The Travel Scribe 2014 by The Travel Scribe

The Travel Scribe Article Collection

2014

ABOUT CONTACT

The Travel Scribe is well versed in visiting places which will appeal to the global traveler whether for business, social or family vacations. The Travel Scribeâ€™s has written for and continues to contribute to a wide range of print publications distributed globally.

Norah Bradford

Email: norah@thetravelscribe.com Website: thetravelscribe.com

The following pages are a collection of my published articles across many editorial platforms. Additional samples available upon request. Please enjoy!

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11 SUMMER 2014 Â£6

A WORLD OF LUXURY... FOR THOSE WITH DISCERNING TASTE

HIGHS AND LOEWS - NEW YORK CITY 20 PAGES OF GLORIOUS FASHION CULINARY ADVENTURES - ABU DHABI GAME, SETAI, MATCH - MIAMI BEACH. .

epicureanlife co uk

resTauraNT News aNd reviews

MEGACITY

One!

Norah LawLor discovers TeN New hoT spoTs To eNjoy The spriNg iN New york ciTy

uring the 1930s New York City’s population explosion earned it the accolade of being the first ‘MegaCity’ in the world. Fast forward to 2014 and the MegaCity has added ten new hotspots to its

nightlife scene brought to you by some of the hottest names in the business, each offering something unique and a memorable evening - may a long winter and economic recession be hastened to its end by these new hotspots.

THE MONARCH ROOM Opened earlier this

year, The Monarch from Lisle Richards and Eric Marx (The Metric’s) with Executive Chef Michael Citarella (Café Gray, Freemans). A 180 seat fresh-market American Brasserie with two private dining rooms, the Bayberry Room and the Bergamot Room. Highlights of the menu include the “Mixed Grill for Two” with grilled venison, lamb chops, pork sausage and roasted potatoes. Other culinary highlights include the Fried Hen of the Woods with buttermilk and seasoned salt. The wine list contains several hundred vintages and the cocktail selection has been created with care - several of the libations are served in unique glassware. Potentially a one-stop nightlife experience, downstairs from the restaurant is nightclub, the Gilded Lily - carry on the party and experience the gold glitter sunken dance floor until dawn. THE MONARCH ROOM, 408 West 15th New York, NY 10011 T: 646.790.7070 www.nymonarch.com

GENERAL ASSEMBLY Not the forum

for an international political gathering up the road at the United Nations Headquarters but rather Gramercy’s latest bistro seating some 170 from Michael Stillman (co-founder of Smith & Wollensky) in the location of the former Hurricane Club and Chef Craig Koketsu (Park Avenue, Quality Meats). For a

lighter dining option try the General Assembly Fried Skate or the Point Judith Grilled Squid. General Assembly also includes three private dining rooms, and art noveau inspired chandelier are standouts architecturally. The cocktail list includes the signature “Loose Cannon” (tequila, fresh lime, house elixir, celery ribbons poured over jalepeno ice).

GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010, T: 212.951.7111, www.generalassemblyrestaurant.com

epicureanlife.co.uk

resident.com • December 2014 • Vol.27, N0.12

KICK KENNEDY FIGHTS FOR THE ANIMALS THE NEXT GENERATION ISSUE

Nicole Hanley Mellon and the Museum of the City of New York Cole Rumbough and the NYC Mission Society Alexander Hamer and Historical Preservation NY’s Most Eligible Bachelors Under 40 Ariana DiLorenzo In Bed With Pop

Hotel Guests Never Want to LEAVE By Norah Bradford

rivate courtyard (check), afternoon tea (check), ideal location (check). DUKES Hotel, located in central London’s St. James promises that any jetsetter will be treated like royalty in this palace, neighboring some of London’s most prestigious restaurants, high-end stores, exquisite galleries and magnificent theatres. First visit to London? Not a problem. DUKES’ more than capable staff is delighted to be of assistance. With information on places to see and things to do in London, they will help guests map out their route and even assist in making restaurant recommendations and reservations, arrange ticket purchases for theatre performances, set up tours of historic castles and country homes, and arrange airport transportation and car rentals. Nonetheless, the real treat for travelers are the accommodating services inside DUKES Hotel. DUKES Hotel has 90 rooms, 11 suites and an exclusive Penthouse Suite, complete with its own terrace and private dining area. With some rooms boasting remarkable views of Green Park, each space is given that special touch with accommodations including

