Introducing Four Seasons Deer Valley, a world-class mountain resort, at the heart of the most exciting new alpine destination in North America—Deer Valley East Village.
The Four Seasons Private Residences Deer Valley features 123 ski-in/ski-out luxury condominiums and a collection of exclusive amenities—envisioned by world-renowned architect ODA, realized by Extell Development Company, and perfected by Four Seasons service to create a truly legendary lifestyle.
One- to Six-Bedroom Mountainside Condominium Residences from $3.75M
FEATURES
52 THE SOUL OF BERMUDA
St. George’s, on the Island’s Quiet, Eastern Side, is Experiencing a Renaissance
56 CHIEF OFFICER OF OPTIMISM
Gary Vaynerchuk Plays the Long Game
62 TEXAS HEAT, HOLLYWOOD COOL
The Rise of Glen Powell
68 THE ART OF BECOMING
The Quiet Brilliance of Three Heart-Led Female Entrepreneurs
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a good time to think about finishing the year on a strong note. The stories and information we’re bringing you here are designed to do just that, starting with our cover story about actor Glen Powell who has shown us how he applies his considerable talent to finish strong at the box office, time and time again.
In another story, long-time Jetset contributor and award-winning entrepreneur Barry LaBov poses an interesting question: How would you respond if someone asked you to describe your best day at work? He shares his perspective on what defines a “best day,” and, even more importantly, the secret to having more of them.
On the investment front, our real estate expert Ken McElroy shares tips on how to recession-proof your real estate portfolio. And if you’re in the market for a new personal jet, you won’t want to miss our feature on how the accelerated tax write-offs that are now built into the tax code can have a major impact on your ownership strategy.
It’s no secret that being a high-achieving executive can go hand-in-hand with chronic stress, which can have a negative impact on health. Entrepreneur Brandon Dawson observed this phenomenon firsthand while working with some of the most brilliant business minds in the country. So he decided to do something about it. He founded 10X Health Systems, a wellness company that uses hard data to create hyper-personalized health plans. In our story you’ll learn how his patented precision nutrition platform is designed to optimize health and longevity.
Of course, another activity that can have a positive impact on your health is taking a rejuvenating trip to one of the world’s top destinations. In this issue we bring you plenty of options, whether you’re looking for a luxurious winter adventure, a trip to a scenic Swiss wine region, an escape to a relaxing Caribbean island or an opportunity to discover the soul of Bermuda. We also introduce you to itineraries that combine an African safari with a blissful coastal retreat, and we show you how major fashion brands are collaborating with luxury hotels to create accommodations that are truly worthy of suite dreams.
We hope you’ll find much to enjoy in this issue and that the number of best days you have now and in the coming year will only continue to grow.
With warm regards,
Darrin Austin CEO/Publisher, Jetset Magazine
CORPORATE
CEO/PUBLISHER CFO
Creative Director Editor-in-Chief VP of Business Development VP of Operations VP of Advertising
How the One Big Beautiful Bill is Reshaping Private Aviation
BY KATY SPRATTE JOYCE
Imagine touching down in Aspen just as the sun dips below the majesty of the Rockies, the engine’s hum settling into silence 7,820 feet above sea level. Now imagine that indulgent aircraft arriving on your 2025 balance sheet and getting written off entirely. That’s the elevated incentive now built into the tax code, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Tucked into the recently passed piece of legislation is a provision that’s making waves in the private aviation world: the return of accelerated depreciation for jet purchases. Under the updated tax law, eligible buyers can now write off a substantial portion of an aircraft’s value, sometimes up to 100 percent, within the first year of ownership. This financial shift is already influencing how individuals and companies approach aircraft acquisition, ownership structures and long-term fleet strategy.
Private aviation has always been about more than just convenience, and for the wealthy, the new tax landscape isn’t just interesting—it’s actionable. Whether you’re eyeing your first aircraft, upgrading your fleet or advising highnet-worth clientele, understanding how this updated depreciation rule works could unlock serious tax advantages. It’s a prime moment to rethink how you fly. So, to better ascertain how the One Big Beautiful Bill is changing private jet ownership, we turned to specialists in both estate planning/tax law and the aviation industries. Here’s what they had to say about navigating this ever-evolving terrain.
Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, explains that the One Big Beautiful Bill essentially revives and extends a powerful tax incentive first introduced in the 2017 tax reform: 100 percent bonus depreciation on private aircraft purchases. “It’s not speculation; we know from experience with the 2017 law that this makes a real difference,” Raiff says. When that law was in effect, buyers could write off the entire purchase price of an aircraft, even if it was 100 percent financed. For many buyers, who often face marginal tax rates around 40-50 percent, this meant effectively getting back 50 cents on every dollar spent in tax savings the very year they put the plane into service. The results were clear: more jets sold, more people flying and a boost to aviation jobs and manufacturing. Raiff predicts similar effects with this most recent update.
One of the most immediate impacts is that owning a private jet has effectively become cheaper, thanks to the accelerated tax write-offs. “The cost of acquiring an airplane drops because you need less cash up front,” Raiff shares. “You can skip paying two quarters of taxes in the first year, improving cash flow significantly,” he says. Raiff calls this period “Christmas in July” for the industry, thanks to retroactive provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill dating back to January 19, 2025. He also notes that to qualify for accelerated depreciation, aircraft must be in commercial operation and registered within strict timelines (roughly 90 days to purchase and 30 days to register). “Don’t be the last one
trying to get in on this,” he warns, underscoring urgency as the end of the year approaches. “We’re celebrating 30 years in business and seeing a significant rise in registration activity. This confirms that the new tax incentives are driving real growth across the private aviation ecosystem,” Raiff states.
