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Walking into the Belmond Mount Nelson hotel, in Cape Town, you are instantly transported into a bygone era of elegance and charm that is truly hard to find in the world of hospitality. From the moment you step in, you can’t help but be overwhelmed with everything from the furnishings, floral arrangements, smiles and artwork – all of which creates an immersive experience, so much more than just a hotel. The “Mother City” is loaded with traditional and modern approaches to tea that have made their way from England, centuries ago, and found a home in some of the most posh and stylish venues across the city. But, none can compare to that of the Mount Nelson. I spent a few glorious hours here indulging in the tea experience, one that has a reputation amongst travelers as being the best in the city. I had to try it to form my own opinion and see just exactly how good it was, I wasn’t disappointed. I was greeted by a host who found my reservation promptly and led me to an indoor/outdoor area that was essentially an extension of the gardens this hotel has become so famous for. I was seated on elegant linen-covered chairs and handed a menu of countless teas to choose from. Before I knew it, my host returned to explain the various options to me. Would I choose Sencha from Japan? Assam from India? A rose-scented Darjeeling? They all looked so good. In the end, I chose a green Sencha from Japan and, of course, ordered a glass of ice-cold Brut to go along with it. Soon after, I was brought several tiers of gorgeous sweets, scones, cookies and sandwiches – enough to feed an army, but I wasn’t complaining. The food was absolutely incredible – especially the scones with lemon curd. Each small morsel was so well assembled and each flavor intentionally chosen, that my tastebuds literally exploded in happiness. Throughout the next two hours I was able to sit and enjoy the garden view, grazing on delicious snacks that left me quite full. All of this didn’t even include tables inside that were ladened with cakes and other sweets to enjoy. For anyone who is visiting Cape Town, whether you’re a guest at the Belmond Mount Nelson or not, you cannot miss this high tea experience. It would be a true tragedy and a “miss”. This experience is an integral part of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Munich has a slew of luxury hotels to choose from, but none as beautiful and luxurious as the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski . Inside the old world lobby you step into an oasis of calm and refinement in the center of the city. Champagne awaits ready to be poured by an attendant, which check-in s smooth, easy and efficient. I stayed for two nights and felt right at home, immediately. It was the perfect mix of German order, and European refinement one expects to experience in a luxury hotel in a major metropolitan area. The hotel is very art-oriented, which is stimulating for the eye and the mind. Everywhere you look, there’s art to gaze at, and comfortable places to gather to talk about what’s in front of you. Rooms are spacious, bright and well decorated. They are more modern in aesthetic with cozy and comfortable beds that welcome you home after a day of perusing about town. Inside the rooms you’ll find a beautiful bed, ample living space, a sitting area and large bathrooms that have every amenity imaginable. My view looked out into the city and I loved watching the night fall over Munich and the lights come alive. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski welcomes all their guests the same, with something special. My welcome came with beautiful fruit and sweets. The TOTO Japanese toilets in the bathroom, the kind that have built-in bidets, were my favorite. Service at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski was impeccable. The staff here are friendly, efficient and willing to do most anything to keep their guests happy. I felt at ease and at home, knowing that the staff here actually were invested in my stay, and took the time to make that known. Even a dip in the indoor pool was accompanies by someone asking me if they could bring me a fresh bowl of fruit to snack on while lounging around. And, after a good workout I ordered room service and relaxed in my room, realizing I had just found my favorite hotel in Munich.

Conakry, Guinea isn’t on every tourists’ bucket list, yet – but it should be, if only to experience the luxurious Noom Hotel . An oasis in a bustling capital city, this hotel was developed as a concept to create a gathering place for local and international visitors to relax, dine and stay awhile – all while peering out over the open Atlantic Ocean. Guinea, located in West Africa, has received a good deal of attention lately for its business prospects and rapid rate of development (natural resources, new infrastructure and more). The capital, Conakry, is chaotic and hectic – but has areas of respite and calm – in the form of hotels, museums, private islands and more. But, it’s at the Noom, where everything is happening. Walking-in to the Noom you instantly feel a sense of quiet, security and luxury – with modern furnishings and design, the lobby offers seating areas to take a cup of coffee or tea, relax with friends, or hold a meeting. There’s a lobby bar and restaurant toward the back of the hotel lobby and large sliding glass doors that open-up to the lively pool deck where an infinity pool juts-out over the sea. Guest rooms at the Noom are tastefully decorated and feature comfortable beds, work stations, ample bathroom space, safety boxes, flat screen televisions and views of the ocean. Shampoos, conditioners and lotions area ready for use and rain showers are perfect for washing the day away. Noom does a good job of branding in various places around the hotel, from bathrooms, to the gym – pool and lobby. Outside of the lovely guest rooms, my favorite place to relax is the pool area. Guinea is typically humid and hot, so a swim in the infinity pool is always welcome. You can sit by this architecturally innovative pool and order everything from cocktails to ice cream. The pool is the perfect temperature to pop in and out of, especially during sunset when the light dips below the horizon to cast a warm glow on the entire city. The bar in the lobby of the Noom is equipped with menus that offer salads, sandwiches, fish and more. Being that Conakry is right on the sea, seafood here is excellent and a great choice for those who love it. I found the staff at the Noom to be one of its best assets. Guineans are naturally warm, welcoming and friendly and that resonates in every corner of the Noom experience. Dining at the Noom is an experience. Breakfast is typically served buffet style, but you can order a-la-carte as well. Locally made sweets are to die for, being that the pastry chef was trained in Belgium. Dinner at the fine, yet still casual dining establishment, L’Adresse, is truly fantastic. Seafood is the absolute focus here with gorgeous shrimp, fish, octopus and other sea fare on the menu. The wine list tends to lean heavily French, which makes sense since Guinea was a French colony at one point in its history. Every dish here has a French flair. And, just like dessert at L’Adresse, a stay at Noom is a sweet experience. When you combine the visuals of your surroundings, the warmth of the staff, the quality of the food and the overall experience – you won’t find better in Conakry, or West Africa as a whole.

