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Soho VIP is, undoubtedly, the very best luxury-minded chauffeur service in Cape Town. The company, which offers an impressive fleet of vehicles to choose from, allows their customers to customize their journey while in South Africa. Whether you’re looking for something easy, like an airport transfer, or something more substantial, like a full-time driver, or sightseeing throughout the Western Cape. Soho VIP is the very best. I called upon Soho VIP while visiting Cape Town recently and they helped me get from point A to point B quickly and safely. With a simple Whatsapp message, I was able to organize the times for my airport transfers as well as my time in the city. My lovely driver took me easily from my hotel, the stunning Twelve Apostles , into town for various events and activities. I had access to a beautiful new Mercedes-Benz E Class, which was outfitted with WiFi, fresh water and cool towels. I relied on Soho VIP to take me from my hotel to places like Simon’s Town, to see the beautiful penguins, out into wine country for visits to the Delaire Graff Estate and Babylonstoren , where I had the most remarkable stay. Soho VIP was on call and arrived to my location within minutes of needing my transfer for my next spot. In fact, when I decided to change my plans and head to the lovely beachside town of Hermanus for a few days for a stay at the phenomenal Birkenhead House , they rearranged everything to accommodate my request. Soho VIP was like my trusted guide while in Cape Town, reliable and efficient. These are two qualities that are not found easily in every car service. For anyone traveling to the city or needing transfers around the Western Cape, look no further.

Tucked-up into the beautiful Silvermist Winery, in the affluent suburb of Constantia, La Colombe is a shrine to the art of cooking, the grace of presentation and the efficiency of excellent service. A true institution of Cape Town, La Colombe cannot be compared. Lunch here is not a short event, and that’s a good thing, as course after course of the most perfectly proportioned food dazzles diners from around the world. I’ve been a guest at the restaurant for several occasions and I cannot get enough. Chef Scot Kirton is acclaimed, yet, but what happens here is on another level. There is always something changing at the restaurant to keep it fresh and interesting. Whether it’s your welcome to the place, a particular dish or wine pairings – the culinary team is not afraid to evolve and take a chance, which leads to great reward for diners. My favorite time to eat at La Colombe is lunch. A late lunch is best when the sun begins to sink and the day becomes cooler. The restaurant, always busy, thins out and you have an unobstructed view over the vineyards. If you plan to dine at La Colombe, plan on three hours to linger and indulge in what is presented. The wine pairing is a must and is so expertly chosen, that you won’t believe how fantastic each sip with each bite tastes. There’s always a surprise around every corner in Cape Town with new restaurants openings and international chefs staking a presence there. But, La Colombe is a destination unto itself. You’ll realize this by dessert, and begin counting your days until your next visit. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the restaurant because, if you do, it would be like traveling to Cape Town and missing Table Mountain.

Trifecta Med Spa , with four locations in New York City and others in Long Island, is the top med spa in the area for 2019. Headed by Doctor Edward Fruitman, this med spa offers clients top-of-the-line services to address all your aging concerns. We heard incredible things about the spa and decided to book an appointment. Their sleek, modern and clean facilities are impressive, and their expertise in aging and the latest anti-aging devices and treatments is unparalleled. Booking an appointment was fast and easy. Our goal on this particular visit was to address skin laxity, a symptom of aging. The goal was to tighten the skin of the face, especially around the jawline. The professionals at Trifecta recommended Ultherapy. This treatment is done in-office and takes roughly two hours to complete. It’s the only FDA-approved, non-surgical facelift that actually achieves significant results. The advisors at the clinic went over the procedure, what to expect and the results that would be achieved. After asking many questions and doing our own online research, we decided to go ahead with the treatment at Trifecta. The day of the appointment was easy and we showed up, ready for the process. It was explained that Ultherapy delivers pulses of sonic energy deep into the skin with a handheld device. The energy causes micro-damage in the skin and, as a reaction, the skin retracts and tightens, which allows for a more youthful appearance. Full results take up to 6 months to see, but, over time, the skin becomes tighter and tighter – defying gravity. Our technician was educated, knowledgeable and very kind. She was very gentle and allowed us to stop and start the procedure as our comfort level allowed. The procedure itself was not painful, just slightly uncomfortable. But, Trifecta Med Spa did a fabulous job of guiding us through it, making the entire thing very enjoyable. We left incredibly impressed with the team and facilities at Trifecta. The clinics offer everything from Ultherapy to IPL facials, fillers, botox, and much, much more. If you’re in New York and looking to improve your appearance in capable hands, Trifecta Med Spa is a great option.

