Ventures Magazine Spring | Summer 2018

SPRING | SUMMER 2018

St. Barths, Reimagined

Heaven on Earth : Exploring the Private Splendor of Royal Island

INSIDE CUVÉE’S STUNNING POST-HURRICANE TRANSFORMATION

CELEBRATE LIFE CUVÉE-STYLE

Meet Me in Paris

JOURNEY WITH CUVÉE TO FRANCE FOR THE 2018 RYDER CUP

Aspen Extreme

CUVÉE SETS REAL ESTATE RECORDS WITH THE SALE OF ITS ROARING FORK CABIN

A privileged few own an exquisite piece of art—fewer live in one.

T H E FO U R S E AS O N S P R I VAT E R ES I D E N C ES 1133 14TH STREET FLAT 4100 DENVER, COLORADO

Accommodating to the select few who aspire to an elegant living oasis that reflects and caters to their luxurious lifestyle.

Walls of windows and sliding glass doors open to two spacious terraces affording heart-stopping views of downtown Denver and the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Only a figurative stone’s-throw away from one of the world’s most majestic mountain ranges, this spacious sanctuary of the most casual sophisticated living awards itself worthy of its place at the Four Seasons.

3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 5,092 Square Feet | 2 Reserved Parking Spaces Attainable at $6,945,000

Inquire and Begin the Conversation 303.898.7818 | Douglas.Kerbs@sothebysrealty.com

Proud Proud supporter supporter of of Flight Flight to to Luxury Luxury Recognized Recognized as as aa Top Top 10 10 Producing Producing Broker Broker in in the the city city of of Denver, Denver, Colorado Colorado and and with with LIV LIV Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International Realty Realty

Local Local Real Real Estate Estate Expertise Expertise with with Global Global Reach.

Reach.

DOUGLAS DOUGLAS D. D. KERBS KERBS DouglasDKerbs.com DouglasDKerbs.com

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LIVE ONE ASPEN Historic Lif t One, in s t a ll e d o n A s p e n M o u n t a in in 1 9 4 6 , i s th e in s p ir a ti o n b e h in d O n e A s p e n . M o d e r n , s o p h i s ti c a te d a n d u n d e r s t a te d , th e re si d e n c e s of O n e A s p e n a re a rc h i te c t u r a l ge m s a t th e b a s e of A s p e n M o u n t a in .

Finished and Furnished,

U n i t 1 i s a b r a n d n ew 4 b e d ro o m h o m e w i th th e p e r fe c t c o m b in a ti o n of im p e c c a b l e in te r i o r d e si g n , c o nve n i e n c e to d ow n tow n , p rox im i t y to s k iin g a n d a tot a l s e n s e of l u x u r y a n d c o m fo r t th ro u g h o u t. $14,9 9 5,0 0 0 Fu r n i s h e d . u n d e r c o n s tr u c ti o n sl o p e si d e u n i t s s c h e d u l e d fo r c o m p l eti o n in Sp r in g 2 01 9.

Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t

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INSIDEVENTURES

Features

Heaven on Earth

40 ON THE COVER:

Catching the private splendor of Royal Island from the air.

Photo captured by Doug Bolton, December 2017.

30 AGAINST ALL ODDS: ST. BARTHS Cuvée’s brilliant post-hurricane transformation

36 CAR OF THE YEAR 2018 Join us as we venture through Napa with Robb Report

40 ROYAL ISLAND Embracing connections in one of the most pristine places on Earth

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47 TIGER 21

The extraordinary benefits of membership

VENTURING BEYOND Cuvée announces plans for release of Fund IV

52 MEET ME IN PARIS

Cuvée journeys to France for its 2018 Gala

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THE LITTLE CABIN THAT COULD Cuvée sells its Aspen cabin for a record-breaking price

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64 CELEBRATE! Looking back on Cuvée’s most epic soirées

Test driving 13 top cars through Napa, CA with Robb Report

CUVEE.COM

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INSIDEVENTURES

Departments

14

10

WELCOME

24

66

A letter from our founder

13

22

WIRED What’s inspiring us online

14 ACCOUTREMENT

Exploring all things luxury

16 VOGUE Stylish finds for savvy travelers

18 CHEF DU JOUR Inside the kitchen of our Los Cabos chef

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21

THE VELVET ROPE

LINKS

The hottest tickets across the globe

Teeing off on the world’s finest courses

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22 DESIGN DOSSIER The latest trends in interior design

16

OFF THE BEATEN PATH The little known gems we love

66 STAY CUVÉE

Travel the world, Cuvée-style

74 BON VOYAGE

Our parting thoughts

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

Dustin Miller PGA Teaching Instructor

720.982.4714 DustinMiller@pga.com

Black Bear Golf Club | Blackstone Country Club

VENTURES Publisher & Editor in Chief BETSY MARR

Ventures is a Cuvée publication, PRODUCED BY REIGN MEDIA, LLC

Reign Media, LLC 2443 SOUTH UNIVERSITY BLVD, #171 DENVER, COLORADO 80210 303.997.9749 Cuvée 1800 WAZEE STREET, SUITE 200C DENVER, COLORADO 80202 720.833.4533

CUVEE.COM Advertising Inquires HELLO@REIGNMEDIALLC.COM

Associate Publisher KEVIN MARR Art Director JILL HODGES Production Designer CRAIG KORN CUVÉE EXECUTIVE TEAM Larry Mueller FOUNDER & CEO Susan Farrugia PARTNER Emily Mueller ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Whitney Skylar DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND PHILANTHROPY Rita Cuéllar SENIOR DIRECTOR, DESTINATION OPERATIONS Sarah Adams EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Laura McGetrick LEAD DESIGNER

Copyright 2018 by Reign Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Ventures Magazine is published semi-annually. Reproduction without permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Reign Media, LLC, Cuvée and their affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editor (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed companies and/or products that advertise in the publication or that are mentioned editorially. The Publisher assumes no responsibly for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Ventures. Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser product, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher.

FROM OUR FOUNDER In September 2017, when Hurricane Irma struck a devastating blow to St. Barths and to Cuvée’s island showpiece mere months after its completion, it took both a physical and emotional toll. For me, and for the Cuvée Team, our beautiful Villa Vue de Rêves had been both a labor of love (marked with plenty of sweat) and one which required matching wits with the French and their unique bureaucracy for months.

After seeing to the first order of business, which included providing resources to the relief fund, as well as ensuring the safety and well being of our staff and other islanders, the grim task of assessing damage to the property began. Within days our team sprang into action to ensure that we were “getting out ahead” of securing insurance claims and first-rights to essential building materials and labor resources. This task took on a life of its own, as we sought out the most technologically advanced, hurricane-proof doors, windows and other essential products from both the U.S. and abroad.

Fast forward seven months and 17 days to April 24, 2018 when Vue de Rêves opened its doors to guests, once again, who were greeted with the quintessential glass of French rosé and a renewed sense of joie de vivre.

Across the ocean, Hurricane Irma had also lashed out against the South Florida coast.

And while no Cuvée properties were in its path, Cuvée rallied to the aid of the area’s residents by contributing stays in two noted Cuvée Properties (including Royal Island, see cover) at the annual Naples Winter Wine Auction. Over $460,000 was raised from the Cuvée-auctioned properties, in an effort to support the children of Collier County who suffered from the aftermath of the massive hurricane.

By October 2017, hurricanes had given way to dramatic wildfires in Northern California burning more than 245,000 acres, killing 43 people, and severely impacting wine country.

Urged on by Robb Report’s Managing Director, David Arnold, who was closely monitoring the wildfires on the ground in Napa, a Cuvée group of automobile aficionados proceeded with plans to participate in Cuvée’s private session at Robb Report’s annual Car of the Year.

For them the decision served, in part, as a gesture of support and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.

What these accounts illustrate is a lesson I learned growing up in the Midwest: the importance of supporting, and giving back to, communities in which we live or participate.

And from which we benefit in so many meaningful ways. The increased ability to have a positive impact on Denver (through our Flight to Luxury event, for example) has not only allowed us to give back to the community we love, but in so doing, we are the richer for it.

It is this very sentiment on which Cuvée was founded and is the cornerstone of how we continue to operate years later. We hope you’ll join us as we build on this notion by supporting our community both at home and afar.

Very truly yours, Larry Mueller

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At left: Celebrating another successful year of fundraising at Flight to Luxury; Exploring Napa Valley in the world’s finest

VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

automobiles with Robb Report; Rebuilding efforts in St. Barths post Hurricane Irma.

STUNNING REMODEL IN THE CHERRY HILLS 2017 CUSTOM BUILD IN RESERVE CHERRYAT HILLS FARM 4 Cherry Hills Farm Court | Cherry Hills Village Offered at $3,850,000

Located in the Cherry Hills Farm community, on a private cul-de-sac is a very unique opportunity to own this one of a kind home.

Denver’s own ‘Hampton’s inspired English Manor.’

On a generous acre site with extraordinary finishe\s you’ll find this remarkable home with approximately 9000 finished square feet. Thought out and designed by the Cornerstone Custom Home design team-nothing has been overlooked. From the Chef’s kitchen to the walk-out basement this grand home is light, bright and spacious.

14 SUNRISE DRIVE | CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE OFFERED AT MILLION The 2-story configuration is family friendly with 6 bedrooms and 9$2.5 baths including a multi-level great room, plus main-level den, executive study and an un-compromised private guest suite. Once you’ve entered the home you are welcomed by a full wall Completely remodeled home in the Reserve at Cherry Hills on a lush 2.3-acre site. Includes a 50,000-gallon pond and pool plus of retractable doors opening to a large deck overlooking the estate grounds an excellent design for the ‘must-have’ Colorado fabulous outdoor entertaining with the recently added flagstone patio, outdoor kitchen and fireplace.

Lifestyle of indoor to outdoor entertaining. Exuding comfort and warmth this home has a 4-car garage, wide plank wood flooring and a multitude of personalization options.

Elegant entry and generous formal living room with a convenient pub. The private study is tucked away and only steps to the main floor master suite. Upstairs includes 4 bedrooms set up in a jack-n-jill format on the East wing and the West wing includes an The glorious designer details bath of this home with1 generous large dining room, ship-lap upstairs family room, powder and guestare or unparalleled nanny suite with bedroom, hallways 1 bath andand Substairways, Zero kitchen.

The guest/nanny suite is siding, unique kitchen and lighting fixtures completely plus designprivate elements not often seen in Denver or the Villages.

Come and see this from the back staircase. beautiful home for yourself. Meet with the professional on-site designer, who has chosen exquisite finishes but if you prefer the buyer can opened have fullup design review and choose theirisown countertops, plumbing fixtures and custom colors throughout the Recently and completely redesigned the lighting, grand dining room and great room/ kitchen with walk in pantry.

Finished home.

Delivery scheduled latetheater fall, so please contactisme soon for and preview. also is home to a basement withisfull gym andfor home all equipment included in premier both thedesign theateraccessibility and gym. The basement new wet bar and secure wine room.

The Landscaping plan, at additional cost is completely approved and in place with the architectural review board. Though approved, landscaping can stillone canofbe customized byabuyer.

This a kind home has new 50 year roof, new landscaping and sprinkler system and new boiler.

Fabulous opportunity in one of Cherry Hills’ most convenient and desired neighborhoods.

303.929.9001 rochelle.macnaughton@sothebysrealty.com livsothebysrealty.com 303.929.9001 rochelle.mcnaughton@sothebysrealty.com

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WIRED:

What’s inspiring our wanderlust spirit

RIGHT NOW ON PINTEREST We’re inspired by all things French. The food, the fashion, the art and the architecture. Our Pinterest board celebrates the Joie de Vivre we know and love.

BLOG TO LOVE /// TRAVEL CURATOR Aussie-bred Melanie Brandman knows a thing or two about luxury travel. With 25 years of globetrotting and a tenure at Vogue behind her, Brandman’s blog and social media pages consistently catch our eye and her curated content is among the best we’ve seen. From the perfect cup of coffee to the must-experience spa treatment, sweeping mountain view or of-the-moment restaurant, her selections are spot on and the photography, flawless. We love “The Find,” where the editrix delves into fashion, beauty, wine and other what-nots that strike her fancy as well as Brandman’s remarkable eye when it comes to seeing the world in style.

Web: travelcurator.com Instagram: @travelcurator Twitter: @travelcurator

INSTAGRAM INSPIRO /// GRAY MALIN We’re longtime fans of fine art photographer Gray Malin’s work. In particular, we are inspired by his birds eye view of the world and his Instagram feed offers daily eye candy in our Denver offices. From the peaks of Aspen to the beaches of Bora Bora, Malin’s colorful collections are as breathtaking as they are bold.

