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Yao Ming Family Wines is no typical wine operation, and its offering are truly standout amongst the crowded Napa Valley wine market. Retired NBA star, Yao Ming, who played for the Houston Rockets for years founded the winery in California and introduced his first vintage in 2009. A small operation and one that is regarded for its delicate yet powerful Cabernet Sauvignon selections, Yao Ming Family Wines has made an impact domestically and internationally, and provides wine lovers with bottles that will keep you coming back again and again for more. I recently was fortunate enough to try a selection of wines from Yao Ming Family Wines and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was absolutely taken with the complexity and flavor of each vintage – noticing subtle nuances that make them each different and unique. Grapes used in the various offerings from the winery are harvested from the most prestigious blocks of land throughout Napa, in various areas, to add to the special characteristics – a product of the varying elevations and climates. The grapes are hand-crushed and processed before being blended and stored in both stainless steel and French oak. When Yao Ming set out to enter the wine business, it was planned and not haphazard. He assembled the best team in the valley to help make a product that would get noticed. Yao Ming’s wine is not his only passion. He dedicates much of his time and money to a foundation, The Yao Ming Foundation, which has assisted throughout different regions of China in the areas of education, natural disasters and more. But, wine is his passion and this is clear. For being such a young winery, the wines have won numerous awards and are often found in critic’s picks for the best in their category in major lists and publications. Throughout my tasting I was able to experience the following: 2017 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Family Reserve, 2017 Family Table, Yao Ming Port, Yao Ming Brut Sparkling and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. This was very exciting for me because I am a cab fanatic and someone who most often, if not always, chooses a cab over anything else. What I loved about each and every one of these Cabernet Sauvignons was that, although similar, the deepness, richness and notes varied on a fundamental levels making them all surprisingly different. Throughout each cab, notes of vanilla, chocolate, dark fruit and smoke come though. The 2017 Family Reserve was my favorite for its heavy tannins and elegant yet weighty body. The sparkling brut is composed of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, blending beautifully for a buttery and crisp sparkling that is absolutely delicious served ice-cold in a flute. The port, a rarity seen from this area, was exceptional – and traditional in taste, the perfect post-dinner treat. I view the offerings from Yao Ming Family Wines as more of a curated collection – one that speaks loudly to those who follow wine. Though known well by wine enthusiasts, the offerings are almost hidden gems to those who are fortunate enough to discover them. What I also love about Yao Ming Family Wines is its Chinese influence. Yao Ming has been very strong in incorporating Chinese culture, beliefs and practices – many based on the Chinese calendar, to help guide the branding and messaging behind the wines. This is a very unique thing and something that adds to the story and lore behind the operation. For anyone seeking standout Cabernet Sauvignon, Yao Ming Family Wines does not fall short. Each wine rises to the occasion as soon as it hits your glass.

Jura , the premium Swiss coffee brand known for its award-winning machines, now offers the stunning ENA 8 – a revolution in beautiful, compact machinery that makes countless delicious freshly-ground coffees at the touch of a button. Jura is no stranger to coffee innovation, the company has been in the business since 1931 and has been a well-known and valuable player in the Swiss and European markets. As they’ve expanded, they’ve begun to carefully distribute their range of professional and personal devices across the globe. The truth is, there is no coffee like a European coffee – especially those that are freshly ground. Yes, there are several one-touch devices that offer capsulated coffee – but the taste and freshness just isn’t the same. Jura believes in freshly ground, and there’s no straying away from that key brand philosophy in the ENA 8. After hearing several accounts internationally and experiencing one of the machines firsthand in South Africa, we knew Jura would be the top choice when naming the best luxury-minded coffee machine for 2021. The ENA 8 was the obvious choice. Why? As city dwellers, residents know that items brought into the home need to have more than one function, and take up as little amount of space as possible. The Jura ENA 8 embodies that mindset. This compact machine measures just 10.7″ wide, 12.7″ high and 17.5″ deep. It’s a true powerhouse available in several finishes that delivers a real gourmet coffee experience with minimal effort. In fact, its so minimal that one can’t believe how easy it is to have a coffee of this quality without sourcing it from your nearby neighborhood cafe, which average about $7 in New York City. Aside from its compactness and design, the Jura ENA 8 is special for many other reasons. The round water tank is designed to reflect a premium crystal carafe, and can hold quite a bit of water – eliminating the need to refill too often. The machine features a nicely sized air-tight tank for coffee beans of your choice, which are ground fresh for each brew. The VC compact brewing unit ensures that the coffee flows into your cup under ideal conditions. There is a pulse extraction process integrated that optimizes the aroma of each coffee – from a short ristretto to a flat white. Even the foam technology creates airy, lightly whipped milk foam for your specialty brews. The Jura ENA 8 offers you 10 specialty coffees to choose from which are selected for each cup with a push of a button on the color display. You can even customize your coffee strength on the screen, or using the bluetooth enabled Jura app. There are several accessories available with the machine, including a milk chiller, but the standard model comes with all the bells and whistles. The machine is smart so it will tell you when it needs a little extra love and care – using the color display to indicate the need for a filter change, to clean the milk system or empty the coffee grounds container. The Jura ENA 8 is really, in all honesty, perfect. It’s not perfect for one occasion, but every occasion. It’s powerful enough to handle incessant use and feels very well-made. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just a coffee lover, it will delight you each and every day. Wafts of the freshly ground beans will fill your kitchen and the 10 specialty coffees will delight those with the most specific of tastes – or even those who just want a typical American black cup of coffee. You just can’t do better than Jura and the machine, priced around $1,800, is worth every penny.