The Four Seasons Whistler is the ultimate home base in the Canadian Rockies, a place to stop and indulge in luxury while simultaneously having access to the very best of this adorable town. A mere two-hour ride from Vancouver, Whistler is world-famous for its incredible skiing and winter sports. But, winter isn’t the only seasons to visit. Throughout the year you will find an incredible array of activities to keep you busy – from shopping to hiking, relaxing at the spa or kayaking. And, the Four Seasons is the perfect place to begin your journey. I stayed here recently and was able to experience the best the hotel has to offer. It recently underwent a bit of a refurbishment, which allowed the property to show off new rooms, new menus and more. The resort itself, and it is a resort, looks like a miniature alpine village unto itself. Stepping into the lobby warmed by fire, you feel as if you’ve entered a sanctuary. Smiling staff greet you, many of whom are Australian, and you’re immediately led through the check-in process. The design is mountain-chic, yet modern touches are seen throughout. The art throughout the property has been curated from local artists and there is even a little market for handicrafts under the lobby. I was led to my room quickly. The rooms here a massive, beautiful and very well done. There are 273 rooms and suites on site. My room overlooked the snowcapped mountains and nearby forests and was the epitome of cozy. Of course, in true Four Seasons style, the rooms have every amenity you can think of. I was pleased to find the usual: plush bathrobes, sumptuous beds dressed in white linens, Nespresso machines, large flatscreen televisions, iPhone connectivity, ample closet spaces, large marble bathrooms and a much needed fireplace. I settled-in quickly and took a tour of the property, which let me to the beautiful spa, outdoor pool and jacuzzis, outdoor activity areas and fire pit. During the winter season, the Four Seasons Whistler offers a ski concierge, since you’re so close to the slopes, and the ability to make s’mores by the fire. I had a massage booked at the spa, which was fantastic. My therapist was kind, professional and right on target with the type of custom massage they built around my personal needs. I could spend all day here relaxing, running from treatment to treatment. This is the perfect way to spend your time between runs at North America’s largest ski area. But, again, any season will do. The Four Seasons Whistler is known for its dining offerings such as Sidecut modern Steak Bar as well as Sidecut Bar. Firstly, Sidecut Steak Bar is the absolute perfect place to stop-in for casual bites and entrees, all composed of locally-sourced ingredients. The menu options range from great cuts of meat to stunning appetizers and more. But, for me, the most exciting draw are the unbelievable cocktails here. Each cocktail is a true work of art, and is crafted lovingly by the expert mixologists. The cocktails take traditional beverages and mix them up in such a way that you’re both surprised and delighted at unexpected flavors and ingredients. The problem is that they go down a bit too quickly, which can get you in trouble. The Four Seasons Whistler is the perfect spot in British Columbia for a weekend away. Of course the vibrant city of Vancouver calls from nearby but, with a resort this perfect – it will be hard to pull yourself away.

Chelsea Frames and its owner, Mr. Daniel Beauchemin, take great pride in their work – as well as their support of the local Chelsea community. Known to be the top framers of personal artifacts and priceless art in the New York City, Chelsea Frames is unique in their approach to framing and their history in a particular location at 9th Avenue and 22nd Street. Customers come to these experts from not only across the city, but across the world and they expect nothing but the best as Mr. Beauchemin and his team have a discerning eye and always seem to know exactly how to make whatever you’re framing look its absolute best. Chelsea Frames is unlike many other framers in New York’s competitive art space in that they never turn their nose up at anything their customers bring-in for framing. Their clients include prestigious corporations as well as local kids who happen to have created something by hand, and want to frame it. Chelsea Frames has worked with the community for decades, and not just when Chelsea was a glamorous, high-rent neighborhood. Mr. Beauchemin often says he sees kids coming into his store from the nearby projects, and he never turns them away. Instead, he works with them to foster their creativity and pride in making art. As the Black Lives Matter movement swept America, and the world, recently, many storefronts in Manhattan and elsewhere boarded-up for fear of being damaged and destroyed. But, not Chelsea Frames. They chose to stay open as a sign of solidarity and oftentimes joined-in the marching and protests in effort to aid the change so badly needed within the world. This is fitting as Mr. Beauchemin and the team here have always been supportive of the local community and people of color, since its inception decades ago – which is a rarity amongst some businesses who have reached the level of success Chelsea Frames has. We recently asked Chelsea Frames to help us frame two special items that so desperately needed help in showing-off their true beauty and importance. The first, a 1940s era Japanese painting on silk, which had been acquired years ago by a relative. The painting is very thin and delicate and required special handling and framing due to its transparent nature and size. This item had been planned to be placed over a bed, in a fairly modern environment, so the choosing of frame was very important. Chelsea Frames chose a sleek brushed silver metal frame that lends an elegant and seamless look to the piece, without detracting from the art itself. The second piece was a collection of items that make-up an invitation that was used two years ago in celebration of my 10-year wedding anniversary. This anniversary was the wedding celebration myself and my husband never had when we first wed at the young age of 23. A small group of our close family and friends gathered in Ireland at the famed Lismore Castle for an unforgettable weekend. This invitation was designed to reflect our favorite place, Ireland, and the venue – and we wanted it framed after the fact in honor of the incredible time we all had. Mr. Beauchemin and Chelsea Frames did the most beautiful job in placing each part of the invitation into a setting that showcases the story and the beauty. What we love about Chelsea Frames is that it’s an operation with heart. There’s nothing they don’t do that doesn’t start with an intention rooted in love – this is clear. For anyone seeking the finest of framing, you will not find better.