Web: graymalin.com Instagram: @graymalin Twitter: @graymalin

FROM CUVÉE Catching starfish on Royal Island, pretty in pink in Los Cabos, yoga with a view in St. Barths and a blanket of blooms in Tuscany. Our Instagram feed is a blend of all that is Cuvée.

Web: cuvee.com Instagram: @staycuvee Twitter: @staycuvee Pinterest: pinterest.com/staycuvee

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ACCOUTREMENT: THE NEW TWA HOTEL PREPARES FOR TAKE OFF AT JFK AIRPORT A mid-century modern masterpiece is slated to land at JFK Airport in 2019 and, with its touch down, there is the promise of restoring the 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Flight Center to its “Jet Age glory.” The new TWA Hotel is a flight back to yesteryear with 512 rooms dedicated to and inspired by the classic, retro feel of the 1960s. The project developer, MCR, reveals details to guest rooms that celebrate the martini bar, rotary phones, Saarinen-designed mid-century modern Knoll furnishings and bathrooms featuring terrazzo tile and Hollywoodstyle vanities. Windows are soundproofed so that you’re not reminded that you’re staying overnight at JFK Airport while the designer firm of Stonehill Taylor has incorporated brushed brass and wood accents with subtle nods to the glam days of travel all the way down to room keys that resemble passports. The hotel will also include six restaurants, eight bars, a fitness center and a 10,000-square-foot rooftop observation deck with a pool. Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR and MORSE Development, explains, “From the moment guests and visitors arrive at the TWA Hotel, they will find themselves immersed in the ethos of 1962’s rich culture, architecture, sights, sounds and ambiance. The attention to the smallest of details permeates the entire guest room experience, paying homage to the magnificent landmark and special time in American history.” + More at twahotel.com +

DIOR IN DENVER The Denver Art Museum has another spectacular exhibit headed its way beginning November 19, 2018 through March 3, 2019. Dior: From Paris to the World, celebrates 70 years of the House of Dior’s enduring legacy and its global influence through a selection of 150 couture dresses, accessories, costume jewelry, photographs, drawings, runway videos and other archival material. The chronological presentation will trace the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder, Christian Dior and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior’s vision into the 21st century. Dior, the art gallerist who became a celebrated couturier, generated a revolution in Paris and around the globe after World War II while creating haute couture expressing modern femininity and completely shedding the masculine silhouette that had been established during the war. His sophisticated designs marked the beginning of an epic movement in fashion history that would eventually lead to Dior successfully becoming the first worldwide couture house. The exhibit will focus on how Dior cemented his fashion house’s reputation within a decade and will highlight how his successors, Yves-Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, incorporated their own design aesthetic. This exhibition is organized by the DAM and curated by Florence Müller, the museum’s Avenir Foundation Curator of Textile Art and Fashion. It also features exhibition design by internationally renowned architect Shohei Shigematsu, principal of OMA New York. + More at denverartmuseum.org +

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

$2 MILLION CONCEPT TWO HYPERCAR Croatian supercar maker Rimac Automobili has a new electric car coming – and it’s traveling at near record speed. The Concept Two hypercar is slated to go zero-to-60 in a not-from-this-world 1.85 seconds, zero-to-100 in an unthinkable 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 9.1. The top speed is 258 mph with a mind-numbing 1,914 horse power and 1,696 ft lbs. of torque. Two million dollars puts you in contention for one of the limited 150 carbon-fiber two-seaters with production beginning in 2020. The company that has been providing electric know-how for Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, Jaguar Land Rover’s electric E-Type Zero and Koenigsegg’s Regera features a 100% carbon-fiber chassis and a carbon body with butterfly doors, while its active aero elements include adjustable front and rear diffusers, a flat floor, and a variable-angle rear wing that can act as a full air brake.

A 120kWh battery pack containing 6,960 lithium manganese nickel cells powers the four electric motors. A fully-charged battery means a daily-driving range of 400 miles and, when plugged in to a fast charger, the battery pack should regain 80% capacity in half an hour. All-wheel torque vectoring and double-wishbone suspension strengthens the car’s handling (featuring electronically controlled dampers and active ride height adjustment) and a massive 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic rotors clamped by six-piston calipers provide the stopping power. Designed to provide Level 4 autonomous driving capability with eight cameras, six radar emitters, a dozen ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR light detection and ranging, the Concept Two requires facial-recognition cameras to open the doors and start up the motors. + More at rimac-automobili.com +

CHAMPAGNE FROM THE DEEP Have you ever had a bottle of champagne that has spent the last year of its maturation submerged in 200 feet of water off the coast of a remote island in Southern France? The $1,900 Grand Cru Brut bottle of Abysse Blanc de Blancs from the M.Hostomme collection is the only ocean-aged Champagne that is being exported to the United States and its allotments for American consumption are limited to just 60 bottles a year. Submerged in complete darkness for 12 months at a 55-degree Fahrenheit temperature provides the perfect environment for this 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine from the Grand Cru de Chouilly vineyards.

“All sides of the large, rectangular, customized steel box in which the Champagne bottles are placed are enclosed, with the exception being the top of the box, which is a steel grate,” explains Bobby Brower Jr., president of Brower Family Wines, the U.S. importer of Abysse. Brower Jr. continues, “The open-grated top allows the ocean water to flow freely between the bottles, creating even water distribution throughout the submerged bottles while also exposing each bottle to extremely subtle temperature and current fluctuations. Each bottle’s cork is waxed over, preventing water or oxygen from entering the bottle.” The bottles are packaged in the exact form they are found in after a year, including any starfish, sand, shells and other sea matter that might have ended up in the box. “The ocean determines the ‘label’ of Abysse,” Brower says. + More at browerfamilywines.com +

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VOGUE: SAFARI STYLE

Singita’s stunning properties in South Africa and Tanzania are as majestic as they are captivating.

While on safari with Cuvée, guests take in the authentic beauty of the African landscape and wildlife for an experience that is most certainly life-changing. Whether trekking in the early morning light or sipping a post-safari glass of wine fireside, your adventure calls for a wardrobe that’s ruggedly chic. Here, our safari favorites for him and her.

For Her Ray Ban Aviator Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, $155 solsticesunglasses.com

Brunello Cucinelli Safari Belted Cotton Poplin Top, $2,395 neimanmarcus.com

Chan Luu Leather and Rose Gold Wrap Bracelet, $275 chanluu.com

Callanan Wool Felt Safari Hat, $38 explorerhats.com Globe Trotter Safari Leather Trimmed Travel Trolley, $1,610 net-a-porter.com

Nili Lotan Jenna Cropped Cotton Twill Pants, $325 net-a-porter.com

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

Charlotte Olympia Animal Kingdon Canvas Slippers, $465 net-a-porter.com

Dolce & Gabbana Frayed Floral Print Scarf, $995 dolcegabbana.com

For Him Prada Aviator Style Sunglasses, $370 prada.com Musto Shooting Melford Fleece Gilet Vest, $150 mrporter.com Kingsman Stetson Jack’s Leather Trimmed Hat, $250 mrporter.com

Montblanc Summit Smart Watch, $930 montblanc.com J.Crew Aiden Slim Fit Oxford Shirt, $70 jcrew.com

Acne Studios Canada Fringed Scarf, $180 mrporter.com

Musto Shooting Storm Goretex Nubuck Boots, $600 mrporter.com

MR P. Wide Leg Herringbone Chinos, $210 mrporter.com

Mulberry Heritage Pebble Grain Holdall, $850 mulberry.com

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CUVÉE'S CHEF DU JOUR:

SERGIO CASTRO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO Cuvée’s Los Cabos Villas speak for themselves with their luxury accommodations, breathtaking scenery and incomparable amenities. However, guests basking in paradise south of the border also experience the finest of dining anywhere, courtesy of Chef Sergio Castro. Whether your unforgettable meal is seaside on a private beach, poolside with million dollar views or inside your villa’s dining room, one thing is for certain – it will be a meal to remember. We sat down with Cuvée’s go-to for all things delicious to find out more about the man who makes Mexico so appetizing.

What inspired you to become a chef?

Flavors and the process for cooking had me enchanted since I was a boy in the city of Puebla, Mexico. I liked Lebanese and Spanish-influenced cuisine. In my family, we were very traditional when it came to eating. Sitting at the dining table was always a ritual that had to be respected.

My mom and dad, aunts and my grandmother were all serious about food and about the purity of ingredients. My father used to drive almost 110 miles every weekend just to buy the best meat, the best cheese and the best tortillas. Making bread and tamales was an all-day quest for my mom. All the carne asada parties that we had on the countryside were epic; I still preserve my best memories from those times. I went with my dad to buy everything the day before and it was exhausting. Prepping for the carne asada day took almost one day, from buying everything, marinating the meat, making all of the salsas, chorizo and beans, and preparing pounds of shrimp to be ready to be thrown on the grill.

What did you learn at the restaurants that you worked at prior to working for Cuvée?

I learned not to give up at the toughest moments, how to deal with high stress and work under pressure. I developed the skills to work fast and for long hours, I learned how to organize events and put customized menus together and, of course, developed my skills in the kitchen. Working in restaurants showed me that being a chef is about passion, discipline, sacrifice and respect.

What did you learn while studying the culinary arts at the Pizzolotto Institute?

I learned the technical facts and information, the proper and expected ways for a chef to identify and find the best ingredients and how to work more organized.

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

Do you specialize in certain styles of cooking or does it run the gamut?

I specialize in Mexican-Asian fusions, with marked modern cooking techniques.

I also pay close attention and respect to the traditional old school cooking when it comes to homage and traditional dishes.

If they haven’t asked for something specific, what do you like cooking for Cuvée guests?

I always go with fresh fish since Cabo has some of the best fish anywhere in the world. I would suggest a fresh fish ceviche bar, grilled local fish spices, organic produce and other local-made treasures such as queso de rancho and flour tortillas.

What are some of your guests’ favorite dishes?

• Sea Bass on spinach and soy citrus broth reduction • Blackened whole red snapper with black quinoa and fresh parsley pilaf • Shrimp Al Pastor Tacos with Jicama tortilla and pineapple habanero relish

What does a menu from you look like during spring and summer months?

Citrus flavors combined with creamy avocado and zesty aromatic dishes are my favorite during spring and summer.

For example: • Mint and dry Chile wet Rub octopus a las brasas • Lemon Pepper crusted sea bass with Cardamom parsley and grapefruit relish • Watermelon and Feta salad with arugula and toasted pumpkin seeds

What can Cuvée guests expect from a dining experience with you?

They can expect honest cooking from scratch and my best effort to create a unique experience with the best ingredients and flavors possible.

Do you do wine pairings as well?

I do pairings according to Mexican, Chilean, Argentinian and, of course, Napa wines.

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LINKS: FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI With all of the natural wonders that comprise the Big Island of Hawaii, leave it to Jack Nicklaus to

design a golf course just north of Kona that might rival each and every awe-inspiring attraction.

The 18-hole masterpiece that is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai course has to be seen to be believed and once you do, you’ll undoubtedly never hit a golf ball on a better property in your lifetime. With Cuvée’s stunning villa perched on the 2nd tee, these links of paradise demand that you bring your clubs for your next Hawaiian getaway and witness something life-changing. So we sat down with Brendan Moynahan, Director of Golf Operations and the ultimate source for this golfing destination, for the ins and outs of this flawless island course.

What makes golf at Four Seasons Hualalai such a special experience? Talk about the course design that Jack Nicklaus has put together.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature designed course, which means Jack designed it and was on site while the course was being built. His vision for the course was to contrast the black lava, green grass, white sand, blue sky and the ocean, and the outcome achieves all of those elements and much more. The visuals of jet-black lava and lush green fairways is stunning to say the least. There are 92 bunkers surrounding the greens and framing the fairways.

What is your favorite hole?

Hole 17 is my favorite hole because it’s set on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by black lava and white sand bunkers. As you look at the green from the tee, you can see Maui across the ocean on a clear day. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and it just happens to be on a golf course!

What is the toughest hole on the course?

The 9th hole plays into the Kona breeze and is a tough test for all golfers. It is the longest par four on the course, yet there are no bunkers around the green.

What do the pros say about the course when they play in the annual Mitsubishi Electric Championship?