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individually controlled air conditioning, wireless broadband internet connection, DVD player (available upon request), two line telephones and voicemail, iPod speakers (available upon request), private bar, safety deposit box, satellite channels, flat screen TV, hairdryer and bathrobe, organic toiletries, express and overnight laundry service, one-hour pressing, sameday dry cleaning, shoe shine, valet and valet parking, 24 hour room service, full

concierge service and Health Club. The palette-pleasing dining room menu is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. With classic British dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon tea or midday snacks, smoothies, fresh juices and delicious sandwiches, guests can dine there every night! DUKES’ bar is also considered to be home to the world’s best dry martinis, while their wine selection is unique in hosting “Old World” and “New World” reds. Lastly, guests can enjoy a meal at DUKES’ drawing room and conservatory which overlooks the Courtyard Garden. After 8:00 p.m., the garden opens as the Cognac and Cigar Garden for post-evening drinks and cigars. Guest can reserve a stay online or by phoning DUKES Hotel. Each room rate includes complimentary features such as gym and steam room use, newspaper and magazine delivery, slippers and delicious, handmade DUKES chocolate! For more information: dukeshotel.com

Experiencing the Epiphany in Palo Alto By Norah Bradford

alo Alto may be less well known to many travellers located some 25 mins south of San Francisco’s airport SFO and about 45 mins in traffic from the City itself. Better well known perhaps is the University of Stanford and the Technology companies which were born in the town including Google and Facebook to name but two. The leafy low rise town exemplifies low-key and at a passing glance you would not figure that the town is amongst the most expensive with the best educated citizens in the United States of America. Not only for business travellers, but also for those seeking a home from home to explore South of the Bay area the Hotel Epiphany is a natural choice. Technology tourism is also catered for as the Hotel is next door to one of the first offices ever used by technology giants Google and Facebook. Given this lineage the Hotel Epiphany established by JDV

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Hotels fills the void in the town for a boutique luxury hotel experience which blends in with the town and its hunger for technological entrepreneurialism. The rooms are well appointed with frette

sheets on the beds and excellent toiletries selection from Malin & Geotz. Rounding off the feel are large screen LCD televisions and a Lily espresso maker not to mention the Revo SuperConnect radio which blends cutting edge technology with old school looks. Venturing out from your room, the hotel has a restaurant which, for breakfast, serves one of the best café latte’s you could hope to taste. Lure + Till managed by Chef Patrick Kelly partners with local farmers, fishermen and foragers to create a genuinely fresh dining experience. After taking in the ambience of the hotel and the town you will probably feel like wanting to start your own technology enterprise. Fortunately The Epiphany Hotel is ready to help you with the Tinderbox Boardroom, Accelerator business suite and conference rooms. For more information: jdvhotels.com

Ultimate in West Coast Glamour By Norah Bradford

he Four Seasons Los Angeles, known as the epicenter of West Coast glamour and luxury, is the perfect place to stay in Southern California for business and leisure travelers alike. Recently renovated, this fivestar luxury hotel is nestled in a vibrant and leafy residential enclave between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. During the early year awards season and later in the year for The Emmy TV Awards the Hotel transforms into a focal point for celebrity guests and media. The hotel is ideally positioned for convenient exploration of LA’s attractions. In close proximity is one of the world-famous trend-setting shopping destinations Rodeo Drive, the Pacific Ocean, major business centers, and cultural attractions such as the J. Paul Getty museum and the Santa Monica Pier, the hotel is perfectly situated to please all visitors. With all this in mind the hotel has a exceptionally resourceful, multilingual Concierge team on hand to assist guests with making the very most of Los Angeles and to ensure that every stay is memorable. The glamorous hotel’s two hundred eighty-five guest rooms and luxury suites are decorated in warm hues inspired by

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the sunshine of Southern California and all feature French doors to a step-out balcony with breathtaking views of the gardens, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, or the Hollywood Hills. Each room or suite also features a lavish marble bathroom. Outstanding dining opportunities abound at the Four Seasons Los Angeles - two restaurants plus a lounge offer sumptuous fare. At Cabana Restaurant, guests can enjoy MediterraneanCalifornia cuisine in an intimate casual dining setting adjacent to the hotel’s rooftop pool. Culina, Modern Italian - feted as one of the

nation’s best new restaurants by Esquire magazine - features LA’s only crudo bar, an expansive patio, two lounges, a contemporary dining room and two private rooms for entertaining. A stunning indoor-outdoor restaurant design blends simplicity with elegance. As an alternative, Windows Lounge features a newly spacious outdoor patio and live entertainment three days a week. A menu offering delectable appetizers from around the globe, specialty martinis, in addition to an extensive wine list is complemented by the lounge’s plush atmosphere. Once you have rested in the room and tried the range of dining choices perhaps it is time to explore the hotel’s amenities. The hotel’s outdoor pool is brand new and offers gorgeous elevated city views. Six poolside cabanas are available for spa treatments or a shady poolside respite. Furthermore, a number of complimentary services and amenities are provided free of charge to every guest. These include inroom wireless or wired internet access, luxury car transportation within a twomile radius of the hotel. For more information: fourseasons.com