Chelsea Frames is a staple in New York’s luxury, custom-framing sector – and there’s no better framer to handle your precious art or momento with love and care. In fact, Chelsea Frames has been around for decades and, aside from handling some of the city’s most valuable and difficult framing projects, the company has cemented itself as a champion of the local community. This year, 2020, has been incredibly difficult and one where much needed change has begun to present itself and happen throughout New York City and the United States as a whole. Chelsea Frames has stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and supported the peaceful protests in their neighborhood of Chelsea. Working with Chelsea Frames for years, we know their commitment to framing each project with incredible detail. On a recent trip to Rwanda, we acquired two paintings by artist Patrick Nizeyimana, the managing director of Ivuka Arts in Kigali. Patrick is an incredible artist who often paints through references of the Rwandan Genocide, which happened in 1994, as well as the country’s appreciation and respect of women, the mothers of their society. We purchased two paintings from Patrick that depict well-known daytime and nighttime gatherings of women in Rwandan villages – which are common occurrences across the country. These gatherings stem from the women’s desire and purpose to discuss community issues and create change in their immediate environment. We thought this meaning and reference an appropriate correlation with Chelsea Frames, their dedication to BLM, and their own efforts in supporting change in their community.   We’ve spoken to Daniel Beauchemin on many occasions about this topic and the passion he has for his spot on 9th Avenue in Chelsea. Meeting with him to show these paintings and tell his team the artist’s story, sparked emotion in Daniel. He so passionately believes in the BLM movement and has witnessed, firsthand, oppression and marginalization of some of the residents of nearby buildings to his Chelsea Frames storefront. Speaking about the artist, Patrick Nizeyimana, and his depiction of Rwandan women meeting for change, sparked Daniel to share his experiences during the height of the protests in New York and his joining in the streets in solidarity to all those fighting to see a different future. Daniel and Chelsea Frames work on large-scale and small-scale projects, but put the same effort, love and care into each piece. In fact, whether it’s a piece worth tens of thousands of dollars, or art created by a child living in a nearby housing project – there’s nothing Chelsea Frames will refuse. This is a rarity in the competitive New York City framing space, and takes an operation with true heart to operate from this enlightened principal. The Chelsea Frames team framed our two paintings with beautiful, thick silver metal framing and left the front of the paintings glass-free and exposed for their viewers to see the brushstroke detail up-close. The pieces turned out beautiful and, more importantly, were framed by the best framing operation in New York City.