There are destination spas around the world touting the ability to transform your mind and body into a balanced, radiating vessel of health and wellness in a blink of an eye. Some of these spas make good on their promises, and some, unfortunately, fall short. So, when searching for the number one, the place to invest your time and money in an effort to improve the state of your health – it’s important to know the facts and analyze their offerings to be sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck. It’s at the world-renowned Lanserhof Tegernsee , that we believe, this is possible. It is, by far, the world’s number one destination spa for 2018. A year-round destination guided by the LANS Med Concept, a medical approach that combines Western (modern) medicine (prevention) with naturopathy and validated therapy methods – the entire medical experience here is founded on the principals and findings of Austrian physician F.X. Mayr. Being the core of the experience, the medical services here are number one, but they are wrapped in a cocoon of luxury and beauty at the Tegernsee location, as well as the two other locations in Germany and Austria. Your journey at Lanserhof begins before you arrive. Medical questionnaires and, if necessary, conversations with your regular physicians are to be filled out and had before your arrival, all to streamline your goals and objectives while on property. A team of doctors and an advisor are assigned to you before arrival and help plan your program according to your specific needs. This could be whole body detoxification, weight loss or a slew of other options that relate to general wellness or particular ailments. People descend on Lanserhof from all over the world. Once you land at Munich airport, it’s a quick 45 minutes before you’ve arrived to your home away from home over the next 7, 14 or 21 days. Lanserhof has several program lengths to choose from that will suit your needs, 7 days being the minimum we recommend to allow your body the time it needs to reap the benefits of the program – through self-healing and regeneration. Our goal was detoxification, and the 7 days we spent at Tegernsee allowed us to settle-in to our new way of thinking, eating and being. Lanserhof is luxurious. But, in true German style, that luxury comes in minimalism. The focus here is nature and light. Set in the Bavarian Alps, gorgeous equally in the winter as it is in the summer, the resort was designed by Master Architect Christoph Ingenhoven. Over 226,000 square feet of space, including 70 stunning suites and studios for guests, treatment rooms, exercise facilities, two pools and an 18-hole golf course make this place heaven on Earth. Everywhere you look here is easy on the eyes, not alarming or too much to take-in, just easy. It all allows your mind to stop, rest and heal from the bombardment of sights and sounds it perceives in your usual environment at home. Within this unique, nature-focused environment the Lanserhof team deploys their knowledge to help you move through the 6 pillars of the F.X. Mayr therapy: rest, purification, awareness, integration, sports and soul. A series of preparations, lectures, treatments and dining experiences help make-up a program that is designed to help you achieve whole body wellness. Rooms and public spaces at Lanserhof Tegernsee are open, bright, light and allow energy to move through, freely. You can truly feel that everywhere here. This allows your body to take-in that flowing energy much in the same way – opening you up to heal from whatever ails you. Suites here are large. Checking-in you’ll find your program details printed in your room, comfortable sofas, a writing desk and a cozy bed (one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in). A bar in the room is meant for you to have access to the only two liquids you’re allowed to ingest over your time at Lanserhof – water and non-caffeinated herbal tea. Some might be shocked by this at first, and any coffee addict might have a minor panic attack at the news of this – but it’s important to go with the flow here. There’s a method. Bathrooms in your suite are large and beautiful. Dual sinks with soft lighting. Rain showers where you can spend 30-minutes under Alpine water. Plush robes and slippers are waiting for you in your room. These items will undoubtedly become your best friends here, as you can move from treatment to treatment in them, always being at your most comfortable. Much of a program at Lanserhof is focused on food and our very skewed relationship with it. Here you will be re-taught how to eat, what to eat, when to eat it and how food can really become the medicine that heals you. Cooking classes are offered throughout your stay and allow you to see the proper way to prepare food, as not to destroy its nutritional integrity. Over the course of your program, depending on your objectives, you’ll see that food is quite limited as calorie restriction is important here. This isn’t to deprive you or necessarily to make you lose weight, but to help restart your cells and reboot them. At Lanserhof, they believe that cells become lazy when fed and overfed at every hungry whim you might have. Mild fasting allows them to reboot and become efficient again, helping you further eliminate waste and unwanted fat when you leave the facility. Food at Lanserhof is delicious and, of course, organic. The mainly vegetarian diet is cleansing and built into your program for a purpose. Everything is done with an intention here. I experienced Lanserhof Tegernsee in the winter, which was stunning. Aside from my own health goals of total body detoxification, I had wanted to reconnect with nature in a way that I hadn’t before. Waking-up each day for breakfast and gazing out of my room onto the glistening snow and the iced over Alps in the distance, I couldn’t help but be taken by the magic of it all. My daily medical massages, detoxification foot baths (where ions draw toxins out of your body through your feet) and other activities were juxtaposed against gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. It was a scene out of Frozen and I felt like I was in a health-focused fairy tale. I can only say that I fully trust Lanserfof and their method, and this is why I believe them to be the best. I don’t have time or energy for empty promises and I know, that here, I’m getting what I signed up for. I left feeing regenerated and with more knowledge about my lifestyle and body under my belt. What more can I ask for?

