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ProShine Detailing , on Butter Lane in Bridgehampton, is the only spot in the Hamptons to consider when seeking a team that will bring your vehicle back to life. I recently acquired a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL – an adorable convertible perfect for tooling around the Hamptons in the summer. But, alas, it needed someone to bring it back to life. We had heard incredible things about ProShine, in Bridgehampton, so we decided to bring it there and challenge them with the task of breathing a little life back into both the exterior and interior – which had become rather dull over time. AFTER The team at ProShine were incredible. They took the car in immediately and went to work. The spend two days buffing-out scrapes, dings and pulling-out a luster that hadn’t been seen in the paint or leather in years. The car had been cared for well over the years, but, of course, it needed help. Using a lot of elbow grease and a proprietary wax mixed with a curated selection of other products, ProShine did everything they could to restore the vehicles original light. Even the camel-colored leather inside looked as if it were brand new. The burl wood accents were also detailed. The service couldn’t have been more professional, kind or expedited. For anyone looking to have their vehicle taken care of this autumn, spring or summer season – ProShine is the place.

Portugal is one of the world’s great wine producing countries, and it often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves – although people are flocking in droves to the country now. The country’s broad range of products, in the wine market, spans from the dry Southern interior to the cooler and more humid North, outside of the beautiful city of Porto. We sampled several bottles recently represented by the greater collective, Wines of Portugal , who represents winemakers from the entirety of the country’s wine producing areas; and also Vinho Verde , a smaller collective representing the particular appellation from where that variety hails. Every wine was unique and sums up the idea that Portugal cannot be discounted for their sheer breadth of offerings and affordability in the global wine landscape. We sampled the following from various wine-producing areas of Portugal – spanning the Douro Valley to the southern Alentejo region. Each one of them was stunning, especially the incredible drinkability of the Beyra Vinhos de Altituda Reserva Rui Robboredo Madeira (2013), one of the best we tasted with a retail cost of just $15. 1. Vinho Douro TN Vallado (2014) – This wine tastes elegant, very fruity and round, matured and features silky tannins. It’s very balanced, with a long fresh finish. The aroma is typical of a mature Touriga Nacional. You’ll detect bergamot, wild fruits with floral (violet) and spicy hints. 2. Beyra Vinhos de Altituda Reserva Rui Robboredo Madeira (2013) – This wine comes from grapes that grow on a plateau in the interior Beira wine region, with an average height of 2,100 feet above sea level. It’s made mostly of Tempranillo. There is a fruity aroma with notes of minerality. You taste berry, vanilla and notes of toast. This one was our favorite and pairs beautifully with a charcuterie board. 3. Quinta Dos Roques Reserva Red (2011) – This wine is stunning with a deep, dark violet color and an aroma of blackcurrant and pine leaves. When tasting the wine, the oak it ages in gives notes of vanilla and the imparted fruitiness balances well with the acidity. 4. Private Selection Garrafeira Alentejo Esporao (2012) – Syrah is a big part of this wine as well as Aragonês. The deep, rich red color marries well with the red berry aromas, and is balanced by spice and smoke. The taste is dense and heavy, perfect for lovers of rich, red wine. This variety was also a favorite. Moving on to the small Vinho Verde region, known for its refreshing and drinkable whites. The area, which is found in Portugal’s Northwest corner, is small but churns out some of the most incredible wines on the market. The beautiful town of Braga sits at its heart, and we were able to sample a few of the best the area has to offer. 1. Casal de Ventozela Loureiro, 2018 – Aromas of grapefruit, melon and apple take over your nose when first smelling this wine. Grapefruit, melon and grass hit you in the mouth, with a slight fizz, which makes it very refreshing and a perfect complement to fish or poultry. 2. Provam Varanda do Conde, 2018 – This is a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura. Notes of citrus and yellow fruit along with a light acidity makes it very drinkable, perfect for a summer day by the pool. 3. Quinta da Raza Dom Diogo Arinto, 2018 – A dry wine with crisp fruit, such as lemon and apple, make this very refreshing and drinkable. The acidity is balanced and creates a perfect combination with the fruit flavor in the mouth. 4. Quinta da Lixa Aromas das Castas, 2018 – We LOVE this variety. A blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho, the flavor is crisp and slightly tangy. You’ll detect notes of apple and will remind you of a stunning Sauvignon Blanc. Whether your desire is to explore the entirety of Portugal’s wine offerings or to delve deeper into one particular region, like Vinho Verde, what you’ll find is that this country is incredible. For being so small, the Portuguese have organized a very intense and bountiful offering for the world to enjoy. If you’re visiting Portugal, might we suggest choosing a wine route and meandering along the beautiful roads that traverse the hills and mountains in search of your favorite blend. Or, if you’re not traveling, head to your nearest wine store and begin wading your way through this country’s wines. You might not want to drink anything else after you’ve experienced them.