Madame Paulette is not an unknown name amongst New Yorkers, not only for their long history in garment care and restoration, but because they can literally make miracles when removing spots from your favorite fashion piece or pillowcase. Madame Paulette’s owner and president, John Mahdessian, works with an incredibly talented group of people who call everyone from private patrons to museums, heads of state and royal families, customers. This is no ordinary dry cleaner, and that is clear with the results of their hard work. The company was founded decades ago and quickly built a reputation as New York’s best dry cleaner. But, the limitations of the city boundaries were only an illusion. Soon, people and entities from around the world began sending their special pieces to Madame Paulette, seeking spot removal on a family heirloom or restoration of fabric hundreds of years old. There really is no job too big or small for the company, and they truly know how attention to detail can yield fantastic results. We contacted them to send multiple pieces of fabric from office living room furniture that had been soiled over months of use. The white cottons of organic chairs, silk pillowcases and linen slipcovers of sofa cushions – they all needed a little love and attention. Madame Paulette sent one of their private vans to collect over 20 pieces of material, with an expedited delivery date of the next day. They collected quickly and sped off to their facility to work on spots, water stains, food stains and more. They had 24 hours to make the fabric appear new, and that’s exactly what they did. The next evening, the pieces were delivered. Each piece hung beautifully from their branded hangers, one by one. You could see the attention put-in to every corner of fabric. We spoke to John Mahdessian about his company, team and approach to garment care. IC: Why was Madame Paulette founded and by whom? JM: The company was founded by my Great Uncle Andy, who started the business, alongside my father Noubar, for the purposes of his wife, Madame Paulette. Madame Paulette was founded on love for his wife and her love of couture. A couturier herself, she found it impossible to clean and maintain her wardrobe, hence her annual visit to Paris. After years of these excursions, my great uncle decided to open up a cleaners for her specific needs with my dad, Noubar. Andy passed and Madame Paulette movedback to Paris, but my father Noubar gave up his dream of being an accountant and continued torun and grow the business. IC: What is your speciality? JM: What makes us true leaders and pioneers in cleaning and restoration are the techniques and processes we have developed in the last 60 years enabling us to restore any garment, textile or collectible including leather, suede and multi-faceted composition items that have been deemed ruined and unserviceable by museum curators and other industry experts. These techniques and processes allow us to restore any item back to its original condition giving it a new life including raising its value and integrity. IC: What makes you different in the New York City  garment/interior cleaning landscape? JM: We are able to perform any job on demand to satisFy our clients’ needs no matter how small or complex the job may be. IC: What haS been one of your proudest moments or jobs that you’ve worked on? JM: It’s a tie between restoring the late Princess Diana’s gowns for her museum tour after she passed and restoring Winston Churchill’s original military uniform. IC: What has been one of the most unique jobs you’ve worked on? JM: Cleaning and restoring a custom couture gown covered in hundreds of half carat diamonds in a secure guarded vault where we had to remove excessive hemline dirt and sew the diamonds back in their exact place. IC: Where do you see the future for Madame Paulette? JM: As leaders and pioneers in our industry, I have developed revolutionary consumer products including my Professional Stain Removal Kit which will allow anyone to take the expertise of Madame Paulette with them wherever they go. This kit will remove any stain, anytime, anywhere!

Stepping aboard Yacht Kelpie , based in Sag Harbor, New York, is like stepping back in time to an era of civility and glamour that typically comes with the idea of sailing. The boat’s owner and captain, Shannon Carleton, and her crew, are aboard to greet you with a crystal champagne flute overflowing with your favorite bubbles, as your tender pulls-up to the side of what seems to be one of the most beautiful sailing yachts you’ve ever seen. Available for half-day, full-day or sunset charters – Yacht Kelpie really is the most esteemed of all the boats available in the Hamptons, and she has the history to back it up. She’s called Kelpie, the Scots name given to the shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lochs and pools of Scotland. Many myths tell the story of beautiful and beguiling maidens or mermaids that are able to change form into water horses. Kelpies were most often friendly and benevolent, but fairytales about them also served a practical purpose in keeping children away from stretches of water, and warning young women to be wary of handsome strangers. Designed by Francis Sweisguth and built at the Harvey Gamage Shipyard in 1928 in Maine, Kelpie is a nearly 79-foot traditional gaff-rigged schooner, once employed by the U.S. Coast Guard to hunt German U-Boats during WWII. She was named Classic Refit of the Year by Classic Boat Magazine in 2014, after a full refit. Kelpie entered the Mediterranean regatta circuit and immediately took first place at the Pendennis Cup in Cornwall, England. She went on to compete among the finest super-yachts in the world before catching the eye of Captain Shannon Carleton, a pioneer of the Hamptons charter fleet. Kelpie has also seen the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman as guests aboard in her esteemed history. What is lovely about the Kelpie experience as how effortlessly elegant it is. Captain Shannon is one of those people who pays extreme attention to detail, so much so that everything aboard is perfect. From the chosen food vendors delivering freshly baked croissants in the morning, to the farmers who churn-up homemade preserves – nothing is overlooked. The crystal, the décor and even a laminated sheet of emergency instructions lettered in 14K gold – everything glitters with perfection on this yacht. As a guest, you can work with Captain Shannon to choose your routing for the day. Whether you drift through the waters of the Peconic Bay or sail further afield, there’s nothing like the privacy and attention you receive here. The yacht can accommodate up to over two-dozen guests and the crew can organize a simple breakfast of freshly squeezed juice, yogurt parfaits and baked goods – or an extravagant multi-course dinner. It’s all up to you. Chartering this boat is truly a fabulous experience and each and every one of the captain’s crew if lovely, kind and willing to make your experience wonderful. If you’re in the Hamptons, you simply can’t miss it.

