DuJour spoke with the hotel’s manager, Duarte Ralha, to learn more about the hotel.

A Senses Sea View bungalow pool

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 215, a Senses Bungalow

What makes it so special?

This particular room is situated at the end of the main road within the resort, right in the center of our property. Its prime location offers guests convenient access to all amenities, while still providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Its generous size includes a spacious living area that allows guests to relax and unwind in comfort. Additionally, the room boasts a breathtaking central view of the Aegean Sea, which becomes even more magical at sunset. The combination of ample space and stunning vistas makes this room a favorite among our guests seeking both luxury and natural beauty.

What’s the nightly rate for this room?

From €700

Vatanee restaurant

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The lamp inspired by volcanic lava at our front desk area. This stunning piece is not only a tribute to the island’s volcanic origins but is also artfully designed to resemble a sea creature. This dual interpretation beautifully encapsulates the essence of our location, where the land meets the sea, and serves as a striking focal point that captures the imagination of our guests.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

304 (a Senses Retreat). This room exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. It features a spacious balcony that offers an exclusive view of the Santorini sunset, providing a private and intimate setting for our guests to enjoy one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The combination of comfort and stunning scenery makes Room 304 a truly special place to stay.

A Senses Sea View bungalow

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

The delightful treat we offer to guests upon check-in: beet and berry macarons. These exquisite confections are a modern and creative twist on traditional Greek ingredients and flavors, providing a small taste of our Vatanee restaurant. This unique welcome gift sets the tone for the innovative and culturally rich experiences that await our guests during their stay.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

We planted a vineyard during the initial construction phase. As our hotel evolves, so do these vineyards, offering guests a unique opportunity to witness their growth over the years. This ongoing transformation allows returning guests to experience the changes season after season, making each visit distinct and memorable. It also symbolizes our commitment to sustainability and deepening the connection between our guests and the natural beauty of our surroundings.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The thoughtfully designed landscape, which predominantly features local plants and volcanic rocks. This deliberate choice was made to maintain a strong connection to the island’s volcanic heritage and the transformative power of nature. The use of indigenous flora and volcanic materials not only enhances the natural beauty of our grounds, but also promotes environmental sustainability and a sense of place that resonates deeply with our guests.

A Senses Sea View bungalow pool

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When Yellowstone took a long hiatus, Grimes stayed busy with his music career. Blending elements of country, folk and Americana, Grimes released his self-titled debut album in 2024. The Dayton, Ohio, native and his wife, Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, recently welcomed a baby boy. For the past seven years, the couple has shuttled between Montana (where the series films) and Nashville, but now that the show is over, Grimes is writing a second album and headed across the country on his “Playin’ on the Tracks” tour, which kicked off in November. We caught up with the actor and musician before he hit the road.

You’ve been married to Bianca since 2018. How has it been to have been with someone since breaking out on the show?

I felt like my life really started when I met her—it sounds cheesy but it’s true. I know where my priorities lie now and what’s most important and I get to enjoy my career more because I take it a lot less seriously now.

You recently had your first child. How has it been to become a parent? Is there anything you learned from the show about parenthood?

I think the hardest thing to relate to with Kayce was the fact that he was a dad, because I wasn’t one, so there was a lot of me asking my friends who are fathers how certain things made them feel. Taylor [Sheridan, the show’s creator] is such a good writer that it made it a lot easier to play the role on the show, but in no way did that actually prepare me for fatherhood.

You’ve played Kayce for seven years. How have you approached this part?

I think Kayce was sort of the outsider of the family. He’s dealing with a lot of demons—it’s not super fun to be the guy in the Western who’s feeling his feelings all the time, so there’s a challenge to that, but I fell in love with him. He’s a good heart and a good soul and he is trying to do the right thing, so for me it was always justifiable playing Kayce.

Who in the cast are you closest with outside of work?

Definitely Kelsey, who plays my wife—there’s a lot of different worlds on this show, and we kind of had our own, so we spent a lot of time together. Really since Day 1 we got along really well. I’ve said it before, she’s the coolest actress I’ve ever worked with—she’s so good at what she does and so easy to work with.

What will you miss most about the show?

Well, I don’t have to miss the location luckily because I live there now. I’ll miss the cast and crew, I’ll miss playing Kayce, I’ll miss the world and the imaginary ranching work of it all. Some of the relationships I made on this show are really special and I think they will last a long time.

What was it like returning to the set in Montana without having Kevin Costner there?

It was something we all knew was going to happen at some point in the story—just narratively, there had to be a moment where we would see if the family could keep the ranch without the patriarch. I don’t think we expected it to happen this way, but it’s an ensemble cast; there were enough people carrying the weight [that] I don’t think it will affect how the audience sees the story. It was definitely different without him. Kevin is an icon, but we’re all professionals, it didn’t really affect how we did our jobs.

What’s your favorite memory from set?

Something that always comes to mind when I think about that is the days when we’d do the cattle drive scenes and we’re cowboyed up. There’s no way to fake that, you just have to do it—so we’d all be on horseback and in our cowboy gear, you’re somewhere gorgeous and the sun is setting and you’re running out of time because you’re losing the light, so everyone is gunning around. There’s some beautiful chaos there—in those moments it feels like you’re really cowboying, which is not something a lot of people get to experience. Those days made me feel really lucky.

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Accommodations wise, Twin Farms has added to its 20 cottages and suites with eight new Treehouses, designed by Michaelis Boyd. Each spacious Treehouse, cantilevered out into the forest with an expansive deck, boasts freestanding gas fireplaces, deep soaking bathtubs in a massive bathroom, two sitting areas and a king sized bed. They’re the perfect place to retreat with your partner on a romantic weekend to feel like you’re totally away from it all.

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Aviator Trunk, $1,650, SILVER OAK X PARAVEL, silveroak.com

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Francis, a mere 25, won the Olivier Award for the London production, and he’s has already started his own path in Hollywood, as a cast member on the final season of You on Netflix.

“I had the best time ever on set,” says Francis. “It’s 100 percent something I want to pursue.”

For now, though, it’s all Broadway all the time, which the actor describes as a “wonderful whirlwind.” New York audiences, he explains, “find things funny that UK audiences didn’t necessarily respond to. They are definitely more vocal here for sure. I’ve never heard a cheer like that for the final bow of our opening night.”

A centerpiece of Francis’ performance involves singing the complicated and wordy second act opening number while walking backstage, outdoors and back into the theater. The feat is so seamless it’s often mistaken for being a taped feed. “Every single night people would question me about it at the stage door,” Francis says. “Singing in ⅞ time and walking is quite tricky.”

Of course, the song had to be re-blocked for West 44th Street. (The show played at the Savoy Theatre in London.) “I would say the route is slightly longer, so we had to figure out what pace to walk at to hit all the points we need to hit,” he explains.

To cool down from a show, Francis says he watches some television and uses a steamer before bed “for 20 minutes.” But other than that he’s looking to enjoy New York City as much as, at least, Joe Gillis probably would.

Says Francis: “I want to catch as much theater as possible, try as many good restaurants as possible and fully embrace the New York City lifestyle.”

Grace Hodgett Young and Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard

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Eos Bar

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Ioannis Liakopoulos, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Signature Suite, Private Pool, 105

What makes it so special?

Our Signature Suite is nestled at the heart of the bay, offering breathtaking sea views. Its secluded location ensures unmatched privacy, creating a peaceful retreat like no other. The best part? Waking up in the morning, drawing the electric curtains, and being greeted by the magnificent panorama of the sea right outside your patio.

What is the nightly rate for this suite?

From € 715

A guest room at the hotel

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The restaurant’s tables, made from Tinos green marble, present a harmonious blend of colors and patterns. Its captivating allure lies in its ability to fuse the serenity of deep greens with the vivacity of contrasting veins, culminating in a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of its Greek origins.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Upon entering the hotel, guests are enveloped in our signature fragrance, derived from our bespoke candles, which imparts a sense of calm and tranquility. To elevate the experience, our bar team crafts a bespoke non-alcoholic cocktail, designed to delight the senses and complement the serene ambiance of Odera.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Odera Residence Suite, 213, which uniquely designed to blend luxury with nature. Its elevated position offers unmatched views of the bay and magnificent sunsets. Along with its distinctive architecture, the suite boasts a private pool and a luxurious bathtub, allowing guests to unwind in style while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

The indoor pool

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Its prime location in Vourni, featuring an exclusive, secluded beach that is well protected from the northern meltemia winds. Just a 15-minute drive from the port, it offers easy access to Tinos’ charming villages, providing an ideal blend of tranquility and convenience for exploring the island’s natural beauty and culture.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

“Odera” means an “ode to the wind” and with the inspiration of ODE we created the story of the logo: The five lines of a stave, where music (the ode) is written, symbolize the wind (aera).  The top line curves like the wind at its strongest, while the lines below grow calmer,  leading to a straight line at the base. It is here, amidst total tranquility and peace, where guests find their Odera seeking serenity among the strong Aegean winds.

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Salt & Straw ice cream flavors

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A suite living room

NoMI restuarant immerses guests In a reimagined culinary and beverage experience with three distinct concepts, all featuring sweeping views of Chicago’s historic Water Tower and Lake Michigan. At NoMI Kitchen, diners can enjoy modern twists on Midwestern classics; NoMI Lounge is the ideal place to gather, with its sprawling bar, new beverage program and six-seat sushi counter; and new open-air terrace space, NoMI Garden boasts panoramic views. NoMI Spa has also unveiled a new treatment room and a new service menu including HydraFacial treatments.

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Corinna Wenks, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Wellbeing Suite

What makes it so special?

Amidst the energy of downtown Chicago, the Wellbeing Suite stands out as a serene retreat in the heart of the city. Guests love the 830-square-foot sanctuary for its curated amenities, including green juices, infused waters and healthy snacks upon arrival. The suite’s standout feature is the Tonal smart-gym, which allows for a personalized workout experience without ever leaving the comfort of your room. The suite is also equipped with an AI-powered Bryte Balance Mattress that can be adjusted for firmness, silent wake assist, and even meditation, all through a simple app on your phone. The suite’s tranquil atmosphere is complemented by a sound machine, bath salts, and essential oils, creating an ideal environment for relaxation. Its thoughtful layout includes a separate living area with a queen sleeper sofa—perfect for families or those in need of extra space. The bathroom, inspired by high-end spas, features Le Labo amenities, a dual vanity, a deep freestanding soaking tub, and a rain shower. Every detail of the Wellbeing Suite is crafted with tranquility and convenience in mind, from a minifridge stocked with refreshing cool towels to the option of expanding into a two-bedroom suite, making it a versatile option for wellness-focused travelers.

What is the nightly rate for this suite?

$1,000-$1,250

NoMI Kitchen

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our guestroom bathrooms perfectly capture the hotel’s overall aesthetic—luxurious, elegant and timeless. The understated design exudes comfort and sophistication, complimented by Le Labo’s Bergamote amenities, deep freestanding tubs and state-of-the-art Toto technology. This thoughtful combination of elegance and warmth promises an inviting atmosphere that truly makes our guests feel at home.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Through our partnership with Le Labo, guests at our hotel have the special opportunity to visit their boutique on Oak Street, the premier luxury shopping destination in downtown Chicago. By presenting their room key, guests receive a complimentary 5-Piece Discovery Set allowing them to experience and sample Le Labo’s exquisite and elegantly crafted perfumes. It’s a little luxury that adds an extra touch of refinement to their stay.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Rooms with clear views of Lake Michigan—we truly have the best views in the city. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a morning cup of coffee while sitting on the window bench, gazing out at the lake. The combination of the serene lake view with the bustling cityscape below creates a unique contrast that makes you feel both connected and perfectly secluded. It’s an experience that guests often tell me is the highlight of their stay, whether they’re here for business or just a relaxing getaway.

A Lake View room bedroom

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Founded by Jay Pritzker in 1980, the hotel was designed to blend the elegance of a luxury hotel with the warmth of a private residence—a vision that has shaped every Park Hyatt around the world since. Located in the iconic Park Tower on Michigan Avenue, our hotel is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a cultural destination, showcasing an impressive art collection featuring works by artists like Richard Prince and Mary Weatherford.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our hotel and restaurant, NoMI, are situated alongside the iconic Water Tower, a symbol of Chicago’s rich history as the only building to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Guests can enjoy the stunning views of this landmark from many of our guestrooms and suites, or they can choose a window seat at NoMI, where the floor-to-ceiling windows frame it perfectly.

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A Panoramic guest room at The Maybourne Riviera

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Francisco Garcia, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Panoramic Sea View Suite featuring views of three countries.

What makes it so special?

Designed  by Rigby & Rigby, the studio’s expertise in yacht design played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Crystal Wing, ensuring that the region’s yachting heritage and location are seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s interior and exterior architecture. These suites offer spectacular views of three countries—France, Italy, and Monaco—and have been designed to evoke a sense of serenity and exhilaration. Overhanging elements, gentle curves and light-colored, tactile materials contribute to this atmosphere. Contrasting interior finishes, such as silk fabrics and Italian travertine stones, create a rich sensory experience without detracting from the breathtaking views and the suite’s lofty heights.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From €4,000

The Riviera restaurant at The Maybourne Riviera

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The artistic touches that pay tribute to Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier, whose Villa E-1027 and Le Cabanon are visible from the hotel on Cap-Martin. There is a mural in Riviera restaurant, stained glass in the Le 300 Bar and inside the elevators. Additionally, some of our chairs and tables are representations of Eileen Gray’s famous pieces.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We provide Maybourne Polaroid cameras in rooms for guests to capture their memories. Additionally, we offer customized amenities created by our pastry chef, Romain Ricciardi, who consistently crafts unique, bespoke creations as a special touch.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Grand Infinity Pool Duplex Suite is iconic, comfortable and spacious, featuring a private infinity pool—ideal for family stays or celebrations. Spanning 1,184-square-feet, it includes furnished terrace that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Riviera coastline.

The Panoramic suite terrace at The Maybourne Riviera

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Originally, The Maybourne Riviera was a small tearoom established in 1870 on the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Perched more than three hundred meters above the sea, it reinvented itself during the golden age of the French Riviera. Personalities from the worlds of cinema and music, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Frank Sinatra, frequented the venue, captivated by its rare encounter with the horizon. This gathering place was favored by artistic figures due to its ever-present creative energy.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The hotel’s striking architecture is supported by 300 pillars embedded in the rock. Guests can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza prepared by Nunzio, our pizzaiolo chef, or take a ride in the stylish Maybourne Mini Moke—offering a classic Riviera experience to transport them to Maybourne La Plage or Monaco.

A terrace at The Maybourne Riviera

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I saw The Hills of California in London, and I thought it was absolutely terrific. Told everyone to go. What’s it like performing dual roles, a mother and a daughter?

It’s a very satisfying challenge to take on. Both characters really informed each other in terms of making them as different and distinct from one another as possible but also figuring out in what ways they should be similar, from physicality and vocal quality to what drives each of them and why. They should reflect each other, since the decisions of the mother, Veronica, get played out in the grown up daughter, Joan. Now that we’re in performance I can put all of that to the back of mind and just enjoy the fact that I get to do something completely different in the last part of the play to the first two acts.

What does it feel like to have someone write a play for you?

It’s a huge privilege and I feel incredibly grateful. It allows me to have a deep understanding of who my characters are and what the story is telling the audience right from the start, and the process feels very organic and effortless. Still, the writing is just so good. I know I would be having a wonderful experience in any of his plays, written with me in mind or not. I don’t usually read anything until he has enough he wants to formally workshop with a bunch of actors. And then my process begins and that doesn’t have a lot to do with him. We don’t cross over a lot.

What kind of impact has this play had on you as a mother, and a mother of daughters?

The main impact is that I’ve seen a lot less of my children in the last year! In terms of the themes of the play, I’m not sure it has. Of course it makes me think about the kind of mother I want to be remembered as, but I was always giving that constant consideration anyway. I’d like to think I’m a very different parent to Veronica in the play. For a while now I’ve believed that the best I could do for my girls is get out of their way and allow them to be exactly who they are. It makes me think more about my relationship with my own mother and with my siblings, and in that regard it has taught me a lot about acceptance and allowing things to be as they are without trying to bend and change people or circumstances.

What did you learn from doing The Ferryman in New York City that you’ll try to apply to doing The Hills?

I’ll try to look for all the ways I can to unwind and switch off from the craziness of the experience. Doing a big, emotional, challenging play on Broadway is beyond exciting but that can also become overwhelming. If I focus on regulating and resetting when I can, I’ll enjoy the experience all the more.

The play is very emotional. How do you come down from a performance?

I usually come home, eat and watch live court trials on TV for a few hours. I’m a natural night owl, so I love the peace of being awake at 2am knowing there’s nothing else I can be doing. I should probably have an herbal tea and do some yoga and meditate, but I guess that’s Imaginary Me. A long soak in a bath at the end of the eight show week does me a lot of good.

Donnelly in The Hills of California

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With up to 7 days of long-lasting fragrance, the detergent is formulated with a unique blend of four powerful enzymes that targets stains, dirt and oil. Dewrinkle and scent your bedding and sleepwear with the comforting aroma of the fabric spray. Mist over linens and use as a pillow spray to elevate your wind-down routine.

Beauty Sleep Fabric Spray, $19, THE LAUNDRESS, thelaundress.com

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DuJour spoke with the property’s director of rooms, Daniel Montes, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Salon rooms

The patio of a Study room

What makes them so special?

Our salon rooms are designed to provide an intimate and indulgent atmosphere perfect for special occasions or simply unwinding in style. The combination of elegant décor, plush amenities and the stunning bathtub situated right in the bedroom has made these rooms a fan favorite among our guests.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $199

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The classic Italian design that permeates every corner of our property. The timeless elegance and sophistication that define Italian architecture are beautifully incorporated into our design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ristorante Per L’Ora

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our Claire Suites. There’s something truly special about the expansive space and luxurious amenities that make these suites feel like a private oasis. What draws me to the Claire Suites is the generous size, with plenty of room to unwind and relax. But the real showstopper is the stunning bathroom, complete with a spacious walk-in shower.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

An intriguing aspect of our hotel is how we celebrate its storied past through intricate design and craftsmanship inspired by Italy, while simultaneously honoring the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles and the artists who live, breathe, and work here. Our property features over 4,000 pieces of art, ranging from commissioned works to vintage pieces sourced from Italy and California, all thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel. A standout feature is our original giant bank vault, a remnant from the building’s days as the Bank of Italy. This remarkable artifact has been creatively repurposed into the restrooms located in the basement of the hotel’s lobby, that adds additional historical charm married with contemporary elegance.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our basement is home to the Bank of Italy’s original bank vault, which has been meticulously restored and repurposed.

The La Amadeo Suite bathroom

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Sage Robbins has a fraction of her husband’s Instagram followers—37,000 to Tony’s 7 million. But, lately, this Canadian-born speaker, philanthropist and businesswoman is moving into her own spotlight.

“I’m definitely an eternal introvert. And, of course, being an introvert, life would have it that I married Tony Robbins,” explains Sage. “I’m a private person, even though our life has had a public lens. Truthfully, I’ve been more comfortable as a support. But at this stage of my life, I feel spoken to. I feel called. I feel nudged to step forward, and it feels like guided timing.”

