SPECIALTY SKI
The last few years have seen a huge upsurge in immersion ski and snowboard camps offering rapid and significant improvement. Many of the best are truly unisex and for all abilities, such as the luxurious Technique Weeks at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe (www.laketahoe.hyatt.com) and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (www.beavercreek.hyatt.com). Others are open to all, but tend to attract the testosterone-driven, such as Jackson Hole’s classic Steep and Deep Camps for experts (alpine, telemark, and snowboard camps; www.jacksonhole.com) and All Mountain Ski Pros
Xteam Advanced Ski Clinics (www.allmountainskipros.com). Countering this, the latest trend is a rash of women-only camps for all disciplines, aiming to teach in a more collegial atmosphere. Check out Breckenridge’s Women’s Ski Camps and its Roxy Snowboard Camps (www.breckenridge.com) or Jackson Hole’s array of women-only ski, snowboard, and telemark camps. For the adventurous, Canadian Mountain Holidays, the world’s largest heli-skiing operator, has introduced Women’s Heli-skiing Weeks for both first-timers and veterans (www.canadianmountainholidays.com). — Larry Olmstead
Warm Up
to an American
We asked mixologist Sean Bigley, barchef at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, to create a warm winter drink for our readers. We think you’ll want to sip Caffe American all season.
— LORI STACY
Caffe American
1 oz. Godiva Original Chocolate Liqueur
¾ oz. Navan vanilla liqueur
½ oz. Grand Marnier orange liqueur
5 oz. Freshly brewed strong coffee
Freshly whipped cream
Oro Fino 23k Edible Gold Sprinkles
Pirouline wafer cookie
In a coffee mug, combine Godiva, Navan, and Grand Marnier. Fill with hot coffee. Top with freshly whipped cream. Top with gold sprinkles and insert a Pirouline wafer cookie.
By Royal Decree
Due to its extreme warmth, softness, and rarity, royal baby alpaca fiber was once reserved exclusively for the nobility of Peru’s Inca dynasty, hence the name. The rare fiber is said to be lighter and silkier than cashmere. Much of the supply is manufactured and distributed by Los Angeles fashion publicist Brian Watson and his partner, Peruvian textile pioneer Enrique Pastor, who recently introduced their WaTSoN & PASTOR collection of royal baby alpaca knitwear to U.S. audiences. Priced from $240 to $350.
(866) 647-1192 — William Kissel
Miura Unmasked
In 1928 the master samurai sword craftsmen of Himeji, Japan, made the country’s first golf irons, since business was trending away from dueling. One craftsman, Katsuhiro Miura, has been quietly producing expert clubs for 48 years, often for pros winning major worldwide tournaments (though the Miura clubs in question bore other name brands under confidentiality agreements). But the word is now out, and Miura Golf has a line of elegant forged irons ready for custom-fitting. The new CB-301 is a progressive cavity back iron with a controlled, soft feel. $1,149 for eight irons 3-PW, P/S. (866) 466-4872, www.miuragolf.com — Thomas Bedell
HUNT FOR GOLF
Talk about hidden gems: The new Highland Course at Primland is a healthy dirt-road ride into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, part of an already well-established hunting and fishing preserve on the 14,000-acre property. It’s worth the hike; golfers can stalk birdies on a scenic Donald Steel-designed course that rewards good play off the tee, while rolling through elevation changes of 1,350 feet. Luxury cabins for golfing buddies will open in the spring, and a 50,000-square-foot lodge and clubhouse in 2008. (276) 251-8002, www.primland.com — T.B.
Winter Swinging
Into every golfer’s life a little rain must fall, and, next to staying dry and warm, the prime concern is an unimpeded swing. The Interface Thermal Windpro Rainshield in long sleeve pullover ($250) or vest ($200) comes from Dunning Golf, created by Ironman competitor Ralph Dunning, thereby keeping performance squarely in mind — to the point of a silent, stretchable material and a fleece inside facing. It’s completely waterproof, but extremely breathable. Ryder Cup rookie Zach Johnson has been sporting the Dunning Golf gear colors lately. (800) 955-6528, www.dunninggolf.com — T.B.
DRINKS AND DESTINATIONS
ABOVE
IT ALL
Fifteen architects have banded together to design a whimsical collection of cottages tucked in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. A favorite of the new Winvian cottages will undoubtedly be the one tucked amongst the tallest branches. A testament to ingenuity, this bi-level treehouse stands 50 feet off the ground and is built within three trees where you can cuddle up with a hot toddy and watch snowflakes drift down from the comfort of your aerial abode. From $1,450 per night.www.winvian.com — Nicole Alper
A Fabulous Fortnight
Crystal Cruise’s 2007 World Cruise Grand Combination Voyage, a two-week trip from Istanbul to London (and the last two segments of its full 109-day World Cruise), lets passengers embrace Mediterranean antiquities and the wonders of Western Europe while edifying themselves with a host of onboard activities and lectures. Who will you rub elbows with on deck? Everyone from CNN’s food and travel anchor Carolyn O’Neil to pro football Hall-of-Famer coach Don Shula. Besides expert lectures, passengers will also take part in the Crystal Wine & Food Festival, which includes big bashes and high-end gifts. Dates for the cruise are April 7 to May 1, 2007. Fares start at $11,200 per person. www.crystalcruises.com — N.A.