The pros love the course! They always are impressed with the condition, playability, and the diversity of the holes. They take advantage of the wide fairways and flat greens and shoot low numbers. They look forward to coming back year after year for the golf and relaxing at the resort. They say the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is their favorite tournament of the year.

What advice do you give a golfer who’s playing here for the first time?

Try to not let the beauty of the place distract you from your game. Jack Nicklaus tries to distract you with black lava out croppings and white sand bunkers, and you need to just focus on the green fairways and greens. The fairways are very generous and you can bounce or roll a ball on to every green, which makes the course very playable for golfers of all skill levels. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a humpback whale breaching out of the ocean or a pod of spinner dolphins cruising by! + More at fourseasons.com/hualalai

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DESIGN DOSSIER: BAMBOO

Chelsea House Irving Round Side Table, $1,015 onekingslane.com

Nothing quite compares to the island lifestyle. Of course, the perfect island home is in and of itself a thing of great beauty. From soothing hues to eclectic art and authentic found objects, “Bahamian chic” is a style we’ve grown to know and love. In particular, bamboo is playing a major role in our design lineup as of late.

From furnishings to art, accessories and antiques, bamboo pieces can be seen throughout Cuvee’s St. Barths, Royal Island and Hawaiian homes.

Chelsea House Bamboo Chandelier, $1,015 onekingslane.com

Dana Gibson Draper Ottoman, $1,199 danagibson.com

Ralph Lauren Home Brass Bamboo Bar Cart, $6.040 ralphlauren.com

Jane Marie Edwards Painting in Bamboo Frame, $275 shopsocietysocial.com

Dana Gibson Red and Cobalt Cottonwood Chair, $1,199 danagibson.com

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

Eastbrook Desk and Chair Set, $725 onekingslane.com

Chelsea House Decorative Bamboo Tray, $365 onekingslane.com

Selamat Navy Micah Lounge Chair, $1,945 onekingslane.com

Dana Gibson Canton Tray Coffee Table, $395 danagibson.com

York Wallcoverings Diamond Bamboo Wallpaper, $69 yorkwall.com

Chelsea House Decker Cabinet, $1,1775 onekingslane.com Chelsea House Benton Geometric Sconce, $345 luxedecor.com

Juliska 5-Piece Bamboo Place Setting, $168 gearys.com

Miles Tablott Indigo Medallion Swivel Chair, $1,995 onekingslane.com Bunny Williams Home Bamboo Bed, $7,200 bunnywilliams.com CUVEE.COM

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THE VELVET ROPE

Mark your calendars – these fabulous events are not to miss. From food to France and everything in between, we’re telling you where to slip past the proverbial velvet rope.

May 18-19, 2018 GASTROVINO BAJA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

The Los Cabos region is quickly becoming a haven for innovative fare and libations and has seen a huge influx of fine dining establishments and lauded chefs over the past several years. This May, head to one of Cuvée’s celebrated properties for sun, sand and culinary prowess by way of the Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival. Nearly 50 of the area’s most up-and-coming chefs and mixologists convene to bring visitors a unique dining experience set against the majestic backdrop of Baja’s Sea of Cortez.

5/18-19

+ More at festivalgastrovino.com August 1-3, 2018 ART CRUSH Aspen, Colorado

Heralded as the gala of the season in the tony town of Aspen, Art Crush serves as the major annual fundraiser for Aspen Art Museum. Taking place over three days, the event begins Wednesday evening with Wine Crush, continues with Thursday’s Preview Crush and culminates on Friday evening at the main event – Art Crush. A late night after party at world famous Belly Up sees revelers dancing into the evening. Festive attire is encouraged.

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+ More at aspenartmuseum.org/artcrush August 26, 2018 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Pebble Beach, California

Considered the most prestigious of all automotive auctions, the Pebble Beach Concours is held in its namesake backdrop, offering stunning views of the Pacific alongside the stunning vehicles on display for the highest bidders. What began in 1950 is now looked forward to with vast anticipation by car, wine and golf connoisseurs alike. Open to both pre and post war collector vehicles, the event draws a crowd of nearly 15,000.

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+ More at pebblebeachconcours.net

September 28-30, 2018 RYDER CUP Á LA CUVÉE Paris, France

9/28-30

It has been 91 years since the biennial Ryder Cup was first established and today, it is perhaps the most patriotic and paramount tournament in all of golf. With competitors from both the United States and Europe, this year’s Cup treks to Paris’ Le Golf National where Cuvée will also hold its annual gala. After cheering on the stars and stripes, the group will head to the Bordeaux wine region to sip and savor in grand style.

2018

+ More at rydercup.com

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH: ST. BARTHS

The island of St. Barths is one brimming with French sophistication and Caribbean charm alike. Cuvée’s Vue de Rêves Villa offers sweeping views and luxe accommodations that you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re spending your days and nights in the lavish private infinity pool or exploring the streets of Gustavia, we’ve curated our must see and must do favorites for basking in the St. Barths sun.

DINE With Villa Vue de Rêve’s prime location above famed Eden Rock Resort (the Caribbean’s finest), nearby options for dining are plentiful. The resort itself, which boasts a quirky and well-curated art collection, is a must see while on the island and Nikki Beach is ideal for a casual lunch with a chilled glass of rosé.

On Shell Beach (a must-visit where picture perfect seashells line the coastline), Shellona dishes up incredible Mediterranean cuisine along with some of the best people watching and sunsets to boot. In the kitchen, you will find Chef Yiannis Kioroglou, one of the rising stars of Greek cuisine. Yiannis and his team offer an authentic Mediterranean cuisine, carrying you from the sweetness of Amalfi’s lemon trees all the way to the gastronomic treasures of the Cyclades.

In Gustavia (the quaint shopping district), dining options are plentiful.

Do as the locals do and hit up La Cantina for reasonably priced salads and tartars, or have a cheeseburger in paradise at Le Select, which is rumored to have inspired the famous Jimmy Buffet tune. The Baz Bar is also a fun evening spot for cocktails, sushi, tapas and live music.

Just outside the village, there’s Maya’s. Reservations are a must at the ever-popular and eclectic Creole eatery. We, however, love Maya’s To Go, the take out iteration that packs provisions for breakfast and lunch – the ideal way to picnic on the beach.

Other Cuvée favorites include Orega for French-Japanese fusion cuisine and the acclaimed Bagatelle for the island’s best Mediterranean food.

Also try Bonito for South American and French fusion and the ever-quaint L’Isola for Italian fare that has turned the heads of celebs like Steven Spielberg and David Beckham.

Of course, with the island recently undergoing many transformations in the wake of Hurricane Irma, we highly recommend calling ahead to ensure all establishments have reopened.

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PLAY No trip to St. Barths is complete without an afternoon spent at Eden Rock Spa

by Ligne – a locally owned apothecary line. Opt for an al fresco massage either on the Spa Deck or beachside.

St. Barths is perhaps best explored by sea, and Captain Miguel of St. Barth Sailor will help you do exactly that. Enjoy a catamaran sail for the day where snorkeling among massive corals in full bloom, sea turtles and tropical fish is the norm. Then, enjoy a glass of French Rose as you watch the sun set from the boat’s deck.

Back on land, a drive through picturesque Grand Fond is one you won’t find in most tourist guides. The stunning coastline is one that offers views unlike others on the island. Rocky beaches and weathered coral offer an experience you won’t soon forget.

EXPERIENCE Naturally, Cuvée has curated a collection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences exclusively for its villa guests. For the beachcomber, enjoy a private day on world famous Nikki Beach along with a chef-prepared lunch for you and your loved ones. There is also a bevvy of water activities to enjoy, Cuvée-style. Opt for snorkeling or a sea bob excursion. For something a bit more out-of-theordinary, Cuvée will arrange for you and your guests to paddle board to the island’s lobster cages where you’ll select your fresh catch. Ready to relax?

In-villa massages and private yoga sessions are the perfect way to unwind, or take a guided hike along the scenic paths and end with yoga at the summit. An unforgettable experience, indeed.

SHOP An island as chic as St. Barths is bound to be fraught with fashionable retail options.

In Gustavia, boutiques line the three major shopping streets. Quai de la République rivals Rodeo Drive and Madison Avenue with familiar names like Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Eres, and Hermès dotting the tony street. And while yes, these are well known brands, the St. Barths iterations often carry items that are not available in the States. The ultimate in luxury shopping experiences, however, takes place in the confines of Cuvée’s Vue de Rêves, where a representative from Louis Vuitton will arrive to present a private in-villa trunk show. A bit more off the beaten path nestled in the Villa Creole shopping plaza of Saint Jean is Filles De Iles. This charming boutique is locally owned and offers a bit of everything for the island lifestyle – from niche brand clothing, to statement baubles to leather bags and sandals.

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Cherrydale Community

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This home has quality appointments and style and has been artfully remodeled and updated from top to bottom. Relax in the expansive master suite with double walk-in closets and a five-piece bath upstairs. If the buyer prefers, there is also a spacious master bedroom on the main floor with a private patio and access to the lovely backyard. Four additional bedrooms and five additional baths make this the ideal family home, or a wonderful space to entertain guests. A three car side loading garage with ample space for SUV parking and additional storage is perfect for the Colorado outdoor enthusiast, collector or family.

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AGAINST ALL ODDS:

St.: Barths Inside Cuvée’s brilliant post-hurricane transformation It is a day that will forever live in infamy on the island of St. Barths.

September 6, 2017, saw the pristine haven of luxury homes, spectacular beaches, world renowned dining, gorgeous yachts and a culture of fame and fortune caught in the destructive path of Hurricane Irma and its wrath on the Caribbean.

The island was transformed from paradise to perdition through Irma’s unrelenting winds at a devastating clip of 220 mph.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, Cuvée’s talented and passionate team, led by partner Susan Farrugia, was anxiously charting courses to secure access to the company’s hilltop property on the island, which had not gone unscathed from the storm.

The airport was closed.

There was no electricity.

No water.

Against all odds, Cuvée’s response was immediate with Farrugia’s route taking her to Haiti and then Guadeloupe before reaching the tragic scene. There was so much to process. The Cuvée villa had suffered $3 million in damage due to the hurricane’s unprecedented fury unleashed throughout the property. Flooring, wall treatments, cabinetry, light fixtures, furniture and wiring all fell victim to Irma’s invasion. Since Farrugia’s fortitude placed her at the scene before any other responders, Cuvée was in the fortunate position of assessing next steps sooner than anyone else. In the face of a terrible tragedy, Cuvée was there to protect the asset that they had spent eighteen months and $13 million building just a year earlier – the asset that was the undoubted crown jewel in the brand’s growing portfolio.

Yet how do you repair a property like Cuvée’s stunning villa with zero resources? The airport was closed. There was no electricity. No water. There was no available labor to help and, soon, the prices for workers would skyrocket. While the rest of the island was paralyzed, Cuvée did what it does best – they took matters into their own hands, flying in their personal subcontractors, carpenters and construction workers, assisted by the local tradesmen who had helped with the earlier Vue de Rêves restoration.This shrewd and swift move resulted in the villa reopening well ahead of any others on the island, with more beauty and grandeur than the original abode.

Perhaps the most significant factor in expediting the rebuilding efforts is Cuvée’s incredible resources – both financial and otherwise.

Because the company manages its portfolio in an extremely astute manner, it was unnecessary to wait on the lengthy process of an insurance claim to rebuild the property, which meant the team could move at rapid speed. As such, Vue de Rêves was one of the first properties on the island to order the necessary supplies and materials for bringing such a home back to life. Case in point? The rare Brazilian ipe wood used on the expansive outdoor decks as well as new windows from Dade County in Miami, Florida, which possess the highest requirements and standards for Level Hurricane 5 glass anywhere in the world. Cuvée flew a team in from Miami to secure critical measurements on the windows, thus ordering them in October immediately after Irma. Today, these very windows have a standard nine month waiting period due to the overwhelming need that the 2017 hurricane season created.

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“While Irma was indeed a tragedy, the aftermath afforded us an opportunity to rebuild with new features in place including design changes to better withstand hurricanes in the future.”

Because Vue de Rêves was the most luxurious and valuable in the brand’s collection, it was necessary to not only protect its investment but also improve on what was once considered perfection in paradise. Having invested over $13 million in the property, making smart and swift decisions was paramount.

“Building and designing the villa was an all-consuming task that required years of meticulous work,” Farrugia begins. “The result was an unbelievable property that our community enjoyed for 18 months prior to Hurricane Irma.” And like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Vue de Rêves is even better appointed today than it was pre-Hurricane. “While Irma was indeed a tragedy, the aftermath afforded us an opportunity to rebuild with new features in place including design changes to better withstand hurricanes in the future,” adds founder and CEO Larry Mueller.