Paola’s East , in East Hampton, is one of those restaurants that you eat at once, and instantly it becomes “your spot” when claiming your very only stake of the Hamptons. An offshoot of the famed New York City location on the Upper East Side, Paola’s East is a cozy place with large outdoor terrace that will instantly take you on a journey to Italy – but, for real, have you indulging in some of the best Italian food you’ll ever eat. The staff here are friendly and great. They help deconstruct the menu, allowing you to select from choices like an heirloom beet salad or fresh burrata and tomatoes – the burrata being flown-in from Rome fresh that morning. There is a varied menu here, with options of pasta, fish and meat for anyone. No choice is bad, but I personally love the pasta. Most all of it is homemade and comes out piping hot with delicate and exquisite sauces mingling throughout. Nothing is too heavy or overwhelming, but just right. With each course I tried, I was more and more delighted. The staff seem to watch your wine class intently, arriving and departing your table just in time to fill it up with your chosen Barolo. Desserts are made in-house and, one of my favorites, the cheesecake, is a true winner. If you’re in the Hamptons please don’t miss Paola’s Not only is it worth the trip for the evening, but it might even be worth your entire trip to the Hamptons.

Wolfgang’s is a New York City institution and it is our pick as the top steakhouse in the city this year. A welcoming and elegant atmosphere awaits at any of their locations, but TriBeCa is my favorite. Walking-in the staff greets you warmly and shows you promptly to your table. What I love about the place, in the very instant that you walk in, is that it’s not pretentious – but, instead, puts all its emphasis on its food and service. Offering the traditional steakhouse favorites, any lover of meat and seafood will be happy here. Of course, the macaroni and cheese with lobster is a must, and any cut of steak you can imagine is on offer. Beginning with apps, you can work your way through tidbits, salads, shrimp, scallops and more. If you’re not into red meat, you’ll find other options that might suit you such as fish, chicken or a multitude of other surprises. One of my favorite dishes here is the tuna tartare – a healthy portion of some of the best tuna I’ve had in years. Service at Wolfgang’s is stellar and the staff don’t miss a beat. Whether it’s helping you select a truly magical bottle of red to accompany your filet mignon, or being there for when a napkin accidentally plummets from your lap onto the floor – the people are impeccable. Once you’ve made your way through apps and entrees, dessert calls, of course. Whether you think your a fan of sweets of not, please don’t miss the homemade tiramisu. This light and elegant Italian dessert is constructed flawlessly at Wolfgang’s, and once you try it here, you won’t want it anywhere else. If your in New York, don’t moss dinner here. If you do, it would be like missing the Chrysler Building.

Bel Mare Ristorante is a new Italian spot in East Hampton conceptualized by the Gherardi family. Born from the idea that there wasn’t an approachable Italian restaurant in the Hamptons with moderate prices and excellent service, Bel Mare came to be and it aims to stay open throughout the year. I ate at the restaurant recently and was impressed by the staff’s desire to help their guests have a fantastic experience. The interior of the restaurant is sleek and modern, yet casual. The white tiled walls and dark, wooden floors make for an elegant room – yet the energy and attitude here is very welcoming. Tables and booths coexist with a bustling bar in the background. The menu features both locally-sourced ingredients, as well as some imported from further afield. The seafood is always fresh and local and each dish looks better than the last. While here, I sampled the pizzas, seafood, pasta and desserts. The pizza was my absolute favorite, with perfect crust to topping ratio and a bevy of choices for those who are serious about their pizza. Pastas are aways presented with sauces made in-house and the chef even bottles his sauce for guests to purchase if they desire to take a little Bel Mare home with them. Why not? For anyone looking for a great Italian spot out east, look no further.

Channing Daughters is a boutique vineyard and winery located in beautiful Bridgehampton, New York – and they are changing the game with their fun and approachable take on wine making. The Hamptons isn’t lacking with its vineyard options, especially with easy access to the North Fork of Long Island where even more call your name to visit. But, Channing Daughters is a place to be casual and taste wines that you might not have ever run across before. Of course the vineyard plants the typical grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and others – but, it’s what’s done in the wine making process that is most interesting. The setting is beautiful and a perfect place to spend an afternoon tasting what winemaker Christopher Tracy has been developing lately. The staff here encourages experimentation and never wants they guests to feel intimidates by their wines. So, feel free to let your hair down. A few of the winery’s acclaimed wines include a Petit Verdot, Lagrein, a Dornfelder and Sauvignon Blanc. During your tasting, you can mix and match or try whatever is open that day. You’ll even spot a white variety that has a red finish – delightful. If you’re in the Hamptons, please don’t miss it.