor Islands 305-868-5181 miamipediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY

Steven Gorin Steven Gorin, D.O. Aventura 305-748-4533 miamiorthopedic.com

Scott Segal Segal Trials Miami Lakes 877-734-2588 segaltrials.com

Danielle earned her MSN and APRN from Nova Southeastern University where she graduated with honors, followed by her PMHNP-BC from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She was awarded the clinical practice award from Miami Regional University and was named to Legacy South Florida magazine’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals. Her relentless dedication and meticulous care for her patients have transformed countless lives, making her an indispensable ally in the quest for mental health recovery.

transformed countless lives, making her an indispensable ally

As the owner of Blue Butterfly Psychiatric Services, she offers telehealth and in-person services for ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Her expertise lies in conducting precise assessments, accurate diagnoses, and effective medication management that reflect a holistic, individualized patient-centered approach.

As the owner of Blue Butterfly Psychiatric Services, she offers telehealth and in-person services for ADHD, depression, expertise lies in conducting precise assessments, accurate di-

Eric Schiffman HCA Florida Aventura Orthopedics Aventura 305-933-9440 hcafloridaphysicians.com

PAIN MEDICINE

Christian Gonzalez Spine and Wellness Centers of America Aventura 305-974-5533 spinewellnessamerica.com

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Juan Sola University of Miami Health System Miami 305-243-2247 doctors.umiamihealth.org

RUSLAN ZHURAVSKY

MD

PLASTIC SURGERY

Z Face Plastic Surgery

2925 N.E. 199th St., Suite 303 • Miami 786-347-6211 • zfaceplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Zhuravsky is a premier facial plastic surgeon known for delivering the highest quality results. Patients from across the country seek him out for his ability to enhance natural beauty with precision, artistry, and the latest advancements—without gimmicks, excess, or an artificial look.

quality in these areas is non-negotiable. This commitment drives his meticulous approach and serves as the foundation of his practice.

At Z Face Plastic Surgery, every procedure is fully customized to the individual. Dr. Z believes that exceptional results require more than technical skill—they demand a deep understanding of aesthetics, advanced surgical techniques, and an uncompromising attention to detail. Much like architecture, where science and beauty must coexist seamlessly, facial plastic surgery requires both precision and artistry.

Specializing in facelifts, rhinoplasty, lip lifts, eyelid surgery, and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, Dr. Z takes on the responsibility of refining his patients’ most visible and defining features. To him,

More than just a surgical practice, Z Face Plastic Surgery is a curated experience for those who demand the best. Rooted in expertise, guided by innovation, and driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, the practice has become a leader in luxury aesthetics—where quality is never sacrificed, and results speak for themselves.

Physician Profiles

PEDIATRICS (GENERAL)

Liz Bayes Santos Liz Bayes-Santos Miami 305-351-1100 jacksonhealth.org

Lazaro Daud Pediatric Consultants of Kendall Miami 305-551-6260

Lourdes Forster University of Miami Health Systems Miami 305-689-3627 doctors.umiamihealth.org

William Kendrick Pediatric Associates North Miami Beach 305-940-6016 pediatricassociates.com

Sarah Legorburu-Salem Physicians to Children Coral Gables 305-667-0940 physicianstochildren.net

Vicente Roger Miami Pediatrics Bay Harbor Islands 305-868-5181 miamipediatrics.com

Sarah Selem Physicians to Children Coral Gables 305-667-0940 physicianstochildren.net

Marat Zeltsman Pediatric Associates Aventura 305-682-9877 pediatricassociates.com

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Zach Broyer Advanced Relief institute Aventura 954-458-1199 advancedreliefinstitute.com

Ariel Inocentes Ariel A. Inocentes, MD North Miami Beach 786-456-6005

Robert Irwin University of Miami Health Systems Miami 305-243-6605 doctors.umiamihealth.org

ALAN D. MENDELSOHN MD

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Eye Surgeons & Consultants

4651 Sheridan St., Suite 100 • Hollywood 954-894-1500 • myeyesurgeons.com

Dr. Mendelsohn is a pioneer of the five-minute laser cataract surgery and recognized by physicians as a preeminent expert in eye laser surgery. Laser cataract surgery provides far better visual results and safety compared to traditional cataract surgery. Cataract surgery previously was highly invasive, whereby the patient had a shot to the eye and a large incision closed with numerous sutures at the conclusion of the procedure. A laser can now perform 90 percent of the procedure flawlessly in about 30 seconds. This painless procedure takes only five minutes from start to finish, which

includes the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). There are no shots, no stitches, nor any patches! The patient can resume normal activities the next day, including driving, working, and exercising. The quality of vision is outstanding for driving, viewing a computer, and reading, including all the focal lengths in between.