Elegant Parisian Getaway At the Hotel de Vendome By Norah Bradford

hough Paris is home to many fabulous hotels, Hotel de Vendome’s charming and convenient location make it a standout choice for visitors to the City of Lights. This exclusive boutique hotel perfectly embodies the notion of Parisian chic. Located in the heart of Paris’s most fashionable district at 1 Place Vendome, this elegant five-star luxury hotel features attentive service, fine cuisine, and a discreet atmosphere around the corner from the Ritz Hotel, which will open in 2014. Hotel de Vendome has a rich and fascinating history. In 1723, the private mansion that houses the hotel today was built as a private residence for the Vendome Family. It is from this residence that Place Vendome derives its name. The building that houses Hotel de Vendome then became the Texan embassy from 1842 through 1907, a period during which France was the only nation that recognized Texas as an independent country. In 1907, the property was converted into a hotel. Place Vendome is situated at the start of the Rue de la Paix. The Hotel de Vendome is notable for its luxury and beauty. It features twenty-nine lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites. Ten suites and nineteen guest rooms comprise the

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accommodations at the hotel. Each of the suites and rooms is uniquely decorated with antique furniture, beautiful woods, and the finest French-crafted upholstery. Each bathroom showcases rare and beautiful marble. The hotel’s revolving door entryway leads guests into an elegant reception area that feels cozy and intimate, yet luxurious and highly professional. Hotel de Vendome is extremely convenient to Paris’s most celebrated attractions. Just steps away from the hotel’s doors are the Tuileries gardens, Musee de Louvre, National Opera, and the fashionable Rue Saint-Honore. The Rue Saint-Honore is home to the city’s premier designer retail locations. The Place Vendome boasts some

of the world’s finest jewelers, and the Opera Garnier and Jeu de Paume Gallery are both located very close to the hotel. The dining options available to Hotel de Vendome guests are exceptional. Inside the hotel is the exquisite One Place Vendome Restaurant, which features a seasonallyfocused menu by Chef Josselin Marie, and also the One Place Vendome Bar, a perfect place to unwind at the end of a busy day packed with sightseeing, shopping, and exploring. Both the restaurant’s and bar’s interiors were designed by the acclaimed Italian interior designer Michele Bonan. Michele chose a couture-style theme for the spaces, and the result is pure elegance. Silver-studded black and white hound’s tooth patterned chairs, inviting silk velvet sofas, silver silk satin curtains, and pink satin cushions decorated with black and white ribbed motifs adorn the area. All in all, there is no more magical place to stay while in Paris than Hotel de Vendome. This charming boutique hotel is the perfect choice for visitors the City of Lights who seek a distinctive, chic, timeless yet modern experience. Sure to surprise and delight, Hotel de Vendome is a gem. For more information: jdvhotels.com

Miami Beach’s Ultimate Getaway By Norah Bradford

ophisticated and chic, classic yet contemporary, the Riviera South Beach offers stylish apartment-like accommodations which will be your base when exploring Miami. Walk into your suite and you will find a gourmet kitchen and separate living and dining areas. Hollywood Regency touches meet bold, modern décor for a look and ambiance that is all the Riviera’s own. Sleek espresso hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling silk draperies, rain shower heads, one hundred percent organic cotton pillow-top beds are sure to delight. Personal grocery delivery service and personal chef and catering service are available as well. Step outside the hotel doors and you will find an intimate courtyard pool oasis, surrounded by private cabanas, cushiony beach chairs, and potted plants and palms that lend the space an exotic air. Expert concierge service is on hand to provide an insider’s knowledge of the city’s attractions and nightlife. The Riviera South Beach is also known for offering unique and impeccably stylish accommodations at reasonable prices. A boutique hideaway for jetsetters and trendsetters alike, it is located only steps away from the famous Collins avenue, the beach, the convention center, trendy high-

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end boutiques, sophisticated restaurants, and exciting nightlife. Just one block away from the convention center that hosts the annual contemporary art exhibition of Art Basel Miami Beach, the Riviera South Beach has long been a cult favorite of art world cognoscenti. In December 2013 Ally Hilfiger debuted her new art collection to an excited audience. The perfect venue for everything from Bachelorette parties to business gatherings, the Riviera South Beach offers a range of unique amenities. A courtyard pool with cabanas provides a chic, fun place to relax