Sage, clearly a wise embodiment of her name, was raised in a small town on the coast of British Columbia with a brother, three sisters and foster siblings in need of temporary homes. She describes her parents as “salt of the earth.”

“I was really blessed,” says Sage of her mom and dad, who have been together for more than five decades. “They demonstrated what love looked like. They still hold hands. It’s lovely to watch them. My parents were so open-minded; we never talked about stepchildren or foster children. It was just our family.”

Sage met Tony at one of his events in Hawaii. She was working as a phlebotomist, and Tony came in to get his blood taken. There were “maybe a few hundred people in the room,” recalls Sage, “but we made eye contact. It was just one of those moments—more of a soul recognition. It just felt like the world stood still.”

“I’ve met millions of people over 47 years, and she stands out as the most unique, sincere and loving soul I’ve ever met,” says Tony. “She’s the executive producer of our entire life. I couldn’t do it without her.”

They married in 2001. They now live in Palm Beach with a 3-year-old-daughter, a late-in-life addition for both Sage, 50, and Tony, 64. (Tony has four kids and five grandchildren from previous relationships.) They had their child via surrogate after Sage suffered a series of miscarriages.

“I never imagined that we’d be where we are today,” says Sage of their marriage. “It just gets simpler and it gets more beautiful.”

For years, “I was so focused on wanting to be a mom,” she says. “I focused on it so much at one period that I missed living, and I missed being a mother to life. What really was healing for me over the years was dropping the obsession to be a mom and letting go and allowing life to surprise me.”

Adds Tony: “We wanted to wait to do this when we could be together at home. To have a 3-year-old at this stage of life is such a gift. She’s brought so much joy to our lives. It’s a beautiful season of life.”

That season began around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed everyone down, including Sage and Tony, who were on the road traveling to over 100 cities about 200 days a year in 2019. “I’m grateful to not be on the road like we were at the beginning of our relationship,” says Sage. She believes her lived experience gives her more wisdom as a mother. “We have more to offer” their daughter, she says. Tony, for one, has “softened down.”

As Sage explains it, their life as a family is relatively normal and, well, Floridian. They swim, read, enjoy the sunshine, go to Publix, share stories before bed. “We do less doing and we experience more being together. We just have an appreciation for those human, ordinary moments of life,” Sage says.

Every night around the dinner table, they talk about why they’re grateful. For their daughter, “it might be her teddy bear, it might be her Play-Doh, it might be the dog. Sometimes it’s mom or dad. It’s sweet. I’m a prayerful person, and my prayer just looks like ‘Thank you.’ We can innocently take so much for granted, so it’s a ‘Thank you for this moment.’”

Recently, Sage and Tony launched a podcast for “authentic family conversations,” as Tony describes it. Together, they discuss a range of topics, from marriage to identity to raising kids and communication.

“We wanted to have something that felt intimate and felt connected and felt more conversational, topics or conversations we might have around the dinner table,” explains Sage. “After 25 years, Tony and I have gone through everything together. We wanted to convey our intimate parts, our lives, the humanness, the spirit of it, all of it—even just the practice of how we navigate our own inner life and world on a day-to-day basis. Being a parent is obviously incredibly rearranging and humbling, and so we wanted to share that space, too.”

This summer also brought the second year of the She’s Unstoppable Summit, a free virtual women’s conference spearheaded by Sage and friends such as Serena Williams, Tyra Banks, Derek and Hayley Hough and Maria Menounos. “It’s just an opportunity to come together, to connect and to share.” The unifying factor is to “find a kinder way.” “This is a day to celebrate women, to come together and to share in the beauty, to experience other women that are rising above their obstacles,” Sage says. “It’s an invitation back to our nature, to listen to our journeys and find the good.”

The conference is yet another extension of the Robbinses’ long-running philanthropic efforts, which have included work on such issues as the environment, hunger relief, animal rescue and stopping human trafficking. Together, Sage estimates, they have planted over 71 million trees. In a decade-long campaign with Feeding America, they have provided nearly 1 billion meals to people in need. They have helped save over 42,000 children from trafficking. City of Dreams, a film the Robbinses have produced about child labor, is in theaters now.

Helping people, explains Sage, “doesn’t have to be writing a check. It doesn’t have to be money. It’s just love. I don’t know if it’s my age or my stage of life, but I appreciate the simple things.”

Hair (Sage): Mylo Carrion
Makeup (Sage): Gina Simone
Photographed on location at The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

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Saks Fifth Avenue High Jewelry white diamond earrings

“Saks Fifth Avenue has long been known as a premier destination for jewelry, and the launch of our own high jewelry collection further reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional quality, as well as our dedication to inspiring customers through highly personalized experiences,” says Saks CMO Tracy Margolies. “Luxury customers are continuously seeking timeless and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and we look forward to delighting our customers with Saks Fifth Avenue’s modern take on high jewelry as well as our service-focused approach to this burgeoning category.” A custom diamond cutting service allows customers to personalize the carat weight of their selected diamonds to reflect special numbers or significant dates such as birthdays, anniversaries and milestone moments. The collection is available now at the Saks Fifth Avenue New York flagship (in the Vault) with stores in Beverly Hills and Naples, Florida to follow this fall.

Saks Fifth Avenue High Jewelry white and yellow diamond earrings

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Farel has done hair, makeup and grooming for many tennis greats including Nadal, Djokovic, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilov and styled Coco Gauff. The Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa opens on August 24 and runs through September 8. “It’s a great perk for the players—a nice time for them to relax and focus before a match,” says Farel. “If you look good, you feel good and you play better. It’s important for me to educate these players about their hair and give them products like our anti-aging line so that when they’re in the heat and humidity all day playing, they can come off the court and moisturize and refine their strands.”

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The role of the tough-as-nails Winnifred the Woebegone, who is unafraid to climb castle walls or swim a moat, was famously created by Carol Burnett. She made her Broadway debut in the musical, a comic retelling of “The Princess and the Pea,” back in 1959. (Sarah Jessica Parker played the role in 1996.) Here, Foster talks about her decision to return to the role and how much she misses her stint as the lead of Younger, Darren Star’s genius half-hour comedy that ended in 2021.

What made you want to bring Once Upon a Mattress to Broadway?

I had an absolute blast doing the show when we did it at New York City Center earlier this year, so bringing it to Broadway felt like a no-brainer for me. It’s such a joyful show, and there’s something in it for everyone—no matter what age. It’s nice to exist in that joyful world and provide that escapism to audiences right now.

What do you enjoy most about playing Winnifred?

She’s the zaniest character I have ever played. She’s so self-assured in who she is, even though she is unusual! I love playing characters who own their uniqueness, and it gives me so much freedom as an actress to really go there and do the craziest things. She is basically an unleashed version of myself.

How do you feel about the idea of “happily ever after” and fairy tales?

I have a 7-year-old daughter, and sometimes, when we read the more classic fairy tales, I’m like, huh! Evil queens, princesses and finding your prince…the messaging that you must behave or you’ll be thrown in an oven and eaten was what I had when I was growing up. I’m excited that my daughter now experiences much broader and more complex messaging with heroines who aren’t looking for love, but for friendship and community; heroines who are strong, independent and unique. I think in many ways, Princess Fred was way ahead of her time. Even though she is looking for love, she is doing it completely in her own way, one that is truly authentic to her. One of my favorite lines from the show is “Princess Winnifred is unusual and Prince Dauntless is unusual—maybe they can be unusual together.”

What are the challenges of Once Upon a Mattress in comparison to, say, Sweeney Todd or Anything Goes or The Music Man?

Winnifred is an incredibly physical character, and there is a lot of physical comedy, so really maintaining my body is the thing I’m most concerned about.

We all have our “Princess and the Pea” things we’re precious about. I, for one, have a hard time sleeping without a really good pillow and a water bottle next to my bed, even if I don’t drink from it. Do you have any eccentric sleeping habits?

I sleep with earplugs and two white noise machines. I always have a glass of water by my bed but never drink from it. I remember an old wives’ tale that if you leave a glass of water by your bed it will catch the bad dreams, so you never want to drink from it.

I, for one, really miss Younger. Do you? What do you imagine Liza is up to these days?

I miss the cast so much. Working on that series was seven years of our lives! I’d be curious what Liza is up to. She’s almost 50! Maybe it’s time for a reboot?

Liza worked in publishing. Any books you’ve read you’re telling friends to read?

I recently read Kelly Bishop’s memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl, and I loved it. Her story is so inspiring. I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan and I worked with Kelly on Bunheads, so it was amazing to learn more about her and hear her tell her story.

How do you unwind from a performance?

I love watching a little television. I’m a big fan of all reality TV. I just did a serious binge of The Traitors. And every single night I light candles and take a bath. That’s my ultimate come-down ritual. 

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Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38, MERIT, meritbeauty.com

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The bedroom of a Royal suite at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Matthias Kindl, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Mandarin Bosphorus room

What makes it so special?

Offering space to dine, work and relax, this contemporary room, with breathtaking Bosphorus views, has been thoughtfully outfitted with luxurious oriental touches. Offering an abundance of space, this stunning Bosphorus-front suite enjoys breathtaking views of the strait. A separate living room and private outdoor balcony are perfectly placed to capture them. Featuring fully equipped spaces for dining, working, and relaxing, these accommodations include wood coverings, organic textures, and metal and leather accents, with stylish lighting fixtures and tulip-shaped panel patterns. Private balconies offer views of the hotel’s garden, grove, or waterfront. Ottoman-inspired Çintemani embroidery and bespoke tulip patterns adorn the bathrooms, enhancing the rooms’ sophisticated elegance. The One Bedroom Bosphorus Suite provides additional luxuries with a separate living room, private balcony, breathtaking Bosphorus views, plush L-shaped sofa, walk-in closet, and large marble ensuite, creating a truly unique and luxurious experience.

Novikov restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

What is the nightly rate for this room?

Varies depending on the season

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Created by Tihany Design, especially for Istanbul, the tulip design pays homage to the most magnificent period of Ottoman history, the Tulip Era. This elegant design comes to life with different materials such as bronzes, marbles, mirrors and wrought irons on the outer and inner facades of the city resort, which is surrounded by a unique garden.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Royal Bosphorus suite. Its striking marble entry leads through intricately detailed wood doorways into the foyer and central hall, from where guests are drawn into the circular living room. It opens onto an expansive outdoor terrace and winter garden overlooking the water. Liquid bronze-painted wall panels provide intriguing backdrops to the screened dining area, which includes a marble-topped bar, kitchen, and several balconies. The suite’s study spotlights embossed leather wall coverings. The spacious master bathroom is a work of art, with lounge areas, make-up desk, full-scale dressing room, two-person steam shower, marble walls and flooring and eye-catching semi-precious stone accent wall panels.

The bathroom of a Royal suite at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Created by Tihany Design, especially for Istanbul, the tulip design pays homage to the most magnificent period of Ottoman history, the Tulip Era. This elegant design comes to life with different materials such as bronzes, marbles, mirrors and wrought irons on the outer and inner facades of the city resort, which is surrounded by a unique garden.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our exclusive wedding package represents our special amenity for guests, featuring a delightful degustation menu, a luxurious wedding cake, a one-night stay in our opulent Naile Sultan Suite, dedicated assisting angels, an experienced wedding planner, special honeymoon offers, and other generous privileges, all crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our Italian Olea & The Bar Restaurant invites you to indulge in our “A Blast from the Past” nights every Tuesday and Thursday. Immerse yourself in the opulence of the golden era of disco, where sophisticated melodies transport you back in time, crafting evenings of unparalleled nostalgic elegance-ette. Delight in the glamour and charm of yesteryears, reimagined with a touch of modern luxury, making every night a truly unforgettable experience.

Hakkasan at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

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But amid the many second acts of his career, Lowe, 60 and still a looker, has reversed the tables and become the interviewer.

On his popular weekly podcast Literally!, Lowe goes toe-to-toe with subjects like Oprah Winfrey; his good friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr.; Ed Zwick, who directed him in his 1986 breakout About Last Night; Netflix head Ted Sarandos; Arnold Schwarzenegger; and Lowe’s own family members, including his wife, Sheryl, a jewelry designer, and their sons Matthew (a “civilian” who has a law degree and works in venture capital) and John (an actor with whom Lowe currently stars on the Netflix comedy series Unstable).

Lowe gets the most anxious when his family members appear as guests on the podcast. “I don’t know what to ask them. I don’t know what they’re going to do,” he explains. Non-Hollywood types like billionaire tech entrepreneur Marc Andreessen also make him anxious. “I get nervous when I have super smart people on,” Lowe says.

“What I love about the podcast is it’s more about listening than questioning. You have to listen when you interview, just like when you act,” he says. “People are interesting, and if you follow what they’re saying, they’ll reveal a lot. You go down all the rabbit holes.”

Lowe says part of the reason he started the podcast was as an antidote to the often silly viral moments that come out of late-night television, like Carpool Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle. Lowe appreciates old-school interviews and old-school talent.

“I watch [old episodes of] The Tonight Show, and they were raconteurs. They knew how to be self-deprecating and charming. They knew how to land a joke,” Lowe says. Now, he explains, a talk show producer will call and ask something like, “Can you get in a go-kart with me?”

“I want to vomit in my mouth,” he says.

Lowe’s guests know he’s a “safe zone,” but he still wants his conversations to be “real, with ebbs and flows.”

“I’m not out there looking for salacious stuff, and I’m not looking to pile on,” he continues. “If I have Tom Brady on my podcast, I don’t need to ask him about his divorce. There’s always more value in moving people away from the stuff that makes them uncomfortable.”

That said, Lowe admits: “I don’t think I’m a pushover. I make fun of my guests plenty.”

Despite having recorded more than 200 episodes, Lowe finds it’s easier to be interviewed than it is to interview.  Doing the podcast, “I have to have my producing and editing hat on, wondering, When is it time to move on from this subject? Is this getting slow? Is this getting boring?”

It’d be hard to imagine anything Lowe doing these days as boring. Sure, over the years he’s had plenty of clunkers—from dancing with Snow White at the 1989 Oscars to a handful of movies better left unmentioned—but he covered all that in his 2011 memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends. We’re drowning in a sea of celebrity memoirs these days, but Lowe’s stands out as ushering in a new age of the Hollywood confessional.

“Of all the things that I’ve done, I choose my memoir over the best episodes of television I’ve made,” Lowe says, ranking it above canonical shows like The West Wing and Parks and Recreation. “The degree of difficulty and the upside versus downside is off the charts. You have to be authentic and honest. If you’re going to dance around things, you have no credibility.”

When Lowe started writing the book, “the celebrity memoir was dead. It was dead!” he says. “Now, when I talk to people in the publishing world, they say that Stories I Tell My Friends is the first thing they give to someone when they’re writing a book.”

In the memoir, Lowe dissects his bad-boy image, substance abuse problems and the decision to raise his family in Santa Barbara instead of Los Angeles. Looking at his career trajectory following the book’s publication, it seems now that the memoir may have exorcised any unnecessary self-consciousness and brought on the Golden Age of Lowe.

Lowe has long seemed to poke fun at his image (see Wayne’s World and Austin Powers), but stints on later seasons of Parks and Recreation, The Grinder (which lasted one memorable season on Fox in 2015) and now Unstable have given us a Lowe that is admirably loose, a bit mischievous—even goofy. He seems to be having a great time.

“He’s an actor to his bones and also so, so experienced that his approach is always playful, always truthful and he always makes it look effortless,” says his Unstable co-star Sian Clifford, who stars as chief of staff to Lowe’s tech god Ellis Dragon, a kind of Elon Musk doppelganger. “He’s certainly shown me how to approach my work with a much lighter touch.”

Lowe believes that one of the tricks to a successful character-driven comedy is lots and lots of episodes, so he’s grateful that a second eight-episode season of Unstable drops on Netflix in August. He’d like to see much longer seasons, but “you can never argue with the mysterious [Netflix] algorithm. Still, one of the things I love about the show is it’s fun and has laughs and it still won’t take you as long to watch as The Irishman.” (That’s Netflix’s notoriously expensive Scorsese movie, which runs 209 minutes long.)

“You have to get to know the characters and you need to spend time with them,” Lowe explains of growing a sitcom. “It’s a proven fact that Parks and Recreation wasn’t even funny until the second year. It didn’t become Parks and Rec until episode 40! Eight episodes is not enough time to get to know characters. I stake everything on that. There’s a reason that people are liking season two of Unstable. They know the characters now. It’s a mathematical thing.”

The show also provides an opportunity to work opposite his son John, with whom he co-created the series. “He’s really coming into his own,” says Lowe. “As you go along, you learn the strengths of the actor, and we adjusted his character to make him less of a dweeb. The writing got crisper.”

The goal for Unstable, says Lowe, is “absurdist and heartwarming. Arrested Development is the North Star.” But it can’t all be absurd. “You have to care about the characters. If they’re not grounded, you’re watching a cartoon. At the end of the day, you don’t really care about Homer Simpson, but live-action comedy has to come out of real emotion and real conflict and real relationships and something you believe is plausible, even if it’s just barely sometimes.”

On top of Unstable and his podcast, Lowe is always working. “When I became an empty nester, I decided I could commit to more things.” In addition to the Fox series 9-1-1: Lone Star, he recently created a game show he sold to the network.

“It sounds really stupid, but the idea came to me in a dream,” Lowe says of the game show. “You’ve gotta keep yourself learning, and that’s how the spirit stays young. I love to work. It keeps me vital. I’m also aware of how few people are working into their sixth decade in this business, and you don’t get there by not working.”

At this point, there’s not much in Hollywood Lowe hasn’t done, and there aren’t many people he doesn’t know. “You’d have to dig pretty deep. The truth is, I can get anybody on the phone, and that’s sick. It’s amazing to do,” Lowe says. (It also makes booking his podcast a lot easier.) “But there’s always some new mandate or idea that Hollywood concocts that makes me have to learn or stumble.”

All that work means Lowe doesn’t have a lot of time to enjoy the other stuff his industry produces. “When I actually find something that compels me to watch from the beginning to the end, I want to weep,” he says, noting The Iron Claw and Saltburn as recent works that held his interest. “Though, here’s the problem: I liked Saltburn a lot more when it was called The Talented Mr. Ripley, which is one of my favorite movies.” Succession gets his gold star. “I’d give my fucking eyeteeth to be on a show like that,” Lowe says. “I’d be so down for Succession: The Musical.”

Until the Roys start singing on Broadway, we’ll have to be satisfied with The Outsiders, which Lowe has not yet seen.

“I’m flattered, though,” Lowe says, acknowledging the new generation that will get to experience S.E. Hinton’s “amazing” story. “How could you not be? I can think of so many movies or TV shows or moments that are lost to the mists of time five years later, let alone 40. To be a part of something for 40 years? Wow.”