For decades, South Florida physicians have called Dr. Mendelsohn “The physician’s physician.” He has had the honor and privilege to serve as the ophthalmologist to several hundred doctors (and their family members) in South Florida. The physicians in the area know which physicians have areas of expertise and utilize this inside knowledge to seek out the best of the best medical and surgical care for themselves and their family members. Additionally, he has physicians, including fellow ophthalmologists, come statewide to seek his care at Eye Surgeons & Consultants, especially for laser cataract surgery and laser glaucoma surgery.

Physician Profiles

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Andrew Amunategui Dr. Amunategui Aventura 305-931-9316 drandrewamunategui.com

Constantine Kitsos Miami Life Plastic Surgery Miami 305-507-8848 miamilifeplasticsurgery.com

Joshua Lampert Lampert MD Plastic Surgery Miami 786-735-9275 lampertmd.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 76 & 77

Gregory Lewen

Gregory D. Lewen, M.D. Aventura 305-514-0631 lewencosmetic.com

Nidal Masri Dolls Plastic Surgery Aventura 305-995-0545 dollsplasticsurgery.com

Carlos Medina Carlos R. Medina, MD Miami 786-817-7808 medinaplasticsurgery.com

Chad Perlyn Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miami 305-278-5951 nicklauschildrens.org

Adam Rubinstein

Adam J. Rubinstein, MD, FACS Aventura 305-340-2191 dr-rubinstein.com

Michael Salzhauer Dr. Miami Bay Harbor Islands 305-861-8266 therealdrmiami.com

James Stern James D. Stern, MD Aventura 954-406-8311 mhs.net

Jeremy White ARC Plastic Surgery Miami 305-204-5766 arcplasticsurgeons.com

Ruslan Zhuravsky Dr. Ruslan Zhuravsky Face Plastic Surgery Miami 786-347-6211 zfaceplasticsurgery.com

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 85

PODIATRY

Tamara Fishman

Primary Foot Care Center, Inc. North Miami Beach 305-834-4103 primaryfootcare.com

Charles Mutschler

Advanced Footcare Miami 786-428-3668 advancedfootcareinc.com

Dmitry Sandler Lavior Pharma, Inc. Miami 305-627-3680 lavior.com

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

Elliot Dinetz

Dinetz MD and Timeless Health Miami 786-490-5915 elliotdinetz.com

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Michael Hall

Innovative Cancer Institute South Miami 305-669-6833 innovativecancer.com

SAFA MAKLAD

MD

HYPERBARIC MEDICINE

O2pure Hyperbaric Oxygen Wellness

2429 Hollywood Blvd. • Hollywood 954-869-8949 • O2pure.net

Safa Maklad, MD, is an experienced physician specializing in family medicine with additional board certifications by the American Board of Wound Management and the American Board of Obesity Medicine as well as advanced training in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) through UHMS. With over a decade of experience in hyperbaric medicine, Dr. Maklad is passionate about integrating HBOT into comprehensive patient care, addressing a wide range of conditions beyond traditional applications.

Before moving to Florida, Dr. Maklad served as the medical director of a wound and hyperbaric center in upstate New York for seven years. Under her leadership, the center was designated a Center of Excellence by Healogics, reflecting her commitment to high-quality patient outcomes. She has been providing hyperbaric

treatments since 2012 and recognizes its vast, often underutilized potential in modern medicine. At O2pure Hyperbaric Wellness Center, she now can offer both on-label and off-label HBOT indications, expanding access to this transformative therapy, known for its ability to enhance cellular repair and reduce inflammation.

Dr. Maklad specializes in using HBOT to support recovery from conditions such as long COVID, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, chronic wounds, and other inflammatory or neurological disorders. Her practice also offers advanced lab testing, IV nutrient therapy, and red-light therapy—treatments that complement HBOT to enhance healing and optimize health. She takes a functional medicine approach, focusing on treating the whole patient rather than just symptoms.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Maklad has trained family medicine residents and served as a clinical assistant professor at SUNY Upstate. She is driven by the mission to increase awareness of HBOT’s role in integrative medicine and its ability to support recovery, longevity, and overall well-being. At O2pure Hyperbaric Wellness Center, she continues to redefine patient care, bridging the gap between innovation and personalized medicine.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY (cont.)