I saw the azure water appear under the clouds as I descended on my Maldivian Airlines flight from Malé to Gan, first. Surrounding a flat hunk of sand in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the water got lighter and clearer the closer it was to land. At the most Southern reaches of the Maldives, a stunning island-nation, just an hour-and-a-half from Sri Lanka and Southern India, lies a private island I had heard about in recent years – Villingili. And, the resort managing the island, The Shangri-La . I had to experience it. So, as I landed on Gan Island – I knew, in the back of my mind, it was going to be great. The Maldives isn’t short of beautiful hotels. This island-nation relies on tourism and fishing as its main source of GDP and tourism here is geared towards luxury. You can’t throw a stone, or a seashell, without landing on the beach in front of The Four Seasons, Conrad or Taj – all names synonymous with some of the best luxury hotel experiences in the world. But, it’s on Villingili, with The Shangri-La, where a different type of luxury experience waits. Located just off the island of Gan, a small island with a community of local Maldivian people, Villingili is a palm-fringed paradise surrounded by a coral reef. With over two kilometers of white sand beaches, 17,000 palm trees and some of the most beautiful water you’ll ever see in your life – it really is a Utopia waiting. The Shangri-La offers over 132 private villas, in 9 different styles. A 10-minute speed boat ride from Gan Airport and you’ve arrived somewhere you’ve only imagined in your dreams. I stayed on Villingili for six nights. As soon as I stepped onto the speedboat and was handed a water and cold towel scented with lemongrass, I felt at home. I was sped right-up to the waterfront open-air lobby and greeted by a slew of team members from the hotel. After a speedy check-in, I was put on a golf-cart and taken right to my villa. And, what a villa it was. The overwater bungalow, or Water Villa, was perched right atop the crystal seas ebbing and flowing from the island. As soon as I pulled-up, a school of parrot fish and a giant manta ray swam past – under the boardwalk and into the open sea. What a moment that was. Walking-in to the villa, my jaw dropped as the expansive space was laid-out and decorated to a tee, bringing a chic South Indian Ocean vibe into every corner of the room. The villa was equipped with a massive bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, two vanities and sink counters, expansive closets with plush robes and slippers, a large bar with alcoholic beverages and coffee and tea station, a writing and work station, a sitting area, a fantastically huge bed and a terrace deck over the blue water with tiered lounge areas and overwater hammock. I was beyond impressed, and instantly relaxed. Villas are spread throughout the island and all have their own unique environments. You can essentially choose from a treehouse style space that is tucked amongst the palms with a private beach and pool, or an overwater moment that you’ve seen so many times on Instagram. Amongst the 132 villas, there really are so many different environments to choose from on the island and, the irony is, you barely ever see anyone else. You literally feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Villingili is a unique island. It’s not just sand in the middle of the sea, but it has history, interesting features and the Shangri-la does an amazing job of offering curated experiences for you to keep yourself occupied while here. You want to lay on the beach for 7 days straight, no problem. You want to snorkel and dive around the reef, you can do that. You want to play golf on the only 9-hole course in the Maldives – you’ve got it. There’s something for everyone here. You can even scale to the top (17 feet above sea level) of Mount Villingili – the highest natural point in the Maldives. The golf course here is fun, and can be tailored to beginners or pros. It offers unique holes with shots over the sea and dramatic vistas over beaches and wild palms swaying in the gentle breeze. The clubhouse is great for a cocktail in the heat, or to gaze up to the sky and see one of the giant fruit bats gliding through the air while indulging in a homemade ice cream. The Shangri-La offers three restaurants and three snack and drink bars. Endheri is by the stunning oceanfront pool and you can sit in one of the cabanas sipping a glass of Veuve and share a plate of fried calamari with your travel companions. M Lounge is on the sand and sits right near the open-air lobby. Chairs and tables are set-up for the evening and you can sit and watch the sun dip below the pink horizon while downing expertly crafted cocktails made by one of the bartenders. This is one of my favorite experiences on the island. In the evenings you might see a cute little frog or two hopping around, or one of the giant bats overhead. The bats quickly became a signature of the island in my mind, and one of my favorite things. The Shangri-La offers private experiences whether it’s tea near the golf course to break-up the holes, dining by design (which can be set-up with a personalized menu from the chef and stationed atop Mount Villingili for incredible sunset views over the Indian Ocean). One of my favorite things on the island is to watch the coconut climber scale to the top of one of the thousands of trees and hack-off a bunch of coconuts. He can teach you about the coconuts on the island, the various forms of consumption and how to spot one that is ready for drinking or eating. And, of course, this experience wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the sweet meat inside or guzzling the water right from the shell – the perfect hangover cure. After your coconut experience, make your way down to the shore where a representative from the island’s conservation center will meet you to educate you on the Shangri-La’s efforts to conserve the island and its reef – which includes planting broken coral underwater to help begin new reefs. You can take-part in this, as I did, and it is truly fascinating. Learning