They Ardbeg to Differ
Long a favorite of Scotch lovers, Ardbeg, a malt produced on the windswept Scottish island of Islay, was historically used only in whisky blends. Yet the malts from the distillery, many believed, were far superior to other Scottish single malts. Now, members of the Ardbeg cult finally have a single-malt bottling to truly celebrate — and fight over. Glenmorangie purchased the vintage-1815 distillery in 1997, and after years (and millions) were spent restoring the facilities and getting the product up to snuff, Ardbeg is definitely back. There are now three fantastically fiery, peaty, and masculine Ardbeg malts available in the U.S. market: the toffee-laced, smoky Ardbeg Ten Year Old, $55; the rich, creamy — yet spicy — Uigedail, $95; and the peppery and fruity Airigh Nam Beist, $120; all available at fine wine and spirit shops throughout the country. www.ardbeg.com
— Laura Vogel
Home
Good House Keeping
When Frank Carfaro was three years old, his grandfather used to take him to the family’s ironworks factory in Turino, Italy, and show his young protégé the art of fine furniture making.
Now, Carfaro, a talented furniture maker, runs Desiron, offering furniture that often combines age-old iron designs with upholstery and rich wood finishes for a thoroughly modern spin. Carfaro recently opened a 5,000-square-foot store in Los Angeles, in addition to his New York showroom, to feature such signature pieces as his streamlined Arte Console ($2,400), Lo Lounge chair ($1,100), and Darin daybed (pictured, $1,600), the latter earning a place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. (310) 289-1600, www.desiron.com — W.K.
Nature Made
“I wouldn’t call myself an environmentalist, but I’m certainly in love with nature,” says Los An-
geles-based furniture maker-turned-silversmith Martin Pierce, whose new collection of doorknobs, handles, levers, and cabinet pulls assume the shape of lifelike trees, lizards, butterflies, and other organically inspired forms. The pieces are priced from $1,013 for a small pair of lizard handles to $3,833 each for a set of 18-inch bronze lizard pulls. (800) 619-1521, www.martinpierce.com — W.K.
Book Smart
Maxine Snider’s fascination with the timeless architecture of the early 20th century, particularly the Villa Savoy outside of Paris and the Villa Mueller in Prague, is the genesis this season for the Chicago-based furniture maker’s new Modern Villa collection. “Both villas were built in 1929, but the furniture inside them still looks as current and modern as when it was installed,” says the designer. Equally ageless is Snider’s new Bibliothèque (pictured), a streamlined pedestaled repository designed to just as easily hold a collection of leather-bound books as it could a flat screen television. $10,200. (312) 527-4170, www.maxinesniderinc.com — W.K.
DINING
Chef on Call
Chef David Myers, known for his modern French food at SONA, is catering to individual clients looking for an over-the-top indulgence. Myers will roll up his knife bag and come to your home along with his team of kitchen experts. Meals run the gamut and have included dinner for 10 on the beach in Malibu and a re-creation of Sona in a modern home. But be pre-pared to pay for this level of personal service: Meals range from $2,000 for an intimate dinner for two to $100,000 for a party for 150 to 250 guests. (310) 289-4913, www.sonarestaurant.com — N.A.
Hawaiian Holidays
Take a break from heavy, cold-weather cuisine this winter. Whether you’re heading to Hawaii or staying stateside, you can transport your taste buds to the islands at Roy’s. This Hawaiian institution, which now has outposts around the country as well as throughout the Hawaiian islands, has been serving its famous “Hawaiian fusion” cuisine since chef Roy Yamaguchi opened the first Roy’s in Hawaii in 1988. Dishes like Roy’s Classic Roasted Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi and Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish (pictured) will remind you that somewhere out there, the sun is shining and the surf is up. www.roysrestaurant.com — L.S.
Star Dining in L.A
Things are heating up on the restaurant scene in Los Angeles, with three (more)
celebrity-studded hot spots. Hollywood’s Red Pearl Kitchen, the brainchild of restaurateurs Tim and Liza Goodell, is a chic Southeast Asian restaurant with an active bar scene (www.redpearl
kitchen.com). Republic Restaurant + Lounge (pictured), a striking steakhouse with a Southern twist, has become the hangout for Hollywood (they even hosted a pre-Oscar party for Charlize Theron). If you aren’t in the mood for steak, be sure to try the Maine Lobster Corn Dogs (www.therepublicla.com). And at Bridge Restaurant + Lounge you’ll find the likes of David Spade and Kate Beckinsale feasting on authentic Italian and kicking back with a peach Mojito under honey-gold Murano glass chandeliers. www.bridgela.com — N.A.