There are many choices when moving in and out of New York City, and Roadway Moving is the absolute best way. Although this well-known company handles white-glove moves, known as Roadway Black, to far flung locales, Roadway Moving can handle anything from the smallest studio apartment up to a mega-residence with countless rooms that need extra care. We worked with Roadway Moving on a recent move from a one-bedroom West Village apartment located on idyllic Jane Street, to a large two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in vibrant Chelsea. Aside from their phenomenally organized process; the kindness, efficiency and care put into the move was truly remarkable. Roadway Moving offers many options and it all starts with a simple phone call or online query. They can simply pick-up boxes and move them to the next location – providing trucks of varying sizes and appropriate staff. But, the real splurge comes with their packed and unpacked moves, which we opted for. Roadway Moving makes one of the world’s most annoying and overwhelming jobs, moving, a true pleasure by removing the grunt work, letting you focus on things that are more important. With their packed moves, Roadway will handle all the logistics of wrapping and boxing your valuables and getting them to their next destination safe and sound. We booked with Roadway Moving and had no issues. It was as easy as calling their number and taking the time to describe the apartment in which we were moving from. The staff are very detailed and will ask you to describe everything in your space, from large items like toilets, down to small breakables that need extra attention. This description, an ensuing packing list, will help them send an organized crew to your residence or office, who will take charge of the process. After selecting the date and time for the move, Roadway Moving liaised via email and phone, making us feel comfortable and confidant that we were getting all the care needed for this delicate process. The move required some heavy lifting – including valuable lighting, toilets and office furniture. The team arrived on time and began feverishly packing, in an effort to get the job done in one day. They arrived in full PPE and took every safety precaution needed in respect of CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was appreciated, respected and made us feel very safe. As I sat in the space during the days leading up to the move, I couldn’t really comprehend that I was able to just relax and not think about packing. It almost felt wrong. But, Roadway Moving came in and made everything run like a well-oiled machine. Roadway Moving not only offers their white glove, packing and unpacking services; but they offer storage as well. If there are particular items that you’d prefer not to take with you to you new space, but don’t want to purge – Roadway Moving will gladly coordinate storage for a reasonable price. As the old space began to face away, becoming simply walls of what once was there, the crew at Roadway Moving were busy hauling-in boxes and furniture into the new, airy loft. They put down protective gear, blankets and wall coverings to be sure no damage was done in the process. In a flash, it seemed like everything was done. The only thing left to do was to organize and sort. Honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. This job we were dreading actually became an enjoyable experience with the help of Roadway Moving. Shortly after the move, we spoke with Ross Sapir, President of Roadway Moving about the company’s mission, services and ethos. IC: Why did you start Roadway Moving? RS: Moving is one of the most stressful events in life, but it doesn’t have to be. When I worked for other moving companies all I saw was unhappiness. Every aspect of the move was miserable; the movers hated their jobs, the customers always complained, and the vendors couldn’t wait to escape. I knew there had to be a better way. A nicer way to move! Roadway Moving was established in 2008 with a different approach to the moving business: more heart, less brain. I put my customers and employees first. IC: What makes Roadway Moving different from other moving companies? RS: Two key pieces: People and Customer Service. 1. I put my employees first. Movers are often underpaid and undervalued. At Roadway, we are one of the highest paying moving companies in the industry. Our employees stay with us. Happy employees are a competitive edge for us. 2. We turned moving, something universally hated, into an experience people are actually excited about. Think hospitality industry in a moving truck. IC: Roadway is known for its White Glove service, what can customers expect with this service? RS: Roadway Black is our White Glove Service that offers you a luxury door-to-door VIP move without having to lift a finger. Our movers are specifically trained to handle your most delicate items and our climate-controlled trucks ensure that your most sensitive items arrive in perfect condition. Items can range from priceless art and china, electronics, musical instruments, and wine collections to name a few. Our clients can kick back and relax while we pack and unpack their items, takedown and setup TVs and tech items, and carefully crate their prized art collections. IC: Roadway offers a myriad of services for its customers, including in-home packing and unpacking. What can customers expect with this service? RS: At Roadway, we understand that people might not have the time to pack for their move. We want to take the hassle out of the packing/unpacking process. Our movers go through specific training techniques to learn to securely wrap, box, and/or crate your items to ensure nothing gets damaged during your move. We also offer high quality unpacking services to help customers transition into their new home. Depending on the service level you choose, we’ll empty all your items onto a flat surface in your home, or even unpack all boxes and place your items exactly where you want them. IC: Roadway can handle short and long-distance moves. Which is at the core of your business? RS: We understand the NYC market and our history of quality service has our customers consistently rate us as one of the top movers in NYC. While we are local movers with the local knowledge, we also have a highly qualified long-distance team that is constantly expanding its footprint across the country. Our Interstate routes continue to grow along with our regular weekly trips down South and out to the West Coast. IC: The pandemic has turned New York and the world upside down, and people are moving in and out of the city. What guidelines have you put into place for the safety of your staff and customers? RS: When NYS issued an executive order deeming moving an essential service, we quickly employed a COVID safety strategy aimed at protecting both our customers and our movers. We practice safe social distancing at all times and broke up our operations team into 3 locations. Non-essential employees are working remote. Employees temperatures are taken daily and anyone exhibiting fever or COVID symptoms are sent home and cannot return until cleared by a medical professional. Our moving teams are briefed every morning on COVID updates. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented by disinfecting our trucks and offices twice a day. We also banned the use of reusable bins and used boxes during our moves. Our moving teams are equipped with hand sanitizers, masks, gloves, booties, disinfectant wipes and spray. We also provide our clients with masks during every move. We shifted our in-home estimates to virtual where our estimators ‘virtually’ walk-thru your home in order to provide you with a detailed, accurate estimate of all moving charges. Finally, we provide contactless moving – virtual home surveys, electronic booking, no cash payment policy, electronic contracts, virtual communications, and full packing and labeling services. IC: Roadway offers storage services. What type of storage options does Roadway offer? RS: Our 6 storage facilities offers both short and long-term storage options to accommodate all our clients’ needs. Whether they are expanding to a larger space, downsizing, or moving to a new location in another city, we can store all their furniture and possessions until they are ready to move it. IC: What is the Roadway Moving brand ethos? RS: We move with heart! We put our customers first and provide an exceptional, stress free moving experience.

