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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.

One of the newest and most glamorous hotels to arrive on the Amalfi Coast hotel scene is the stunning Borgo Santandrea - and it's absolutely fabulous. A sister property to San Montano Resort and Spa in Ischia, this property hangs elegantly off a cliff between the famed towns of Positano and Ravello. I stayed here recently and fell in love with its effortless beauty, charm and location - tucked away from it all, but still within an arm's reach. Who doesn't love the Amalfi Coast? But, if you happen to arrive during peak season your dreams of small Italian towns cascading down hills and open charming streets dotted with small art galleries and authentic restaurants can soon turn into something else entirely. Positano is gorgeous, but it can literally feel like Grand Central Station during the month of July. Ravello is where those "in the know" plant themselves, and is more spread out than Positano, but can also be overrun with people trying to get the perfect Instagram shot at all costs. Borgo Santandrea takes you away, 15 minutes north of the town of Amalfi where you are cocooned in an oasis of peace, quiet and calm, yet easily accessible to all the region has to offer. My visit to Borgo Santandrea was magic, really, in every sense of the word. As you make your way around the winding roads on the coast, you must keep your eyes peeled for the entrance, because it comes out of nowhere. Pulling-in there is a valet who will greet you, collect your luggage and help park your vehicle, as you're led down the steps to reception. Instantly you are transported into a villa on the cliff, a reimagined hotel from the 1960s that has been painstakingly redone and sustainably renovated to reveal a design paradise fused with Mid-Century modern meets Mediterranean cool. This place feels like it belongs to you, and only you, an oasis where pools, gardens, a beach, beach club and the infinite blue sea views punctuate your time on this storied coastline. The reception team was warm, welcoming and excited to show me to my room. Being that the hotel is hanging off a cliff, everything is on levels and you must get to know the intricate maze of staircases and elevators that will become your best friends over your stay. It will absolutely take you a minute, and you will get lost several times, but you will learn the way eventually and it will become second nature. Borgo Santandrea is a vertical heaven and it offers many different room and suite categories. All the rooms and suites are wonderful, but the deluxe suites and premium suites with ocean views and private pools are something else. What I absolutely love is that architect Rino Gambardella led a, "Made in Italy '', initiative and everything from the tiles, glass, furniture, linens and pens are made in Italy. There's nothing more on-point or poignant to me than the attention to detail that makes this place truly unique. My suite had a gorgeous ocean view and a terrace to enjoy the afternoon sun. But, inside, the bedroom and sitting area were huge with blue and white tiled floors, sleek Mid-Century Modern furniture, and fixtures. The beds were like clouds and the fabrics so thick and heavy you could just tell the amount of effort it took to create them. I felt like I was in a friend's luxe 1960s Italian villa, and I didn't want to leave. Borgo Santandrea is a destination unto itself. Layer by layer, you can peruse the fragrant gardens, private beach, multitude of rooms, or order a delicious pizza at the beach club (my favorite). But, your day starts at Alici with breakfast. Breakfast is a gastronomic experience and, dare I say, the best breakfast in Italy. You must come hungry because as you walk through the open kitchen concept at the hotel, you will be mesmerized at the sheer amount of choices from fruits, to meat, fish, sweets, beverages and everything in between. All the recipes are made with farm fresh ingredients - with no leaf of mint or granule of sugar overlooked. The breads and sweets here are some of the most beautiful and tasty I've had in my life - and they are offered all day. The Biscotteria invites guests to enjoy complimentary brioches, granitas, pastries and ice creams throughout the day - for everyone to enjoy. I recommend spending at least two hours at breakfast and taking very small portions to try everything. Aside from the food, the waitstaff will remember your drink order and leave you at your table on the terrace to gaze out over your cappuccino and down the majestic coastline before you. Each and every space at this property is inviting and elegant, effortlessly calling you to relax from the inside out. There is a vibe of calm that literally washes over you from the moment you walk in. Borgo Santandrea features Marinella, a fine dining restaurant with Italian specialties from the Amalfi region. Plumbago Bar is where you can sip craft cocktails over views of the sea, and the absolutely perfect Beach Restaurant