Mahir Floral and Event Design is a well-known flower operation in New York City. It’s well-known for not just the attention and care they put into every arrangement and event, but for the use of some of the world’s top blooms – searching high and low for only the best to use in their studio. They are charged daily with creating fantastic environments for some of the most high-profile events and spaces in Manhattan. And, they never fail to exceed their clients’ expectations. We worked with them recently to create three custom arrangements for a small, but luxurious space in New York. We instructed them to use their creativity and to showcase what they do best – geometric and sculptural arrangements that draw you in, immediately. They chose beautiful creams and whites, roses and orchids; as well as bright purples and pinks to add a pop of color. They were absolutely stunning. Whether you contact Mahir for something small, or to outfit and entire ballroom at The Four Seasons Hotel Uptown, there’s nothing that won’t make you happy about what they create. We spoke with Mahir Floral and Event Design owner and creative director, Abu Pabel, to speak about their ethos and the way they approach their work on a daily basis. IC: Why and how was Mahir Floral Events founded? AP: I have been working in the floral industry for last 25 years. I have worked with different well-known companies and designers and after 20 years I have decided to create my own company. This business was formerly known as Garden District. I took over the business about 6 years back and rebranded it as Mahir Floral and Event Designs with a completely new look and contemporary design and excellent customer service as top priority. Now, here we are turning clients’ dreams into reality! IC: What are your favorite three flowers to work with and why? AP: I love all flowers but if I have to pick three, I would go with the Vanda Orchid, Calla lily and Peony. Why? I love the color, shape and texture. Each has it’s unique quality. IC: What has been the most interesting or unusual floral event you’ve worked on? AP: Each and every event I do is very close to my heart. Each has their own challenge and beauty to it. I cannot pick one. IC: What makes you different in the New York City floral design scene? AP: The design and execution of the concept itself makes us different. IC: What tips do you have on keeping flowers at home alive as long as possible? AP: Simply keep the water clean. IC: What is your company ethos when designing florals? AP: A minimalist and modern look. IC: Where does your biggest inspiration come from? AP: I pick up inspiration from the endless beauty of nature all the time and you can’t have enough!