Hair: Grooming: Jason Schneidman for Solo Artists at The Men’s Groomer Salon, Los Angeles
Production: Arzu Koçman by Productionising
Production assistant: Nathan Waters
Shot at the Corazza House in Los Angeles

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The Hamptons is the brand’s first location outside New York City (SoHo and the Upper East Side). “We looked at several places around America and East Hampton won by far,” says Alex Drexler. “It’s a great demographic who loves fashion.” The store features white-washed walls and raw muslin tenting, natural floor coverings and raw wood fixtures that will make the space feel like an extension of the beach. Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories are on offer as are one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

Alex Mill’s East Hampton store

We spoke with Alex Drexler about the brand, the new store and what’s to come.

Twelve years later, what has been the secret to your success?

Since the beginning we’ve always stayed focus and consistent in what we believe in. For example, one of our mottos is “Wake up. Get dressed. Don’t overthink it.” We want to make it effortless for our customer and we’ve tried to stay true to this motto since the beginning. However, it’s important not to stay static so we’re constantly working to evolve as we grow.

How has the brand evolved?

Alex Mill started in 2012 as a men’s shirt brand.  We had a small store on Elizabeth Street and did some wholesale. Since then, we’ve evolved a tremendous amount. We now have a full men’s and women’s collection and accessories. We also recently launched denim.

Is brick and mortar retail important to the brand?

Brick-and-mortar is a critical place for us to interact with our customers.  The customer can look at and touch the product firsthand and speak with our team in the store. What’s great is we can receive immediate feedback on the collection and new offerings. We always love to hear what the customer thinks and wants so it’s great in that sense. We started the company with one small store on Elizabeth Street.  Today, we have two stores in Manhattan (SoHo and the Upper East Side) and one in East Hampton. We’re excited to continue to open stores and grow.

Alex Mill’s East Hampton store

You hosted a pop-up at SoulCycle‘s Barn earlier this summer. What’s special about this new location?

The Soul Cycle pop-up was a huge success and it validated to us the demand we had in the Hamptons for our product. We found a great location in East Hampton, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity when we learned the space was available.

How do the three of you divide the responsibilities of running this company?

Alex Mill is small company, and we all work in one office together. We all get to multitask and wear many different hats, which is great.

What categories can we expect next?

We launched denim in the Spring with a focused assortment and it was a big success. We are continuing to build out our denim business, as well as our accessories.  We’re excited for what’s to come.

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The pool at the Savoy

DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director, Franck Arnold, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The 726 Claude Monet suite. It’s a one bedroom, river-view suite.

What makes it so special?

The location on the seventh floor and southeast location in the original Savoy building gives it the best location and the most amazing views of the Thames and London.

The Savoy suite at the Savoy

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £ 2,500

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The shiny golden statue of Peter II, Count of Savoy, guarding the entrance and welcoming every Savoy guest to the hotel, who in the mid 13th century was granted land and built the Savoy Palace where the Savoy hotel now stands.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Savoy Suite, because I stayed there as I arrived during Covid, and was energized daily by something new happening on the bridges, the South Bank or the Thames sipping an espresso early in the morning. Although Suite 726 bears its name, I believe that the Savoy suite is likely to be the suite where Monet painted London at the turn of the 20th century, due to its large window bay on the Thames.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The Savoy Court, where all cars arrive from the Strand to drop people off at the theatre and to the hotel, is the only street in Britain where you drive on the right-hand side of the road.

The American Bar at the Savoy

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The launch of the BrunelloCucinelli.AI project

Cucinelli emphasized that the underlying aim of the project was to engage with a technology capable of bringing out the best qualities of both artificial and human intelligence. This led to the idea of using AI to innovate the way websites are designed and built via The Solomei AI platform. “We have been working on this project for almost three years, with a dedicated group of researchers from the fields of mathematics, engineering, art and philosophy,” says Cucinelli. “Our hope is that it will harmoniously combine human and artificial intelligence, striking the balance between the ingenuity of the human being and the best of AI. Our website does away with the constraints of pages and places the human being front and centre, free to discover its content.”

Brunello Cucinelli at the launch of the BrunelloCucinelli.AI project

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DuJour spoke with the property’s marketing coordinator, Melita Mouliota, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Penthouse Suite, which is particularly favored by Marriott Bonvoy members.

What makes it so special?

Imagine waking up to 360-degree panoramic views of the Acropolis and Athens cityscape. The Penthouse Suite bursts with vibrant colors and playful elements. Plus it features  an outdoor jacuzzi, offering a unique way to enjoy the city’s iconic sights.

The lobby at Moxy Athens City

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From € 800

What’s your favorite design element on property?

My favorite design element has to be the diverse art scattered throughout the hotel. From the bespoke pieces by artist B. in our rooms to the dynamic artworks by SimpleG in our meeting spaces, every corner is a visual treat. Moxy Athens City is where urban vibes and artistic flair meet. We host monthly exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists in our arcade.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Every guest is greeted with Moxy pink sprinkled donuts in their room upon check-in. It’s our way of saying ‘welcome’ with a dash of sweetness.

A guest room at Moxy Athens City

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Family Corner Room. It’s the perfect mix of Moxy’s playful vibe with stunning views of central Athens. Plus, thanks to our soundproofing, you get to enjoy the city’s energy without the noise. It’s the best of both worlds!

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The check-in at Moxy Athens City is not your typical hotel experience. Our reception is at the bar, so your stay kicks off with a very Moxy & fun cocktail. It’s the perfect start to your Moxy adventure!

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Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit

Hotelier Tim Harrington renovated the longstanding family-friendly resort along a tranquil tidal river in one of Maine’s most quintessential summer towns to the tune of $10 million, and it shows. 24 updated cottages nestled among meticulously maintained lawns provide a secluded escape in walking distance to a pick-your-own lobster pound (with a well-worth-it rum punch) and the sprawling Ogunquit Beach. A short bike ride away, downtown Ogunquit exudes equal parts old school New England charm and modern inclusivity, with candy shops and toy stores alongside culture served up at the excellent Ogunquit Museum of American Art, award-winning Ogunquit Playhouse and karaoke scene emceed by local drag celebs.

The Nevada, York

A longtime landmark along York’s mile-plus-long Sands Beach, the 70-year-old Nevada motel—named for the U.S. Navy ship on which its first owner served in World War II—was completely overhauled for summer 2024. Owners Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar kept the building’s original motel-style aesthetic but with expanded rooms, all with private terraces and many with 180-degree ocean views; a lively in-house tiki bar and restaurant named for their daughter; and modern art and décor throughout.

Longfellow Hotel, Portland

A trip to Maine isn’t complete without at least a few nights’ stopover in its foodiest city. New for 2024, the Longfellow, located in the Italianate West End neighborhood and conveniently adjacent to the city’s most-Instagrammed coffee shop (it’s the VIP sticky buns), is the city’s first independently-owned new hotel in nearly two decades. Thoughtful design by Brooklyn-based Post Company takes equal inspiration from Maine’s city and country sides, with super-soundproofed rooms (fire station down the block? no problem!) and a most-modern commitment to avoiding single use plastics as much as possible. A casual breakfast and lunch café, literary-inspired lobby bar and second floor spa built around private infrared sauna rooms and featuring offerings like guided breathwork and meditation come together to form a true urban respite.

The Viewpoint, Cape Neddick

Perched on the Nubble Peninsula in Cape Neddick—an area so determinedly disconnected that you’d do well to expect more than a few dead zones; just go with it—the Viewpoint is intentionally removed from York’s beachfront bustle. In 2024, the hotel debuted seven new shoreside rooms built into the rocky coastline offering unobstructed views of the Atlantic, Cape Neddick Light and the occasional nesting bald eagle. While the views and the rooms’ sleek design make the hotel among the most romantic of the bunch—perhaps one reason Lady Gaga’s sister Natali chose it as her wedding venue—it’s also great for families, with an easy all-outdoor in-house restaurant, beautiful pool, lots of open lawn space and an excellent ice cream shop just across the street.

The Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford

Biddeford welcomed its first boutique hotel in 2022 and it’s a beauty, an auspicious sign for the up-and-coming former mill town often regarded as “Portland south” thanks to hyperactive creative and culinary scenes. (What many don’t know is that the city is also home to one of Maine’s most beautiful beaches, Biddeford Pool). The Lincoln’s 33 rooms—many of them extra-large—sit in a restored mill above a lively lobby bar (called “Lobby Bar”), Spinning Jenny’s Coffee bar, an outpost of the popular Maine-based mini-chain Batson River Brewing & Distilling and a rooftop pool. Start your evening with an old fashioned at Lobby Bar (there’s three on the bar menu) before heading to dinner downstairs at Batson River, where the Smash burger made with beef from Pineland Farms is the star.

The Norumbega, Camden

In 2023, partner-owners Brett Haynie and Will Tims, a trained architect, completed renovations on the former 19^thcentury castle originally built as a (very) elaborate summer home for inventor Joseph Barkers Stearns (it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Nine rooms and two suites include the Sandringham, featuring a seating area in the castle’s turret and a grand marble bath, and the Library Room, which occupies the castle’s original two-story library and features a mahogany mezzanine and historic books and keepsakes. The inn’s public spaces, meanwhile, heavy in oak millwork, serve as a de facto art gallery, with original pieces by renowned midcoast Maine artists. Walk to Camden Harbor for a schooner sail or snack, or claim a spot on the terrace overlooking the great lawn for an afternoon well spent with a book or a cocktail from the bar (ideally both).

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Fan-shaped marble mosaic tiles in the Market dining area pay tribute to famed New York brasseries. The penny-round ceiling over the food counter is a hat-tip to the original JFK terminal, designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen. Delta’s recently announced onboard partnership with Missoni is also reflected in the Lounge, with design touches like accent pillows, vases and coffee table books bearing the signature zigzag design of the Italian fashion house. The Lounge features a 140-seat Brasserie restaurant delivering a three-course meal service. Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events (a Danny Meyer concept) have collaborated to elevate the culinary experience in the Delta One Lounge, with dishes such as Hamachi crudo, steak tartare and lasagna bolognese. The wellness area is equipped with nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs, treatments from Grown-Alchemist certified therapists and more.

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Ilma’s varied food and beverage options, included in the fare, are extensive. At the Beach House, bright, airy interiors flow into an expansive outdoor pool deck, creating a relaxed-yet-upscale setting for enjoying Pan-Latin cuisine. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean. Seta su Ilma by chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant with a tasting menu (not included in the fare), Memorī serves contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, Mistral offers Mediterranean flavors while Tides presents a regionally inspired menu. “The Beach House will be the ultimate culinary complement to Ilma,” says Mina. “I have always been fascinated with the powerful flavors and vibrant energy of the countries that make up Latin America and the Caribbean, and I have dreamed of bringing an array of their ingredients together one day. I am thrilled to be collaborating with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to introduce this new restaurant to Ilma’s guests.”

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Delving into Monsieur Vivier and Felloni’s shared passion for the natural world, Petites Merveilles intertwines the ethereal beauty of insects and their flora with the exquisite craftsmanship of couture. Felloni imbues each creation with talismans and gestures that recall their namesake creature. From butterflies and bees to scorpions and spiders, scarabs, lady beetles and fireflies: all are transformed into shimmering Viv’ Choc handbag and gilet designs through the deft sublimation of rich colors, sparkling textures and figurative forms.

Embodying the qualities of a distinct species or exploring more abstract notions of an insect’s habitat, appearance, or symbolic significance, 15 one-of-a-kind handbags and 4 encrusted gilets become canvases for opulence. From micro to macro, from day to night, and from the lush green forest to the arid desert, landscapes of crystals and bugle beading intertwine. Femininity abounds, in clusters of iridescent scarab beetles, peacock blue butterfly wings embellished with rhinestones, or a pearlescent patchwork of snowy white feathers.

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A Sunrise suite at The Prince Akatoki London

DuJour spoke with the property’s director of sales and marketing, Antonella Mizzi, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Studio Suites 001 and 003. Located on the ground floor, they offer a high level of privacy.

What makes them so special?

They’re spacious with high ceilings and large windows. It features a private patio where guests can relax and enjoy some fresh air. There are separate shower and bath facilities, along with a Toto toilet. These two rooms are interconnected, making them ideal for families.

The Prince Akatoki London

What is the nightly rate for these suites?

From £1,162

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The hotel’s use of natural materials and serene color palettes, which create a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere. The incorporation of traditional Japanese elements, such as shoji screens and wooden furniture, alongside British heritage features like high ceilings and large windows, results in a unique and harmonious aesthetic. This fusion not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a culturally immersive experience, making it a standout feature of the hotel.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

When you step into the hotel, you are greeted by our unique signature scent, which imparts a sense of calmness, reminiscent of a spa. Our guests adore this fragrance, though they might not be aware that we sell diffusers featuring this signature scent. Additionally, we provide a pillow spray during turndown service to promote a restful night’s sleep for our guests. We also offer yukatas, traditional Japanese casual outfits, in each room. Guests are welcome to wear them and roam around the hotel, adding to the unique experience of their stay.

The lobby at The Prince Akatoki London

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Room 016. This executive room is located on the first floor of the historic building. The first floor features higher ceilings and the room combines serene Japanese materials and décor with a touch of British history through its large windows, offering a unique and beautiful experience for your stay.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

“Akatoki” translates to “dawn” in Japanese. This reflects the hotel’s concept of welcoming guests to a new beginning, symbolized by the serene and rejuvenating experience offered within its walls. The name encapsulates the essence of starting afresh and experiencing a peaceful awakening, making it a fitting choice for a hotel that blends Japanese hospitality with London’s vibrant atmosphere.

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A suite at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

As an additional service, all guests staying at participating hotels will have access to exclusive rates for Blade Airport and Blade Ground Connect car transfers, inclusive of all room categories. With preferred pricing for all airport transfers, savvy visitors in New York City can skip the traffic to maximize their travels throughout the summer. To celebrate the collaboration, the Luxury Group will also debut seasonal pop-up activations at Blade Lounge West and Blade Lounge East to enhance every point of the guest journey. Both lounges will be transformed with experiential, multi-sensory offerings inspired by amenities within the distinct brands of the Luxury Group, including signature scents from Edition, curated playlists from W Hotels, and exclusively at Blade Lounge West, a live JW Garden growing fresh garnishes for pre-flight refreshments. “Blade’s collaboration with Luxury Group provides our passengers with top tier hospitality at every touchpoint of their New York City stay including our integrated booking process,” said Roisin Branch, Blade’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our Blade Airport transfers not only offer the most breathtaking views of the city, they also significantly reduce travel time and stress levels. This service sets the Luxury Group apart by ensuring every aspect of their guests’ travel experience is smooth, swift and enjoyable.”

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She’s got a new show on Apple TV+, Land of Women, which launches in June. She’ll be in the fourth season of the hit series Only Murders in the Building, set to debut on Hulu in late August. She’s got a tequila brand, Casa del Sol, which she launched in 2021. She recently announced that she would become a strategic advisor and investor in Siete Foods, the fastest-growing Hispanic food company in the United States, known primarily for its gluten-free tortilla chips. (Longoria met Siete co-founder Veronica Garza at a cheerleading camp when they were growing up in Texas.)

Longoria has worked steadfastly with the Television Academy Foundation to help encourage inclusion in the entertainment industry. She’s an investor in a women’s soccer team (Angel City Football Club), a men’s soccer team (Club Necaxa) and is co-owner of the ElevenEleven padel team. There’s also her philanthropy. She founded Eva’s Heroes, based in San Antonio, Texas, in 2006 and was just awarded the 2024 Courage and Civility Award by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

With a schedule that packed, you can imagine her nonstop travel. A few weeks ago, she was in London for two days for her friend Victoria Beckham’s birthday. While there, she also filmed for an upcoming adaptation of A Christmas Carol (called Christmas Karma) directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), in which she plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. She lives between the U.S., Mexico City and Spain, she says, but on the day we connect, Longoria is about to board a flight from Los Angeles—the home base of her company, appropriately named Hyphenate Entertainment—to Miami, where she and her husband, the media mogul José Bastón, keep an apartment.

“I recently was in an airport in Poland and I saw myself in a big L’Oréal ad. And all I could think was, That’s so crazy. That’s me. I’m still really confused, and I’m always surprised,” Longoria recalls. She’s referring to yet another one of her many jobs—global ambassador for the beauty company—which she has held for the last two decades.

“What can I say?” she asks. “I’m the ultimate multitasker.”

Longoria suggests her ubiquity is the result of just hanging around the entertainment industry for more than two decades. She started as Flight Attendant #3 on an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210 but moved quickly on, in 2004, to Desperate Housewives, one of the last huge shows of network television.

Oh, and, at 49, she’s also a mom to 5-year-old Santiago. “The other day I heard [my son] say, ‘No, my mom’s an actress.’ And I looked at him and I thought, How did he even know that word and what it meant?” Longoria says. “He’s still unimpressed.”

He might be the only one unimpressed by Longoria’s ability to juggle it all.

Coming off of directing the film Flamin’ Hot, which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Song for “The Fire Inside,” Longoria needed a break. That’s why she’s only producing and starring in Land of Women, soon to debut on Apple TV+.

At the beginning of the series, Gala (Longoria) has just opened a sexy wine shop in New York City. She quickly discovers that her husband owes some bad people a lot of money, and they’re coming to collect. So Gala runs away to Spain with her annoyed daughter (newcomer Victoria Bazua) and her slightly cuckoo mom Julia (Carmen Maura, a favorite of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar).

“I usually reverse-engineer my projects,” says Longoria of her work as a producer. “I start with a place I want to shoot.”

For Land of Women, Longoria told her friend, the writer/producer Ramón Campos, that she wanted to film in Spain’s wine country. She wanted something “super female forward,” she explained, and suggested Under the Tuscan Sun as a reference point. A month later, Campos came back with a pitch based on a bestselling Spanish novel by Sandra Barneda.

“So much of television is set in a dystopian future, and I can’t watch television set in a dystopian future,” says Longoria, who admits to “watching everything,” especially on plane rides. “I don’t want to worry and then start setting up my doomsday bunker after watching a television show.”

Land of Women, she explains, is optimistic, “very blue skies and fish-out-of-water. You just want to be there.”

Filming did, indeed, take place in Spain in the small medieval city of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dalí. It’s at “the complete other end” of the country from Marbella, where Longoria is relocating. To get to Figueres, at the eastern edge of Catalonia near the French border, “You need to take a plane, a train, a car, and then scale down a mountain,” Longoria jokes.

One last trick: The show is bilingual. (Actually, some of the characters speak Catalan, too.) “What’s the most authentic storytelling? I would talk to my daughter in English and my mother in Spanish,” says Longoria. “This wasn’t possible 10 or 15 years ago, but streaming has made content more global. The No. 1 show is Squid Game in Korean. Subtitles are very acceptable, and so is the idea of Spanglish. We’ve changed the way we seek out storytellers and points of view.”

Easier said than done. “I’d never acted in Spanish,” Longoria admits. “My brain hurt at the end of the day. But I’m the American in the show. I make a lot of mistakes in Spanish, like I do in life. I say the wrong word at the wrong moment.”

“Watching Eva act is like watching Messi play soccer,” says Land of Women creator Campos. “Above all, she’s a natural and tireless worker who always supports the team and understands that she’s a crucial part of it—but just one part of it. She’ll get her hands dirty when needed, without worrying about appearances.”

