The Travel Scribe Article Collection
2015
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 Scribe’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 4 ISSUE 13 AUTUMN 2015 £6
A WORLD OF LUXURY... FOR THOSE WITH DISCERNING TASTE
MCLAREN 650S - IN THE FAST LANE WITH STYLE CARIBBEAN CRUSH - EXOTIC SAINT LUCIA ASIAN INVASION - AN EPIC SUSHI SELECTION MAKING WAVES - A SEXY SUPERYACHT PREVIEW ISSUE 13 - EPICUREAN LIFE 1
Zuma, Miami
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Our U.S.A. Editor, Norah Lawlor, travels
AROUND THE WORLD
IN 10 DINNERS
Writer Jules Verne in the classic book Around the World in 80 Days has his hero Phileas Fogg traverse the world using the latest travel technologies of the day. Given the developments in cooking, ranging from molecular gastronomy to sous-vide, here are ten culinary experiences to indulge in, worth obtaining that around the world ticket for…
MAMO, New York
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Early in May 2015, a new restaurant crossed the Atlantic and arrived in the lovely neighborhood of Soho, more precisely on West Broadway: MAMO le Michelangelo. A sister to the 23-year-old renowned eatery located in Antibes in the French Riviera, MAMO, named for its owner Herve “MAMO” Mammoliti, is famous for attracting an array of international celebrities, and is one of the hottest spots during the Cannes Film Festival. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce and Jay-Z are among the regular patrons at both the Antibes and New York locations. This France-based eatery offers mostly classic Italian fare, with a few Provençale notes and dishes such as the Raviolini al Tarfuto. 323 W Broadway (between Grand and Canal streets) T: +1 646 964 4641 www.mamonyc.com
16 EPICUREAN LIFE - ISSUE 13
A contemporary taste of Asia in Miami, Florida located in the Epic Hotel. A logical second stop on your tour as Zuma was created in London and has gone global in a big way due to the popularity of the ambience and dishes such as the tsubo miso gake hinadori, no oven yaki (barley miso corn fed chicken oven roasted on cedar wood), and gindara no saikyo miso yaki (black cod marinated in saikyo miso with homemade hajikame). 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way Miami, Florida 33131 T: +1 305 577 0277 www.zumarestaurant.com
The Home Ranch, Colorado
Mountain Daylight Time (GMT-6)
In the book, Phileas’s companion is kidnapped by Indians on a transcontinental railroad crossing. Today the spirit of adventure generated by the Rocky Mountains is encapsulated by The Home Ranch in Colorado. The kitchen led by Executive Chef Clyde Nelson, will exceed your expectations with his team’s interpretation of haute Mountain Cuisine. Whilst visiting, why not improve your horsemanship skills in order to ride off into the sunset for the next part of your adventure. 54880 County Road 129 Clark Colorado 80428 T: +1 970 879 1780 www.homeranch.com
Wiltons, London
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Whilst Phileas started his adventure in St. James’s London at the Reform Club, our gastronomic circumnavigation of the Earth starts around the corner on Jermyn Street at Wilton’s. This culinary institution renowned for British cuisine, oysters, fish, and game, was close to 100 years old by the time Verne completed his novel. Head Chef, Daniel Kent brings a gentle touch of modernity to the classic recipes and cuisine of this unique dining experience. 55 Jermyn Street, London SW1 T: 020 7629 9955 www.wiltons.co.uk
The French Laundry, California Pacific Standard Time (GMT-7)
Thomas Keller literally put the 2,000 population town of Yontville on the map as the town in North America with the most Michelin stars. The French Laundry is the flagship restaurant, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014, and is a must experience for lunch or dinner. The beets and leeks remain the ever-changing staple dish at the heart of the multi-course tasting menu that is the establishment’s hallmark. 6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599 T: +1 707 944 2380 www.frenchlaundry.com
Sinatra, Wynn, Las Vegas Pacific Standard Time (GMT-7)
Wynn and Encore are widely regarded as being the best hotel establishments in Las Vegas. Encore boasts a restaurant with a special meaning to the owner of the hotel, Steve Wynn, in the shape of Sinatra. The Forbes Travel Guide Four Star award-winner showcases Chef Theo Schoenegger’s modern twist on classic Italian cooking, including many of Frank’s personal favourites that Chef Schoenegger prepared for him, including spaghetti and clams, and ossobuco. Guests sit in the dining room, adorned with iconic memories from Sinatra’s career including his Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in ‘From Here to Eternity’, his Grammy Award for ‘Strangers in the Night’, and his Emmy for ‘Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music’. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd, South Las Vegas, NV 89109 T: +1 702 770 7000 www.wynnlasvegas.com
ISSUE 13 - EPICUREAN LIFE 17
Norah Lawlor discovers
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Luxury Hotels which make our World
Whilst there are many great hotels in the world, there are a few stand-outs that possess the mix of location, attention to detail, and service that offer a unique experience to the discerning epicurean traveller. Here we highlight seven worth building a trip around and experiencing.
BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL, DUBAI The Burj was arguably a key milestone in the development of turn-of-the-millennium luxury hotels. Architecturally designed on a grand scale to represent the sail of an Arab dhow. Butler serviced accommodation, no fewer than nine signature restaurants, the epic Talise Spa, dream car rental plus a gold iPad offered to guests on check-in. Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com/en
ST. REGIS HOTEL, ASPEN COLORADO Amongst the world’s most luxe winter sports destinations, the local airfield in mid-Winter is home to the largest number of private jets in the world, belying its status as the winter sports go-to for the Great and the Good. The St. Regis Hotel is the see and be seen destination, whether dining before heading out to ski Ajax Mountain, relaxing in the heated pool outside or taking oxygen to recover from the altitude, the St. Regis remains the perfect headquarters for navigating Aspen’s day and night life. 315 East Dean Street, Aspen, Colorado T: +1 970 920 3300 www.stregisaspen.com
104 EPICUREAN LIFE - ISSUE 13
THE REVERIE SAIGON, HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Think luxury hotel in one of the most youthful, fast growing and hippest Asian capital cities. A strong Italian design theme resonates throughout the hotel with restaurant “R&J” (named for the doomed lovers Romeo & Juliet) offering a slice of traditional Italian cuisine. Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com/en
THE RITZ HOTEL PARIS
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, NEVIS A Caribbean island so beautiful that it provided the backdrop for historic naval commander Horatio Nelson’s romance with Lady Emma Hamilton. The Four Seasons provides a quintessential luxury Caribbean experience with a variety of accommodations including villas and cabanas plus activities ranging from golf (a rarity in the Caribbean) to all the classic water sports, award winning spa and dining, including the novel option to go on a dive and lasso your own lobster for dinner-what could be more satisfying?
This storied Paris establishment is taking reservations for March 2016 having been closed since August 2012 for renovation. Originally scheduled to take two years, clearly something special is in the offing as the hotel firmly enters the 21st century. The iconic Hemingway Bar will remain and as the Head bartender Colin Field indicated prior to close that whilst the Bar will look very familiar to its regular clientele everything the customer does not see will be modernized to create a more vivid experience. 15 Place Vendome, Paris, France T: +33 1 43 16 30 30 www.ritzparis.com/en-GB
Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, St Kitt’s & Nevis T: +1 869 469 1111 www.fourseasons.com/nevis
THE KULM HOTEL, ST. MORITZ SWITZERLAND THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK LONDON A quintessential slice of Britain wrapped in luxury and tied with a five star bow. Dine with Daniel Boulud or Heston Blumenthal. A swimming pool and exercise room four floors below ground level that would put a James Bond villain to shame. Newly refurbished guest rooms bring modern comfort to an all-season classic establishment. 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1 T: 020 7235 2000 www.mandarinoriental.com/london
If the forthcoming installment in the James Bond movie series, Spectre were real-life, Bond would have checked into the Kulm. Situated next door to the elite adrenalin junkies club, the Cresta, the Kulm offers guests a blend of luxury, Swiss efficiency and service, which combine into a highly memorable experience. The Kulm has a reputation for innovation, being the first hotel in the world to have electric lighting! Via Veglia 18, Saint Moritz, Switzerland T: +41 81 836 80 00 www.kulm.com
ISSUE 13 - EPICUREAN LIFE 105
RESIDENT.COM • DECEMBER 2015 • Vol.28, No.12
2015
GIFT GUIDE The perfect picks for everyone on your list!
