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Hertz , located on the sunny French island of St. Barth, Hetz is the top car rental service on the island this year. Located in the airport in Gustavia, just after customs, Hertz offers the area’s top vehicles, in stick and automatic, for those looking for their own transportation around the island. Anyone who has been to St. Barth knows that it’s small, but getting around without a vehicle can be difficult and costly. A simple taxi cab ride for ten minutes can run as much as 50 euros, and that’s just one way – if you have gone out and are looking for a late ride – expect to pay more. St. Barth is hilly and spread out, so walking isn’t ideal – you need a car to get yourself from Point A to Point B. We booked a vehicle through Hertz and it was seamless. In a quick three-and-a-half hours you can fly from New York to St. Maarten, and connect via small plane for a seven-minute flight to St. Barth. The airport is tiny and there are many car rental companies to choose from, but Hertz makes it all so easy. I arrived and was brought to the Hertz counter. They had my reservation ready, and all I had to do was show my drivers license and present a credit card for deposit. Within five minutes, I was taken to the back lot where my car was already running and cooled-down for myself and my guests. The entire process took me 15 minutes. Hertz offers maps, roadside assistance and support to help you along your journey. I needed none of these while I was on the island, but the vehicle got me around in no time. Returning the car was easy, a simple drop-off and signature – nothing more to do. For anyone visiting the island, Hertz is the only choice.

Bella Systems , the tri-state area's top custom closet design operation, worked with us on a special project for “The Ultimate New York Apartment” - designing four uniquely-shaped closets to not only elevate the space, but help bring hanging and storage potential to its maximum capacity. A family-run business, Bella Systems is unlike any of the nationwide custom closet designers, because they do their job with care and heart. From the moment we began working with them, until the closets' completion, Bella Systems showed up with phenomenal attention to detail, quality materials, expert design perspective, and timely delivery of the finished product. Our project began with a simple phone call to Bella Systems to initiate what would be a closet customization for a New York City loft in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The challenge before us was to create systems for the closets that allowed for ample storage, sizable hanging space, and special details integrated into the somewhat complex shapes of two closets in the primary bedroom. Bella Systems not only rose to the challenge, but brought years of experience with them to help make the most of the closet space we had in the loft. Within a few days after the initial phone call, Lisa, one of the company’s owners, arrived ready to take measurements of each closet so she could use her tools, computer programs, and imagination to come up with solutions for each one. She and her husband, Anthony, co-own the company and work together to bring their clients’ vision to life.  In the primary bedroom of the loft space, there are three closets. One of the closets is larger and could accommodate a pseudo walk-in design, while the other two are both very long, but incredibly narrow, with the bulk of the space we had to work with located behind a wall anchored with an ethanol fireplace. Lisa began brainstorming with us and conceptualizing ideas that could be possible based on projects they’ve worked on in the past. Her ideas for the long narrow closets included positioning double hanging bars width-wise to hold clothing such as blazers, pants, and shirts. She offered the thought of including a bank of drawers that would be set just at the right angle to provide drawer storage, with 5 shoe shelves positioned above it. The position of the drawer bank made it easy to access and also, very importantly, left space open to be able to step into the closet itself and reach for the hanging pieces at the back behind the wall. Through all of this Lisa was even able to include shelving running the full length of the closet on top for more storage, and more shelving within the hanging vestibule. It was absolutely incredible how much storage she was able to make possible out of a seemingly impossibly-shaped space.  The walk-in closet located in the primary bedroom was a bit easier with its shape, however, presented other challenges with very particular requests coming from the client. Bella Systems is used to working with their clients to help make their closet storage needs a reality, and will do anything they can within reason to make dreams come true. In the walk-in closet, Lisa was able to provide double hanging racks, a bank of drawers, hidden floor storage, shoe shelving, regular storage slots at the top of the closet, and another storage shelf running along the very top of the closet. This made it incredibly easy to not only display clothing in a beautiful way, but make it all functionally available for the person who would potentially be using that closet. Bella Systems does a remarkable job of fusing function with beauty. In larger spaces, they are able to create center closet islands, add lighting, hanging racks, and pretty much whatever else one may need to truly make their closet a showstopper. This job is a bit easier in larger homes or spaces but, in New York City, the space struggle is real - and any city dweller knows that. In the second bedroom of the loft space, Lisa and team measured carefully to meet the request of a center drawer bank, a side to side hanging bar, side storage and shelving to the left of the drawer bank. Lisa was able to integrate a large storage shelf at the very top of the closet as well. It was quite unbelievable that, within a day or two, we had set designs and a game plan for the project at hand.  Our next step, which we did during our first meeting with the Bella Systems team, was to choose the finish and handles. This can be very overwhelming, especially since they offer clients a wide array of choices to choose from. But, we found the perfect match to the Benjamin Moore Aura paint color that was used in the space. We chose this finish for the material that would be used for each closet system, and also chose an exact match in color and shape for the pull handles that would be used for the drawers. It quite literally looked like these closet systems could have been in the space the entire time of its existence - and not like a mismatched addition.  The Bella Systems team took all the requests and designs and ordered what they needed to create the systems. With each project, there are different lead times, but for “The Ultimate New York Apartment”, the four closets took roughly six weeks to be designed, built, and installed. We were incredibly impressed with the speed in which they were able to deliver such a high quality final product.  On the day of installation, Lisa’s husband Anthony and other members of the team arrived to install the systems. Prior to their arrival, we had the previous closet components removed, and the inside of the closets patched and painted to give them a fresh start with the custom closet systems. This is a must, because Bella Systems doesn’t use components from previous work or materials that were already in place. The guys worked diligently throughout the day, in the kindest and most professional manner, and ten hours later, the closets were completed. We were blown away with the final result. Not only were the closets beautiful, but we had added nearly double the storage space within the previously existing closets. In today’s world, it’s difficult to find companies that are not only good at what they do, but take pride and care with each client. Good materials are hard to come by. Hard work is hard to come by. Kindness is hard to come by. Bella Systems, and their team, offer all of this. There is quite simply no better operation to work with for your custom closet needs in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. We spoke with Lisa after the project completion to ask her a few questions that were on our mind about the company and the way the Bella Systems team approaches each job in front of them. IC: What is Bella Systems and why was it founded? BS: Bella Systems was founded in 2009 and provides custom closet and storage solutions to homeowners and small businesses. At the time it was founded, and in large part still today, the industry was lacking in technology. While everyone was walking around with a supercomputer in their pocket, the custom closet industry was still drawing closets on scratch pads and manually compiling and placing orders. With a strong belief that homeowners wanted to see and feel their potential new closet designs in real time, Bella Systems was launched, placing technology at the forefront of everything we do. IC: What is the Bella Systems difference that makes your custom closet operation stand out amongst the rest?  BS: Aside from its state-of-the-art technology, Bella Systems is hyper focused on customer service. It turns out, being hyper focused on this isn’t all that hard. We respond to every inquiry as soon as possible, preferably immediately. We show up on time. We’re professional, we’re courteous, and our work is impeccable. We also update our product offerings to keep pace with trends and best practices. IC: What can clients expect from Bella Systems’ closet design process?  