Martin Keisch Cancer HealthCare Associates Aventura 305-545-6685 cancerhealthcare.net

RHEUMATOLOGY

Luis Arias Urdaneta Vanguard Rheumatology Aventura 305-531-6766 vanguardrheumatology.com

Norman Gaylis Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Specialists Aventura 305-652-6676 rheum-care.com

George Muñoz

The Oasis Institute Aventura 305-682-8471 theoasisinstitute.com

Carlos Sesin Vanguard Rheumatology Aventura 305-531-6766 vanguardrheumatology.com

UROLOGY

Angelo Gousse Bladder Health & Reconstructive Urology Institute Aventura 305-606-7028 gousseurology.com

Boris Klopukh Boris Klopukh, MD Aventura 305-534-4747 northmiamibeachsurgical.com

Jonathan Silberstein Memorial Healtcare SystemMemorial Division of Urology Aventura 305-682-2580 mhs.net

VASCULAR / INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Peter Swischuk Palm Vascular Centers Miami Beach 305-763-8734 palmvascular.com

VASCULAR SURGERY

Lidie Lajoie David L. Galbut, MD & Associates, PA Miami 305-674-7575 jacksonhealth.org

Vision to South Florida’s

Anil Vedula, MD
Aarup Kubal, MD

Contact: aventuramagazine.com/contact-us

Versatile

SIP&SAVOR

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

After years of anticipation, James Beard Award–winning chef Michael Solomonov has arrived in Miami with what may be his most inspired creation yet: Aviv at 1 Hotel South Beach. Building on the success of Zahav—recognized as a 2019 James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurant”—Solomonov elevates ancient Israeli cooking through a fresh, modern lens, turning tradition into a sensory revelation.

A meal at Aviv, which means “spring” in Hebrew, opens with the house-baked Saluf—a pillowy Yemenite flatbread best dragged through the hummus-tehina (once crowned

Bon Appétit’s “Dish of the Year”)—and the Salatim, a vibrant spread of seven dips and salads. From there, dive into the hot mezzes; the fried cauliflower, tossed with grape coins and peppered relish over charred grape leaf tzatziki, delivers a perfect punch. For mains, the Florida snapper chraime with cilantro, fried shallot, and lemon channels Miami’s coastal spirit, while the 72-hour slow-roasted short ribs, ideal for sharing, are pure gastronomic excellence. Pair it all with Aviv’s citrus-forward cocktails or a pour from its thoughtful selection of Israeli and Lebanese wines.

Aviv’s setting, befitting its home at 1 Hotel South Beach, is a master class in understated elegance. Inside, earthy textures and natural materials—linen, coquina stone, zellige tile, and textured glass—create a rich, layered backdrop for the open kitchen, while a lush canopy of foliage envelops the outdoor seating. Hand-painted murals lend a quiet artistic touch, framing a dining experience that feels timeless and kissed by the Eastern Mediterranean yet distinctly South Beach. Overall, Aviv is more than a meal—it’s a moment. (avivsb. com, 1hotels.com) —Paul Rubio

At Aviv, look forward to Israeli delights in a chic setting.

A RARE TALENT

Acclaimed chef Michael Mina has made his mark on the Miami dining scene with Bourbon Steak, his love letter to the steak house experience and a showcase for his innovative techniques. Born in Egypt but raised in Washington state, Mina’s personal biography can be felt in the bold, balanced food he has crafted across his career and in his new cookbook, My Egypt: Cooking from My Roots Aventura recently spoke

in 1991 in San Francisco—my style always went back to good technique, good product, innovation, but really bold, balanced flavors. Are the recipes in your new cookbook, My Egypt, primarily family recipes?

I took a lot of my childhood and family dishes and recipes, went to Egypt seven times, took a group of young chefs around with me, and we really learned where [the dishes] came from. In the book, you see the classic version and then you see the version that infuses my career, my education, my innovation. So, it is like falafel done with ahi tuna on top.

What do you feel is your culinary signature?

with the James Beard Award winner about his background and vision. (bourbonsteakmia.com)

Aventura: What are some of your earliest memories of cooking?

Mina: I grew up in an Egyptian household with like seven aunts and uncles who all lived right around us. Food was the highlight of everybody’s everything. We’d have 20, 30 people in our home on the weekends, and my mom cooked every day, mostly Middle Eastern food. But what happens when your palate gets used to Middle Eastern food, [which] is very bold in flavor, you learn a lot about balance. … So, a lot of my early cooking was with my mom and a lot of it was with very bold flavors. Even though as I started cooking, worked in restaurants, went to the Culinary Institute of America right out of high school, worked in New York in three-star restaurants and Michelin-starred restaurants, and opened my first restaurant, Aqua,

It’s balanced bold flavors. Of course, I’m going to use things that are in season [and] technique. But I’m going to take acid, sweet, spice, and fat, and I’m going to think about what gives this dish the acid? What’s giving it the sweetness? What’s giving it the spice? What’s giving it the fat or the richness? How are they balanced together? How do they taste together? That’s how you create bold, balanced food with a lot of flavor. And I think that’s how you create food that creates memories and makes people crave it. It’s its own umami.