TODD
ENGLISH
At The Plaza & Around The World
+ Escape to Kauai, Switzerland, Sonoma, Machu Picchu, & MORE
WHAT’S HOT
cover
wine & dine EscAPES
The “Silver Six”
6 Silversea Voyages that will Bring you the World in 2016
•
••
O
family
ne of the most incredible ways to see the world is by water. After all, the Earth is comprised of over two-thirds water, making it the logical way to access many unique and interesting places. While some might overlook cruising as a means of travel, just think: A cruise offers you the chance to disconnect and visit several locations in one trip without having to pack and unpack a suitcase, or endure multiple transfers. Now imagine taking a cruise with an expert, luxury line possessing ships with a few hundred passengers and a high crewto-guest ratio—a five-star home away from home. Now imagine participating in one— or even all six—incredible Silversea Cruises voyages commencing next year. The sea is the limit…
FEATURE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FASHION & BEAUTY
By Norah Bradford
November to March: The Caribbean and Central America - “Life’s a beach”
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Bridgetown, Barbados, and New York City provide departure or destination points for a Caribbean cruise. Typically ranging from one to two weeks in duration, Silversea cruises offer an itinerary of several islands on each voyage, bringing you to golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, plus an essential escape from the cold winters of North America and Europe.
80 • Resident December 2015
December to March: Take an African Safari, by sea
Fly to Cape Town, South Africa or Mombasa, Kenya and experience an African safari in a whole new way. Your bush camp is a five-star ship moving you between places to give you the ideal vantage point for experiencing a safari and seeing the animal kingdom up close.
April: Transit from Dubai through the world famous Suez Canal to Venice
Thailand. With incredible beaches, mountain ranges, and cities, it will be an intense experience and one to savor.
Expedition to the Galapagos Islands
Walk in the steps of Charles Darwin and travel to see the unique wildlife and islands of the Galapagos. Silversea has specially designed and outfitted expedition ships specifically for the purpose of bringing a touch of luxury to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Starting out from an iconic contemporary Middle Eastern city, experience the historic engineering and architecture of a transit through the Suez Canal to Port Said, Jerusalem, the Adriatic, and then the ancient trading city-state of Venice.
May to September: Alaska – “I see bears!”
From Vancouver, Canada or Seward (Anchorage), Alaska, cruise the Inside Passage or even visit Russia and Japan on a seaborne equivalent of a safari in search of the marine Big-5: Whales, seals, bald eagles, salmon, and of course, the Kodiak and Grizzly Bears.
October to February: See the vibrant Asian Century
Departing from the iconic Asian cities of Hong Kong and Singapore, experience some of the fastest growing Asian countries—Vietnam and
For more information: www.silversea.com
WHAT’S HOT family FEATURE
cover
wine & dine EscAPES FASHION & BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS
To Le Manoir Born
A Five Star Experience in Quebec
•
••
By Norah Bradford
L
ocated only 75 minutes from Montreal, Manoir Hovey is a five-star Relais & Chateaux property on the shores of Lake Massawippi, just outside of North Hatley, one of Quebec’s most picturesque villages. Manoir Hovey is truly one of Canada’s most charming and romantic inns. The Manor offers 37 beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, and hosts year-round activities, conferences, weddings, and special events. An awardwinning four diamond restaurant, Le Hatley, showcases contemporary Quebec cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by English gardens, the dining room has a tranquil setting with breathtaking views. Now guests can enjoy new experiences for the coming year, including complimentary foraging tours on property with the chef, every weekend
68 • Resident November 2015
in season. The following are foraged right on Manoir Hovey land:
The Flying Bicyle The VéloVolant is innovative and spectacular. Soar through the treetops on a suspended recumbent bicycle which travels only as fast as your pedal strokes; you control the speed. VéloVolant is the highest of its kind, supported by towering maples and pines connected by high performance cable. The 1000-meter circuit meanders across a mountainside passing through ravines and over waterfalls. This is an experience that will take your breath away. Package includes one night stay, entry to Velo Volant, a picnic, four-course dinner at Le Hatley Restaurant, and full gourmet breakfast (gratuities on meals included). Prices start at $275 (CAD) during high season, per person.
The Foresta Lumina Package Come live an unforgettable experience at the Park de la Gorge de Coaticook, which is transformed into an enchanted multimedia experience. Discover an enchanted forest during this 2 km hike full of surprises. As you stroll along a path that winds through trees, you’ll encounter mythical characters, illuminated multimedia installations, lighting, video mapping, and original music. The package includes one night stay at Manoir Hovey, an entry ticket to Foresta Lumina, a four-course dinner at Le Hatley Restaurant, a full gourmet breakfast and all gratuities. Starting at $230 (CAD) per person.
For more information www.manoirhovey.com/en
RESIDENT.COM • OCTOBER 2015 • Vol.28, No.10
AT HOME WITH FASHION ICON
NICOLE MILLER
BEST OF NY Where and how to make the most of the Big Apple
PLUS: Exclusive Interviews with Tovah Feldshuh, Pat LaFrieda, Michael Strahan, Mark Normand, Teal Wicks, and More of Our Favorite Notable New Yorkers
WHAT’S HOT family
cover
wine & dine EscAPES FASHION & BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS
FEATURE
Home is where the Ranch is By Norah Bradford outdoor cookout includes guests and the Head of Operations, Mike Moon, and Ranch Operations Manager and his wife—who are accomplished country singers—serenading one and all.
T
here are a few vacation destinations that transcend the mentality of the starrating system. These places have managed to define their own ethos which— while in some ways unconventional—have guests cherishing the experience, and seeking to enjoy the same feelings again and again. The Home Ranch is definitely one such place. Ann and Steve Stranahan, originally hailing from the east coast, fell in love with the idea of a ranch destination for themselves, their friends, and guests. Initially, their search for the ideal property proved unsuccessful, but they did find the right people for their venture—those with the authenticity and capability to manage the undertaking. The Stranahans’ solution to the property challenge was to find their own land and build upon it an authentic ranch operation. Today, the Home Ranch has grown to some
82 • Resident October 2015
4,000 acres in size. Guest accommodations are either in a central ranch house or in cabins that combine privacy with proximity to the ranch house, where guests dine together under the supervision of General Manager and Executive Chef, Clyde Nelson. At the core of the Home Ranch experience are its activities; in summer, they include horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking. Winter opens up possibilities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or downhill activities, either locally or via a shuttle to bustling Steamboat Springs. The uniqueness of the Home Ranch lies in how quickly guests are brought together through activities throughout the day, all of which involve guidance by a member of the Ranch, and then evening activities that feature wine and spirits tastings, outdoor dinners, and a band. To wrap up a week’s visit, an
Dining is a communal experience, complete with excellent haute mountain cuisine provided by the kitchen. One of the highlights of dinner is having the Chef de Cuisine, Craig Singer, coming out of the kitchen to greet guests and inform them on the preparations of the day. The Ranch has a burgeoning garden operation, creating the the shortest possible transition from garden to kitchen to table—another experience for guests to tour, speak to, and even participate with the garden staff. As a testament to the beloved experience that is the Home Ranch, once a year there is a week for guests who have been returning for twenty years, many of whom bring their children and growing families. The Home Ranch has become a second home for many, and in a new development, a carefully considered and designed subdivision nearby offers guests the opportunity to create their own piece of home.