and Bar. There's no shortage of dining and drinking options. I dined at Marinella and it was everything one can conjure up in your dreams about what dining on the Amalfi Coast means. Fresh seafood pastas, endless wine and the scent of the sea wafting in from the horizon. My few days here were spent at the beach club, which is a rarity for a hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Taking the elevator all the way down to beach level you exit into a cave-like tunnel, through a stunningly designed bar and restaurant and out to the glistening sun. There's no better place on the coast to spend your days. The beach is private, exclusive and all guests can reserve a sun bed here and lounge around ordering Aperol Spritz after Aperol Spritz. The phenomenal lunch food like pizza, burgers and fish can be brought right out to you seaside. If you're in the area, but not a hotel guest, you can dock at the Borgo as well for dinner or the afternoon. There's always something inventive or traditional to order in the restaurants. I have been fortunate enough to stay at various hotels on the Amalfi Coast, but this one is different. Borgo Santandrea offers something incredibly unique - that not many others can. It offers privacy, intimacy and complete use of what feels like a personal villa in one of the world's most beautiful regions. The hotel might be new in concept, but its soul is old and luxurious - a place you will want to return to over and over again.

Ischia Island, just off the coast of Naples, Italy, is a quiet paradise compared to its counterpart, Capri; and its shining star of hotel properties is the magnificent San Montano Resort and Spa . The resort, perched above the charming village of Lacco Ameno, is family-owned and has been in operation for a long time. It occupies the most incredible location overlooking hills of lemon trees that jut right up against the crystalline blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. I came here to get away for a few days and found myself completely enthralled with not only the island of Ischia and its effortless "cool factor", but with a resort where you can literally bop between its 8 thermal pools, sun loungers, spa and a private beach - as if you were in your own backyard. Arriving the hotel is very easy and similar to arriving to Capri - by ferry, or private chartered boat. The only difference is that you will run into more Italians here than anyone else and the place doesn't feel nearly as crowded as nearby islands. Walking into the lobby, through a gorgeous garden of lavender and lemon trees, you notice the beautiful Mediterranean-modern decor - deep blues, glass, turquoise and white that work well together in a concept that instantly makes you feel calm. I was greeted with a warm welcome, a glass of champagne and smiling members of the reception team who were eager to invite me into their little paradise. I was escorted to my room, which was separate from the main building and in its own private area outside of the main building. San Montano Resort and Spa offers many types of room categories, many of which feel like your own private residence. Upon first entrance, it was clear that guests tend to stay a long time and really sink into the vibe of this place and all it has to offer. My room was a suite which was made up of a living room, a large bathroom, bedroom and actual grassy yard with a private terrace and pool. The entire quarters had views over the hills and sea, feeling like a true haven tucked into a resort with limitless amenities. Other room types on property offer private infinity pools, duplex layouts, villas and more with ample space for relaxing and enjoying your time in Ischia. Throughout my four night stay, I fell more and more in-love with my spot at San Montano Resort and Spa, and truly didn't want to leave it. The resort is really centered around the idea of health and wellness. Of course people come for the sun and a bronzed glow, but the property has invested a great deal into its Ocean Blue Spa. The spa is really rooted in Ischia's thermal waters and mud that have been used and coveted since Roman times. At the spa, you can indulge in thermal water pools which are incredible for sore muscles, skin conditions and other ailments. You can have a fabulous massage with citrus oil from the island under a grove of lemon trees. You can work with one of their clinicians to design and adhere to a particular diet when on-property in order to clear up skin problems or even breathing issues. San Montano is truly an ideal spot to invest in your health and focus on self care. I was able to dabble in the thermal pools during my stay and enjoy a deep tissue massage in the spa - truly one of the best I've had. True foodies will love San Montano Resort and Spa. You are in Italy, after all. But, this is where you can experience everything that is unique to Ischia - including citrus, seafood and recipes made with plants grown right here on-site. Overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Franco's