BS: I think the most important thing is that homeowners will have the chance to sit down and work with our designers in their home while evaluating belongings, needs, wants and style. They will have the chance to actually build their closet using our design software and will watch as it all comes to life in a 3-D rendering. IC: How long does it typically take from design to completion for the finished product to be installed?  BS: We get this question a lot and it’s one of the hardest ones to answer. We always want to set realistic expectations so we are presently quoting up to twelve weeks from contract to install date but there are so many variables in the mix, it is not uncommon for that lead time to be cut in half. It all depends on the type of project, the homeowner, and the home itself.  IC: Are there any requests or designs that are particularly exciting for your team to work on?  BS: This changes - a lot. Right now, we are a little obsessed with murphy beds. With everyone working from home, being able to create multi-use spaces that are both functional and pretty to look at is at the top of everyone’s list. We’re installing murphy beds that can be combined with desks and even couches. We’ve also been having fun with hardware and finishes. Color is in at the moment - and we just started carrying a new deep blue finish. It pairs well with everything but especially gold hardware - it’s gorgeous. IC: What has been one of the most challenging and rewarding design projects you’ve faced as a team?  BS: Well, this might sound rehearsed - but hands down, has to be working together during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business rules varied by state and county, so we were able to continue working in many locations. Most of our lead designers have young children that were unexpectedly out of school, and they found themselves without childcare. Our entire team pitched in. We had designers doing virtual appointments (which are still available to this day) and our installers going to homes to measure. It was truly an all-hands-on deck situation, and we are so proud to say that we not only kept the lights on but were able to keep our entire team. I think it’s worth noting that as nice as our closets are, they are not a necessity. We didn’t want to put our team or our customers at unnecessary risk during a pandemic, but we did want to make sure that homeowners, especially on new builds, were able to close on time. We truly embodied the spirit of a family owned and operated business and got through it all together. IC: What are your tips to offer clients to help them get the most of their space when dreaming-up designs for their closets?  BS: Well, our most obvious advice would be to partner with a professional closet company. Next, we’d advise clients to listen to their designers. They do this hundreds of times per year! And finally, we always ask our clients to have us measure every closet in their house while we are on site. Even if you are only looking to do one closet - once your belongings are organized, it is only a matter of time before you start to think of other spaces for custom closets! This can save a lot of time the second or third time around. BS: Well, this might sound rehearsed - but hands down, has to be working together during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business rules varied by state and county, so we were able to continue working in many locations. Most of our lead designers have young children that were unexpectedly out of school, and they found themselves without childcare. Our entire team pitched in. We had designers doing virtual appointments (which are still available to this day) and our installers going to homes to measure. It was truly an all-hands-on deck situation, and we are so proud to say that we not only kept the lights on but were able to keep our entire team. I think it’s worth noting that as nice as our closets are, they are not a necessity. We didn’t want to put our team or our customers at unnecessary risk during a pandemic, but we did want to make sure that homeowners, especially on new builds, were able to close on time. We truly embodied the spirit of a family owned and operated business and got through it all together. IC: What are your tips to offer clients to help them get the most of their space when dreaming-up designs for their closets?  BS: Well, our most obvious advice would be to partner with a professional closet company. Next, we’d advise clients to listen to their designers. They do this hundreds of times per year! And finally, we always ask our clients to have us measure every closet in their house while we are on site. Even if you are only looking to do one closet - once your belongings are organized, it is only a matter of time before you start to think of other spaces for custom closets! This can save a lot of time the second or third time around.

Chef David Feldman is an anomaly in New York’s private chef dining scene. Someone who comes to the table, quite literally, with both experience and heart, he is not jaded or ruined by an industry that can be like a revolving door in a fast moving city like New York. Hailing from Israel, Chef Feldman has made a name for himself in the culinary scene in New York as a talented collaborator, offering some of the best food-related experiences one can have through private dining.  We worked with Chef Feldman recently for a private dinner party in a Manhattan loft to experience his talents firsthand. He took our germ of an idea and exploded it to a completely different level, wowing every diner in attendance with his innovation, creativity, and kindness. We utilized protein from Fossil Farms , a sustainable, farm-raised meat source located just outside New York in New Jersey. And, Chef Feldman added not only the “know how” but the elegance and finesse to take the dishes being served to a true fine dining experience. The meal began with a series of simple text exchanges regarding menu options. Chef Feldman is easy and casual, welcoming collaboration from his clients. I explained the direction we were hoping to go in with the meal, and he ran with it. He made sure to consider any allergies and food restrictions of the guests before preparing a menu to be approved. His suggestions were:  Fist Course:  Freshly-baked challah bread Greek ceviche with tzatziki, cucumber, and lime Beet in colors with goat cheese, local olive oil, and charred tomatoes  Fattoush Salas with cherry tomatoes, pickled purple onion, cucumber, radish, crotonus pita, and feta cheese Tuna tartare with Israeli salad, cucumber, tomato, creme fraiche, and black caviar Salmon tartare with Israeli hot pepper, tomatoes in garlic silage Main Course: Filet Mignon New York Strip, mashed potatoes, and foie gras Lamb polenta with grilled baby lamb chops, polenta, chestnuts, and leeks Dessert: Middle Eastern honey cake, mozzarella, and pistachio ice cream The day of the dinner he arrived promptly with his assistant and got to work. I explained that I had pots and pans he could use, but they were not professional grade. That did not seem to faze him. He is inventive and made do with what we had available. Chef Feldman arrived organized and had everything laid out so his job on-site would be easy and without much mess - I was in awe. He prepared everything while the guests sipped wine by Stag’s Leap Vineyards in Napa Valley.  As dinner guests sat down to eat, Chef Feldman came into the dining room to explain the meal, his vision and why each dish was included in his menu. One by one, as each dish arrived, people were blown away by not only the presentation but the incredible flavor profiles in each dish. It was actually unbelievable and more along the lines of what you would expect in a fine dining establishment. There are many private chefs in New York City, but this experience was on another level. His menu truly left everyone mesmerized by his talent and wanting to know more. We spoke with Chef Feldman after the event to get answers to some of our questions.  IC: What is your training and background as a chef? DF: I began my culinary journey in Israel, attending a culinary school before working in sought-after restaurants in Tel Aviv, the food capital of Israel.  IC: When did you first realize food was your passion? DF: Since childhood, I've had a passion for cooking, starting by assisting my mother in the kitchen and eventually taking charge.  IC: What is your absolute favorite meal to prepare? DF: I enjoy preparing traditional dishes like Moroccan couscous and long stews, as they remind me of home and hold a special place in my heart. IC: What cuisines are your specialties? DF: I specialize in Israeli, Middle Eastern, Greek, and French cuisine.  IC: What can perspective clients request in terms of menus? Is anything off limits? DF: When working with clients, I present my menus initially but also welcome and accommodate their specific requests and preferences. IC: What has been one of the biggest cooking or chef projects you’ve taken on?  DF: One of my proudest accomplishments was catering for a significant event on a rooftop in the heart of New York, serving 250 people. Though it was challenging, I loved every moment of the experience. IC: What is your dream meal to prepare one day? DF: My ultimate dream is to open a cozy boutique restaurant in Manhattan, featuring the dishes I grew up with and highlighting the flavors that evoke memories of home.