Farrugia observed that St. Barths is alive again with an unmistakable island energy in the restaurants and sojourners back on its pristine beaches. Mueller notes that, because of Cuvée’s presence, the villa bounced back unlike any other property in the area. “Without Cuvée, this house would sit unprotected for up to two years. Yet because construction, design and remodeling is what we do, our team responded at lightening speed. That type of agility in protecting our assets is a key reason that our investors believe so strongly in Cuvée.

Similar properties on the island have yet to be touched and could quite possibly continue to sit untouched and unprotected until labor is available and insurance payments have cleared.

With Cuvée, we are able to circumvent those obstacles and rebuild quickly.”

That’s Cuvée.

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2018 CAR OF THE YEAR

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C U V É E J O U R N E Y S TO N A PA VA L L E Y A S T H E GROUP JUDGES ROBB REPORT’S ELITE CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS The featured guests on this fall weekend in Napa’s wine country hailed from the likes of Italy, Germany and Great Britain with familiar names that included Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Bentley and Aston Martin. But don’t tell the Cuvée contingency that was in town for the 2018 Robb Report Car of the Year expedition that the 4-wheel attendees were having more fun than their crew. The much anticipated event was, once again, a flawless affair. An affair that’s remarkably unique to the Cuvée community with a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary that has guests clamoring year after year. From fine dining to fine wines and most certainly, fine automobiles, it’s an over-the-top experience that brings together a likeminded group of leaders in one of the most beautiful backdrops on the planet.

“It’s one of the best weekends of the year for me,” Cuvée Founder and CEO Larry Mueller beams. “To be in Napa for these great culinary journeys and to actually be able to judge and drive these cars with such a dynamic group of individuals is something very special. Everyone on the trip is enthused and engaged in driving these incredible machines.

To couple that with the magic of the Napa harvest was absolutely surreal.”

Guest Rick Kinning concurs. “Cuvée is unparalleled in the luxury and personal touch that they provide. These events are world class every time. While driving the cars was the highlight, our dining experiences were also unbelievable,” he attests. “With a stunning location, fabulous food and wine and great company, we were simply blown away.”

Naturally, though, the lineup of exotic machines took center stage, providing a thrilling experience for guests of the ultra-exclusive event.

“Although I have owned world class cars for years, the weekend afforded me the opportunity to drive several that I hadn’t in the past. It was incredible to drive the vehicles in a rural California setting in lieu of a track environment,” Kinning continues.

The lucky 13 luxury automobiles chosen to compete for the Robb Report crown were a part of an exclusive fraternity that boasts some of the finest design and performance vehicles anywhere on the driving planet. The baker’s dozen lineup included the Aston Martin Vanquish

S Volante, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder Quattro S tronic, the Bentley Continental Supersports, the BMW M760Li xDrive, the Cadillac CTS-V, the Dodge Challenger SRT Widebody Hellcat, the Ferarri GTC4 Lusso, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, the Lexus LC 500 Coupe, the McLaren 720S, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and the MercedesAMG S65.

The course was a two-lane highway whose curvy roads hugged gorgeous vineyards, a picturesque countryside and a sparkling reservoir while also opening up to some substantial straightaways where Mueller explains, “you could easily get into the triple figures.” Tests for each car required multiple starts and stops that were comprised of zero-to-60 acceleration as well as heavy breaking to slow a vehicle down to a dead pause without skidding from speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour.

So what goes into judging the finest cars anywhere for one of the world’s most prestigious publications? At the end of the day, vehicles are judged on whether they live up to the promise that they make to the buyer. Guests understand that this is not a technical evaluation, or else it would otherwise be difficult to judge the top-rated Cadillac versus the Bentley. Part of the evaluation is indeed the value equation.

When they weren’t behind the wheel zipping around wine country in premium, work-of-art automobiles, home for the weekend was Meadowood Napa Valley, a property rated by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the best resorts in the world. For those who arrived early to this renowned culinary capital, an intimate evening was planned at Joseph Phelps Vineyard where private chefs prepared a five-course, fall-inspired tasting menu replete with exquisite wine pairings, including the vineyard’s most sought after blend – Insignia. Subsequent wine tastings in the days to follow included jaunts to Quintessa, Merryvale and an exclusive tasting of LOUIS XIII, while other planned activities embraced a professional chocolate tasting, a champagne sabering lesson, hiking, a cooking lesson and a croquet tournament on the fabled Meadowood grounds with guests adorning traditional white attire. Steve Kris, another of Cuvée’s guests, contends that the company was as important as the activities themselves. “For me, spending time with truly interesting people was a definite highlight,” he contends.

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201 Y E T W H O TO O K HOME THE 2018 ROBB REPORT CAR OF THE YEAR TITLE?

For the second year in a row, the iconic bull that is Lamborghini found its stunning machine in the winner’s circle, garnering top honors. The Huracan Performante captured the judges’ hearts with, among other things, a top speed of 201 mph with 640 horse power and zero-to-60 in a mindnumbing 2.9 seconds.

Mueller had the Lamborghini at the top of his list with the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante a close second. and had this to say about the winning vehicle. “Lamborghini is really about true raw performance. The car’s interior isn’t comfortable, it’s hard to get in and out of and it doesn’t have a whole lot of what I call ‘comfort technology.’ However, you evaluate it against what the car promises and it delivers on that.”

Yet with perfect weather and once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, everyone in the group was a winner at the end of the idyllic weekend. It’s no wonder that it is one of Cuvée’s favorite days of the year. In fact, it’s already circled on the calendar for next fall.

Cuvée’s Robb Report Car of the Year weekend will once again take place in Napa Valley, California from October 26th – October 28th. For inquires, please contact Whitney Skylar, Director of Events and Philanthropy via whitney@cuvee.com.

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Royal

al Island Embracing connection

in one of the most pristine places on Earth Emily Mueller

sat atop my paddleboard, gently rising and falling with each wave. Enveloped in a sea of glistening turquoise water, I suddenly felt miniscule, realizing the massive universe of utopian ocean around me. The only land in sight was a strip of lush green about a half mile away—the island marked “home,” at least for the week. I could vaguely see the outlines of our individual darkwood bungalows, each villa vividly emerging from the white sand—the sight lent a comfort that I was in safe paddling distance from the dock.

The sea surrounding me resounded with a consistent, calming noise. But in its song there was a deep silence, too. A quiet sensation of no cars, no boats, no people nor resorts. Far, far in the distance, tiny green dots hinted at other islands—the only evidence of other vacationers in sight.

Little did I know, I wasn’t the only one enjoying the still water. With a startling splash, a trio of dolphins popped out of the water, eyeing me with a friendly gaze as they twirled in an attempt to woo and impress me. I laughed as I graciously watched my entertainment for the afternoon, and thought to myself, “this is what heaven must feel like.”

Ever since experiencing Royal Island with friends earlier this year, it’s remained in the forefront of my memory—reaching for starfish in crystal clear turquoise waters, or the warm evenings under a thick blanket of stars.

“We wanted to create a place where families and friends could connect on a deeper level,” said Cuvée founder Larry Mueller.

“Royal Island has a beautiful stillness. It gives a deeper sense of connection—to the water, to nature, and most importantly, to each other.”

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Royal Island is made up of a pristine 430-acres— mostly untouched—barring five romantic bungalows, a beach club, and a private restaurant. What’s perhaps most unique, is that Royal’s guests have the entire island to themselves, minus a personal staff and chef. It lends that idyllic “you’ve been dropped off in paradise” sensation that you might’ve seen on fictional TV—a feeling that’s impossible to put into words.

Cuvée investors Tim and Laura Stocksdale took their first trip to Royal Island this spring.

“We’ve been fortunate to stay at several Cuvée properties from Cabo San Lucas to St. Barts to the Bahamas. The daily adventures and culinary experiences are authentic yet high quality, only known to the ‘locals’ and Cuvée. Best of all, the interaction between staff and guest is just so easy, it feels like family.”

MOST PEOPLE COME TO ROYAL ISLAND TO CELEBRATE. Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, a 60th birthday party, a wedding, or the simple gift of being together, the island’s uniqueness lends a celebratory environment. Magical, actually.

“Crystal clear turquoise waters, silky-soft sand beaches, beachfront sleeping villas, your own restaurant and beach club, makes Royal Island truly one-of-a-kind,” said Cuvée guest Scott Reiman, who celebrated New Year’s Eve 2018 on the island with his family.

“Abundant water activities and excursions at your disposal. Impeccable design and decor, with gracious staff waiting to please at every turn.”

For Scott’s family, Cuvée arranged live music and s’mores around a beachfront fire-pit, a picnic on a remote sandbar, massages and game nights.

Adventures to nearby islands—via the Royal Treatment catamaran—included beach horseback riding and swimming with the pigs.

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For the cuisine—an essential part of all Cuvée celebrations, Cuvée flew Chef Sergio, from Los Cabos, to the island. As expected, his quality and beloved personalized menus were a hit. “Our best night was a huge feast with glazed lamb chops, beautiful Caribbean lobster tails with ginger browned butter, local sea bass, and of course a special vegetarian dish for our guest Chase,” said Chef Sergio. “The possibilities for culinary celebrations are endless.”

Sergio uses local ingredients (and lots of fresh catch, of course) to build new dishes— consulting with every family daily. The staff works each night to create evenings that are inspired and special, setting up different seating arrangements and table settings. It feels like a cozy dinner party every night.

SOME SAY ROYAL ISLAND IS AS CLOSE TO AN EARTHLY HEAVEN as it gets. I wholeheartedly concur. It’s a gift of an experience, very different than other travels.

There’s freedom in the detachment from other tourists; there’s harmony in traveling without a concierge-y style list of activities and restaurants. Our group chose adventures as the mood called.

The island lets guests take advantage of really being together, and celebrating their way.

Creating a celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime, that they’ll talk about for years to come. Everything about Royal Island is personal and personalized —from the menus to the live music to the wine list.

But no spa service or menu could be as special as the pristine mass of sea before us, which presented adventures from spearfishing to sailing, or simply jumping in the warm waters at sunrise (the silky-white beach awaited us a few steps from the sleeping bungalows). And adventuring around the island was like going into a botanic garden of tropical plants, trees and hidden coves. One day, we hiked to deserted ruins that told a story of a man who found his solace on the island decades ago.

Adventure resonated for the Stocksdale family, too. “Our boys spent hours on jet-skis ever morning, playing with the dolphins. The water is so warm and clear, we could reach down for starfish and raise them up for a closer look,” Laura Stockdale said. “One of our highlights was snorkeling around a shipwreck near the island—so fascinating!”

BACK AT HOME, for me, life was a stark contrast. I’d recently transitioned from a fastpaced career at a Silicon Valley technology mogul. I spent my days and nights working, thinking about work, or getting ready for work.

Like many of us, I was connected to devices on my wrist, in my ears, and on my fingertips at almost all times. “Don’t forget to look up!”, I often reminded myself. I, like my coworkers, strived for pixel-perfect precision—often competing in the rat-race of promotions and perfection.

Uninterrupted time with those we cherish is too scarce for most of us. Consumed by the chaos of our daily lives, the noise of the crowded cities we inhabit, the time devoted to our workaholic nature and high-tech devices— our human relationships and real connections seem to slip away more with each day. Being together in such an inspiring, quiet place, without the distractions of tourists, shopping malls, or constant technology lends true quality time. On the island, conversations went a little deeper, we laughed a little louder (but maybe that was the rum), and certainly felt more connected to nature.

Alas, a few days on Royal Island was liberating.

Freeing, calming, and revitalizing all at once.

The simple act of listening to the waves on my paddleboard unlocked a new feeling, a fresh understanding of myself and my World.

“Cuvée stays are not vacations, they are experiences,” said Tim. “The memories, the friendships, and stronger bonds with family we have made will last us a lifetime—truly.”

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21 TIGER

Protect, Connect and Enhance

TIGER 21: THE EXTRAORDINARY BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP When Michael Sonnenfeldt sold his first company, The Harborside Financial Center, back in 1986 for over $100 million, he admittedly had no idea about wealth preservation, longterm planning or investing his newfound fortune.

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y the time Sonnenfeldt’s second business was ready to sell, the serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political activist was prepared for a more thoughtful approach to preserving his wealth, “I realized that I needed to be a lot smarter,” Sonnenfeldt conceded.