What culinary trends, themes, or innovations are you excited about right now?

The globe. You’re always going to have your great Sicilian Italian restaurant [and] your great Japanese restaurant. But people are using the globe more than ever. What I loved about Aqua was it was a fish restaurant, but I wasn’t boxed into anything. Bourbon Steak is another restaurant where I don’t have to get boxed into anything. … We’ve got to have great steak and side dishes, but we can have a lot more fun with it. We don’t have to make creamed spinach; we can do a very technique-driven creamed spinach soufflé where it’s a beautiful soufflé and the cream gets poured in it and it’s just light and airy and innovative, but you still get that satisfaction of creamed spinach. That’s what I love. That’s where I think food should go and is going. Nothing is better than being the melting pot that the U.S. is, and it should be that way with food too.

CHEF MICHAEL MINA DISHES ON HIS LIFELONG LOVE OF BOLD FLAVORS
CHEF-DRIVEN
Chef Michael Mina brings his fresh perspective to familiar steak house classics At Bourbon Steak in Aventura.

DESSERT

CREAM of the Crop

What began as a yellow scoop truck on the streets of New York City in 2008 is now Miami’s latest ice cream craze. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has opened its first-ever Florida scoop shop in South Beach, serving up cones and bowls filled with French-style ice cream (hint: that means it’s made from scratch with more than double the amount of egg yolks as standard ice cream).

As part of its Miami debut, the brand has unveiled a new ice cream flavor, Key Lime Pie, while introducing seasonal flavors like White Chocolate Raspberry Brownie, Blue Jasmine Passion Fruit Swirl, and Mango Sticky Rice—all

in addition to its standard lineup of more than 25 tried-and-true flavors. If dairy is not your thing, don’t despair. Van Leeuwen offers vegan options in popular flavors like Banana Bread Pudding, Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb, and Strawberry Shortcake.

Don’t miss exclusive Miami collabs, including the BigFace Coffee Affogato (Jimmy Butler may have left the Miami Heat, but his coffee brand is still a 305 favorite) and a limited-time mashup with Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop (itself a beloved sweet treats institution) for the wowworthy Key Lime Pie Sundae. (vanleeuwen icecream.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre

At Van Leeuwen’s new Miami Beach scoop shop, fresh flavors abound.

SAVOR

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

VACATION VIBES

ESCAPISM IS JUST A SIP AWAY THANKS TO A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE WHITE LOTUS AND THE FOUR SEASONS BY JULES ARON

The White Lotus and the Four Seasons have a long history: all three seasons of the hit HBO original series were filmed at Four Seasons resorts— including the most recent one, which premiered in February and was shot at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand. But fans don’t have to travel far to experience The White Lotus firsthand. Max, HBO’s streaming platform, and the

Four Seasons have launched a global partnership that promises to transport guests to the beaches of Thailand, Italy, Hawaii, and all the luxe destinations in between.

Through May 16, Four Seasons guests can enjoy new Poolside Escape cabanas, designed with transportive decor and jet-set glamour. The cabanas’ menu features drinks evocative of the show’s locations, including the Pine-

apple Suite (Maui), the Lotus (Taormina), and the Coconut Paradise (Koh Samui). Four Seasons Hotel Miami beverage director Jacopo Rosito added his own creation inspired by Miami’s Latin culture with the Lotus Breeze, made with Zacapa 23 Rum infused with cocoa butter, Mancino Vermouth Secco, mint syrup, and sour mix. Or binge The White Lotus at home as you savor our recipe for the Seas the Day.

SEAS THE DAY

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Diplomático Rum

1/2 oz. Cointreau

1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed

1 oz. coconut water

1/2 oz. blackberry lavender syrup (recipe below)

1/2 oz. orgeat

1/2 oz. Zacapa Dark Rum

Lime wheel and a blackberry to garnish

Add the Diplomático Rum, Cointreau, lime juice, coconut water, blackberry lavender syrup, and orgeat to a shaker with crushed ice and shake lightly. Pour into a glass. Float the dark rum over the top. Garnish with a lime wheel and a blackberry.

Blackberry Lavender Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup water

1 cup blackberries

1 cup organic agave

2 tbsp. dried lavender buds

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Take off heat after 10 minutes and let cool. Strain into a jar using a fine mesh strainer and the back of a spoon to mash the berries and release their juices. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

SHAKING UP SPARKLING WINE

CELEBRATE THE FORMULA 1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX WITH THESE PODIUM-WORTHY PICKS

Here’s a happy accident: In 1966, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Swiss driver Jo Siffert popped the cork of his magnum of Champagne, spraying bubbles into the crowd. The bottle, which had been basking in the French summer sun, started to overheat. As it warmed up, pressure built. The cork went flying.

