Artful Living Magazine | Winter 2026

THE LUXURY OF LAND

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

BUILDING DISTINCTIVE HOMES IN THE FINEST LOCATIONS

Laundry that won’t clean you out

Appliances that simplify your life are a thing of beauty, but brilliant doesn’t have to look boring. Our Appliance Specialists match you with appliances that refresh your home’s look as well as your everyday routine. And our unbeatable low prices and professional delivery crews make the process easier.

BOUTIQUE DESIGN. ENDURING CRAFT.

BOUTIQUE DESIGN. ENDURING CRAFT.

TWIN CITIES REMODELING SINCE 1977.

TWIN CITIES REMODELING SINCE 1977.

THE HENDEL STANDARD

BUILDING ARCHITECTURALLY INTRICATE RESIDENCES & RENOVATIONS WITH DESIGN EXCELLENCE AND UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY.

THE TRAVEL ISSUE

104 THE COLD STANDARD

Channel your inner Olympian at the world’s most luxurious winter-sport destinations, where every icy adventure comes with a five-star finish.

CONTENTS

CULTURE

51 INDUSTRY

Women are defining a new era of luxury hospitality.

58 ART Monet’s affinity for Venice shines at the Brooklyn Museum.

62 DESIGN Interior Impressions brings Atlantic influences to Minnesota.

STYLE

68 MEN’S FASHION David Coggins’s top travel sartorial indulgences.

73 GUIDE

Packing and jet-setting must-haves for the stylish traveler.

COMPASS

83 SUSTAINABILITY

Five top regenerative hospitality destinations to explore.

90 ADVENTURE In Montana, Paws Up proves rustic luxury does exist.

97 TOUR

The Artful Living city guide to Maui.

HOME

120 PROPERTY GALLERY

Coldwell Banker Realty presents the finest homes for sale.

142 BUILD

Hendel Homes constructs a timeless European-style family home.

150 ARCHITECTURE

Andrea Swan designs a Napa Valley–inspired house.

158 ESCAPE

Fiddlehead Design Group crafts a family vacation home marked by joy.

WELLNESS

166 TREND

Level up your wellness routine with these buzzy health practices.

174 EXPERIENCE

How noctourism became travel’s brightest phenomenon.

181 RETREAT

Discover the new age of wellness along Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo.

INTEL

189 HOT TAKE

In a world where opulence has become de rigueur, what defines luxury travel today?

196 GETAWAYS

Inside three East Coast inns and the inspired stories behind them.

204 NORTH NOTABLES

The region’s best and brightest.

EDITOR'S LETTER

If “read more” is at the top of your 2026 resolutions list, give yourself a pat on the back — you’re already well on your way and we’re happy you’re here. Whether you take a resolutions approach or are better suited to setting softer “intentions,” the New Year is an opportunity to shake things up and better align with the best version of yourself.

Fittingly, Artful Living is stepping out in new ways, too. We’re excited to introduce our new Wellness section (page 165). Starting with our annual Travel issue, we’ll be bringing you content centered on all things related to a healthy lifestyle, focusing on ways to better our minds, bodies and spirits. And what’s a healthy lifestyle without a few flights booked and out-of-office dates penciled into the calendar? Lucky for you, these pages are your one-stop shop for travel inspiration, too.

To trigger a feeling of wanderlust, we’ve curated a collection of jet-setting stories set in destinations both near and far. In “Resort Runners,” Robyne Robinson tells the tales of three women making waves in the luxury hospitality sector (page 51). In “Worthy Indulgence,” David Coggins shares five men’s style staples worth the investment; there’s just something about shopping while exploring a new city that feels oh so enticing (page 68). In “Salt of the Earth,” Bonnie Pop showcases the earth-friendly resorts leading the charge in regenerative hospitality (page 83). And in “Next Level Luxury,” Marisa Petrarca uncovers what luxury travel really means today (page 189)

Inspired by the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place this season in Italy, our main feature, “The Cold Standard” written by Ashlea Halpern, is a luxury guide to the crème de la crème of winter sports destinations (page 104). From cross-country skiing in Big Sky, Montana, to snowboarding in Chilean Patagonia, we cover the ultimate spots across the globe to indulge in icy pursuits — no matter your skill level. And for those who prefer to enjoy the snow-capped slopes with a crisp glass of bubbly in one hand and a generous scoop of caviar in the other, we offer the very best in après-ski offerings, too.

I can’t lie — editing this content, I racked up quite the number of Google Flights searches. My travel bug is fully activated, and I hope after reading this issue that yours is, too. I’m manifesting on-time arrivals and seat upgrades for each and every one of us!

Safe travels,

Lexi Sunberg Executive Editor

1. CREATIVE CONFIDENT CLASSIC

Kate Nelson Editor-at-Large

Emma Cutler Velez Publisher

Hayley Saunders Associate Publisher

Lexi Sunberg Executive Editor

Margaret Cooper Senior Art Director

Christine Bower-Wright, Anna Hall

Contributing Art Directors

Rosie Kelly Digital Editor

AJ Longabaugh Contributing Digital Editor

Genevieve Cossette Coleman Vice President of Sales

Meg Lehman Marketing + Events Manager

Mitchell Lambert Director of Operations

Tyra Ericson Project Manager

Lizzie Kristal Intern

Pete Burgeson President

Editorial Advisory Board

Heidi Libera, Chris Plantan, Dana Swindler

Contributors

Writers: David Coggins, Katie Dohman, Amber Gibson, Ashlea Halpern, Kathleen Holden, Lauren Jones, Laurie Junker, Wendy Lubovich, Alexandra Owens, Marisa Petrarca, Bonnie Pop, Robyne Robinson, Anne Roderique-Jones, Paul Rubio

Photographer: Spacecrafting

Illustrators: Hilbrand Bos, Michael Iver Jacobsen

Advertising Sales

Contact Emma Cutler Velez at 612-803-1910 or evelez@artfulliving.com.

Subscriber Services

Contact us at 952-230-3133 or hello@artfulliving.com.

Artful Living

1125 Buchanan St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

ON THE COVER

Our Cover Shot

Paris-based hotels and interiors photographer Raphael Metivet captured the image gracing our cover from a rooftop in the city’s 17th Arrondissement. Drawn to depicting the city’s unrivaled architecture, he particularly appreciates this perch at sunset, as the glow of a quiet life behind closed doors reveals an introspective side of this bustling metropolis. “What interests me most are these small, poetic fragments of everyday life — subtle moments that feel both ordinary and timeless,” the photographer says. Akin to the warm light spilling from windows, we invite you to open this Travel issue in the same spirit — brimming with inspiration for your next jet-setting journey.

About Us

Artful Living, the Magazine of the North, is one of the top independent boutique lifestyle magazines across the United States with international reach. Founded in 2008, this award-winning magazine features engaging original content and beautiful design, bringing the best of the North and beyond to an affluent audience with impeccable taste. This elegant, intelligent publication aims to inspire and entertain, highlighting culture, home, style, travel, food, profiles and more. The Artful Living lifestyle brand is headquartered in Minneapolis.

Smells Like Home

CULTURE

resort runners

resort runners

Women are bringing a new era of luxury to the hospitality industry.

BY ROBYNE ROBINSON

ospitality — especially in the world of luxury hotels — can be a transformational experience. But for many women who dream of owning a hotel, it is just that: a dream. Breaking into the industry is tough, so much so that men outnumber women eight to one, according to Hospitality Investor. Why? As a result of its history as a longstanding boys’ club of who knows who and who has the money to own one.

But that’s all changing. The number of female owners bringing fresh, new concepts to the luxury hotel game is growing. Case in point: 11 of the top 50 luxury resorts around the world are now women-led or -owned — more than double from 2023, per hertelier, an online media platform aiming to inspire women in hospitality. Here, we learn the stories of three seasoned pros and how they’re raising the bar in luxury hospitality.

The growing statistics are encouraging to resort owner Meryanne Loum-Martin, one of three hoteliers that we chatted with. With no mentor or connections to speak of, she got into the hospitality world completely by accident, creating an impeccably stylish, award-winning resort from an old family villa. “I had no clue about the hotel business,” says the elegant doyenne of the nine-acre Marrakesh boutique resort Jnane Tamsna. “My concept of luxury is access to a personal and refined lifestyle.”

The former Parisian lawyer loved jet-setting with her parents as a child, visiting beautiful homes in Moscow and London that often featured blooming gardens and architecture that whispered its history through arched hallways. Loum-Martin’s passion for discovery and authenticity drew her to Morocco, where the blend of minarets and Moorish-tiled courtyards appealed to her sense of design.

There, she created an exotic paradise in the Palmeraie District of Marrakesh, boasting 24 villas; acres of palm trees; five swimming pools; a well-curated library filled with books where guests can share drinks and ideas; and a dining program featuring Middle Eastern culinary delights dreamt up by an esteemed chef (his chocolate cake is legendary). The resort attracts ultra-chic guests: Naomi Watts celebrated a birthday there, and Tom Cruise secured a stay after four failed attempts.

Jnane Tamsna has been awarded honors in the coveted Michelin Guide, but Loum-Martin says it’s not about securing accolades. “For me, a luxurious space is where you feel happy and enchanted — where you feel connected to a sense of cultural heritage,” she explains. “A place that has the character of the stylish generations before.”

Janelle Hopkin of the legendary Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada, knows a thing or two about bringing to life a space that embodies the generations that came before her. Hopkin inherited both the hotel and her business savvy from her father, Sir Royston,

a knighted businessman who lived and worked in his parents’ B & B as a boy. Building on her father’s example, she studied hospitality management at prestigious European hotels and worked at Spice Island, learning the ropes of both room and food service. Hopkin became president of the hotel in 2015, and since then, she has imprinted her own idea of luxury on the family’s elite resort: turning the island’s 21 miles of rainforests and organic spice farms into environmental and gastronomical classrooms and a sensuous spa for guests. The resort is the essence of Grenadian opulence for well-heeled wanderers who want to reconnect with nature and take in the island’s green mountains and pink beaches.

Hopkin says that about a third of Spice Island guests return, oftentimes with their families to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. “Young affluent travelers want to understand the culture of a location and to have more immersive experiences rather than just taking in the sun, sea and sand,” Hopkin explains. “We can truly deliver a genuine sense of place that reflects our Grenadian roots and culture in a luxury setting.”

“True luxury today must also be responsible,” says Lucie Weill, owner of Lily of the Valley Hotel in France. Undeniably, the demand for luxury experiences combining technology and mind-body awareness will only grow as Gen Z and Alpha become poised to dominate travel, according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report. Lily of the Valley, designed by Philippe Starck and located along the Mediterranean Sea, offers a blend of the latest tech and self-transformation. Each nature-inspired suite comes with an iPad charging on a nightstand carved from a tree, which can be used to plan nourishing meals with the spa’s chef and nutritionist. Digital detox therapy masks for destressing are stationed in every suite’s bathroom.

There’s personalized skin care developed by a French biologist and physiotherapist, and advanced spa treatments like cryotherapy to relieve joint and muscle pain. Weill, a former marketing executive at Givenchy, insists that the next decade of luxury hospitality is all about health and longevity. “Guests no longer see wellness as a trend,” she says. “We’ve made wellness our core identity.”

“I don’t necessarily subscribe to women’s leadership being any different from male leadership,” says Hopkin. “Perhaps, from a female perspective, I can tap into my unique experiences and ways in which I can create better experiences for women.”

Female leaders are revolutionizing the luxury hotel business because of several unique factors: an increase in top C-Suite hospitality jobs, better access to investors, greater openness to change while balancing risk and an empathy that zeroes in on a one-of-a-kind guest experience, according to a Penn State University report.

Still, there are wide disparities in the path of women who dream of owning a resort. Closing the gap means shifting what’s important in hotel leadership and how those values are developed by females in the industry. “What is asked for today is a lot of creativity,” says Loum-Martin. “And women have a lot.”

Painting Venice

Monet’s affinity for the floating city shines at the Brooklyn Museum.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

mpressionist painter Claude Monet once remarked that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted.” But in 1908 he took that sentiment back, producing 37 canvases encapsulating the fabled city, imbued with a luminous, almost ghostly, glow. Now, a blockbuster exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City takes us inside this under-explored collection — which forever changed the acclaimed artist’s legacy.

“Monet found the lagoon city to be an ideal environment for capturing the evanescent, interconnected effects of colored light and air that define his radical style,” explains Lisa Small, the museum’s senior curator of European art. “These paintings depict magnificent churches and mysterious palaces, all conjured in prismatic touches of paint.”

It was Monet’s wife Alice Hoschedé who encouraged him to take the trip, hoping the diversion would reinvigorate the 68-year-old artist during a pivotal moment in his career. The painter had already gained great notoriety for his work, and at his home in Giverny, France, he began experimenting with water lily paintings — but the task of capturing these aquatic blossoms was not going well. So he abandoned the canvases and packed his bags for Italy.

In the museum’s Monet and Venice exhibition — the largest showcase of the artist in New York City in more than 25 years — we can follow along on his whirlwind European travels. Walking through the atmospheric galleries feels like a treasure hunt, with 19 Venetian paintings sprinkled throughout. Placed alongside many of the artist’s paintings of Paris and London, the works highlight Monet’s lifelong fascination with light and reflection.

More than 100 artworks, books and ephemera have been included in the multisensory exhibition, where visitors are immersed in Venetian splendor. There is even an original symphonic score for the show, inspired by actual field recordings captured in Venice. Those sounds are heard throughout the galleries, alongside photos and film montages that whisk us to this beloved destination.

It’s not just Monet’s paintings here; we also see Venetian canvases by notable artists like Canaletto, J.M.W. Turner and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. But unlike those bustling scenes, Monet’s interpretation of the city is perfectly still — absent of all human form. It’s as if the artist was all alone in this romantic locale, merrily painting its majestic churches and sinuous canals.

“Other painters paint a bridge, a house, a boat … I want to paint the air in which the bridge, the house and the boat are to be found — the beauty of the air around them,” Monet famously said. “And that is nothing less than the impossible.”

During Monet’s two-month stay there, the artist had a strict painting schedule, working from early

morning right up until sunset. He chose to divide the days into two-hour intervals, moving diligently from spot to spot. This way he was able to paint iconic sites like the Palazzo Ducale or San Giorgio Maggiore in the same consistent light.

When Monet was busy painting away, Hoschedé was often at his side, writing letters and postcards to friends and family back home. Seeing the actual letters in the exhibition feels both intimate and alive — especially a letter she wrote to her daughter Germaine, where she extols her time in Venice as “living in a dream.” Then referring to her husband, she confides: “Venice has got a hold of him and won’t let go.”

Hoschedé also mentions more personal matters, like Monet’s sometimes stubborn moods: “What crazy and sad days I am going through,” she writes, revealing the artist’s emotional turmoil. “Monet, who sees that everything changes, cannot really tear himself away from his motifs — you know him, from the extreme jumps, from the beautiful to the ugly. I need a great energy and a good dose of courage because, alone like this, it is painful.”

Looking back, the couple had no idea how consequential this Italian

voyage would become. Upon returning home, they planned to travel back to Venice. Sadly, Hoschedé became gravely ill and passed away in 1911. Filled with grief, Monet isolated himself in his studio to finish the canvases he had started in Italy. Then in 1912, the Venetian paintings were shown to great acclaim at Galerie Bernheim-Jeune in Paris. They would become the last new works Monet would show publicly.

More than anything, the Venetian respite gave Monet a fresh perspective. Once back in Giverny, he finally finished his water lily paintings, eventually showing them to an astonished public in 1909. They were an artistic triumph — a painterly experiment in which Monet boldly abandoned the horizon line, pushing artistic boundaries of abstraction. Later, when he reflected on that magical voyage to Italy, the Impressionist painter concluded: “My trip to Venice has had the advantage of making me see my canvases with a better eye.”

Experience the Monet and Venice exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum through February 1.

Anybody can design a

house. It’s the graceful, livable part that gets tricky.

You’ve probably experienced it: a spacious home that just feels, well…weird. Strange proportions. Giant empty spaces. Rooms that feel like unneeded baggage.