Miami-style, and all guests are invited to attend a nightly complimentary cocktail hour at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club. The Riviera South Beach’s outdoor grill & bar is a fantastic place for light food and cocktails. Beach chairs at the beach club located opposite the Catalina Hotel are complimentaryto Riviera guests. As a Suite guest at the hotel, you can also enjoy a daily complimentary continental breakfast poolside. Other amenities include WiFi access and round-trip airport shuttle service to and from Miami International Airport. Craving a unique bite to eat or signature cocktail? Step into Moreno’s Cuba, the Riviera South Beach’s resident restaurant and café. Latin Grammy Award winner Jorge Moreno and South Beach hotelier Nathan Lieberman have collaborated to open this gem, and the results are both delectable and chic. Dine in the courtyard to soak up old school Cuban café ambiance, or check out the stunning rooftop pool and deck. Moreno’s Cuba opens its doors nightly for dinner under the stars, and also hosts nightly live entertainment including everything from jazz to classical to Latin music. There’s even an occasional live performance by Jorge Moreno himself! For more information: rivierahotelsouthbeach.com

quintessential English hospitality in New Orleans By Norah Bradford

short walk from the famed French quarter, home to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana is a hotel which to paraphrase war poet Rupert Brooke “is a corner… That is for ever England”. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary this establishment began as the vision of New Orleans entrepreneur and Anglophile James J. Coleman, Jr. who thought a location just north of the French Quarter was the very place to build a grand hotel inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, complete with classic art and high tea. Over the years the Hotel has enjoyed a discrete following by visiting Royalty as well as notable persons – Her Royal Highness Princess Anne greeted the attendees of the Hotel’s 1984 opening. Ginger Rogers danced in La Chinoiserie and comedian George Burns smoked the first cigar ever lit in the Polo Club Lounge. Some 80% of the 316 Hotel rooms are spacious suites and the recent completion of a refurbishment in excess of $20 million has helped ensue that the charm of the hotel is complemented by modern amenities. The efforts of the staff and investment in the establishment is reflected in its four star Forbes and AAA Four Diamond status. The spa at Windsor Court offers a pool, spa and fitness centre. The spa offers a wide range of services including

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signature treatments such as the Triple Crown and The Monarch. The Triple Crown begins with warm stones to ground and relax the body before cleansing of hands and feet with warm scented towels. The use of pressure point massage on scalp and head, moves to hands and finishes with the feet. The Monarch is a detoxification wrap treatment and probably the ideal cure for too much fun in the Big Easy. Dry body brushing is followed by a sedating massage using aromatherapy oils. You are cocooned in layers to assist the body in eliminating unwanted toxins, as you enjoy a lavish head and scalp massage. The Polo Club Lounge and Cocktail Bar offer guests an ideal place to meet, begin or conclude a great night out in New Orleans. The Polo Club lounge has all the feel of a private Club in England with décor, art and

objet d’art alongside a very well-stocked bar and knowledgeable staff. The Cocktail Bar located on the ground floor to the right of the main entrance offers an experience focused on the cocktail with a seasonal menu created by Mixologist Kent Westmoreland and supplemented with small plates from Chef de Cuisine Daniel Causgrove. There are two dining options within the Windsor Court, the Grill Room and Le Salon. The Grill Room serves an impressive contemporary American menu for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards including One of New Orleans’ only four-star/ four-diamond restaurant—2014 Forbes (formerly Mobil) Four Star dining award, AAA Four Diamond dining award winner and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Le Salon is focused upon the proper service of Afternoon Tea. Accompanied by music from a pianist or harpist, Le Salon offers a selection of some twentysix varieties of tea alongside sandwiches and pastries. Afternoon is a classic experience and opportunity to break during the heat of day and rest ahead of the evening ahead in New Orleans. For more information: windsorcourthotel.com

resident.com • November 2014 • Vol.27, N0.11

HOWARD LORBER

AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

THE FALL REAL ESTATE ISSUE New Developments from Midtown to Downtown Top Agents Assess the Market LIC: The New Williamsburg? Living Luxuriously in Rentals Brooklyn Building Trends

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay By Norah Bradford

an Francisco has many attractions to the visitor whether for business or vacation. One of the keys to enjoying the City is the ability to walk around and experience the variety of the City through all your senses. Luckily a recent addition to the luxury hotel scene enables you to get the most from a visit to this City which is a bridge between America and Asia – The Hotel Vitale.

ensure freshness and quality of produce. Famous restaurants such as Boulevard and The Slanted Door are a few minutes away – though the Hotel’s Americano Restaurant and Bar is a must-do experience.

For the business traveller the Hotel Vitale has a range of conference facilities and business amenities to meet the needs of the businessman on the move. The hotel also features a range of “Green meetings” which maximize the use of environmental initiatives.