The next year, American driver Dan Gurney turned accident into intention, shaking up a bottle of Moët & Chandon to celebrate his win at Le Mans and soak the crowd. Even Cristina Ford, team owner Henry Ford II’s wife, was drenched.

A tradition was born, and today, a race wouldn’t be complete without a popped bottle. Formula 1 is best known for this tradition and has partnered with various Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon, Champagne Carbon, and G.H. Mumm, over the years.

More recently, bubbles from beyond the famous French region have been spotted on the podium— most notably, bottles from Ferrari Trento. This delicious sparkling wine from Northern Italy is made using the same method as Champagne.

This is a fitting trend, given the rise in highquality sparkling wines being made all around the

pagne a run for its money, with tasty and widely available cuvées like Anderson Valley’s Roederer

This is a fitting trend, given the rise in highquality sparkling wines being made all around the world. Places like California are giving Champagne a run for its money, with tasty and widely available cuvées like Anderson Valley’s Roederer Estate, and limited, hard-to-find bottles like Ultramarine from Sonoma.

From Australia, look out for producers like Jansz and House of Arras, which are making textural and pure-fruited sparkling wines. In Argentina, Bodega Cruzat is boldly making Champagnestyle wines in the heart of Mendoza (proving they can produce more than Malbec). Coastal Spain is home to quality-minded sparkling producers like Raventos and Gramona, both of which are easy to find in Florida. Those most similar to Champagne come from the chilly south of England, where racy sparkling wines have been making a splash— though not literally, unless you leave your bottle out in the sun for too long. (winesbysarah.net)

« Digby Fine English Brut NV

Ferrari Brut Trento DOC Ferrari’s refreshing flagship cuvée is apple-driven, with some toasty notes. If it’s good enough for two-time Miami Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen, it’s good enough for me. (305wines.com)

This zippy, refreshing bottle with orchard fruits and chalky minerality is from one of England’s top wine estates. (the winewave. com)

SARAH’S PICKS

IS YOUR MARKETING CAMPAIGN MAKING YOU NUTS?

HOME

FROM CITY TO SHORE, THE FINE ART OF MIAMI LIVING

INTERIORS

SKY’S THE LIMIT

Perched atop the Château Beach Residences high-rise in Sunny Isles, this exquisite penthouse boasts 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and not-too-distant Miami skyline.

Brazilian designer Graciela Dayan was the top choice for executing the residence’s interiors.

The founder of Arquitetura e Interiores in São Paulo, Dayan acquired her client thanks to her stellar reputation in South Florida and Brazil.

“The style of this project is contemporary and elegant,” says Dayan. “Most of the furniture and decorative elements are rounded, following the shape of the building’s architecture. The predominant tones [are] grays and blues, inspired by the color palette of the ocean.”

Defined by a double-height ceiling with soaring windows, the living room, lounge bar, and dining room form one dramatic space.

“All the furniture is placed so everyone can interact with each other,” explains Dayan.

“The dining room connects visually with an elegant glass table surrounded by ultra-comfortable, tweed-upholstered chairs and an exquisite crystal chandelier. And the separate lounge bar across the room makes an intimate environment where you can enjoy a good drink with friends.”

Dayan notes that the owner of the penthouse gave her creative freedom to craft a bespoke setting that is at once sophisticated and impactful. “Incredibly rich in details, this project is complete from top to bottom with furniture and materials from renowned luxury brands. We were stunned and delighted with the final result.” (arquiteturaeinteriores.com)

—Jeanne DeLathouder

The living area in this Sunny Isles penthouse integrates a lounge, bar, and dining room.

HOME

THE WHEEL WORLD

REV UP YOU HOME DECOR WITH AUTOMOTIVE-INSPIRED DESIGN

Luxury vehicles often bear similarities to high-end home furnishings—from details in stitching and hardware flourishes to the use of inlaid wood paneling and upholstery in fine fabrics and leathers. Whether you’re a lover of luxury sedans or an aficionado of speedy sports cars, when looking to rev up your home there’s plenty of inspiration to be drawn from the world of automotive design. With race week upon us this month in Miami, here are key ways to bring some horsepower to your home (and not just in your garage). (alenacapradesigns.com)

XCAR WASH

Furnishings boasting the influence of luxury vehicles can extend into the bathroom. Collections of fixtures like those by Tonino Lamborghini offer options for creating the ultimate driver-friendly bathroom suite—from countertop and pedestal sinks to mirrors and even bath accessories.

When it comes to the automotive industry’s design influence, the Magic City is at the heart of the trend—thanks, in part, to the bevy of luxury condo towers dotting our skyline emblazoned with the brand names of some of the world’s most famous automotive makers. From the Porsche Design Tower in South Beach to the Aston Martin Residences in Downtown to the Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, these buildings fuse automotive craftsmanship with modern architecture and home design.