about the problem of coral bleaching and human beings’ effects on the sea from a luxury resort is a first, but noticed and appreciated. Another favorite moment I had on Villingili was the sunset dolphin cruise. The Shangri-La will take you out on their own yacht and you will have the opportunity to look for pods of spinner dolphins – watching them jump, dance and dive in and out of the sparkling sea. The proximity you have to these creatures during the cruise is incredible. The Shangri-La offers three different dining experiences on the island. Of course there is a stunning breakfast, vast and filled with options that are cooked with various inspirations. I fixate on the breakfast here because you can choose from local Maldivian specialties like fish curry, or Western specialties (i.e. omelettes, waffles and french toast), French, Chinese and more. It is truly and event on Villingili. The chefs at the restaurants, whether Indian at Dr. Ali’s, seafood-focused at Fashala’s or international at Javvu, all utilize the island’s garden where organic produce is grown. You can tour the garden and find fresh chilis, cilantro, herbs, tomatoes, potatoes and most anything else you can imagine. Watching the harvest is extra special, because you can literally see what will end-up in your dinner that evening. I would recommend trying all the restaurants on the island as they are so different and each menu is well curated. You can sit outside at Dr. Ali’s and take-in Cantonese, Indian and Vietnamese specialties that are harmonized by similar ingredients, yet distinctly reflect the styles of cooking from the country where the traditions are born. Sushi on the island is absolutely phenomenal. Being that the Maldives is known for their incredible tuna stock, you can imagine what a spicy tuna roll tastes like here. A grill-focused buffet can be found at Javvu, which is fun for families and friends. The chicken tandoori at Dr. Ali’s was some of the best I’ve ever had. And, of course, cocktails are delicious at any of the dining establishments, day or night. The Maldives has strict alcohol policies being that it is a largely Muslim country, but guests don’t really feel that at large resorts. Alcohol flows freely here. No matter what your food selections are, you can be guaranteed that everything is fresh and the chefs will do their best to accommodate any requests, including for those with allergies. After six days at The Shangri-La Villingili Maldives resort, I felt refreshed, relaxed and above all else, reconnected with myself. I spent time in the water, in Chi the spa, dining around the island, sipping coconut water and just having a good time. What made this island different was the effortlessness in luxury colliding with nature, local culture and service. A hand over the heart is the signature greeting of the brand, Shangri-La, to show guests that everything being done, comes from the heart. You can actually feel that on the island everywhere. From the landscaping crews to the restaurant staff, it feels like people love what they do and love this island. That is imparted into every experience at the resort and I cannot wait to return.

Istanbul is an incredible city, and when searching for the best in luxury hotel properties throughout its bustling streets, look no further than the Çiragan Palace Kempinski . A historic Ottoman palace that sits serenely on the Bosporus, this stunning gem of a hotel is unlike anything else in town. Of course you can arrive to the property via road, but why do that when you can arrive by boat? I landed on a balmy February morning and was collected by a chauffeur provided by Turkish Airlines . I was driven to a small port and hopped on a private boat ride to the hotel – which is situated in the vibrant Ortäkoy neighborhood. The sun was shining and the smiles of the staff, when I floated-up to the hotel’s waterside platform, were equally as bright. A warm cup of salep, warm milk with cinnamon and other spices greeted me. I was checked-in to my Bosporus suite, with sweeping views across the water and the Asian side of the city. The room was impressive, sumptuous and had every creature comfort you could imagine. The Çiragan Palace is like a museum, but feels like home. I unpacked quickly and explored the hotel. 5 restaurants and bars are scattered throughout the hotel, a spa, stunning pool area and shopping. This is the perfect place to base yourself while in town, and you don’t have to worry about a thing. Not only are the staff absolutely fabulous in their commitment to serve, but you are secure and safe here as well. The first night I was on property, I dined at Tugra Restaurant which is known for traditional Ottoman cuisine. Course after course of expertly prepared food arrived in silver and on gorgeous, locally made ceramic china. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the historic palace part of the hotel and is an absolute must for anyone staying here or even just for dinner. I stayed at the Çiragan Palace for two nights and each night I tried to really soak in the feeling of being here. I filled my days taking early morning dips in the pool and exploring this vibrant city with the most amazing local tour company, Locally Istanbul . This company is absolutely incredible and organized a private tour experience in a luxury vehicle. Throughout the day, we visited incredible markets, art galleries, jewelry stores and shopping venues – locations you’d never find in a tour book. They really have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in town, and they aim to show their guests a side of the city that is undiscovered. The Çiragan Palace welcomed me back after exploring the city throughout the day. They made arrangements for a massage at night so I could unwind and then recommended a great Italian restaurant nearby for dinner. Now is the time to visit Istanbul. With plans to open a new airport soon, Turkish Airlines can take you there from more destinations throughout the globe than any other carrier. Head over to the Çiragan Palace and settle-in. But, one note of caution, once you’re there – you won’t want to leave.