Astor Wines and Spirits is on the radar of many who live in Downtown Manhattan, however it should be on the radar of both locals and visitors near and far. A massive collection of some of the world’s top, rare and hard-to-find wines and spirits – this store truly serves those looking for something unique and different, catering to those who know wine and who are seeking something special. We’ve known about Astor Wines and Spirits for years, but only recently delved deep into their world. We worked with Lorena Asencios, the company’s lead wine buyer – and oh was that a treat. We asked Lorena to select eight of her favorites in the market right now, four reds and four white varieties. She came up with a list that gave us the opportunity to experience a diverse range of wines, speaking to us in such a profound way – it led us to only want to visit more of the company’s offerings. We tried these wines, with Lorena’s guidance, and here is what they offered in profile. We also spoke to Lorena about her ethos when purchasing wine, and she helped shed light on Astor as well as trends in the market. Amigne Sec “1 Abeille” GC de Vétroz, Caves des Tilleuls – 2014 (Switzerland) Impressive elegance make up this full-bodied Amigne from Vétroz. This vintage yielded a dry version of this luscious white wine (hence the single honey bee on the label), which can be compared to a Chenin Blanc. Rounded dollops of honey play well against grilled nuts, ripe yellow plums and stony acidity. This rich wine pairs with Swiss cheeses very well, Raclette, Vacherin and any Alpine specialties. The Amigne grape is found almost exclusively in the village of Vétroz. Note the indicators of level of sweetness: the symbol of one honey bee indicates a dry version, two bees denote the demi-sec (8 to 25 grams of residual sugar) and three bees represent the ultimate in late harvest with levels of residual sugar in excess of 25 grams. Metiusco Salento Rosso, Palamà – 2017 (Italy) Dark garnet in color, this luscious Apulian red wine is opulent and has a nose of aromatic flowers alongside Morella cherries. It’s a blend of 3 indigenous grapes – each of which are harvested at separate times and subsequently fermented separately until blending before bottling. The result is this Metiusco bottling which is a reference to the regions former Greek colonization. Centopassi, Trebbiano “Tendoni di Trebbiano” – 2017 (Italy) A rich Sicilian white wine made from Tendoni di Trebbiano which refers to the pergola system of training these old vines. A mere 1000 bottles of this fuller-bodied wine were made. Some of its texture comes from aging in large Tonneau – 50% of which were new. Centopassi wines are made from confiscated mafia vineyards. A successful endeavor that spans not only viticulture but many agricultural endeavors. “A Pïssou” Dom. des Amiel – 2016 (France) A luscious Syrah from the south of France that’s made from older, 30 year old vines. The yields are low at harvest and all the fruit is hand-harvested and minimally sulphured. The resulting wine is nothing short of stunning with black fruit aromas, peppercorn alongside great structure. Partially aged in old casks before bottling. Vincent Couche “Chloé”, Extra Brut NV – (France) A remarkably delicious Champagne made without the use of any sulphur. An intense nose of stone fruit and brioche leads to a delicate citrus direction on the palate. Fifty percent of the base wine was vinified in old casks. Ch. Grace Fonrazade. St. Émilion Grand Cru – 2014 (France) A ten hectare estate nestled in the heart of the village of Saint-Emilion. Under new ownership, this estate is meticulously run with an emphasis on the vines. This is a Bordeaux of contradictions: finesse yet power, fruited yet structured. Certainly a wine you could cellar for years and a must-drink red wine for rare steaks. Dominio Los Pinos, La Sort – 2016 (Spain) La Sort is a single parcel of old grenache vines planted 120 meters from the sea. It translates to “the luck” in dialect. This is a formidable red wine that’s full-bodied yet balanced with acidity and lithe tannins. It comes from the Valencian region of southeast Spain and from the first organic winery of the region, Dominio los Pinos. Milan Nestarec “Forks and Knives” White – 2016 (Czech Republic) We’re thrilled by the multitude of natural wines coming out of the Czech Republic. Natural winemaker, Milan Nestarec, has made this fun, delicious white from the Müller-Thurgau grape. This an orange wine, it’s color coming from extended skin contact. Bone dry, with notes of cider, meyer lemon, bay leaves and a hint of green olive. Be aware this may have a slight fizz when first opened. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering and zero sulfur is added. Interview With Lorena Asencios of Astor Wines and Spirits IC: What makes Astor Wines and Spirits such a unique destination in New York for premium wines? LA: We have a vast selection of both wines and spirits – the largest selection in Manhattan. IC: What is your ethos when sourcing wine from around the world? LA: We look for wines that are under the radar and unknown. This is where you find value and excellent quality wines. IC: What do you look for when bringing in a new vineyard to the store? LA: The wine has to taste delicious – it’s that simple first and foremost. Then, the wine needs to be reasonably priced within the context of the wine. IC: What are your top three favorite wines of all time and why? LA: My favorite wines are little-known bottles from around the world. Piedmontese Grignolino is high up on that list, next up is Loire Valley Chenin Blanc, then Pinot Meunier Champagnes. IC: What are trends you’re seeing in wines being purchased and consumed by your customers? LA: Natural wines are all the rage right now and also skin-fermented white wines (orange wines). IC: How can New Yorkers across the city access your unique collection of vintages? LA: You can come to the East Village and browse the store or you can shop online. Anyone looking for the ultimate unique an diverse collection of wines from around the world should head no place other than Astor Wines and Spirits.