“The best way to do that was to learn from others who had been down that road or who were on that road at the same time that I was. They also needed to be incredibly successful, bright people who were lifelong learners so that we could all learn from one another as we went down that road.”

The result of Sonnenfeldt’s revelation was the launch of TIGER 21, a remarkably strategic and exclusive peer membership organization for high-net-worth individuals with at least $10 million in investable assets.

The unrivaled, one-of-a-kind group, originating in New York City and now with 40 groups in more than 25 cities across the globe, is straight-forward in its purpose and mission.

Explains Sonnenfeldt, founder and president of TIGER 21, “There was no organization that had been created to be a peer-to-peer learning model for high-net-worth wealth creators after they had sold their businesses. We introduced TIGER 21 for the very successful few who exit a company at an extraordinary level of success and were asking themselves, ‘What’s next in my life and how do I best equip myself to meet the challenges ahead?’”

Sonnenfeldt shares that the initial reason he felt TIGER 21 would resonate with members was the unique situation that entrepreneurs find themselves in when they have a liquidity event and go from having 1,000 employees to, all of a sudden, having a lot of money and no employees at all.

So what are the things that somebody who has been a CEO for 30 years now needs to know about preserving wealth?

Addressing this quandary was at the top of Sonnenfeldt’s agenda until the true calling for the organization presented itself, “As we grew, we found that wealth can be particularly isolating and that some of life’s problems can be amplified in a way that can’t be discussed with friends and family who are not in the same situation,” Sonnenfeldt explains.

“There’s something quite liberating about being in a community where everybody is bound by confidentiality and you have the ability to communicate at a level that you might not be able to with others.”

One TIGER 21 member who echoes Sonnenfeldt’s feelings of confidentiality, advisement, and comradery within the organization is Cuvée Founder and CEO Larry Mueller.

Mueller’s membership experience commenced with the Dallas chapter and then he supported TIGER 21’s launch of its first group in Denver of which he is now a member.

A second Denver group has since formed with a third one currently being established in Colorado.

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The assembly of like-minded business professionals and personalities coupled with the common drive to secure and properly manage their respective portfolios finds Mueller as an ardent proponent. With each group based on 12-15 members, the structured environment allows for highly-effective interaction among determined and passionate constituents. “TIGER 21 started with the idea of putting high-net-worth people together to talk about investments and investment philosophy – what has worked and what hasn’t worked for its members – while sharing our portfolios with the group and discussing why we made certain investments, how they performed and what our strategy was,” Mueller reveals. “Members are from all different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and we all advise each other with feedback and comments. This is the foundation of TIGER 21 and this is why I was initially drawn to it.”

In these monthly meetings, other ancillary elements that go into managing estates and portfolios are brought up for discussion as well, running the gamut from real estate transactions and acquisitions of private planes, yachts, and multiple homes to issues with family, siblings, divorces, and health, all of which impact how one makes investment decisions and organizes their financial affairs. Almost any related topic is fair game, including procedures and strategies that deal with protecting your portfolio from cybercrime, proper insurance levels, and taxes.

Members are also treated to unparalleled access to some of the world’s most accomplished business leaders.

Howard Schultz, David Rubenstein, and Condoleezza Rice are just a few of the world class luminairies who have attended recent TIGER 21 events as featured guests and speakers.

“The magic that TIGER 21 creates is a highly confidential, completely transparent experience where members can explore issues that perhaps they can delve into nowhere else in their life,” Sonnenfeldt explains. “When someone walks through the door of one of our monthly meetings, they walk through the looking glass and, because of the reputation that we’ve built for absolute integrity, transparency, and zero tolerance for any breach of confidentiality, members are very quickly able to get into a unique mode of communication and support with their peers.”

Sonnenfeldt details, “We have the ability to build subgroups of members with common interests across our network whether it’s philanthropy, bio-tech, renewable energy, oil and gas, robotics or Bitcoin. If you’re interested in investing in Latin America then you’d meet with our Miami group. For real estate, we’d suggest our New York or Los Angeles chapters. For oil and gas we would direct you to our Dallas or Calgary groups. All of these groups develop cachet and expertise that, as part of the TIGER 21 network, allow people to connect to each other.”

To Sonnenfeldt’s point, Mueller has made six or seven investments as a result of his TIGER 21 membership while adding, “What TIGER 21 does and what Cuvée does in a similar fashion is that we expand our community’s social circles. Getting to know each other better allows for deeper and more meaningful discussions. A TIGER 21 member can attend any meeting anywhere. Some of these guys have become some of my best friends who I now socialize with, trust and go to for advice.”

Mueller continued, “The quality of TIGER 21 meetings, discussions and relationships are really a function of the quality of people around the table.” Cuvée and TIGER 21 both offer exclusive experiences. “TIGER 21 provides the foundation to focus on wealth creation and preservation with access to your own personal board of directors that truly have your best interest at heart.

While Cuvée provides a platform to “Celebrate Life” in the most treasured destinations in the world in a highly personalized and authentic way with the friends and family you cherish – at the end of the day, this is really what life is all about,” says Mueller.

Those in the Cuvée community who are interested in learning more about TIGER 21 (tiger21.com) are encouraged to contact TIGER 21’s Harley Frank at (212) 584-0222 or harley.frank@tiger21.com.

The “by invitation only” organization is proud to have unfolded the notion in the past year that its moniker, “Protect, Connect, and Enhance” is how TIGER 21 has come to understand itself. With over 600 members and its 20th anniversary around the corner in 2019, it’s now an appropriate window to be thinking about what Sonnenfeldt describes as TIGER 3.0, which involves the formation of new groups in half a dozen international capitals and cities beyond Canada and the U.S.

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FIVE QUESTIONS EVERY WEALTHY PERSON SHOULD ASK

There are many opportunities and challenges that can come with significant wealth. As the Founder and a Member of TIGER 21, the premier peer membership organization for high-net-worth wealth creators and preservers, I have been able to hear first-hand the extraordinary stories and insights from many of our 600 members who collectively manage personal assets of $60 billion. Here are five of the top questions that the wealthy need to ask themselves along with answers on how to preserve their wealth.

1

HOW DO I PROTECT MY WEALTH?

What I’ve learned from my years of being a serial entrepreneur is that just because you know how to start and run a business, doesn’t mean you know how to invest and manage your money. It is never too soon to get smart about managing your money. Begin your education as soon as possible because becoming financially literate is the first step to protecting wealth. If you are trying to learn about investing, my advice is read, read, read.

One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned is that diversified portfolios of investments can sometimes allow two people at opposite ends of a trade to both be successful investors. A well-structured portfolio that balances the risks within it limits unwarranted exposure, and still is able to generate acceptable financial returns. However, diversification is not so easy to achieve. Each investor has to come to an understanding of what prudent diversification is for him or her.

Another important aspect of your portfolio to focus on that is often overlooked is estate planning. With just a modicum of estate planning, entrepreneurs could leave their heirs with much more. Benjamin Franklin warned, “In this world nothing can be certain but death and taxes.” However, many successful entrepreneurs, for example, fail to prepare for these certainties until they are well into middle age and often after they have sold their businesses for millions of dollars. Preparing early can make the difference between preserving a company after an unexpected death or losing it. There are other circumstances such as owning real estate, private companies, farms or other illiquid assets, where proper estate planning and, perhaps, a life

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

By Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, Founder and President, TIGER 21

insurance policy can dramatically increase the net proceeds one can leave to their heirs. In many instances, the right kind of estate structure avoids having to liquidate assets to pay estate taxes that one hopes to pass on to future generations.

One way to understand this is to realize that we actually live in an after-tax world, and if you are thinking multigenerationally, what your children will inherit will be after estate taxes, too – but we tend to think in a pre-tax world. Understanding the short and long-term income, capital gain and estate tax implications of decisions will maximize what is important – the after-tax results – allowing you to avoid being sidetracked by pre-tax distractions.

Perhaps the biggest insight here is that managing money well is really hard. The biggest mistake of all is to think it is easy and not to take the task seriously enough so that you make foolish decisions. If you start out understanding or assuming it is really really hard – maybe harder than any other intellectual challenge you have ever mastered, you might be lucky enough to approach the challenge of preserving wealth with the level of humility that might allow you to avoid some of the most common mistakes.

2

HOW DO I IDENTIFY BLIND SPOTS?

At TIGER 21, just about every monthly meeting includes a member participating in a process we have honed over twenty years called a “Portfolio Defense”, where we critique the choices a member has made in their financial lives. Members often prepare their Portfolio Defense for days or even weeks in advance, and the actual defense typically lasts for 90 minutes, covering every stock, bond, private investment, fund position, piece of real estate the member owns – and in some cases, their philanthropic interests, and their detailed family structures and responsibilities. The numbers come to life when members share their answers to a detailed set of questions about their goals, personal life, family, and their anxieties about protecting their wealth and transferring it to children and charities. The questions that members ask the “defender” force him or her to contemplate the meaning of wealth in their lives and the impact they can have in terms of philanthropic, political, as well as family goals and interests. Most importantly, it forces members to be explicit about their goals to make sure they make sense and are internally consistent with one another, and can be understood by others – whether family or advisors.

A Portfolio Defense is no easy task but it is critical to scrutinize your investment portfolio and your approach to estate planning to ensure that you minimize the potentially devastating impact of blind spots. For example, I recall a memorable Portfolio Defense about a decade ago that revealed that a member had 75 percent of his assets in just one fund. The returns were excellent but the consensus of the group was that putting more than half of his assets in a single fund was way too risky. For most of us, putting even 20% in any one investment as a passive investor would seem imprudent. This member quit the group shortly after he decided our insights were not for him. He didn’t want to move away from his large allocation to one fund – because the returns were just too good. He had no interest in pulling his money out of a fund run by one of the top traders in the United States – Bernie Madoff. His massive loss could have been avoided if he had listened to his fellow members’ advice or considered that he was violating some pretty basic rules about investing.

3

HOW CAN I PROTECT AND EMPOWER MY KIDS?

Passing on wealth to children is an important issue. The number one question on the minds of most of our members is: “How do I support my children without spoiling them or destroying their ambition?” Members are also concerned with “What percentage of one’s wealth should they leave their kids, and at what age?”

Additionally, “How should the wealth be distributed? Left equally to each child or is there another more equitable basis?” My own conclusion is that any will should generally treat children equally because an inheritance that is unequally shared has the potential to leave deep emotional scars in the children who inherit less – unless there are truly extenuating circumstances such as medical or developmental issues, which might require special trusts after parents’ die, or the imbalance reflects deeplyheld family values, which have been discussed repeatedly with the heirs so they can relate the distribution to the benefactor’s values.

When thinking about how to empower my kids, I recently had a “wow” moment. Instead of thinking about “giving” my wife’s and my assets to our kids, I now think of it as “investing” in their future. Investing implies a partnership and a purpose, and maybe even a bit of accountability. I started to see paying for graduate school as investment in the future rather than an expense. My advice is: don’t give your kids anything, but be willing to invest everything in them. The goal should be to equip and train kids to understand the meaning of wealth and how to prudently manage it to allow for a productive and purposeful life.

4

HOW SHOULD I ENJOY MY WEALTH?

The ability to get away from day-to-day concerns can free the mind to focus on the bigger picture and to keep an eye out for other opportunities. I spend a lot of time away from the office – as much as 20-30 trips each year, and many are for multiple business reasons with a good amount of personal time mixed in as well. It can be helpful to get away from the office regularly so you can recharge your batteries and think. Thanks to smartphones and the Internet, I am able to be reached 24/7/365. This allows me to be as connected as I feel I need to be. It is never too late to seek a better balance in your life.

Most TIGER 21 Members live on roughly 2% of their net worth. To some this will seem like a lot because in absolute dollars it might be. But to many others it will seem like far too little. For people grappling with a starting point, the 2% rule has proven to be one of the best. For those reluctant to spend any of their inherited or accumulated wealth, I often ask “what’s the point of creating or inheriting wealth if you don’t spend it wisely and well – but also enjoy it?”

On the other hand, for those who say 2% is too little, I can only offer that spending more can often be unsustainable in the long run (if you want to preserve the buying power of your capital). Balancing these various factors can be one of the most difficult to come to grips with, but when you do, it is incredibly liberating.

5

WHO CAN I TRUST?

When you are wealthy it can be hard to know who to trust – you often find yourself wondering if people are interested in you or your money.