A small country located on the azure Mediterranean Sea, sandwiched between the French Riviera and Italy, Monaco is no stranger to fame and attention. Home to one of the world’s most illustrious royal families and known for its beaches, yachts, Grand Prix, shopping, casino and all out fun - this destination tops many lists of travelers' who want to bask in its glow and feel what it feels like, even if just for a moment, to be there. I recently visited Monaco, my fifth visit, and found it even more alluring than the times before. Of course I had experienced so much of what it has to offer on trips prior, but, what never ceases to amaze me about such a small place is its ability to consistently offer new experiences to its visitors keeping time spent here as fresh and exciting as before. I walked away feeling wowed by what I experienced over three days, and excited to pop-in again next time the opportunity arises.  I was greeted warmly after touching down at Nice, France’s Côte d’Azur Airport by a representative from Blade . Blade is my absolute favorite way to get from the airport to Monaco because of the drama and efficiency. Of course, one can land and simply take a taxi or Uber along the coast for roughly 45 minutes to reach Monaco, but, helicopter is a bit more glamorous. Checking-in to the Blade counter is easy-breezy and passengers are usually led into a private lounge at Nice Airport. As soon as boarding commences the Blade team escorts you from the lounge and out to a private transfer that carries you over the runway and to the helipads along the sea where guests can be taken by helicopter to Monaco or anywhere they’d like along France’s coastline - such as St. Tropez or Marseille. We were brought right to the door of our flying chariot, a beautiful and new Blade-branded helicopter that flew us in just 7 minutes over the sparkling waters, along the coastline, and safely into the Monaco heliport. The views are unreal and the photo opportunities, endless. Once I landed in Monaco, a Blade representative met us at the helicopter door and escorted us into the lovely lounge where passports are processed, and refreshments served. Their transfer includes taking you via private shuttle to your hotel from the heliport, so I was taken seamlessly to the stunning Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo .

The Grand Hotel , in Stockholm, Sweden, is a an icon of the city and country of Sweden, shining its light on the luxury hotel experience in Scandinavia like few others can. An institution with a strong history tied with the royal family of Sweden, the stately building sits in the city's prime location, on Södra Blasieholmshamnen, facing the Royal Palace and old town Stockholm. Since 1974 The Grand Hotel has hosted everyone from celebrities to heads of state, in utmost discretion, but has also served as a glamorous location for those who pop-in for a delicious meal or a couple of nights in one of Scandinavia's most exciting cities. I was a recent guest here and absolutely fell-in-love with its old-world-charm, modern amenities and sophistication that added an extra special sparkle to my trip. Offering 300 rooms and 31 suites, The Grand Hotel has plentiful options to make every traveler feel at home, but maintains an intimate level of service. Upon checking-in, I was invited into the Champagne Bar, directly across from the iconic Cadier Bar fronted with glass windows overlooking the waterfront. A flute of Ruinart champagne was poured so I could enjoy a few bubbles before heading-up to my room - one of the stunning suites designed by famed Swedish architect, Martin Brudnizki. The Champagne Bar at The Grand Hotel is a big deal because alcohol laws are strict in Sweden, and the hotel manages to get around a few with the help of their relationship with The Royal Family. This is a nice benefit for those who like to indulge in libations late into the night. My check-in was smooth and easy, as the front desk already had a copy of my passport provided by email. I was whisked up to my room where I found myself most impressed with the layout, design and views. Every one of the rooms and suites are comfortable and beautiful here, but a few have an extra special flair and feel that set them apart. You have the Ingrid Bergman suite, The Princess Lilian suite, The Royal suite, and others. My suite was elegant yet modern, with Mr. Brudnizki's signature use of pastel colors, rich fabrics, heavy and intricate lighting, and mixed metals. I was met upon entering with a large foyer, ample living room with sofa, chairs, television center and small dining table. In the bedroom I found a large king-sized bed dressed with sumptuous fabrics and perfect linens - most of which come from Swedish brands. There was a television in the bedroom as well and windows that faced old town, Gamla Stan. The suite had two bathrooms, one in the entry and one in the bedroom. My bedroom's bathroom was huge and marble-clad with a large tub, double-sinked vanity, gorgeous lighting and an enormous rain shower. It was the most comfortable room I've stayed in in quite a while. The Grand Hotel offers guests a three dimensional experience within its walls. There is so much to take-in in terms of history, dining options, spa, and more. It's known for its stunning Nordic Spa and Fitness on the upper floors. Swedish culture is very much tied to nature and, even in a large city like Stockholm, its residents pride themselves on their city's cleanliness and healthy habits. The spa reflects this and encourages guests to book a massage, thermal dip or sauna - where one can take part in an age-old Swedish tradition. Even in the details of the spa, such as its being built using granite from Grythyttan and Rauk stones from Gotland, the concept is to keep you grounded and as close to nature as possible. The Nordic Spa and Fitness also offers a great gym, where you can keep yourself moving and in-shape to remove a bit of the guilt from possible over-indulging during your stay. I used the gym while I was on-property, but, I also did overindulge a bit - as one might expect when dining and drinking options are so attractive. The Veranda is a fabulous place for lunch or breakfast, and it has been a "must-visit" spot in the city since the late 1800s. Even if you're not staying at The Grand Hotel, you can still stop by for a meal. The restaurant offers a great mix of local and international fare for breakfast and lunch. They even offer a buffet, or classic Swedish Smörgåsbord, with a selection of well-curated hot and cold dishes. I often opted for homemade pancakes with Swedish lingonberry compote. But, I also did try Swedish eggs with traditional Swedish fish roe. Everything I ate here was delicious and made with utmost care. What I love about all the food at The Grand Hotel Stockholm is that it's fresh, homemade, typically local and sourced locally. This is very Swedish and not following a trend. It's part of their culture and way of life - which I personally appreciate. The Veranda offers a fabulous wine list and light appetizers such as smoked fish, finger sandwiches and more. Their high tea is a delightful experience and typically happens in the glass-enclosed area by The Champagne Bar, but, can also be enjoyed in the moodier Cadier Bar. I enjoyed two evenings of creative cocktails at The Cadier Bar which is as inventive as it is stunning. Their mixologists are some of the best in town and they are always coming up with new beverages to entice guests. The cocktails are often inspired by local ingredients with an international perspective and the ambiance in the bar is not only sexy, but relaxing. It pulls you in in such a way that you never want to leave. Whether you are there during the summer of winter months, this area of the hotel is a must-visit. While at The Grand Hotel Stockholm I enjoyed a truly unique and remarkable dinner at famed chef Mathias Dahlgren's Matbaren . This stylish yet casual spot is loved by locals from Stockholm for its beautiful and informal ambiance, and high-quality food. The team here uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients to concoct a changing menu, daily. You'll find seafood on the menu as well as international dishes like pork bao buns made with slow roasted pork and crisp vegetables. The concept is small plates designed to share or take bit by bit until you're full. I was in the mood to eat as my dinner was on the day of my arrival, and my journey had been long to get there. I indulged in the phenomenal bao buns, vegetable salads, and fresh fish. There were a mix of stylish locals at the restaurant and tourists to the city who had gotten the memo. Over my three night stay at The Grand Hotel Stockholm I have to say I had a truly modern luxury Swedish experience through and through. I was thoroughly impressed with the service, especially the concierge team, and the details that had been considered here. I love the history, the elegance and the stories you'll here if you get to talking to the right member of the staff. It's a place where so many interesting and important people have stayed and is truly a hub for style and fun in the city. Aside from all these things I felt perfectly at home, comfortable, and able to just let go and relax - often spending chunks of time watching the ice float in and out of the harbor in front of the hotel from my room's window. For anyone looking for a truly special place to stay in Stockholm, look no further.