Vilnius is having a moment in the world of travel, and The Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is at the heart of it. The grand dame of the city is a mecca for sophistication and luxury, boasting 96 rooms and suites that offer guests an experience like none other in the city. I was a recent guest here and, through my stay, was able to indulge in everything the hotel has to offer. Walking into the impressive lobby you’re greeted by the front desk staff with a warm, “Hello, and offered a beverage of your choice. The team helped me immediately with my baggage and escorted me to an area where I could give my passport information and expedite check-in. The entire process was efficient and quick, and allowed me an opportunity to get to my room quickly to rest. I was incredibly impressed with the way check-in was handled, as well as the impressive entrance of the hotel. I checked-in to my room and found it to be lovely. The bathrooms were large, the amenities perfect – a coffee and tea station as well as a television, robes, a comfortable bed and cozy surroundings. I spent much of my time soaking-up the room and enjoying myself in pure peace and quiet. Some of the hotel’s suites offer large living and dining areas for those looking for a bit more luxury. I lounged in the evening inside my large bathtub, moving only to accept a bottle of champagne brought to my room my the concierge team. The spa at the hotel in an option if you’ve had a long day walking around the old town, and want a moment to experience a signature massage, facial or body wrap. The spa here is large and offers fantastic treatments. The Grand Kempinski Vilnius offers a wonderful dining option as well. Their acclaimed Restaurant Telegrafas is an institution in the city and showcases molecular gastronomy. There are other options as well including Le Cafe, Le Salon Bar and Lounge, Summer Terrace and Atelier Wine Boutique. The Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is known for their breakfast, which can be enjoyed even by those not staying at the property. Indulge in caviar, champagne, a myriad of egg dishes and other Eastern European specialties. For those traveling throughout Europe now or in the near future, please put Vilnius on your itinerary. And, when you do, choose none other than The Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. You won’t regret that you did.

Royal Air Maroc is not only the perfect and most direct route from the United States to Morocco, but it connects travelers to other destinations throughout Africa as well. Serving North America with gateways like New York, Miami, and other major cities – Royal Air Maroc flies passengers on their newly outfitted Boeing Dreamliner jets safely across the ocean to their strategically located hub in Casablanca, Morocco. I was a passenger recently and found my experience to be efficient, comfortable, and luxurious in their stunning new business class cabin. Royal Air Maroc offers passengers traveling from North America and onward to Africa convenient connections and a comfortable flying experience. My particular route was from New York to Conakry, Guinea – with one stop in Casablanca. Boarding my flight was easy at JFK Airport in New York for an on-time, overnight departure. I boarded first as I was booked in business class. I was immediately impressed by the stunning new plane and the beautiful seats configured in the cabin, The design and layout were comfortable, afforded me extreme privacy, and were very spacious. The friendly cabin crew greeted me with a smile and offered me a glass of champagne to welcome me aboard. Royal Air Maroc has invested a great deal in purchasing and retrofitting modern aircraft for their passengers’ comfort. The 180-degree lie-flat beds in business class are top of the line and their large screens that serve as a hub for flight information and entertainment are stunning. As the plane took off from New York, I was able to sit back, relax and await the in-flight service to begin. Once the plane reached 38,000 feet, the cabin crew quickly began preparing dinner – starting with drinks and moving on to appetizers, main course, and dessert. There was a wide selection of meal options that I could choose from including wonderful cold and hot appetizers and fabulous entrees. As I began to choose from the menu, the cabin lights were dimmed and my meal was served. I chose a new movie through the entertainment system to watch while enjoying dinner and once finished, quickly drifted off to sleep. My pillow and comforter were cozy and the flight crew did their best to keep the cabin quiet and relaxing during the flight to Casablanca. In no time, I began to wake as we were descending above Morocco down into the beautiful and arid mountains below. Once landed, I easily deplaned and transitioned through the airport to my connecting flight. Royal Air Maroc made flying to Africa easy, seamless, and comfortable. Their route network is unmatched and their flight schedules are really the best out of any of the other Africa-based carriers. For flights to Morocco and into other parts of Africa, Royal Air Maroc is the best. You won’t find a more comfortable or efficient airline to your final destination.