is the ideal marriage between seafood and farm-fresh ingredients fused together in true Mediterranean-Italian spirit. La Veranda leans more traditional Italian but with a twist from the chef - and there's nothing on the menu that you won't absolutely love, including the homemade pastas. All the food at the resort can be modified for your diet and special requests are welcomed. But, honestly, when you're in Italy with this caliber of cooking, there won't be much you want to change. For something casual, head to Acropoli Pizza Bar, pizza in true Napoli tradition. My days were spent in Ischia exploring both on land and at sea. After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, I usually selected a new village or area to take-in. All of the towns here are small and cute, offering local shops selling products like homemade soap or skincare infused with Ischia's thermal water. But, the real highlight is floating around on a boat atop the azure waters. The water is incredibly clear and you can see straight to the bottom at some points. San Montano is happy to help you organize a boat for the day with picnic, or a specific tour. I recommend spending as much time as possible seeing the remote parts of the island from the sea's vantage point. This will help you understand Ischia in a different way. I personally love the service with Ascanio Charter Boat in Lacco Ameno. Four days flew by in a flash and, with each passing day, I grew more and more fond of this place. Ischia is special and San Montano is a jewel in its crown. Because the resort is so famous and has been around a while, you feel as if you are stepping into Italian heritage, sitting amongst the walls that houses years and years of family memories, honeymoons, vacations and other special times. It's a nice, comfortable feeling and I know anyone who visits will feel the same. Being here is like being with an old friend.

New York has many options when it comes to cosmetic and medical-based dentistry, but Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor , on Manhattan's Central Park South, is, by far, the best. Led by three innovative doctors with an eye for beauty and detail, and supported by a talented team of dental enthusiasts, the practice is truly a holistic operation where a patient can address tooth and mouth issues, disease, aging and, of course, cosmetic concerns. I visited the practice recently for a thorough cleaning and Zoom whitening session, and found not only their office to be incredibly chic, modern and beautiful - but the true heartbeat of dental medicine - incredibly reassuring. These doctors are celebrity dentists, through and through. Not only do they count a gaggle of famous faces around the world as patients, but they are considered experts in their field and are called-on by the profession to weigh-in on everything from implants, veneers, smile restoration, mouth cancer and more. My visit was rather straight forward, but in my three hours in the office I realized that all the teeth cleanings I had for years prior paled in comparison - and that I needed to step back and take another look at the way my oral health was being managed. From the moment I walked into the office I was welcomed and quickly led upstairs. I was shown into a beautiful treatment room with a large television equipped with Netflix and all the gadgets one could imagine to make your mouth sparkle. The hygienist soon entered and got to work on x-rays, cleaning, polishing and flossing. My teeth have never felt so clean and, soon after, the Zoom session was set up. Over an hour my teeth went from a decently white shade to a gleaming white masterpiece, ready to show itself off all over the city. I felt brand new and, after Zoom, was looked over by Dr. Brian Kantor to be sure I had no hidden cavities or other problems. I was even given a tour of the office's private veneer and crown lab in the lower level. After my appointment, I spoke with Dr. Marc Lowenberg via email and asked him and few questions about the doctors and the practice. IC: What sparked you to enter the field of dentistry? ML: I grew up wanting to be in show business, either an actor or director, but I had an uncle who was a dentist and at the same time I was great with my hands - always building things. My dad kept telling me that I should be a dentist. I remember by the time I was 13, I was still debating which path to choose. When I began college at American University, my dad drove me down to Washington DC. Somewhere along the Jersey Turnpike he turned to me and said, "So what’s it going to be? Acting or Dentistry? You're going to have to pick a major when you register." I still remember waiting on a very long line to register for theater courses, but when my turn came and the registrar asked me to declare a major, without thinking I just said, "pre-med.” When I graduated college, I went to the New York University College of Dentistry. In my junior year of dental school, which was during the Vietnam War, I volunteered as a medic during the