Touting a fifty-year legacy in the greater New York City area, Meurice has earned the reputation as New York's preeminent dry cleaning service, trusted beyond state lines by some of America's top names in fashion, entertainment, and museums, to clean and care for their fabrics. Founded in 1961 by Larry Edelman, and carried forth today by his son Wayne, Meurice, as it's now known, has dedicated itself to tackling some of the toughest projects - removing stains from valuable personal clothing of their clients, refreshing household fabrics in the form of drapery and rugs, to restoring or fixing items that are torn and damaged. But, Meurice is not just an everyday dry cleaning operation. They are a family offering a three-dimensional approach to garment care that requires brain power, problem solving and true custodianship of your most valuable items. I was a client recently of Meurice and was beyond impressed with their services from beginning to end. I handed them a challenging project which presented problems ranging from light collar stains on expensive shirting, blood stains on cashmere, to deep-set yellowing of organic linen on a chair cover. Over the course of two weeks, Meurice brought these items back from the brink - restoring vibrancy into what could have been written off as an old stain that would never relent. I was in touch with their client services team who sent a driver to collect the items at my office. What I love about Meurice is their professionalism and their commitment to making their clients happy. They collected my items in a purple branded reusable garment bag and carried them away to their operations center in The Bronx. A couple of days later, I received a call from their team outlining their assessment of my items and a plan of action to rectify the problems. Meurice is very communicative as they want to always remain on the same page as their clients. I appreciated this as there were no surprises or questions left unanswered. After we agreed on the plan of action, the team at Meurice went to work - keeping me posted every step of the way. I received calls before any drastic measures were taken. For example, I was notified that one of my shirts had a stain around the collar that was thought to be makeup. It was self-tanner, in fact, which was even tougher to remove. The team at Meurice told me it would be difficult to remove, but they would try to do this by hand as not to set the stain any further or cause the shirt to become resistant to cleaning. This attention to detail is what makes them amazing because they take the time to identify each issue and come up with an appropriate solution. This is not a, "Let's just throw it in the dry-cleaning machine and hope for the best", operation. I've quite literally never seen anything like it. My items were returned back to my office within two weeks in reusable garment backs that double as laundry bags. Operating in a way that is environmentally friendly is key for Meurice as they want to do their part in preserving the environment. This is a large commitment and initiative to take, considering there are extra costs for the company to adhere to certain guidelines. But, this is part of the reason their customers seek them out - for this level of attention to detail. When my items returned I was truly speechless in their newness and the fact that some stains, stains I thought might never come out, had been wiped away. I've never seen this in all my years of using New York City-based dry cleaning services. I spoke with Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice, to ask him a few questions about his business and its future. And, through the experience and conversation, realized that I don't believe there to be a better garment care operation in business today. IC: Why was Meurice created? WE: Meurice Garment Care was originally called Meurice French Dry Cleaners and purchased by my dad in 1961 as an operating dry cleaning plant store. My dad needed a plant to do the dry cleaning for various stores he owned after an uninsured fire decimated his plant, "Know How Cleaners", on West 3rd Street in New York City. The space was located next to the firehouse (hence no insurance) and is currently Il Mulino restaurant. I rebranded the business to Meurice Garment Care in 1985 because it better described what we did in terms of cleaning. It was more than just dry cleaning, we did a lot of wet cleaning, spot cleaning and hand cleaning. I tried to register the term with the FTC, however was unsuccessful as they thought the term was too broad. Many cleaners have since followed and began using the term which prompted us to rebrand again as just Meurice. IC: What separates Meurice from other cleaning services that exist in the Tri-State area? WE: Meurice is on the opposite spectrum of most "bang and hang" cleaners. We strive to return a garment or item to the customer in as close to new condition wherever possible. We have multiple methods of cleaning each item and choose the best process for each and every item. Sometimes hand cleaning or spot cleaning is necessary as some garments can not be cleaned using any conventional method. Our staff are essentially artisans and carefully work on each piece. We often receive items that other cleaners have tried to restore but failed. These items prove to be difficult because we do not know what methods or agents were used prior during the unsuccessful cleaning attempts and need to prevent any adverse reactions or further discoloration. IC: What has been one of your most challenging cleaning projects to date? WE: Our team cleaned a spider web mohair original dress from Matsuda that was stained with a fashion model's body makeup, many of Princess Diana's original gowns, the collection of gowns worn and donated by Oscar winners to benefit AMFAR at auction by Sotheby's. We've cleaned a Swarovski crystal tennis dress for Maria Sharapova, various items for the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at MOMA that their textile lab could not restore, and countless other projects. IC: What services do you offer your clients in New York? WE: Our team does regular dry cleaning through our CLEAN brand, Couture dry cleaning at Meurice, purse and shoe cleaning and restoration, interior cleaning including furnishings, drapery, carpets, rugs, and fabric covered walls. We handle water, smoke, and fire damage restoration as well as fine bedding and linen laundering. IC: We know the environment is important to you. What steps have you taken to do your part? WE: Our company has always operated with environmental stewardship. We operate our equipment beyond manufacturers maintenance standards to ensure no impact to the environment or our employees. We have been moving toward eliminating the use of poly dry cleaning bags and now offer reusable covers to our clients to have their clothes returned in.  We were recognized by Greenpeace as the first certified wet cleaning plant in the country. IC: What has been one of the most exciting projects you worked on to date? WE: Today I am involved in restoring a 1500-piece couture collection that was exposed to moisture during a flood. Each of the items is very unique and we needed to photograph, document and tag each piece offsite before they are packaged and moved to our facility.