At TEA2, we know you can’t simply press the “enlarge” button on a blueprint to size up a house. That’s why we work holistically designing from outside in and inside out at the same time. This allows us to control the scale, establish hierarchies, manage proportions, exercise restraint. It’s an evolutionary and collaborative process one we’ve been honing for decades.

The result? You’re looking at it: a structure that’s elegant and coherent, at one with its surroundings. An interior that’s both generous and intimate and works beautifully for the way you live. In other words, a home that looks and feels exactly right. Visit TEA2Architects.com to learn more.

SEASIDE ESCAPE

A lakeside home melds Atlantic influences with spaces designed for togetherness.

BY LAUREN JONES

ight, airy and relaxed is exactly what one Minnesota couple envisioned for their new home on White Bear Lake, a place built for multigenerational gatherings with architecture inspired by the salt-swept, shingled homes of the East Coast. “We lived in Boston for a few years, and we fell in love with the coastal look of Cape Cod and Nantucket,” says the homeowner.

Designer Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions helped them achieve that vision with a lakeside retreat where time with their adult children and grandchildren feels effortless. Their previous cabin, a 100-year-old farmhouse, required constant upkeep, so weekends often meant cleaning and repairing rather than relaxing. “We didn’t want to care for two homes,” she says. “We wanted it to feel like we were getting away but did not have to go anywhere.”

Kootenia Homes and TEA2 Architects conceived the 4,500-square-foot residence on a .75-acre lot that blends the comfort of the owners’ former cabin with an entertainmentfocused layout ideal for swimming, barbecuing, sitting by the fire and enjoying the lake. Although Leferink had worked with the couple before, this home represents a shift. Expansive windows feel inviting rather than stark, using materials that feel timeless — natural stone, painted shakes and circular windows. “She loves how it has longevity,” says the designer. “It feels fresh but gives the sense it could have been built 100 years ago.”

The home has a distinct presence in its neighborhood as well — its East Coast–Meets-Midwest aesthetic sitting comfortably among modest older homes and more modern new construction. “There’s a wide range of styles on the lake, which is fun,” says Leferink.

Inside, the aesthetic also moves away from their previous suburban home, which had smaller rooms and less natural light. With the openness of this home, the couple chose mostly new furnishings and kept only a few meaningful pieces, including an antique drop-leaf table behind the sectional that brings warmth and patina.

From the beginning, Leferink guided the couple on interior selections, furnishings, and art and decor while consulting on functional layout decisions. The laundry room sits beside the kitchen to prevent nighttime noise from reaching the bedrooms, while the primary bathroom was designed with a wellness-oriented, spa-like plan that feels calm and restorative.

The coastal inflection carries in with a casual yet polished first floor laid out for daily living. An open kitchen, dining area, living room, office and sunroom create an easy flow with direct views of the lake. The sunroom — one of the designer’s favorite spaces — features a stone fireplace and full-height windows that frame the water, making it a peaceful retreat from season to season. “We love watching the wildlife and all of the activity on the lake,” the homeowner adds.

Upstairs, there is an expansive balcony, three guest rooms and a recreation room that often serves as the central hub for visiting family and friends. “In Minnesota, it’s very common for people to have a lower level for entertaining,” she says. “In this home, instead of the basement, the second level has become the best place to spend time.” The viewpoint from this level is one of the house’s most striking, with arched windows that capture the shimmer of light off the lake.

Outdoors, a stone wall separates the lawn from the sandy shoreline. A built-in grilling deck with a stone surround and durable Dekton counters is designed to withstand harsh weather and high heat, which was important for the couple’s frequent hosting.

Throughout the home, they gravitated toward materials with natural warmth and depth. In the primary bathroom, Carrara marble imparts soft veining and texture. In another bathroom, stone pebbles add dimension, while in the kitchen and pantry, a Cambria quartz slab with subtle movement mimics natural stone while offering durability. “We didn’t incorporate reds or any other really bright colors in the house, because a softer palette ties in seamlessly with the outdoors,” Leferink says.

The spa bathroom is also designed for practicality. The compartmentalized footprint allows each area to function independently, so someone can use the bathroom without interrupting another person who is showering or using the sauna. Rope details on the fixtures nod to the couple’s former northern cabin while still feeling appropriate for a lakeside setting.

For the homeowners, the greatest joy comes from sharing their home. “We love that we see our kids and grandkids often and that this is their cabin that they can get away to,” says the homeowner. This place is more than a lakeside retreat; it’s the setting for the memories still to come.

Project Partners

Interior designer: Interior Impressions

Builder: Kootenia Homes

Architect: TEA2 Architects

STYLE

WORTHY INDULGENCE

Top sartorial staples for the distinguished gentleman.

BY DAVID COGGINS

ILLUSTRATION BY HILBRAND BOS

Travel allows us to live a more romantic life. That’s why we’re attracted to the grand hotels and wonderful restaurants in the world’s greatest cities. It also encourages us to do some shopping — and then whenever you wear your new purchase back home, you’re reminded of the trip, and how you enjoyed the style of another culture. Yes, it’s a little extravagant, but I’ve always liked the old saying, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” I’d like to credit some old Venetian count living in a palazzo on the Grand Canal for the phrase, but I think I read it on a fortune cookie. Whatever its origins, the point remains that a little indulgence can be a good thing. While we celebrate worthwhile items that you wear again and again — a beloved tweed jacket, a well-made dress shirt — here’s an extra special selection that will bring happiness to your sartorial life. Because sometimes what the heart wants is not the most sensible, but instead, drama and decadence.

A Distinguished Pair of Dress Gloves

I grew up in Minnesota, and we had a range of gloves and mittens that seemed to take over the coatroom. My mom even found the same type of immense mittens that renowned polar explorer Will Steger wore to the North Pole. Those are what you wear to shovel your car out of the snow or walk your blizzard-loving Bernese mountain dog. But winter contains multitudes, and so should your wardrobe. You deserve a pair of gloves that never touches a snowblower. A good pair of dress gloves is what you wear to a dinner party, not a shovel in sight. They should be soft, suede, as colorful as you like and even unlined. Try one of the lovely hand-sewn pairs from Hestra out of Hungary.

A Decadent Dressing Gown

Now this is on the extravagant side of things, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from setting an elegant tone around the house. A dressing gown usually has a shawl collar adorned with piping along the edges and is tied around the waist. Essentially, it’s a more upscale bathrobe. Certain people, like Winston Churchill, would greet their guests while wearing one. We don’t need to go that far. But a good gown can be very welcome — cashmere in winter, seersucker in summer. New & Lingwood, the venerable English firm, has been making dressing gowns for more than 150 years. Some are in more daring patterned silk. Find what feels right to you. The dressing gown demands to be worn near a roaring fire, whiskey in hand, while you peruse an Old Masters catalog. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing yours out to get the morning paper.

A Proper Pair of Chelsea Boots

A good Chelsea boot is slim, artful and looks excellent with a trim trouser. They are more dashing than a classic dress shoe. Invest in a classic pair from Crockett & Jones — the Chelsea 5 in chestnut is hard to beat. If you like the silhouette but want to be ready for some Minnesota snow (and the terrible salt that ruins good shoes), their roughout suede with a rugged rubber sole is for you. Viberg makes a more modern version, and R.M. Williams out of Australia makes the great Gardener boot. These are all terrific and all a financial commitment. But you’ll find they enter your rotation right away, and like anything you wear a lot, you’ll quickly forget the price.

An Ambitious Double-Breasted Overcoat

I firmly believe a good overcoat is a vital possession, especially for my friends in colder climates. The overcoat is what you wear when you enter a fine establishment, like a good restaurant or opera house. It’s what you wear striding down the street in midwinter when you meet your friends and occasional foe. Yet most men are reluctant to roll the dice on one that isn’t the standard single-breasted blue or gray variety — the business suit of overcoats.

Well, it’s time to branch out. The double-breasted overcoat, with its military history, is flattering, impressive and not nearly as daring as you think. Step into the deep end with Ralph Lauren Purple Label or an Italian maker like Kiton. You can also look for Ring Jacket (available at the Armoury in New York City). These are all real investments, but I’ve had mine for 20 years. It’s a little worn out these days, but that just gives it more character. And remember, if it’s a finer fabric, you should still be able to wear it over a sport coat. We don’t want you wearing a parka to a gala, even in February.

A Sinful Scarf

A good scarf, when worn properly, should inspire a small amount of envy. It’s a statement of intent and an expression of your personality. So why get a default scarf that’s not up to the task? I love a large cashmere scarf. It can be boldly colored, but needn’t be. I have a cashmere scarf from Drake’s in a natural beige that’s just light enough to be downright boring, love it. If you want something more definitive, then any pastel color that flatters you will do. And if you want a bolder pattern, follow your instinct. You know you have the right scarf if other people want it and you’re loath to take it off when you head inside to warm up.

A Minnesotan turned New Yorker, David Coggins is the author of the New York Times Men and Style and writes a style column for Artful Living.

THE GUIDE

Packing and jet-setting must-haves for the stylish traveler.

PRODUCED BY KATHLEEN HOLDEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BO CARLOCK / SPACECRAFTING

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Hourglass Lash Curler, Bluemercury, $34 • Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Discovery Trio, Bluemercury, $125 • Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops, Bluemercury, $110 • Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, Bluemercury, $46 • U Beauty Proem Eau De Parfum, Bluemercury, $68 • Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Bluemercury, $215 • Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick, Bluemercury, $38 • Victoria Beckham Beauty Fan Brush, Bluemercury, $42 • Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, Bluemercury, $90 • M-61 Perfect Lip Mask, Bluemercury, $26 • Hair Clip, stylist’s own • Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, Lili Salon Spa, $59 • Mulberry Darley Cosmetic Pouch in Brighton Blue, Pumpz, $395 • Plush Bath Towel in White, Boll & Branch, $49

They All Came to Barneys, Barnes & Noble, $32 • Matsuda M3137 Sunglasses, InVision, $950 • Mr. Leight Eden S Sunglasses, InVision, $675 • Mulberry Cardholder Key Ring in Night Sky, Pumpz, $275 • evolvetogether Hydrating Hand Cream, Bluemercury, $30 • Headphones, stylist’s own • Mansur Gavriel Maxi Candy Hobo, Pumpz, $895 • Keychain, stylist’s own

Shop featured Galleria stores: Barnes & Noble • Bluemercury • Boll & Branch • InVision • Lili Salon Spa • MILLE • Pumpz • Shinola • Tumi | Visit galleriaedina.com to view the full collection of stores and learn more.

THE KORTA KATARINA COLLECTION

Korta Katarina Winery, Villa Korta Katarina, and Hotel Katarina, stands as three icons of Croatian hospitality, gracing the Pelješac Peninsula with timeless elegance and overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

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COMPASS

SALT

EARTH of the

At these five planetfriendly destinations, regenerative hospitality is reshaping luxury travel.

BY BONNIE POP

I’ll never forget booking a massage at a remote “eco-resort” in Indonesia, only to hear a diesel generator rumbling outside for the duration of the treatment. After years of writing about sustainable travel, I’ve learned that not all green claims are created equal. Too often, “eco” is used to convey proximity to nature, not the protection of it. Yet, as the late, great Jane Goodall said, “Every single one of us makes an impact on this planet every single day, and we get to choose what kind of difference we make.”

Enter: Regenerative hospitality. This new era of luxury funds marine protection and education initiatives, sources its ingredients from closed-loop farms, and empowers staff members to be stewards of their own communities — all while maintaining elevated standards like private villas and world-class culinary offerings. Here are five properties that set the bar for this travel genre, making for places where indulgence feels fulfilling, restoring not only you but also the world outside your window.

TIGER MOUNTAIN POKHARA LODGE

NEPAL

When morning breaks over Nepal’s mighty Annapurna range, the peaks ignite in shades of gold. The awe-inspiring sight reminds globetrotters how small and connected we are in this vast world. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge embodies that same feeling of humility. Built from hand-cut stone and local timber, it employs nearly all staff from neighboring villages and channels profits into schools, clean water taps and forest restoration projects. The grounds remain wild for Himalayan birds and butterflies, while researchers log data that informs conservation efforts across the country. Guests are invited to walk with naturalists, meet community partners or simply sip a steaming cup of Nepali chiya tea on the terrace, embracing stillness as mists drift through the valley below. Gold certified for accommodation sustainability by Travelife, Tiger Mountain goes above and beyond to nurture ecosystems and local livelihoods. For travelers seeking reflection and purpose, this ridge-top retreat offers both perspective and genuine reciprocity.

SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND

CAMBODIA

Arriving by boat to this private island may feel like a scene straight out of The White Lotus, but these two emerald islets offer more than just sunset cocktails and beach selfie photo ops. Named after the local Khmer word for “sweethearts,” Song Saa feels every bit the tropical fantasy, but with very real impact. Founded by Melita Koulmandas after she came across the once-degraded islands in 2006, the resort was built to heal the land and eventually became the first in Cambodia to earn B Corp certification. Today, its thatched villas float above restored reefs, and travelers are encouraged to turn their senses on and their Wi-Fi off as they rediscover connection through restorative wellness programs and nature itself — be it a Buddhist blessing in the jungle spa, a meditation in the salt room or an afternoon planting mangroves with marine biologists. Each guest’s stay helps fund Cambodia’s first Marine Protected Area and community healthcare programs across the archipelago.

VERMEJO, A TED TURNER RESERVE

UNITED STATES

Spanning more than half a million acres across northern New Mexico, Vermejo feels more like a conservation project (with opulent accommodations) than a traditional resort. What was once overgrazed ranchland is now home to genetically pure bison herds, reintroduced Rio Grande cutthroat trout and beavers reclaiming restored wetlands. Staying at Vermejo feels like stepping back into the storied West. Mornings begin on horseback, while afternoons are spent casting lines in clear mountain streams. Here, silence stretches for miles. Solar-powered lodges built from local wood and stone minimize energy use, and insights gained from land restoration efforts are shared to improve environmental policy elsewhere in the United States. At Vermejo, luxury is the chance to witness firsthand the miracles of an ecosystem that’s steadily coming back to life.

BIO- AND WELLNESSRESORT STANGLWIRT AUSTRIA

At Stanglwirt, the balance between organic farm and five-star spa feels effortless. Snuggled at the base of the Wilder Kaiser peaks with an ever-present scent of pine, this family-run retreat has been powered by its own biomass plant and hydroelectric station for nearly half a century, drawing warmth and water from the surrounding landscape. As guests move from the sauna to the mineral pool, sounds of cows — who supply the resort’s milk and cheeses — can be heard echoing across the verdant pastures. In fact, most ingredients come from its 100-hectare organic farm, while guest rooms are completely adorned in natural wools and linens. Proceeds from Stanglwirt’s bottled spring water have funded wells and a school in Ethiopia. What began as a Tyrolean inn in 1722 has matured into a model for enduring, regenerative hospitality in the Alps.

BORGO PIGNANO ITALY

In the Tuscan hills between Volterra and San Gimignano, Borgo Pignano revives the art of living sustainably and beautifully. The 750-acre estate functions as a closed-loop ecosystem: Solar energy and a biomass plant power the restored villas, reed beds purify gray water, and organic waste feeds the fields. Gardens and orchards yield most of the ingredients served in its kitchen, while resident bees, horses and hens help complete the cycle. Guests can join the herbalist to craft tonics or perfumes from wildflowers, connecting ancient healing traditions with modern well-being. Every element, from natural lime plasters to reclaimed slate roofs, honors local craftsmanship and biodiversity. The result is a place where centuries-old soil and thoughtful design sustain both land and traveler in equal measure.

INTO THE WIDE

OPEN GREAT

In Montana, Paws Up proves rustic luxury does exist.

BY KATE NELSON

The ethos of the West is inherently wild, rugged and rough around the edges. We tend to idealize this way of life, but I think we can all agree that pastoral and posh don’t often go hand-inhand. So does rustic luxury actually exist? At Paws Up Montana it does.

I’ll admit that even I — a hardcore horse girl who has relished equine-centric experiences both average and extravagant — had my doubts. But from the second we drove onto the unparalleled property, I could tell that this place was something special. Situated on 37,000 acres just outside Missoula, the resort just celebrated its 20th anniversary, and it’s more spectacular than ever.