or more information: www.homeranch.com
WHAT’S HOT family
cover
wine & dine EscAPES FASHION & BEAUTY
4 Reasons to Put this Miami Beach Hot Spot on Your Radar FEATURE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Hotel Croydon
A
As high-rise luxury hotel construction continues to boom on Miami Beach, there’s another option for travelers seeking personal attention, luxurious amenities, and a charming experience. Hotel Croydon, a stylish 108-room boutique hotel, has managed to become quite the hot spot within its first year; here’s why: Location, location, location! The Hotel Croydon is on 38th Street and Collins Avenue, only a block from the ocean and a quick 10-minute ride to all the clubs, shopping, and high energy of South Beach. It’s ideal for the traveler who wants to be close to the action while having a respite from it. The retro-coolness factor. The Hotel Croydon first came onto the scene back in the 30’s as “he Croydon Arms. It was vacant for a while until hotelier Alan Lieberman and his
80 • Resident October 2015
By Norah Bradford son Nathan added it to their hotel portfolio. Staying true to their mission to renovate older properties and maintain charm on Miami Beach, the Liebermans masterfully injected eclectic design, creating a unique vibe that’s more hipster than haughty. “We attract a value-driven traveler who also wants to experience something different. When friends ask them where they stayed, they pride themselves on having something interesting to say. Hotel Croydon offers that sense of in-the-know hipness,” offers Alan Lieberman. The value. There are yoga classes, an elegant pool area with incredibly comfortable napinducing lounge chairs, shuttle service to and from Miami International Airport, beach chairs and towels for guests, and a nightly happy hour with complimentary drinks. The rooms are spacious, with dark wood floors and
doors, soft sheets, gorgeous bathrooms with C.O. Bigelow products, and fluffy robes and slippers. The hotel is impeccably clean, stylish, and impressive. The food. Adding to the mix is The Tavern, the property’s restaurant which offers dishes generous in flavor and portions along with local craft beers. Nathan Lieberman, who loves the food and beverage side of the business, added a cozy, laidback feel to The Tavern. “It’s the kind of place you can come enjoy a lunch in flip flops and shorts, or dinner in jeans or a sundress. It’s relaxed. There’s nothing snobby going on here,” explains Nathan.
For more information HotelCroydonMiamiBeach.com
(and for information on all the Liebermans’ hotel properties visit SouthBeachGroup.com)
Explore Costa Rica with Your Own Jurassic World-Worthy Adventures By Norah Bradford
T
he summer’s mega-blockbuster movie, Jurassic World, is certain to attract tourists to Costa Rica seeking inspiration from the silver screen. Visitors need not worry about being chased by a velociraptor, however, and will feel at ease at the Cayuga Collection of luxury properties while enjoying the abundant (non-extinct) wildlife. The original movie was not filmed in Costa Rica due to environmental protection of the rainforest, although the spectacular landscape of the fictional Costa Rican island inspires travelers to create their own Jurassic adventures. “The Jurassic Park movies have long been part of the allure of Costa Rica” says Hans Pfister, Cayuga Collection Principal. “Guests can enjoy the stunning Costa Rican scenery and rest easy at our properties.” Nestled in 1,000 acres of rainforest reserve, Lapa Rios Ecolodge has naturalists on-site to provide travelers with an appreciation of the rainforest. Guests can go birding, hike to a waterfall and swim in the pools, learn about medicinal uses of the rainforest, and discover marine biology on the shore. Alternatively, journey off property for kayaking, surfing, dolphin tours, waterfall rappelling, ziplining, and horseback riding.
74 • Resident August 2015
A short distance from Cabo Blanco National Park, the opening setting of Michael Crichton’s novel and film Jurassic Park, is Latitude 10 Beach Resort, located in Santa Teresa. Here, guests have the opportunity to see wildlife and explore the sandy beaches. While you might not see a Procompsognathus, the small scavengers that escaped to Cabo Blanco in the movie, you may catch a glimpse of sea turtles, monkeys, pelicans, and other tropical bird species as they cruise along the coast to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, located in Manuel Antonio, offers stunning hilltop views and rainforest inhabited by howler, white-faced, and squirrel monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and boa constrictors. Arenas Del Mar offers several guided tours of the adjacent Manual Antonio National Park, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, whale watching, and whitewater rafting experiences. Arenas Del Mar has activities to immerse guests in the natural habitats of the region’s wildlife and rainforest while being immersed in a setting as spectacular as that in any Hollywood movie.
For more information on Cayuga Collection Resorts: cayugaonline.com
resident.com • July 2015 • Vol.28, N0.07
Exclusive!
Orange is the New Black’s
On Producing, Parenting, & Why Green Living is the New Black
SUMMER ESCAPES
Hong Kong, Costa Rica, London, & More...
+ The Best of the Hamptons
Fairmont Chateau Laurier As Historical As It Is Elegant
L
ocated adjacent to the Canadian Parliament building, Ottawa’s Fairmont Chateau Laurier stands as a beacon of the design of the nation’s capital. With an edifice constructed out of limestone and turrets reminiscent of a French Chateau, the charm and stateliness attached to the historical structure enchants each guest that visits. When the hotel initially opened in June 1912, it had 306 guest rooms with an additional expansion in 1929 leading to the current tally of 429, including 33 luxury guest suites including its Presidential suites designed to look like a large one bedroom apartment. Building Fairmont Chateau Laurier, named for Canada’s seventh Prime Minister Sr Wilfrid Laurier, in turn-of-the-century Ottawa began with the vision and foresight of Charles Melville Hays, an American who ventured to Canada as the General Manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway of Canada. Hays wanted to extend the Grand Trunk Railway to the West Coast and build several railway stations and deluxe hotels in all the major cities along the way. No expense was spared
88 • Resident July 2015
By Norah Bradford
to make the Château a truly luxurious hotel. Builders used granite blocks, white Italian marble, light buff Indiana limestone, and copper for the roof. The elegant Château was furnished with antiques, a travertine marble staircase with brass railing, Czechoslovakian crystal, and Sèvres vases. Since its opening, Fairmont Château Laurier has hosted a prestigious list of politicians, heads of state, royalty, and entertainers. The hotel has often been dubbed “the third chamber of Parliament” because of the politicians who regularly roam the corridors. Within its walls, political deals have been consummated, careers launched or destroyed, and governments created and dissolved. The hotel has been home to former Prime Ministers Richard Bedford (R.B.) Bennett and Pierre Trudeau. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and her consort Prince Philip, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, The King and Queen of Siam, and former U.S. President Hoover have all graced the hotel regis try. Though it is now closed, there is also an underground tunnel connecting the hotel to parliament.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier’s Zoe’s Lounge, named after former Prime Minister Laurier’s wife, serves guests and Ottawa residents alike the perfect cup of tea, paired with delectable pastry treat. Served up by hostess Fabiola Olivares, its Traditional Afternoon Tea has always been a staple and remains popular, but Zoé’s also offers some variety in its tea menu with the Canadian Tea and Prince and Princess Tea. All menu offerings include the essential tradition of sweet strawberry jam, freshly baked scones, and smooth Devonshire cream to not loose the traditional feel. Guests can choose from over 15 gourmet loose teas and take pleasure in watching tea go from the canister to the teapot—tableside. This service style is unique in Ottawa to Fairmont Château Laurier and provides guests with a distinctive experience during Afternoon Tea. The professionally trained servers explain the distinctive taste and origins of the tea. By night, guests can enjoy delicious cocktails in the beautiful, historical space. For more information: fairmont.com
The Wynn and Wynn Encore: The World’s Most Dazzling Luxury Resort Complex
W
ynn Las Vegas, a sixty four acre resort in Las Vegas, is known for luxury and distinctiveness in all the small details that make guests’ stays memorable. It is among the world’s most luxurious resorts. Built on the site of the Desert Inn (where Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cher, Barry Manilow and many other major stars of the last fifty years performed), this 2.7 billion dollar resort was constructed next to the Palazzo and the Venetian Hotel. The Wynn hotel’s forty-two floors contain two thousand seven hundred sixteen rooms. The Wynn and adjacent Wynn Resort Encore combined have a total of 4,750 rooms.