Air Italy is a game changer in the international aviation market, offering direct flights to Milan from the United States and a fantastic revamped business class. I flew with the airline recently between New York and Milan, and I have to say that the experience was truly flawless. In a market dominated by American carriers and one more Italy-based carrier, Alitalia, Air Italy offers a new feel, new service and new branding for travelers looking for an elevated yet approachable experience. I arrived to JFK International Airport 90-minutes before my flight and was greeted warmly by the desk agents at the Air Italy counter. I was checked-in swiftly and led personally to the security check point by one of the agents – something not typical with other carriers. It was soon time to board the flight and I was invited to board first as I was seated in business class. I was pleasantly surprised and truly amazed once I entered the cabin. It was beautiful and the new branding for Air Italy felt modern, chic and very Italian. I found my seat with a warm, “Buona Sera” from a sharply dressed flight attendant and was immediately offered a cocktail. I chose an Aperol spritz, stowed my luggage and settled-in for my overnight flight to Milan. Air Italy operates new Airbus A330 aircrafts on its international routes. The business class seat reclines into a completely flat 180 degree bed. Once in the air, the meal service started promptly and offered an array of delicious options. I chose a salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil to start. I followed that with homemade ravioli, roasted chicken and, for dessert, a cannolo. I was offered a cheese plate filled with Italian cheese options, but I was too full to indulge. Cocktails and Italian wine flowed freely as I turned-on my in-flight entertainment. I was delighted by the film and television options, so I chose a new release and watched it through each course of my dinner. What I loved about dinner service was the fact that it was prompt and efficient. The flight attendants were warm and made sure to serve the meal promptly, allowing time to turn the lights off and allow passengers time to sleep before landing. After my film ended, I washed my face in the bathroom using the ever-so-chic amenity kit and reclined my seat into a flat bed. The flight attendants came around and offered to make my bed, outfitting it so it was as soft and comfortable as can be. I covered myself with a plush blanket and drifted-off with dreams of landing in one of my favorite countries on Earth. The cabin was silent and I told the flight attendant to wake me an hour before landing for breakfast. I slept very comfortably throughout the flight and didn’t move once. Soon, a ray of light made it through one of the open windows and onto my face, waking me slowly before breakfast. As I awoke, I was greeted with a smile and cappuccino. This is, of course, the best way to wake up after a five-hour snooze. I sat up and was offered fruit, Italian pastries and pancakes for breakfast. I could have chosen an egg option, but opted for the sweeter option naturally. Two cappuccinos later, we were 20-minutes from landing. We landed smoothly at Milan’s Malpensa Airport and I was off the plane in 10 minutes. I breezed through immigration and was soon off for a weekend in Lake Como. What an enjoyable flight I had with Air Italy. I have flown to Italy countless times but there is something to be said about feeling like you’re already there before you’ve even left the ground in your originating city. I was thoroughly impressed withe the look, feel, service and comfortability on board Air Italy and can’t wait to fly with them again. The airline offers direct flights to Milan from cities like: New York, Miami, Toronto, Los Angeles and San Francisco. As a traveler flying to Italy, you won’t want to miss Air Italy’s in-flight experience, especially in business class. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret it.