The 200 hotel rooms are all exceptionally well appointed with 440 thread count linens, plenty of windows, light and interesting views of the bay or City. All rooms blend comfort with practicality coupling limestone bathrooms with LATHER amenities and a modern workstation for the business traveller. The hotel additionally boasts a series of panoramic circular suites all with a bathtub and views of the Bay Bridge. Located just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf on Mission Street guests can stroll the outdoor farmers market as well as the permanent indoor market and see the meat, fruit and vegetables which the Hotel purchases to

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of seasonal produce reflecting authentic and robust Italian cooking flavors. Executive Chef Josua Perez creates dishes that are rooted in tradition and incorporate handcrafted ingredients. The Bar serves a range of interesting craft cocktails alongside the usual stalwarts.

The Americano restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch and dinner daily blending Italian cuisine with local touches, taking advantage

However, if relaxation is more of a premium to the guest then the Hotel Vitale Spa is ready to meet their needs. Spa Vitale offers a range of outstanding treatments to help you unwind whilst visiting the hotel and City. The signature rooftop Bathing Ritual enjoyed in two outdoor soaking tubs amidst a bamboo garden is a must experience. For more information: hotelvitale.com

Quintessential English Luxury and Style By Norah Bradford

he Goring has been recognized one of London’s finest luxury hotels for over a century and the only family-owned Central London hospitality establishment in its third generation of management. Opening its doors in 1910, it was the last hotel constructed during the reign of King Emperor Edward VII. The hotel has been lovingly run by members of the Goring family ever since. Today, the Goring remains the perfect place for any traveler to London who seeks a quintessentially English luxury hotel experience. Nestled in the heart of Belgravia, one of the most exclusive and celebrated areas of central London, the Goring’s location is both convenient and gorgeous. Belgravia’s grand squares and stately mansions- not to mention it being adjacent to Buckingham Palace- make the neighborhood one of London’s most fashionable residential areas. Many of London’s most famous attractions- Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the River Thames and London Eye- are all within walking distance of the Goring Hotel. London’s

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beautiful Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park) are also just a stroll away from the hotel. The Goring’s sixty-nine rooms and suites are the embodiment of luxury, sophistication,

and English charm. The Goring has recently commissioned some of the most outstanding British interior designers to make their marks upon the hotel’s accommodations, and the results are nothing short of fantastic. Each and every bedroom and suite has been individually designed. If you are seeking

a room or suite that feels like home yet is extraordinarily chic and luxurious, the Goring is perfect. One of the Goring’s most famous contemporary visitors were Miss Kate Middleton and her family in the days prior to her marriage to Prince William in 2011. Dining at the Goring is an unforgettable experience. The David Linley designed Goring Dining Room is a gorgeous and stately place to enjoy the finest quality British cuisine. Served in the Goring Lounge and Terrace, Afternoon Tea is a beautiful and enduring tradition at the Goring. The Goring Afternoon Tea has recently been honored with a truly topnotch accolade: The UK Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award 2013. During the summer months, guests can enjoy Afternoon Tea on the Veranda. The Goring Lounge & Bar is the ideal place to experience the buzz and excitement of London. For a stay that’s chic, luxurious, and suffused with English charm, the Goring is ideal. For more information: thegoring.com

Social Life August 2014

in the hamptons with BETH STERN

Fashion, Beauty, Travel, Art Exclusive Gala Photos



T R AV E L

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE AT SEA: SILVERSEA CRUISES

Veranda Suite

Silver Spirit visiting St Lucia

By Norah Bradford

ilversea offers the ultimate in luxurious, stylish, and intimate all-inclusive cruise experience. Sumptuous accommodations, unparalleled personalized service, generous amenities plus a variety of exciting activities both onboard and at each port of call combine to make each Silversea cruise an unforgettable experience. The cosmopolitan ambiance aboard Silversea ships and the warmth and welcome that Silversea’s Italian heritage lends its ships will make your cruise distinctive from start to finish. Sized more intimately than a typical cruise ship, Silversea’s fleet of five beautiful “Classic” ships are optimally configured to access more remote destinations in addition to some of the world’s most celebrated cities. With more space and fewer passengers, the size and scale of Silversea ships sets the perfect tone for a relaxing, re-energizing voyage. The ease of embarkation and going ashore offered by these small but perfect ships makes exploring the cruise’s destinations a breeze. Onboard, each Silversea ship’s style is inspired by the 1930s. Art Deco design elements combine to create a highly sophisticated, sumptuously luxurious ambiance. Silversea’s suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. Modern elegance and timeless glamour infuse every aspect of the Silversea experience. Every Silversea suite has an ocean view, and the majority also feature a private teak veranda. Whether you choose to enjoy your voyage while staying in a suite on Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Spirit, your journey is sure to be an unforgettably luxurious one. Every suite features a separate sitting area,