NYC Painting Contractors led by company founder, Mez Diamond, is New York’s top painting service for 2021. We partnered with Mez and his team on a project for The Ultimate New York Apartment, and challenged him with turning a large 1,800 square-foot loft space in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, from a rather average-looking space into a sanctuary of luxury through paint. We worked with Mez and his team for nearly a week, and there were plenty of hurtles to jump over in terms of paint. But, there was no hesitation by Mez and his NYC Painting Contractors crew as they took over the loft and turned it into a buttery-white cloud above Manhattan’s busy streets. BEFORE AFTER It’s easy to find a painter in New York City, but finding a reliable one with an eye for aesthetics, isn’t something one comes by daily. We had heard phenomenal things through word-of-mouth about Mez and his work, so we contracted him. We explained our desire to use Benjamin Moore’s premium Aura paint, which we secured through New York’s top painting resource, Janovic , and Mez agreed it was truly the right way to go and that Janovic would supply the best in town. After a brief site visit and visually gaining perspective of the space, Mez and his team got right to work. BEFORE AFTER NYC Painting Contractors came in and brought all of the supplies needed. They are known around town as being very capable and talented, but it wasn’t until we saw this and their preparedness in person, that we understood. The paint was delivered to the space, a rich buttery-white tone from Benjamin Moore, and Mez and his team outfitted everything with drop cloths and tape to begin work. BEFORE AFTER Even the elevator doors, all of which had chips and dents, we re-caulked, smoothed and sanded before being painted – which made them appear brand new. The space is big, so it took the team a bit to fully ready it for the primer application followed by layers of silky paint. In the loft, there were problems. The prior occupant had painted the molding a dark grey color, which visually shortened the 9.5-foot ceilings. The master bedroom was painted grey and a light eggplant purple, and the entry and exit doors, including the elevators that open directly into the space, were damaged and painted black. It all looked like a giant office space, instead of a haven for someone to call home. Mez first believed the job would take three days, but, alas, he is a perfectionist. NYC Painting Contractors occupied the loft for roughly four days, to be sure everything was flawless – and it was. The buttery-white was accented by a deep black matte color on the windows, also through Janovic, to add depth. The kindness and professionalism the NYC Painting Contractors team displays, funnels down from the top – as Mez truly is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He’s been in the business for decades, but he’s not jaded. He treats every customer like family, and every space like his own. We met Mez in the loft on his last day, where he eagerly wanted to show us the job he had done. We were in awe how his talent and the talent of his crew completely changed the vibe of the loft and set the tone for the beginning of what would be the Ultimate New York Apartment. Paint can make or break a space and this is why using the correct paint and, most importantly, the right painter is imperative. For anyone seeking the very best in the world of New York City painting, NYC Painting Contractors is simply the best.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is America’s top vineyard – chosen because of their historic commitment to good wine making, current wine offerings and beauty of their operations in the Stag’s Leap area of Napa Valley. A first growth estate in the area, the vineyards date back to 1970. And, which grape was planted first? Cabernet Sauvignon, of course. Today, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is known for their cabernet – delicious varieties looked after by master winemaker Marcus Notaro. And, he tends to some of the vineyards’ most iconic wines – namely S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon (1972) and Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon (2001). Speaking with Mr. Notaro about