It helps that Longoria could identify completely with her onscreen double. “I’m literally my character,” Longoria says, all the way down to being an oenophile. “I love wine. I love everything about it. I love the different grapes. During COVID, all I did was read about wine. I decided that I was going to study for the sommelier test.” She didn’t end up taking the exam, “but I still want to.”

See? Always multitasking.

After the success of Flamin’ Hot, Longoria decided to take a break from directing. “You could not have stopped me from making that movie,” she says. But even for someone who’s always steering the ship, it was a lot of work.

“I’m not rushing to make my sophomore movie because I’m looking for something to speak to me,” she says. Currently, “I’m reading everything,” including lots of potential biopics. “I’ll know it when I see it. I’ll know it when I read it.”

But this year, she says, “I’m only acting. This year is: Let me go back in front of the camera.”

First up: Land of Women. Next in line: Only Murders in the Building. “I’m most comfortable in television comedy,” Longoria says. “It was the first thing I learned, so I have probably worked the 10,000 hours. You find confidence through that many at-bats.”

But Only Murders in the Building isn’t your everyday television comedy. It’s a television comedy alongside the legendary Meryl Streep. No sweat, Longoria says. Streep is actually her distant relative, a link she discovered when they were both on Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates Jr.

“We actually call each other ‘cousin,’” Longoria laughs. The first time they made the connection in person was at an AFI tribute to Jane Fonda. Longoria sheepishly said hello to Streep. Since then, whenever they see each other, Longoria says, “We’ll say, ‘How are you, cousin?’ and ‘I’m good, cousin.’”

In the first Zoom table read for Only Murders, attended by 100 people from Zach Galifianakis to Molly Shannon to Selena Gomez, Streep introduced Longoria as her cousin.

“She tells the story and everyone’s so confused, because I’m the most Latina person in the industry and she’s Meryl Streep,” Longoria recalls.

Working on set in New York was, indeed, like family. “We talked a lot about democracy and politics,” Longoria says. “But when you have leaders like Steve Martin and Martin Short, you’re never not laughing. Watching them make a lunch order is a show in itself. It’s a constant roast about a sandwich, a 30-minute comedy about mustard.”

In addition to working with Streep, Longoria also had the opportunity this year to star opposite Eddie Murphy in The Pickup, a heist comedy that also stars Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson.

The movie, for Amazon MGM, is directed by another of Longoria’s longtime pals, Tim Story. She auditioned years ago for Story’s Fantastic Four, but didn’t get the role. “I think it was [the Invisible Woman, the role that went to] Jessica Alba, but it was one of those situations where they say, ‘We can’t tell you the story or let you read the script,’” Longoria says.

Longoria doesn’t often get starstruck, but that’s how she felt about working with Murphy. “He’s my Hollywood,” she explains, describing how she was inspired by Murphy’s classic projects from Harlem Nights to Beverly Hills Cop. “He’s my kind of funny. He’s a comedy savant.”

“And of course the first day on set, we have to kiss,” Longoria says. “So it was like, ‘Nice to meet you,’ and then mwah.”

Well, is Murphy a good kisser? “We didn’t have makeout scenes,” Longoria demurs. “It was just a good-morning kiss.” Do they have a texting relationship now? “He’s very private,” Longoria says, adding that no, they don’t send each other Netflix recommendations. “I just sat and listened.”

In addition to 1) ordering a sandwich with Martin Short and Steve Martin; 2) being introduced to 100 people as Meryl Streep’s cousin; and 3) kissing Eddie Murphy—a major year for anyone, no doubt—Longoria also got to see Tom Cruise do the splits on the dance floor at Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday party in London in April.

Of all of those experiences, which was the most entertaining?

“It’s a toss-up,” Longoria says, adding that Cruise “is the kindest human being and the best dancer. I’ve seen him dance at many parties.” She didn’t recall him doing the splits at any of those other parties, though. This was special. “I danced for five hours at the party and we didn’t leave till 3 a.m.,” Longoria says. “I woke up sore wondering if I’d worked out [too hard] the day before. No, we just danced a lot.”

Longoria insists that she doesn’t actually know everyone in Hollywood. It just seems like she does.

“There are so many people I don’t know and I want to work with, and I’m old,” she says. “But I’m lucky. I’m definitely lucky.”

Her secret recipe is relatively simple, actually.

“I don’t like wasting time,” Longoria says as her airplane is called for boarding. “I consider time like money. You’re either spending it or you’re wasting it, and I choose to spend it.”

Hair: DJ Quintero for L’Oréal Paris
Makeup: Genevieve Herr for L’Oréal Paris
Manicure: Julie Kandalec
Producer: Mariana Suplicy
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Francesca Lazaro
Shot at the WSA Building in New York City

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A Rough Way To Go by Sam Garonzik

Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller

The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon by Heath Hardage Lee

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

Magic Pill by Johann Hari

All That Glitters by Orlando Whitfield

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Firebrand is named for the king’s sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr, played by Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander. Directed by Karim Aïnouz, the film chronicles Parr’s perseverance as a Protestant sympathizer who survived her husband’s deadly Catholic regime. Law, in a near-monstrous supporting role, plays the king’s violent last gasp with sneering resentment and a secret sense of remorse.

“He’d been a highly attractive and sought-after golden boy,” says Law, 51. “He was a romantic in a way, believing each time that he’d found the right woman. The murder and the mayhem that ensued was part of his sense that they had let him down.” Lumbering around shadowy halls on swollen legs, Law’s Henry VIII is a sour and spiteful menace. “He’s full of regret, self-medicating with alcohol and trying to deal with intense pain and the madness that it brings on.”

Law says that his approach to a role depends on the project and the director. He’s worked with a legendary set of the latter, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson and Mike Nichols. Law’s wide-ranging body of work includes prestige period dramas like Road to Perdition, Cold Mountain (for which he landed his second Academy Award nomination in 2004), and The Aviator; sci-fi thrillers like Gattaca and A.I. Artificial Intelligence; and, more recently, major franchise installments like Fantastic Beasts (as the young wizard Dumbledore) and Captain Marvel.

For Firebrand, embracing the physical embodiment of Henry VIII and all that it entailed was essential to Law’s process. “It took so much time every morning to get into this huge, weighted costume and I would stay in it for the rest of the day,” Law says. “You could rehearse in jeans and a T-shirt, but then you would turn up in this enormous outfit and realize you’re going to knock everyone over. So you might as well maintain that sense of Henry’s shape and size.” That went for the king’s stench, too: Law collaborated with historians to conjure up a scent of bodily decay and wore it during the shoot inside a Derbyshire castle.

“It was so terrible that some days you couldn’t help but laugh,” Vikander says. “Jude was trying to make you go down a new path, try different things. What these characters went through was so tough, but we also had a lot of fun working together,” Vikander says. The Swedish actress recalls admiring Law during production on 2012’s Anna Karenina, her first English-language film, where “he proved the work ethic and kind personality you need to bring to set,” she says. “He’s the most humble and down-to-earth person, which makes working with him extremely joyful.”

Many of Law’s early, career-defining performances hinged on an inescapable charm—Alfie’s solipsistic womanizer, lovers with secrets behind their dazzling smiles in Closer and The Holiday—that hypnotized audiences and heroines alike. “I didn’t feel like I really ever leaned into playing handsome, but there were roles that required an attractive energy,” Law says. “I was trying to play against my looks in my early 20s, and now that I’m saggy and balding, I wish I had played it up.” He’s being at least somewhat facetious: A trailer for the 2020 HBO series The New Pope, for example, shows a taut, chiseled Law striding slow-motion across a beach in a white Speedo.

Still, parts have recently come the actor’s way that “have not leaned in to any sort of attraction,” he says. “It’s been satisfying not having to turn that switch on.” Law scowls over a thick mustache as Captain Hook in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy;  later this year, he will star in Ron Howard’s Eden, based on the true story of a group of people who retreat to the Galápagos to flee facism, and as an Idaho FBI agent pursuing a white supremacist group in The Order.

Law is also stepping into another entertainment juggernaut, as a Jedi shepherding a band of kids through harrowing adventures in the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew. Law, who grew up admiring the original films but “wasn’t a Star Wars geek, or whatever the polite way to say it is,” describes his character as “contradictory, complicated, mischievous and at times heroic,” though not very paternal. “He has no time for someone crying because they’re 11 and really scared,” Law says, “He’s like, ‘Pull yourself together and get on with it.’”

Law’s own parents were teachers who retired young and pursued their dreams of founding a theater troupe that travels around Europe. “Their love of the arts—film, theater, dance, music—was hugely influential” on Law and his sister, the painter Natasha Law, he says.

A father of seven, Law describes himself as an “excessive” dad, “because I think about them all the time.” His wife, Phillipa Coan, and their two kids have been traveling with Law for the past couple of years, living in seven or eight countries, an itinerant period he calls “wonderful but hard.” “I’ve never been someone who’s comfortable going off to film for weeks on my own. Having the reality to return to makes you feel normal again before going back to playing someone like Henry VIII.”

Acting is proving to be a family trade: Law’s eldest son, Rafferty, with his first wife Sadie Frost, appears in the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air, released earlier this year. “It’s complicated because I’m aware of how hard it is,” Law says of watching his son get into the industry. “When I came into this business, I didn’t have the comparison, but with him, people might always say, ‘Oh, you’re just like your dad.’ Which is nonsense; his career is his career.”

“I’m thrilled because we get to share our enthusiasm, and I get to give him advice if he wants to hear it,” Law continues. “I’m immensely proud that he’s put himself out there because he found something that he loves. He’s obviously seen the way I work, and it’s rubbed off on him.”

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A junior suite bedroom at Hotel Hassler

DuJour spoke with the property’s CEO Veruschka Wirth and executive chairman Roberto Wirth Jr to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Presidential Suite San Pietro (610) located on the sixth floor.

What makes it so special?

A mix of history, views and interior design. This was Audrey Hepburn’s home in Rome during the filming of Roman Holiday, and also where she was when she received the telegram informing her of her nomination at the Oscars for her role in the movie A Nun’s Story. The suite includes handcrafted wood paneling, ancient Roman artifacts on display, a magnificent panoramic terrace with a wonderful view and a spacious walk-in closet. The separate living area also offers ample seating and connects seamlessly to the beautifully furnished private terrace, complete with a hot tub overlooking the beachfront. Overall, the combination of luxurious amenities, stunning views and ultimate comfort makes this suite a guest favorite.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From 7,500 €

The Villa Medici penthouse at Hotel Hassler

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Every design element has its own important role. Our father was passionate about art and our mother is an interior designer. The hotel is filled with masterpieces of art and antiques, Venetian lamps and chandeliers from the island of Murano, 19th century mirrors, splendid tapestries and original paintings. Besides turtles, particularly noteworthy is the Capitoline Wolf sculpture. Located in the lobby as if welcoming guests, the she-wolf (“lupa” in Italian) is the symbol of the city and this shows the strong connection between the Hassler and the Eternal City. The image of the she-wolf suckling the twins has been a symbol of Rome since ancient times and is one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology. It could be a fun coincidence that we, Roberto and Veruschka, are twins and, as the roman mythology tells, a she-wolf nursed and sheltered the twins Romulus and Remus.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our Penthouse Villa Medici Suite. The mix of wood and contemporary furniture, as well as the green fabrics and Botticino marble make it a truly special room. The best part is the terrace, which is larger than the room itself, and provides perfect views over the eternal city, as well as a sense of peace, quiet and eternity.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

During Mussolini’s dictatorship [1922-1943], the Hassler had to change its name to Villa Medici. Thereafter, the hotel was requisitioned by the U.S. Air Force to serve as their Rome headquarters during World War II. In 1947, the Hotel Hassler reopened to travelers from around the world and took up its traditional position as a temple of hospitality. Also, if you look closely enough, you will notice turtles around the hotel, in the form of little statues, seats, ornaments and even chocolate! They were our late father’s favorite animal; seeing them makes us smile, and they serve as a reminder to “keep calm and carry on.”

The Spanish Steps below Hotel Hassler

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The famed Le Sirenuse hotel in the Italian city of Positano has unveiled a makeover of the hotel pool by Swiss artist Nicolas Party. Party’s work is the latest addition to the hotel’s ongoing series of site-specific series of commissions curated by Silka Rittson-Thomas, which to date comprises works by Martin Creed, Stanley Whitney, Rita Ackermann and Alex Israel. Each artist is invited to Positano to develop the work and to find a home for it at the family-run property owned by Antonio and Carla Sersale. Party has created an exuberant play of overlapping and interlocking organic forms, transforming the view from the poolside terrace of mountains, sun, sea and sky into a joyous, billowing landscape that shifts and dances underwater. The collaboration saw the artist spending a week at the hotel to get inspired for this mosaic installation. “It was a very family-based, collegial approach, which I found great,” he explains. Party opted for an abstract pattern, explaining that “in a hotel that is already pretty perfect, I didn’t want the pool to stand out too much…I wanted it to look like a pool.” For the same reason, he chose a blue-green color palette for the overlapping wave-like shapes that swirl across the pool’s floor and climb its walls. In the center of the  pool’s deepest section, he placed a disc made of golden mosaic tiles that, he says, “people will think of as the sun, because it’s gold and a circle…so when you jump into the pool,  you’re jumping into the sky.” The New York-based artist worked closely with Italian surfaces company Bisazza to translate his original pastel drawing into a pattern of glass mosaic tiles. “It struck me that it would be wonderful to ask him to reimagine the swimming pool of Le Sirenuse,” says Antonio Sersale. “When you enter a pool, you are entering another world, a watery realm that becomes even more rich and strange here on the hotel’s terrace, suspended magically between sea and sky.”

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Sandals, $895, GIANVITO ROSSI, gianvitorossi.com

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With stunning views of the Museum of Natural History and Central Park from every major room, the designer didn’t need to do much structural work. She renovated bathrooms and the kitchen and added new millwork, a hidden built-in bar and a few other design elements throughout. “Even though we were doing quite a substantial renovation, it was important to keep some of the original design elements of the apartment,” says Burns. “Wherever we were forced to remove existing design elements like moldings or wall paneling, our contractor partners at Cooper Development did an amazing job of replicating and restoring to keep the character of the space.” New custom millwork is a feature of almost every room of the home, adding interest and dimension to each space. In the kitchen, Burns added a skirted base for the brass bistro shelving (which hides the family cat’s litter box!) done in a fabric by Ottoline. The white-and-gray cabinets with brass hardware pair well with gray herringbone floors, and the space is flooded with natural light. The dining nook boasts an upholstered banquette—the client wanted somewhere casual where the family could congregate to start and end their days—as well as brutalist oak dining chairs sourced from 1stDibs and a large framed menu from their wedding. Burns has designed a home that’s warm, comfortable and elegant, but also liveable and not too precious for a young family to settle into for years to come.

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The sumptuous, inviting apartment uses blue as a base color. “We layered rich tones and hues to provide depth and interest,” says Pollack. “The couple made daring choices, and this allowed our palette to be vivid and exciting.” The clients weren’t afraid to use large-scale, graphic prints on both wall coverings and fabrics. With four young children, ensuring comfort and warmth—not just glamour—was top of mind. “Their home is busy and quite fun, with their four children engaged in lively conversations, warmth, laughter and people chasing each other around,” she says. “The living room, in particular, was designed with entertaining in mind and offers the opportunity to host both formally and casually. We always joke that there is a lot going on in there—fabrics, textures, patterns—but it magically comes together to create one coherent, elegant space.”

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Why is Vladimir Putin an interesting character to play?

His stillness, his mask; what I can observe of how performative that is has been really helpful. Imagining the inner tension through the outer stillness has really interested me. I love the physicality. More generally, I’ve found the crossover between the personal and the political a really rewarding area to explore. It’s a paradox that someone who has such a massive role and presence, such tremendous influence on the world stage might be reduced in people’s (or my?) mind to something two-dimensional, morally speaking, almost mythologically speaking. But to be afforded space to think into that head or to experience that journey imaginatively is a privilege and a revelation to me. I’ve found myself thinking a lot about medieval ideas of kingship; whether in such a position you could come to believe that your will is, intrinsically, the land’s will, the nation’s will, that in some sense your body is the land. And then I’m fascinated by how that impacts on the intimate sense of loyalty and betrayal, of duty and responsibility, then of ambition, of appetite of what it feels like to grow into a power you might perhaps never have expected.

What’s the most intimidating thing about playing the role?

I expected to be more intimidated by Putin’s presence in the collective imagination; by the pressure to live up to an audience’s collective idea of him. In actual fact, that’s never felt like a problem; quite the contrary. It’s a huge privilege to play someone who is so alive in an audience’s imagination. It creates a really dynamic dialogue; a conversation which feels new every day, because of the daily news cycle. There’s always a new perspective, what feels like a new pattern to discern. Even though the play finishes in 2013, we’re examining formative events.

How has your performance and relationship to the material changed as you’ve moved from the Almeida to the West End and now to New York?

Like I say, it feels like such a living relationship. The material allows it to land minutely differently every day. We’ve moved from a small space progressively into bigger spaces. While the intimacy of its beginnings was a joy to play, it feels hugely enriching painting on bigger canvasses. And the material is so big, so epic, I think it grows in a bigger space. The hope is that it’s always growing and deepening.

Will you miss Tom Hollander on Broadway?

I love Tom as a friend and I admire him so much as a colleague. I’ve just been so lucky to share a stage with him in every way. His work was so dazzling on this, so rich. It always is. And now Michael Stuhlbarg, who is mercurial and meticulous and powerful, and intelligent, and intense, and organic, and surprising, capable of such huge depths and such delights. What an enormous privilege! It’s a whole new dream. I’m just loving working with him. I’m in awe of his rigor and his virtuosity. It’s a real joy to be playing a whole new dynamic. Michael’s making something very special indeed.

What do you expect to be different in New York as you start performances?

To be honest, I just don’t know what to expect! I’m so interested to see how the play lands here. Every nation has its own psychology. How will a play about patriotism, power, money, ambition, single mindedness, opportunism, friendship, rivalry ignite in the mind here? Obviously, America has a different relationship with Russia from the UK’s relationship with Russia, so I imagine an American will be coming to the play from a slightly different angle to a British person. Is Putin’s place in the imagination in some way different here from there? I’m so excited to find out.

Why should New Yorkers come see the show?

Rupert’s production is so astonishingly agile, so captivating. It’s slick and witty and disturbing and profound, and he makes it feel so effortless. And at the simplest level it’s really entertaining! I won’t start enumerating the whole cast, but  I’m very proud to be a part of it.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Peter Morgan?

Peter is masterful at making a complex argument dramatically clear; taking on big ideas and putting them within our grasp without debasing or simplifying them. He’s a brilliant examiner of power, both in the world and in the domestic space. It’s really exciting watching how he molds a story. And he’s very generous and unprecious about listening to the actors, being in conversation with what an actor feels they need from the inside, in terms of rhythm for example. He’s collaborative and supportive and infectiously enthusiastic and funny!

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With bungalows, suites, and guestrooms, the Kimpton Seafire is ideal for romantic getaways, family trips and special occasion celebrations alike. The 266 rooms and suites range from ocean view guest rooms to 1-2 bedroom bungalows for groups–there is a room for every type of traveler.