Your bedroom and bathroom are sacred parts of your home. You spend hours here, sleeping, lounging and primping to look your best. In essence, with the idea that sleep enhances beauty and your bathroom routine further enhances, hopefully, the good effects of sleep – shouldn’t the items that surround you in those spaces be the most luxurious and beautiful? Y ves Delorme , the iconic French linen maker founded in 1845, is the only brand to consider when outfitting your bed and bath with the most stunning, well-crafted and luxurious linens on the market. Choosing linens is an incredibly personal process. Selecting the correct thread count, style, design and color can literally change the way you perceive your bedroom and bathroom – and, therefore, yourself. These rooms should rise-up to meet you and are two of the most important rooms in your home. With a history deeply rooted in quality and craftsmanship, Yves Delorme knows how to make these two rooms come to life. Since 1845 the Fremaux family. manufacturers of linens and textiles, have rooted themselves in the process of fine fabric making. When they joined forces with talented designer, Yves Delorme, in the 1980s, and acquired his company, the brand became an unstoppable force in luxury home decor. We sat down with the Head of Design for Yves Delorme, Ms. Laurence Rouet, to ask important questions about the nuances that make this brand so special. IC: Who is the Yves Delorme customer? Who appreciates the craftsmanship behind the brand? LR: The Yves Delorme customer is a modern woman, or man, traveling internationally, but who cares for his home and wishes to invest in design.  Both U.S and European clients are quite sophisticated, but the U.S client is probably more classical and prefers our timeless designs, whereas the European client is more interested in the seasonal fashion lines…. Of course, both pay a great deal of attention to the quality and the hand of the fabrics. IC: What makes Yves Delorme different in the luxury bedding and bath market? LR: What makes Yves Delorme linens different? In a word: diversity. The Yves Delorme brand features the world’s most extensive collection of home linens, and continues to add materials and techniques to enrich its collection: cotton, linen, silk, jacquard, prints, dyes and embroidery create endless pieces to complement any home. The company has terrycloth for the bathroom, robes, cosmetic bags, plaids, bedspreads, quilts, candles and decorative pillows. If you want a beautifully dressed bed and lingerie to match, you’ll find it at Yves Delorme. There is one product, however, that absolutely defines Yves Delorme: floral-design bed linens. It is the DNA of the brand. Our florals can showcase up to 16 colors, which is exceedingly rare. Most brands print with 6 to 12. And the precision of the designs imparts such a vibrant look, no matter the seasonal motif. IC: How has the brand evolved from its origins through modern times? LR: The same family has been running the company since the beginning, which ensures a solid, forward-looking vision. The energy and spirit that motivated the sounding members continues to inspire today’s leaders. In May 2016, Yves Delorme began offering a couture collection to a select clientele in Paris, New York, Moscow and London. All Yves Delorme creations are sophisticated and luxurious; but some customers sought a more personalized approach, and a new collection was created in response. People can now ask for bedding in silk, rather than satin cotton, or request gold-tone, rather than silver-tone embroidery. What was missing previously was the haute couture aspect, where customers could personalize their choices to get exactly the product they wanted. Every piece is unique and made to measure, with hand-sewn finishes, embroidery and monograms. IC: How are Yves Delorme designs conceptualized and crafted? LR: I would say that I re-memorize the DNA of Yves Delorme before I begin to conceive each Collection: The poetry of nature, The audacity of creativity, The excellence of materials, and a Savoir-Faire of the highest quality. I travel, I nourish myself in various artistic domains such as fine arts, design, fashion, architecture, and literature, in order to maintain a continuous connection and sensitivity to the world around me. I give meaning to my viewpoint and to my gesture by drawing what seems to me to re-transcribe this act of reflection; comprised of current affairs, culture, and even the imaginary, at the same moment as an observation of Nature. This process is accompanied by our communications strategy that flows along the same charter as the art direction that I engage, thus allowing for a dynamic interpretation of the brand, and a re-transcription of the traits of the modern Yves Delorme woman: A woman that is of a romantic modernity. IC: How do you approach new designs for the brand? LR: My role is to make people dream about our beautiful linen through the stories of my inspirations. I want them to live the experience of creative and high quality products. First, I build the poetic history of the new season. All design’s creativity will be articulated around that theme. This phase of design is very important because it will be the stylistic framework of the collections and it will guide the thread of our collection story. Then I create the prints and imagine the products of all the bed linen lines, toweling, table linen, accessories … I hand draw and work the technical aspects (printing, weaving, knitting) with a team of collaborators in order to give the ideal final technical touch to our products. IC: How are heritage moments or themes woven into the brand today? LR: The Yves Delorme style has been defined over the years around Poetry but also Audacity for the creativity of