Rooted in the spirit of the "American Dream" and utilizing a generations-old skill of leather and fine material restoration, Santana Leather Care stands out amongst the rest as America's top luxury leather repair and restoration resource. Robert and Yury Santana, brothers who emigrated to the United States from Peru over 20 years ago, have built a business based on the skills and trade their father, Arturo, taught them as young boys. Over the course of 15 years the two entrepreneurs have grown to have locations in New York City, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, and a flagship repair center in Raleigh, North Carolina - as well as a partnership with luxury New York City retailer Bergdorf Goodman. I was a recent customer of theirs, working closely with them on a project to restore a varied lot of high end items that range from Ann Demeulemeester boots nearly a decade old, to 30-year-old Judith Leiber lizard evening bags that belonged to my deceased grandmother, and even a rare Bottega Veneta cross-body bag that was produced in Italy in the early 1990s and was damaged from a bleach spill. The issues of each item ranged far and wide from small scratches to literally the need to completely rebuild a pair of French Marséll boots that had been worn out and resoled twice before being retired to the back of the closet for the past two years. The items restored and revamped by Santana Leather Care are worth upwards of $50,000 in retail value and hold dear sentimental value worth much more. And, at the end of the project, what the team at Santana Leather Care did was nothing short of a miracle. The process from start to finish was seamless. The images seen throughout this article are before and after photographs that depict the changes and rebirth of these items through the expert hands of the team at Santana Leather Care. Nothing has been altered or retouched. For anyone who is a consumer of luxury goods, or leather goods in general, you know that maintaining them is key to preserving their lifespan. But, sometimes, through everyday wear and tear, travel, moves, accidents, and other abuse that they inevitably see - these items can become permanently damaged and lose their luster. This is not only frustrating for the owner of these products, but sometimes sad when items have been passed down from deceased relatives and no longer have the life they once held. Many people are at a loss as what to do with their leather goods, shoes or luxury items, not realizing that there are many options in brining them back to life. This is where Santana Leather Care steps in. Not only can they bring the life of a product back, but they can literally remake or reinvent an item to fit differently or reflect a more modern and current style. They can stretch shoes, completely rebuild a shoe, change the length on a purse strap, turn an over-the-shoulder purse into a fanny-pack - your imagination is the limit. And, it doesn't matter the monetary value of the item you're looking to have repaired. If it's meaningful to you, it matters to their team. Santana Leather Care has a reputation of leaving no stone unturned when it comes to color-matching dyes to leathers that are no longer in production. They will find chains for purses that most say no longer exist. They will replace grommets, strings, ties, repaint items- they are artists waiting for a challenge to conquer. And, that is exactly what they did with my items. After my items were boxed-up and sent to the Santana Leather Care workshop in Raleigh, North Caroline, I spoke with Mr. Robert Santana about his passion for leather care, luxury goods restoration, and his innate desire to see his clients happy. IC: How did Santana Leather Care come to be? RS: My brother Yury and I founded Santana Leather Care in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2008. We come from a family of artisans, our father worked and ran a leather tannery business back in Peru. I remember as children we were at the workshop learning the trade. As adults I took a career path in business and banking while Yury studied design and architecture, but we both had our calling in the leather business. We came to America in 2002 with the idea of creating our own leather business. After seeing the antiquated and disorganized way top repair shops where run in New York City we saw an opportunity and took it. IC: What makes Santana Leather Care different in the leather restoration business? RS: I remember being in a repair shop and a client dropping off her pristine white Chanel boots, and the cobbler coming from the back area with his hands soiled from working on other shoes - and touching them. Then is where we realized that there was a need in the market for what we had in mind. We structured our company in three pillars: 1. focus on the client experience, 2. focus on the location with a beautiful functional store setup and, 3. focus on the repair center in order to completely change the way repairs must be performed. We developed our own repair protocols, we redefined processes and mixed them with technology. We also developed our own training methods for our personnel. For example, when we hire a technician, we don’t hire them because of their experience, we hire them because of their talent, we look for great coordination with their hands. Aside from well trained personnel, we also have a creative approach to repairs, we recreate parts and replace them rather than patching or mending as a traditional repair. We also work hard on searching for new equipment. We believe that the repair performance will increase when we have the same equipment that the big fashion houses have for making their items. IC: What are the main factors when dealing with customers that the team at Santana Leather Care operates under? RS: We offer clients first class customer service, knowledge, and honesty. When clients visit any of our locations, they will be greeted by a trained client services specialist that will be honest and informative about their repair. We believe in honesty and transparency in order to manage clients’ expectations. You never want a client to think they will be receiving something brand new when it is many years old and severely damaged. IC: What have been some of the most challenging cases in the history of the company in terms of restoring leather goods? RS: As we like to think LIFE happens to everyone! LIFE also happens to our fashion too; every repair has its own unique challenge and back story. From spills and falls, to puppy bites, creative toddlers and everything in-between. There is one very touching and memorable repair of a client’s son’s ski boots. The client’s son unfortunately passed in a plane crash going on a ski trip and the only recognizable item they recovered from the accident were these ski boots. Once the boots were brought to us and the story shared, we knew we had no choice but to figure out a way to restore them at least to display condition. IC: What has been one of the most exciting projects to work on for your team and why? RS: We have worked with countless celebrity clients and partnered to repair garments for photo shoots, television shows, and movies. Even helping with last minute requests for 30 pairs of boots going down the runway for New York Fashion Week. What we consider exciting projects are those that have history and bring joy to our clients. Items that remind them of great moments or special memories with loved ones. An example of this would be one of our clients bringing in his fathers World War II bomber jacket to restore and give to his son. Being able to restore articles with such historic and sentimental meaning really reminds us of the impact our repair center has on people’s lives and nostalgic emotions. IC: How do you source all your leathers, dyes, and other items you need to restore valuable pieces? RS: Many leather industry developments are in Europe - Italy, Spain, Germany, and other countries. In order to be up-to-date, we keep in contact with European suppliers, and we attend the largest trade shows in Europe. We order some of our leathers from Italian tanneries, the same tanneries the big fashion houses order their leathers from. We regularly order different textures of leather in neutral colors, then we give the finish as, for example, patent leather and our dyes. IC: Where do you see Santana Leather Care being in the next 10 years? RS: We are planning on continuing to expand in the Northeast. There is a big demand for high quality repair services as ours and many people need to become aware of the repair possibilities that they don’t know exist. So it’s our mission apart from changing the face of traditional shoe and handbag repair to educate the client and make them more aware of those options, which at the end of the day is our small contribution to a more sustainable environment. Santana Leather Care not only works around the premise of restoration and giving life back to sentimental products owned by their clients, but they see their work as environmentally responsible. This is absolutely the case as fast fashion has created a mentality of waste - which negatively effects our planet. Santana encourages people to rethink their current items, reimagine them and then partner with the right resource to give newness to something old. The entire restoration process for my pieces, almost 25 in total, took roughly 6 weeks. The team in the Raleigh workshop took extra care to bring each item back to life in a way that I never could imagine. Some items, like this Fendi leather handbag from the late 1980s, were so scratched that in broad daylight all you could focus on were the indentations and irregularities in the leather. When it arrived back to me, it quite literally looked as if it had just come out of the box - 30 years after it was originally purchased. I was stunned. These Marséll boots, from Paris, had been worn all throughout the world - in cities like New York, Oslo and Rome; and even on treks in Southeast Asia. They were the definition of "worn out", and they had been resoled twice before. Santana Leather Care rebuilt them, added supports for structure, gave them completely new all-terrain soles and replaced the zippers. The results were unreal. They looked like brand new boots and, in actuality, were. The new soles look as if they are ready for another 5 years of travel. This Gucci portfolio from the early 1990s has several water stains and scratches. It arrived back new and ready to house ID cards, money and travel documents. This valuable Judith Leiber red lizard evening bag was owned by my deceased grandmother and it had seen many parties over the 1990s and 2000s in South Florida, where she lived. It had scratches on the hardware and the lizard leather was dry, discolored and worn. It returned looking as if it had almost never been used before - bringing about feelings of happiness knowing that such a special item to my grandmother would be preserved and kept alive long after her departure from this Earth. Working with the team at Santana Leather Care was a dream. Not only were they efficient, kind, professional and caring - but I could tell they are a family working together to bring the very best to their clients. I don't know that I've seen such a prestigious operation with such a down-to-Earth demeanor. Their work is outstanding and for anyone seeking true leather restoration, repair, and the reinvention of something special in your life that you thought might never have life again - you won't find better.