Try to assemble your own group of trusted advisors to help you evaluate how well you are managing your business, your money, and your personal life. Being a member of TIGER 21 is like having your own “personal board of directors,” powered by the collective intelligence of a group of exceptionally successful wealth creators, in a confidential setting within the safe harbor of a non-selling, no-promotion zone.

Whenever a major decision emerges in my life about business, investments, philanthropy, and even family, concerns, I have trained myself to ask, “Who in TIGER 21 can give me the best counsel on this?” In almost every case, there is a fellow member that has some incredibly important experience or insight to offer.

For more answers to your questions on protecting your wealth as well as tips for successful entrepreneurship, read Michael Sonnenfeldt’s new book, Think BIGGER and 39 Other Winning Strategies from Successful Entrepreneurs, which is available in print, on Kindle, and on audiobook.

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CUVEE.COM

Meet me in PARIS

CUVÉ E JOURNEYS TO F RANC E FOR T HE 2 018 RYDER C UP SE P TE M BER 23 – OC TO B ER 4, 2018 The upcoming 2018 Cuvée Ryder Cup Gala in Paris is shaping up to be a journey befitting of its world-renowned destination. From Paris to Bordeaux, guests will explore all that France has to offer in true Cuvée-style.

“THE RITZ PARIS” | Original Watercolor

By Cuvée Designer, LAURA MCGETRICK

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PART I: PARIS The experience of a lifetime will begin September 23rd with four days and nights in “The City of Lights” at the stunning, newly-restored historical jewel that is the Hotel Ritz Paris.

Dating back to the 19th century, the palace hotel is located in the heart of Paris on the famous Place Vendome, the quintessence of the French Art de Vivre combining the best of tradition and modernity.

Having access to the hotel’s Grand Jardin, described as a “private open space garden in the heart of Paris that is like an uncut diamond,” is reason enough to be in residence. While there, Cuvée guests can also indulge in the Chanel au Ritz Paris, the world’s first free-standing spa, boasting facial and body treatments from the famed house of fashion, and a curated boutique of Chanel beauty products.

Cuvée has also joined forces with the Ritz-Escoffier School of French Gastronomy for an unrivaled culinary adventure. Established in 1988 in honor of Auguste Escoffier, the first executive chef of the Ritz, the school will provide its chef to accompany you at the local markets to pick out ingredients for your handmade delicacy. From there, guests will experience exclusive, private lessons highlighting technique, presentation and the basics of French gastronomy.

Paris is always a good idea

-A udrey H epburn

Bar Hemingway will be calling everyone’s name at the hotel, which marks the favorite refuge of the eponymous writer as well as the legendary spot where he created the first Bloody Mary. The establishment has been restored to its original appearance with rich wood paneling and walls featuring Hemingway’s personal memorabilia and original photography of the people who inspired him over the years.

Paris’ art scene will be Cuvée’s art scene, replete with some of the world’s most famous works including Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The famed Musée d’Orsay will also be awaiting Cuvée guests with an exclusive look. Set in the beautiful former train station of Gare d’Orsay, it is the largest collection of impressionist and postimpressionist art in the world, and is a must-see destination for fans of Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Private excursions to Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée Rodin are also scheduled for the ultimate museum experiences while unique experiences like “The Da Vinci Code” tour make the stories behind the art come to life for the modern world like no other.

Guests will also be treated to a behind-the-scenes private showing at the Opera Garnier, which is considered the most famous opera house in the world, due in part to its use as the setting for Leroux’s 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera. The magnificent, eclectic Napoleon III style building and its highly decorated baroque interior and ceilings of the grand foyer, are but a few of its notable historic charms. Guests will also be privy to an exclusive tour of the “underbelly” of the famous House from where the “magic” of the performances emanate. Before the doors CUVEE.COM

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open at Fondation Louis Vuitton, another private escape takes you inside the Frank Ghery-designed stunning glass exterior to the $143 million project that transports you into the 21st Century’s disruptive vision of modern creativity, art and culture.

When it’s time to shop, Rue Saint-Honore is beckoning, home to Chanel, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Valentino, among others. Gala guests will explore this iconic street, “behind-the-scenes,” as Cuvée has teamed up with elite fashion experts. The experience also includes a personal shopping adventure with the most sought after antiques dealer at the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, who has also secured a private space within the famous market for an intimate “after hours” dining experience exclusively for Cuvée guests.

While Cuvée gatherings have always exhibited an exemplary focus on cuisine, the team is taking it to the next level in the incomparable culinary wonderland of France. Incredible menus and entertainment have been curated at Paris’s world-renowned staples like Bouillon Chartier, the 100-year-old Parisian favorite, and a private dine at the Crystal Room at the Baccarat Museum, and at Aux Lyonnais, with head chef Alain Ducasse.

When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz.

-E rnEst H Emingway

Chef Ducasse has also created something truly special in Jules Verne, perched in its spectacular eyrie above Paris, on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. With Michelin-starred, contemporary French cuisine, it’s an experience that Parisians and global visitors spend months upon months waiting for. With some work from our Parisian connections, Cuvée will host a private evening at Jules Verne, with our own sommelier.

Just twenty miles southwest of Paris, Le Golf National, consistently ranked among Europe’s top courses, will host the Ryder Cup on the world-renowned Albatros Course. VIP access lends Cuvée close views, opportunities to walk the course, lots of entertainment and entry to the exclusive Spectator Village’s Riviera Restaurant, which has unique views of the 7th hole.

For Gala acommodations during the Ryder Cup, Cuvée guests will be traveling to a “castle to call our own,” built over the centuries in classic Louis XIII style and nestled in the town of Mesnuls. The delightful Château des Mesnuls, with its close proximity to Versailles, will be the site and scene of numerous Gala celebrations in the grand dining room(s) with tasting menus, and wines, bien sûr, from highly-vetted Parisian and local chefs. After-dinner, decadent French desserts, live entertainment and, perhaps, a murder-mystery or two (where guests will be asked to determine the identity and motive of the “murderer”) will keep the celebration going.

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PART II: BORDEAUX Following the four nights at Château des Mesnuls, Cuvée guests will move on to Bordeaux, and do it quickly, on a high-speed train traveling at over 250 mph, making the trip in short order.

Sheer beauty, remarkable architecture, world-famous wines and cuisine await Cuvée’s guests in the deep, family-rooted, dynamic region of Bordeaux. The luxurious, but quaint, Les Sources De Caudalie will be home for the next three nights.

Located among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Hat Lafitte, a Graves great growth, the 5-star, part-hotel, part-country inn combines the best of luxury and charm. While the hotel is deep in the countryside guests will, quite literally, be able to enjoy a run in the vineyards, cycling in the forest and luxuriating in a world-class “vinotherapie” spa by day, and will dine at a 2-Michelin star in-house restaurant or the delightful country inn restaurant by night. Chefs will prepare menus á la Cuvée planned especially for guests by Cuvée and the noted chefs.

Cuvée has also partnered with the region’s beloved icons like Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Margaux, to experience this incredible region in all its magic.

Saint-Emilion is perhaps the most important appellation in Bordeaux, iconic for its beautiful buildings as well as for its production of Bordeaux’s most prestigious and long-lived wines. Guests will roam vineyards, 15th-century cavernous wine cellars and taste French delicacies within notable wine estates and historic monuments.

For more information, please contact Whitney Skylar via whitney@cuvee.com

PUTTIN’ ON THE

RITZ

Founded in 1898,The Ritz Paris was among the first hotels in Europe to provide a bathroom en suite, a telephone and electricity for each room.

Several of its suites are named in honor of famous guests of the hotel, including Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway.

The iconic privately-owned Parisian hotel was closed for over four years, reopening in June 2016, in order to undergo a complete restoration, which included a mix of restored pieces, newly acquired antiques and replicas. The hotel is now considered to be one of the most renowned in the world.

Coco Chanel made the Ritz her home for more than thirty years.

The palace and the square are masterpieces of classical architecture from the end of the reign of Louis XIV.

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FUNDIV VENTURING BEYOND

Cuvée announces plans for release of Fund IV in its luxury real estate portfolio

L

eave well enough alone. It’s an adage that rings true for many things in life

and in the case of Cuvée, it’s a guiding principle of business, too. After a decade in the private equity real estate space, Founder Larry Mueller has learned a number of lessons, the most significant of which is this very idea. Namely, leaving well enough alone.

“Cuvée started 10 years ago as a pure private equity play. I owned several vacation homes, most of which sat empty the majority of the year. What’s more, when I visited I spent the first several days on maintenance, getting them up and functioning,” he explains. “It became clear to me that other secondary and tertiary homeowners likely experienced the same frustrations. I knew there had to be a smarter way.” With that, Mueller went to work on the framework for Cuvée – a name derived from the French word meaning a wine produced by blending several grape varieties. “Cuvée was founded as an outgrowth of my passion for identifying and developing high end luxury real estate in a very boutique and exclusive way.

I lived in France and knew the word Cuvée which is all about blending grapes or varietals to create the perfect wine or champagne. And I thought that was really appropriate for this private equity fund because you are blending three elements – investment, lifestyle and community.” And create he did. Today, Cuvée has become the most coveted private equity fund investing in luxury residential real estate in the market. “What we’ve built is extremely rare. To be able to access the most exquisite homes in the world, have a completely personalized experience, cover all of the recurring expenses through high-end rentals and having your equity appreciate at the same time is unheard of.”

And while Cuvée does produce a favorable return, the investment’s lifestyle component is equally valuable, so that the combination translates to an excellent investment overall.

“Being a Cuvée investor is more than an investment in real estate. It’s an investment in a lifestyle. Being able to realize high returns while visiting exquisite properties and partaking in extraordinary experiences is beyond rare. It’s like being a part of a very special family, a family of like-minded people enjoying life to the fullest,” note investors Emily and Mark Spencer. In fact, all considered, the estimated annual lifestyle dividend is 12 percent when average nightly rental rates are factored in. Investors Carol and George Solich concur. “The appeal of Cuvée is unmatched. Knowing that we are making an investment that will achieve an excellent rate of return while also enjoying the finest properties in the world and flawless service is impossible to beat.”

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I

t’s this model that has led the brand through its first

three funds. Just as each luxurious detail of a Cuvée home is designed with the guest in mind, its business is thoughtfully structured with the investor in mind.

Case in point, Cuvée bought one of the premier units in 15

In fact, Mueller and his team recently returned from Paris,

Central Park West in New York City before the old Mayflower

where they searched the City of Lights for the perfect Parisian

Hotel – which previously existed at that location – was torn

apartment to add to their portfolio. What they uncovered was

down. Buying into the residential development pre-construction

an authentic 19th century flat unlike anything else available

meant that Cuvée could customize the home and have total

in the area. The property boasts stunning French details

control over its materials and finishes. “It was the last real

with the modern conveniences and luxurious touches for

condo building to be built right on Central Park West, close to

which Cuvée’s homes are known. What’s more, the apartment

Columbus Circle,” Mueller explains. In fact, a recent article in

enjoys views of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and is in

Business Insider touts the building as one of the city’s hottest

a neighborhood defined by its world-renowned cultural and

properties. Cuvée spent $7.2 million on the residence, which

culinary experiences.

opened in 2008. Two years later, in one of the worst real estate markets in the last 60 years, the company sold the property

The Cuvée team has also explored New York City in search of

for almost double its initial investment to a couple from Brazil,

the ideal brownstone in the popular West Village – the most

where the economy was red hot! The entirety of that capital

sought after residential area in the city. The home that Cuvée

and profit was dispersed to Cuvée’s Fund I investors.

plans to add to its portfolio will be brimming with impeccable period details as well as a private rooftop living space with

It’s why Mueller, who is also the fund’s largest limited partner,

360 degree views of the iconic sights and an outdoor garden –

hearkens back to the “well enough alone” mantra. Because

features that are extremely rare for a New York residence.

Cuvée works so seamlessly and successfully, the plan is not to reinvent the wheel, but rather to find new avenues on which

What’s more, Mueller and his Fund IV partners will venture

to experience life. With three previous funds realizing positive

back to the Caribbean, securing an additional property on the

returns in the reaches of Los Cabos, Hawaii, New York, Aspen,

coveted island of St. Barths. “From an investment perspective,

Vail Valley, St. Barths and Tuscany, Cuvée is looking to do what

we need to buy where we know we can execute and with the

it does best with the release of Fund IV. Purchase real estate

incredible knowledge, experience and insight we gained while

with great thought and intention, and create the world’s finest

building Vue de Rêves, returning to St. Barths is very prudent.”

estates and villas in the most sought after destinations.