patterns and textile production. This has made it from the beginning a mark of a romantic modernity. Added to this are the fundamentals that are the excellence of qualities and know-how through the expression of hand-made design and the work of exceptional textile artisans. This DNA serves as a guide for each of the collections I imagine. It allows me to create today’s designs with a great richness combining creativity, poetry, elegance and refinement. IC: Where do you see the brand in the next 25 years? LR: In 25 years, I see the brand continuing to maintain its heritage and tradition through several aspects: The timeless culture of beautiful linens, a signature of style elaborated with poetry and elegance for the past several decades, and the industrial power of the Fremaux-Delorme group that develops this culture. I also anticipate the company expanding into different cities around the world—spreading Yves Delorme’s timeless tradition and style on a global scale. IC: What has been one of your biggest achievements as the designer behind this legacy brand? LR: Working with Yves Delorme has been a dream come true. I cherish the time I spent with Yves Delorme’s previous designer of over 30 years, Evelyne Julienne, and continue to carry her aspirations for the company with me. I am proud to work with a brand that has such a deep heritage and that is so loved around the globe. While there have not been any sudden stylistic changes since I’ve joined the company, there is instead a creative evolution fueled by a vision, an imagination and a new hand. I have enjoyed the challenge of conceptualizing new designs that remain true to Yves Delorme’s textile history while refreshing the aesthetic, and I am excited for what is yet to come.

There are some artists you come across that have the ability to enchant, impress and captivate you in such a way that you can’t help but want more – of them. And when their art is cake, and it’s some of the best cake you’ve ever tasted or most beautiful you’ve ever seen, you can’t help but want more of that, too. An addiction is started, but rooted in the appreciation of someone who has taken their passion and turned it into power – business, status and the ability to make any special occasion rise to its fullest potential. Ron Ben-Israel is that artist, and his cakes are the edible art at the center of that addiction. Mr. Ben-Israel and his incredible team created a cake recently for an event hosted by Inspired Citizen for its partners in New York City. As clients, we were invited into his lair and led through the design process, as well as the process of selecting the flavors that would entice our guests. What a treat, literally, and what a pleasure it was to work with him and his counterparts to create something memorable that spoke to our brand and guest. Of course, travel governed the theme – and it was perfect. Photo by: Maggie Marguerite Studios Each area of the team’s space is dedicated to a different process of cake designing, making and decorating. Sampling flavors before you choose which flavor to use in your cake is essential, and delicious. Mr. Ben-Israel hails from Israel and came to New York years ago to dance. But, he gave-up his ballet shoes when chocolate and love took over, which led him to pursue his passion, and first inspiration from his mother – baking. New York loves a dream and a goal, but it doesn’t always make it easy for dreamers. It wasn’t easy or overnight for Ron, but through dedication and persistence – he was noticed by influential New Yorkers, like Martha Stewart. A well deserving star was born. Photo by: Kitchen RBI Cakes The studio, located on the West side of Manhattan, is a dream. There’s so much happening. Photoshoots, baking, carving, sugaring, designing, sketching, interviews and so much more. Brides, groomsmen, birthday girls and others trickle in and out to check on their dream cakes. Is mine going to be as beautiful as the ones I’ve seen in magazines? How will it taste? What about my guests who hate fondant? Mr. Ben-Israel has a solution for all of that. With a gleaming white flash of his smile, and nod to a team member, anything can be fixed. Photo by: Maggie Marguerite Studios Mr. Ben-Israel took me on a tour of his operation. The entire office smells like a baking vanilla cake, I couldn’t help but want to plant my face into a freshly made batch of chocolate buttercream, or steal a piece of round layer cake from the cooling shelf. But, I didn’t. Instead I watched him bounce from corner to corner, choreographing each move of his team and showing me the intricacy of carved sugar flowers, or the raw raspberry compote used between buttercream layers. Each flavor and sight was better than the next. Photo by: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes I was led into the design room to go over the details of our cake. Did I want buttercream? What about the exterior? Airplanes? Passport stamps? Yes, please. Anything is possible here – as long as you have the creativity and budget. Ron Ben-Israel Cakes After deciding on a framework for design, I left the rest to Ron. The masterpiece was layers of chocolate and vanilla cake with black cherry filling, hazelnut with praline crunch filling and grey fondant. It was incomparable. The cake for Inspired Citizen was delivered an hour before the party started and served at room temperature by the caterer. Each gust who took a bite had the same expression – pure joy. It’s important to remember that, although Mr. Ben-Israel’s reputation is largely tied with wedding cakes, a cake is perfect for every occasion. None to big or too small. Aside from being a true work of art and flavor explosion, having a cake made by a legend and someone who truly puts love and goodness into every creation – is priceless.