PATTERN PLAY

SOMETIMES A LUXURIOUS AUTOMOTIVE BRAND CARRIES INTO HOME DESIGN BEYOND FIXTURES AND FURNITURE. IN SOME CASES IT’S THE FABRIC. TAKE PORSCHE’S ICONIC PEPITA PATTERN (SYNONYMOUS WITH ITS FAMED 911 MODEL). THE WOVEN FABRIC HAS BECOME A TRADEMARK OF THE BRAND AND IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE HOME. THIS CLASSIC FABRIC ADORNS LIMITED-EDITION EAMES-STYLE SIDE CHAIRS FROM THE PORSCHE DESIGN COLLECTION.

FAST FURNISHINGS

When you think of luxury car manufacturers like Bentley, you think of both function and form—all executed at the highest level of craftsmanship. But the brand has extended that ethos beyond its vehicles with a line of Bentley Home furnishings that includes everything you need to outfit an elegant space—from sofas to dining tables, desks, accent pieces, lighting, and beyond. Even the brand’s beds seem to purr with the promise of a night of luxurious dreams.

ELEMENTS

Delightfully Drenched

SOAK IN THE TREND OF COLOR DRENCHING AND MAKE A MONOCHROME STATEMENT

PEPPER WITH COMPLIMENTS

These Addison Ross salt and pepper mill bobbin grinders ($96 each) are finished with highgloss lacquer and designed for rock salt or black peppercorns. Bloomingdale’s, Aventura (bloomingdales.com)

BUNDLE OF ENERGY

APPLE OF MY EYE

Lead designer Ivonne Ronderos of Dkor Interiors created a shared kids’ bedroom that blends fun, function, and bold design. “A lively lime-green wall and ceiling installation define the space, giving each bed its own distinct area,” Ronderos explains. “The bright hue energizes the room, while a textured pattern adds depth. A matching green rug anchors the design, while wood flooring, white walls, and soft linens balance the vibrancy for a fresh yet cozy feel.” Miami (dkorinteriors.com)

Janus et Cie’s glazed Eve apple ($2,128) is a striking sculptural element that can be displayed alone or by the bunch. Janus et Cie, Coral Gables (janusetcie.com)

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Robert Abbey’s Orion lamp ($515) warrants some stargazing thanks to its charismatic hue and unique dimensions. Capitol Lighting, Fort Lauderdale (capitollighting.com)

TIDAL WAVE

The Elaine Smith Tidal pillow ($169) features hand-stitched pleats that recall the movement of waves. Clima Outdoor, Miami (climahome.com)

CHANNEL CHANGER

This Channeled Goldfinger lounge chair ($2,250) by Jonathan Adler boasts channeled cushions and plush arm rests upholstered in velvet. Jonathan Adler, Miami (jonathanadler.com)

ROCK AND ROLL

CLEAR VIEW

Clear carving and an angular design team up in this vibrant Salute wine goblet ($144 for set of six) to deliver a standout tablescape performance. Il’Argento, Miami (ilargento.com)

With a generous infusion of whimsy, Kenneth Cobonpue’s Harry rocking stool ($1,365) speaks to the child in all of us. Addison House, multiple locations (addisonhouse.com)

Announcing Aventura Magazine’s FIRST-EVER PHOTO CONTEST

What makes the Magic City truly magical? We want you to show us! Whatever it is that brings the magic for you in the palm-studded paradise we call home, we want to see it. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a hobbyist with a point-and-shoot habit, or a phone camera enthusiast, we want you to submit your best snaps—and your love of all things Miami-Dade—to us. (And if you’re lucky, your picture just might get published!)

Submissions will be narrowed down by Aventura’s editorial team. Finalists will be judged by a panel of distinguished photography experts. Winners will be published in the October 2025 issue of Aventura Magazine

FAST FACTS:

* A photographer may submit up to 5 photos total.

* Photos must be taken in Miami-Dade County.

* Email entries to: photocontest@aventuramagazine.com

* Entries open May 1, 2025, and close on July 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Rules & Guidelines:

WHO MAY ENTER: The contest is open to photographers aged 18 years or older. Individuals affiliated with Aventura Magazine or Palm Beach Media Group, including employees and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and other household members are not eligible.

WHAT TO ENTER: Photographs must be taken in Miami-Dade County and submitted by the original photographer. The contestant certifies that he or she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the photograph.

HOW TO ENTER: Send entries to photocontest@aventuramagazine.com. Photographers will be required to submit their name, phone number, email address, and mailing address, and will complete a separate email for each photo submitted—including a description of the

QUESTIONS?

photo, its location, and the date it was taken. Each photographer may submit up to 5 photos total. Photographs must be taken and submitted at the highest resolution possible. If images are not sent in high-resolution format, we cannot advance them for judging.