Turkish Airlines is a major player in the world of aviation, and they have stepped-up their business class in a massive way. Flying to more than 120 countries worldwide, this carrier connects you to remote and exciting destinations like really no other carrier can. I flew Turkish Airlines to the Democratic Republic of Congo recently, with one stop in Istanbul – and was thoroughly impressed with the business class product, in a way that made me truly up the bar on my expectations for international business class travel. As an aviation geek, I was excited to fly their newly redone Airbus A330s from New York to Istanbul, as well as experience their iconic lounge in the new Istanbul Airport. My time both in-flight and on the ground in Istanbul was luxurious, easy and memorable - making Turkish Airlines my airline of choice when flying from the United States to Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and The Middle East. Boarding the plane for an almost 11-hour journey from New York to Istanbul, was something I looked forward to. I was collected at my apartment by Turkish Airlines’ branded, “Exclusive Drive”, which is included for any passenger traveling in business class. The branded SUV rolled-up on time and helped me into the back, storing my bags neatly for the ride to JFK Airport from Manhattan. When you book in any class on Turkish Airlines, you'll be comfortable, but Business Class takes you to another level. The airlines offers business class, premium economy, and economy classes. I was promptly checked-in upon arrival at JFK's Terminal 1, and made my way to the gate for boarding. Priority is given to business class passengers and boarding is easy breezy. There is a separate lane and jet bridge for Business Class passengers on many of the airline's long-haul flights. I settled into my seat and was welcomed with a warm, “Hello”, and a glass of champagne. Shortly before takeoff, I was handed a dinner and cocktail menu by the "flying chef", and soon we were ascending over New York headed east. I was on my way to Istanbul and couldn't be more comfortable. Business class seats aboard Turkish Airlines are comfortable and feature a massage function to help relax you on the long journey. The entertainment systems feature large screens and countless movie and television show options in a variety of languages. I didn’t want to engage, as my mission was to eat and sleep – so I would arrive in Turkey feeling great. About 45 minutes into the flight a lovely flight attendant came to my side and took my order. I started with soup and moved on to a Turkish-inspired chicken. The “flying chef”, came over to welcome me aboard and helped finish-off my chicken with a little sauce, which is a lovely touch that feels very personalized. I enjoyed my meal with faux flickering candlelight placed on my meal tray. The candle, in actuality, is a flickering electric flight placed inside a tiny holder, but gives the illusion of dining by candlelight. I think this addition really makes the experience special. I finished dessert quickly and sipped a cup of mint tea before reclining into a fully flat bed and dozing-off. Before I knew it, I was awoken gently, 45 minutes before landing. I enjoyed Turkish coffee and pastries, and was soon on the ground. The flight went by quickly and was an absolute dream. I didn’t want to deplane in Istanbul – but I knew I was going to experience the incredible lounge at the new Istanbul Airport, featuring level after level of food, bars, coffee stations, cocktails, and staff whipping-up homemade Turkish breads and dishes in front of passengers. I could spend a day in the lounge without getting board. After a few hours on the ground, I was boarding for my connecting flight to Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And, lucky me, I was able to experience all of it, again. I can’t wait to fly with Turkish Airlines soon and recommend it fully for anyone seeking a truly comfortable and luxurious business class cabin. Images provided by Turkish Airlines

Co-founded in 2012 by a family, led by a fed-up Physician Assistant Rob McDaniel, Primal Pastures has quite literally turned the idea of meat consumption in America on its head by raising, nurturing and offering some of America's most pristine, organic, sustainably-raised and environmentally-friendly meat on the market. Primal Pastures, based in Southern California, began with an order of about 54 free-range chickens that they raised on an acre of land. Today they offer their customers a range of everything from lamb to pork, bone broth and turkey. It is with extreme care and love that they raise and produce their animals, with the happiness and health of the animals' lives front-of-mind. We recently sampled what they had to offer, prepared by a private chef in a New York City loft for an event. It is, with no hesitation, that we can truly say their products are outstanding. The taste being truly incomparable. Farmer Rob, as he is now affectionately known, is at the head of Primal Pastures yet is surrounded by a team of passionate people who work on everything from caring for the animals to preparing them for consumption, as well as customer-facing representatives. It is an organic operation in every sense of the word that, at its heart, does everything with respect to nature. Through a holistic approach, Primal Pastures lives and breathes the motto, "You are what you eat", and you will find no misstep in their operation from start to finish. They are conscious of everything from the energy the animals absorb through their daily lives and environment, to how the customer consumes and enjoys their products. Customers who happen to live near the Temecula Valley in California can purchase a farm membership where they have access to events, the stunning grounds, fresh fruit and more through the farm program. For the rest of us, we can enjoy their delectable products shipped frozen right to our doors - ready to be thawed and cooked to your liking. Their farm shop menu is extensive and always showcases their best products. You can purchase everything from Italian sausage to whole chickens, fresh halibut to pork shoulder. Our order arrived frozen and soon after, the chef began to work on planning a menu to present Primal Pastures' products in the most elegant of ways. The menu included Primal Pastures baby lamb, seared and roasted to perfection. It included pork shoulder that was cooked, pulled and smothered in a homemade BBQ sauce. Sliced bratwurst with a side of mustard, terrines of seasoned bone broth, Korean-style chicken drumsticks, and New York strip steaks, sliced. Whole chickens were roasted with lemon and thyme and the most tender beef patties were used to make American-style cheeseburgers. Knowing that all this meat had been raised ethically and sent right from the farm made enjoying the food that much easier. Aside from the fabulous taste, the quality was probably some of the best we've had in the world - even compared to strict international standards in places like Europe and Japan. After the event, we spoke with Farmer Rob through email and asked him a few questions that we wanted to know about Primal Pastures and how he gets his product to ascend well above others on the market. IC: Why was Primal Pastures founded?FR: Fed up with misleading labels and a desire to improve our health, in 2012 we started on one acre of land and we purchased 54 baby chicks. What started as a way to reclaim our health and source better food for our family, quickly turned into a business. We accrued a waitlist of more than 100 families before the first batch of birds was even ready. This humble little operation morphed into a dream of producing premium grade, healthy and happy pastured poultry, grass-fed and finished beef and lamb, pastured pork and turkey raised sustainably and responsibly for healthy families. Through the years, we’ve witnessed the massive demand for high-quality meats without confusing labels, that families can be confident in what they're feeding their members. To be able to meet the demand, we’ve partnered with very select, small family farmers across the country who raised our animals using the Primal Standard. This way, we can guarantee quality, nutrient-dense, pasture-raised products and deliver them to your door, for your convenience. IC: What is the Primal Pastures ethos when raising and producing meat products?FR: To sum it all up, we respect nature. A lot. We are quick to acknowledge that nature is smarter than we are! It’s also smarter than science. Everything that we do is aimed at creating a natural habitat for our animals to thrive in.IC: How does Primal Pastures source their animals to bring to the farm?FR: All of the cattle, hogs and lamb are bred on-site where they are raised, which allows us to know exactly how the animals were raised, what they ate and how they were treated - from start to finish. For our chickens, we found hatcheries that don't vaccinate and our farmer receives them when they are only about 12 hours old.‍ IC: What is your most popular product amongst customers?FR: Our chicken was our first product and was the catalyst that allowed us to grow into the operation we are today. While all of our products are pretty well loved, our whole chickens and various chicken cuts are the top sellers.IC: Primal Pastures also offers fish. Where is the fish sourced?FR: All of our fish products are wild-caught (never farmed) and sourced from the Pacific Ocean directly off California's shores, supporting local fishermen. We carry only the highest quality and healthiest fish available from boats that use hook and line, which allows the regeneration of our ocean's life. It is a sustainable method that is more environmentally friendly than other methods, like those that use nets, for example. Hook and line is as simple as it gets with a line, a hook and bait. It's a fishing line (on a pole, reel, float, stake or held by a person) that has one or several hooks. IC: Are there any new products coming in the future? FR: We are always looking at what new products we can bring in. Recently, we brought in chicken breast tenders (which almost always sell out as soon as we load them in) and rendered pork fat. Rendered pork fat is an excellent alternative for baking and cooking compared to other oils because it has one of the highest smoke points, not to mention the high vitamin D content. It’s 100% pure pasture-raised pork, with zero additional ingredients and cooked in small batches to ensure perfection in every container. We have a few ideas of what we'd like to bring in, but both clean ingredients and a quality product that tastes good are a priority for us and sometimes that takes time to ensure it meets the Primal Standard. IC: What advice would you give customers looking to truly know where their meat comes from and the standards of living in which the animals are raised? FR: My biggest advice is to know your farmer. Ask them questions about how the animals are raised and the food they eat. Transparency is important. We’re all at a different point in our health journey. What is important to you may not be the same standards for another person. So, by knowing your health priorities and what your expectations are, you can find a farmer who can provide what you are looking for.