Jin Soon , is a cult favorite in New York. But, why? Because it really is the best. With locations throughout New York, and one cute and cozy one in the West Village, Jin Soon churns-out some of the best manicures and pedicures in town. Whether you indulge in a milk and honey pedicure, or a manicure that includes expertly designed nail art, you can’t go wrong. Men and women both enjoy the services here and they’re fully customizable. I was a recent client here and spent an hour enjoying a simultaneous milk and honey mani/pedi combo. What a moment. As you enter Jin Soon’s West Village location, you can’t help but be charmed – it’s adorable, and clean. In the front, you’ll see a few manicure stations and, around the corner, you’ll enter the back portion of the room where the four pedicure stations sit. This is beyond refreshing, as many New York nail salons are packed to the gills with people. The milk and honey manicure and pedicure is, for lack of a better word, amazing. Soaking your hands and feet in a warm milk bath scented with rosemary – you’re already off to a good start. Over an hour, your feet soften and the expert therapists, many who hail from Nepal, work their magic to clean every corner and angle of your nails. Scrubs, masks and thick, luxurious creams all make an appearance. In the end, you’re left with soft, clean and perfect hands and feet. You can opt to use polish if you choose, Jin Soon is known for their own amazing customizations, or keep it natural – which I did. After an experience here, you won’t go anywhere else.

Angelica Flowers and Events , a beautiful flower shop run by Angelica Gomes and her wife, Rebecca, is New York’s top hidden gem florist. Designing with an eye for effortless elegance and from the heart, Angelica churns-out some of the most unique and beautiful arrangements for any space – in your home, office or even for an event. We spoke with Angelica recently about her store, her inspiration and her arrangements. IC: Where do you start when designing your arrangements? AG: We start with a cylindrical glass vase as our canvas. All of our arrangements are custom made based on the customers’ budget and color preferences. We skillfully cut and arrange the flowers in a compact, clean, elegant style that displays the beauty and uniqueness of each type of flower. We use no fillers or greenery; only the best cut flowers available on the market. We purchase the majority of our flowers from Holland, the flower capital of the world. The florists of Holland have spent centuries perfecting the beauty and sustainability of a wide variety of flowers and Angelica Flowers and Events is honored and eager to offer this incredible product to as many as possible. The gift of a well done, high quality arrangement can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. We post regularly to our Instagram, @angelicaflwrs, and on Facebook Angelica Flowers and Events, NYC. IC: When did you start your store? AG: After years of working for other people, I realized I could start a business that was equally successful or more successful. So after a decade of saving money, on February 14, 2000, I opened the front doors of Angelica Flowers and Events in the West Village, and I haven’t stopped since. IC: How do you make your flowers last so long? AF: We purchase only high quality flowers every 2 days from Holland. Our flowers last because they are always super fresh. The answer for making flowers last is very simple – add water, cut the stems properly and keep them in cool temperatures. The higher quality flower you buy, the longer they will last. Deli flowers are so cheap because they purchase the lowest quality flower. As you can tell, the shelf life of a deli flower is short and that is because it’s the lowest quality flower that the grower sells to make an extra profit.