the history of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, his role in preserving vineyard favorites and cultivating new varieties – there were many moments that led me to appreciate all that goes into the wines here. His way of describing the team’s work ethic, collaboration and knowledge of the weather and soil – it’s all very astounding. One favorite of the public who are familiar with the vineyard, is Artemis. Artemis was created in 2001 and was named after the Greek goddess of the hunt – due to the “hunting” for grapes in various areas of the vineyard and elsewhere. Consistently ranked as one of the top Cabernets from California, you might observe aromas of dark cherry and berry fruit as well as sweet vanilla. The wine is smooth and rich, and leaves tastes of dark cherry and cacao on your tongue. S.L.V., one of the oldest wines established, is a Cabernet with aromas of cacao, graphite and blackberry. Dark chocolate and dark berries are the primary tasting notes – with rich, dark tannins. It’s part of the vineyard’s Estate Collection, which features three distinct wines that come from various areas of the vineyards on property. Aside from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ incredible Cabernet Sauvignons, they also offer delicious Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from their Napa Valley Collection. The Karia Chardonnay opens-up with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and pear. Mineral and lemon zest finish-off medium-bodied flavors of cream and tropical fruit. Mr. Notaro speaks highly of the vineyard that was there before him and his privilege of tending to it now with the help of his team. Stag’s leap Wine Cellars purchased the Fay vineyard, which belonged to their neighbor and friend, Nathan Fay. Now, the property spreads over acres and acres, and each acre has meaning and holds its own amongst the next acre. As a visitor here, you can stop-in to the beautiful tasting room and sample the fruits of the team’s labor, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. If you’re not near Napa, you can purchase the wines at your local well-curated wine store, or join the vineyard’s wine club for regular shipments. But, a trip to Napa, sometime in the near future, is in order. You just can’t miss these wines. Photo Credit: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Primate Safaris is Rwanda’s top tour company for 2021 standing out amongst the rest for its incredible service and knowledge of this magnificent country. A major player based in Kigali, Primate Safaris offers travelers in-depth and curated itineraries that plan and organize the perfect Rwanda stay down to the nuts and bolts of your trip. Led by an incredibly informed and kind team, Primate Safaris has been my chosen operator for both my trips to Rwanda. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience Primate Safaris and the country of Rwanda twice – led throughout the magical landscape with the safe guide and driver, Sula. Sula is a Rwanda expert and knows its roads, people and sights better than anyone. From landing in Kigali, dealing with COVID-19 requirements and traversing the many hills of the nation – Primate Safaris made my experiences nothing but pleasurable throughout both of my 7-day stays. I had to worry about nothing aside from enjoying the fabulous wildlife and scenery as I glided down the country roads. Primate Safaris collected me at Kigali airport when I landed from Brussels. In a matter of minutes, Sula met me to take me for a quick COVID-19 test and then on to my beautiful room at The Retreat in Kigali, where I remained until my negative results returned. Throughout my stay in Rwanda – which included three nights in Kigali and two nights in Volcanoes National Park – I was looked after and led by the Primate Safaris team. From planned lunches to park entrances, shopping trips and forest walks, my comfort and safety was always top priority. Anyone traveling to Rwanda must choose a tour operator to help you plan the perfect itinerary and execute it on the ground. Not only is Primate Safaris the best, but they have access to many experiences and secrets that most don’t, giving their customers a specialized trip that is truly unforgettable.