A guest room at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

Chef Massimo De Francesca oversees the food offerings on property with various offerings. Coccoloba features Mexican street food and live music on the beach while Ave serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails guided by the elements. In December 2022, the resort debuted a new literature-inspired cocktail lounge, Library By the Sea, featuring high-concept drinks. But it is so much more than just a bar for hotel guests–it is a world class cocktail destination. The mixology team have combined their passion for science, hospitality and innovation to create a thoughtful menu that wows. In their dedicated drink lab, they transform local seasonal ingredients that form the basis for the bar’s literature inspired cocktails. Since its opening, Library by the Sea has forged partnerships with 50 World’s Best Bars such as Allegory and Milady’s.  

Seafire’s 8,500-square-foot Forbes Five-Star award winning spa features seven treatment rooms in which to enjoy facials, body treatments and massages. There’s also a hammam and hair and nail services on offer. My custom 60-minute massage left me ready to fall asleep in the grand soaking tub, where I lounged after my treatment. A truly perfect way to start my day by the pool and beach. Above all else, it is the genuine engagement of the staff and their commitment to barefoot luxury service that makes Kimpton Seafire sparkle. The warm, thoughtful team makes it easy to lose track of time while enjoying everything the property and Grand Cayman have to offer.

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Steven Andre to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our oceanfront one-bedroom suites and ocean view family suites

What makes it so special?

These two rooms are the highest in demand and provide guests with a number of unique features including bunkbeds in the living room, wrap around balconies and spectacular views of the world famous Seven Mile Beach.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

The nightly rate for the one-bedroom suite starts at $1,299 (in-season) and the ocean view family suite starts at $1,099 (in-season).

The presidential suite balcony at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The infinity edge pool with three separate sections allowing guests to look directly out to the ocean with unobstructed views. We’re the only resort in Cayman delivering that experience.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

From day one, sustainability has been woven throughout the fabric of Seafire’s design. Open-air architecture, lush gardens, solar panels, eco-friendly materials and the creation of a dedicated sustainability program all work together to ensure the resort remains true to its mantra of being “Stewards of the Environment.”

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

My personal favorite rooms are the 1-2 bedroom bungalows.  These beachfront bungalows provide guests with their own personal enclave within the resort. Our three bungalows house six separate suites including a 2-bedroom bungalow with its own private pool.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Guests who book a spa treatment can do decompression meditation with Bose noise cancelling headphones in a self-guided decompression room. This is definitely an experience that delivers a wow factor to our guests.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our amazing Camp Seafire program for kids provides babysitting services giving parents the opportunity to indulge without worry. And our Library by the Sea cocktail tasting experience in our lobby bar takes mixology to next level.

The presidential suite bathroom at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

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Café de Paris

Diners can expect signatures like the beloved “Monte Carlo Egg,” an egg cooked in an oven at 62 degrees for two and a half hours with Alba Truffle, cassava and Creole passionfruit. There are also new innovations like free-range piglet chops a la royale, chards with black pudding, pigeon peas and black truffle and Jerusalem artichoke ice cream. This April, Ravin will take over the kitchen at L’Elsa, the first all-organic Michelin-starred restaurant with a zero-waste approach at Monte-Carlo Beach, also pays homage to his grandmother’s comforting recipes. His “Chocolate of my childhood in Martinique” is a gourmet hot cocoa infused with cinnamon, vanilla and green lemon peels.

Meanwhile, this month will see the eagerly-anticipated debut of Amazónico, perched above Café de Paris in the iconic Casino Square. Already a hit with locations in Madrid, London and Dubai, this rainforest-inspired outpost features tropical decor by artist Lázaro Rosa-Violán, including an Instagram-worthy leopard print staircase, lush plantings and emerald booths. The menu, created by Sandro Silva, celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Amazon, especially Brazil and Peru, and features Solomillo de Wagyu and Bife Japones. This July, 16 Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno—whose sauces have been described as “the gospel of French cuisine”—plans to unveil L’Abysse, a Japanese concept at the Crystal Bar at the Hôtel Hermitage, complete with a terrace offering magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco. Alléno has been passionate about Japanese cuisine since he first visited the country 35 years ago at the age of 20. This venture follows the success of his two-Michelin-starred sushi counter (also named L’Abysse) at the Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris.

The Monte Carlo Egg at Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

April also marks the 150th anniversary of the wine cellar underneath the flower gardens at Hôtel de Paris, where Grace Kelly supposedly celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary. The cellar—one of the world’s largest—houses 350,000 bottles and around 5,500 different wine varieties. To honor the anniversary, guests can book specialized wine tastings, educational master classes, pairing dinners and tours. Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac will also release a commemorative vintage. As Monte Carlo’s yachts return from international waters and the Grand Prix cars chase checkered flags throughout the city, dilemmas won’t just include choosing between the views or the action, but also deciding which chef d’oeuvre to sample next.

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Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter refill, $62, JOSIE MARAN, josiemaran.com

The remix consists of a reimagining of her three most beloved products: 100% Pure Argan Oil, Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter and Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Body Scrub, each in new, even more sustainable packaging with refills. “I want to help make refilling our favorite products easier and truly more sustainable than the typical refill systems out there,” says Maran. Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter and Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Body Scrub now come in new clean fragrances (which only use 100 percent plant-based fruit and plant essences). “I was so lucky to work with master perfumer Jerome Epinette to help us develop a more nuanced and elevated take on plant based fragrances,” says Maran. The three new fragrances, Vanilla Vibezzz, Bohemian Fig and Topless Tangerine, are all inspired by Maran’s Northern California roots. “Fragrance is a fascination of mine. But because I’m super-sensitive to synthetic scents, it took me a long time to realize that  fragrance could be fun,” Maran explains. “When I want to switch up my energy or my mood, fragrance is one of the fastest ways to get me where I want to go—like an instant portal to a new me.

Here’s how Josie Maran spends a typical day at her home in St. Barths.

5:30 a.m. I wake up very early, have an espresso and water with lemon, meditate for 20 minutes, write in my Artist’s Way “morning pages” and get ready for the day.

6:30 a.m. I realign on what my priorities are for the day at work and get updates on important projects before the meetings start. My main priority is deciding what’s for lunch! I make my lunch plan early so I don’t end up not eating because usually my meetings are back to back all day.

7:30 a.m. Workout! I love Pilates and kundalini yoga or a walk in nature to get me going for the day.

9:00am. My skincare routine begins. I use Argan Milk, our Argan Face Butter and then always finish with Argan Oil. I not only use a few drops of Argan Oil on my face but also on my hair to help with split ends, as my eye cream, then on any dry spots or blemishes to help them heal. I use it everywhere everyday and it just makes my skin glow!! My last step is Sun Milk SPF 33 and buttering up with our Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter.

10:00 a.m-3:00p.m. My team works remotely so we’re all on nonstop Zoom calls.

4:00p.m. The great flip side to having a team that’s primarily based in New York is that by the afternoon things have calmed down so I get to spend time with my kids after they’re home from school and hear about their days.

6:00p.m. For dinner, my cute hubby who is the best cook ever cooks us dinner with all of our help and we cheers to another beautiful day.

9:00p.m. My evening skincare routine is the same except at night I do a full Body Sugar scrub in the shower. I love doing this right before bed because it leaves a cushion of argan moisture on your freshly-buffed and smooth skin and sleeping in freshly moisturized skin is heavenly! In the winter, I use my Argan Sugar Scrub in the morning on my face because the moisture left on my skin is perfect and I never dry out in the winter anymore….trust me on this one!

The Original 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil, $39, JOSIE MARAN, josiemaran.com

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DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director, Henrik Muehle, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 65

The sitting area of a suite at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

What makes it so special?

It’s a large studio suite with a private patio with large veranda doors that lead outside. It’s the perfect spot in which to have a gin and tonic, poured yourself from the in-room gin bar.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £550

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The different color schemes makes the hotel feel more like your own home rather then a hotel room or suite. Especially the one-bedroom suites and the two-bedrooms suites feel like your own apartment in Mayfair. The apartments come equipped with full kitchens and laundry machines.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The hotel has been under the same private ownership for the past 47 years, one of the last 5-star hotels that are still privately owned. Also, the hotel’s restaurant Ormer Mayfair has just received a Michelin star.

An executive king room at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Suite 703 because of its layout and colors and its private entrance. It’s frequented by many celebrities due to its private entrance. It’s really the perfect hideaway from it all.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

If you book one of our USD hotel packages, we’ll send a driver to pick you up at Heathrow and take you back after your stay.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Manetta’s Bar is a super sexy hidden gem in the lower level of the hotel with a separate street entrance packed with locales and hotels guests alike.

The sitting area of a suite at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

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The living room of a suite at Six Senses Courchevel

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Itziar Bilbao to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our five-bedroom Prestige Penthouse

What makes it so special?

It is the only 5-bedroom unit and the largest residence in our rental portfolio. It can be divided into two separate sleeping areas conferring intimacy for families and group of friends. Guests can relax and expend quality time in the common living area enhanced by a log fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen where a private chef can delight our dearest guests’ taste buds with fancy hors d’oeuvres. Cherry on the top is its balcony, where guests can admire a beautiful sunset beyond the valley while savoring a glass of champagne. A private chef is included every morning for breakfast, making sure that our guests experience an unparalleled service from the moment they open their eyes. From the natural wood and beams to the color palette, the residences boasts relaxed but elegant atmosphere in a traditional but modern mountain style.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From 4,200 €

The pool at Six Senses Courchevel

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The ceiling of the spa, Inspired by the organic shapes of snow waves, the SS CVL spa design uses biophilic principles to help you feel energized and connected the moment you walk in.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Our holistic approach at the Six Senses Spa is one of a kind, the aim is not to only focus on the external aspects but mainly to help our guests to reconnect with themselves.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

I love all of them due to the feeling of being at a home away from home, the design and ambiance.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We always collect an important amount of information before guests’ arrival which allow us to surprise each of our guests based on their expectations. We presented one of our repeat guests, who is a fan of the FC Barcelona, with a custom made bathrobe with the FCB logo that he carried back home and made him feel like a sport superstar.

A guest room at Six Senses Courchevel

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Grant Campbell to discover what makes it so special.

A deluxe balcony room at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Portman Square View Zen suite (1006).

What makes it so special?

Looking out to Portman Square Gardens, it’s a calm space in the hub of London. With double balconies and a great entertaining space, the room is perfect for a couple’s weekend or a working business or leisure trip.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £1400, which includes breakfast

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Nobu Lounge has become a fantastic hub for the area and is warm, comfortable and welcoming whether it be for a breakfast meeting, a Japanese inspired afternoon tea or drinks in the evening.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

We are the originators of Nobu Pilates and have two remarkable spaces that offer both group and one-to-one sessions which have been incredibly popular. We have also been voted the number one Pilates studio in London by Tatler.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The West-facing Saijoukai Suite. The suite has a great sunset view over Hyde Park with a large private balcony and a really calming aspect so you can really unwind and relax when you stay here. Alternatively, it can also offer a great place to host guests for private dinners with a vinyl record player and large lounge area.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

A reservation at our Nobu Restaurant is always guaranteed when you stay. We prioritize our in-house guests and can even do a full dining experience in-room if you are looking for a more intimate experience.

The living area of the penthouse suite at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

How about one more fun fact about the property?

We have a stunning space called the White Box with floor to ceiling windows looking out directly onto one of the local Marylebone streets. It’s a versatile space, transforming every few months into a bespoke space, from an art gallery to a coffee shop to a wellness pop-up.

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Spencer Yeo to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Clubhouse Suites which we only have five of at the hotel (one on every floor).

The Clubhouse Suite at Treehouse Hotel London

What makes them so special?

They have a panoramic view of London and a beautiful brass bathtub to soak in and enjoy the views from. The views, the whimsical playful touches that remind you of your youth, the open spacious plan of the suite, and of course the comfiest king bed ever.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £350

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our famous window nooks which are in almost all of our rooms. They are the perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and read a book and switch off from the world and technology, even if just for five minutes.

Views from the Treehouse Hotel London

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The building was formerly the site of the Queen’s Hall concert hall which was bombed in 1941.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our Skyline King Rooms that end with ’11 on each floor as they are right in the middle of the corridor and, from our comfy window nook, you get perfect views of both Regents Street and the Marylebone neighborhood for great people watching.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have a secret candy spot in the hotel where everyone can come and help themselves 24 hours a day.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

We have a Paddington Bear in every room!

The Clubhouse Suite at Treehouse Hotel London

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Makeup by Chelsea Gehr for Exclusive Artists using Make Up For Ever

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Eva Mount to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The BoTree Suite on the seventh floor

The Welbeck Suite at The BoTree

What makes it so special?

The BoTree Suite is perfect for entertaining in, with its separate dining room, living space and dressing room. The BoTree Suite can be combined with adjoining suites to create a large wing with its own lift entrance, ideal for those looking to host the ultimate private retreat. It’s also the stunning views across London and the design details that make it so special, with its vibrant flower woven ceiling.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £6,000

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The design elements of the hotel are particularly interesting, with the vibrant and bright feel taking it away from the more traditional hotel style that can be found in this market.

The bar at Lavo at The BoTree

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Marylebone Lane Suites. The amenities were planned for the hotel based on these suites so they became a blueprint of what we felt would work best across the hotel. I also love them because they are the largest two-bedroom suites that we have, and they have both a bar and a living room.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Upon entering you are greeted by a residential style foyer, double doors then open up to a luxurious and spacious dressing room, complete with marble finishes, mirrors and brass touches. This unexpected entrance creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, setting the tone for the rest of the room and creating a buffer zone between the entrance and the bedroom, allowing guests to truly feel as though they are entering their own private sanctuary. The dressing area offers the flexibility to either seamlessly blend into the room, contributing to a spacious loft-like ambiance, or to ensure enhanced privacy and intimacy through the use of translucent sliding doors.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

All of our guests have access to hosts on each floor, who are on-hand to provide 24/7 service for all rooms.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our lobby also serves as an art gallery, showcasing the works of local artists, creating a dynamic space that celebrates the local art community. A central, 3D printed sculpture, titled “The Bo Roots” reflects the roots of The BoTree and is made from London’s recycled coffee cups.

The BoTree

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One of the beachfront pools at Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Yannick Sorro to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

A Calablanca Family Suite

What makes it so special?

These suites (of which there are five) are perfect for larger families or groups of friends traveling together, providing an ideal setting for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. They measure 118 to 138 square meters and guests can choose of two king beds or a combination of one king bed and two twin beds. These one-of-a-kind retreats offer distinct living and relaxation areas carefully curated for the enjoyment of guests including a thoughtfully designed seating area and a private terrace boasting a Jacuzzi for an indulgent soak while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Inspired by the rich biodiversity of the region, the design incorporates natural fibers, textures and locally crafted artisanal details. Accents of stone and exotic wood with a color palette that evokes the Colombian seaside and landscape creates a unique synergy between nature and architectural design.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $1,060

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Its expansive beach area, a unique offering not found in Cartagena or elsewhere in Barú. Distinguished as the first luxury beach property in Colombia under an international brand (Sofitel), the hotel also proudly hosts the island of Barú’s inaugural convention center.

Calablanca restaurant at Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Barú Suite where guests can take in breathtaking views of the Caribbean from their own private balcony.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Located at the main entrance is “Libertad,” a sculpture by Colombian artist Nardy Getiva that embodies women’s empowerment. This piece transcends traditional sculpture, portraying a woman as a symbol of strength and resilience. The title, meaning “freedom” in Spanish, signifies breaking free from societal constraints.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We craft each guest’s experience with a personal touch, attentively anticipating and fulfilling their desires. Surprise elements play a pivotal role in this. These aren’t just mere gestures; they are thoughtful, bespoke experiences crafted to delight and astonish. From an unexpected complimentary bottle of champagne waiting in your room, to a specially arranged turn-down service with a local touch, each surprise is carefully designed to create lasting memories. Our aim is to go beyond standard luxury—it’s about creating moments that are as unique as each of our guests, resonating with their individual preferences and stories.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Its LEED certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability in a biodiverse region. Exquisitely and sustainably designed to seamlessly blend in with its tropical landscape of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Sofitel Barú is the first luxury hotel on the island and the first LEED certified property in the region. The resort’s design follows bioclimatic principles, optimizing natural light and reducing energy use, further enhancing guest comfort and minimizing environmental impact. This approach not only aligns with eco-conscious values but also offers a luxury experience that is both responsible and attuned to the natural beauty of Barú.

The lobby reception at Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort

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What sets this property apart?

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the latest chapter in the Fontainebleau legacy that blurs the line between the glamour of the past and the luxury of the future. We’re bringing an impressive array of amenities, spa, dining, nightlife, entertainment and gaming to the resort, with one key differentiator being our attention to detail and how that translates through every interaction at the resort. Entertainment will continue to lie at the heart of our offerings with partners like Live Nation, who books talents for our BleauLive theater, and David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality, who’s bringing LIV nightclub and LIV Beach to the property.

What’s special about this location?

As the newest resort to debut on the northern end of the Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas sits directly next to the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion, allowing meetings and convention guests seamless access from our dedicated South Lobby to the convention hall. Another differentiator is how accessible the resort is. Historically, Las Vegas properties were built horizontally. Our hotel and amenities are all integrated around the unique and elegant podium-like shape of the resort, creating a seamless experience for guests in which they can easily access their desired destination.

What hospitality partners are you collaborating with?

We pride ourselves on being trendsetters in the luxury hospitality space and look forward to introducing 36 food and beverage concepts to the competitive Las Vegas market. Spanning more than 188,000 square feet throughout multiple locations at the resort, our world-class restaurant and bar collection features carefully curated collaborations with globally renowned chefs and restaurant partners like chefs Gabriela Cámara, Josh Capon and Evan Funke and restaurateurs David ‘Papi’ Einhorn, David Rodolitz and Alan Yau.

What’s your favorite design element of the property?

Certain design elements throughout Fontainebleau Las Vegas are a nod to the vision of Morris Lapidus, the iconic architect who designed Fontainebleau Miami Beach. An array of design partners, led by Fontainebleau Development’s EVP of design, John Rawlins, worked together to ensure each space pays tribute to the original Fontainebleau through architecture, color palette and its signature art deco motifs.

What do you love about Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing cities in the world. The city is in the midst of a cultural and tourism renaissance, boasting the highest tourism occupancy since 2020. As one of the strongest lodging markets in the country, it strategically made sense for us to bring the Fontainebleau brand to the Strip and usher in a new era of luxury hospitality in the destination. Miami and Las Vegas are both cultural hubs, and we are excited for the potential that Las Vegas holds as a city that continually reinvents itself as a world-class destination.

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Nevertheless, it’s understandable if she feels otherwise. She’s maintained a nonstop schedule lately, with several projects awaiting release this year, most notably the certain-to-be-a-hit comedy The Out-Laws, which will premiere on Netflix July 7.

She’s had an enduring career after gaining recognition in 2006 for her three-year stint on the long-running TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation. She garnered next-level fame and recognition with her follow-up series The Vampire Diaries (and, later, its spin-off The Originals). Playing a dual role on the hit nocturnal drama, Dobrev developed a fervent fan following that continues to this day.