JUDGING: Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Finalists will be notified by August 1, 2025. Failure to respond within 5 business days may result in disqualification. All decisions are final.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By submitting a photo, you are granting Aventura Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group the right to reproduce the work in our print publications, on our website, and in materials/social media used to promote the magazine, the contest, and/or future related contests.

Contact Kristen Desmond LeFevre, Editor in Chief, at klefevre@aventuramagazine.com

INSPIRED LIVING

GLOBAL Wellness Tour

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME WITH THESE INTERNATIONAL WELLNESS CONCEPTS TIED TO DESIGN

Destination: WALES

Concept: CWTCH

Associated with a feeling of comfort and security, the Welsh concept of “cwtch” (rhymes with “butch”) can be traced back to 1400. Directly translated as “hug” or “cuddle,” cwtch is used to describe an act of love. It can also mean “cubbyhole” and refer to being surrounded by someone or something for safety. While it sounds like the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” which is delighting in moments of relaxation in a cozy environment, cwtch goes beyond the idea of looking at the objects you have for comfort to include finding comfort within yourself and through the people around you, as well as personal effects and home decor.

In terms of interiors, cwtch can be utilized to make a space feel serene by implementing plush textures, a soothing color palette, and mood lighting. One of the keys of cwtch design is to create an emotional or spiritual connection to your space through personalization—everything from photos to family heirlooms and other objects with sentimental value. Focus on historic (and comfortable) furniture pieces and antique accents, or pull out that family quilt that has been passed down through generations.

You can also pursue the “hug” root of cwtch by establishing a cozy, intimate nook that is separated either in part or completely from the rest of a room. Be sure to include plenty of pillows and blankets for tranquility. A final option is to highlight a hobby or interest (like yoga, cross-stitch, or even mah-jongg) and create a dedicated space that both pays tribute to your passion and allows you to partake in it.

Destination: THE NETHERLANDS

Concept: NIKSEN

Similar to hygge, the Dutch term “niksen” means to do absolutely nothing. Practicing niksen involves disconnecting from stress and allowing your mind to wander freely. By letting go of productivity and embracing the simple joy of being, we prioritize mental health. The mindfulness achieved through niksen allows us to better process the overwhelming amount of information that we take in each day and frees us for creativity.

The purposeful idleness of niksen is a great design philosophy if your home always feels chaotic. Select a nook, preferably in a sunlit spot, to implement the concept. First, rid the space of anything distracting—including tech and books. Niksen encompasses the most basic of activities, like gazing out a window or looking around a room. Aim for comfort in your seating choices and try to incorporate relaxing elements like throw blankets and calming scents through essential oils or candles. Echo nature with organic materials and wallpapers that evoke the outdoors or windows that showcase a view.

Destination: SWEDEN

Concept: LAGOM

Another concept rooted in overall wellness, lagom is about mindfulness and balance to help make life feel more manageable. Translating to “not too much, not too little,” lagom encourages a Goldilocks-inspired philosophy of moderation in all aspects of life to cultivate harmony and peace.

Keep the “less is more” mantra in mind when implementing lagom in your home. The goal is to live life in harmony, with just enough possessions. Think: minimalism and functionality. Given its Swedish origin, lagom design leans toward traditional elements of Nordic interior principles like neutral, soothing colors and an emphasis on wood when possible. Avoid overcrowding a room. Instead, balance clean-lined furniture and space to achieve a comfortable, well-proportioned environment. Use natural light to create a calming atmosphere and embrace sustainable and renewable materials as well as durable and high-quality pieces that will last a long time.

Palm

SOCIAL STUDIES

SEEN ON THE SCENE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

RUNWAYS AND RACEHORSES

WHO: The 2025 Pegasus World Cup WHAT: Off to the Races Fashion Show WHERE: Bal Harbour Shops HIGHLIGHTS: Guests enjoyed runway looks from Neiman Marcus collections including Alaïa, Balmain, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Givenchy, Oscar De La Renta, and Tom Ford.

ALEXIA NEPOLA, ANA MARIA LENFEST
EMILY CAILLON, ANDREA SATY
JULIA PETRARCA, TINA STUCK, SHEA CURTIN, LASHAY SINGLETARY
CAITLIN COLLINS
ALEXIS STOUDEMIRE, ELIZABETH RESNICK, GUERDY ABRAIRA
ISABELA GRUTMAN, VITA SIDORKINA-MORABITO
PAIGE MASTRANDREA, ADRIENNE FAUROTE
BELINDA STRONACH, DANA SHEAR, JESSICA CRISTOBAL
LIZA HENDRIKS, CASSIDY JORDAN, JANE MOTION, SILVANA MOJICA

SOCIAL STUDIES

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

WHO: Jackson Heath Foundation WHAT: Twenty-Fifth Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne HIGHLIGHTS: The silver anniversary of this annual event raised more than $920,000 for Holtz Children’s Hospital and featured a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show.