Virunga Lodge is a stunning wonder sitting in a shroud of mist on top of a beautiful mountain in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The ideal spot to base yourself when visiting the area’s famed Mountain Gorillas, Virunga lodge offers comfortable luxury and a respite for tired feet after a day of meeting the park’s gorilla families. I stayed here before, 5 years ago, and loved it now just as much as I did then. Aside from friendly hospitality and the most incredible views, the lodge is a place where peace and quiet take on a whole new meaning. I arrived to the lodge after a four hour drive from Kigali in the evening. The staff greeted me with open arms and led me to a beautiful stone house on the edge of the mountain with views across the valley and into Uganda. The stone house was large with two beds dressed in colorful, local fabrics, a writing desk, huge bathroom and fireplace. This was instantly a place I knew I could stay for days – soaking-in the views and enjoying the fresh air. My guide from Primate Safaris, Sula, stayed nearby with easy access in case I needed something. But, the lodge did everything in their power to make my stay comfortable. The vine was quiet as the country was just reopening from closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I enjoyed the silence. In the evening, the main lodge was warmed by an open fire as the bartender poured a lovely cabernet from South Africa. The food presented at Virunga Lodge is gourmet in nature, but composed of local ingredients freshly grown – never preserved. And, it was delicious. Though I had come with a mission to visit the gorillas yet again, I couldn’t help but want to stay put. The next day I was taken to base camp, some 30-minutes down the road. Here is where your permits are organized, paperwork is filed and temperatures taken to be sure you are suitable for entering the Mountain Gorillas’ habitat without getting them sick. Because the gorillas’ DNA is so similar to humans, and with an ongoing pandemic, Rwanda takes extra care to protect the animals and masks are required when climbing up the volcano to experience them. This wasn’t a bother for me, as I had the same desire to protect the gorillas had I been carrying an unknown sickness. Of course, without fail, the encounter with the Mountain Gorillas was transformative. There really are no words to describe the feeling and overwhelming sense of gratitude when in the presence, so close and personal, of these creatures. I was permitted to stay one hour, which I enjoyed immensely. And, just like that, was whisked back to Virunga lodge for tea. My stay in Volcanoes National Park and at Virunga Lodge was enchanting to say the least. Here you become family and an honorary part of the team. It’s an experience you will never forget and there’s nowhere else I’d rather stay.

Rwandair is one of Africa’s fastest-growing airlines, as it pushes through the COVID-19 pandemic transporting passengers around Rwanda and Rwanda to the world. A young carrier, operating since just 2003, Rwandair offers travelers direct flights in and out of Kigali from airports throughout the continent of Africa and even Europe to destinations like Johannesburg, London and Tel Aviv. With tourism booming in Rwanda for its clean countryside, safe cities and incredible wildlife – Rwandair is poised to be a major presence throughout the world in the coming years. I was recently a passenger on Rwandair and, like Rwanda itself, fell-in-love with its employees and service. I flew a short flight from Kigali to Nairobi, one hour to be exact, but was thoroughly impressed with the airline’s commitment to safety and hygiene through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Boarding was easy and seamless in Kigali. Once on-board I was handed disinfecting towels and offered a water for the flight. The staff were all wearing personal protection equipment and passengers were required to do the same. This was an incredibly comforting sight during what has been a true global disaster. Rwanda opened its doors early to Americans, praised internationally for their phenomenal handling of the pandemic. While in-country, it was evident with frequent temperature checks, hand-washing stations along most all roads and the requirement for all passengers to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test upon entry that Rwanda wasn’t taking chances. In fact, upon entry, passengers must also test again for COVID-19 and isolate at an approved hotel until their test results are returned. This ensures the safety of the people of Rwanda and all visitors coming to experience its many splendors. Rwanda is an incredible country, a true anomaly amongst African nations for many reasons. Visitors are enchanted by its mountain gorillas, traditional game, national parks and culture. The blue, white and yellow of the country’s flag carrier, Rwandair, stand for so much more than just its national colors. But, experiencing the airline itself is like experiencing an extension of the country and its warmth. This is truly the Rwandair way.