“I was very lucky,” she recalls of that period. The series was filmed in Atlanta, where she and her fellow cast members, including Ian Somerhalder and Kat Graham, weren’t constantly stalked by paparazzi. “We were able to live relatively normal lives until we flew out for some big press event. I think that was a really healthy way to grow up, considering that we were on a very popular show.”

Jumpsuit, $13,300, HERMÈS, hermes.com. Sandals, $795, DOLCE & GABBANA, dolcegabbana.com. Earrings in 18k white gold with diamonds, $254,000, bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds, price upon request, rings in 18k white gold with diamonds, $11,600–$24,200, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, vancleefarpels.com

During the series’ eight-year run, Dobrev found time for many other projects, including the buddy comedy Let’s Be Cops, the contemporary queer classic The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the big-screen blockbuster XXX: Return of Xander Cage. And she hasn’t stopped working since its finale, appearing in the action thriller Lucky Day and the popular Netflix rom-com Love Hard. Simultaneously, her online profile has grown exponentially, and she currently has bragging rights to more than 26 million Instagram followers. To put it into perspective, that’s 7 million more followers than Madonna.

When informed of this, Dobrev takes a long pause. “Wow, I’m still trying to absorb that,” she finally says. “I didn’t realize that. I’m such a fan of hers.”

With such recognition, there comes an equal amount of responsibility to be a positive role model for her impressionable fans. “I don’t take it that seriously, to be honest,” she admits. “I forget that I have that many followers. I try to lead an authentic life and post whatever is happening in my life, and also keep some privacy in some areas of my life if I can.”

She stops to consider her social media influence on others and its effect on her own life. “There are amazing things that come from it,” she says. “It can also be unhealthy in a lot of ways. You have to manage that and make sure that you don’t get too consumed by it. Taking breaks is also really important for mental health, I think, as a lot of people have highlighted in recent years.”

Her latest project will likely elevate Dobrev’s fame even further. The Out-Laws is a raucous Adam Sandler–produced crime comedy in which Dobrev stars alongside Adam Devine, Ellen Barkin and Pierce Brosnan. Dobrev plays Parker, a free-spirited yoga instructor who is engaged to Devine’s straight-laced bank manager Owen, who begins to suspect that his future in-laws are bank-robbing outlaws. It’s a character she considers a departure, one that required her to spend at least 45 minutes each morning having tattoos applied to her body.

Devine, an uninhibited comic actor who has been friendly with Dobrev since the two appeared together in 2015’s The Final Girls and in an episode of Devine’s Comedy Central series Workaholics, predicts a long career for Dobrev. “She is a fantastic actress, and I think she is going to be around after I’m kicked to the curb.”

When informed of this, Dobrev smiles. “There’s no way he’s ever getting kicked to the curb, so let’s just set the record straight there,” she says with a laugh. “But, yeah, I’ll keep doing it as long as people want to keep watching the things that I make.” She pauses for a moment to reflect. “I’m doing this more than anything for creative expression, and because I love it so much. But, of course, I have other aspirations to continue producing. I directed a short last year and it’s doing the festival circuit. I’d love to direct a feature at some point. My aspirations still lie within this industry.”

Necklace in 18k white gold with diamonds, earrings in platinum with diamonds, prices upon request, BAYCO, bayco.com

Demonstrating her devotion to the industry, Dobrev was recently seen marching alongside picketers in the Writers Guild of America strike. It was no mere photo op; the actress is genuinely on the side of the people who create her characters and put words in her mouth. But her support is also personal: “I’ve written something that hasn’t been made yet,” she reveals. “With the threat of AI coming, I think it’s a complicated issue, but I do think it’s really important that a fair outcome is reached for everyone.”

Another project she’s helped bring to life is The League. Dobrev is an executive producer on the powerful documentary about the early years of the Negro Baseball League alongside musician and Oscar-winning documentarian Questlove. The film has just begun to travel the festival circuit. “It’s such an important story to tell the history of the league forming, as well as segregation that ultimately led to integration,” she says.

On the rare day when she isn’t working, Dobrev likes to sleep in late as late as her body will allow her. “I’ll have a matcha and walk my dog, Maverick, go to the gym or do a Pilates class, steam and sauna, watch a movie, order takeout and go to bed early. That’s like my perfect, perfect day.”

Unlike other influencers of her stature, there’s one thing Dobrev wants to keep private: her three-year relationship with three-time Olympic gold medal–winning snowboarder Shaun White.

In April, when asked about the possibility of an engagement to Dobrev, White replied that, after finishing his Olympic career in 2022, he finally has the freedom to do whatever he wants and claimed the two were just enjoying their time together. “But you never know,” he added coyly. “We’ll see what happens.”

Although the couple has reportedly begun cohabitating, their families have spent holidays together, and they attended the L.A. premiere of The Out-Laws arm-in-arm, Dobrev is cautious about discussing their relationship.

Whatever the future may bring, Dobrev has jam-packed her summer with plans. “I have trips to Europe planned and friends’ weddings to attend,” she says. “I want to walk my dog and hopefully get some sleep.”

It will be a well-earned rest.

Blazer, $2,995, DOLCE & GABBANA, dolcegabbana.com. Earrings in 18k white gold with diamonds, price upon request, KARMA EL KHALIL, karmaelkhalil.com

Bodysuit, $1,005, PHILOSOPHY, philosophyofficial.com. Ear cuff in 18k white gold with diamonds, bracelet and ring in platinum with diamonds, prices upon request, JACOB & CO., jacobandco.com

Jacket, $4,000, blouse, $7,500, skirt, $7,000, shoes, $1,690, VALENTINO, valentino.com. Bra, $98, CHANTELLE, chantelle.com. Earrings in 18k gold and platinum with rock crystal and diamonds, $42,000, bracelet in 18k gold and platinum with rock crystal and diamonds, $48,000, ring in 18k gold and platinum with rock crystal and diamonds, $34,000, DAVID WEBB, davidwebb.com. Rings in white gold with diamonds, $2,850–$3,350, POMELLATO, pomellato.com

Jacket, $3,590, blouse, $1,390, skirt, $1,950, shoes, $1,090, SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, ysl.com. Watch, price upon request, PIAGET, piaget.com. Earrings and ring in 18k white gold with diamonds, prices upon request, CHOPARD, chopard.com. Ring, $5,420, DINH VAN, dinhvan.com

Top and bralette, price upon request, DIOR, dior.com. Pants, $2,495, boots, $2,495, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, brunellocucinelli.com. Watch, $7,500, BULGARI, bulgari.com. Ring in white gold with rock crystal and diamonds, price upon request, BOUCHERON, boucheron.com. Ring in 18k white gold with diamonds, $7,885, LIONHEART, lionheartjewelry.com

Coat, $2,190, briefs, $895, SPORTMAX, sportmax.com. Bra, $68, CUUP, shopcuup.com. Earrings and necklace, prices upon request, MESSIKA, messika.com

Hair: Christopher Naselli at The Wall Group
Makeup: Lisa Aharon at The Wall Group
Manicure: Gina Edwards
Producer: Mariana Suplicy
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Hillary Sproul
Shot at the Hard Rock Hotel New York

The post Naturally Nina Dobrev appeared first on DuJour.

There are her roles in some of the best (and most rewatched) comedies of the past decade, like Bridesmaids, Neighbors, Spy and, most recently, Spirited, opposite Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.

There are the family films she’s lent her voice to, from the hugely successful Peter Rabbit movies to this summer’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, out in early August.

There are the charming, underrated indie movies in which she’s made a particularly relatable impression, including The Meddler, opposite Susan Sarandon, and Juliet, Naked, with Ethan Hawke.

She’s also starred in horror movies, including most of the Insidious franchise—the fifth installment, subtitled The Red Door, comes out in July—and on stage, including a revival of You Can’t Take It With You with James Earl Jones on Broadway and a production of Medea, opposite her real-life partner, actor Bobby Cannavale, at BAM in 2020, just before the pandemic.

And that’s not even taking into account her innumerable television roles, from her breakout on Damages, with Glenn Close, to her glowing personification of Gloria Steinem in FX’s limited series Mrs. America.

In the last few years, perhaps unexpectedly, Byrne has become, basically, a poster girl for Apple TV+. In August, she returns with a third season of her series Physical, a dark comedy in which she plays Sheila Rubin, a San Diego housewife with an eating disorder who finds solace in the world of aerobics in the early 1980s.

But before it comes Platonic, which premiered on Apple in late May. This series feels like a more obvious choice for Byrne, given her comedy past; she stars as Sylvia, a lawyer-turned-mom married to Luke MacFarlane, who reconnects with a newly divorced old friend, played by Byrne’s frequent collaborator Seth Rogen. Their relationship stays relatively, well, platonic, but, as happens in half-hour comedies, it ends up complicating the romantic elements in both of their lives.

Platonic was co-created and directed by Nicholas Stoller, who is a particularly important cog in the Rose Byrne metaverse. He directed her and Rogen in both Neighbors films, as well as in 2010’s Get Him to the Greek. Byrne describes the latter movie as “my break in comedy.”

“She’s just so game,” says Stoller of why he’s found Byrne to be something of a comic muse. “She’s probably the most game actor I’ve ever worked with. On Platonic, she’s having a midlife nervous breakdown. In another actor’s hands, it would have felt too heavy or too silly, but she’s somehow able to find the perfect balance and make it completely human.”

Perhaps a reason why Byrne is able to hop from project to project with such seeming ease is because she often collaborates with a team of regulars. “When you’ve worked with people before, you have a nice ability to fall back into rhythm within a few weeks,” says Byrne one afternoon at a café near her Brooklyn home. “You’re like, ‘Oh, that’s right. This is how this ecosystem works together.’”

Collaborating with Stoller and Rogen on this latest series was just “a nice space to be back in again.”

“We’re just happy to make people laugh,” she adds. “There were many days I couldn’t get through the scene [because I was] laughing [so hard].”

Byrne uses the same word to describe Rogen that Stoller used to describe her. “Seth is just always game,” Byrne says. “He’s always got a take on an idea that’s unique, subversive and very interesting. I love that about his work and his comedy. He’s a sweetheart. Just because you’re a funny person doesn’t mean you’re a funny actor, and vice versa.”

Byrne admits that the Neighbors films, in which she and Rogen play a married couple terrorized by their frat boy neighbor, played by Zac Efron, have a “raunchier” tone than Platonic. The new show, she explains, is a slightly more mature and “interesting examination of a male-female friendship. It’s very rare to see that other than in Seinfeld, really.”

She adds that the show “raises important questions about the friendships that existed in a time pre-marriage and career, and whether those friendships can still exist.”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Byrne’s role on Physical is, well, a lot more physical. There’s a lot of working out, both on-set and off. “But that’s one of the perks of that job,” she says. “To have this big training three times a week. I see why it’s addictive, but it’s a show about addiction. That kind of exercise is really hard, but it’s the way [I get] into that character.”

“She makes it all seem so easy, but she works so hard,” says Zooey Deschanel, who appears opposite Byrne in the third season of Physical as a TV star who enters her aerobics sphere. “But she’s an absolute joy to work with. She’s extraordinarily easygoing and calm on set.”

Interestingly enough, both Physical and Platonic tackle the subjects of marriage, motherhood and work-life balance. These are the big issues Byrne must clearly grapple with off-screen, too. The 43-year-old actress lives with Cannavale in Brooklyn with their two sons, Rocco, 7, and Rafa, 5.

Clearly one solution for their partnership is working together, as in Medea. This fall, they’ll appear opposite Robert De Niro in Ezra, a drama that casts them as a divorced couple who disagree about how to raise their autistic son.

In a slight departure from her typical family, horror and comedic fare, Inappropriate Behavior is a drama. But Byrne is not intimidated.

As Stoller says, “She can switch between comedy and drama at the drop of a hat. She’s just a comedy and acting machine.”

“Rose has this extraordinary quality of being simultaneously gentle and fierce,” says Inappropriate Behavior director Tony Goldwyn, also an actor. “She always surprises with the subtlety and complexity of her choices.”

As for the complexity of Byrne’s off-screen choices, after spending much of the peak pandemic months in Australia while Cannavale filmed Nine Perfect Strangers, then going to Los Angeles for Physical and Platonic, she is quite happy to take a beat back in New York with her family.

“I really enjoy being back in the city,” she says. “What I love about New York is that you walk around and just run into people all day. That doesn’t really happen in California. We love the city and Bobby loves the city, so we’re not going to go any time soon.”

Being back in New York also means a more regular routine and day-to-day life. “I’m taking a break after having done jobs continuously,” Byrne says. “I’m enjoying the role of being a mom, and I’m looking forward to having a nice summer.”

As for how she handles that hugely important role of mom with two boys under 8, “I need structure,” she says, “otherwise they’ll just go stir crazy in the house. It’s fun to get out, and there’s always lots to do in the city with kids. Or we can just take them to the park.”

At the same time, Byrne is eager for the next thing. Some might even say she was “game” for anything.

Most of all, “I’d love to get back on stage. I would love to revisit that again,” Byrne says. “It’s such a rigorous muscle to work, and it’s also the most extraordinary experience to just exist in that moment. Every performance is different.”

But she’s also happy to continue to grow the Rose Byrne comedic metaverse. Now that she and Rogen have played spouses and best friends, what could be next? The possibilities are endless.

“I have such respect for comedy,” Byrne says, beaming. “I think it’s really hard. I think it’s hard to make it look effortless. I certainly work at it.”

Hair: Harry Josh at Statement Artists
Makeup: Hung Vanngo at The Wall Group
Manicure: Julie Kandalec
Producer: Mariana Suplicy
Styling Assistants: Francesca Lazaro, Kristen Setter, Dawson Hieger (Hair), Jayden Ho Pham (Makeup)
Shot on location at Olympia Dumbo in Brooklyn

The post La Vie En Rose Byrne appeared first on DuJour.

DuJour spoke with Jacu Strauss, the creative director at the LORE Group and Riggs Washington D.C., to learn more about all the hidden gems at this property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 601, The Ida McKinley Suite, one of our four first lady suites. It’s located on a beautiful corner of the sixth floor with views of Penn Quarter and the National Portrait Gallery.

What makes it so special?

The design of the suite is inspired by Ida Mckinley, First Lady of the United States at the turn of the 19th Century and wife of President William McKinley. She loved flowers and decorated The White House with plenty of flora. This love of flowers and plants were the inspiration for this suite, and the bold pink and purple palette is an abstract interpretation of this, and also a nod to the annual Cherry Blossom season in DC. All of the pieces are unique to this suite, with many of them being antiques I bought locally during my time living in the city. Even the minibar safe is customized to match the pink tones of the suite. The floral wallcoverings in the bedroom are by Voutsa, with whom we created custom prints for the majority of the rooms at the hotel.

A Riggs suite at Riggs Washington D.C.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

The suite costs around $1,000 per night.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

I love of all the uncovered hints, symbols and secrets of this building’s history as a grand, golden age bank buildings from the late 19th century, and the way we incorporated it into the story of Riggs. We found a profile medallion on the frames of the original brass doors with Juno Moneta the Roman goddess of funds or money. We loved the way she looked both confident and elegant and this is what we wanted Riggs to look and feel.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

We discovered a hidden concrete vault which is now The Cabinet Room in Silver Lyan, our lower ground floor bar. We uncovered the original tiled floor and metal ceiling during the refurbishment, which we retained in their original state. We then found mysterious secret chambers filled with angled mirrors, these allowed people to check if any ambitious thieves were trying to tunnel into the vault to steal the personal treasures of DC’s most notable residents and families.

Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington D.C.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

I love the glass and wood display case in Café Riggs filled with giant paper flowers, it’s actually two stories in height. The flowers were made and designed in collaboration between myself and Mio Gallery. I actually personally installed and arranged the flowers in the cabinet. The installation plays on the Grand scale of the public areas.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

This would actually be another secret room. During the refurbishment we discovered another smaller, secret vault with original safe doors and metal clad interior. We turned this into a secret lounge and bar for special visitors and groups. And what makes it more magical is that you have to walk through the hotel gym in order to get to it, so it really is well hidden.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

In a building like this I need more than one! There is an original marble staircase in the main arrival lobby that goes nowhere, it just ends.  The room numbers are displayed as plates resembling traditional safety deposit boxes.  All the mirrors in the public areas are made with silver leaf, a nod to coins and noble metals used to make precious items and very relative to banking.

Café Riggs at Riggs Washington D.C.

The post Room Request! Riggs Washington DC appeared first on DuJour.

Like as a tiny backup singer and dancer behind Cher in the music video of “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss),” from the soundtrack of her film debut, the 1990 movie Mermaids. Or as disgruntled camper Wednesday Addams torturing camp counselor Christine Baranski in Addams Family Values—camp being the operative word here. As the steadfast lover to Charlize Theron’s serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 film Monster. As a nymphomaniac chained to a radiator in 2006’s controversial Black Snake Moan. As 19th-century ax murderer Lizzie Borden in The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 2016.

And it just so happens that Ricci is breaking out again, this time in the hit series Yellowjackets, which returns to Showtime this spring. She plays Misty Quigley, a nurse whose behavior tends more sociopathic than empathetic. (She moonlights as an armchair internet sleuth.) Misty becomes caught up in a mystery related to her past, when her high school soccer team was involved in a deadly plane crash.

Critics have gone wild for Ricci’s performance. Just some of the headlines include “Misty Quigley Is Terrifying and Fascinating,” “In Defense of Misty Quigley, Yellowjackets’ Unsung Heroine” and “How Misty Quigley Became Yellowjackets’ Best Character.”

The Yellowjackets producers “came to me with this part,” says Ricci, who didn’t know much about Misty except for a short, poppy scene in the pilot. “But I read it and was super, super excited.”

“We can’t imagine anyone else in this role,” say series creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson. “We always knew that Misty needed to be played by an actress with both amazing comedic timing and incredible depth and humanity. It would have been all too easy for her to become a caricature, as opposed to a flesh-and-blood human for whom we can feel empathy, even as she says and does wild, unthinkable things. Luckily, Christina has an incredible ability to find the truth in even the most heightened circumstances.”

Another actress might be insulted by being recruited to play a psychopath. Not Ricci.

“It’s flattering. I’m very intrigued by people’s behavior who seem to be on the fringe, who don’t react like the norm,” Ricci says. “When someone comes to you and says, ‘This is a really strange character. Nobody seems to get her. Can you use your insight and intelligence to figure her out?’ I think it means I have an understanding of humanity and an observational ability. I’m proud of that. I enjoy playing characters that if you didn’t have a sideways way into it, you wouldn’t be able to do it.”

If you met her in real life, “you’d stay as far away from Misty as possible,” Ricci continues. She believes audiences have responded so positively to the character because “she’s so socially inept, and I think that’s funny to people.” Also, because she’s just a character in a television series, “we don’t really have to deal with her in person.”

Ricci also appears in the Netflix hit Wednesday, a contemporary spin on the character she so memorably played in the early 1990s. Jenna Ortega now plays Wednesday, while Ricci stars as her “normie” teacher, Marilyn Thornhill, who may not be exactly who she claims to be.