At every turn, Paws Up breaks that mutual exclusive mold, defying expectations. It is both a working cattle ranch and a Two Michelin Key resort (and the No. 8 resort across the planet, per last year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards). It is at once expansive in size and intimate in service. It is as welcoming

...with the resident cattle and bison herds

dotting the golden-hued scenery, set against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains and seemingly endless blue skies.

for city slickers as it is for genuine cowpokes. It is absolutely brimming with brag-worthy aspects yet delightfully devoid of any pompous pretension.

The most impressive balancing act at Paws Up is unquestionably the resort’s ability to cater to both the family-friendly set and the adults-only set. We opted for the latter, which takes sensational shape as the Green O. Hidden within the woods are 12 design-driven “hauses,” as they’re dubbed, that feel secluded yet are just a short stroll from the exclusive Social Haus. That’s where renowned husband-and-wife duo Bret Edlund (culinary director) and Krystle Swenson (James Beard Award–nominated pastry chef) serve up multi-course meals with a unique menu every evening — a foodie fete to be sure.

Elevated more than 20 feet above the forest floor, our tree haus delivered on a lingering childhood dream while also exceeding all of our adult expectations. Other guest accommodations are equally appealing, from tricked-out glamping tents (the regal version of “roughing it,” replete with butler and chef service) to historic lodges that have sat on this property for more than a century. The culinary program, meanwhile, is rounded out by a handful of inventive options with playful thematic names like Trough, Tank and Shed.

The main aims of a stay here — action and relaxation — exist in perfect harmony, like yin and yang. Mornings out on the trail on horseback are complemented by Swedish massages to soothe any soreness from time spent in the saddle. That’s obviously how I chose to spend my free time at Paws Up, but there’s also an enticingly long list of year-round activities to keep adventure lovers occupied, from fly-fishing to cross-country skiing to clay shooting.

But the ultimate luxury at Paws Up has nothing to do with opulent offerings and everything to do with the peace of mind that comes from breaking free of the expectations of the everyday and reconnecting with the rhythms of nature. I’ll admit it took me a few days to fully embrace the slower pace of life that beckons you — but eventually I got there.

It was on day three during an afternoon cattle drive moving cows down to the Blackfoot River that I finally felt my breath deepen, my heartbeat slow down and my jaw soften. It harked back to my earliest equestrian days, when I was overcome with awe over the horseback riding experience itself. My assigned equine partner, a handy bay mare named Whiskey, no doubt helped facilitate that nervous system regulation throughout my stay.

Of course, the picturesque setting certainly had something to do with it, too. It’s hard not to become totally mesmerized by the landscape, whether at dawn or dusk or high noon. It looks like the inspiration behind a 19th-century watercolor painting, with the resident cattle and bison herds dotting the golden-hued scenery, set against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains and seemingly endless blue skies. One day, Mother Nature even served up a can’t-look-away rainbow just to prove she could.

It’s no wonder, then, that Paws Up is a favorite among celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow, who come here for a restful respite to escape the demands of the world. Sure, the property features all the typical lavish trappings of a five-star hotel in a decidedly Montana manner, but it also offers something that even the most sumptuous stays can’t: time. Time to catch your breath. Time to nurture yourself. Time to reconnect with ourselves, each other and the world around us.

That, as it turns out, is the greatest gift of all, and it’s a gift that’s given time and again at Paws Up. Its slogan — the Last Best Place on Earth — couldn’t be more spot-on. My stay here showed me that luxurious and rustic lifestyles are far from mutually exclusive. Done right, they’re one and the same.

TOUR

The Artful Living guide to Maui.

BY AMBER GIBSON

lmost three years after the devastating wildfires on Maui, the island is ready to welcome back visitors for a tropical escape. The Hawaiian destination’s relaxed aloha vibes encourage travelers to let go of schedules and embrace spontaneity while enjoying the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and resilient spirit. Haleakalā National Park offers opportunities to hike and stargaze; upcountry farm tours offer tastes of local pineapple, dragon fruit, chocolate and wine; and Maui Ocean Center acts as a literal deep dive into the biodiversity of underwater habitats. Winter is also prime whale-watching season, with thousands of humpbacks migrating from Alaska to give birth in Maui’s warm, shallow waters. Arrive with an open heart, take in the island’s natural wonder and learn the Hawaiian value of mālama, meaning caring for the community.

STAY

HOTEL WAILEA

Hawaii’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel is an all-suite adults-only oasis tucked away on a hillside, making for the most exclusive and peaceful stay in Maui’s Wailea neighborhood. All 72 one-bedroom suites are comfortably spacious with private lanais, deep soaking tubs and well-equipped kitchens ideal for longer stays.

Aerial yoga is the perfect way to kick off the day before relaxing with frozen cocktails in a private poolside cabana or enjoying a picnic on one of seven nearby beaches. Guests can also rent high-tech wellness amenities from HigherDOSE and Therabody, including red-light facial masks and lymphatic-drainage compression boots, for customized self-care.

The food and beverage program is exquisite, from binchotan grilled bites and sushi at the Birdcage lobby lounge to a tantalizing tasting menu that pairs perfectly with one of Hawaii’s largest wine selections and brilliant sunset views (naturally). Private treehouse dinners and the chef’s table in the kitchen with Executive Chef Ryan Cruz offer even more intimate experiences.

SHOP

WINGS HAWAII

Wings cofounders Samantha Howard, Melody Torres and Becky Dosh became best friends while attending the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, selling handcrafted jewelry and clothing from their dorm and at craft fairs. The trio moved to Maui after graduation, building their brand of effortless style and opening their first boutique in 2007.

Everything is handmade in their workshop on Maui’s North Shore using sustainable materials like bamboo fibers, organic cotton, reclaimed fabric and metals, and nontoxic dyes. Quilted Pau Hana pants have become a bestseller, with stretchy waistbands and flowy, wide legs. Upcycled sun pocket jeans are one-of-a-kind, made with collaged and appliquéd vintage fabrics. Colorful trapeze mini dresses, seashell hoop earrings, playful crop tops and hand-stitched crochet pants made from vintage blankets create the perfect wardrobe for the sun-kissed vacationer. Men’s tees, baby swaddles and children’s pajama sets ensure nobody is left out.

DINE AURUM MAUI

Husband-and-wife team Taylor and Natasha Ponte, who both grew up in Makawao in Upcountry Maui, celebrate the island’s agricultural roots with their new restaurant. Located at the Shops at Wailea, the eatery works closely with farmers, ranchers and fishers to showcase the best local ingredients. The culinary team breaks down whole fish, chickens and pigs for a nose-to-tail approach, using trim to make luscious meatballs and a paniolo smash burger with caramelized Maui onions.

The dining room is designed with soft curving banquettes, warm lighting and earthy textures inspired by Maui’s golden sands and shimmering coastline. Destination Hospitality Group also operates three Aurum locations in Colorado, and while there are a few Aurum staples on the menu — rosemary Parker House rolls, crispy curried cauliflower and gochujang BBQ fried chicken — the majority of the offerings here are unique to Maui. Daily happy hour has quickly become a local favorite.

STAY

THE RITZ-CARLTON MAUI, KAPALUA

Unfurling across 54 oceanfront acres, this family favorite on Maui’s northwest shore is part of the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort and one of the state’s largest nature preserves, with two championship golf courses as well as tennis and pickleball courts. All 468 rooms and suites were recently renovated, and club lounge access is well worth the upgrade for a steady stream of refreshments and an open bar. Among other can’t-miss offerings: a soulful lobby lanai sunset ceremony and a five-course communal chef’s table experience under the stars at signature restaurant Banyan Tree. With more than 70 weekly resort activities, ranging from e-bike tours and morning hikes to s’mores on the lawn and ATV rides, boredom simply does not exist here. Kids can explore tide pools and ancient lava fields alongside naturalist guides from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program as they learn about early Hawaiian culture and native wildlife. A relaxing spa day and lomi lomi massage is always a good idea, too.

DINE

HUA MOMONA FARMS

Zach Laidlaw is both an organic farmer and the executive chef behind Hua Momona Farms, a beautiful venue for farm-to-table dinners and Maui’s leading microgreens supplier, serving several dozen restaurants and food trucks. Multi-course private dinners are available for up to 40 guests, and include canapés, wine pairings and live entertainment.

Customized menus are inspired by the freshest seasonal produce, with field crops ranging from watermelon radish and fennel to bok choy and purple daikon. Rainbow butter with housemade bread and microgreens harvested tableside is a colorful way to garnish agnolotti and venison.

Visitors can “voluntour” at the farm, helping with weeding, harvesting and other light farm work while learning about the importance of caring for the land, or ʻāina. Proceeds from farm dinners benefit the Hua Momona Foundation, which shares fresh local produce and supplies nutritious meals to vulnerable populations, specifically focusing on recovery efforts from the Lahaina fire in 2023.

DO

TRILOGY EXCURSIONS

With a fleet of seven sloop-rigged catamarans, Trilogy is Maui’s best bet for sailing excursions, and the family-owned and -operated company offers small group tours and private charters. Idyllic sunset sails include four-course dinners and mai tais, and whale-watching tours offer the chance to hear the marine animals’ captivating song via hydrophones.

Participants can visit the crescent-shaped Molokini islet, formed by a partially submerged volcanic caldera with thriving coral reefs. Snorkel or scuba with a mouthpiece and harness for close marine life encounters with manta rays, monk seals and ulua fish. Trilogy captains pick the best snorkel sites based on weather, like Turtle Town, named for its abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles and Olowalu, Maui’s “mother reef,” with calm, clear waters. A flagship full-day tour to neighboring Lanai includes swimming, snorkeling and hiking the Hulopo’e Marine Preserve. Food is always top-notch, including secret familyrecipe cinnamon rolls for breakfast on morning departures.

Lake Minnetonka, Edina, Naples, Nantucket–Exceptional Interior Design from Coast to Coast.

Standard The Cold

Channel your inner Olympian at the world’s most luxurious winter-sport destinations, where every icy adventure comes with a five-star finish.

BY ASHLEA HALPERN

s the world readies for the Winter 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the spirit of alpine adventure is once again in the air — and on the ice. For the well-heeled traveler, winter is not a season to endure but a stage on which to perform: the sparkle of sunlight on fresh corduroy runs, the hush of snow falling outside a private chalet, the thwack of a curling stone meeting the ice with Champagne flutes at the ready.

Since the first Games in Chamonix, France, more than a century ago, the Winter Olympics have embodied grace, grit and grandeur — qualities that still characterize the world’s most exclusive cold-weather playgrounds. Today, luxury winter travel has evolved into something more experiential: heli-drops over Patagonia’s untouched peaks, cross-country tracks winding through Big Sky solitude, ice rinks framed by the glittering spires of Old Québec. Each destination fuses athletic prowess with indulgent escape, pairing Michelin-caliber dining and exceptional design with therapeutic spa sanctuaries.

From Austria’s exalted ski circuits to Switzerland’s chic curling salons, we chart five of the most decadent ways to chase winter’s edge — places where luxury is measured not in gold medals but in unforgettable moments carved in powder and ice.

Alpine Skiing

Leogang, Austria

Where world-class runs end in a restorative retreat

For skiers in search of a place that weds top-tier terrain with discreet luxury, Leogang remains one of Austria’s best-kept secrets. Set within the vast Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn region, this mountain enclave connects four valleys and more than 168 miles of groomed runs — one of the largest linked ski areas in the Alps. Even with neighboring Saalbach Hinterglemm having hosted the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Leogang flies refreshingly under the radar. The destination is an insider’s alternative to Europe’s marquee resorts — Courchevel, Kitzbühel, St. Anton — offering the same adrenaline and sophistication without the see-and-beseen attitude.

The skiing here is as varied as it is scenic. Gentle blue runs wind through snow-covered forests, while the Challenge, a 40-mile circuit encompassing 32 lifts in seven ambitious hours, is enticing for advanced skiers. Freestylers flock to Nitro Snowpark for its jumps, rails and boxes, while families find their stride on the new Funslope and Funcross tracks. And with the Skicircus joining the Epic Pass network for this year’s season, Leogang is poised to welcome more U.S. travelers than ever.

After the last lift, there’s no better refuge than the luxurious ski-in/ski-out Naturhotel Forsthofgut. Originally a forestry estate dating back to 1617, the property has evolved into one of Austria’s most lauded mountain retreats, with 109 rooms and suites that blur the line between nature and design. Its 61,000-square-foot waldSPA tackles post-slope rejuvenation with glass-walled saunas, a mineral-rich, Japanese-inspired onsen where steam curls through falling snow and heated infinity pools overlooking the Leoganger Steinberge range. Cryotherapy chambers chilled to -166°F, fascia-release therapy and a dedicated health wing offering IV infusions make this as much a high-performance lab as a spa. Guests alternate between hydrotherapy and herbal tea, mountain vigor and utter calm — turning recovery into an art form.

That same attention to detail carries through to the hotel’s restaurants. Evenings stretch from cocktails in the lounge to multi-course dining at silva, a 10-seat tasting room where the chef channels the surrounding forest in every plate. There’s contemporary Japanese fare at Mizūmi and guided tastings of biodynamic wines in the weinWALD cellar.

Beyond the hotel, skiers break for lunch at Hendl Fischerei, famed for its roast chicken and panoramic views, or AsitzBräu, the highest brewery museum in Europe. For serious gastronomy, Dahoam — a two-Michelin-star, four-toque Gault & Millau restaurant — showcases Pinzgau ingredients with modern precision. And new this season, Hüttengaudi Leogang, a stylish bar and restaurant near Leo’s Kinderland by the Asitzbahn valley station, brings a youthful, design-forward energy to après-ski.

From the start of the season, Leogang buzzes with cultural vitality. In January, the Three Days of Jazz Festival fills chalets and village squares with world-class improvisation, while weekly Asitz Winter Nights bring live music and torch-lit performances to the slopes. By March, White Pearl Mountain Days transforms the Skicircus into a full-blown snow party, where skiers pause between runs for DJ sets, saxophone interludes and open-air yoga. Together, these events capture Leogang’s rhythm — sport, style and soul — and prove that its off-slope allure shines as brightly as its legendary runs.

CrossCountry Skiing

Big Sky, Montana

Where Nordic tradition meets Western grandeur

Cross-country skiing may be one of winter’s oldest sports, but in Big Sky, Montana, it feels reborn. Beneath the blue expanse, skiers slash silver lines through snowfields framed by timbered ridges and the jagged pyramid of Lone Mountain. The air smells of pine and wood smoke, the only soundtrack the hiss of skis. It’s a place where endurance meets elegance — a Western classic reimagined for the modern traveler.

At its heart lies Lone Mountain Ranch, a winter sanctuary that’s been welcoming travelers since 1915. The property grooms more than 53 miles of classic and skate trails, connecting wooded glades, open valleys, and postcard views of the surrounding Gallatin and Madison ranges. Morning brings the soft shuffle of skiers passing snowdusted fences; by afternoon, sunlight filters through the aspens as guides lead daily clinics and private lessons on the ranch’s trails.

Adventurous guests can join guided day trips into Gallatin National Forest nearby or Yellowstone National Park. Conditions are famously reliable thanks to consistent snowfall and expert grooming, while the terrain caters to all levels.

When it’s time to thaw out, the ranch balances frontier charm with five-star sophistication. More than two dozen private log cabins dot the property like a constellation of cozy outposts. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of stay: a weekend away in the new Trapper’s Den, a 1915 cabin turned cigar-and-whiskey lounge with vintage vinyl and outdoor fire pits; an evening at Horn & Cantle saloon for huckleberry-glazed elk chops and trout rillettes; or a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh to a lantern-lit log cabin where prime rib feasts come with a side of cowboy singer serenades.

If Lone Mountain Ranch reflects Big Sky’s storied past, the arrival of One&Only Moonlight Basin signals its future. Opened in late 2025 as the brand’s first U.S. property, the retreat sits at 7,000 feet amid the pine forests and alpine lakes. The design favors understated luxury: soft, neutral palettes inspired by the snowscape outside and tactile furnishings in wood and wool. Curated artworks draw on regional craft traditions, giving each of the 19 cabins, four lodges and private mountain homes a quietly bespoke character.