Moratoriums in Washington protesting the war. It was there where I met the personal physician for the Rolling Stones who promised that he would send me the Rolling Stones when I opened my practice. That moment changed my professional path, as he kept his word and the Stones became my first patients. Roberta Flack, Bryan Eno, Bryan Ferry and the Average White Band followed in the early years, and as the years went by, more and more entertainers and celebrities followed. As my mom would say, "I ended up with both my dreams, dentistry and show business." IC: What is the LLK ethos when treating patients? ML: We always strive to make the patient happy: to try and meet their esthetic expectations. IC: What has been one of the most exciting cosmetic cases you’ve worked on? ML: There have been many, but among the outstanding ones, I would say the most exciting case was one that I did for the Oprah show about 18 years ago. A young mother with a severe dental phobia, had neglected her teeth for years. She had put all her care into her children and husband, and let her teeth deteriorate. She was a beautiful young woman with a smile she was embarrassed of. Oprah flew her to New York, and within a week I transformed her smile into a glamorous show stopping one that she was so proud of. You can see the results on our website. What makes this case special is that this woman is filled with gratitude for what we did for her. Believe it or not, for the last 18 years she contacts me every few months to remind me of how grateful she is. She recently posted a memory on Facebook, that 18 years later she is still smiling from what we did for her. IC: What is an easy and affordable way for patients to better their smile? ML: Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips are a great option for at-home whitening on a budget. The bleach within the strips remains in contact with the tooth enamel long enough to deliver noticeable results. Whitening strips combined with daily use of a whitening toothpaste are an affordable alternative to maintaining a bright smile. The length of time your teeth will stay whiter varies and is influenced by how often you drink coffee, tea, dark colas, red wine or smoke. The results vary from person to person depending on how receptive one’s teeth are to the bleaching gel. White strips work to their maximum in 2 weeks – the whitest your teeth will ever be, is the day that you stop. It is not as effective as in-office bleaching because Whitestrips contain a weaker percentage of hydrogen peroxide and don't remain isolated on the teeth as well as in-office whitening but they are the best of the at-home options. The biggest mistake people make is that they don’t floss and if they do, they don’t floss correctly. You should never skip flossing. You should ideally floss 1 time per day but the healthiest mouths are those who floss after every meal. There is no miracle product that will replace brushing and flossing. Flossing daily is necessary for healthy gums because it dislodges food that is stuck between the teeth where a brush cannot reach. Food debris caught between teeth can cause bad breath and other serious dental problems. Most of the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease lives in ‘hard to get to’ areas between the teeth. A brush simply will not reach it and rinsing is not powerful enough to dislodge it. The only way of physically removing this plaque from between the teeth is to floss. You should always run the floss along the tooth structure in the shape of a C rather than just snapping quickly between each tooth. If I were to give anyone 3 tips on oral hygiene, it would be, floss, floss and floss. A healthy diet containing fruit and crunchy vegetables will help remove plaque from your teeth. Also a sugar free diet or a low sugar diet will reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to your teeth, which causes decay and gum disease. Nothing can replace flossing and brushing, but in general, a well-balanced diet will contribute to a healthier mouth and less inflammation overall. IC: Are there any exciting new devices or procedures entering the field of dentistry? ML : While not necessarily new, the use of Botox injections in the muscles of mastication has increased during the pandemic because it reduces the ability to grind your teeth, and therefore, reduces the exacerbation of TMJ. IC: What is the LLK difference? What makes you one of the best in New York City? ML: I would have to say that what makes us different is that the three of us truly care about making people happy. We go to great lengths to satisfy patients expectations. Artistic talent plays a great part in creating beautiful smiles and that is what makes us great at what we do. It is not just the technical aspect of dentistry, but also requires an artistic eye. And, it helps that we have our own dental lab in our office, captained by the world renowned ceramist Jason Kim, who actually creates the porcelain veneers. We change smiles, but more importantly we change lives.