Industry insider Steve Wynn built both the Wynn and the Wynn Encore. An American business magnate, he played a key role in the 1990s resurgence of the Las Vegas Strip. His companies refurbished or built many of the most celebrated resorts in Las Vegas, including the Golden Nugget, the Mirage, Treasure Island, and the Bellagio. With the only golf course attached to a resort on the Las Vegas strip, The
92 • Resident July 2015
By Norah Bradford Wynn Golf Club is an 18-hole par 70 course is easily accessible for all hotel guests. The course, designed by Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn, features rolling hills and water features reminiscent of the elite golf courses of Georgia and South Carolina. If a guest is unable to bring their clubs or golf spikes with them to Las Vegas, the club provides complimentary Callaway clubs and Footjoy shoes as well as a caddy to help navigate the course. Wynn offers an array of incredible dining op-
tions. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, bars and lounges, casual dining, or even vegan dining, Wynn offers something amazing for everyone. Most notably, the Wynn Las Vegas includes Wing Lei, the only Chinese restaurant in North America to have ever received the distinction of a Michelin star. Along with its impressive golf facilities and dining options, The Wynn Las Vegas’s complex also has extraordinary shops, spas, salons, fitness centers and pools. Whatever your relaxation style, Wynn and Encore offer dazzling opportunities to do what you like most. The impressive sixty one thousand foot Spa at Encore offers an extensive menu of treatments including the Thai Oil Fusion Massage, FourHand Massage, and the signature Encore Escape Massage. With many distinctive shops, the Esplanades at Wynn and Encore put the world’s most renowned designers within convenient reach. From Chloe to two Chanel boutiques to Louis Vuitton, incredible shopping awaits Esplanades visitors. For more information: wynnlasvegas.com
resident.com • June 2015 • Vol.28, N0.06
Fogo Island Inn T
By By Norah Norah Bradford Bradford
ogo Island, Island, Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada, Canada, ogo an an island, off theoffradar isis an an island islandoffoff island, the and offand theoff edge one of of one the four corners radar theofedge of the four of the Earth. Island is a contemcorners of theFogo Earth. FogoInnIsland Inn is a porary structure structure utilizing outport architecture contemporary utilizing outport throughout every one of its 29 suites, architecture that embodies every onewhere of its floor-to-ceiling windows open onto windows the wild29 suites where floor-to-ceiling est andonto mostthe powerful the powerful planet. open wildestocean and on most ocean on the planet. Built on the principles Built on the principles of sustainability of sustainability and respect for nature and respect for and culture,Inn the belongs awardculture, thenature award-winning winning Inn belongs All to the community. to the community. earnings from All its earnings from operationinare in operation are its reinvested thereinvested community the community through theFoundation Shorefast Founthrough the Shorefast - a dation, a registered Canadian estabregistered Canadian charitycharity established lished in 2003. Shorefast a new model in 2003. Shorefast uses uses a new model for for economic culturalresilience resilience based economic andandcultural on social and and supporting local econoon socialcapital capital supporting local mies to helptosecure long-lasting resilience economies help asecure a long-lasting for Fogo Island. resilience for Fogo Island.
emerged the island, designed alongside uniquely alongsideon uniquely artists’ designed artists’ studiosprograms. and residency prostudios and residency The Inn’s grams. The Inn’s architecture is bold, optimisarchitecture is bold, optimistic and distinctly tic, suites “of and this distinctly place.” “of All this the place.” suites All arethe unique, are and every of furandunique, every textile andtextile pieceand of piece furniture is niture is handcrafted and made locally —from handcrafted and made locally - from the the quilts to the chairsand andwallpaper wallpaper patterns. patterns. quilts to the chairs Natural floors feature in-floor in-floor heating heating Natural wood wood floors and withwith swing-open and floor-to-ceiling floor-to-ceilingwindows windows swingsections offering spectacular viewsviews of the open sections offering spectacular of North Atlantic. the North Atlantic. As Zita Cobb suggests,
The model model was was conceived conceived by Zita Cobb, Cobb, a The former resident resident who who had had achieved achieved success former in the fibre returned to in fibre optics opticsindustry. industry.Cobb Cobb returned herher hometown withwith a deep calling to see the to hometown a deep calling to see community thrive afterafter the collapse of itsofprithe community thrive the collapse its mary economy—the inshore cod cod fishery that primary economy – the inshore fishery had had sustained the island for centuries. that sustained the island for centuries. The Shorefast Foundation is built on three The Shorefast Foundation is built the on three principle elements: fostering arts, principle elements: fostering theprogram arts, estabestablishing a micro?lending to lishingcommunity a micro-lending program to assist assist members in establishing community members and in establishing small businesses, developingsmalla businesses, and developing geotourism ingeotourism industry for the aisland.
power are immensely harmonizing.”
dustry for the island.
Fogo Island Inn is a one-of-a-kind, Fogo Island InnInnis afurnished one-of-a-kind, concontemporary with quiet temporary Designed inn furnishedbywitharchitect quiet luxuries. luxuries. Todd Designed byit architect Todd it emSaunders, embodies theSaunders, new “outport bodies the that new has “outport aesthetic” has aesthetic” emerged on thethat Island
88 • Resident June 2015
“Fogo Island Inn can give one a deep As Zita Cobb suggests, “Fogo Island Inn and can appreciation for the wonder, intimacy give one aofdeep for theIsland; woncharacter the appreciation charismatic Fogo der, intimacy, and the character the clearly, charisthis place where starlightoffalls matic Fogosea Island; this place where the starthe salty air penetrates the soul and light falls blows clearly,from the salty air directions. penetrates the wind all ofsea its 36 the soul, andtothe wind isblows from and all ofvery its Its proximity nature constant 36 directions. Its proximity is conthrilling. The North Atlantictoisnature all around – stant anddepth, very thrilling. Atlanticare is and its weight, The age North and power all around—and its depth, weight, age, and immensely harmonizing.” Among the rooms, there are four suite types
Among rooms, are four suitefeet, categorangingthe from 350there – 1100 square and ries, 350-1100 square feet, and mostranging have afrom wood-burning fireplace stove. most have a wood-burning fireplace. Suites
are inspired by the mysterious and sacredand isSuites are inspired by the mysterious lets, rocks, androcks shoalsand thatshoals lie just to thelie north sacred islets, that just which viewed of from the suite’s to the are north whichfrom are each viewed each windows. All suites feature of the suite’s windows. All custom-made, suites feature organic, natural-fiber kingnatural beds; bathrooms custom-made, organic, fiber king with toiled with seats,heated built intoiled bidetseats, and beds;heated bathrooms heated racks; locally-sourced toiletries; built in towel bidet and heated towel racks; locally Wi-Fi access, iPod Wi-Fi docks, plush iPod robesdocks, and sourced toiletries; access, slippers. plush robes and slippers. As Zita Cobb indicates, “many Cobb indicates, “manypeople people have have worked worked hard hard to to cultivate cultivatethe thespace spacethat thatisisthe the Fogo Fogo Island Island Inn… Inn… aa space space for for imagination, imagination, for inspiration, creativity, and forand meaninspiration,for for creativity for ingful conversations. Although our our Inn Inn is meaningful conversations. Although very contemporary, it keeps community with is very contemporary, it keeps community the centuries of lived experience in thisin withfour the four centuries of lived experience place. The The Inn Inn is aisplace to gather andand a this place. a place to gather place ‘to‘to be’.” a place be’. The InnInn is headed by The culinary culinary team teamatatthethe is headed Chef Murray McDonald, a native Newby Chef Murray McDonald, a native foundlander who who has worked around the Newfoundlander has worked around globe. ChefChef McDonald findsfinds inspiration in the globe. McDonald inspiration the ocean’s bounty, ingredients grown on the in the ocean’s bounty, ingredients grown on island, andand FogoFogo Island’s time-honored outthe island Island’s time-honored port cooking traditions. The InnThe was Inn recently outport cooking traditions. was ranked one ofasthe “Best New recentlyasranked onetopofthree the top 3 “Best Restaurants of Canada” by enRoute MagaNew Restaurants of Canada” by enRoute zine . The relaxed fine dining is focused Magazine. The relaxed finemenu dining menu is on seasonal produce and creatively focused on seasonal produce and expresses creatively each of the each seven seasons of the island. From expresses of the seven seasons of a bounty of fish and bounty crustaceans ditherich Island. From a rich of fishto and verse harveststo of diverse berries and mushrooms, the crustaceans harvests of berries culinary team proudly uses the team produce harand mushrooms, the culinary proudly vested from the land of their 400 year uses the produce harvested frommillion the land of old theirhome. 400 million year old home. For For more moreinformation: Information: fogoislandinn.ca fogoislandinn.ca