When winter arrives, One&Only transforms into a haven for every pace and preference. More than 15 miles of trails invite snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and fattire biking led by seasoned local experts. Afterward, guests unwind in the resort’s tranquil spa, whose sauna, steam rooms and outdoor onsen echo the surrounding elements in cedar, stone and snow.

Evenings unveil the property’s most intriguing secret: Moonshack, a speakeasystyle whiskey bar hidden deep in the woods, reached on skis or snowshoes. Built with reclaimed lighting and antique fixtures, it radiates the warmth of a bygone Montana. A private gondola, meanwhile, links guests directly to Big Sky Resort, connecting Nordic trails, downhill runs and après-ski hideaways.

Big Sky Resort itself is in constant evolution. With 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet and 400 inches of average annual snowfall, it’s one of the largest and most technically advanced ski areas in North America. At the summit of Lone Peak, the new all-glass Kircliff viewing platform delivers a 360-degree panorama spanning three states and two national parks. Down below, culinary icon Grant Achatz brings Chicago’s Alinea magic westward with M by The Alinea Group, a four-month winter residency marrying experimental tasting menus with the raw beauty of the Rockies.

In Big Sky, cross-country skiing isn’t just a workout — it’s a meditation in motion. The trails here stretch as wide as the Montana sky itself, blending athletic grace with a sense of boundless calm. Between the swish of skis and the crackle of a fire waiting back at the lodge, the pioneering spirit endures — polished, present and utterly at peace.

Après at its PEAK

From cellar feasts to polar saunas, this is après-ski at its most refined.

The Cigar Yurt

CHEVAL BLANC COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

High in the French Alps at Courchevel 1850, Cheval Blanc Courchevel has transformed its terrace into the Cigar Yurt — a private refuge for connoisseurs of hand-rolled smokes and fine spirits. Plush armchairs and tree-stump tables set the scene, while custom leather games and lacquered backgammon boards invite relaxed play. Wrapped in fur throws and alpine serenity, visitors sip aged cognac before retreating to their suites — a far cry from the Champagne-soaked debauchery of La Folie Douce in Val d’Isère.

Bumps to Bumps

HOTEL JEROME, ASPEN

Where ski jumps meet caviar bumps, Aspen’s grande dame redefines the art of après. At Hotel Jerome’s Bumps to Bumps ritual, guests savor Petrossian Ossetra caviar paired with bubbles by Dom Pérignon or Krug Grande Cuvée. Served beside the heated terrace pools and outdoor Jacuzzi, it’s Aspen’s most hedonistic cooldown: flutes in hand, mountains aglow. Adventurous guests can add a Bomber shotski or a 375-milliliter Patrón Extra Añejo for a high-altitude toast that’s pure Rocky Mountain bravado.

Curling St. Moritz, Switzerland

Where a heritage sport finds a glamorous new stage

Long before designer boutiques lined Via Serlas and snow polo lured Champagneclinking crowds to its frozen lake, St. Moritz defined winter sophistication. Back in the day, curling was both sport and social ritual — played with poise against an alpine backdrop. For the uninitiated: Teams slide smooth granite stones toward a target, while sweepers brush the ice to finesse speed and line. The sport is similar to chess on ice — strategy, finesse and friendly rivalry in equal measure.

The story of curling in St. Moritz begins, fittingly, at the Kulm Hotel, the birthplace of winter tourism itself. In 1880, Scottish guests introduced the game to hotelier Caspar Badrutt, who imported stones from Scotland and organized early matches. By 1883, Switzerland’s first recorded game was underway, and by 1898, the St. Moritz and Davos curling clubs were chasing the Jackson Cup — a prize still awarded today.

That legacy plays out just steps from the Kulm’s marble lobby. Founded in 1929 on the hotel grounds, the St. Moritz Curling Club remains one of Switzerland’s most storied. Guests can book private sessions led by expert instructors who demystify everything from the release to the synchronized sweep. On a clear morning, the sheet gleams beneath the peaks; between ends, players pause for espresso or bubbly before strolling back to their suites.

Inside, the Kulm is a blend of heritage and high design. Its 150 rooms and suites, many refreshed by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, balance soothing color palettes with natural woods and windows framing cinematic views of Lake St. Moritz or the Corviglia slopes. The new Alpine Sports Lounge & Boutique, designed by Lord Norman Foster, rethinks the humble ski room as an “avant-ski” salon in Swiss stone pine, while the Kulm Spa entices with a lake-facing heated outdoor pool, FACEGYM’s altitudeminded Ski & Sculpt facial and signature collagen treatments. For deeper unwinding, the nearby Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina offers a cocooning spa with flotation room (complete with underwater music), saltwater grotto, Kneipp footpaths (an experience involving alternating cold and warm water basins), and more.

Dining is its own spectacle. Amaru, helmed by chef Claudia Canessa, brings Peruvian flair to the Alps, while the Foster-redesigned Kulm Country Club showcases three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco’s cuisine alongside trophies from St. Moritz’s bobsled and Cresta Run history. For pure atmosphere, the Bob Restaurant serves warming dishes beside the world’s oldest natural ice track still in use, the Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina.

Curling’s spirit of camaraderie extends throughout the winter calendar. Suvretta House hosts a weeklong curling program each January with private coaching on its open-air rinks. Meanwhile, the frozen lake stages the Snow Polo World Cup (January 23–25), White Turf horse races and the I.C.E. St. Moritz concours d’élégance, with vintage Ferraris and Bugattis making laps across the same ice where curlers play.

As twilight settles over the Engadin Valley, players feather their brooms and sweep one final stone, its spin catching the last of the sun’s rays. In that moment, you understand why curling endures here: It’s a reflection of St. Moritz itself, equal parts tradition and theater.

Ice Skating

Québec City, Canada

Where UNESCO splendor frames a ballet of blades

Few destinations capture winter’s enchantment like Old Québec, whose 17th-century ramparts and steep streets form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every December, this walled metropolis transforms into a living snow globe: church bells chiming through flurries, cafes flickering with candlelight, sleigh horses clip-clopping over cobblestones and the swish of skates cutting through fresh ice. Here, skating isn’t mere recreation — it’s part of the city’s heartbeat.

Place D’Youville paints the quintessential tableau. Set beside the Saint-Jean Gate, near Le Diamant theater and the Capitole de Québec, the open-air rink hums with laughter and the scent of roasted chestnuts. Families twirl to holiday music while locals pause after work, warming fingers around cups of chocolat chaud from nearby Café-Paillard. For skilled skaters, the Anneau de glace des Plaines d’Abraham offers a 1,175-foot oval flanking the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. And for those in search of peak precision, the recently opened Centre de glaces Intact Assurances is the city’s pride: an Olympic-grade complex with a 400-meter oval and shorter track for speed skating, panoramic windows, and group or private instruction by certified coaches. Even beginners can glide confidently after a concierge-booked lesson.

Beyond the Old City walls, the skating turns dreamlike. In Shannon, the Sports Chalet Trail winds beneath spruce canopies, while Lac-Beauport, near Le Relais ski resort, freezes into a 1.86-mile natural rink mirroring the surrounding peaks. Farther afield, Domaine Enchanteur in the Mauricie region stretches nearly 10 miles of forested trails lined with warming huts, while the Red Maple loop in Saint-Valère delights with 3.1 miles of Zamboni-groomed woodland.

After a day on the ice, retreat to Relais & Châteaux’s Auberge Saint-Antoine, a twoMichelin-Key haven in the Old Port. Owned by Québec’s venerable Price family, the 18th-century stone building blends museum-grade history with modern refinement: original beams, contemporary art and unique artifacts unearthed during the hotel’s own archaeological digs. At Coteau, the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, 30 varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables share the spotlight with locally cultured butter and handcrafted ceramics. There’s an onsite spa, but guests seeking additional wellness experiences head to nearby Strøm Nordic Spa, where thermal pools steam beside the river and alternating hot-cold circuits revive chilled bones.

A mere half hour away is Hôtel de Glace, North America’s only lodging built entirely of ice and snow, offering a truly memorable stay. Reimagined every winter with a new theme, the Valcartier property features crystalline corridors, an ice chapel and suites chiseled by hand — some with private saunas and hot tubs. Overnight guests toast drinks in glasses made of ice before curling up in Arctic-grade sleeping bags; day visitors can simply admire the artistry of this fleeting masterpiece.

Québec’s passion for winter extends to the dining table, where chefs turn cold-season bounty into high art. The culinary landscape reads like a Michelin roll call: Tanière³, set in a 17th-century cellar, explores boreal flavors through a 15-plus-course tasting; Le Clan transforms northern terroir into haute cuisine; and beloved Laurie Raphaël remains the feather in the local Québécois’ gastro cap.

If the season here already feels like a celebration, that’s because it is. Every February, the Carnaval de Québec — one of the world’s largest — brings parades, ice sculptures and the iconic Bonhomme mascot. Adventurers can try ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence with seasoned guides or brave Au 1884, the historic wooden toboggan run atop Dufferin Terrace, where riders have been racing downhill for more than 140 years.

Québec City treats ice skating the way some cities treat coffee or transit: as a daily rhythm woven into local life. Rinks are simply part of the infrastructure here, a reminder that winter isn’t a disruption — it’s a season the whole city leans into.

Cocun Cellar Dinner

SAN CASSIANO, ITALY

It’s skis off and bottoms up at Ciasa Salares’ vaulted wine cellar, which is home to 24,000 bottles spanning 1,900 labels. Under owner and sommelier Jan Clemens Wieser and chef Paul Halmagean, diners enjoy a multi-course tasting menu paired with vintages rarely poured at this altitude. The experience delves into Alto Adige and Italian biodynamic wines and ends with a chocolate tasting in an adjoining chamber showcasing more than 120 varieties. Leather seating and candlelit oak shelving set the tone for this quietly sumptuous duet of grape and cocoa.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

GULMARG, INDIA

Perched at 8,825 feet in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas, this boutique resort sits within skiing distance of the famed Gulmarg Gondola — a lift ascending nearly 13,000 feet. After carving through powder bowls, guests unwind in the Mediterraneaninspired Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE. Amid Himalayan-pine-lined walls, the sanctuary offers aromatic steam baths, shea butter facials, Indian head massages and deep tissue treatments. But the real showstopper is the heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows framing snow-capped peaks that shimmer at sunset.

Aurora Expeditions

ANTARCTICA

For the ultimate bragging rights, Aurora Expeditions takes a select few skiers and snowboarders to the ends of the earth. Between January and March, small-ship journeys (capped at 130 passengers) double as floating base camps for guided descents on untouched Antarctic snowfields. Evenings trade windburn for warmth — saunas and outdoor hot tubs are ideal spots to watch icebergs drift past. With elegant staterooms and expert guides, it’s a unique fusion of superior comfort and raw adventure.

Snowboarding

Chilean Patagonia

Where the edge of the world becomes your private playground

For snowboarders who’ve already carved the Alps and heli-dropped in Alaska, one final frontier remains: Patagonia. South of everything familiar, this wilderness of volcanoes, fjords and untracked snowfields offers a purity that borders on myth. It’s the rare destination where solitude and scale align, promising the kind of fresh powder — and perspective — that few will ever experience.

Logistur, a Santiago, Chile–based outfitter favored by affluent travelers, designs bespoke itineraries that set a new standard for backcountry luxury. Working with UIAGM-certified mountain guides (the highest recognition awarded all around the world) and Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters (the same models used in high-altitude Himalayan rescues) the company has access to more than a million acres of untouched Andean terrain. Between late September and mid-November, when the austral spring brings bluebird skies and deep, stable powder, guests trace first descents across granite spires and open bowls that have never seen skis, let alone snowboards.

Each journey is crafted from the ground up: Travelers can spend three nights feasting like royalty in the Colchagua Valley, with exclusive wine and culinary experiences designed by a private chef and enologists at Montes, Neyen de Apalta and Vik vineyards, before warming up with heli-laps at Valle Nevado or Portillo in Central Chile. From there, globetrotters can fly to northern Patagonia and transfer by private charter to an elite guest house set deep in a temperate rainforest.

At Eleven Experience’s Rio Palena Lodge, boarders lift off from a riverside heli-pad toward peaks that rise like shark fins above the Palena Valley. Days unfold in rhythm: an early-morning avalanche briefing, hours of surfy descents through knee-deep powder, then pisco sours in the wood-fired hot tub as condors circle overhead. The terrain is as varied as it is vast — wide-open fields for freeriders, narrow chutes for the more adventurous and gentle slopes for riders who like to take it slow. Evenings promise slowgrilled Patagonian lamb and fine Chilean wine.

Barraco Lodge, on the shores of Lake Tagua Tagua, offers another spectacular counterpoint. Here, Logistur’s guests pair heli-boarding with white-water rafting on the Futaleufú River, horseback rides through native forests and jet-boating to the Pacific. The guiding team — mountain veterans fluent in both safety protocol and local lore — reads the landscape like a map in motion, adapting routes to snowpack and visibility. And because every program is private, there are no crowds, no schedules, no boundaries — only the next perfect line waiting beyond the ridge.

Mawida Adventures, based in Pucón at the gateway to northern Patagonia’s Lake District, curates trips that also fuse mountaineering spirit with Chilean warmth. Director Rodrigo Vera, a former instructor for the Chilean Army’s mountain division, and his handpicked team of certified guides, specialize in volcano descents on both active and dormant cones (Quetrupillán, Calbuco, Corcovado and more). Between heli-drops, guests can soak in hot springs and overnight in boutique estancias that blend Andean craftsmanship with Scandinavian restraint.

Both outfitters share a devotion to Chile’s wild grandeur and to the rare client who seeks not just bragging rights but genuine discovery. This is a place where days are measured in vertical feet and bottles of vintage Carménère wines; where “first tracks” might truly be the first in history. While the snowboarding alone is worth the trek, the streamlined logistics from Santiago to the southern fjords make getting there remarkably easy.

What sets Patagonia apart isn’t just the views; it’s the access. With so few riders on the terrain, guides can tailor every line, every pickup, every descent. For seasoned snowboarders, that kind of space is a luxury in itself.

Hewing For You

Book your Winter stay and enjoy up to 20% off our best available rate plus a $50 credit toward a future visit to see our newly reimagined rooms.

Thomas Pink, CFP®, AAMS® Managing Director – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Director Group (952) 476-3725 | thomas.pink@rbc.com

Tina Licari, CFP®, CRPC®

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (651) 228-6929 | tina.licari@rbc.com

the Gallery

by coldwell banker Realty

The Winter PROPERTY GALLERY

20670 LINWOOD ROAD | DEEPHAVEN | $22,000,000 PROPERTY FEATURED ON PAGE 126

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we welcome a new year across Minnesota and Wisconsin, we reflect with gratitude on all that 2025 brought to our vibrant real estate communities. Thank you for the trust you place in Coldwell Banker Realty and for allowing our team to guide you through some of life’s most significant decisions. Your confidence in us fuels our passion and inspires the exceptional work we strive to deliver every day.

As we settle into the heart of winter, the Upper Midwest luxury market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. From the lakeshore estates of Minnesota to the breathtaking retreats of Wisconsin, discerning buyers remain drawn to homes that offer meaningful experiences—properties with advanced smarthome integration, curated outdoor living, in-home sport courts and wellness saunas, and one-of-a-kind architectural detail.

While luxury inventory remains selective, it is far from stagnant. Distinctive homes that are thoughtfully presented and strategically positioned continue to attract strong interest and competitive offers. Many luxury clients remain less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, often purchasing with substantial equity or cash. This creates a uniquely balanced environment, one where both buyers and sellers can find opportunity with the right guidance.