Dr. Ellen Marmur is known to be the best in New York in terms of Dermatology. What makes her the best is complicated and rare, as most dermatologists, and doctors for that matter, do not have what she has. Dr. Marmur owns the perfect combination of medical expertise and artistic know-how to not only prevent, diagnose and treat serious skin conditions; but also use today's cutting-edge materials and devices to help her patients look their very best natural selves. Knowing her for over five years we have watched her turn back the clock on patients by utilizing her subtle yet effective treatments. And, one of those new treatments offered in the office is the much buzzed-about Daxxify . We visited Dr. Marmur to try out Daxxify in an effort to smooth crows feet around the eyes, rid eleven lines from between the brows and smooth several forehead wrinkles as a result of having overly-emotive facial expressions. We had heard a lot of about Daxxify and knew Dr. Marmur was one of the very first doctors in the country to offer it in-office. Daxxify is similar to Botox, the famed neurotoxic protein that eases wrinkles and limits muscle movement to prevent future wrinkles from developing. But, Daxxify is different and it lasts longer - twice as long, in fact. Using Daxxify with its 6 to 9-month efficacy on smoothing wrinkles means that you can cut down on office visits and spend more time addressing other skin concerns. The process of receiving Daxxify in your face is nearly identical to receiving Botox, so there isn't anything new or unique to get used to. In true Dr. Marmur fashion, on the day of treatment, she bounded into my room in one of her Upper East Side locations full of energy. Smiling from ear to ear and explaining what exactly Daxxify is and why it's so exciting in the world of dermatology, she pulled-out a syringe and began to analyze my face to determine exactly where to place it. Dr. Marmur spent 8 years as the Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center and her specialty is skin cancer diagnosis and Mohs surgery. So, she isn't just any old dermatologist with a love for the cosmetic part of the practice. Her incredible depth of medical knowledge and experience is exactly why you feel instantly comfortable knowing she's about to inject you with a liquid that will freeze certain facial muscles for up to 6 months. Within a few minutes, she was done, and I was on my way with a bag full of a few of my favorites products from her MMSkincare line. After every laser appointment or cosmetic procedure, I usually use her award-winning MMSphere LED device to help with collagen production, bacteria elimination and mood enhancement. While being injected, we spoke to Dr. Marmur about why she's so excited for the release of Daxxify. IC: Why is Daxxify such an exciting new product on the market? EM: Daxxify is so exciting because it is the first of a new field of longer lasting neuromodulators that improve the look of prominent frown lines on the face. IC: How does Daxxify differ from Botox or other known neurotoxins? EM: The key factor that differs Daxxify from Botox or other neurotoxins is its longevity. While botox and other neurotoxins last for around 3 months, Daxxify can last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. ‍ IC: Why were you selected as one of the first doctors in the country to use the new product? EM: The first phase of dermatologists selected to offer Daxxify were those of us who specialize in cosmetics, especially with neuromodulators and with new innovative products. I was part of the scientific advisory board for Revance before COVID where we evaluated the patient results from the Sakura trials and the molecule as the basic science of the PET complex was discussed in detail. Since that time I've met with the medical science team and discussed Daxxify with other dermatologists. Most recently, more information has been released which summarizes the key outcomes of the trials. I am excited to be one of the select doctors in the USA in the PreVu program who will have the earliest access to Daxxify for my patients in NYC. IC: What other products are you most excited about, new or old, for 2023 in the field of dermatology? EM: I’m most excited about regenerative medicine in dermatology using LED devices with specialized skin care products. Our patented system was honored as the Best Dermatologist Invented LED device with our MMSphere . MMSkincare is a transformative system of serums specifically activated by our proprietary MMSphere LED light therapy device that can be used in different settings to treat different skin concerns and has wellness benefits.