Shopping
Hotels at Home
The number of hotel boutiques continues to grow, selling everything from linens and furniture to spa products and glassware. At shopborgata.com you can find sumptuous Borgata bedding, art by Mark Willems, and signature steak knives from Old Homestead Steak House. A visit to www.stregisathome.com showcases the luxury hotel chain’s Tuberose guest soap by Rance, Aubergine Swirl rugs, and St. Hilaire cigar cutters. And typing www.soboutique.com will let you browse through Sofitel’s signature Paris Shagreen vases and Gatsby lamps by Pierre-Yves Rochon. — N.A.
Brand Conscious
For most of its 85 years, Gucci has been identifiable with its double G logo. Yet even a timeless icon can benefit from a new look now and again. This year the Italian fashion house introduced La Pella Guccisima, a variation on its famous insignia using a new proprietary branding technique whereby craftspeople burn the GG logo into leather with a hot stamp. The new logo can be found on all things Gucci this winter, from handbags and shoes to luggage and small leather goods. (800) 234-8224, www.gucci.com — W.K.
Into the Woods
Who says fonts, furniture, and fashion don’t mix? Certainly not House Industries, which partnered last year with the son of mid-century modernist architect Richard Neutra to unveil its new type font, called Neutraface, alongside a reissue of the late designer’s infamous boomerang chair. This winter the Delaware-based graphics firm has teamed with athletic footwear maker Medium Design Group to create the Arborist, a limited edition wood-grain leather Wallabee-style shoe sold with a CD featuring House’s five new sylvan-style font faces. $105. (805) 560-3890, www.mediumdesigngroup.com — W.K.
GOODS AND GETAWAYS
Peninsula Pampering
This winter Bangkok’s most beloved luxury hotel is adding a three-story spa to its world-class offerings. Set in lush gardens, the new spa at Peninsula Bangkok is housed in a stunning Thai colonial building with 14 treatment rooms and four suites (two double and two VIP), all with en suite Jacuzzi. VIP suites will also feature rain showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies overlooking the Chao Phraya River. www.bangkok.peninsula.com — N.A.
Expand Your Education
Want to brush up on politics or American history without heading back to school? The Teaching Company offers lecture series by professors from top universities around the country on subjects ranging from Mozart to mythology, psychology, and American presidents. On your next flight, just pop in Professor Robert Greenberg’s “How to Listen to and Understand Great Music,” and by the time you land you’ll practically be a music connoisseur. (800) 832-2412, www.teach12.com — N.A.
Banishing the Bus
Gondolas are the hottest thing on the slopes, and this season, BRECKENRIDGE eliminates buses with a new gondola linking downtown and its free parking lots to the cross-country center and the bases of Peak 7 and Peak 8. In Snowmass, the new six-passenger Sky Cab takes passengers from the Snowmass Village Mall to the new base area in just two minutes. It was Telluride that first changed the face of ski-town transport when it opened a gondola linking the villages of Telluride and Mountain Village to the top of the ski area. Running well into the night, it continues to thrive and has become the town’s “subway” for skiers, après skiers, diners, and nightlife mavens. — L.O.
IN THE KNOW
Furthermore
Your summary of what else is new and noteworthy
The city’s first luxury hotel dedicated to the arts, Hotel Palomar WASHINGTON, D.C. (pictured above left), recently opened in the nation’s capital. If you find the staff particularly graceful, that might be because they are trained in the art of movement by The Washington Ballet. www.hotelpalomar-dc.com
-At Germany’s STEINBERGER Park Hotel Dusseldorf, 35 newly renovated luxury rooms by famous interior designer Bergit Grafin Douglas have just been unveiled.
www.parkhotel-euskirchen.com
-Après ski just got a little warmer and cozier with the introduction of two Austrian liqueurs to the North American market. Zibrenz Stone Pine Liqueur, with flavors of the Arolla stone pine, and Laria Alpensahne Alpine Cream Liqueur, with rich, full alpine milk, are fast becoming after-ski favorites in resorts such as Aspen and Vail. www.alpenz.com
-Park Hyatt enthusiasts rejoice: Two luxurious new hotels have opened. At the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C., take a sip from the Tea Cellar featuring limited production, single-estate teas from remote regions in Asia. The glamorous new Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (pictured above right) includes a modern wing connected to a renovated 1934 private palace with to-die-for suites. Don’t miss the Argentine Cheese Room. park.hyatt.com
-Once again, California’s historic Mission Inn in Riverside will present its “Festival of Lights,” featuring more than two million holiday lights which illuminate the 130-year-old property throughout the season. www.missioninn.com
-The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is offering “Boarding School,” where guests help celebrate the upcoming Winter Olympics that Whistler will host in 2010. The package includes a pre-ski breakfast and a half-day “Learn to Ride or Summit Session” lesson. www.fairmont.com/whistler
-Oxfam America’s “Unwrapped” campaign allows shoppers to buy necessary items for people in need and “gift” them to their friends and family. Items include things such as running water, school supplies, and cows for people all over the world. The recipient will receive a photo, plus an explanation inside of specifically how their item is helping others. www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com — N.A. and L.S.
|
|
|
|
|
|