resident.com • May 2015 • Vol.28, N0.05
A Name To Know: Mehdi Eftekari joins Four Seasons Hotel New York as General Manager By Norah Bradford ew York City is fast paced and ever-changing. We all need to know the ‘who’ behind the ‘where’. Four Seasons Hotel New York is one of those iconic institutions with a new ‘who’ – General Manager Mehdi Eftekari, succeeding Christoph Schmidinger who can now be found at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong as General Manager. Mehdi, is already very well know to all those who are part of the Los Angeles awards season circuit. A 36 year veteran of the hotel business Mehdi was General Manager of the Los Angeles Four Seasons for a decade from 2004. Trusted by his team, beloved by celebrities, CEO’s and Presidents Mehdi is the perfect choice to helm the Four Seasons operation in the fastpaced milieu that is New York. “I always told myself if I ever left California it would be for New York City” says Eftekari, “When the opportunity presented itself, I raised my hand.” Good news for New York. The Hotel which Mehdi is now leading
84 • Resident May 2015
N
has also made a number of changes recently to reposition itself to be ahead of competitors in the coming years. The hotel recently launched FIFTY7, a unique 3,200 square foot event space occupying the former bar and overlooking 58th Street with capacity for some 200 guests. Ty Warner, global visionary and the hotel’s owner along with designer Pierre-Yves Rochon brought to life the original vision of IM Pei. The 21 foot high antique bronze patina glass structure at the entrance pays homage to IM Pei’s world famous pyramid structure located at the Louvre in Paris. In addition make time to visit “New York City’s living room” as buzz-makers are already talking of the Ty Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York. It will likely be your address this 2015 for where power-brokers meet cocktails! Four Seasons Hotel New York 57 East 57th St NY, NY 10022 212.758.5700 fourseasons.com/newyork
Photo courtesy: Wickaninnish Inn
Wickaninnish Inn: Rustic Elegance On Nature’s Edge By Norah Bradford
he iconic Wickaninnish Inn, perched on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island near the picturesque town of Tofino, is a year-round destination exemplifying “rustic elegance on nature’s edge.” A Relais & Châteaux member property since 1997, the Inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family of Tofino, and is exclusively located on beautiful Chesterman Beach. Surrounded by ocean with an old growth forest as a backdrop, the Wickaninnish Inn offers panoramic views of the open Pacific, nearby islands and the natural sweep of Chesterman Beach. Each one of the 75 oceanfront guest rooms and suites is designed to AAA/CAA Five Diamond standards, welcoming guests with a beach or ocean viewscape, gas fireplace, soaker tub, local art, and an individual balcony. The Wickaninnish Inn is home to The Pointe Restaurant, boasting 240-degree Pacific Ocean views and an innovative culinary program. Chef Warren Barr and his team showcase coastal seafood and local ingredients. The Pointe Restaurant
88 • Resident May 2015
prides itself on featuring an extensive selection of BC and Pacific Northwest wines. Nestled into the Ocean level of the Pointe building, the award winning Ancient Cedars Spa is sheltered by forest fringe, adjacent to the wave-dashed rocks looking out to the open Pacific. Indulge in the tranquility of the Ancient Cedars Spa with treatments ranging from signature experiences incorporating indigenous ingredients, massage, esthetics or a calming yoga session. The emphasis is on relaxation and rejuvenation – on nature’s edge.
The Inn is just north of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, within the pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Clayoquot Sound. Tofino’s natural setting is rich with opportunities for outdoor activity, ranging from soft adventure to athletic challenges. The diversity of wildlife can be seen on excursions for whale watching, bear watching and birding or even on a sea kayaking or stand up paddle tour. Inshore and offshore fishing can yield the thrill of the fight or catch, while moderate to expert level nature trails abound in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and beyond. Tofino is Canada’s surfing capital, where this sport is a way of life and can be learned with one of the local surf schools. Beachcombing is a popular year-round pastime on the various local expanses of sandy beaches. Clayoquot sound’s biodiversity also serves as an inspiration for a vibrant art community, whose creations can be seen throughout the Inn as well as in various local galleries and workshops. For more information: wickinn.com
The World’s Most Dazzling Luxury Resort Complex By Norah Bradford
ynn Las Vegas, a sixty four acre resort in Las Vegas, is known for luxury and distinctiveness in all the small details that make guests’ stays memorable. It is among the world’s most luxurious resorts. Built on the site of the Desert Inn (where Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cher, Barry Manilow and many other major stars of the last fifty years performed), this 2.7 billion dollar resort was constructed next to the Palazzo and the Venetian Hotel. The Wynn hotel’s forty-two floors contain two thousand seven hundred sixteen rooms. The Wynn and adjacent Wynn Resort Encore combined have a total of 4,750 rooms. Industry insider Steve Wynn built both the Wynn and the Wynn Encore. An American business magnate, he played a key role in the 1990s resurgence of the Las Vegas Strip. His companies refurbished or built many of the most celebrated resorts in Las Vegas, including the Golden Nugget, the Mirage, Treasure Island, and the Bellagio. Accolades given to the Wynn and Encore include more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards than any other independent hotel chain in the world today. The Tower Suites at both Wynn and Encore, and The Spas at Wynn and Encore most recently received the Forbes Five-Star Award. Wynn offers an array of incredible dining options. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, bars and lounges, casual dining, or even vegan dining, Wynn offers something amazing for everyone. Ten 90 • Resident May 2015
fine dining restaurants, eight casual dining restaurants, plus eleven bars and lounges provide a tasty variety of choices. Amongst those, Wing Lei, the haute Chinese restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas, is the only Chinese restaurant in North America to have ever received the distinction of a Michelin star. With its century-old pomegranate trees, and two private rooms, Wynn’s Chinese restaurant, Wing Lei, embodies luxury and elegance. Designer Roger Thomas has created a restaurant interior with a unique ambience that exquisitely complements executive chef Xian Ming Yu’s creations. Known as one of Las Vegas’s most upscale and innovative restaurants, Wing Lei is a must-visit location for any visitor to Vegas and especially for hard-core foodies. Two tasting menus are available at Wing Lei, and a Peking duck dinner is also available. Executive chef Ming Yu creates cuisine
that is at once surprising and familiar, like dinner entrée wok-fried duck in black bean sauce. Alaskan King Crab Salad is another crowd-pleaser: with miso-yuzu dressing, mango, and avocado, it’s a gastronomic experience guests won’t soon forget. Other menu gems include Sichuan chili prawns, walnut prawns, wok-tossed scallops and wok-fried Maine lobster. Wing Lei’s sweet & sour pork, Mapo tofu, Cantonese chow mein, hand-pulled wok-tossed noddle , and Yang Chow fried rice are delicious as well. Ready to relax and rejuvenate, Vegas-style? Head to the Spa at Encore, designed by Todd-Avery Lenahan of ABA Design. The Spa at Encore features thirty-seven treatment rooms, including fourteen naturally-lit garden suites and four oversized couples’ suites for massage, body treatments, and facials. The spa also features a complete gym with two fitness movement studios which offer spinning, yoga, pilates, conditioning, and mediation classes. Personal training services are available on the gym floor, and several full-time fitness instructors are available for group classes or private instruction. The Spa includes separate women’s and men’s facilities with showers, steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunges and experience showers. Lockers with spa robes, slippers, and hair and body care amenities are also provided at the Claude BARUK Salon at Encore. For more information: wynnlasvegas.com
The Ultimate Luxury Travel Experience At Sea
S
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.