Nothing says "style" in Paris more than Hotel Le Bristol , and it's whispered an air of luxury softly to all those "in the know", perched upon the stunning Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, since 1925. I was a recent guest at the hotel, having not stayed here since my first time to Paris at the age of 15. It made such an impact on me then, as a young, excited 15 year old traveling from the United States to France - and nothing was different about this time, over 20 years later. I walked into the hotel's lobby and was greeted by no less than four people who welcomed me into my "home away from home" for one evening. The lobby is marble-clad and studded with both ornate concierge and reception desks on either side and arrangements of flowers throughout. With a warm smile and the gathering of a few personal details, I was invited-in to a true sanctuary that is considered Paris' first and true premiere Palace hotel. I spent most of the day in the hotel because, well, who would want to leave? As someone who has been to Paris many times and who has seen the city over and over again, I took the opportunity to savor this place for the one day and night I would have there. I planned on spending the afternoon in the lobby to have a beautiful lunch at the famed Cafe Antonia with an all-day menu offered by Chef Eric Frechon. Here you can partake in a luxurious classic tea experience, or order a glass of champagne with oysters. It's also where guests can have their morning breakfast. Le Bristol offers several dining and drinking venues including: Le Bar du Bristol, Jardin Français, 114 Faubourg, Epicure and the adorable Le Bristol Epicerie. The Epicerie is the best place to order the perfect eclair, cake or other pastry of the day. Not only are they beautiful, but the taste is truly the best in the city in terms of sweet treats. The courtyard garden in the Summer is perfect for a simple coffee or an entire meal - lounging the day away in your own private oasis. Certain nights of the week, Le Bristol invites guests into Bar du Bristol for "Bristol After Dark", which turns the famed watering hole into a cocktail and futuristic music heaven. After a light bite and a glass of bubbles, I was escorted to my room. Mine was located on the sixth floor. My bags were taken from me outside the lobby door and were already inside my quarters before I even stepped foot inside. The door flung open and I was welcomed into a one bedroom, Deluxe Junior Suite. Le Bristol offers visitors 190 renovated rooms and suites - all of which are outfitted in the highest style and degree, through the lens of old-world elegance. Furniture is in the style of the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods. My suite was no exception and my jaw simply dropped when I began to really take-in my surroundings. It was pretty much exactly as I had remembered it from 20 years ago, but updated of course. The rooms featured a separate entryway, living area with desk and sofas, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom. The dressing room featured fabrics by Manuel Canovas and rosewood chests. Bedding is by Quagliotti and is some of the most luxurious and comfortable in the city. In the living area I found a terrace behind two french doors with unobstructed views of Rue Faubourg. I couldn't believe it. The details in my suite are what I noticed most: thick, sumptuous fabric wallpaper, incredibly-well branded stationary at the desk, heated marble bathroom floors, large and heavy bath linens, and even full-sized branded bathroom products. Heaven! Le Bristol offers guests unique amenities that you may not find at other Parisian hotels, even those of 5-star caliber. There is Le Spa by La Prairie as well as a fitness center and the iconic indoor pool on the sixth floor with ship mural and views over the city. I spent the afternoon and early evening at the pool to simply just float around and think back over memories I have of swimming there as a kid. I remembered when I was at Le Bristol in March of 2001, Elizabeth Taylor and the Prime Minister of Israel were both staying at the hotel. There were security guards on every floor to ensure the safety of the high-profile guests. I spotted the actress in the lobby as a child and it is a memory I will never forget. Not much has changed as the same level of guests tend to choose Le Bristol as their home while in the City of Lights. I exited the pool around closing time to head back to my room and prepare for dinner. My time at Le Bristol was short, too short in fact. But, it was as sweet as it could possibly be and brought back so many warm feelings. It was my first stay here that sparked me to want to pursue a career in luxury travel because the experience was so impactful. It also initiated my deep love of the city of Paris. So, in actuality, the hotel changed the course of my life in some ways and being back here made me begin to think of what might be new or possible for my future again. It is, after all, a place of comfort, luxury and inspiration. That inspiration does come with a price tag to match but my suggestion is, even if the room rates may be more than what you were planning on spending, is to stay for at least one night. Because that night will be the best night you spend in Paris and because you will never forget it. Le Bristol will inevitably become a milepost in your Paris story that you look back on fondly.

Café Antonia at Le Bristol in Paris is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot, whether as a hotel guest or not, on Paris' chic Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The restaurant was named after Queen Marie Antoinette, who was called Antonia by her mother. An oil painting of her face adorns the frescoed walls of the restaurant and is illuminated by the most delicate crystal chandeliers. I have enjoyed both breakfast and lunch here and can say that the food and the service are absolutely superb. A perfect little luxurious hideaway - Café Antonia will delight you both in flavors and atmosphere. The menu and kitchen are helmed by Chef Eric Frechon and represent a lovely mix of Parisian favorites, classics and new takes on international dishes. As a hotel guest or as someone with a reservation, Café Antonia offers a phenomenal breakfast with grand egg dishes, french toast, pancakes and more - each item mouthwatering in both its taste and presentation. This is not the destination to watch your carbohydrate intake as the pastries and bread offered are phenomenal. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the space as well, but, recently I partook in lunch and fell in love with the variety. The menu was appropriately edited and offered variety, so I chose dishes that spoke to my heart. I started with wild shrimp dim sum and hearts of burrata with Parma ham. I followed appetizers with ricotta and spinach ravioli, and roasted sea bass with candied tomatoes and fennel. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the six oysters that were brought to my table with a glass of champagne ahead of all of this. I was definitely satiated by the end of the meal, but not overly stuffed - the perfect amount for two people sharing. Café Antonia has a fabulous wine menu (you are in a Palace hotel in Paris, after all), well-crafted cocktail menu and stunning coffee creations to enjoy. But, most importantly, it's the service and atmosphere that make this spot great. Seated just off the lobby area makes for great people watching, but with enough privacy to not be noticed yourself. I absolutely love this space and believe most who pause for a moment on this bustling street, will.