Ricci joined the series when there were only four episodes left to shoot. “I wasn’t hesitant at all. It was fun to be a part of the next generation of Wednesday Addams,” she explains. “And I love Tim [Burton] so much.” (Burton is an executive producer on Wednesday and directed four of the episodes. He and Ricci worked together on the 1999 movie Sleepy Hollow.)

Ricci thinks that people respond to her and Ortega’s Wednesday because they both have “so much integrity and are unwilling to bend to societal pressures. That’s really wonderful, especially in a little girl.” Audiences can live vicariously, she says, “and truly be themselves.”

Playing Wednesday Addams in her childhood was particularly important for Ricci, she says. “It made me aware that I could play characters I wouldn’t have to sacrifice myself for. I never liked the typical family fare. I never liked the kid who had to smile constantly and be fake and phony. To know that there was an option for me filled me with hope. I think a lot of people have felt like they were outsiders in different parts of their lives. They’ve felt lonely, like nobody understands them.”

Now 43 and the mom of two kids, Ricci does admit, “I’m not a typical person.”

“I can’t join groups,” she says. “I never agree. I have specific interests and feelings. My take will always be different. I’m very comfortable with it. I don’t need people to agree with me to be friends with them.”

Ricci continues, “I’ll always be the one that doesn’t like the person everyone else likes.” People tend not to ask her feelings about new movies and television shows. “They know I won’t give my opinion, because it’s always the opposite. My tastes differ. Usually it’s me not liking other things that people like.”

It just so happens that Ricci, who has about an hour a day to watch television, is currently enjoying HBO’s The Last of Us, which most people do, generally, seem to like. “OK, sometimes I do love things that everybody else likes,” she says.

As for the group thing, Ricci says she’s more of a “one-on-one friend. Most of my friends don’t know each other.” When I ask if she’s in a book club—Ricci starred as Zelda Fitzgerald in Amazon Prime’s Z: The Beginning of Everything, which she also produced—she responds quickly, “God, no.” (Recent favorite reads, though, include Circe by Madeline Miller and a collection of Shirley Jackson stories.)

That said, Ricci has found great camaraderie in her Yellowjackets cast, which also includes Hollywood lifers Juliette Lewis and Melanie Lynskey.

“This has been a great on-set experience. We all really, really love each other a lot,” Ricci says. “I’ve never been so close with people I’ve worked with. We’ve all been through similar things. We all share stories between set-ups. We bullshit. It’s great.”

Ricci thinks the closeness comes from being older “and not in our confusing, emotion-filled twenties. When you’re older, you settle a bit.”

“We’re all friends working on projects. We all support each other. We really want the best for the show,” she continues. “We’ve all been through similar things. A lot of us have kids.”

The support has been especially important because shooting season two in Vancouver, far from her family in Los Angeles, wasn’t the easiest. Ricci has an 8-year-old son, Freddie, from her first marriage, and a 14-month-old daughter, Cleopatra, from her second, to Los Angeles hairstylist Mark Hampton.

“I’m glad I waited,” says Ricci of choosing to have a second child. “I would feel so much guilt if I wasn’t fully attentive to her. When [Freddie] was younger, I gave him full attention. He got to have that special babyhood and childhood, and now he’s able to help with his sister. There’s not a lot of jealousy. He loves her.”

Freddie is now around the age Ricci was when her star began to rise, and he has a little bit of the acting bug. “Yes, he’s interested in acting, and I’m a believer that if a kid really wants to do it, and they’re being supported instead of being pushed, then they should be able to,” Ricci explains. “I see a lot of how I was in him. I know that he would be totally capable of being a child actor, but I’ve told him that there’s no one to take him. You have to take your child to auditions. You have to take them to set. I can’t do that.”

For now, Freddie has made due with watching his mom’s past performances, including as the original Wednesday and on Wednesday. “He loved it so much,” Ricci says. “He’s really proud of me. He always asks, ‘How did they do this scene?’ and ‘How did they do that sort of thing?’ I think it’s funny.”

The first time Freddie visited her on the Yellowjackets set, he wanted to watch the first season of the show, which has its share of gore and thrills. “I fast-forwarded through all the inappropriate parts,” Ricci laughs. “He has a lot of questions. He always needs me to tell him what happens, and he peppers me with nonstop—what do they call them?—fan theories.”

Most of the questions, of course, Ricci doesn’t know the answers to. “I suggested he go sit down with one of the writers and ask them,” she says.

The truth is, sometimes Ricci only reads the Yellowjackets scenes that involve the present-day characters and skims the rest. She doesn’t get to see a lot of the show being shot, and she likes to watch the episodes and be surprised. “I do enjoy watching it as an audience member. It’s really fun,” Ricci says. “Though my son tells me not to skim.”

Ricci is not surprised that, after more than 30 years, she continues to work steadily in film and television. “There’s always work to be found,” she says. “It’s my job. I’ve always supported myself and my family, and it feels more like my job than ‘I get to do a special project and then go back to my life.’”

That said, the success of Yellowjackets and our cultural obsession with Misty wasn’t something she had in her sightlines.

“I never would have predicted this,” Ricci says. “But I also never try to guess.”

Hair: Anh Co Tran at The Wall Group 
Makeup: Allan Avendano at A-Frame Agency 
Manicure: Zola Ganzorigt at The Wall Group 
Producer: Aiden Tyler Lee 
Styling Assistants: Cherry Wang, Gilbert Villa, Alexis Kossel
Shot on location in Bel Air, Los Angeles, at 1859 Bel Air Road

The post The Cult of Christina Ricci appeared first on DuJour.

From wine country adventures at the new Stanly Ranch in Napa Valley to blissful beach days at Etéreo in Riviera Maya, Mexico, slope side pursuits in Aspen at Hotel Jerome and back-to-nature comforts at Wildflower Farms in upstate New York, the new honeymoon registry offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable and one-of-a-kind moments. Over The Moon couples who register for three or more nights at any Auberge Resorts Collection property will receive special upgrades, experiences and gifts. Additionally, a selection of twelve bespoke packages have been curated exclusively for Over The Moon brides and grooms by the hospitality group (think romantic private dinners in unique settings, helicopter wine tastings, couples massages, hiking experiences and more).

The post We’re Over The Moon About This New Travel Registry appeared first on DuJour.

“How come you can’t be like the other moms?” Hayek Pinault recalls Valentina asking her at the time. “You’re just not cool and chic.”

Of course, when Salma Hayek Pinault shows up at the Spaniards Inn, a historic pub that appears in works by Bram Stoker and Charles Dickens and is not far from her home in Hampstead Heath, she’s the epitome of cool. Stepping out of a BMW, fashionably late and fierce, she comes in jeans and a Gucci jacket (her husband, Valentina’s father, is Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault), wearing no makeup, with a handsome driver in tow who’d fit in quite nicely with a crowd out of Kingsman.

But raising a teenager? That’s a different story. In that conversation, Hayek Pinault told her daughter that when Valentina was little, their friend and neighbor Charlotte Gainsbourg—whose mother, Jane Birkin, is the namesake of the covetable bag—would often carry and play with her. Isn’t that a lot cooler than knowing what a Birkin is?

Valentina asked her mom why she hadn’t told her earlier. Hayek Pinault felt that knowing about a Birkin at that age wasn’t necessary.

“I said, ‘I would never do that. You’re right, I’m not like other moms and I refuse,’” Hayek Pinault remembers, sipping on a late-afternoon cup of black coffee in a quiet corner of the pub. “We don’t talk a lot about brands at home with the family. It’s more about artistic expression.”

When she and her daughter are in the U.S., “we love going to Target,” Hayek Pinault adds. “It’s funny, because you end up spending a lot more than you thought you would.”

Still, with Kering owning such companies as Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, Hayek Pinault must have a pretty serious wardrobe. She admits she does, and she’s proud to chime in that Valentina “steals from my closet all the time. If she didn’t, I would feel beat down.”

She elaborates. “I want to be angry about not finding a thing or two in there because I know she took it,” Hayek Pinault admits of her daughter’s occasional ransacking. “I want to have that contradiction in my life. It’s a passage of age. It’s a connection. I might not be cool, but at least she must have liked one thing I had in there.”

When Hayek Pinault told her kids (Valentina, her stepdaughter Mathilde, 21, and two stepsons) she’d been cast in the sequel Magic Mike’s Last Dance, which would involve the actress in potentially provocative scenes with a negligibly clothed Channing Tatum, they didn’t blink. A racy still from the film shows the actress with her hand on Tatum’s abs.

“They know Channing. They know [his girlfriend] Zoë Kravitz. They know what Magic Mike is. They knew I was going to make it. They grew up with me doing this job, and their father is so cool about it and understands it so well, so there’s never been an issue,” Hayek Pinault says.

There was just one concern about the movie: “As long as you don’t have to do the cheesy dance,” Valentina said. “As long as you don’t have to do the Pony,” referring to an iconic dance Tatum does to Ginuwine’s song “Pony” in the first Magic Mike. “I said, ‘No, I don’t have to. Don’t worry about it.’ I’d read the script, and I knew I wasn’t doing the Pony.”

Pony or not, says Tatum, “the fact that Salma was interested in our story was a blessing. She’s an icon.”

Tatum might have second thoughts were he to look at the bio on Hayek Pinault’s Instagram account. Valentina, for one, thinks it’s the “cheesiest thing in the world.” Instead of, say, “actress, activist, bombshell, recent Lady Gaga co-star in House of Gucci,” it’s a description of the actress told in a series of nearly 100 emojis. These include a fist bump, a unicorn, a crystal ball, a whale, a bottle of Champagne, two glasses of Champagne, a lipstick, a kiss, a squid…and it goes on. It’s really quite remarkable and sweet and, yes, cheesy.

Hayek Pinault, who has 22 million followers on the platform but says she often forgets to post, laughs when it comes up. “I like a lot of things, and it’s too complicated to think of a way to describe myself in words,” she says. She explains that, as an actress, an artist and a mother, she’s certainly sensitive, “but what saves me a lot is myself and my sense of humor. I don’t want to try to be cool. I want to laugh.”

Friends, in particular appreciate that about her. “I love her open, hearty, unselfconscious laugh, her dancing with freedom and mirth, and her commitment to her growth, creatively and personally,” says her pal Ashley Judd, who met Hayek Pinault in 1995 and played opposite the actress in Frida. “ I love her devotion to female alliances and her connected way of knowing just about everyone, it seems, and how she brings people together.”

Hayek Pinault doesn’t just bring people together; she also does it with animals. As a gift to her husband, she gave him a pet rescue owl and named the bird “Kering.” Wait. Back up. Did he ask for an owl? She shakes her head no.

“But that was my way of having one,” Hayek Pinault says, with a wink. “She loves me.” (She means the owl.)

Having an owl named Kering can’t possibly beat having a husband who runs Kering. But, especially as Gucci has surged in popularity these last few years, there is a downside. People are always asking her for a discount.

“Oh, my God, it’s a problem. It’s crazy,” Hayek Pinault says, while acknowledging that it is not the worst problem to have. “But it happens much more than you would think. I’ve had situations where a doctor I’ve seen for a long time brings it up. I’ve had journalists ask me for it. My daughter gets asked for it at school.”

Hayek Pinault says she understands the urge. “I would want it, too,” she says. But she makes a point to not interfere with her husband’s business. “I wouldn’t do that to him,” she explains. “I don’t want to be in a position of who I give it to and who I don’t. I feel so mortified and uncomfortable, and I don’t want these people to feel like they’re not appreciated. So I stay out of it. I don’t give Gucci discounts.”

The family lives in London because that’s where Valentina goes to school, and Pinault has offices in London and Paris. “I need green. I need nature,” she says. “I love this area. I like the plants. I like the good oxygen. I like to go walk in the park.”

Still, time zone-wise, it’s a full nine hours later than Hollywood, which means she has to do the “double shift.” She has a full day in London, which involves working on her philanthropic causes, among other things, but at 5 p.m. London time, Los Angeles starts to wake up and she shifts focus to her acting and producing projects. There are phone calls until midnight, she says; Hayek Pinault doesn’t use a computer or email (except for her daughter’s school communications).

“I’m either working or tired,” she says. Add in the fact that she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, and “that sometimes makes you very reclusive.”

Living in London also gives her a sense of freedom to do what she wants. “I don’t feel like I have to wear this or be this or do this movie. I don’t need to belong to a box,” she explains. “I like to do whatever I want to do.”

(One thing she does not want to do is theater. “I throw up. I get panic attacks.” She got her start playing Jasmine in a production of the story of Aladdin in Mexico. In rehearsals, everything was great. The first time she had an actual performance, which included being carried out from the wings on a bed, “I saw the audience, I jumped out and I started throwing up.”)

Besides the latest Magic Mike in February, directed by Steven Soderbergh, who also directed the actress in Traffic, she reprises her vocal role as Kitty Softpaws this holiday season opposite her friend Antonio Banderas in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a decade after the original. Then there’s Without Blood, a drama about a war-torn country based on the 2002 novel by Alessandro Baricco, opposite Mexican actor Demián Bichir. Though the film does not yet have a release date, it’s particularly notable because it was directed by Angelina Jolie, with whom Hayek Pinault became friends while making the Marvel movie The Eternals.

“I’ve never met anyone in my life that was more different than the public image,” Hayek Pinault says of Jolie. “She cares about people. She’s very present. She’s very empathetic. No fakeness. And, oh, God, she could have made this movie with anyone in the world. I didn’t want to play the character; I was really scared of the character. She suffers the entire movie. But I did want her to direct me. So of course I said yes.”

Sure, they share tips on how to be Hollywood moms, but making Without Blood took their relationship to the next level. “We are closer than ever,” Hayek Pinault says. “For both of us it was an amazing, life-changing experience.”

“Really,” Hayek Pinault adds, “It made me fall in love deeper and stronger with being an actress.”

Another experience she had on a film set this year was also particularly empowering. Hayek Pinault won’t name the movie, but when she walked on set, “I started sobbing.” That’s because she looked around and noticed that 80 percent of the people in key positions were women, including the director of photography, the camera operator and the whole sound department.

“I don’t know how long I’ve done this, but it was the first time I’ve seen that in 30 years or more,” she explains. “I waited my entire life for that moment.”

Hayek Pinault has, of course, been on the forefront of advocating for women, and not just in Hollywood. One of the most public situations was a moving and terrifying essay she wrote in 2017 for the New York Times, in which she described the struggles and hurdles of making 2002’s Frida Kahlo biopic Frida under the oppressive and sadistic hand of Harvey Weinstein.

“It took me months and months to write, and I wrote it myself. But I’ve never read it since,” she says. The Times chose the piece to include in its Pulitzer Prize submission packet in 2018. “And we won,” Hayek Pinault says. “That’s really nice for a dyslexic Mexican with questionable English.”

In the article, Hayek Pinault describes how she felt it was her duty to bring Frida Kahlo’s story to the screen. She had to see the project, directed by Julie Taymor, to fruition. “And I was very, very strong in front of [Weinstein]. I stood up. I knew that was the only way,” she recalls. “Harvey was scary, but I think he was also attracted to people not letting him walk over them.”

They had plenty of professional fights, she says, “but I never really got to tell him everything I thought about him—I just kept it all smooth. I never went and said, ‘You know what? You really hurt me.’ You don’t do that to an aggressor because you lose. They see you break and you’re done.”

The thing is, she concedes, “my story is not that special. I put it in the right words, but it happens in every walk of life.”

Frida ended up being nominated for six Oscars, including for Best Actress. It won two (Best Original Score and Best Makeup), though not with any help from Miramax, which was pushing Chicago and Gangs of New York at the time.

When the film was released, Hayek Pinault says, “I didn’t feel supported. I thought, We have so much to offer as women, and why does it have to be so hard?” Two decades later, the industry has made great strides towards representation and inclusivity, but “art needs to be courageous. We need to go to new places.”

Does she feel supported now by her peers? “Yes, now I do. But I’m 56. It took a while.”

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The Naum Wellness & Spa is a 10,000-square-foot hideaway in the center of the resort, home to six open and airy treatment cabins and two hydrotherapy areas, offering a complete, customized menu of refreshing and rejuvenating services, many of which incorporate indigenous Mayan methods. The spa recently debuted a new menu which incorporates many local and natural ingredients into the treatments, in addition to bringing in traditional Mayan rituals into the service.

DuJour spoke with Pascal Dupuis, Andaz Mayakoba’s general manager, to learn more about this special property.

The Presidential Suite pool at Andaz Mayakoba

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The beachfront Presidential Villa, room 3212

What makes it so special?

It is a 3-bedroom villa spanning 6,475 sq. ft. The villa features its own private swimming pool, but also has direct access to the pristine white sand beach.  The villa is highly sought after because of its privacy and exclusivity, and its ability to accommodate multi-generational families.  The perfect accommodation for a family looking to get away together during the festive season.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $3,500 per night

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

It has to be the connection with nature (beach, lagoon, forest, jungle, mangroves) and the connection with the Mexican culture through our architecture, design, artwork, activities, culinary experiences that will immerge you into this fascinating culture. And of course, all that around our dedication to a high level of personalized and approachable service. We understand that each guest has their own sense of service and the way it should be delivered.  We take pride in understanding what each guest is looking for and collectively as a team, we aim to deliver on that each and every time they stay at our property.  This approach translates to some of the best service scores within Hyatt, and the region as a whole.

A Lagoon Suite at Andaz Mayakoba

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

1031. It’s a Lagoon Suite in the most peaceful location of the resort. The view of the lagoon early morning with the birds and the turtles is just something else.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

The one favorite guest’s perk is the bike ride. You can take a bike anytime anywhere and go around Mayakoba. And our hidden gem is our talented culinary team who go above and beyond to impress and personalize the dining experience for all of our guests. Our mixology team who love learning about our guests alcohol and flavor profile preferences and then taking that information to create a one of a kind personalized cocktail. Our pastry chef is extremely talented and creates edible works of art that can be customized for a guest celebrating a special occasion.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The Sanctuary, our lobby which has been design as a cenote. It has a water feature and we know the Mayans used to do a lot of rituals with the sacred water. So the arrival experience puts our guests in the mood of the Mayan culture so they know they arrived in Mexico, in the Yucatan region with a strong Mayan culture.

Ocean views at Andaz Mayakoba

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18k rose and yellow and white gold and diamond Lock bracelets, $13,000, TIFFANY & CO., tiffany.com

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A room at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

DuJour spoke with Kratovil to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

What makes them so special?

Each loft has a private entrance that can be accessed from the shared courtyard between the guesthouse and the Observatory. The lofts are unique in that they are more spacious than a typical hotel room. They can accommodate 2-4 guests and feature a king size bed, twin XL bed and a pull-out sleeper sofa bed in the main space. The lofts are very versatile in that they can accommodate a variety of travelers (a family with small children, a group of friends visiting for a weekend getaway or business travelers).

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $250

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

A bathroom at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

It is a tie between the Library and the Crow’s Nest. Both completely different.  The crows nest has a large skylight that offers an unparalleled view of the Observatory while the Library with it custom woodwork and navy blue-tiled bathroom creates a cozy elegance.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The courtyard. I love the way it ties in with the historic Observatory and the guest house creating a wonderful spot for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The Observatory and its out buildings stood alone in the mid 1800s at the top of Munjoy Hill surrounded by pastoral farmland.