The Retreat is an experiential hotel, food and tour operation based in the affluent hills of Kigali – and it’s unlike anywhere else in the city. Built by American expats who came to Rwanda for work and stayed, this property is truly unique and a luxurious. I stayed recently at The Retreat for three nights upon my arrival to Kigali. I arrived late at night and was taken to the hotel where a doctor immediately swabbed my nose for COVID-19, and then was shown to my beautiful room with back patio where I was to remain until my results returned. The front desk manager showed me the room service menu and told me to feel free to order whatever I liked, and it would be safely brought to my suite. I loved my room. The stunning yet simple design was flawless, with the use of local fabrics and materials as well as the large bathrooms with huge showers. My favorite area was the outdoor patio where I enjoyed most meals in privacy in my robe provided by The Retreat, which was made from a local fabric. The food here is remarkable, so I had plenty to try and experience in my room before my negative test result returned. I curled-up for 24 hours, got some work done and delved-in to my itinerary which was spread over the next six days. The Retreat takes COVID-19 very seriously, so all staff members are in masks and guests are expected to do the same when traversing the property. The entire hotel offers an intimate selection of large rooms, private pool villas ideal for families and, of course, the famed Heaven Restaurant which offers some of the most incredible food in the city. I was lucky-enough to take part in helping cook the food one day, and what an experience that was. The Retreat also offers Heaven Tours, which can help make your time in Rwanda special. From well-curated art shopping trips around Kigali to the Genocide museum, or trips to see the famed Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park; Heaven Tours can handle it all. They come from a very high-end approach, so it’s the perfect pick for discerning travelers. The Retreat feels like a true home away from home while you’re in Kigali. Not only is it comfortable and the staff friendly and accommodating, but the vibe is relaxed and chill – a frequent spot for meetings chosen by local designers and political officials. In fact, I met with Doctor Julius Nziza, the head veterinarian at Gorilla Doctors, the organization started by gorilla researcher Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas and their conservation. Doctor Nziza met with me to discuss the current state of health of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas and the COVID-19 pandemic. I had been to Kigali before, so I was able to truly enjoy my time at The Retreat in a relaxing way. The hotel will let you take part in cooking classes, cocktail making classes and more. I love this concept and truly allows the traveler and guest to understand the culture and beauty of Rwanda in a very different way. When Kigali heats-up, The Retreat offers a beautiful pool to take a dip in. Over my three days at The Retreat I fell in love with it. I felt very immersed in the Kigali scene and able to access things I might not otherwise be able to. When you merge extreme comfort with phenomenal food and good design – you can’t go wrong. Quite simply, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Kigali.