86 • Resident May 2015
By Norah Bradford
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 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 allinclusive 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, 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: silversea.com
resident.com • April 2015 • Vol.28, N0.04
COUNTRY
BANK KEEPING IT LOCAL
The New York Business Issue
A Hollywood Classic T
he Beverly Hilton is a perfect blend of the excitement of Hollywood coupled with the exclusivity and prestige of Beverly Hills. Opened in 1955 by the famed hotelier Conrad Hilton, the hotel is nestled in a location both instantly convenient and iconic at the crossroads of the Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. The Beverly Hilton features 569 guest rooms, including 101 suites with panoramic city views and comfortable, stylish indoor-outdoor living spaces, as well as nine Penthouse Collection luxury suites. Accommodation options include Penthouse Collection luxury suites, Wilshire Tower executive suites, Cabana Rooms and Oasis Rooms. The hotel’s celebrated Aqua Star PoolBeverly Hills’ largest pool- is sure to be a glamorous, relaxing and fun part of your stay. The adjacent Aqua Star BABOR Beauty Spa is the perfect place to get redcarpet ready or simply unwind and rejuvenate. The hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring Precor equipment, is the ideal place to maintain your fitness regimen and keep up with the West Coast’s emphasis on the ‘body beautiful’. For guests needing additional motivation one-on-one personal training sessions are available. Tempting dining options abound at The Beverly Hilton. At the Circa 55 restau-
76 • Resident April 2015
By Norah Bradford
rant, you can dine poolside on locally-sourced cuisine. Named for the year in which the hotel was founded, the sweeping glass walls and chic décor lend the restaurant a glamour that perfectly complements its cuisine. The menu features reinterpretations of California classics and emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Trader Vic’s Lounge, a longtime Hollywood staple, offers a buzzing nightlife scene with a Polynesian theme. Island-themed appetizers and an eclectic beverage menu including over seventy-five exotic drinks have made Trader Vic’s a Beverly Hills must-visit. Trader Vic himself invented the Mai Tai, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than at this bar and lounge.
The hotel could be mistaken as being the headquarters of the Entertainment industry’s annual award season: The International Ballroom hosts the annual Golden Globe Awards Show, which has been held at The Beverly Hilton for over fifty years in early January. The headline industry act in February at The Beverly Hilton is Clive Davis’s annual Pre-Grammy Awards Gala which bringing together the best talent in the music world to perform privately for a select audience. Ahead of the March Academy Awards, the Oscar Nominee Luncheon, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ board of governors, is a further annual fixture at The Beverly Hilton. At the 2014 luncheon, actors and actresses such as Sandra Bullock, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep left with gift bags that included sweatshirts emblazoned with the playful phrase “Oscar Nominee” in acknowledgment of their recognition. In addition, the BATFA LA Britannia Awards in November each year. At the 2013 BAFTA LA Britannia Awards, celebrity guests included the likes of Julia Roberts, Salma Hayek, and Sigourney Weaver. The Academy Award Nominees Luncheon and the Hollywood Awards are both held at The Beverly Hilton. For more information: beverlyhilton.com
Riviera South Beach
B
lending classic sophistication with contemporary style, the Riviera South Beach Luxe Hotel Suites offers one-bedroom apartment-like arrangements at reasonable hotel room prices. Originally a mod 1940s building, the boutique hotel is located just steps away from Collins Avenue. Guests can indulge in the luxurious amenities South Beach has to offer including boutiques, restaurants and high-energy nightlife. The suites at Riviera South Beach truly make guests feel as if they are home with gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, separate living and dining areas and hardwood floors throughout. The 52 suites pay respect to the influences of Dorothy Draper, a 20th century decorator well-known for her lavish aesthetic and over the top flourishes. Gold tones and royal blue accents adorn the suite accompanied by floor-to-ceiling silk drapes and chiffon fabrics. Riviera South Beach ensures the most comfortable stay with custom pillow top beds made from 100% organic cotton and ivory tufted leather furniture. The technology at Riviera South Beach matches the comfort with two plasma screen televisions and wireless internet in
78 • Resident April 2015
By Norah Bradford
each room. Although the hotel makes guests feel at home, it provides amenities one could hope for everyday. Personal chefs and grocery delivery service are both available meet the most exacting gastronomic needs to guests. Complimentary continental breakfast is provided to guests poolside daily as well as complimentary cocktails served at the Catalina Beach Club nightly from 7-8 p.m.
Riviera South Beach second addition is an art deco building on the beach. Housing studio apartments, the sister hotel does not lack the luxury the original provides. Studio apartments have the latest Tempur-PedicÂŽmattresses donned with white linens and bright orange accents. The space is technologically-savvy with up-to-date entertainment systems complete with a wall-mounted plasma television.
The pool is located in an exclusive courtyard surrounded by cushioned beach chairs and private cabanas. White sand beaches are just steps away and Riviera South Beach provides complimentary beach access and chairs.
The staff at the Riviera South Beach is devoted to providing visitors with a home away from home while also experiencing all Miami Beach has to offer. From the beginning of your stay, complimentary transit from Miami International Airport is available directly to Riviera South Beach. During the stay, the concierge can arrange ways for guests to get around including scooters, bicycle rentals and Roam Rides. Roam Rides is a new type of tour designed for each guest to feel like they are spending time with a friend who knows the sights rather than an ordinary sightseeing trip. Explore different neighborhoods like a commune in Little Haiti or world class street art on old warehouses to get a taste of the authentic South Beach. For more information: rivierahotelsouthbeach.com
The AC Hotel Ambassadeur Antibes – Juan Les Pins T
he AC Hotel Ambassadeur Antibes in Juan Les Pins is among the top luxury hotels on the French Riviera. Ideal for family vacations and business travelers alike, Hotel Ambassadeur provides guests with a four star experience through comfortable rooms, appetizing dining options and a central location to all the French sightseeing highlights. With 221 guestrooms including 25 suites, Hotel Ambassadeur offers the best accommodations for all visitors. All guestrooms feature a tiled floor balcony with a table and chairs to enjoy the views of the Juan Les Pins town and the beautiful sea. The guestrooms have all the finest linens and stylish décor inspired by the tranquil French Riviera backdrop. Guests can relax in their rooms with flatscreen televisions or take a swim in one of the hotel’s two pools. Depending on the season, one large outside pool and one intimate indoor pool are available for visitor’s pleasure as well as a private beach only two blocks from the hotel. Hotel Ambassadeur has four distinctly different dining options. BLU Jazz Lounge is the best place to stop for cocktails at this piano bar. Live music changes with every season while bartenders mix unique specialty drinks. Guests can spend a memorable evening on the town right outside their guestroom. For international cuisine, Le Cézanne & Terrace is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A lo-
88 • Resident April 2015
W.A. Muller By By Norah Bradford
cal favorite for its beautiful décor, Le Cézanne & Terrace also offers stunning views of the French Riviera. For a more casual meal, Les Palmiers Grill is open seasonally and served pool-side to guests soaking up the sun. Or, just five minutes from the hotel, Les Ambassadeurs beach restaurant is situated on the hotel’s private beach serving French cuisine for lunch. Located in the historic heart of Juan Les Pins, there is an immense amount of activities and sights to partake in. Explore the arts at the Picasso Museum at Chateau Grimaldi or The Napoleon Museum and Art Gallery to see
the historic artwork France has to offer. Premier golf clubs such as Mandelieu Old Golf Course and Cannes Mandelieu Riviera are just fifteen minutes away. Families have access to theme and water parks such as Azurland and Aquasplash that are sure to excite members of all ages. Staying at Hotel Ambassadeur allows guests to be immersed in the center of Juan Les Pins, where they have restaurants, spas and shops available right outside their door. For the business travelers, Hotel Ambassadeur has 19 conference rooms that make up the Juan Les Pins convention center that can seat up to 200 guests. For a smaller meeting space, there are 13 breakout rooms available as well as the Atrium foyer. The Atrium lets in beautiful natural light and is ideal for a cocktail party. Just because guests may be out of the office does not mean they do not have access through the hotel’s business center. Copiers, faxes and printers are all available as well as internet access. The AC Hotel Ambassadeur Antibes allows visitors to engross themselves into the French Riviera. Whether traveling during the holidays or for a corporate function, Hotel Ambassadeur can provide a luxurious stay for anyone. For more information: marriott.com/hotels/travel/jlpar-ac-hotel-ambassadeur-antibes-juan-les-pins