Tucked inside the Ritz Carlton Abama is Chef Martín Berasategui’s incredibly delicious M.B. restaurant. A must for any foodie visiting Tenerife, M.B. invites you on a culinary journey of the island and the local region. Both Canarian and international influences are present in the food and it’s all presented in an elegant and romantic setting with candlelight and modern, artistic touches appreciated by any luxury traveler. M.B. offers diners the opportunity to indulge in haute cuisine expressed in the most artful form. Ingredients are just the starting point here as each dish presented is a true “wow” moment. You might enjoy dishes like: pickled oysters with sake slush, ceviche of whitefish and kumquat, glazed suckling lamb over lentil stew, tomatoes in different textures or iced chocolate sponge on hazelnut cake with coffee ice cream. The service at M.B. is impeccable and each moment of the guest’s experience is given attention. For such a high quality experience, prices are reasonable as you can choose from an a-la-carte of prix fixe menu. Don’t miss M.B. – it would be a mistake.

There are an incredible amount of options when booking a private car service while traveling, but only Blacklane delivers consistent and reputable service in every one of the 300 cities they serve. I have been using Blacklane for quite some time, having only dabbled in locally-based services, Uber and others throughout my years of travel. I found myself loyal to no one as there was nothing exceptional that made sense to give my loyalty to, and, furthermore, the level of quality would differ greatly across the board depending on who I chose. I heard of Blacklane through a colleague who touted the brand’s app and ease of booking as the reason why they’ve remained loyal to them. A global chauffeur service, Blacklane is in over 300 cities across the globe and you can book, change or cancel a ride up to 60 minutes before you need the car through their very simple in-app booking system. I booked my first ride with Blacklane traveling from Manhattan’s West Village to Newark Airport for an overnight flight to Paris. I booked my ride through Blacklane, choosing their business class car option. Typically, when you book this option, the vehicle is a black Mercedes sedan or similar, a pristinely clean sedan with a professional driver ready for your pickup with water, chargers and all the space you need to stretch out and enjoy the ride. Blacklane’s booking system allows you to book ahead for your departure and arrival – and they will give you an hour of free wait time at the airport once you’ve landed. After booking my trip to Newark, I booked my ride from Paris’ Orly Airport to The Peninsula Hotel , where I would be staying for the next several days. I received easy text alerts on my departure, informing me when my driver had arrived and was ready for me. Upon arriving in Paris, I turned on my phone after landing and found a text informing me my driver had arrived at the airport and was waiting in the arrivals area with a sign. He helped me with my bags and I found another black Mercedes ready for my entry. The driver quickly transported me from the airport to my hotel and left me safe and sound for check-in. Blacklane is reliable, consistent, communicative and so much better than ride sharing apps, or random car services. There are also in-app promotions and discounts for referrals. Being that they are in so many cities, even those you might not expect, using them frequently is easy. Their prices are pretty-much on par with any other car service and reflect local pricing trends for whichever city you’re booking in. The truth is, after riding in countless vehicles throughout my travels across the globe, I have not stumbled across anything better than Blacklane.