The Four Seasons Prague , in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, is the coziest, most charming, and fabulous spot to base yourself while in town. I was a guest recently and it had been a while since I visited Prague. It was Winter, which meant that it was snowy and cold - but this added some sort of magic to the air as my plane touched down at the airport and all the eye could see was a blanket of fresh fallen fluff covering the city. I pulled-up to the hotel, located just steps from The Charles River, and I was immediately welcomed with a warm, “Ahoj!”, which, of course, means “hello” in Czech. The doors to the lobby flung open and I stepped into a refuge of style and comfort that would be my home base for the next three nights.  The Four Seasons Prague is made-up of two distinct buildings that are seamlessly fused together inside to create a haven of old-world elegance, touched with modern luxuries. One of the buildings leans more classical, while the other one feels more contemporary in design and presentation. I stayed in the more contemporary side of the property, but was able to easily access the classical side which holds the spa, pool, and other amenities guests can enjoy. As I made my way through the flower-adorned lobby, I was met by the manager on duty and warmly welcomed with a beverage of my choice and a personal escort to the room.  The room, and all rooms at The Four Seasons Prague, are comfortable, large, and offer the  amenities one could imagine at a property of this magnitude. There are many different room categories, with some of the suites being the most impressive, but even the standard rooms are something that the most discerning hotel guest would  be comfortable staying in. If you’re looking to splurge, I would suggest the Prague Castle Presidential Suite, which has unobstructed views over the city and right up to Prague Castle. My room offered a sumptuous king-sized bed, sitting area, desk area, large windows with views over the river and city, and a lovely large marble-clad bathroom. It was very cozy and, right away, I felt at home. Prague is an old city, but there’s so much that is always changing. From restaurants, to bars, art exhibitions, and shopping - the concierge at the hotel has their finger on the pulse of all of this information. During my stay, I was given so much valuable information on hidden gems and things to do and see while I was in town. They helped me obtain restaurant reservations, get tickets for museums, and led me to a couple of adorable antique stores selling art and jewelry. This is very valuable, considering the fact that one could get sidetracked with the more touristy things here, and neglect places of real interest that are right under your nose.  The Four Seasons Prague offers a range of dining options that span everything from Czech, to Italian, and even Japanese. Their seasonal Japanese rooftop restaurant, Miru, is an incredible place for sushi and Japanese fare, and cocktails overlooking the city. For something sexy and more intimate, CottoCrudo, just off the lobby, is an absolute winner. I dined there one evening and was blown away by the food. Overlooking the Charles River and under flickering candlelight, the restaurant is comfortable and warm. Food here is elevated with Italian classics such as Cacio e Pepe, artichoke risotto, crispy duck breast, and all of it served in the most beautiful of ways. The wine list is stellar and service, matched with presentation, was on the level of a Michelin starred restaurant.  At the back of the lobby at the hotel there’s a lovely fireplace, perfect for Winter months. I was able to sit here most afternoons and work on my laptop, sipping one of the bar’s signature martinis. I mention this because, to me, that is the vibe at The Four Seasons Prague. It’s all about comfortable luxury, and it feels that way from the moment you walk in and lasts until you depart. For anyone coming to this beautiful city, make this hotel property your home.