walk-in wardrobe, and most with a full-sized bathtub. All Silversea guests are attended to by their own professional butler. With the elite indulgence of personalized white glove service, your every need and desire is anticipated and taken care of. The service is always gracious; the hospitality always genuine. All meals are included aboard a Silversea cruise, with the exception of those at Le Champagne (and Seishin on Silver Spirit), the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant at sea. Enjoy dinner without the hassle of ever needing to ask for a check or leave a gratuity; experience the freedom and relaxation of an all-inclusive experience. All beverages (including those stocked in your suite) are complimentary as well- fine wines, spirits, champagne, and soft drinks are always available for you to enjoy aboard Silversea ships. Relaxing and exciting activity and entertainment options are myriad. A range of pursuits to engage the body and mind are available: spa treatments, water volleyball, wine tastings, boutique shopping, singles events, and dance classes are just some of the many recreational activities that guests may participate in while aboard. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Discoverer (debuting Spring 2014), Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both polar regions and over 700 fascinating destinations in between. For more information, please visit: Silversea.com

Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

Dec/Jan 2014

25A

The Flower Boss Brian Flowers

ThE icoNic

cORNELIA

FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH THE ULTIMATE SOUTHWESTERN ESCAPE By Norah Bradford

estled into the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North in Arizona is surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking views. The Resort’s 210 generously sized guest rooms in 25 adobe casitas, including 22 luxury suites, provide stylish and comfortable accommodations. Room interiors feature custom furnishings – many sourced from Mexican artisans – and art handmade by Huichol Indians. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise. Just five minutes from the Resort in a complimentary golf shuttle is Troon North Golf Club. Golfers can choose from two of the nation’s most celebrated golf courses, Pinnacle – rated the #1 Golf Course in America by Golf Magazine – and Monument. Tennis more your speed? Practice your serve on one of two outdoor Nova Pro courts at the Resort. Use of racquets is complimentary, and tennis balls are available at the Spa. Private and semi-private tennis lessons and group clinics are available for a fee. The Resort’s uniquely designed pool area is sure to be a highlight of your stay. With gorgeous mountain and desert views, the free-form bilevel heated pool is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped deck topped with cabanas, trellises, and water misters. At one end of the main pool is a children’s pool, and at the other end is a whirlpool for long relaxing soaks. The 24-hour Fitness Centre provides access to a state-of-the-art facility for exercise. Other activities include complimentary guided hikes at Pinnacle Peak and stargazing with the Resort’s astronomy expert.

Three restaurants and a lounge provide a variety of dining options for Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale guests. At Talavera, enjoy contemporary steakhouse cuisine and a fresh seasonal menu. Vibrant Southwestern décor and options to dine indoors or al fresco complement the restaurant’s focus on locally and regionally sourced cuisine. Executive Chef Mel Mecinas creates signature dishes like Maine Lobster Paella, Ahi Tuna Tartare, Wagyu Short Rib Ravioli, Lobster & Corn Bisque, and Mexican Jumbo Prawns. The 18 ounce Beef Porterhouse and 14 ounce Kurobuta Pork Chop are guest favorites as well. Proof, an American canteen, features homestyle comfort food sourced exclusively from the 50 states. A railroad track running through the dining room, televisions, games, and a bustling bar lend the restaurant a relaxed ambiance. An old-fashioned soda fountain serves up nostalgic milkshakes, malts, and floats. Proof highlights small-batch and craftdistilled American spirits, with an emphasis on bourbon and whiskey. Saguaro Blossom, the Resort’s poolside, outdoor-seating restaurant, specializes in light fare served in a casual setting. Enjoy a fresh handcrafted cocktail or a sumptuous small plate at Onyx Bar & Lounge, the lounge adjacent to Talavera. In-casita dining also is available 24 hours a day. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale 10600 East Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, Arizona 85262 Phone: (480) 515-5700 Website: FourSeasons.com/Scottsdale

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THE HOTEL VITALE SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY By Norah Bradford

The Americano restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch and dinner daily blending Italian cuisine with local touches, taking advantage of seasonal produce reflecting authentic and robust Italian cooking flavors. Executive Chef Josua Perez creates dishes that are rooted in tradition and incorporate hand-crafted ingredients. The Bar serves a range of interesting craft cocktails alongside the usual stalwarts.

Located just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf on Mission Street guests can stroll the outdoor farmers market as well as the permanent indoor market and see the meat, fruit and vegetables which the Hotel purchases to ensure freshness and quality of produce. Famous restaurants such as Boulevard and The Slanted Door are a few minutes away – though the Hotel’s Americano Restaurant and Bar is a must-do experience.