Churchill Wild is a luxury-minded, family-run wildlife operation that takes you into another world, one that brings you face-to-face with some of the world’s most spectacular polar bears. With offices in both Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba, Churchill Wild’s expertise with one of Canada’s most special provinces is unmatched. You’re invited by the Reimer family to step-into their world and experience something so profound, it has the ability to change you forever. Polar bears are special, and they are under threat with the effects of global warming. With population numbers estimated at between 20,000-25,000 worldwide, these snowy-white bears need one thing to survive, ice. As ice melts around the world in the Earth’s poles, it makes it harder and harder for them to do what nature has trained them to do, hunt. In Canada, much of the polar bear population lives along the Hudson Bay, and the bay is freezing later and later each year – this causes the bears to pace around its rocky shores waiting for that moment when they can move onto the ice and hunt their seals to ensure the future of the next generation. Churchill Wild brings you into the bears’ world in the most intimate way, allowing you, as a guest, to experience moments with them in their wait to move offshore and onto the frozen water of the Hudson Bay. The polar bear season is from July through through mid November. As the summer springs onto the tundra and the Beluga whales begin to migrate back near the edges of the Hudson Bay, you have the opportunity to experience a trip with Churchill Wild that brings you from your home into the far reaches of Northern Manitoba, through the town of Churchill and into a remote part of the tundra that is isolated from most everything else. Here, you’ll see small flowers growing through cracks in the rocks, Arctic foxes bounding around your lodge and, of course, polar bears moving through. With three lodges in operation: Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and Dymond Lake Eco Lodge, Churchill Wild tailors trips that are specific to the wildlife you might see at each one of them. Of course, you’ll see bears at all of them – but, what about moose, wolves, Arctic hares and more? What strikes your fancy? Their team will be happy to locate the right lodge for you and help you choose one of their themed experiences. I stayed with Churchill Wild at the beautiful Seal River Heritage Lodge. This beautiful property was their first and it has evolved over their 25 years of business. A rustic-chic respite from the wind of the tundra, here you’ll find sumptuous rooms, cozy beds, hot showers, friendly staff members and guides as well as delicious tundra-inspired cuisine – some of which is cooked from recipes from the family themselves. I spent 5 nights at Seal River, flying from New York to Winnipeg and connecting to Churchill. My trip was organized seamlessly and was geared toward photography. The team at Churchill Wild met me at the airport in Winnipeg to help size me for temperature-appropriate clothing. Of course, most people don’t have outerwear and gear laying around that is meant for temperatures of up to 40 below, so Churchill Wild is happy to step in. If you choose a summer trip, temperatures will be much warmer, but I went in October. There was already a nice coat of snow on the tundra, and nighttime temperatures definitely dipped low. I was fitted for my outerwear and added this to my existing luggage. I met a representative at the airport who assisted my group on the plane to Churchill, where I was met, yet again, by another friendly smile. A quick layover and into a small light aircraft charter I went to fly directly into the lodge’s dirt airstrip. The connections were easy, and everything superbly organized. I was welcomed into a beautiful room with an itinerary for my stay. The stay included all hot meals, wine, beer, snacks and guided walks out onto the tundra for bear spotting. The central living area provided WiFi and there was always a guide or lodge manager on hand to answer questions, fill you in on bear knowledge or talk about that day’s sightings. It wasn’t more than 30 minutes of being on the ground when I ran right into a polar bear. The guides are very well-versed in the bears’ behavior and, before your trip begins, a safety talk is given. As myself and my group of ten others traversed the tundra, we came upon at least three bears, all with their own personality, looks, behavior and interest in us. I felt completely protected by the guides, but also so lucky to be standing so close to this magnificent creature whose existence is peril. Locking eyes with the bears is a moment you’ll never forget. I enjoyed my twice-daily walks with our guides at Seal River Heritage Lodge. These walks always brought an opportunity to step-out and feel the elements. Although the temperatures were low, my gear kept me protected and I was never once uncomfortable. Guests have the option to participate in every walk or relax in the lodge. Some chose to stay behind, some participated in every walk offered. But, don’t feel bad for those left behind – as seeing bears from