When seeking a custom furniture manufacturer that fuses quality, beauty and function into their pieces, Dr. Sofa delivers all of that and more with every project they take on. Working with them on a custom banquette for a galley-style kitchen in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, Dr. Sofa proved to be not only good at what they do, but collaborative and informative throughout the entire process. Born from a few phone calls and a crude sketch on our part, the company's founder, Shlomi Eini, took the reins and turned an idea into reality with his talented team who are experts in the art of furniture making. Passionate about furniture from a young age, Mr. Eini built his reputation in the tri-state area as someone to trust when it came to furniture modification for clients who had pieces too large or awkward to fit into the sometimes tiny entryways, stairwells and elevators that New York living offers. Building upon that reputation, he began using years of creative experience to offer customers truly one-of-a-kind furniture that would be a permanent staple and sometimes solution for their homes. The banquette he created for the Ultimate New York Apartment falls in line with this thought as it was critical to have something in the kitchen that offers seating yet fits the very specific dimensions of the space. There is a long wall located directly opposite kitchen cabinets where the banquette would be placed - but needed to allow enough room for walking. The resulting banquette sofa with channeled backing is not only visually appealing but offers end tables for beverages, performance fabric in case of spills and soft-close drawers for storage under the entire piece. The banquette is a true work of art and function. The banquette sits in the kitchen of the show space against a hand-painted wall covering created by Stephanie Dedes Reimers, founder of Sarkos . The wallcovering, which is a matte black with constellation-like silver leafing, is juxtaposed against the soft velvety white performance fabric used by Dr. Sofa and his team - making for a stark but warm feel in the space. We spoke with Mr. Eini about his company, past projects, present work and the future of Dr. Sofa. Mr. Eini's story is not only incredible, but admirable and inspirational to anyone who is brave enough to follow their life's passion. IC: Where did the idea for Dr. Sofa spring from? DS: I started my business back in 1999 with no assets or financial investments at all. It was just me traveling through subways with a tool bag and an idea on how to solve the problem of getting large furniture through small entryways. Many of my customers would be amazed as I took apart their sofa and would comment that it looked like I was doing surgery. Besides the surgery, I also ended up relieving their stresses so they nicknamed me, "The Surgeon", thus came the name "Dr. Sofa." IC: Where did you get your passion for furniture? DS: I am the third generation in my family in the furniture business. Since a very young age, I would play in my father and grandfather's workshop - building almost anything I could think of on my own, tree houses, wood scooters and more. As I grew, I discovered a passion for painting and sculpting. It was natural for me to blend my two loves of art and furniture into a division - Amazing Upholstery - where we build custom pieces. IC: What has been the most complicated sofa deconstruction job in your history? DS: Years back we got a call from a famous rapper. His sofa was a special order 17-foot long tufted sofa with Swarovski crystal buttons. They tried everything to fit it into his Chelsea apartment, but nothing worked. So, they called me. I had to deconstruct the sofa entirely - and it still didn't fit. The operation took me about 14 hours in total. Since then, I have taken-on many challenges including steel-framed sofas - finding a way to deconstruct and reassemble the pieces while maintaining the integrity of the frames and the design of the sofa. Today we count wall units, sofas, armoires, dressers and more as our "patients". IC: What has been the most gratifying custom furniture job you've completed since you began? DS: We have built many custom pieces for celebrities in New York City and that gives us a certain level of satisfaction that we are hired by a group of people who can really go anywhere for custom work. We have also been contracted by several Fortune 500 companies to create show pieces for their lobbies. We have done hundreds of unique custom designs for WeWork locations nationwide. But, if I have to choose a favorite, it would be our work for American Dream Mall in Secaucus, New Jersey. We built four sofas, each about 50-feet long and unique in both shape and design. We had to construct them in a way that maintained the original design yet where they could be installed in sections due to the length. Not to mention, the sofas had to be constructed and upholstered to stand up to the abuse of high traffic - and accommodate up to 100 people in one sitting. Mission accomplished! That is my most gratifying project to date. IC: What are you most proud of in your experience working with upholstery and furniture? DS: I am most grateful and proud that what we do helps others solve what they consider to be very difficult problems - be it fitting a sofa or building a unique piece. My team and I find it very satisfying to come to the rescue of our clients and mostly getting positive feedback. We never get tired of hearing, "Amazing job! Thank you." IC: What is the Dr. Sofa ethos when creating custom furniture? DS: I would say that turning a customer's vision into reality is our ethos because we want to encourage customers to dream - because we can make it for them! IC: Where do you see the future of Dr. Sofa, the brand? DS: My vision is to continue to expand into other urban cities around the nation, bringing the same talent, design and beauty that Dr. Sofa and Amazing Upholstery currently deliver in the tri-state area.