86 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

Gold Coast Luxury Magazine

February 2015

25A magazine

25A

25Amagazine.com

Travel The World With Private Jet FebruAry 2015 | Vol. 4 issue 1

Bridal Romance Issue

news anchor

Morrison means business

jetset

25 A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO FLAGSHIP STANDING TALL AS A VISION FOR THE FUTURE By Norah Bradford

our Seasons brings home 50 years of experience and innovation with its Toronto, Canada outpost. Back home at last: in the city where it all began, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has come full circle when it opened its new flagship on Yorkville Avenue at the corner of Bay Street in 2012. The stunning 259 room hotel serves as the Four Seasons’ vision for the future, representing the world’s best luxury travel experience and the modern center of a city’s social and business life. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was born with the opening of the company’s first location in 1961, a motor hotel on Jarvis Street in downtown Toronto. The fondly-remembered Inn on the Park opened two years later and continued to operate just down the road from the present corporate offices until the mid-1990s. In a joint venture, the company briefly operated a business oriented hotel downtown in the 1970s. The first Four Seasons location in Yorkville was open from 1978 until earlier this year, when the operation moved down the street to its new building – the current Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Described by esteemed art and architecture critic John Bentley Mays as “a strong jolt of intelligent, urbane elegance,” Four Seasons Toronto was designed by architectsAlliance, and built by Menkes Construction Ltd. Sweeping into the drive (heated for Canadian winters, of course) past Claude Cormier’s visionary roseless rose garden, guests circle the grand fountain designed just for this space. Alighting on a 12-colour mosaic with a floral overlay from the etched glass canopy above, the urban “carpet” is the creation of Cormier and Hotel interior designer Yabu Pushelberg, inspired by the Persian rugs popular in the Victorian era as a nod to Yorkville’s more traditional architecture. Ascending a floating staircase to a loft above dbar, travellers and the city’s food lovers alike will find a uniquely Canadian setting for Michelinstarred Chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud. Rosalie Wise Designs has created a bold, contemporary space rising from billion-yearold stone floors quarried in southwestern Ontario, with local woods, warm textures and abundant natural light surrounding cosy tables. The ambiance is further enhanced by a collection of paintings from internationally acclaimed pop artist Mr. Brainwash, available for sale via Yorkville’s Gallery One. For those shunning the limelight or seeking an extra sense of occasion, a private dining room accommodates up to ten guests.

any Four Seasons hotel worldwide. More than 2,700 square metres (30,000 square feet) of space includes 17 treatment rooms with several suites for two, a pool, a nail and hair bar, men’s and women’s change rooms with separate steam rooms, and a Spa boutique. “We call it a ‘spa in the sky’ thanks to its lofty position above Yorkville and gorgeous views in all directions,” says award-winning Senior Spa Director Todd Hewitt, who leads a staff of more than 70. “A winding pathway flows gently from one realm of beauty and serenity to the next.”

There are spas, and then there are Four Seasons Spas. Spanning the entire 9th floor and part of the 8th, the new Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is the most expansive urban spa in the city, and the largest of

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto 60 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, ON M4W 0A4, Canada Phone: (416) 964-0411 Website:fourseasons.com/toronto/

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GILLIS & GEOrGE 30 Years of Safe Flights

Hotel Vernet Bar

Hotel Vernet Room

Hotel Vernet

A 21st Century Parisian Boutique Hotel In The Heart Of The City By Norah Bradford

ernet was a painter who specialized in producing paintings of the sea. He brought them back to Paris from Rome, where he was an integral piece of the social fabric and well known to the circle of aristocrats in the Grand Tour of the 18th Century; an older version of what today we would refer to as “the Jet-Set.” Hotel Vernet, a luxury boutique property located on a secluded street just off the Champs-Elysees, and a three minute walk from the venerable Four Seasons Hotel George V, draws on the spirit of Vernet. With its stunning décor, Hotel Vernet is an aesthetically pleasing place to stay and socialize when visiting Paris. Thoroughly renovated to celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary, the Vernet is very 21st Century inside, though it still retains some of its distinguishing architectural features which make it oh-so-Parisian. Interior designer François Champsaur pays tribute to Parisian elegance and French craftsmanship with the hotel’s décor; the stand out example of this is the stained glass dome of the restaurant designed by Gustav Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. The rooms and suites have been cleverly designed with an aesthetic that