the lodge windows is not uncommon. In fact, waking up at dawn with a cup of coffee in your hand and walking to the lodge’s panoramic windows to see a mother bear walk by with her cubs is something like you’ve never experienced. This happened twice while I was a guest. My particular trip focused on photography, so there were many photographers, both amateur and professional, who brought all the necessities to capture these unforgettable moments. And, after a morning out snapping pictures of Arctic foxes and bears, there is nothing better than sitting by the fire with a glass of wine and sharing those images. For those who choose a Churchill Wild trip that happens during the summer, you have the option of hopping on their boat and heading into the Hudson Bay to view the gentle Beluga whales and listen to their songs. With their unique behavior, permanent smiles and ability to communicate through body language and gestures, this isn’t something you’ll soon forget. When traveling to such a vast country like Canada, it’s easy to get wrapped-up in the incredible cities, prairies, rainforests and beaches you can experience. But, it’s in Manitoba, on the shores of the Hudson Bay, with Churchill Wild, that your life can be altered in a profound way. Some may wonder, how? But, the answer to that question is simple. When you are able to witness something so fleeting, something under threat, and it’s right there in front of you – moving, walking, staring at you, how can you not be moved? I spent much of my time out on the tundra in silence. I was silent to hear the stillness, the gentle lapping of the Hudson’s waves and to listen for the footsteps of the white giants that move through here each season. Those footsteps are the music that makes up the soundtrack of Northern Manitoba. It’s the sound of rarity and something special, that not everyone has the ability to witness in their lifetime. Go now. You cannot miss the chance to join Churchill Wild on an adventure of a lifetime. Photos provided by Churchill Wild

Oscar Blandi has been a trusted name in hair, especially in New York, for years. Set in a beautiful, bright space in Midtown Manhattan, the salon is the epicenter for excellent cuts and color. Mr. Blandi himself can be seen bopping around the space with his well known stylists and colorists, putting together looks and plans for celebrity clients, and other well-heeled New Yorkers “in the know”. I experienced the salon recently, visiting blonde specialist Julie Onorato. I was welcomed with a warm hello and one of the guest managers checked me into the system through an iPad. Julie was out in a flash and introduced me to someone who would wash my hair and help prepare my head for a full highlight. I ordered a sparkling water and cappuccino, which was delicious, and Julie got right to work. The salon was buzzing with clients, but the energy and space still maintained an air of calm and relaxation which is hard to do in a salon environment. Julie quickly made her way through my hair, foiling my entire head and adding lowlights in between to match my base color. Without the use of heat, which I loved, my hair quickly lifted to that buttery shade of blonde that I so love, and is so hard to achieve on a dark head like mine if you don’t know what you’re doing. The entire process took me 90-minutes and I left incredibly happy. I cannot recommend Oscar Blandi enough for anyone who is looking to maintain beautiful color, or for someone who wants to change their look and only wants the best to look after them.

A vineyard founded in 1982 in Oakville, Napa Valley, California, Cardinale is a limited-production operation that churns-out some of the most incredible Cabernet Sauvignon on the planet. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter follows in the footsteps of two winemakers before him, adding his own touch and sensibility to this already legendary wine. Cardinale uses mountain grown grapes mainly from Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain. The blend of sub-appellations create a flavor profile that is unmatched by others in the area and the product produced is a strong and powerful Cabernet that pairs beautifully with particular dishes, but can be sipped on its own without issue. nce the grapes are harvested and crushed, the juice ages in French oak on average for 18 months. There are 2,500 cases produced per year and they are highly sought after by collectors in the wine world, as well as those who just love a stellar cab. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter tastes the wine in his barrels every quarter, searching for the best. From the few that stand out, he creates a base that will become that vintage of Cardinale. Tasting this magnificent wine you’ll detect notes of dark barry, espresso bean, cedar and rose petal. There’s a ripe plum nose with a velvety texture that is so smooth, you won’t believe it. Cardinale retails just shy of $300 per bottle, and it’s worth every penny. Drinking it is experiencing the best. But, a word of warning, once you taste Cardinale it’ll be tough to go back to any other wine you might have had before this awakening.