At Coldwell Banker Realty, we are proud to lead the market in representing the most extraordinary properties throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our affiliated agents are among the top professionals in the industry—leaders who bring deep market knowledge, exceptional negotiation skill, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results at every price point.

s c o n t i n u e t o s e e k h o m e s w i t h s m a r t t e c h n o l o g y , e x p a n s i v e o u t d o o r l i v i n g s p a c e s , a n d d i s t i n c t i v e a r c h i t e c t u r a l d e t a i l s E v e n a s i n v e n t o r y s t a y s l i m i t e d , w e l l - p o s i t i o n e d l u x u r y p r o p e r t i e s a r e d r a w i n g c o m p e t i ti v e o f f e r s W e ’ r e a l s o s e e i n g t h a t m a n y l u x u r y b u y e r s a r e l e s s i m p a c t e d b y i n t e r e s t r a t e s h i f t s , o f t e n p u r c h a s i n g w i t h s u b s t a n t i a l d o w n p a y m e n t s o r c a s h c r e a t i n g u n i q u e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r b o t h b u y e r s a n d s e l l e r s i n t o d a y ’ s m a r k e t

T h a n k y o u f o r c h o o s i n g C o l d w e l l B a n k e r R e a l t y t o g u i d e y o u r r e a l e s t a t e

j o u r n e y A s w e s t e p i n t o a n e w y e a r , o u r c o m m i t m e n t r e m a i n s u n w a v e r i n g : t o d

The Midwest remains a top relocation destination with many buyers returning to be closer to family, while others are relocating for career opportunities in our thriving healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. This steady inflow of talent and returning residents reinforces the strength of our local economies and fuels ongoing demand for quality homes. As 2026 unfolds, whether you are preparing for a move, exploring the purchase of a second home in Minnesota or beyond, or simply seeking insight into current trends, we are here to support you with clarity, confidence, and care—every step of the way. Sending my warmest wishes for a beautiful beginning to the year and an extraordinary 2026.

Bolier

1 in 4 luxury homes sold in the 13-County Twin Cities Metro are represented by a

20670 LINWOOD ROAD | DEEPHAVEN

5 BR 9 BA | $22,000,000

Unprecedented Lake Minnetonka estate with an exquisite level of finish. Enjoy panoramic water views overlooking 350' of level lakeshore with waterside boathouse. Designed by Stinson + built by Streeter, this home was executed to perfection!

20100 LAKEVIEW AVENUE | DEEPHAVEN

5 BR 7 BA | $12,500,000

The Hamptons on Lake Minnetonka! Landmark Cottagewood residence offering unparalleled finishes + details; indoor sport court; exercise room; outdoor entertaining area with pool + built-in firepit. 175' of lakeshore with private beach!

3247 CASCO CIRCLE | ORONO

6 BR 6 BA | $6,995,000

Extraordinary Eskuche + Stonewood collaboration showcasing gorgeous views overlooking 117’ of lakeshore! Open flowing floorplan with walls of windows looking out to the water. Main-level primary suite, golf simulator, sport court and saltwater pool.

1535 BOHNS POINT ROAD | ORONO

6 BR 9 BA | $13,900,000

Breathtaking Sharratt Design + John Kraemer & Sons collaboration offering a world-class combination of timeless architecture and modern amenities including indoor sport court. Enjoy 190' of level lakeshore featuring west-facing sunset views!

240 SALEM CHURCH ROAD | SUNFISH LAKE

5 BR 9 BA | $7,195,000

Exquisite Sunfish Lake estate designed by Peter Eskuche + built by Nor-Son! Breathtaking home offering an open floorplan showcasing endless nature views overlooking 10+ acres. Main-level primary suite, sport court, pool, guest house & 7-car heated garage.

4889 E. LAKE HARRIET PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 6 BA | $4,899,000

Stunning Lake Harriet masterpiece designed by Chris Light and flawlessly executed! Enjoy beautiful water and Minneapolis skyline views; stunning architecture and high-end details. Heated 6-car garage; putting green and space for a pickleball court!

JEFFREY DEWING

612-597-0424

JDewing@CBRealty.com

JeffreyDewing.com

1595 LOCUST HILLS CIRCLE | WAYZATA

4 BR 5 BA | $4,250,000

Turn-key home in Wayzata's Locust Hills Neighborhood! Enjoy low-maintenance living with deeded dock on Lake Minnetonka’s Gray’s Bay! Landscaped to maximize privacy. HOA maintains: 2 miles of walking trails, pool, club house & boat slip. Walk to Wayzata!

4603 MERILANE AVENUE | EDINA

6 BR 7 BA | $3,750,000

Complete remodel + addition by Hage Homes! Flowing floorplan with soaring ceilings and walls of windows showcasing gorgeous golf course views! Main-level primary suite; exercise room; sun room and 4-car garage. Serene cul-de-sac setting in sought-after Rolling Green!

2427 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 8 BA | $3,495,000

Gated Lake of the Isles residence featuring south-facing water views! Enjoy the main-level primary suite with two bathrooms and two closets. Wrap-around terraces creating the perfect blend of indoor + outdoor living. Elevator. 6-car garage!

6060 RIDGE ROAD | EXCELSIOR

4 BR 6 BA | $3,799,000

Landschute-built home on highly sought-after Christmas Lake! Enjoy the open flowing floorplan; main-level primary suite; and spacious kitchen that opens to the deck overlooking the water! 170' of lakeshore with private beach. Minnetonka schools.

4 BR 6 BA | $3,495,000

Beautifully updated Lake Minnetonka retreat overlooking 140’ of lakeshore offering gorgeous water views at every turn! Main-level primary suite. 4+ car

setting!

6505 HAWKS POINTE LANE | EXCELSIOR

5 BR 5 BA | $2,395,000

Beautiful Alexander Design Group + City Homes collaboration! This former Parade of Homes model offers high-end finishes and details throughout. 4 bedroom suites on the upper-level. Indoor sport court. 4-car garage. Minnetonka schools!

612-670-3600

barry@berglarsengroup.com berglarsengroup.com

5117 SCHAEFER ROAD | EDINA

6 BR 8 BA | $5,250,000

Magical best describes the joy and charm of this unrivaled 2.36 acre estate which includes the handsome stone original Schaefer estate, whimsical 2-story guest house, rolling terrain, water features, putting green and numerous terraces.

2700

5 BR 6 BA | $3,995,000

Enjoy outstanding views of Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis skyline and Kenilworth Channel in this one of a kind, extensively remodeled and expanded home. Attached 2-car and detached 2-car with lift for 2 additional vehicles.

5 BR 5 BA | $2,995,000

One of the truly grand properties on Lake of the Isles with commanding views of both the downtown skyline and Lake of the Isles. Carriage house with double garage and open studio space above, 2nd double garage and circular rear drive.

CHAD LARSEN 612-968-6030

chad@berglarsengroup.com berglarsengroup.com

4649

5 BR 6 BA | $4,250,000

One of the most architecturally significant homes in Minneapolis. Virtually irreplaceable with custom finishes throughout and stunning views over Lake Harriet. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this solidly built and lovingly cared for home.

4415 E. LAKE HARRIET PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

6 BR 9 BA | $3,895,000

A truly rare generational opportunity to enjoy one of the finest homes on Lake Harriet set on an equally exceptional 0.7 acre level site. Generous rear and side yard with extensive terracing, ideal for entertaining and quiet enjoyment.

2400 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 5 BA | $2,895,000

Enhanced by a phenomenal 2009-2010 expansion, this home takes advantage of its lake setting with views from virtually all public rooms. Traditional detailing and updated living spaces. Rear terrace with pergola, side terrace & 2-car garage.

Krista Wolter 612-247-5106 krista@kristawolter.com kristawolter.com

BENT TREET COURT | NORTH OAKS

4 BR 6 BA | $3,200,000

Welcome home to this magnificent North Oaks all brick home on a 3+ acre cul-de-sac lot with pond views. Every detail has been expertly crafted, boasting old-world charm, modern day conveniences and luxury thoughout!

209 QUAIL STREET | MAHTOMEDI NEW CONSTRUCTION | $1,249,500

Welcome home to a unique opportunity in the heart of Mahtomedi. Award-Winning Hagstrom Builder is offering custom- built villas, each secluded on nearly half an acre with private views. Within minutes of White Bear Lake and miles of bike trails.

4268 REILAND LANE | SHOREVIEW

3 BR 3 BA | $850,000 | SOLD

Welcome home to lakeshore living on Snail Lake in Shoreview! Lower level walkout leads to a large aggregate patio that is perfect for entertaining lakeside. Ready to move in and enjoy lake activities all year long!

W. SHORE ROAD | NORTH OAKS

4 BR 3 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Welcome home to this mid-century modern rambler on the shores of Lake Gilfillan in the private community of North Oaks. You'll love the generous sized rooms and the open, spacious floor plan with panoramic lake views!

421 SUMMIT AVENUE, #3 | SAINT PAUL

4 BR 3 BA | $1,200,000

Welcome home to this top floor condo with elevator on Summit Avenue that offers both luxurious living and a lower level one bedroom apartment. You’ll love the incredible views of the Summit Hill neighborhood. Ready to move in and enjoy!

205 VALLEYVIEW PLACE | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 2 BA | $785,000 | SOLD

Welcome home to this charming two story on one of Tangletown's most desirable streets. Architectural details are found both inside and out with views of Minnehaha creek. A perfect place to call home!

2670 WOOLSEY LANE | WOODLAND

5 BR 7 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Hamptons-style estate on Lake Minnetonka! Iconic 2.3 acre estate on Wayzata Bay with 400' of shoreline, sandy beach & private harbor. Classic colonial, guest house, rolling lawns & your own peninsula with a fire pit. Minutes to Wayzata & Excelsior.

3758 WOODLAND COVE PARKWAY, MINNETRISTA

5 BR 7 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Shingle-style Lake Minnetonka home on 1+ acre with 156’ shoreline & 3 docks in The Cove. Crisp interiors, resort pool, sport court & outdoor kitchen. Panoramic lake views, luxury suites & community amenities—clubhouse, trails, tennis & more.

2938 NORTHVIEW ROAD | MINNETONKA BEACH

3 BR 3 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Charming cottage in the heart of Minnetonka Beach! Complete rebuild in 2009, with a high level of finishes throughout. A+ location--steps to Lafayette Country Club and Dakota Trail. Dock slip available through the city. Orono Schools.

2789 PHEASANT ROAD | ORONO

5 BR 6 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Exquisite coastal-style home with timeless design and thoughtful details throughout, including coffered ceilings, enameled woodwork, and walls of glass showcasing miles of southerly views over Lake Minnetonka. Level lawn, boathouse, and crystal-clear water.

3600 TUXEDO ROAD | MINNETRISTA

4 BR 4 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST Lake Minnetonka lakeshore! Artisan-style home with 2 main-floor suites, great room, lakeside porch & decks. Walkout level with bar, family room & more. 100’ sandy shoreline, boathouse & firepit. Stunning views, prime location, Westonka Schools.

769 WOOLDAND HILL COURT | MEDINA

5 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Exceptional two-story in Woodland Hill Preserve by Swanson Homes. Features hardwood floors, designer finishes, gourmet kitchen, treetop porch, sport court & walkout lower level. Quiet cul-de-sac minutes to Wayzata Schools, parks & shopping.

5095 KELSEY TERRACE | EDINA

4 BR 4 BA | $3,695,000

This stunning custom-built Charles Cudd home is located in Parkwood Knolls & is a showcase of refined elegance, modern design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Walk-out lower level with phantom screens, wonderful outdoor space & a 5 car garage. The home is a proud recipient of the 2019 Parade of Homes Reggie Award - 1st Place for $2M+ category.

5990 PAINTER ROAD | MINNETRISTA

5 BR 5 BA | $1,970,000

New construction by Omni Custom Builders this stunning 2 story is just blocks from Lake Minnetonka’s public beaches and trails. Modern coastal luxury meets the peaceful charm of Minnetrista - nested on nearly 4 acres with 4,408 finished sq ft & a 3 car garage.

3271 CASCO CIRCLE | ORONO

6 BR 6 BA | $2,930,000

A stunning new construction by Omni Custom Builders on the sought-after Casco Point Peninsula. This home blends modern design with subtle Spanish influences. Highlights include a main-level hearth room, gourmet kitchen, 6,466 finished sq feet, 4 season porch, exercise room, 3 car garage & views of Lake Minnetonka.

4801 WOODHILL WAY | EDINA

5 BR 5 BA | $1,895,000

Welcome to this beautifully maintained walkout rambler nestled on a spacious .66 -acre lot in the highly sought-after Sunnyslope neighborhood. Great entertaining space with a main floor master, 5,443 finished sq feet, private in-law suite with ¾ bath, screen porch and gas firepit

MEREDITH HOWELL

612-701-3124 mhowell@ccburnet.com drewhueler.com

547

5

2505

4

DREW HUELER

612-701-3124 drew.hueler@cbrealty.com drewhueler.com

540

3

5 BR 5 BA | $3,349,500

Stately home in prestigious Boulder Bridge. Recently remodeled by MartinPatrick3 and JNBuilt. This home features a resort-esque backyard, dual primary suites, and a 4+ stall heated garage.

4

36463 BUTTERNUT POINT ROAD | PEQUOT LAKES

A rare 3.41 acre estate on the Whitefish Chain with 2,000+ ft of shoreline. Features a grand lodge, 6 guest cabins, bunkhouse, private launch, beach, and more. Luxury, privacy, and nature blend in this one-of-a-kind Brainerd Lakes retreat.

1555

Rare southwest-facing lakeshore property with 150’ of shoreline and a grandfathered boathouse. First time available since 1948. Enjoy sunsets over West Arm Bay from a level lawn under mature maples. Build your dream home on this .93-acre Orono estate lot.

3685 N. SHORE DRIVE | ORONO

An incredible opportunity

2819 MCKENZIE POINT ROAD | WAYZATA 4 BR 3 BA | SOLD

Charming lakeshore living! An exceptional opportunity to own 43 ft of premium sandy lakeshore on coveted Wayzata Bay. This one-of-a-kind lakeshore property blends charm, location, and lifestyle!

GEORGE W. STICKNEY

952-476-3694

gstickney@cbrealty.com

DAVID STICKNEY

952-250-0122

djstickney@cbrealty.com

535 & 555 BUSHAWAY ROAD | WAYZATA LOT/LAND | PRICE UPON REQUEST

The finest estate sites available on Lake Minnetonka, encompassing 6.34 acres and 540 feet of prime west-facing shoreline on Wayzata Bay. Spectacular sunset views and an ideal close-in location. Open to all builders. Inquire for more information.

2101 BRIDGEVINE COURT | INDEPENDENCE

4 BR 4 BA | $3,175,000

Just Completed! Exquisite

100

4

Nestled on

952-250-2015

kwstickney@cbrealty.com

JACOB STICKNEY

952-250-1267

jmstickney@cbrealty.com KEVIN STICKNEY

5112 S. LAKESHORE DRIVE | INDEPENDENCE

5 BR 5 BA | $3,395,000

Stunning peninsula property on Lake Independence with over 700 feet of shoreline on 2.12 private acres. This extensively remodeled home showcases thoughtful design, highend finishes, and panoramic lake views at every turn. Private beach and Orono Schools.

Rare building site opportunity on over 2 acres in Wayzata's most coveted location, just steps from Wayzata Beach on Lake Minnetonka and vibrant shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Private driveway with beautiful natural views overlooking the wetlands.

MATTHEW S. BAKER

612-860-4222

mbaker@cbrealty.com

matthewsbaker.com

3408 ZENITH AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

6 BR 9 BA | $5,250,000

First-time offering-perfection! Nestled next to the Minikahada Club & Bde Make Ska, this remarkable residence offers stunning lake and skyline views. Experience unparalleled elegance & every imaginable feature. 2008 better than new construction.

19900 COTTAGEWOOD ROAD | DEEPHAVEN

5 BR 6 BA | $3,345,000

Deephaven Stunner on Carson’s Bay! This newer construction, walk-out will delight. Amazing setting and views. An entertainer’s delight with open floorplan, walls of windows and every imaginable feature. 135 feet of lakeshore on .56 acre lot!

1875 TROY LANE N. | PLYMOUTH

4 BR 3 BA | $1,250,000 | PENDING

Now under contract! A mid-century masterpiece located on a magnificent, two-acre lot with 180 feet of prime Mooney Lake shoreline. A private oasis with stunning views, a wall of glass to enjoy a true story-book setting. Spectacular!

ELLYN WOLFENSON

612-644-3033

ejwolfenson@cbrealty.com

ellynwolfenson.com

2388 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $4,599,000

Iconic Lake of the Isles Cotswold Cottage home. Complete 2020 renovation. Redefined sophistication & panoramic views. This home represents the highest level of design, a work of art in a premier, elevated setting! Own a piece of history!