CAROLINE NAVA, CHRIS RILEY, MELISSA CAMPBELL, YVETTE MORRELL
ANI HERNANDEZ, EUGENIA LEGORBURU, SILVIA TRINIDAD, VIVIAN QUIROGA, AMNERIS MONTEAGUDO
SILVIA RIOS FORTUN, LAURIE JENNINGS
INES GOMEZ, VALENTINA GOMEZ, CHRISTINE HANDY
MICHAEL SALAZAR, MARTA BLOOM, NIMO DENNIS, RUDOLPH MOISE, JUDITH JOSEPH, NATY DIAZ, LISANDRA CRUZ, DENISA PALSHA
ANDRIA ARES HOLTZ, FANA HOLTZ, NICOLE HOLTZ SPIELMAN
PATRIZIA TUPINI, LAURIE JENNINGS, RENE RUIZ, MARIA TERESA TUPINI, PUPI PEREZ-ABREU RYAN TROY

RAISE YOUR VOICE

WHO: Voices for Children Foundation WHAT: Be a Voice Gala WHERE: Mandarin Oriental, Miami HIGHLIGHTS: The black-tie event, themed “‘Fostering Hope,” celebrated 40 years of service and raised more than $1 million to support the more than 1,600 children in MiamiDade’s foster care system.

JESSICA AND LOUIS MIDDLETON
KADIE BLACK, KIRA GROSSMAN
GALINA ALDANA, SAMPSON DARUVALLA
JESSICA AND JONATHAN NEWBERG
KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
AARON SLAVENS, MOHAMMED SYED, JAY FRITZ
YOLANDA AND JEFF BERKOWITZ, DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA. OLYA MOSKALENKO
PAUL FULLER, RON GONCALVEZ
NOOR JEHAN, DARA KAYE KAPLAN, ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG, GWEN WUNDERLICH
BERNICE LEE, ALEXIS REED, KADIE BLACK, NICOLE MENLOW, MAGGIE FERNANDEZ, ANDREA CUHNA

LAST WORD

ON THE RECORD WITH...

AMBER BARBACH X

When Amber Barbach’s father lost his battle with glioblastoma—an aggressive form of brain cancer diagnosed in more than 13,000 Americans every year—she knew she had to do something about it. That’s when she founded the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), a local nonprofit that raises awareness and funds for cuttingedge research that aims to find a cure for glioblastoma. Since then, Barbach has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for social impact and funded research projects at leading cancer centers including the Cleveland Clinic, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and UHealth at the University of Miami. We caught up with Barbach to learn more about her work driving the nonprofit’s research-funding mission. (gbmresearch.org) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre

My full name is…  Amber Jeté Barbach. I live in… Miami. I grew up in… Aventura. My world shifted when… I was living abroad in Spain, and my mom called to tell me that my dad had just gotten brain tumor–removal surgery. I decided to found the Glioblastoma Research Organization to… create a safe space and relatable resources for anyone having gone through, currently going through, or who will go through any part of a glioblastoma journey. One thing people don’t know about cancer research is… that so many incredible doctors and researchers are dedicating their lives to helping find a cure and there are new developments every day. To find a cure, it’ll take… lots of money. To date, we’ve raised… over $2.3 million for glioblastoma research and awareness initiatives. Our goal is… to make glioblastoma as commonly known in society as breast cancer is (and of course to fund groundbreaking research and create awareness initiatives). Leading a nonprofit is… something I never anticipated doing, but it’s the most rewarding career and the honor of a lifetime. What brings me great joy in my job is… being able to provide support to others in many different ways, shapes, and forms—no matter what stage of a glioblastoma journey they’re on—because that’s something I didn’t have the luxury of when my dad was sick. I collect... all my boarding passes from every flight I’ve ever been on. My last out-of-town escape was… Stuttgart, Germany, and Zürich, Switzerland, for the first two recordings for season four of our podcast, called Glioblastoma aka GBM , as well as Abu Dhabi for the Forbes 30/50 Summit. When I’m not working, you’ll find me… taking a hot Pilates class, bike riding on the

beach, or hopping on an airplane abroad. If I’m eating out in Miami, I’ll book a table at… Mignonette. My favorite spot in Miami is… Fuze House. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be... everyone is going to judge you and have an opinion, so you might as well just do what makes you happy. The next big project I’m excited about is... a secret! But stay tuned for a launch later this year.

WAKE UP AVENTURA

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