“Cuvée was designed to take care of its limited partnership,”

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“Our investment strategy is one from which we don’t deviate

Mueller says. “Once the initial investment is made, we don’t

– we only buy in markets that are attractive to a global

ask for annual dues, nightly rental rates or additional capital

environment. By appealing to a worldwide clientele, we aren’t

contributions. In 10 years, even through the depths of a

limited by economies,” Mueller explains. “Fund IV will take

recession, we have never missed covering the basic overhead of

us to destinations that include Paris, New York, Aspen and

our homes, and we have always delivered an incredible lifestyle

beyond.”

experience.”

VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

B

eing a Cuvée investor is more than an investment in real estate. It’s an investment in a lifestyle. Being able to realize high returns while visiting exquisite properties and partaking in extraordinary experiences is beyond rare. It’s like being a part of a very special family, a family of like-minded people enjoying life to the fullest.

Emily and Mark Spencer - Investors

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Custom Homes

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Renovations

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Remodels

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the little cabin that could

How CuvĂŠe purchased, transformed and sold its iconic Roaring Fork cabin for record breaking figures

CUVEE.COM

T

he business model that Larry Mueller has implemented for Cuvée and its investors is simple in theory, but it’s one that requires skill and precision, unwavering discipline and incredible patience in achieving the end goal.

So what does it look like when everything falls into place with the acquisition of a property, the subsequent renovations and the eventual sale of the home for a sizable profit? Look no further than Cuvée’s Roaring Fork Cabin to exemplify the company’s thoughtful and resoundingly successful approach.

It all began in 2013 when Cuvée’s intentions for the ultimate Aspen, Colorado presence led them to a jewel like no other. Most importantly, the location checked off extremely particular features that Mueller explains were paramount in establishing a Cuvée presence in the world renowned mountain enclave. “To be in the core of Aspen, there were three key check marks: 1) We needed to be located on the Rio Grande Trail, which means you’re on the Roaring Fork River and can fundamentally fly fish from the property; 2) Being able to walk to town and not have to get in a car; and 3) Full views of Aspen Mountain.”

As difficult as finding a home with these specific requirements was, Mueller uncovered a charming abode that fit the bill. And while it was an incredibly dated log cabin with 1970s décor and the dated details to match, he could see through the cosmetic drawbacks. From there, it was a matter of patience and precision in striking the right deal with the owners and brokers. Strike he did, ultimately purchasing the cabin for well under the original asking price, leaving enough room to completely overhaul both indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing them up to the brand’s lofty standards for its portfolio properties, while still realizing a substantial profit. The end result was an intimate, luxurious mountain modern home in a class of its own.

Cuvée proceeded to invest an additional $1.5 million for renovations, overseen

by Mueller, his wife Mary Kay and Cuvée’s lead designer Cheryl Lucas. The home’s small footprint, choppy floor plan and dated interiors provided plenty of construction obstacles, not to mention Aspen’s notoriously challenging permitting and its city planning committee. It soon became evident that there was only one logical direction and that was to resist adding interior space to the existing 2,500 square feet and focus on creating a more open, livable interior floor plan and accompanying additional living space around the cabin’s picturesque outdoor perimeter.

“The cabin had so much charm, and we wanted to preserve that while also modernizing it - both in design and in functionality,” Mueller explains. “With the main living space divided into three separate rooms, it felt very confined.

We opted to open the main floor up into one great room so that a group of eight could comfortably enjoy the home.”

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In making the Aspen abode their own, the Cuvée team was careful to keep the cabin’s spirit and integrity, while redesigning it in the custom, luxurious yet equally welcoming manner for which the company and its homes have become known.

VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

in the end, the little cabin on willoughby lane, the unofficial “park avenue” of aspen, was sold for the highest price per square foot of a single family residence in the town’s history. Said perfectly by mueller, “that’s the cuvée model. it’s simply what we do.”

“I knew that whatever we did to the interior of the cabin needed to play a secondary role to the panoramic view of Aspen Mountain and the Roaring Fork River,” Lucas recalls. “We certainly did not want the conventional look of a log cabin, but we still wanted to keep the original log walls in place. They play such a vital role in the warmth and individuality of the space.”

With an edict of charming meets modern and comfort meets contemporary, Lucas and the Muellers brought in custom finishes, original art and eclectic furnishings, sourcing each item by hand from the global market while also reaching out to local Aspen artisans. A careful yet important balance to strike.

on the Hawaiian island of Lanai that was purchased by tech magnate Larry Ellison followed suit, once again, with the Aspen cabin. Namely, the company’s unwavering dedication to creating a show stopping home in an uncompromised locale translated into a buyer that simply had to have the property. “We had many people walk down the Rio Grande Trail and contact us asking if the home was for sale,” Mueller admits. “Because part of our model is based on our community enjoying the asset before we sell it, we never seriously entertained these conversations in the past.

Yet the eventual buyer was the right fit, for the right price, at the right time.”

“When you go to a remote market like Aspen or St. Barths, accessibility is limited. Ultimately, everyone sources their suppliers from the same place, and so every home ends up with the same cabinetry, the same hardware, the same fireplaces and the same fixtures. It makes most of the real estate in the area look and feel very homogenous. We do the complete opposite,” Mueller points out. “We source everything globally. Our sinks were hand carved in Indonesia. We custom designed our fireplace. We spent hours choosing knobs for the custom made kitchen cabinetry and months finding the perfect tile for the backsplash.”

Outside, the team added 2,500 square feet of additional space by building a three-tiered outdoor kitchen, dining room, living room and in-ground spa, along with two separate fire features, all with unmatched views of Aspen Mountain and situated on the banks of the Roaring Fork.

Why invest such time and resources into a property that already features full views of Aspen Mountain, is walking proximity to town and boasts an unmatched perch on the Roaring Fork River? To Mueller, it’s simple. “Buyers at this level demand a finished product – one that is turnkey and requires zero updating or work,” he explains.

“What they’re unwilling to do – a renovation that takes considerable time, energy and experience to successfully complete – is what Cuvée does best. Particularly in markets like Aspen, Tuscany or St. Barths where building codes, permitting and personnel are notoriously difficult,” Mueller explains. “By refusing to compromise on key factors like the location and view and being incredibly well versed in renovating a home in a way that truly exudes luxury and quality, we are able to consistently realize outstanding returns on our investments.” These are also the same attributes our investors and guests experience and covet.

In the case of Aspen, Mueller was right. To the tune of a 73% profit in just four years. It’s a model that has become the very cornerstone of Cuvée and is one that serves Mueller and his investors phenomenally well. In fact, the circumstances that led to the sale of Cuvée’s New York City residence as well as its property

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

this story, celebrate this life...

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65

S TAY C U V É E

AFRICA / ITALY 67

MEXICO 68

CARIBBEAN / HAWAII 69

ASPEN 70

BEAVER CREEK 71-72

A

VAIL 73

From the glistening waters of Baja’s Sea of Cortez, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, to the snowcapped peaks of Aspen, Cuvée’s portfolio of elite residences is setting a new standard in luxury travel. With six-star services and unrivaled properties, a Cuvée adventure is more than a vacation – it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

AFRICA Serengeti House

AFRICA Castleton House

ITALY Bighorn Penthouse

ITALY Florence Flat

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

Spanning over 350,000 acres of

The Singita Castleton House is found

The

untouched

Singita

in a privately owned 45,000-acre

Tuscany,

Serengeti is located in Northern

game reserve in Africa’s Sabi Sand,

16th

Tanzania,

wilderness, on

the

most

in

Our Florence Flat offers the perfect

award-winning

blend of old and new, combining

sought-after Cuvée’s

century

farmhouse

villa is

in

contemporary original

design

alongside

Renaissance

features.

renowned

adjacent to the Kruger National

the heart of Italy’s wine country,

migratory route traversed annually

Park, an area fondly known as

overlooking miles of vineyards as

by more than a million wildebeest.

bog cat country. Reminiscent of an

well as Vertine Castle. Less than an

Singita Serengeti House is a private

African farmhouse, Singita Castleton

hour’s drive from Florence and a half

use retreat designed for families

presents relaxed and understated

hour from Siena, La Veduta di Vertine

and friends, located on the slopes

interiors

nostalgic

is fully engaged with its pastoral

of Sasakwa Hill with breathtaking

references that capture the spirit

setting. Hens from the estate’s coop

guests. Live like an Italian and enjoy

vistas of the endless, open plains.

and history of the original camp. An

provide fresh eggs, delivered each

la dolce vita: laughter, conversation,

Enjoy luxurious accommodations,

intimate lodge, Castleton is designed

morning in a basket in time for

shared meals and plenty of wine.

daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and

for private use with its own staff,

breakfast. An organic garden offers

The apartment’s crowning feature

all drinks, twice-daily Land Rover

guide and tracker to provide a highly

up a bounty of fresh vegetables,

is its laboratorio culinario, an open

safaris,

and

personalized safari experience. The

plucked for you at their ripest point.

space with a sprawling handcrafted

bush walks accompanied by an

main house is complemented by six

The kitchen pantry is stocked with

table that seats up to 12. In addition,

mountain

biking

imbued

with

Nestled in the heart of Florence it is located steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, dotted with shops, bars, restaurants and artisan workshops.

At a sprawling 2,000-square-feet, the flat comfortably accommodates eight

Cuvée guests will enjoy a modern,

Africa to Italy experienced Singita guide.

individual cottages, a fully equipped

olive oil cold-pressed from green and

4 Bedroom Suites // 4 Bathrooms

gym overlooking a tennis court, a

black olives cultivated just outside,

spa treatment room, wine cellar and

and a stone wine cave, steps down

country-style kitchen. Beyond this

from the kitchen, cradles bottles of

restful view is a watering hole where

wine produced, of course, from the

animals gather to drink.

surrounding vineyard’s grapes. You

4 Bedroom Suites // 4 Bathrooms

can’t get closer to the land than this.

glass of wine in hand, surrounded by

5 Bedroom Suites // 5.5 Bathrooms

the people you love.

open kitchen, cold and hot bars in the living room, an infrared sauna, maid service, elevator, WiFi, and a personal trove of Italian family recipes, so you can savor the enticing aromas of traditional Italian cuisine,

4 Bedroom Suites // 4 Bathrooms CUVEE.COM

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MEXICO Brisas del Mar

MEXICO La Casita

MEXICO Casa Cuvée

MEXICO La Terrazza

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

Brisas del Mar is an ultra-luxury

Carved into the dramatic Palmilla

This

coast,

beachfront

beachfront oasis just minutes from the

world-renowned

One&Only

in

the

gated

resort

stunning, is

located

Colonial

on

authenticity

to

Cabo’s

Los

sought-after

most prestigious locale. Enchanting

stunning beachfront destinations,

Cuvée Seaside Casita is suspended

Medano beach, at the private and

architecture – including a lushly

Brisas del Mar has everything the

above the Sea of Cortez. The luxury

exclusive Hacienda Beach Club,

landscaped

avid beachgoer could ever want,

villa

ocean-hugging

where guests enjoy full access to

2,000-square-feet of outdoor living

architecture overlooking a private

their award-winning services and

space at the edge of a panoramic

stretch of pristine Palmilla Beach,

restaurants. This luxury villa boasts

view of the Sea of Cortez – creates

of snakeskin appoint the space.

an infinity pool, hot tub and

an incredible outdoor entertaining

a magnificent setting for celebrating

From the wine cellar to the Kawai

various fire features. In addition,

area, with direct access to Medano

life’s large and small pleasures.

piano to the cigar humidifier, no

the residence offers ocean views

Beach, an infinity pool, commercial

More

from every room, private terraces,

gas grill, outdoor dining table and

intuitive floor plan beautified by top-

and Cuvée-curated beds, featuring

fire features. Guests will sleep

notch Cuvée interior design and a

with heated pools, bars, fire and

the

linens.

soundly on the most comfortable

massive outdoor living area with an

water features and seating areas

Guests enjoy access to One&Only

beds in the world, designed by

infinity pool, hot spa, fire bowl and

that showcase the incredible ocean

Palmilla’s award-winning spa and

Cuvée, and enjoy original Mexican

outdoor dining. Guests also enjoy

restaurants, as well as a Jack

masterpieces by renowned artist

access to the luxury services of the

Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Ernesto Cruz, a chef’s-style kitchen

One&Only Palmilla.

5 Bedroom Suites // 5 Bathrooms

and much, much more.