Founded by five individuals with a passion for wildlife in their 50s, Great Plains Conservation is a testament to what sensitive, low-volume and low-impact tourism can do to enhance, not degrade, some of the world's last pristine threatened environments. A true hybrid operation led by Dereck and Beverly Joubert - award-winning filmmakers and photographers who have been championing some of Africa's most incredible wild places for over 30 years; Great Plains Conservation invites guests into a special world where they not only enjoy some of the most luxurious safaris Africa has to offer, but where their money is put to good use to ensure these incredible experiences for generations to come. In fact, through the brand's Great Plains Foundation , tourism dollars are put into protecting and preserving this land that you will inevitably fall in love with. I was a recent guest at two of Great Plains Conservation's camps in Kenya, Mara Plains and Mara Nyika . Two incredibly different camps set in the iconic Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Southern Kenya, these two experiences are perfect for those looking to see some of Kenya's most stunning landscapes and wildlife. Dereck and Beverly Joubert are both "National Geographic Explorer's At Large", so you can imagine just how incredible it might be to stay at camps conceptualized, designed and built by individuals who know the area so intimately. From the moment I stepped on property, at Mara Plains, I was blown away at the experience and sensitive details that make Great Plains Conservation so special. Mara Plains is a site to behold, located on the Maasai Mara's Northern Boundary in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. The camp was recently refurbished and is one of Kenya's three Relais and Chateaux properties. A large, theatrical kitchen was added near the main central dining area and this camp exudes old world elegance and charm, a true dream for anyone who has dreamt of a safari their entire life.The conservancy gives access to 40,000 hectares of land and the conservation fees paid by guests go towards the support of over 1,000 Maasai families. Set along the Ntiakitiak River in a lush forest, guests notice the stunning geography upon entering the camp over a small river. Once stepping on property, it's clear no detail was overlooked. Luxury suites feature draped canvas ceilings, hand-hewn wooden floors, wooden doors from Lamu island off Kenya's coast, and objects from a bygone era of safari that are hard to come by. Copper tubs in the corner of the suites invite you in after an afternoon game drive. Each suite also offers professional cameras and lenses for each guest to use on a complimentary basis which is truly an incredible offer - and appropriate in a camp designed by two renowned photographers. The Olare Motorogi Conservancy has one of the lowest vehicle densities in the Maasai Mara and one of the highest concentrations of big cats on the entire continent. Elephants, hippos, leopards and lions are just some of the incredible wildlife that will provide you with a serenade of song as you drift off to sleep at night. What I loved about Mara Plains is that the staff was so kind and gracious and went the extra mile to be sure our experience was flawless. The trackers and guides who lead your game drives each day are experts and absolutely an integral part of the experience. They make everything happen and know the animals' patterns inside and out. When you say you want to see a cheetah, they will never guarantee it - but will traverse the land the best as they possibly can to find you that cheetah. These trackers and guides are the best in the business and are here to be sure you have the most unforgettable safari experience possible. The cuisine at Mara Plains is absolutely top notch. The kitchen works hard to design a menu that will not only impress with international specialties, but local dishes and game meats for anyone bold enough to try. Everything we tasted from the freshly baked morning pastries, to green salads at lunch, to the tuna at dinner - was outstanding and presented in the most beautiful way. The staff who work at Mara Plains have a way of projecting the most friendly energy with a genuine desire to make your time here memorable. I was on property for only one night, and it was pure magic. Every game drive was filled with unique experiences and animals that seemed to greet us around every corner. Hyenas played in packs, scavenging the ground for leftover pieces left behind from last night's kill. Leopards stalked antelope just a stone's throw in front of our safari vehicle. Mother elephants and their young strolled through the bushy areas of vegetation to find a snack.And, giraffes seemed to elegantly glide along the horizon. My two additional nights spent with Great Plains Conservation were at the stunning Mara Nyika Camp, a part of the company's reserve collection. Again, another Relais & Chateaux property, Mara Nyika is incredibly intimate; so intimate that it offers only 3 luxury guest suites and 2, 2-bedroom family suites. The suites here are remarkable. I stayed in one of the family suites which felt like a palace - featuring two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms and ample outdoor deck space to take-in the sunsets with a gin and tonic in-hand. Mara Nyika is tucked into the 20,000 hectare Naboisho Conservancy. The camp is all about the details and true privacy. The suites are all scattered along an elevated boardwalk that meanders through groves of indigenous trees. You feel as if you have this entire conservancy to yourself as it is the second largest in the Mara - and means, "coming together", as it was formed by 500 local families to protect the area. Great Plains Conservation has put a great deal of effort into conserving not only animals and land, but the indigenous trees that grow throughout various countries in Africa. So, as a guest here, or any of their other camps, you know your money is truly working to give back to the people and the land that make this experience possible. What I love about Mara Nyika is that you can indulge in intimate private dining moments, and set-up experiences that are imagined for you and experienced only by you. Like Mara Plains, and the other Great Plains Conservation camps, photography equipment is provided so you can get snaps of the iconic animals that roam these plains and skies. Elephants, wildebeests and cheetahs all live within this conservancy and I was lucky to see them all while visiting. Our guides and trackers were superb and made every effort to make each game drive unforgettable. My favorite drives are evening drives because of the opportunity to stop the vehicle, get out, have a glass of wine and take-in your surroundings. We spent two nights at Mara Nyika and found the camp to be run in the most gracious, elegant and seemingly effortless style. The camp manager was a delight, spending each night at the fire talking with guests and recapping their day out in the plains. The food was divine, served in multi-course fashion, with dietary restrictions and requests taken into account by the kitchen. My favorite meal at this camp was breakfast with homemade egg dishes, fresh fruit, vegetables and coffee - the perfect end to an early morning game drive and welcome back to the camp. Over the course of three nights with Great Plains Conservation I fell in love with Kenya all over again. Not only is this country's wildlife, people and scenery incredible, but the sheer magic of what you experience while on safari here is truly unforgettable. Over many safaris in my past throughout Kenya, I found Great Plains Conservation's camps to be not only incredibly luxurious, but truly built and run in the spirit of conservation and the power of photography as an element of preservation. I was unimaginably impressed how this company puts the true time, energy and resources into making sure their operations not only exceed the desires of their guests, but are sustainable and conscious. This philosophy, which they've had before it was trendy, is truly the mark of a brand who understands their place and their power within the environment in which they are operating. As a traveler, with choices to make, choosing Great Plains Conservation puts you in-line with what our planet needs today, which is mindful tourism.