Boca Raton Resort & Club: The Epitome of Elegance E
xuding both timeless elegance and modern sophistication, Boca Raton Resort & Club is the perfect place for a charming seaside getaway in Florida. The discreet and attentive service guests enjoy at this exclusive resort, which is part of the Waldorf Astoria resort group, has made the resort a favorite among those in the know alongside the group’s other resort property, Boulders near Scottsdale, Arizona. Boca Raton Resort & Club offers five types of accommodations, each with its own unique architectural inflection and overall feel. A range of rooms and suites provide the perfect accommodation options for every type of trip and length of stay. The Resort & Club’s award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Decorated with soaring arches and detailed mosaics and over fifty thousand square feet in size, the spa provides the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The spa was inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace, and it is a truly stunning place to enjoy luxurious signature treatments such as the Ritual Bath. State-of-the-art fitness centers located at The Cloister and the Boca Beach Club provide a gorgeous space for guests to maintain their fitness regimes, and a variety of aerobics, specialized exercise classes, personalized training services and fitness assessments
80 • Resident April 2015
By Norah Bradford
are available. An array of swimming pools provides ideal spaces for lap swimming or relaxation. Boca Raton Resort & Club guests have many activities to choose from; opportunities for recreation abound. A renowned tennis academy and two fabulous eighteen-hole golf courses, the Resort Course and the Country Club Course, will delight guests who enjoy tennis and golf. Thirty clay tennis courts and expert instruction by the Blackman Tennis Academy make the Resort & Club the perfect place to tune up your backhand. Jet-skiing and parasailing are available as well. Explore the waves in a kayak or jet ski. The Surf School provides lessons for aspiring surfers of all ages and is sure to be a highlight of your stay. Or spend the day snorkeling, boating, fishing, or
scuba diving: the choice is yours. A two-hour Intracoastal Waterway cruise or a sail on a fifty-five-foot catamaran yacht offer even more ways to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Boca Raton. A short trip aboard the Mizner’s Dream shuttle boat transports guests to Boca Beach Club and its half mile of gorgeous private beach. A variety of outstanding dining options await you at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. 501 East offers a terrific array of specialty dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Popular American favorites and one of the best burgers in Boca Raton are complemented by panoramic views of the golf course. The Blue, a sophisticated and contemporary fine dining restaurant, serves New American fare dreamed up by Executive Chef Christie Tenaud. Signature dishes include Char Grilled Octopus and Mussels a la Plancha. Morimoto Sushi Bar is the perfect place to go for internationally acclaimed Japanese cuisine. At Lucca, inventive Tuscan cuisine and spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway come together for an amazing dining experience. Lucca’s signature dishes include Salmon Agro Dolce and Veal Scallopine Marsala. Bar Luna, the Palm Court, and Serendipity offer additional dining and bar options. For more information: bocaresort.com
Scottsdale’s all season Four Seasons Resort at Troon North By Norah Bradford
cottsdale, Arizona offers an alternative, great respite form the bitter winters of recent years to hit the United States. The kind climatic conditions in the winter coupled with the golf, spa and increasing dining scenes make a visit a change from the often more familiar visit to Florida. In terms of hotels, there are many though few which offer an all-round mix of quality in terms of accommodation, dining, spa and golf. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North should be right at the top of your list for four reasons – one for each season of the year; Accommodation: The resort has some 210 guest rooms including some 22 luxury suites and some 25 adobe casitas. All the luxury suites have experienced recent renovation and amongst the features include new rugs, upholstery, sleeper sofas and the new “Signature Sleep by Four Seasons” customized bed offering an even more restful night. Dining: Three restaurants – Talavera, Proof and Seguaro Blossom plus the Onyx Bar & Lounge can cater to just about
104 • Resident March 2015
J
every authentic taste of local and classic cuisine. Talavera offers a unique perspective on the Steakhouse with prime cuts from local purveyors. Proof offers a continent-wide road trip in just one location offering classic American diner cuisine. Saguaro Blossom specializes in light poolside fare - try their seafood cobb salad. Onyx Bar & Lounge offers drinks and small plates against the backdrop of the colouful palette of the Sonoran sunset behind Pinnacle Peak.
Spa: By the numbers – 14 treatment rooms, 10 different types of massage, no less than eight combinations of facials, 5 signature treatments. Ladies – why not try the Pinnacle facial. A decadent experience indulging both the face and the body. An intensely stimulating facial that uses the anti-inflammatory properties of gold brings radiance to the complexion, while the body is treated to a gold-infused sugar scrub and shimmer oil. For Gentlemen the Golfer’s massage - a unique therapeutic massage using warmed golf balls and stretching techniques to knead tight muscles and ease golf-related stiffness. Golf: Troon North manage a spectacular desert golfing experience with two, eighteen hole courses – Pinnacle and Monument. The upkeep of the course is first class and the club facilities, not to mention the staff are outstanding. Best of all – the course is a few minutes from your hotel room. For more information: fourseasons.com/scottsdale
Hotel de Sers: Your 5 star pied-a-terre for a visit to Paris Fashion Week By Norah Bradford
aris fashion week is imminent this March 4th-11th 2015 and the Capital will be awash with designers, their latest collections, models, media and not to mention Parisians themselves. The timing of the event really makes it a mental turning point from winter into a first hint of spring. One of the challenges with Paris fashion week as one of the ‘big-4’ shows in the calendar is identifying the right accommodations – somewhere chic, good location, quality services and dare one say je ne sais quoi ? The Hotel de Sers serves exactly this mix in the right quantity that will leave you wanting more. The location could not be better close to the Champs Elysee and literally footsteps from the iconic George V Hotel. All the rooms have a very contemporary, fashion forward boutique feel. Bathrooms are designed with luxurious quantities of Italian marble. Technological flourishes such as flat screen televisions and iPod docking stations. 96 • Resident March 2015
P
The Panoramic Suites of Hotel De Sers offer a theatrical panorama of Paris’ finest monuments. Cast your eyes over the city of light from Sacré Cœur to the Eiffel Tower and feel like you have been transported to a movie set with you as the star. An aperitif at the S’ Bar, a few steps away from the Champs Elysées offers an intimate decor interesting libations, try for example ‘The Besse Signature’ from a wideranging cocktail menu, a subtle blend of Champagne, violet syrup and crystallised violets, against a background of jazz music.
Pearl-coloured tables and deep armchairs surround the Carrara marble bar with a mirror changing color from second to second adding to the aura of a magical atmosphere. Dining at the De Sers Restaurant is an ideal meeting place and people watching venue for catching glimpses of personalities from the fashion and art worlds. Chef Jordan Delamotte and his kitchen produce a cuisine based on seasonal biological products carefully chosen directly from French producers. On Sunday’s the restaurant hosts a 100% organic brunch which has a following with both guests and visitors. The Hotel De Sers also cares for your wellbeing with a fitness room, sauna / hammam and a variety of beauty and massage treatments which can be delivered to your room. Wireless access is also complimentary which is something always a’la mode... For more information: hoteldesers-paris.com
Going Underground at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park By Norah Bradford
ondon’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a luxury hotel in London’s exclusive Knightsbridge neighborhood overlooking Hyde Park. Widely renowned as not only one of London’s though also the world’s most celebrated hotels, it features world-class accommodations, extremely knowledgeable concierge staff, and extraordinary dining. Hidden from view behind and underneath the classic façade of the establishment and following an extensive excavation plus renovation lies the new Fitness center and swimming pool. The facilities have a cutting edge design blending chic materials into a subtly powerful visualization of what an ideal luxury gym and swimming pool should look like. To see it gives you the feeling that the facility is to fitness what a power-breakfast haunt is to business moguls. The underground heated twin lane pool has a lap timer feature that will delight fitness enthusiasts. This
94 • Resident March 2015
L
feature enables swimmers to select a target speed that they wish to swim to and then try to keep up with the pacer light that runs the length of the pool embedded along the bottom of the pool.