2225 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 4 BA | $2,875,000

The Historic Keyes House with Lake of the Isles views, renovated by Rehkamp Larson Architects. Exquisite gardens, a primary suite with soaring windows, and a classic residence with comprehensive modern updates both structurally and mechanically.

2250 PRINCETON AVENUE | SAINT PAUL

4 BR 3 BA | $989,000

Sought after Mac/Groveland stunner! Sun filled & sensational! 4 bedrooms up and a primary that wows! Also features a first-floor family room & main floor office. Home is in perfect condition with many extensive updates. Footsteps to the river.

LORI SCHNECK 612-868-4230 lpschneck@cbrealty.com lorischneckhomes.com

875 LAKE STREET N., #216 | WAYZATA

2 BR 2 BA | $1,000,000

Enjoy luxury living at The Regatta in the heart of downtown Wayzata. 2nd floor unit with terrace patio access. 2 underground parking spots plus storage unit in the building. Walk to everything: lakefront, restaurants and shopping out your doorstep.

220 W. LAKE STREET | EXCELSIOR

4 BR 7 BA | $6,283,135 | SOLD

Main floor living in downtown Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. Perfect elevation to the lake showcasing sunsets and big water views. Step inside to find a totally remodeled home showcasing clean lines, sophisticated finishes, a thoughtful floor plan for everyday living and grand entertaining.

21650 FAIRVIEW STREET | GREENWOOD

4 BR 3 BA | $3,200,000 | PENDING

Dreamy fairytale cottage on a large level lot in coveted Greenwood. Truly magical lakeside glass conservatory and screen porch. Lakeside primary suite with terrace. Walkable to the best of Excelsior.

3100 ISLAND VIEW DRIVE | MOUND

4 BR 5 BA | $2,650,000 | SOLD

Show stopping newer construction home with panoramic views over Lake Minnetonka from all 3 levels. Lakeside fire pit and boathouse compliment 50 feet of beautiful shoreline.

651-755-6669 tj@cbrealty.com tjsavvyrealtor.com

HISTORIC LOFT LIVING MEETS MODERN LUXURY

Experience urban luxury in this stunning 3BR/3BA, 2,900 sq ft River Park Lofts residence in St. Paul’s historic Lowertown District. Originally built in 1905 and reimagined into luxury condos in 2006, this exceptional home combines two units to create a dramatic open layout featuring soaring ceilings, massive timber beams, and exposed brick throughout. The chef’s kitchen boasts Carrara marble countertops, Sub-Zero, Gaggenau, Thermador, and Dacor high-end appliances, plus dual pantries. Designer lighting, Maestro dimmers, and industrial architectural details enhance every space. Two balconies, two parking stalls (one heated), and a new roof (2025) complete this remarkable home, just steps from Mears Park, the Farmers Market, CHS Field, Union Depot, and skyway access to premier dining, nightlife, and entertainment.

Shelly

MANOR BORN

Hendel

BY LAURIE JUNKER

At first glance, 10,000 square feet might seem like a lot of house. But when scale, proportion and detail are thoughtfully balanced, that volume transforms from grand to gracefully livable.

This new North Oaks residence is a prime example of this. Designed for a family of five in one of life’s busiest chapters, with three school-aged children, this home is exactly what the owners envisioned — a seamless blend of comfort and versatility. It’s an all-inone haven that accommodates everything from movie nights and sleepovers to spirited gatherings and elegant fundraisers, all while fostering a strong sense of connection.

The homeowners were fortunate to find a pair of adjacent lakeside lots in North Oaks, a community renowned for its privacy, architectural diversity and 900 acres of conservation land, which include miles of trails, woodlands, marshes and three non-motorized lakes.

But the couple had never built before, and this was to be their dream house — a reward

for years of hard work growing their business. Having a trusting expert to guide them through the daunting process was crucial. That someone was the husband’s college roommate, Rick Hendel, the owner of Hendel Homes.

“They knew we would be as invested in this as they were,” says Amy Hendel, principal of the Excelsior-based company. The Hendels, in turn, assembled a trusted team of professionals: architect Peter Eskuche, interior designer Danielle Loven of Vivid Home and landscape designer Lincoln Danforth of Yardscapes. From day one, that team met weekly to listen, collaborate and hammer out details from design through construction.

This integration of disciplines, along with Eskuche’s ego-free approach, was the key to creating an intimate, all-the-bells-and-whistles house. “We design every space live and in person from the inside out, based on how the client spends their days, how each room will be

used and how many people each space needs to accommodate,” Eskuche explains. “Then we figure out what the furnishings, views, sightlines and outdoor connections should be. Having everyone at the table to weigh in on their area of expertise at every stage makes the process go much more smoothly.”

The clients’ inspiration images guided the team in a transitional direction, with an emphasis on high-quality materials, historical architecture and Old World craftsmanship to blend well with the estate-style homes in their North Oaks neighborhood. Eskuche drew from French country and English cottage styles for the gabled stone exterior, which features gently swooping dormers and copper accents. A pair of three-car garages bookend the house, with side entries to preserve the traditional street-facing aesthetic. One is for the family’s everyday cars and has easy access to the mudroom and kitchen. The other is for the homeowner’s classic American car collection, including some sleek Corvettes. Equipped with a seating area, a mini kitchen and direct access to the outdoor kitchen/bar and pool, it’s a certified man cave.

Other inspiring rooms include a moody

Project Partners

main-floor den with dark brass inlaid paneled walls and a walkout-level entertainment space with the feel of a private club. Highlights here include a tufted leather-wrapped bar, a golf simulator and a sunken TV lounge. Down a short flight of stairs is a full sports court, complete with a disco ball overhead for dance parties.

Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the house and was an integral component of the design, from the ceiling beams to the distinctive fireplace mantels. A few design team favorites include steel glass windows that bring architectural interest to an interior hallway and custom hand-blown Hennepin Made glass pendants over the stairs.

Eskuche also points out intentionally imperfect details, such as weathered stone corbels that give the house soul. “It’s comfy, rustic and bougie all at the same time,” he says. One of the family’s favorite spaces is a small family room located off the kitchen. “It is just big enough for all of them to pile on the sectional and watch TV after dinner,” Amy explains.

Each of the home’s five bedrooms, including a guest suite accessible via a secret bookcase door, are upstairs — three childrens’ rooms

on one end and the parents’ on the other, connected by a central hallway. Although the primary suite is undeniably luxurious, with dual walk-in closets, a beverage station and a spacious bathroom, the star of this floor has to be the laundry room.

“The homeowner didn’t care much about her closet, but she was adamant about having the laundry room be an amazing space,” explains designer Danielle Loven, who understands the importance of that area, being a mother herself. The designer loaded the light-filled room with an impressive array of amenities: two washers and dryers, a dry-cleaning closet, an ironing station, drawer storage, hampers, and — cue the applause — a large island for air-drying and folding clothes. “It’s centrally located, so the kids have no reason not to use it,” she adds.

The exterior spaces complement the interior, both visually and functionally. There are outdoor destinations for cooking, lounging, gathering around a fire, cooling off in the pool

or warming up in the hot tub. A trio of covered porches, equipped with heaters, pull-down screens and vinyl rollers, provide function and shelter in the shoulder season, while a stone-paved patio spans the length of the home and wraps around the pool deck to unify the spaces. Because the lot is so large, there’s still ample grassy space for yard games as well as mature trees for privacy.

A mix of formal and informal plantings frames the home, helping define the outdoor spaces. Landscape designer Lincoln Danforth selected plantings including evergreens, oaks, maple trees and native perennials to complement the architecture and the surrounding neighborhood. “I wanted to give the property a warm, unified look to gel with this part of North Oaks and not feel like new construction,” he explains.

Since moving in, the homeowners have become involved in their new community and hosted a variety of gatherings, including a holiday open house, allowing neighbors to get a glimpse inside. The word around town? That this house looks like it’s always been there. “You really can’t tell if this house was built last year or 50 years ago,” Amy says. “The design is timeless.”

Swan Architecture designs a Napa Valley–inspired house for an active family.

BY LAURIE JUNKER

How do you give a new house strength of character? By starting with the land, according to architect Andrea Swan. “Architecture should not outshine the landscape,” she says. The site was situated on four acres of gently sloping terrain west of the Twin Cities, where groups of mature oaks and arborvitae suggested a logical spot for her client’s new home — obliging rather than imposing on the setting by stretching out long and low, leaving much of the land open. Only the sky and trees loom large.

It’s an approach the homeowners came to appreciate on pandemic-era visits to California, where they decamped to a ranch-style house for a change of scenery with their three young boys. That experience prompted the couple to reconsider their multistory Colonial back home in favor of a more casual, single-story residence. Part of the appeal was the ease and closeness of being on the same level. Another more deeply felt and less tangible reason was

the desire to feel more connected to the land in a way that seems to slow life down.

They found this parcel and contacted Swan, who had helped them renovate their previous house and knows the couple well. “They’re stylish, unpretentious people,” she says. “A home for them needs to be beautiful but, every bit as important, approachable and grounded in function.” For inspiration, Swan looked to Napa Valley, where homes and landscapes tend to be closely intertwined.

The 11,500-square-foot abode’s varied rooflines (gable, shed and flat), mosaic stone and wide central entry are common to wine country vernacular and give the house a sense of history, as though it has been added to over the years. This also yields a sense of stability, too, from the low and rambling form that works with, not against, the grain of the land.

That sense of strength continues inside, thanks to thick walls, recessed windows and cabinets, warm wood paneling, and handmade finishes. In the main part of the house, a call-and-response between the rooms creates harmony: High ceilings complement low ceilings, larger rooms complement smaller rooms and expansive sightlines alternate with less open sightlines.

“Bringing some definition from one space to another makes the scale feel appropriate so that we, as human beings, are not lost in a sea of volume,” Swan explains. The rooms are unified by materials, colors and outdoor views. Which brings up another benefit of the elongated design: front yard and backyard views in several rooms.

These are a real treat here, given the large steel windows and private setting.

A vital space for this family, like most, is the kitchen. But this family includes a professional. The wife is a trained chef, and she needs the space to function like a restaurantquality kitchen, yet with a refinement that complements the rest of the house. This isn’t a hide-the-mess-in-a-scullery display kitchen. It’s a working space with open shelves for dishes, pots and pans, and three islands with surfaces suited to their specific function: butcher block for chopping and slicing, soapstone for plating, and Douglas fir for the island that buffers the kitchen from the great room.

“I wanted to be able to prep, cook and plate the food while talking to my family or guests,” the homeowner explains. “It’s how we’ve always done it, and I think it puts everyone at ease.” Further elevating the kitchen experience, the 60-inch range, which is housed in a terracotta-tile-wrapped cube, has a coffee bar around one corner and an additional oven and cookbook storage around the other.

Interior designer Sue Weldon also knew the couple from previous projects. “They are so thoughtful and have such strong character,” she says. “My goal was to make that seen and felt in an approachable and comfortable way throughout the interior.” Weldon accomplished this through natural, often handmade materials — tiles in alternating matte and glazed finishes installed to emphasize each tile’s edges and give the surface a dimension, wonderfully tactile light fixtures and hammered metal accents. There are hints of rusticity in richly hued textiles, with designs that draw on a range of global influences. A standout piece is an inviting U-shaped sectional in the great room.

Upholstered in a blush-hued indoor/outdoor velvet fabric, the couch solved the dilemma of what to do with the biggest room in the house.

“I knew if we didn’t make it comfortable, we wouldn’t use it,” says the homeowner.

But perhaps their real family room is a genius closet/lounge in the primary suite — a large carpeted room with all the cabinetry and hanging storage one would expect in a shared closet, but with comfortable seating, a TV and lots of natural light. “It’s where my husband

Project Partners

Architect: Swan Architecture

Builder: HNH Homes

Interior designer: Harris Weldon Interiors

Landscape architect: Keenan & Sveiven

and I catch up on our day, and the boys hang out while we get ready for work or a night out,” the homeowner explains. “This is kind of the epicenter of our home and keeps us close.”

With three active boys, the couple considered an indoor sports court but ultimately decided against it in favor of an outdoor pickleball/ basketball court, which the boys use year-round, shoveling off the snow so they can play pickleball or shoot hoops. There’s also a pool and an elegant, symmetrical raised-bed vegetable garden that produces food throughout the growing season, from radishes in the spring to squash in the fall. Surrounded by a variety of apple trees, including Honeycrisp and Zestar, the garden also serves as a seasonal snack bar for the kids and their friends.

Landscape designer Todd Irvine created the yard’s natural, expansive feel by minimizing hardscape, maintaining large unbroken swaths of grass for the boys to play, preserving mature trees and placing the pool and garden off to the sides, where they become destinations and don’t block views from inside the house. A cedar crossbuck fence with nearly invisible wire mesh frames the entire backyard and garden, keeping critters away from the vegetables and satisfying the pool safety fence requirements.

A covered patio with retractable screens off the back of the house creates a real California-living indoor/outdoor space during warmer months. But even in winter, the home’s large windows maintain that connection, making the warmth from the fireplaces and comfortable furniture all the more inviting. It’s these elements that encourage the homeowners and guests to take cues from the land and slow down, reflect and appreciate the comforts of home.

seaside sanctuary

A

family’s vacation home is a love letter to a place marked by joy and togetherness.

BY LAUREN JONES

or a Minnesota family, time spent on Florida’s colorful Captiva Island has been a long-held tradition. One of the homeowners began visiting the destination in the 1980s, when her parents took their boat down the Mississippi and landed on laid-back Captiva — a charming stretch of coastline speckled with pastel-hued cottages. When she met her husband, they honeymooned there. And in 2022, their son and daughter-in-law got married there. For a place that has held such meaning for three generations, the family was excited to finally build a legacy home on the island.

In 2019, the couple purchased a 1.5-acre plot with a dock and soon began planning with Fiddlehead Design Group, who had also collaborated on their Minnesota property. “The team knows our style, and we worked with an architect who had built on Captiva before,” she recalls.

The lot, which faces both the gulf and the bay, originally had a larger pink home and a purple guesthouse, but the couple envisioned a more traditional-style main house paired with a guesthouse that their growing family could enjoy. While the island has seen damage and new development after recent hurricanes, it has maintained its charm. “Captiva Island is a more casual, easy-going version of Florida, with restaurants that have been there forever and a strong community,” says Fiddlehead interior designer Jen Ziemer.

In 2024, the team completed a home that perfectly suits the couple’s personal tastes and the spirit of Captiva. The four-bedroom, six-bath main house is full of texture and awash in blue and white, with an expansive 13,000-square-foot floor plan. Meanwhile, the 3,400-square-foot guesthouse, which features three bedrooms and four baths, embraces quirky patterns. “Blue is the homeowners’ color and certainly Florida’s as well,” notes Fiddlehead interior designer Andréa Dixon.

They expanded the tonal palette by working

Project Partners

in tandem on tile and fabric selections, using the same colors but in subtle shifts: some blues leaning a little more gray, others tipping toward green — clear nods to the turquoise waters outside. “It’s all about balance,” says Ziemer. “Then, layering and taking it as far as the client will allow,” says Dixon. “Even the ceiling is another texture to balance.”

The main house features a generous open layout across the common spaces. In the dining room, an ombré tile creates an impressive backdrop that pairs with detailed dining chairs. Throughout, each room captures ocean vistas. “You can’t beat the views — that’s really the art in the home,” says Ziemer.

“We wanted to stay fairly coastal in design, with large open spaces but rooms that still felt cozy and comfortable,” says the homeowner. “And it needed to be family-friendly, so the design choices reflect that. We didn’t want anyone to worry about the kids or dogs spilling, or having to be overly cautious.” The only request from her husband? No shiplap.

Light wood floors allow tracked-in sand to virtually disappear, while quartz countertops keep maintenance minimal. One challenge was adapting their light fixtures to meet dark-sky guidelines during turtle season. “We never thought we’d have to consider turtle babies during our selection process,” Ziemer says with a laugh.

In the main house, there’s a bevy of special spaces, but two stand out: the clubroom and the outdoor entertainment hub. While blue and white define much of the home, the clubroom takes on a different aesthetic — wood-clad, darker, moodier. It’s one of the family’s favorite zones: a large den where they gather to play games, complete with a bar and a custom-painted Louis Vuitton trunk that acts as a coffee table.