Satori Laser , a chain of 12 laser hair removal spas located in New York City, Long Island and Pennsylvania, is the Northeast’s top laser hair removal operation of 2021. In recent years, laser hair removal has grown more and more popular with customers seeking to permanently remove unwanted hair without the pain or irritation associated with waxing, sugaring and shaving. Through incredible technological advancements over the years, and with the development of proper equipment, laser hair removal has become less and less painful, causing only mild discomfort when administered by the right professional. I have gone to Satori Laser for over a year and, I have to say, I am obsessed. Why? Because Satori Laser offers their customers licensed professionals who are using state of the art equipment that deeply penetrate and destroy hair follicles, with quick-cooling lasers that instantly blast the skin with cold after the laser strikes. My particular case is not unique in that I am a man who is very, naturally, hairy. Being that my heritage is Eastern European, my body produces hair in very unnecessary places – and I have always chased it around with a good old fashioned razor. But, with my skin type and hair growth, the hair began growing immediately after shaving, creating a stubble on most surfaces around my body by day two. And, to top it off, razor bumps and irritation caused unsightly areas on my chest and abdomen. What a pain! I heard so many wonderful things about Satori Laser and they are partnered with some of the top leading modeling agencies in New York, and handle a very discreet clientele of actors and models. I began a journey of four sessions to get my feet wet, and see how my body responded to the laser. Now, I’m not going to lie. I was scared at the start of my first session. I was scared of the potential pain, the length of my procedure as I was lasering every part of my body but my legs, and scared that the results wouldn’t be worth it. At the start of my procedure, my technician introduced herself. She was very kind, professional and answered all of my questions up front. She sanitized the entire space in front of me, told me about the process, what to expect and ensured me she would take care as to cause me as little discomfort as possible. So, we began. The machines at Satori are impressive. They are called the Candela Pro Max, and are the latest and greatest in the laser hair removal market. The cooling effect with each blast of laser truly works. We began on my freshly shaved skin and, quite honestly, it was fast and felt more like a blast of cold than a blast of heat. It was so much easier than I could have imagined, and the pain was, in my experience, a 1 out of 10. Each session should be done 4 to 6 weeks apart and you cannot have sun exposure for three weeks prior to your session – as the laser will target the melanin in your skin. However, Satori Laser does offer special lasers to help with laser hair removal for people of color. After my first appointment, I noticed a difference immediately. The hair came back slower, finer and more sporadically. After four back-to-back sessions, my hair truly thinned out and is well on its way to being gone forever. Each case is different and each person may react differently to the treatments, but my technician told me that four more sessions should do the trick in getting rid of my unwanted hair – for good. What I love about Satori Laser is that they are professional, kind, up-to-date on the latest technology and, above all else, clean. This is very important and it’s essential to invest in this process with a facility that offers all of these things. Satori Laser’s prices are fair and they are often offering discounts and deals – which are good for frequent laser-goers. I would highly recommend them as the top laser hair removal operation in the New York area for 2021. In fact, Satori Laser is opening three more locations this year in White Plains, Wayne, Pennsylvania and Great Neck, New York.

Sirikoi , set in the incredible Lewa Downs Conservancy in Northern Kenya, is the top luxury lodge in the country for 2021. An absolute stunning example of architecture, art, service and nature fused into one incredible experience – Sirikoi is truly unique and will impress even the most discerning guest. The family who owns the lodge have been in the country for over four generations and know the land and its people well. Upon arrival, you instantly feel that you’ve stumbled into paradise where you can truly relax, indulge in luxurious surroundings and take-in the wildlife that has become synonymous with Kenya’s image around the world. I was a guest recently, traveling to Kenya specifically for Sirikoi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenya opened its borders to Americans early, requiring a negative PCR test for entry. But, made it relatively easy for travelers to come back and experience its magic. I connected in Nairobi and took a domestic flight to the Lewa Downs airstrip, located just 20 minutes from Sirikoi’s front entrance. I arrived in the later afternoon as dinner was being prepared, the sun was setting and cocktail hour was getting underway. I knew immediately I was somewhere that would be hard to leave. As a guest at Sirikoi, what you learn quickly is that it is pretty much an entirely self-sufficient operation. Most everything is either made or grown on property. Furniture dotting the main lodge as well as the guest tents, cottage and house is made by local craftsmen in the workshop on-site, and the food you eat is grown and cared-for meticulously – led by George, the head gardener, and his team. Not much is brought-in here from the outside unless absolutely needed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the main lodge at individual tables and the service is flawless, offered by some of the nicest staff in the country. From the lodge’s main deck, where most meals are served, you can sit and watch as wildlife literally roams through camp. There are no fences keeping them out, so you might have a herd of elephants drinking from the watering hole while you’re sipping your morning coffee, or a group of Waterbuck congregating outside your tent as the sun begins to set. The Maasai blankets draped across the chairs can be used when temperatures dip down during the evening and stunning tableware elevate the entire experience. 