is truly unique. Modern touches in the form of appliances, amenities and free wireless internet access all help make the guest feel welcome in a modern space that is their home-away-from-home whilst visiting Paris. The bar at the Hotel Vernet is a centerpiece of the social life of the hotel. It has a fabulous ceiling fresco, painted by internationally celebrated Jean-Michel Aberola, which contrasts against the dynamic carpet design created by the same artist. The bar serves classic cocktails with creative and modern execution. Try the Martini Royale Bianco or the non-alcoholic Fruits de Vernet. Dining at the hotel’s restaurant, ‘V’, by Executive Chef Richard Robe, offers a sense of theater as its large glass window enables diners to see the kitchen in action. The menu is designed like a travel diary with the aim of creating a gastronomic journey for every visitor. Hotel Vernet 25 rue Vernet, 75008 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1-44-31-98-00 Website: hotelvernet-paris.com March 2015 | 93

jetset

25A The Ritz-Carlton Montreal Cooks Up A $200m Restoration By Norah Bradford

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Entrance

he Ritz-Carlton Montreal offers its guests a sublime mixture of old and new. The only hotel in Quebec to be granted the CAA/AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond Award, The Ritz-Carlton Montreal has also been named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best New Hotels and also has Robb Report’s Top 100 Hotels for 2013. During an extensive $200 million restoration, the building’s façade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and redecorated, and rooms were redesigned with the utmost in luxury and comfort in mind. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal expanded and converted part of the historic building to accommodate a new residential wing; The Ritz-Carlton Residences. These 45 exclusive residences provide the opportunity to live at a renowned Montreal address, while enjoying the comforts and services of a luxury hotel. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal has 98 guest rooms and 31 suites. The Royal Suite, at 4,700 sq. ft, is the largest hotel suite in Montreal. The guest rooms feature high-tech amenities, such as intuitively remembering a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights to guide guests in a darkened room. 92 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal Deluxe Room Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Montreal have access to a wealth of amenities; dining at Maison Boulud, enjoying afternoon tea in the hotel’s impeccable garden, working out at the gym or lounging in the Palm Court. Nearby, Montreal’s nightlife, boutiques and galleries, sporting events, theatre and other cultural attractions beckon. The hotel is in the heart of Montreal’s best shopping district, where guests can find all the best international brands. Guests can even shop at the famed jeweler Tiffany & Co., which opened its 2,000 sq. ft. boutique just below The Ritz-Carlton Residences. Fine dining has been synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton Montreal since the turn of the century. Today, famed Chef Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud puts a modern spin on traditional French culinary tradition with a particular focus on local ingredients and artisanal Quebecois products. The chic and elegant Maison Boulud was designed as a counterpoint to the more traditional areas of the hotel by the innovative design team, Super Potato, who are internationally renowned for their cutting edge restaurant design. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal 1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, QC H3G 1H6, Canada Phone: (514) 842-4212 Website: ritzmontreal.com

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“Home, Home oN tHe RaNcH” Home Ranch in Colorado Offers Unique Country Living

By Norah Bradford

he Home Ranch, located some four hours driving time north-west from Denver in Clark, Colorado or a short ride from the airport at nearby Steamboat Springs is well-known for its unique vacation environment. Guests typically spend a week in their own cabin, or one of the few rooms in the main ranch house, share “haute mountain cuisine” meals together, and in between participate in a range of seasonal outdoor activities, – all with tuition and support to ensure both safety and full enjoyment.

The vision of the owners, Ann and Steve Stranahan, led them to acquire neighboring ranches as they became available, in order to protect this uniquely beautiful agricultural valley. Their property now encompasses 4,000 acres, bordered on the East by the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area, and The Home Ranch, and to the North by the Elk River. To the West lies the 2,100 acre Murphy-Larsen Ranch, which opens to the vast Sand Mountain Wilderness. It is here that they have realized an opportunity for a dozen families to acquire land in a carefully conserved community.

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"A community in which ranching, recreational, and preservation interests work together to protect and enrich the great agricultural heritage and landscapes of the American West."

The Murphy-Larsen Ranch is a unique tract of land, rising from lush hay meadows to mountain ridges with spectacular views of the Continental Divide. The name is derived from an Irish immigrant, Owen Murphy, who homesteaded the property in the late 19th century. His daughter Johanna Larsen is laid to rest in the local cemetery.

The lots of land in Murphy Larsen Ranch have been painstakingly designed to ensure privacy and that the homes are in harmony with the land. Each parcel is, in effect, a lot within a lot â€“ some 2.5 acres of buildable space inside some 50 acres of land with a maximum above ground size of 5,000 square feet. Additional guidelines are in place to ensure that building materials, lighting and other features are all consistent with the land, to aesthetically please not just the new owner but also their neighbors. murphy-larsen.com November 2015 | 101