The outdoor area — with its tiled kitchen and lounge-style seating — is an idyllic spot to entertain, relax with family and watch the dolphins. At night, the family convenes as the pink-and-orange sunset drifts over the skyline.

In the guesthouse, the designers opted for more daring patterns. For instance, in one guest bedroom, a pineapple design adorns the walls, and its adjacent bathroom features a blowfish wallpaper. While the owners initially imagined which family members would stay in which house and room, they’ve come to adore every space. “The guesthouse is so adorable,” says the homeowner. “It’s not a replica of the main house and truly has its own personality.”

For the designers, the project carried its own sentiment. “We have a lot of cabin projects, so it was such a treat to work on a home in a different destination,” Dixon says.

While the family hasn’t spent nearly as much island time in their Captiva abode, they look forward to collecting new memories as they embark on this next chapter with the blue waters and white sands as their backdrop.

ALL THE RAGE

Level up your wellness routine with these buzzy health and fitness practices.

BY ANNE RODERIQUE-JONES

IVER JACOBSEN

hh, the New Year — otherwise known as the good-lucksnagging-gym-equipment time of year. But we have an idea: Instead of attempting to claw your way into a spin class, why not try something new? Something unique. Something maybe even a little wacky. All in the name of wellness, naturally. From napercise to animalistic workouts, here are five unconventional wellness trends to add to your regimen in 2026.

COSMIC WELLNESS

When did manifesting become so mainstream? It seems like yesterday that astrology was relegated to teen magazines touting romantic encounters and psychics professing a great fortune was coming. Today, cosmic wellness is incorporated into a range of practices, from meditation sessions to sound baths. Cosmology expert Janna Bowman was just 10 years old when she stepped into her spiritual gifts. Now, she channels those talents into a holistic approach to well-being that combines spiritual, mental and physical health, with the goal of aligning one’s personal life with cosmic or universal energies and principles. All of the curated sessions offered through her eponymous company involve some form of vibrational medicine, sound therapy or channeling of crystals or stones. The results? In one particular session, while performing energy work on a client’s feet, Bowman felt a jolt through her body and saw a vision of a man with a white mustache, who happened to look exactly like the client’s father. But DIY cosmic energy can begin at home, too. Bowman says it’s as simple as mindfully “gazing into the flame of a candle or watching the smoke from a cone of incense burning.” Who knows — maybe your own bearded relative will make an appearance.

75 HARD (OR SOFT)

The name gives it away — this is not a program for the faint of heart. How does this sound? Seventy-five days of the following regimen: complete two 45-minute workouts (one being outdoors), drink one gallon of water and follow a diet with no alcohol or cheat meals. Oh, and add to that: read 10 pages of a nonfiction book and take a daily progress photo. And none of these are negotiable. Fall into the trap of happy hour margs? It’s back to day one. Raj Desai, MD, who is double-board certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation and interventional pain medicine, says that Hard 75 became all the rage on social platforms when participants started seeing rapid results. The good? “It promotes the importance of nutrition, hydration and daily movement while also promoting mental health benefits through reading,” says Desai. The not-so-good? Two workouts can be excessive and, “the all-or-nothing mentality can be psychologically stressful,” he adds. Perhaps the Soft 75 is a better approach because it’s more about progress and trying your best, rather than perfection. “With the Soft 75, you have to eat well and can drink alcohol socially rather than cut it out completely, you must exercise for 45 minutes daily, drink three liters of water daily and read 10 pages of any book,” he says. “If you miss a day, you don’t have to start over.” With that in mind, sign us up for the Soft!

ANIMAL-STYLE WORKOUTS

It may sound like a sporty safari, but hear us out: Animal-style workouts are the hottest thing to hit the New Year’s wellness hamster wheel. Jair Lee, movement and strength expert and wellness guide at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, says that these workouts are a unique and grounding way to train using just your bodyweight. The movements are inspired by animals — think crawling, sliding across the floor, hanging or holding a grounded pose. Lee started incorporating this practice into his training sessions with professional athletes. “Initially, there was some resistance; these elite athletes weren’t used to bear crawls or crab walks,” he explains. “But once they realized how much these movements improved shoulder stability, mobility and coordination, the buy-in came quickly. They also found it surprisingly fun.” What makes it special isn’t just the movements themselves, but the flow between them; it’s as much about mindfulness as it is about strength. “At its core, this style of movement helps build a stronger mind-body connection and invites you to get back in touch with your natural, primal instincts,” says Lee. Cue Katy Perry’s “Roar,” please.

AI-POWERED WELLNESS

A personal trainer is one thing, but a full-on wellness coach that is completely virtual is in a league all its own. Enter AI health. “We are finally in a world where the buzz word of personalization is becoming real and possible in the not-so-distant future,” says Julia Klim, cofounder of AI lab In Search Of, which focuses on making healthcare more personal. Building a fitness program? Check. Meal planning to help you feel less bloated and sluggish? Check. Spotting useful patterns through a wearable health and fitness tracker? Check. Those are the questions that — even for someone with one-on-one human care, like personal trainers or nutritionists — could not be answered as quickly as AI could. But soon that could all change. She explains that when AI gets it right, it won’t just track — it’ll adapt. “Picture a virtual companion who knows when you’re at the airport and can suggest exactly what to eat before your flight, when to have caffeine to beat jet lag, which supplements to take to feel your best upon arrival, and even recommends the perfect 20-minute workout for a post-travel shakeout,” says Klim. “Only you and AI can move through life together this fluidly. That version — where someone’s always quarterbacking your health in real time — is where we’re headed.”

NAPERCISE

Well, we have reached a point in society where we are paying to sleep. Which clocks, really. A whopping six out of 10 adults aren’t getting enough sleep, with 68% of adults experiencing poor sleep quality, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2025 Sleep in America Poll. So you could say that napercise was born out of necessity. Napercise is an hour-long fitness class with light stretching followed by a 45-minute uninterrupted nap on provided beds. These restorative sessions include soothing music, eye masks and a temperaturecontrolled room set to promote relaxation and calorie burn during sleep. The activity initially gained popularity in the United Kingdom as a result of widespread sleep deprivation. “It’s designed as a restorative workout to help reinvigorate the mind and the body and burn a few calories, blending exercise with essential rest,” says Reuben Chen, MD, a board-certified sports medicine physician and longevity expert. “Napercising is fun because it flips the traditional idea of a group workout on its head and transforms gyms into cozy nap areas — turning rest into a social event. Instead of sweat and strain, it’s soothing and restorative.”

Ice Bath by Remedy Place

A New Dimension of Self Care

KOHLER has partnered with Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder and CEO of Remedy Place, to introduce the world’s premier ice bath. The Ice Bath by KOHLER x Remedy Place blends cutting-edge wellness innovation with KOHLER’s signature design excellence to create the ultimate home wellness space–indoors or outdoors.

citrus season AT KOWALSKI’S! IT’S

Winter is one of the sweetest seasons for produce, specifically citrus. These sunny, sweet fruits arrive just in time to brighten the shortest days of the year. Enjoy Kowalski’s exclusive Sky Valley Heirloom Oranges with your favorite chocolate, wine, cheese or incorporate your favorite citrus into your menus and dishes this season. You’ll appreciate the bright spot of sunshine citrus brings to our Minnesota winter.

STARRY

How noctourism became travel’s brightest trend.

BY ALEXANDRA OWENS

Sleeping on Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans feels like floating. Tucked inside my warm sleeping bag, I’m sandwiched between two distinct worlds: the lunar-like remains of the ancient super lake below me and a vast galaxy above. Desert & Delta safari guide Isaac Mpuchane tells me that we’re close to the Tropic of Capricorn, where the Milky Way flows past, making this one of the world’s top destinations for stargazing. A full moon complicates our lesson. In total darkness, I learn, its gentle silver glow dominates the sky.

Once a niche pursuit reserved for astrophiles and safari die-hards, noctourism offerings like this sleepout

— which let people explore the world after dark — are lighting up as one of travel’s most compelling trends. In fact, the category grew 25% in 2024, according to tour operator Wayfairer Travel, to more than $10 million — a number that’s anticipated to double by 2035, reports research firm Future Market Insights.

How did darkness become travel’s new frontier? The boom mirrors increased global interest in astrotourism as news headlines get dominated by comets, total eclipses, high-profile space missions and the aurora borealis — which reached an 11-year activity peak in recent years.

“Astrotourism is a gateway to experiencing the larger noctourism movement,” says travel journalist Stephanie Vermillion, author of National Geographic’s 100 Nights of a Lifetime “Once you go out a few times to see the stars, you start to notice other marvels of the night, such as bioluminescence or fireflies.”

Another major catalyst is social media, Vermillion notes. Today’s cameras capture the night sky with striking clarity. “Even iPhones can photograph the Northern Lights well,” she says. Those images can spark curiosity, sending travelers in search of the real thing.

What you discover out there might surprise you. “You may have heard the saying many national parks use: ‘Half the park is after dark,’” says Communications Manager Drew Reagan at DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to protecting the night sky through education and advocacy. “The night is full of wonders, from glowing fungi to cool critters that only come out after dark.”

Noctourism unlocks off-the-beaten-path activities that simply don’t exist during the day, like witnessing the Phillip Island’s penguin parade in Australia and snorkeling among bioluminescent phytoplankton at Cambodia’s Six Senses Krabey Island. It also fosters a deeper understanding of destinations. “We’re so reliant on our vision during the day,” says Vermillion. “At night, when our vision isn’t as sharp, the natural world can better engage our other senses.”

The effect isn’t just immersive; it’s meditative akin to the therapeutic effects of forest bathing. “In a world that seems more chaotic than ever, spending time outside at night encourages us to slow down and reconnect with something larger than ourselves,” says Reagan.

Noctourism boasts practical benefits, too. Cooler temperatures can make outdoor adventures more comfortable, while visiting popular sites at night lets travelers avoid daytime crowds and enjoy a calmer, more intimate experience.

In response to growing demand, noctourism is expanding beyond simple stargazing as operators cater to travelers seeking vast, dark skies with prime viewing conditions (think no light pollution and low humidity). On a tour with Naya Traveler, guests explore Chile’s Atacama Desert — the driest, non-polar desert in the world — as well as Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, equipped with domed stargazing beds.

Peeping the Northern Lights has become a category in its own right. In Yellowknife, Canada — the Aurora Capital of North America where the phenomenon is visible up to 240 nights per year — Joe Buffalo Child of North Star Adventures started the now-popular activity of aurora hunting, a celestial adventure that involves chasing clear skies until the heavens open up and the magical Northern Lights spill across the horizon. At the remote, family-owned Wilderness Hotel Inari in Finland, visitors can search for the aurora by reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile or snowshoe.

Another hot offering? Night safaris thanks to the fact that 70% of mammals, as well as many species of reptiles, amphibians and insects, are nocturnal. In Costa Rica, Savia Forest Immersion (a partner of Hotel Belmar) leads nightfall hikes into the cloud forest, providing guests with night vision monoculars and black lights to better see the hidden world around them.

As interest in noctourism surges, so too does the effort to preserve the darkness that travelers crave. Organizations like DarkSky International are expanding their focus from parks to the tourism infrastructure that surrounds them. Currently, more than 250 DarkSky Places — a network where pristine night skies are protected from the light pollution that’s now increasing by 10% every year — stretch across the planet.

Outfitters are adapting, too. Brands such as Chiawa Safaris in Zambia emphasize the importance of putting red filters on spotlights and prohibiting camera flashes to ensure wildlife isn’t inadvertently disrupted. “Tourism can be wonderful, but it must be done responsibly, or we risk losing the resource that draws people in,” says Reagan.

That’s the quiet magic of noctourism: It invites you to listen harder, breathe deeper and see the world in ways you’d normally overlook. Back in Makgadikgadi, I watch the sun inch above what seems like the edge of the earth. Pink light unspools across the flats and, the darkness gone, I reluctantly pack to leave. When dawn finally arrives, it’s not just the horizon that has shifted — something in me has, too. I haven’t looked at the night sky the same way since.

Discover a new generation of luxury wellness escapes along Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo.

BY PAUL RUBIO

ention Costa Rica, and images of rainforests, volcanoes and toucans instantly come to mind. Yet in this small country of outsized biodiversity, nature reveals surprises at every turn. Exhibit A: Peninsula Papagayo, one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth, located in the Guanacaste province along the northwest coast, where the shoreline meets tropical dry forest. Here, ceiba trees shade heliconias and orchids while howler monkeys announce the dawn and whales breach offshore. It’s this combination of elements that invites visitors to breathe a little deeper, move a little slower and rediscover what balance feels like. Once a backdrop for eco-adventure, this landscape has recently become the stage for something bigger: the rise of Costa Rica’s era of restorative luxury.

Across Peninsula Papagayo, a new lineup of properties is redefining the relationship between nature, design and wellness, revealing how the country’s pura vida ethos continues to evolve. At Nekajui, a freshly minted Ritz-Carlton Reserve perched above the Pacific Ocean, the feeling is particularly palpable. This adults-centric retreat, which opened last year, leans into its biophilic setting through design by Luxury Frontiers, the studio behind some of Africa’s most iconic tented camps. Rooms and suites champion transitional indoor-outdoor living and feature motifs from Chorotega culture (an Indigenous group with

strong roots in Guanacaste). Meanwhile, dramatic architecture — including a suspension bridge that links treetop structures and a glass funicular gliding down to the beach — creates a sense of discovery at every turn.

At its heart, Nekajui celebrates the healing power of nature. With live birdsong as a soothing soundtrack, mornings begin with wellness activities ranging from vinyasa yoga to unique offerings like “animal flow,” a yoga-gymnastics hybrid directed by primal motions and poses. Movement continues in the open-air jungle gym, where state-of-the-art equipment creates opportunity for grounding strength work overlooking panoramic island views. Hydrotherapy is a daily ritual at the infinityedge vitality pool, which boasts a six-part circuit of varying temperatures and bubbling geysers that soothe muscles while framing the Pacific beyond. In fact, it’s the largest hydrotherapy pool in all of Central America.

This water world is just one part of the 27,000-squarefoot Nimbu Spa, featuring volcanic mud wraps, herbal compresses and aromatherapy with Juanilama essential oils in oceanfront pavilions. It’s also one of five statementmaking pools cascading throughout the property, complemented by hiking trails that lead to hidden viewpoints and dining that honors the region’s seasonal abundance. Signature restaurant Puna and waterfront Niri Beach Club use local seafood and produce as blank canvases for clean eating and culinary ingenuity, turning each meal into an expression of place. Morning coffee at Café Rincón is brewed with hand-picked beans from all seven national harvest regions, which can also be paired with local cacao.

Anchored along Guanacaste’s most coveted beaches, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo continues the narrative of renewal. The property that first defined Costa Rican luxury in 2004 has been transformed for today’s traveler thanks to an extensive renovation marking its 20th anniversary. The open-air Wellness Shala, designed by Mexican firm Arquitectura

Mixta, rises among the trees and hosts yoga, meditation and ancestral healing sessions.

Sound therapy with José, the resort’s resident practitioner, has become a hallmark experience, employing instruments that create vibrations that ripple through the body and merge with the natural world. The reimagined, two-story fitness center rivals a top, big-city gym, while dining reflects Guanacaste’s commitment to nourishment: 80% of ingredients are sourced from nearby producers, fishers and ranchers, ensuring each dish feels as local as its setting.

Farther down the coast, the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, which opened in September 2025, reinforces the region’s devotion to balance and connection. The property’s ocean-view spa offers treatments steeped in Indigenous rituals, which echo the harmony of design, culture and environment that now defines Guanacaste. Designed by an acclaimed architectural team, the hotel is sustainably built with natural materials to support the property’s Earthfriendly sensibilities.

With opulent lodging options backed by some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, Peninsula Papagayo has emerged as a gold standard for wellness, where winding trails double as sites for meditative bliss, spas utilize volcanic soil and sea salt, fitness spaces open to the elements, vitality pools revive body and spirit, and restaurants honor local heritage. Every experience reflects the idea that, here, opulent offerings celebrate connection, not excess. And in that convergence of natural beauty, purpose, design and possibility, Peninsula Papagayo steps onto the scene as the go-to destination for restorative luxury.