A room at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

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But what’s perhaps most appealing about Gravity Haus is its promise of living like a local. The hotel began as a community and connection space, and still offers membership options for Breck residents who want to be able to take a call between runs—ski or otherwise. The gym hosts well-attended classes, the hot tubs and second floor Japanese Onsen remain a neighborhood favorite, and the counter of the lobby café, Unravel, sees plenty of workers, laptops open, throughout the day.

And summer is an ideal time to visit. This year, Breck continues its 60th anniversary celebrations with summer fun that includes scenic lift rides, the Gold Runner Coaster, alpine slides, climbing wall, rope challenge courses, 4×4 tours, bungee trampolines, and more. Epic Pass holders also get extra savings on lodging and on-mountain food and drinks (and if you haven’t bought your 2022/23 pass yet, now’s a great time).

A guest room at Gravity Haus

DuJour spoke with Connor Pankow, the hotel’s general manager, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Trailblazer room.

What makes it so special?

It’s the unique versatility it offers to house a family of four in a hotel room environment. The secondary twin rooms allow privacy for the parents and the children, while still having the comfort and price of one hotel room.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $300

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

It was the first lodging operation for our rapidly growing company Gravity Haus, which now has fully-owned hotels in Breck, Vail, Winter Park, and Truckee. Additionally, we have partner hotels in Denver, Moab and Costa Rica, among other locations.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

My personal favorite room is the Crashpad. This room is perfect for group get together of up to eight people! It offers 2 queen bunk sets in a secluded part of the hotel room, while additionally offering a sleeper sofa in the main area. This accommodation is perfect for a guys’ weekend, a bachelorette get-together, or a large family!

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our super trampoline! It’s located on our  third floor rooftop. Guests and members of Gravity Haus are able to reserve the trampoline for 30 minutes sessions during our summer season. It is an absolute blast and no guest or member is able to jump without a smile on their face.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

I love the overall industrial design of the property, combined with a modern mountain taste. It is a very unique aesthetic that really fits our brand in Gravity Haus and our location in Breckenridge.

What’s your favorite thing about the property in the summer?

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The Bruce Weber-lensed photo shoot was Kardashian’s first shoot post-pregnancy announcement. Kardashian and Kanye West had been dating for less than a year at the time and the pregnancy announcement was, as Kardashian told DuJour, a nice surprise, as was the pregnancy itself. Doctors had told her that, like her sister Khloé, she would have a difficult time conceiving. “I just feel so blessed and excited and ready for the next phase,” she said, noting that 2012 was not her best year, and she’s grateful it’s over. At the time, Kardashian said of West: “My boyfriend has taught me a lot about privacy. I’m ready to be a little less open about some things, like my relationships. I’m realizing everyone doesn’t need to know everything. I’m shifting my priorities.” Since then, Kardashian and West were married and welcomed four children. In early 2021, it was announced that Kardashian had filed for divorce from West and most recently, Kardashian revealed she was in a relationship with Pete Davidson.

To celebrate the 2013 cover, Jason Binn had hosted a special luncheon for Kardashian where the mom-to-be at the time gushed about the experience. “I’m just so honored he wanted to work with me and humbled by the experience,” she said of Weber. “He shot Elizabeth Taylor and I’m obsessed with her so I was just really honored and this shoot came out so amazing!”

Weber said it was Kim’s complexities that drew him to her, and that her similarities to Taylor inspired much of the story. “I didn’t know Kim loved Elizabeth Taylor before we met, but I imagined she would,” said Weber, who regarded Taylor as a close friend. “The great thing about Kim is that she’s so strong and independent, but she also makes you want to take care of her. Working with her made me really miss Elizabeth.”

Like Elizabeth Taylor, Kardashian is a hopeless romantic, and her willingness to love, fail and love again is relatable. “Kimberly believes in fairy tales,” her sister Khloé told DuJour. “It’s the best part about her.”

The post A Look at Kim Kardashian’s Iconic <em>DuJour</em> Cover Shoot appeared first on DuJour.

Throughout the healthful weekend, guests were treated to an ancient shamanic blessing, participated in a women’s health discussion led by gut health specialist Dr. Nigma Talib, sound baths, yoga classes, snorkeling excursions, herbalist consultations and an intention-setting ceremony at sunset on the beach led by a Mayan shaman. A special dinner by chef Camille Becerra, who collaborated with Etéreo’s chef Miguel Baltazar, showcased plant-based dishes infused with House of Waris Teas. “It’s great to come to a place like this together,” said Waris Ahluwalia, “but what really matters is how you integrate the experiences into your life back home.”

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A plunge pool at the Palm Island Resort

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Beachfront bungalows #18 and #19.

What makes them so special?

They’re at the far end of the beach giving travelers maximum privacy. Located directly on the beach, these semi-detached spacious rooms are elegantly styled with splashes of pink and pistachio, with gabled roofs and white vaulted ceilings. All rooms include comfortable king size beds and cool, contemporary bathrooms. The generous outdoor space offers patio furniture including dedicated sun loungers. With any of these rooms, guests have direct beach access with distant views of Union Island, which is especially romantic when all lit up at night.

What is the nightly rate for these rooms?

From $1,100 per night for two adults (pricing is all-inclusive).

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Palm Island has over 600 coconut trees which provide fresh ingredients for the kitchen and bar.    

The Sunset Restaurant & Bar at the Palm Island Resort

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

Southern Cross villa is my favorite given its unique location (hillside with amazing views) and a private pool that changes colors at night. The villa comes with its own golf cart and is the ideal setting for complete island seclusion.      

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have a number of home grown perks. Self-sustainability is key for the resort from the carefully tended-to vegetable and herb garden to the spa that uses locally-produced products in its signature Hibiscus treatment.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The unique design of the beachfront Sunset Bar and Grill with its unique light fixtures, reminiscent of fishing baskets.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

We have a very special breed of iguana, indigenous to Palm Island. It is a protected species not found on any other Grenadines island.

The Seagrape Suite at the Palm Island Resort

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DuJour spoke with Stuart Procter, COO of The Stafford Collection, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our new suite in the Main House, The Stafford Park Suite.

What makes it so special?

The suite is split across two levels with a large bedroom and stunning marble bathroom on the ground floor and a separate living rom with private bar on the first floor. But what makes it truly special is the expansive private terrace, with its views across the most iconic London landmarks.

What is the nightly rate for these rooms?

From £2,500.

The Mews Penthouse Suite terrace at the Stafford

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

There are so many interesting stories it’s hard to know where to begin!  The history of The Stafford is so varied. Our Main House building was once the private residence of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, who formed part of the Spencer family.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

I love our recently renovated Main House Master Suites.  They offer large bedrooms alongside a spacious separate living room. Plus, for those traveling as a family, there are interconnecting options.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

 The American Bar. It was renovated in 2018 and is filled with memorabilia donated by our guests over the past 70 years.

The Gatehouse Bedroom at the Stafford

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

All our guests have the opportunity to tour our private museum, hidden beneath the hotel at the rear of our wine cellars.  It’s full of memorabilia left behind by US and Canadian Officers after WWII and is really special

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Over the years, The Stafford has played host to a number of very special guests, however one in particular holds a special place in our hearts: Nancy Wake. Wake was the Allies’ most highly-decorated service-woman of WWII and the Gestapo’s most-wanted person with a 5-million-franc price on her head. She was code-named The White Mouse because of her ability to elude capture. Nancy lived at The Stafford for two years between 2001-2003 and kept guests and staff entertained with her huge sense of fun! One of our most popular cocktails in The American Bar is The White Mouse–created in Nancy’s honor.

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DuJour spoke with COMO Metropolitan London’s general manager Javier Beneyto Benavides to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Metropolitan Park Rooms all overlook Park Lane/Hyde Park and really ensure that you capture the location with the view.

What makes them so special?

They are larger rooms at 33 square meters, providing the feeling of space with the large windows and this abundance of light to capture the views, some of the rooms also have balconies. Everyone highlights how peaceful they are.

What is the nightly rate for these rooms?

From £459 per night.

The lobby of the COMO Metropolitan London

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

We were one of the first design-lead hotels to open 25 years ago and our design and style today continues to set us apart.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

The COMO Suite, on our tenth floor, the magnificent views from the floor to ceiling windows, the contemporary spacious living space and not forgetting the bathroom, London views from both the bathtub and shower.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our lobby has a very calming feeling, you enter from the hustle and bustle of Park Lane and immediately you feel a sense of calm. The large clock is a signature piece within the lobby and whilst it is both eye catching it also serves a purpose.

The COMO Suite at the COMO Metropolitan London

How about one more fun fact about the property?

In 1997 when the hotel opened, we launched The Met Bar, the place to be on Park Lane, this is where the Pineapple Martini was launched–this was the trend setter and where the concept of fruity cocktails was conceived.

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But we suggest you give Cyrano another shot, because you likely won’t see a Cyrano as electric as James McAvoy’s. This production of Cyrano de Bergerac, starring the Scottish actor and directed by Jamie Lloyd from a new translation by Martin Crimp, takes its cues from the world of slam and spoken word poetry. It’s fresh, it’s original. Expect lots of goosebumps at the American premiere, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for only six weeks beginning April 5. Get your tickets now.

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Trainer Leigh Taylor Weissman does a single arm dumbbell row

What exercises should you be doing to strengthen glutes and hip muscles?

Hip Thrusts to strengthen the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in your body and the main muscle controlling hip extension.

Bulgarian Split Squats to work the lower glute max which will help with knee stability.

Seated banded abductions or abductions on a machine to work the glute medius, minimus and piriformis—all essential for strong and balanced hips to prevent lower back pain.

Single leg dumbbell deadlifts to work the glutes in the lengthened position to stabilize and strengthen the hamstrings attachment to the knee.

Barbell back squats and Barbell deadlifts to work the glute maximus in the lengthened position. Both exercises work to strengthen the supporting muscles of the hips, knee and back.

Pistol squats to work the rectus femoris one of the muscles responsible for hip flexion and stabilizing the knee.

Trainer Leigh Taylor Weissman does a barbell hip thrust

How can you build significant muscle?

Resistance training causes adaptations in our muscle fibers, one of these being increase in muscle size. It requires a lot, I mean a lot, of calories to build significant muscle in a short period of time, a fact one forgets when the fear of looking like the hulk prevents one from lifting. You can, however, gain a little bit of muscle, shape and tone the glutes, by simply eating intuitively, ensuring you’re getting enough protein and carbohydrates and adding weights to your routine.

How can this kind of workout not only help tone the body but also help with longevity?

Lifting has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, decrease risk of heart attacks and strokes, improve bone density, blood pressure and prevent diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Weightlifting is particularly helpful with those struggling with metabolic issues and weight. One of its greatest strengths, no pun intended, is resistance training’s ability to stabilize blood sugar (our body will put sugar to work pre- and post-exercise, as a means to fuel and repair the body). A new study released by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and College of Health Sciences found that weight training actually causes fat cells to turn on their fat burning mode on a molecular level. We can now say lifting weight causes us to burn fat.

Trainer Leigh Taylor Weissman does a Bulgarian split squat

How do you know what the right exercises are for you?

First you may want to get an assessment from a glute specialist or physical therapist to analyze if there is an imbalance, why it exists and where it stems from. There may be an obvious indication, but there may not be a tell-tale sign and we want to get to the root of the problem. If you don’t have the time to see a professional, or simply want to begin incorporating glute work to stave off pain and injury, start with a booty band. Banded glute bridges off the floor, clam shells and seated banded hip abductions are great exercises to incorporate into your daily routine. If you have a desk job and lying on the floor isn’t an option, carve some time out of your day to do banded work in your chair. I would also encourage foam rolling your quads and lower back to release any tension in the hip flexors.

The post The Exercises You Should Be Doing But Probably Aren’t appeared first on DuJour.

The 41-year-old Chicago native now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

What attracted you to the character of Vivian?

I had been yearning to play a journalist—someone unabashedly curious and unapologetically probing. I was absolutely crazy about Shonda’s intrigue into the relationship that develops between Vivian and Anna—how getting to know someone intimately enough to write an investigative article about them has to leave a mark. Getting to explore the shaping of that mark is what drew me in. Then on top of it, the gorgeous nuance and complexity with which Shonda [Rhimes] and our writers explore Vivian’s entire career and what it means to her. It’s just delicious as all get-go.

How much about the real Anna Delvey—and the people the show portrays—did you know going into filming? 

I didn’t know anything about Anna Delvey before the show. It was fun to discover just how many people did once I booked it.

Did working on the series change your take on Anna’s circumstances?

Almost daily.

What to you is the most outrageous part of her situation?

I think society has an outsized obsession with young females who win games. They immediately want to categorize them, own them, say they discovered them, call them supernatural, cash in on them—anything but just acknowledge all of the complex qualities that got them there. “Little girls” aren’t supposed to have any power and agency in the patriarchal system we’ve all been raised in. We see it in sports, in politics, in activism – in crime. The hype, on top of hype, on top of hype that surrounded Anna and her proposal, her feeds, and then her trial—that hype is a pretty outrageous, if albeit familiar, feeding frenzy that society plays into time and time again.

Julia Garner and Anna Chlumsky in “Inventing Anna”

There’s a sense that Anna is considered a con but if she were a man, she’d have been just another entrepreneur. Do you agree?

Absolutely. Heck, she could be elected to the highest office if she were a man and had done even more crimes. That unfairness doesn’t make what she did right, and it doesn’t change the fact that laws should be abided and victims brought to justice. However, it would be so nice if the dudes got 4-12 years, too.

Have you ever encountered a Ripley-type character like Anna in real life?

Yes. I try to keep that type at arm’s length. With a long arm.

What’s the biggest hoax you’ve ever gotten away with pulling?

I’m a terrible liar. I can’t recall ever pulling off any kind of hoax.

What did you learn about being a journalist to prepare for this role? 

I read a lot. Jessica Pressler—the writer of the article our show is based on and one of our co-producers—gave me access to copious notes and pointed me in the direction of some classic and engaging books on the craft of journalism. Vivian feels she expresses herself best and most vividly in the written word, so I enthusiastically consumed Jessica’s writing which gave me a beautiful and appropriately cerebral path into playing the character. In a show about storytelling, I had a wonderful time letting the pen-to-page guide me.

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Manolo Blahnik Gold Nappa Leather Mary Jane Pumps, $895

“I adore gold,” says Blahnik. “It’s been featured in almost every one of my collections, with more significance this year than ever. Why not a gold collection filled with the most extraordinary silhouettes in celebration of my golden year?” From flat boots with cut-out details to crackled gold foil feathered mules, playful fringe knee-high boots and lace flats and mesh pumps, no opulent detail has been overlooked with this collection. “For me, gold is not only a symbol of opulence, it signifies so much more,” says Blahnik. “Versailles, the sun, the gods, all things that I am fascinated with! It is the most decadent of colors, which is why it has appeared time and time again in my designs.”

In celebration of this milestone anniversary, an interactive exhibition titled Manolo Blahnik: A New Way of Walking has launched on the brand’s website. “I want this to be a space where others can learn and feel inspired to create,” says Blahnik. “It’s very important to me, personally, that even those who can’t buy my shoes are able to feel a connection to Manolo Blahnik and who we are. It has been such a joy to relive some of the magnificent moments in my career and uncover things I have not thought about or seen for years!”

Manolo Blahnik Gold Grosgrain Crystal Buckle Mules, $1,195

The project has been a long-term ambition of company CEO Kristina Blahnik and was designed under her direction. The archival content and touchpoints throughout have been compiled by fashion curator Judith Clark in conjunction with Manolo Blahnik himself and the brand’s in-house archive team. “It’s a dream come true to open the first doors to our archive,” says Kristina Blahnik. “As the legacy of Manolo Blahnik continues to evolve, the experience will continue to develop and tell its story. This is only the beginning of a very exciting journey.” Echoes Manolo Blahnik: “My ethos is to keep going, keep going and keep going! The vision has always been to create timeless and elegant shoes to make people walk beautifully and to make them feel good. That is the secret to our success!”

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Before setting their sights on the wine industry, the Lebanon-born, France-raised engineer and winemaker and his brother, Georges, had sold their healthcare software company Daou Systems. It was time to pursue their passion project. So, with Daniel’s on-the-ground recon, they followed the lead of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff who had planted what was the Hoffman Mountain Ranch in the 1960s.

Given that soil and climate are the two most crucial factors, Daniel Daou found the place that best married California’s climate advantages with an element common in Europe but rarer in California—limestone soils. “The roots are able to penetrate and draw all these earthy flavors and minerality that otherwise you don’t find in California wine,” Daou explains, his love of the art and science of his craft palpable as he speaks and points to subtle details of the vineyards.

While he is loyal to wines of France and has been nurturing a growing passion for Tuscany, Daniel Daou is clear-eyed about the limitations of the Old World. “Bordeaux is not the perfect climate,” he notes. And yet “most of California is very warm, so you end up with jammy flavor and big fruit.”

Daniel and Georges Daou

At well over 600,000 square acres, Paso Robles wine country is approximately five times the size of Bordeaux and larger than Napa and Sonoma combined. Meanwhile, the elevation, temperature and climate conditions, soils and precise location of Daou Mountain tucked 14 miles inland and situated at 2,200 feet above sea level ideally coalesce to create delicately balanced wines, like the popular Soul of a Lion that avoids some of the pitfalls of other overly fruit-forward blends and varieties associated with the area.

“To have elevation, to have coastal influence, to have the wind, to have the diurnal shift, to have the heat, is something that connected what makes all the great vineyards that I studied all found in this one particular area,” says estate director Erik Johnson, who came to Daou from the French Laundry. “And then you have limestone.” The Daou team works with the utmost respect for the land, following dry farming techniques and European methods of careful water resource allocation. “If the vine cannot survive on its own or with very little help, then you shouldn’t be planting a vineyard,” Daniel Daou opines. “Plant something else.” Daou Vineyards has expanded to 900 acres, with a tasting room that welcomes visitors with sweeping views and a menu merging local California ingredients with traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Daniel Daou’s next revelation came in 2013, when he decided to select fruit from Block 13, the vineyard’s oldest, “to elevate the quality with Patrimony.” Thus a new cult wine was born under Patrimony Estate, a sibling brand to Daou Vineyards. Daniel Daou ages the estate-grown blends for at least 30 months in special barrels from old growth trees in France. Patrimony Estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Caves des Lions releases sell out immediately to wine club members, as well as with select distribution to top restaurants around the world with a years-long waiting list. While it was the goal all along, Daniel Daou still almost shakes his head in disbelief at the fact that his wines have entered the arena alongside top Bordeaux producers and coveted Napa bottles.

With Patrimony wines garnering awards and international accolades, the Daous—the next generation have joined the family business, too—are eager to elevate their hospitality program and help spotlight Paso Robles. Next on the ambitious agenda are nearly finalized plans to build a Bordeaux-inspired chateau focused on Patrimony Estate complete with an eight-suite hotel, Michelin-level restaurant, and other curated amenities that advance the Daou ethos.

“For us, wine is not a product,” Daniel Daou says. “When you taste wine, we want it to be the full experience.”

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