The twenty four hours a day gym is equipped with the latest fitness and entertainment technology by Technogym including treadmills, cross trainers, bicycles and a rowing machine. However, one of the key criteria for a stand-out exercise facility is the quality of the available instruction. Ruben Tabares has brought a hand-picked team of professionals who have an impressive record using unorthodox techniques to achieve fast results to enable people achieve their fitness goals. So alongside dining by Daniel Boulud and Heston Blumenthal the London Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has another five star string to its bow and yet another reason to not put off a stay in the near future. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park promises a stay that will delight and refresh visitors who seek the ultimate in comfortable and elegant accommodations in the heart of London. For more information: mandarinoriental.com
Golfing meets gastronomic pleasure at The Phoenician Resort By Norah Bradford
he Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona today has its roots in a late 1980s venture by Charles Keating, whose vision was to create a luxury resort at the base of Camelback Mountain, l a site that was originally home to one of the first hotels in the area, constructed in the early 1900s. The resort has won numerous awards and in particular high esteem is held for the golf operations, which has been ranked amongst the “Top 75 Golf Resorts in America” by Golf Digest publication. In addition, the Phoenician Golf courses have been named “North America’s Leading Golf Resort” by the World Travel Awards. The 27-hole Championship golf facilities comprise three, 9-hole courses created by course designers Ted Robinson, Sr. and Arthur Jack Snyder (later reworked by Homer Flint), and managed by Troon Golf. Designer Ted Robinson, Sr.’s work can be evidenced most clearly as the famed “King of waterscapes” in some of the hole designs on the Oasis course. The Canyon course has players traverse
98 • Resident March 2015
T
the lower level of the mountain, bringing elevation into play. The desert nine plays as a classic Scottsdale experience. Other interesting features of the golf experience at The Phoenician include bluetooth enabled remote control follow Stewart XIX carts for moving golf clubs
about, Callaway rental club availability and 27,000 square feet of practice area. However all this golf can work up an appetite for which Relish Burger Bistro is well placed to serve. A dining destination in its own right, the bistro offers classic American fare with one of the largest collections of Tequila in Arizona. The menu includes a variety of no less than twelve signature gourmet burgers, all also offering a “Knife & Fork” bun-less option, complemented by select garnishes. Try for example, the Cowboy Burger, with grilled Kobe beef, fried onion rings, bacon rashers, jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese and house-made steak sauce; or the Classic “You-Build-It” Kobe Burger, with a choice of two toppings, from fried egg to chili verde. All this golfing activity coupled with the gastronomic delights of dining makes the next logical step booking a stay to enjoy a respite from the east coast weather. For more information: thephoenician.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester offers guests a taste of two worlds By Norah Bradford
ust about every journey within New York by taxicab or subway takes at least half an hour. Situated only 30 minutes from New York City is a five star luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, which is among the top-50 wealthiest counties in the United States. A stay at this establishment offers you easy access to the metropolis to the south or alternatively turn north into the gentrified Hudson Valley and follow some of the historical trails, antiquing and the spectacular scenery. Alternatively you can point yourself North-Westwards to the hipster communities rehabilitating the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock, the Upper Delaware Water Gap and Bethel Woods. Some 146 guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, include 38 suites of three different kinds. Dining options include an award-winning BLT Steak on property and lighter fare served in The Lounge. In addition, in-room dining is an experience to be treasured as Chef Kennardo Holder oversees the quality and consistency of the dining experience at The Ritz Carlton, Westchester with considerable aplomb. He began his career in 2000 at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Golf & Spa in Jamaica as Chef De Partie then The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel
110 • Resident March 2015
J
as a Sous Chef, The Abaco Club, a RitzCarlton managed club in The Bahamas as Chef De Cuisine. Holder is a member of the American Culinary Federation, the Bahrain Red Crescent and the Chef Congress of America. He received Middle East Magazine’s “True Human Asset” award in 2005. With his many years of experience and his unparalleled talent, he is sure to bring only the finest cuisine and beautifully executed culinary masterpieces to The RitzCarlton, Westchester. A 10,000 square foot spa complex, the largest currently in Westchester County offers an amazing array of treatments in state-of-the-art facilities. Some eleven treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, and healing hydrotherapy facilities highlighted by a Vichy rain room and an opulent Japanese soaking tub. The expansive complex also features a rooftop indoor swimming pool with skyline views of the town and southwards towards Manhattan. The spa facilities are open not just to guests, but anyone appreciative of high quality relaxation. If too busy to stay, why not try a one-day spa experience? For more information: ritzcarlton.com/en/ Properties/Westchester
Culina Modern Italian Celebrates 5Th Anniversary Four Seasons long By Norah Bradford
estled within the iconic Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills hotel is a reclusive star whose fan base continues to grow and for whom time has seen a continual improvement. This is not an actor or actress but rather the restaurant Culina, Modern Italian which is celebrating this year its fifth anniversary. A hotel with the reputation for attracting mega-watt superstars regularly at which is informally known as the headquarters for the Awards season, requires an equally captivating dining establishment which Culina, Modern Italian delivers. Under Executive chef Mette Williams, winner of the television competition Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell on Food Network, her team continually craft exquisite dishes focused on the culinary stage where classic and modern Italian cuisine meet. Boasting LA’s only crudo bar, Culina Modern Italian has garnered
108 • Resident March 2015
N
a series of well-deserved accolades from food and wine publications Zagat & Wine Enthusiast to its entertainment vibe courtesy of Equire & The Hollywood Reporter. The restaurant space has both an indoor as
well as an outdoor space, the latter boasts dining in the midst of a mediterranean garden. The interior design emphasizes warmth, intimacy and chic lines of furnishing coupled with interesting materials which blend invisibly into the background though are always present. Culina Modern Italian maintains service throughout the day with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus. One of the recent additions to the menu, in keeping with the focus on fresh local ingredients is SQUEEZED – a menu of some 20 fruits and vegetables which can be turned into a juice drink to enjoy with, or as breakfast alone. For dinner try the signature Lombatina Capricciosa (or breaded veal chop). This delicious entree is coated with ciabatta crumbs and lightly crisped, then finsihed with a simple salad of tomatoes, wild arugula, vinaigrette and Parmigiano Reggiano. For more information: culinarestaurant.com fourseasons.com/losangeles
August 2015
25A magazine
Gold Coast Luxury Magazine
25Amagazine.com
downtown girl AUGUST 2015 | Vol. 4 issue 6
alexa ray
The Arts Issue
JoEl
Art | Design | Fashion | Features | Food | Health | Luxury | Profiles | Auto | Shopping | Travel
jetset
25A
THE RITZ-CARLTON, WESTCHESTER
OFFERS THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND STAYCATION GETAWAY
A
By Norah Bradford
life in New York City can be fast-paced and hectic, sometimes requiring a getaway of rest and relaxation. Imagine a spa vacation at a five-star hotel reachable faster than a New York minute? It is a reality at The Ritz Carlton, Westchester, which is just a half an hour outside New York City. A 10,000 square foot spa complex, the largest currently in Westchester County, offers an amazing array of treatments in state-of-the-art facilities. On the property, there are eleven treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, and healing hydrotherapy facilities highlighted by a Vichy rain room and an opulent Japanese soaking tub. The expansive complex also features a rooftop indoor swimming pool with skyline views of the town and southwards towards Manhattan. For those looking for a long day of rest and relaxation, the spa offers packages for hours of pampering. The spa’s signature package includes a 60 minute Swedish massage technique utilizing in light to medium pressure customized to the client’s liking, a signature organic facial and a 60 minute spa pedicure. If that is not enough, its Westchester Getaway package offers up a four and a half hour long full-day experience including a manicure, pedicure, a blowout, facial and one of its season therapies leaving you feeling fully rejuvenated from head to toe. The spa facilities are open not just to guests, but anyone appreciative of high quality relaxation.
96 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com
After your day at the spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, offers multiple dining options including the award-winning BLT Steak and 42 the Restaurant. BLT Steak boasts an extensive wine list offering old and new world wines, for the wine connoisseur along with a short-list for ease and convenience. Hotel guests or those just doing a day-long getaway can enjoy some of the restaurant’s signature dishes including the ultra-decadent Waygu beef ribeye steak paired with its renowned grilled asparagus or hash browns. Located on the 42nd floor of the The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, 42 the Restaurant is an intimate dining experience offering breathtaking views of New York City. Chef Anthony Goncalves and team celebrate the expressive artistry of food and the bold flavors of Portugal and the Mediterranean all while incorporating locally sourced ingredients of the Hudson Valley. For those looking to spend the night, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester has 146 guest rooms including 38 suites of different varieties. Along with the spa and BLT Steak, the hotel is close to the Hudson Valley, which has a variety of historical trails and antiquing opportunities while soaking up the beautiful scenery. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Westchester/Default.htm