Chelsea Wine Vault , in New York’s City’s Chelsea Market, is our pIck for New York’s top wine store experience. Tucked within the popular local and tourist market near the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Wine Vault offers a melange of options when it comes to selecting the best wines from around the world. Whether your budget is $100 per bottle or $12, you will find something intriguing. We recently stopped-by and selected six red varieties to sample –  an Italian Nebbiolo, an Italian Rosso di Montalcino, a French Cahors, a French Pinot Noir, an Italian Barolo and a French Cotes-du-Rhone. Each one of them was unique, complex and very drinkable, especially the Italian Rosso di Montalcino. Any shopper can rely on help from one of the on-site sommeliers, and request delivery within Manhattan or shipping elsewhere. The store even offers storage. The overall experience here is calm, dignified and fun. And, for those interested in spirits – the shop offers those as well. We spoke with the store’s web manager, Mirna, who answered a few burning questions we had. IC: What is Chelsea Wine Vault’s philosophy when selecting wines to sell in the store? CW: Our head buyer, Julio Hernandez, has been in the industry for over 20 years and has worked with many famous chefs, including Chef Emeril Lagasse from Emeril Live in New Orleans, and many more. He has been featured in Wine Spectator and other credible wine publications. He brings great knowledge and industry expertise to Chelsea Wine Vault. Chelsea Wine Vault, our twenty year young store & storage, prides itself on having a well-curated selection of wines in every category possible. It is a matter of being objective, carefully selecting wines of every price point without compromising the selection. At every price point, in today’s world, we can select well-chosen wines without having to buy “industrial garbage.” It is something that you can only achieve with decades of experience and a very ethical buying philosophy. Under those circumstances, we are able to provide our beloved guests great business conduct and unparalleled experiences when it comes to selling wines & spirits. IC: How did the store come about? How was it founded? CW: Chelsea Wine Vault and Chelsea Wine Storage has been a pivotal part of Chelsea Market since its opening in 1997. Daniel Barteluce and Don Kurt opened the business with the notion of providing friendly and unparalleled wine service and storage in climate controlled conditions for regular New Yorkers. IC: Which wines are most unique, interesting or special in the store currently? CW: Our cellar selection in our temperature controlled cellars are well stocked with the best of all classic regions in the world as well as some of the most cutting edge wines (New World / Old World). Keeping up with some of the most classic – traditional producers as well as the up and coming over-achievers. All these well-thought selections are being offered to our guests by staying focused on our buying principles and high standards of quality and customer service. Besides our legendary wines, the leaders of Chelsea Wine Vault are also building New York’s newest and coolest event space for private and corporate events, wine classes, wine tastings, and more. This project, along with the newly renovated retail space, has been in production for the last year. and is set to launch in Spring 2018, IC: Who is the Chelsea Wine Vault customer? CW: Of course, as we are located inside Chelsea Market, we get our fair share of international travelers, but that is far from the majority of our clientele. We do service premium wine-buying and collectors. However, we would not be here without our local New Yorkers who have been supporting our business for decades. IC: What makes your wine selection and shopping experience different thaN others in New York? CW: Our retail store offers excellent and reputable wines at every price point. We constantly have new product coming so that our customers always have something new to try. Chelsea Wine Storage offers climate controlled storage and up until recently, has been the only wine storage facility in New York for years. Our upcoming event space will offer all of the aforementioned events and classes. Our staff is knowledgable about the industry and our curated selection.

There are some hotels that make an impression, and some that leave an impression so great – that you can’t help but continue to speak about your experience for years after you’ve left. The Efendi Boutique Hotel , located in the small coastal Northern Israeli town of Akko, is one of those places. A masterpiece in history, love, art and luxury – you cannot miss the opportunity to stay here and revel in every corner of its glory. I heard about Akko from a colleague and decided to explore the city on my recent trip to Israel. The city, once ruled by the Ottomans, Crusaders and others who wanted it in their clutches for its important location on the trading route between Europe and Asia, is a must-see for anyone interested in Israel. It is, for now, a hidden gem – but is comparable to Jerusalem in historical importance, and is much more quiet and relaxing. I was welcomed to the hotel after taking the train from Tel Aviv. A quick 90-minute jaunt up the coast, and I rolled into Akko at 10:30 pm. I was brought in a taxi to the hotel, located in a quiet alley in old-town. The doors flung open and the night manager brought me inside. I was offered a glass of mint tea and escorted right to my room. The Efendi was once a decrepit relic of an old mansion that sat in the town, neglected and in dire need of help. That was until local legend and character,Uri Jeremias, decided to purchase it and turn it into a hotel. He spent months and months restoring the rooms, uncovering murals, frescoes and even going as far as hiring a team of artists from Venice to come to the hotel and restore all the original art found embedded on the walls. Walking from room to room, you can’t help but drop your jaw in amazement. Each ceiling, wall and corner is decorated or painted – in some fascinating way. In the morning you can make a Nespresso in your room and step toward your window with a view over the city and Mediterranean.  I woke each morning to the call of prayer (Muslims, Jews, Christians and other religious groups exist here) – and watched the dogs hop from rooftop to rooftop. Since Akko is right at the Lebanese border, there are a mix of religions here, and they all seem to live relatively peacefully. I love it. There are only 12 rooms at The Efendi, each one decorated differently. There are no bad rooms at all. In the morning, you can head downstairs to the long table where you’ll find fresh coffee, juice and a stunning breakfast prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes. The proprietor, Uri Yarmias, has designed a menu that speaks to your heart and stomach – complementing his nearby famed seafood restaurant, Uri Buri . Beds are cozy and the rooms are decorated individually with creamy linens, hand-picked antiques, frescoes and glass, modern bathrooms that are easy and wonderful to get ready for the day in. Through every window, light stream in. The rooms are art, the public seating areas are art and, of course, the rooftop is a sight to see. At sunset every evening the hotel hosts its guests for a glass of Israeli wine on the rooftop so you can watch the colors change over the city as the sun dips on the horizon. Staying at The Efendi is a quiet experience where you can integrate yourself into the local fabric, yet still be wrapped in luxury. The staff here are friendly, attentive and warm. Most of the time, you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Here, you can truly stay in a work of art, a piece of history and a vision of what hospitality should be.