Solid brass hardware & accessories

Handmade in England since 1929

NEXT LEVEL LUXURY

In a world where over-the-top opulence has become de rigueur, what is luxury travel today?

BY MARISA PETRARCA

Luxury hospitality used to flex in fairly obvious ways: seductive lobbies that lure you in, luxe bed linens you sank into, bespoke bath amenities that beckoned you to soak awhile. Those touches remain, but they’re no longer the headline. Today, the real magic is a feeling; a moment so thoughtfully orchestrated it lands like a spotlight. In the rarefied tiers of high-end hospitality, that is the new definition of exceptional.

You feel it instantly at Palazzo Margherita in Basilicata, Italy. If you’re lucky, your stay overlaps with a Garden Grigliata, an alfresco dinner that feels like a movie still come to life. Fairy lights flicker overhead, candles glow and a table arranged with theatrical precision stretches throughout the garden. Plates appear in generous waves, and wine makes its quiet circuits. Before long, you’re not just passing through the scene — you’re cast in it.

And if fortune really comes your way, Francis Ford Coppola might even be among the diners. The Godfather director — and the visionary behind this Italian hideaway and the larger Coppola Hideaways — doesn’t appear as a celebrity cameo, but as part of the evening. That’s the sweet spot shaping the shift in hospitality: gestures that land with the ease of serendipity but are backed by quiet choreography.

Coppola understands this delicate dance intuitively. His work restoring Palazzo Margherita began with a personal north star: “to bring back to life the beautiful palazzo in our hometown and open it as a home for guests coming from around the world,” he says. “My grandfather, Agostino, came from Bernalda, and I wanted to honor that lineage by creating a place where guests can experience the simplicity and authentic lifestyle of provincial villages in one of the most unspoiled areas of Southern Italy.”

It’s a vision rooted in what luxury means now — realness over spectacle. And it hits even harder today, when technology can handle almost every aspect of a trip. The easier everything gets, the more we want what tech can’t give us — human care. A recent Mews survey confirms it: 68% of globetrotters crave personal touches, from a welcome amenity that feels almost clairvoyant to a cocktail that appears right when you want it. Those gestures coax 80% of visitors back again.

It dovetails neatly with the rise of “unreasonable hospitality” — the notion that true luxury is the feeling of being genuinely cared for. Behind the movement is Will Guidara, former co-owner of the Michelin-starred New York City eatery Eleven Madison Park, whose thoughtful approach propelled the restaurant to the title of best in the world. He championed the philosophy through unforgettable gestures, both big and small.

Among his most famous? He once overheard diners regretting they hadn’t tried a New York City hot dog, so he

ran out, bought one, plated it as if it belonged on the tasting menu and presented it tableside. They deemed it the highlight of their trip. That spirit became the premise of his New York Times bestseller — and a blueprint for modern hospitality.

So it’s no surprise he sees the same opportunity in high-end hotels. “I believe that everyone, regardless of what they do for a living, has the opportunity to create magic, and I think in the luxury hotel space that opportunity is especially true,” says Guidara. “Life moves very quickly. There aren’t many opportunities to put the world on pause and genuinely connect with loved ones. So when you leave the business of your life behind and walk through the doors of a beautiful hotel, that’s the responsibility that these places have.”

Chicago-based luxury travel advisor Karina Kavanagh sees the shift happening in real time. Sure, design and grandeur still matter, but the stays that truly leave an imprint are defined by those special touches. “In a predominantly online world,” she explains, “traveling is one of the prime times people are truly logged off and focusing on human connection.” And when a hotel delivers on that? “Travelers become customers for life.”

Anecdotes from her clients feel like something stolen from the pages of a screenplay. One couple celebrating their anniversary opened the doors to their villa to their first-dance song drifting through the room. Another guest

found her dog’s framed photo waiting on the nightstand, treats lined up alongside it. In Brussels, a chef slipped a stack of waffles and a handwritten recipe into a box after overhearing a mother say her daughter would’ve adored them. And on a Greek charter, a hand-carved backgammon board surfaced on deck for clients obsessed with the game.

Guidara lived it, and Kavanagh helps usher it into travel. “A lot of value comes from staff simply listening and being empowered to follow through,” she says.

At Amanjiwo — the quiet stone sanctuary tucked into the hills near Borobudur, Indonesia — that’s the default. General Manager Noemi Perez Morgado recalls a birthday stay where a husband mentioned his wife’s favorite lotus — a flower nearly impossible to find on the island. The team combed the markets, then went to a nearby monastery, where the monks offered a few rare blooms with their blessing. After dinner, the couple returned to a room transformed with those hard-won petals. Not bad for a casual comment.

So where does that leave us? Coppola puts it plainly: “As it is with a good film, the aim is to leave each person with something personal and unforgettable,” he says. And when a resort lives up to that promise, it leaves a mark — much like the film that seemingly rewired your heart without warning. It’s the feeling that lingers. The one you carry home with you.

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THE INN CROWD

Step inside three enchanting East Coast inns and learn the inspired stories behind them.

SILVER SANDS MOTEL & BEACH BUNGALOWS

GREENPORT, NEW YORK

The first time Alexander Perros turned down Silvermere Road, he was motivated by nothing more than curiosity. The street was marked by a sign that piqued his interest: “Silver Sands Motel,” it read, its capital S’s formed from the curving outline of a big blue seahorse. Down the long wooded lane, he passed a bog full of croaking toads, crossed over train tracks, and skirted a saltwater marsh where cranes and egrets perched gracefully. And then, crowned by blue-and-red neon at the end of the road, was Silver Sands.

Alex and his wife, Anna, had recently purchased a weekend home nearby, and this discovery felt like kismet. He was instantly captivated by the frozen-in-time motel, which he learned dated back to the 1950s. “It was completely serendipitous, but when I saw it, there was just something about it,” he says. He wasn’t the only one who thought so: Despite being rundown, the place was nearly full. Sure, most guests brought their own sheets — even their own cleaning supplies — but they were as loyal as could be, most of them regulars for decades.

“It had so much presence, so much charm, so much history. There was this unexplainable attraction.” Alex asked a local friend, a broker, if the owner might consider an offer. Not a chance, came the unequivocal answer. It was still owned by the family that had opened it, and they’d never sell. Alex told her to give him a call if that ever changed.

In January 2020, the call came: The motel’s second-generation proprietor had passed away, and his sister, then in her seventies, was running the place on a shoestring budget. The family might be inclined to sell after all.

The timing was perfect. Alex had recently left his role as president at Lindsey Adelman Studio and, having found some success in real-estate development, was looking for a new project that would satisfy both sides of his brain — a business endeavor that would allow him to flex his creative muscles. He put in an offer.

THE NORUMBEGA INN

CAMDEN, MAINE

Inns are a dime a dozen in Maine. But a castle? Well, that’s something. Architect Will Tims and his partner, Brett Haynie, knew it was something from the moment they first saw it: Norumbega Castle, an 1886 manor set on a rolling hill, a mere stone’s throw from the Camden Harbor. It had been built by Joseph Barker Stearns, the inventor of the duplex telegraph, who was enlisted by Western Union to take his newfangled technology to Europe. There, he went from country to country selling his communication system and, during his time off, visited the great estates of the continent: Versailles, Buckingham, Balmoral.

When he returned home to Maine a newly minted millionaire, he was moved to build a castle that would be the envy of all. He filled his Shangri-La with his favorite possessions: his library of 10,000 books, his collection of Chiriquí pottery, his Queen Anne antiques. He named it Norumbega, after the fabled golden city mythologized by French explorers who settled the Northeast during the 1600s.

A century and a half later, Tims and Haynie turned down Norumbega’s porte cochere and waltzed (one must always waltz here) through its still-very-grand entrance. Technically they were guests — the castle had operated as an 11-room guesthouse over the preceding decades — but like the 16th-century settlers seeking the lost city of Norumbega, they were on their own reconnaissance mission: for an inn project.

Tims and Haynie were the only guests that wintery evening, the first of four nights they had planned to spend touring inns across Maine. On the market for two years, Norumbega had danced through their dreams ever since they saw its real-estate listing, but the castle’s scale and grandeur were intimidating. All hesitation disappeared the minute they walked through the door. They were spellbound. “There was a crazy storm that night,” Haynie recalls, “and the owners basically gave us the keys and left us in the castle by ourselves.” The couple opened a bottle of wine and wandered about, peeking into every room and envisioning what they might do with each space. “I remember saying to Will, ‘Even if we don’t buy this property, this was such a magical night,’” Haynie says. What they found behind each door was inspiration: Stearns’s two-story library (empty but still impressive), original clawfoot tubs. The woodwork alone was a sight to behold. And even in the midst of a furious storm, the expansive grounds were undeniably swoon-worthy, with a romantic gazebo designed to match the main house. When the sun came up the next morning, the storm had passed — but none of the sorcery of the previous night had worn off. This was their magic castle. Though they went on to tour the remaining seven inns on their itinerary, their search was already over.

THE GEORGE

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY

They say when one door closes, another opens. Rarely, however, do the two events happen in the same day. But in 2016, just as beauty mogul Bobbi Brown was closing the door on a 22-year career at Estée Lauder, her husband, Steven Plofker, invited her to step through her next one. It led to an inn.

To hear Brown tell it, that day went something like this: “I called Steven from my office and told him I was leaving Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and he immediately came out to meet me in the city,” she recalls. “He told me he had bought a building and said, ‘Why don’t we turn it into a hotel?’” Never mind that the couple had never dreamed of, or even talked about, becoming hoteliers. “It was the first time I heard words like that come out of his mouth,” Brown says. “I looked at him and said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Constructed in 1902 as a private residence, the Georgian-style structure had been granted landmark status in 2008. The house had been operating as The Georgian Inn since the 1970s, and for years, Plofker had courted its owner, who remained noncommittal — until one fateful day. “He had entertained a few other offers that had fallen through, and he called me and asked if my offer was still on the table,” he recalls. “I said, ‘I’ll buy it tomorrow.’” The timing could only be kismet. Brown still had a few years left on a non-compete agreement with her former employer that prohibited her from starting any beauty brands. Why not run out the clock with a new creative endeavor? So what if the couple didn’t know the first thing about making a hotel? They had built Bobbi Brown Cosmetics together on gut instinct, banking on natural makeup at a time when red lipstick was all the rage, and there was no denying that they’d been outrageously successful. They’d do it again.

And so it was in this familiar can-do spirit that the couple embarked on their first hotel: as outsiders, keen to stay on the outside and do everything differently — their way — combining his real estate and renovation acumen with her artistic savvy. Things started off on the right note: The bones were good, and many historic details — the grand double staircase, the dentil moldings, the exquisite stained-glass window panels — were remarkably preserved. Sure, the wallpaper was peeling, the carpet threadbare, but all of that was cosmetic. The duo played to their strengths, with Plofker spearheading the construction and Brown dreaming up the decor. He focused on the big picture. She targeted the fine details. And every decision was made together.

Text excerpted from The Inn Crowd: Artistic Getaways and the Modern Innkeepers Who Crafted Them by Jackie Caradonio, published by Monacelli (2025).

North

The region’s best and brightest.

BY KATIE DOHMAN

Gretchen Camp

ESG ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

As principal at ESG Architecture & Design, Gretchen Camp builds communities. But this might not always mean the literal buildings, as one might expect. Her focus is less about exacting measurements on paper and more about the networks and neighborhoods she helps develop.

“We’re working in people’s homes, backyards and neighborhoods, and we want them to be proud of the communities we design,” says Camp. “Historically, I would always be the one presenting at neighborhood meetings, planning commissions or city councils. One of my strengths is creating harmony; it’s important for me to build consensus and foster teamwork,” adding that perhaps this trait emerged early on as one of 13 siblings.

Indeed, relationships are Camp’s secret sauce behind constructing both strong buildings and strong careers. “Now, I’m fostering and helping develop the careers of others,” she says. “It’s probably been a decade since I thought about what I’m doing next. I became an owner at ESG 10 years ago, and once you’ve passed that milestone, you’re not thinking about yourself. You’re focused on advancing opportunities for hundreds of other people.”

So when her firm was looking to change banks, she appreciated that Bridgewater Bank shared similar values. Because of the bank’s deep roots in the local real estate community and its close partnerships with developers and architects, Camp saw that Bridgewater understood the collaborative nature of her business. The bank also empowers her as a female business owner. All told, it was a seamless fit “It’s really a two-way street in terms of our relationship,” she says. “They look for ways to support clients like me with business development opportunities and aren’t just concerned about how I’m going to help them — and I’m all in.”

Notables

Mara Ryan HUMANKIND BOOKS

Mara Ryan is an advocate. Her inspiration stems from her experience as a brand and marketing professional, a member of the Children’s Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors, and a mother who has navigated pediatric food allergies, ADHD and whose baby braved a four-month NICU stay during the pandemic. “My daughters have driven the path I have been on to make this world a bit better for them,” she says.

So when her second-grader, who has dyslexia, came home one day and explained that she had been given “baby books” while other classmates received more exciting material in class, Ryan wondered: Why aren’t there engaging books with age-appropriate topics and cool graphics available for kids navigating reading challenges?

She asked librarians, teachers and reading tutors. No one had go-to books for kids with dyslexia. So she decided to write one herself, based on a poem her family penned after saying goodbye to their beloved dog, Lucky. A past colleague, who understood the need and assignment, created beautiful illustrations for the self-published title, Lucky Dog. On the day of the launch, it sold out on Amazon.

“What I’ve learned is that making children’s books inclusive doesn’t have to be rocket science,” Ryan says. She points out that thoughtful design standards — such as dyslexia-friendly fonts, spacing rules and page color selection — can help, along with a focus on decodable words.

“There is so much power in simplicity and basic principles, which can help all children be successful,” she adds. Ryan hopes that someday, the list of books that tutors and teachers can recommend to children and parents navigating dyslexia will fill an entire library shelf.

“I hope my background as a mom on a mission and my desire to support families inspires others to roll up their sleeves and do what they can to make the world better for kids,” she concludes. “If everyone does a small part, a lot can be accomplished.”

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PUBLISHER ’ S TAKE

I’ve finally (nearly) perfected the art of traveling light — much to my husband’s shock. Maybe it’s because my trips have become quick sprints, as optimizing every minute matters these days. As a recovering over-packer, I’m offering a few tried-and-true essentials that have actually stuck.

The Bag

At the risk of sounding dramatic, the Away Everywhere Bag has changed my life. There’s a spot for everything: phone, laptop, keys, notebook, magazine, oversize cashmere scarf, and all of the bits and bobs. And yet, the bag still feels compact and organized. Best of all, the trolley sleeve slides onto any Away roller bag, securing it for an easy, breezy glide through the airport.

Passport Holder

We know our passports are oh so important and stash them away accordingly. But when they are dressed in crocodile-printed calf leather, they really won’t ever get lost. Chic and organized is always the goal, and the Smythson Mara passport cover achieves both. You can also slip an AirTag into it for ultimate safekeeping.

Powerhouse Skincare

Ever since Skin MPLS founder Cassie Fehlen recommended Dr. esthé’s Rejuvenating Ampule to me, I try to never be without it. It’s both an excellent skincare product and a perfect packable. Small but mighty, this highly concentrated, antioxidant-loaded serum regenerates skin quickly by utilizing salmon DNA. Your skin will glow no matter what the travel day throws at you, and the formula eliminates the need to pack multiple products.

Sleep Aid

Sakara’s Night Service supplement is a must-pack for long-haul flights, jet-lag recovery or any night you struggle to settle in away from your own bed. The formula is melatonin-free and powered by tart cherry, magnesium and adaptogens, which help your body unwind naturally. I find it helps me drift off quickly without the risk of next-day grogginess.

Solid Perfume

Diptyque’s solid perfumes are a spill-proof, TSA-friendly alternative to traditional spray fragrance bottles. The compact, refillable format not only saves space but is generally a beautiful object to have in tow. The scent is activated by your body’s warmth and can quickly be applied to pressure points.

My very best,

Emma Cutler Velez Publisher

LAST CALL

Luxury travel has entered its sustainable era. Globetrot to the top resorts focused on regenerative hospitality on page 87, including