4 en-suite “tents” (more like the most amazing suites) are equipped with private decks, wardrobes, desks, fireplaces, the coziest of beds and huge bathrooms with both a shower and soaking tub. Bronze status decorate the spaces as well as a melange of blankets, fabrics and photography. Each evening, during turn-down service, fireplaces will be lit to warm your tent and hot water bottles placed under your sheets to make your bed as cozy as can be. Sirikoi also offers both a private cottage on-property as well as the owner’s house, which can accommodate groups and families looking for more privacy and dedicated service where most all of your meals and activities are centered around that particular space. As a guest, whether you stay in the the luxury tents or take the entire home or cottage, your experience is fabulous – including safari vehicles and guides that assist you in having phenomenal encounters with the area’s wildlife. Each morning, you’ll start your day with a game drive and breakfast composed of top quality ingredients right on site, and every evening you’ll have late afternoon tea and cake, yet another game drive and then come back for cocktails, a fire and dinner. Sirikoi’s location in Lewa Downs Conservancy is unmatched. Lewa serves as a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as the elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds. Over the course of my two-night stay, I encountered the most incredible wildlife and was able to sit for what felt like hours watching every move of the resident rhino, zebra, lion and elephants. Your Maasai guide assigned to you upon your arrival with fast become your friend and do everything in their power to take you to their favorite spots to view the creatures who live here. Their wisdom and knowledge of the land and species is truly astounding. My four game drives at Sirikoi all came with opportunities to stop for pictures, information sessions and evening sundowner cocktails on the mountain. The magnificent herds of elephant were one of my favorite sites within Lewa and at Sirikoi. They seemed to be wherever I was and, I could swear, I was able to spot the same family members each day they appeared, allowing for  a personal connection to occur between myself and nature. Sirikoi is not your typical safari camp. In fact, there’s nothing average or regular about it. It is an invitation to come-into a well-established operation and witness magic in both the wildlife and the harmony in which the place operates. There is a vibe and rhythm here that is hard to describe, but it’s addicting. After two days at Sirikoi, I was already planning my trip back. There wasn’t a moment that I didn’t enjoy, even perusing the well-curated gift shop filled with locally-made crafts, art and jewelry. I truly cannot wait to return and I believe 2021 is the year to visit Kenya, and you mustn’t miss Sirikoi. Doing so would be like missing the opportunity to see a side that only a few are lucky enough to encounter.

Giraffe Manor doesn’t need an introduction, and that is for very good reason. Filling every wanderlust-driven Instagram feed with airy and dream-like pictures of the hotel’s breakfast with giraffes – this hotel has landed at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. 2020 proved to be a very tough year but with Kenya’s early reopening to American citizens, many flocked to the property to experience what normally would be a waitlisted experience – even if you were able to score a reservation. I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of an opportunity presented and made sure it was my first stop on a week-long trip to Magical Kenya. I arrived late in the evening and was welcomed warmly by the general manager of the hotel, and led to a private dinner in the dining room. The hotel didn’t hesitate to follow COVID-19 guidelines, taking my information for contact tracing purposes as well as checking my temperature upon arrival. Dinner was stunning and fresh, but I was very tired from my travels. I was led to a beautiful room on the second floor with a private terrace overlooking the gardens. And, of course, was given the protocol before bed of how to handle the giraffe invasion once it started at 6:00 am. I saw a brass container with pellets on a table near the doorway to my terrace and I set an alarm for 5:45 am. I woke up to a glimmer of light through my curtain as the sun kissed the horizon and woke quickly in anticipation of the day ahead. Soon, I could hear faint calls for the giraffes which live in a sanctuary adjacent to Giraffe Manor. I grabbed my pellets and headed onto my terrace. Immediately one of the graceful creatures came walking toward me in a powerful request for food. I grabbed a pellet and outstretched my arm to feed him. Wow! What a moment. I repeated this action several times and then, as my own hunger begin to swell, I promptly jumped in the shower and readied for breakfast. Giraffe Manor has a very choreographed approach to breakfast with the giraffes. Of course, with the giraffes’ giant bodies and heads popping through windows, and, quite frankly, slobber from eating, it’s procedure for them to eat first while you feed them before your own breakfast begins. Of course I loved every minute. I was able to snap countless photos with one of Africa’s most incredible creatures and they got their fill of food. As their breakfast ended, I washed my hands and new tables were set for my own food intake. Breakfast was delicious – homemade and plentiful. After, I prepared my belongings for a short flight to the Maasai Mara to experience Sala’s Camp – a sister property and game lodge. I walked around Giraffe Manor and through the gardens, overwhelmed by the natural beauty as well as the stunning antiques and period furniture that fill the space. Though my stay was short, I was grateful for this authentic and up-close experience I had with these magnificent giraffes. For anyone contemplating Giraffe Manor, make it a priority while in Nairobi.