4 Bedroom Suites // 4.5 Bathrooms

need or dream of. Custom ironwork handcrafted by local artists, fine furniture and a floor created entirely

detail has been spared. Outdoors is the pièce de résistance: a cascading, multilevel open-air terrace complete

features

finest

of

luxury

Mexico views. What’s more, the beach is

just steps away. A pristine putting

green is even more stunning at night, awash in twinkling light. The house was completely renovated in 2012

to truly capture Mexico’s natural beauty.

6 Bedroom Suites //10 Bathrooms

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

most

This private villa brings Spanish

community of Villas Del Mar, our

Palmilla. One of Los Cabo’s most

Cabos’

villa

ultra-luxury

4 Bedroom Suites // 4.5 Bathrooms

courtyard

indulgences

include

and

an

CARIBBEAN Royal Island, Bahamas

CARIBBEAN Vue de Rêves, St. Barths

CARIBBEAN The View, St. Barths

HAWAII Hualalai Estate, Big Island

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

Cuvée

the

This St. Barths villa stretches out on

At The View, you’ll experience

This estate is perched on an elevated

privileged

almost an acre of land and boasts

distinctive accommodations in the

lot at the edge of the Four Seasons

Private Island for Exclusive Use

recently

Bahamas’

introduced

most

private island, characterized by serenity and luxury services – for private rental only. Cuvée guests enjoy private chef meals, water

high-definition views from every room. It is quickly being recognized as one of the finest villas on the island and in the entire Caribbean. Designed and built by Cuvée, the property

heights of Colombier, featuring an infinity lap pool perched above the

view of the golf greens, the Pacific and even the island of Maui. The Estate was architected, constructed and designed by Cuvée’s award-

underwent an extensive multi-million-

celebrates

beauty

dollar renovation to transform the

watch

unmatched

villa into a true masterpiece. Enjoy

crafts

activities and services including a

the ultimate in luxury from every

harbor. Enjoy a front row seat

private chef, luxurious beach club

angle, including a La Cornue-equipped

to the beauty and drama of the

while

incorporating

and a stunning catamaran. A 430acre paradise, Royal Island can accommodate up to 12 guests in five private bungalows, located on

chef’s style kitchen, a customdesigned walk-in wine cave and the highest quality finishes, all selected

by Cuvée. A breathtaking fire-andwater setting promises unforgettable

the distance with a multi-layered

From your prestigious vantage point on the Colombier hillside,

natural

vantage point you can see deep into

sea and Gustavia harbor views.

activities and more. Royal Island its

Hualalai fairway. From this lofty

sailboats on

and

pristine

pleasure Gustavia

winning team. It features gentle, curved architecture and an openconcept layout that combines the interior and exterior living spaces

sunset as you settle into plush,

into

sea-facing

the

space. The negative-edge infinity pool

sun sinks into the Caribbean, the

is award-winning and features an

evening lights of Gustavia create

oversized hot tub surrounded by tiki

loungers.

After

pristine Melanie Beach. Its serenity,

al fresco gatherings, including a

a sparkling ring along the edge

breathtaking views and outstanding

sprawling infinity pool accompanied

of the harbor. Meanwhile, a stone

services make it one of the most

by a rushing waterfall and sunken

and water feature provides a

one

incredible

entertaining

torches and fire features to create the perfect ambiance. The location provides access to the award-winning services at the Four Seasons Hualalai,

St. Barths&Hawaii revered destinations in all of the

lounge. From the terrace, you’ll enjoy

soothing soundtrack, and a stocked

including

Bahamas.

incredible views of the shimmering

wine cave in the kitchen will keep

five-star dining, the Jack Nicklaus-

everyone’s glasses full.

designed Hualalai Golf Course and,

blanket of blue-green sea extending

to the horizon. The villa is ideallylocated in the highly sought-after area

of St. Jean, just a short distance from Eden Rock and Nikki Beach.

5 Bedroom Suites // 5.5 Bathrooms

4 Bedroom Suites // 4 Bedrooms

beach-side

massages,

of course, access to the sugary sand beach lapped by turquoise water.

5 Bedroom Suites // 5.5 Bathrooms CUVEE.COM

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COLORADO

COLORADO

COLORADO

Castle Rim, Aspen

Shadow Mountain, Aspen

Four Peaks Estate, Aspen

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

Nestled at the foot of Aspen Mountain,

Choose from two separate townhomes,

This incredible estate is situated in

Castle Rim is a contemporary Aspen

both

similar

the prestigious, gated community

floorplans and the same meticulous

of Starwood, located just minutes

attention to design and detail, located

from downtown Aspen. The private

right in the heart of Aspen. Breathe

13,000-square-foot home on three

in fresh mountain air from two upper

acres of land features luxuriously

living area next to the fireplace,

decks at these four-bedroom plus

appointed furnishings and décor,

cook in a state-of-the-art kitchen,

media room townhouses. Fire up the

with unobstructed views of all four

and gather in your pick of indoor or

grill and dine al fresco with Aspen

Aspen mountain peaks. Designed

al fresco dining spaces — each with

Mountain as your backdrop. Dip in

for

seating for 16. Entertain the group

the soothing hot tub after a day on

windows,

the slopes. With two king-size master

kitchen and elevators allow guests

suites, an additional king bedroom, a

to easily move between the first and

converted fourth bedroom with queen

second floors. What’s more, its heated

luxury rental with complete privacy, entertaining space, and incredible walking proximity to downtown. Step outside to Colorado’s best slopes and trails. Inside, gather in the sunken

with an in-home media room, wet bar, and fitness center. Six bedrooms —all with en-suite baths — plus additional trundle accommodations,

of

which

feature

entertaining, a

floor-to-ceiling

secondary

catering

Aspen, Beaver bed and a den with sleeper sofa, this

patio and Jacuzzi tub are always a

family ski retreat, or an unforgettable

townhouse is ideal for a couple’s

welcome escape.

destination wedding in the Rocky

getaway or multi-family ski retreat.

5 Bedroom Suites // 6.5 Bathrooms

Mountains. A rare downtown Aspen

Set in Aspen’s coveted West End

accommodation, your luxury villa is

neighborhood, your townhouse puts

ideally located just one mile from the

you at the center of the action.

sleeps up to 25 people. Plan a multi-

town center.

6 Bedroom + Trundle Accommodations

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VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

4 Bedroom Suites // 4.5 Bathrooms

COLORADO

COLORADO

COLORADO

The West Wing, Beaver Creek

Colorado Lodge, Beaver Creek

Grand Timber Lodge, Beaver Creek

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

A spacious-yet-private 4,400-square-

Perched on the top floor of The Ritz-

The Grand Timber Lodge’s ninth

feet

occupying

Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver

floor, central resort location atop

two stories at The Ritz-Carlton,

Creek, this private penthouse offers

the

Bachelor Gulch, this Cuvée signature

full access to the luxury services

Bachelor Gulch presents miles of ski

penthouse runs front-to-back on the

of the award-winning, ski-in/ski-

mountain views from every room.

west side of the building, providing

out resort. The property includes

The 2,650-square-foot residence

some of the best views in the valley

sweeping mountain views from

features a living area centered

and encompassing 270 degrees of

its top-floor location, original art,

around a two-sided moss stone

Colorado mountain splendor. Guests

antiques, stone fireplaces, hand-

fireplace, whose cozy warmth can

have full access to the luxury services

hewn log walls, a walk-in stone

be enjoyed while you’re lounging

of The Ritz-Carlton, including award-

wine cave and plenty of intimate

in the sitting area or tucking into a

winning restaurants, hot tub and spa

gathering

festivity

delicious dinner at the eight-person

and fitness center with a four-seasons

and good conversation. Outdoor

dining table. A gourmet kitchen and

pool. A show-stopping great room

terraces overlook the ski run and

a

of

living

space

spaces

for

award-winning

state-of-the-art

Ritz-Carlton,

entertainment

Creek, Colorado boasts design and luxury elements

mountain on one side, and sweeping

system are just a few of this

including original art from Colorado,

valley views from the other.

penthouse’s perks.

Europe and beyond, a hand-forged

4 Bedroom Suites // 4.5 Bathrooms

3 Bedroom Suites // 3.5 Bathrooms

chandelier, custom furnishings and a Steinway Baby Grand Piano.

4 Bedroom Suites // 4 Bathrooms

CUVEE.COM

71

COLORADO

COLORADO

COLORADO

Bighorn Penthouse, Beaver Creek

Snowflake Penthouse, Beaver Creek

Arrabelle Chalet, Vail

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

European elegance meets mountain

This luxury penthouse at The Ritz-

A European-styled residence in the

splendor

luxuriously

Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has never

heart of Vail Square at the Arrabelle

appointed ninth floor penthouse at

been available for rent until now.

Resort,

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Dual views of the valley and the

chalet claims an entire wing on its

in Beaver Creek. This Tuscan-style,

mountains are coupled with the

sixth floor perch. Step onto the 280

2,200-square-foot respite presents

property’s mountain contemporary

degree balcony that hugs the great

multifaceted European design and

design, showcasing a floor plan

room and survey skiers swooshing

a phenomenal vantage point of the

tailored to entertainment, including

down the runs, ice skaters circling

ski mountain. As this penthouse

a commercial kitchen for epicurean

the

was once owned by Cuvée’s founder,

adventures

chef

Glockenspiel clock marking the

signature Cuvée touches abound,

experiences. All of the services at

slow and pleasant passage of time.

like

world-famous

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Imagine this scene at Christmas,

Cuvée beds, mountain-style iron

are yours to enjoy — including the

when the square sparkles with

chandeliers, hand-painted Austrian

prime

lights like a star-filled sky, or in

two

in

of

this

our

and

private

ski-in/ski-out

location, a

rink

this

and

4,000-square-foot

the

Arrabelle’s

Beaver Creek,Vai 72

tables, custom leather chairs and

21,000-square-foot spa and fitness

summertime,

much more. Full access to all of the

center, Ritz Kids Club, in-room dining

of flowers burst into bloom and

resort’s features and services are all

and all the other luxuries expected

Austrian music floats up to the

under one gorgeous roof.

from The Ritz-Carlton resort.

balcony.

3 Bedroom Suites // 3.5 Bathrooms

5 Bedroom Suites // 5.5 Bathrooms

5 Bedroom Suites // 4.5 Bathrooms

VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

when

thousands

COLORADO

COLORADO

COLORADO

Avanti Lodge, Vail

Arrabelle Retreat, Vail

Edinroc on Gore Creek, Vail

At a Glance

At a Glance

At a Glance

This ski-in/ski-out 8,900-square-

The Arrabelle Retreat occupies an

Fully renovated in 2016, this private

foot chalet has all the charm of

entire wing of the Arrabelle Resort at

mountain-modern home sits on an

an authentic Austrian ski home

Vail Square, with its rich, hardwood

acre of land in between Gore Creek

combined

accents,

and the only private pond in Vail. The

with

contemporary

custom

furnishings,

21st century updates. Located in

dramatic

and

house itself is located on one of just

the heart of Vail Village, it’s a one

a built-in wine cave just part of

three Vail Mountain streets, between

minute walk to Gondola One along

what makes this residence such a

Vail Village and Lionshead. Inside, sleek

with immediate access to world-

remarkable mountain sanctuary.

class restaurants, bars, boutiques

Views of the skating rink, Arrabelle’s

and aprés-ski hot spots. Built in the

Glockenspiel clock, the European

1960s for Vail’s very first mayor, this

architecture of the Square, and

location is truly unsurpassed and

skiers challenging the ski run are

you would be hard-pressed to find

found throughout. No matter when

a chalet of this caliber with such

you visit, a stay at the Arrabelle

stone

archways

modern design and a palette of matte grays combines with ski-lounge-worthy furnishings to make a truly modern mountain retreat. Completely renovated in 2016, the house boasts four ensuite bedrooms, many with stunning forest views, plus a bunkroom with full bath in the hallway. A cozy media

il, Colorado coveted proximity.

Retreat

means

access

to

the

7 Bedroom Suites // 8.5 Bathrooms

Arrabelle Resort’s luxury services

including a lap pool, fitness center, a rooftop hot tub and more.

4 Bedroom Suites // 5 Bathrooms

room with huge flat-screen TV and mini bar beckons after a day of hitting the slopes, and the stunning kitchen with professional range, sunken sink and wine fridge is as functional as it is pretty.

5 Bedroom Suites // 5.5 Bathrooms CUVEE.COM

73

{ } BON VOYAGE

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

-St. Augustine

74

VENTURES SPRING | SUMMER 2018

Photo by Lauren Benoit Shot at Cuvée’s Vue de Rêves villa, St. Barths

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