Of course, unlocking those tax advantages requires precise planning and execution. For that deeper dive, we turned to a legal expert to break down the fine print: Amanda Andrews, J.D., LL.M, breaks it down. She is Senior Counsel at Handler Law, LLP in Chicago, Illinois, the nation’s premier family office law firm catering to ultra-high net worth individuals. Andrews explains that the core provision of the bill is clear: “On July 4, 2025 the One Big Beautiful Bill has now made permanent a 100 percent first-year bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 168(k) for new or used private airplanes purchased and put into service after January 19, 2025 by certain businesses for business use,” she notes. In layperson’s luxury speak: your jet, when used for business, becomes a strategic asset, not just in the sky, but on the balance sheet. You can deduct the full cost in the first year, turbocharging your cash flow and freeing up capital for upgrades, destination adventures or even your next hangar.
This type of accelerated depreciation isn’t new, but its reinstatement, now with permanent status, has significant implications. “Bonus
depreciation allows a business to immediately deduct a significant portion of the cost of an eligible asset in the year the asset is put into service, which can enhance cash flow and reduce taxable income,” she says. “In this case, with aircraft, the depreciation has been restored to 100 percent.” This differs from past law. “Under the previous Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), bonus depreciation under IRC Section 168(k) on this type of purchase was 100 percent initially but was slowly phased out beginning in 2023 and is scheduled to decrease by 20 percent every year to 0 percent in 2027,” the lawyer notes.
Luxury investment is as much about precision as it is about indulgence. To fly under the fiscal radar, or rather, through it, you must meet the IRS’s rules for qualified use. Eligibility isn’t automatic. Andrews emphasizes that the aircraft must be a business asset. This includes charter and commercial jets, airframes, engines and components, and it must meet the IRS’s business-use test. “The business must demonstrate that more than 50 percent of the use (miles or hours) is devoted to a qualified business use in the year placed into service,” she explains. “This means a use directly connected to the trade or business.” There is a two-step standard under IRC Section 280F to determine if the use is directly related to the trade or business. First, “At least 25 percent of the total hours must be unrelated party business use in order for related business use to count towards the 50 percent qualified business use,” the lawyer
explains. Next, she says, “All combined business use must be more than 50 percent.” In more elegant terms: your jet needs to earn its stripes. At least half of its airborne hours must serve your business. (Think boardroom to yacht, not weekend escapades with the family.) In essence, this isn’t about leisure; it’s about purpose, and your ledger will thank you for getting it right.
For high-net-worth individuals or family offices, there is much to consider with the OBBB. Andrews notes that planning ahead is critical. She advises speaking to an attorney who has experience with aircraft and other business equipment purchases, as well as advanced tax planning experience, when the purchase is being considered. “Don’t wait until after the purchase,” she cautions. Additionally, be prepared for record-keeping and establishing an ownership structure for the aircraft, which will make all of this easier and safer for the family or family office.
Together, Greg Raiff’s aviation insights and Amanda Andrews’ legal expertise paint a clear picture: the One Big Beautiful Bill is more than just a tax adjustment. It’s beginning to reshape how private jet ownership and operations are approached. From improved cash flow and ownership strategies to crucial compliance and planning considerations, savvy buyers and advisors now have a timely opportunity to rethink how they fly and invest. Act early, stay precise, and turn this tax tool into your next high-flying advantage.
“The cost of acquiring an airplane drops because you need less cash up front. You can skip paying two quarters of taxes in the first year, improving cash flow significantly.”
GREG RAIFF, THE CEO OF ELEVATE AVIATION GROUP
Terraced TREASURES
Switzerland’s Scenic Lavaux Region Produces Carefully Crafted Wines Prized by Collectors
BY ROBIN CATALANO
Even on a drizzly, overcast day, the northern shores of Lake Geneva, in the UNESCO-protected winemaking region of Lavaux in Switzerland, seem to vibrate with life. Almost as soon as temperatures tick upward in the spring, the vines of the terraced vineyards, which stretch for nearly 20 miles, unfurl vivid new green leaves— and the promise of crisp, versatile wines that are highly valued among locals and collectors.
Although Switzerland isn’t top of mind for most American wine drinkers, viticulture is nothing new in Lavaux, part of the country’s Vaud canton, or state. In fact, grape growing along Lake Geneva may date as far back as Roman times. The tumbling, scenic terraces of today were established in the eleventh century by Benedictine and Cistercian monks, the original vintners who spread winemaking expertise across Europe.
According to Johan Strazzeri, sommelier at the Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne, part of the Bürgenstock Collection of luxury hotels in Switzerland and London, the terraced plantings “not only shape the landscape but also influence the viticulture itself. Due to the narrow, sloping terraces, a large portion of the grape harvest is still carried out by hand.”
The attention to detail is evident in wines from this exceptionally picturesque region, set along the 224-square-mile, comma-shaped Lake Geneva, where speedboats, yachts and ferries putter over the glassy surface. Nearly
200 vineyards cluster among the 1,800 acres of the Lavaux, where the mild climate and clay and limestone soils combine with thermal heat from the sun’s reflection off the lake to form an ideal incubator for healthy grapes, most commonly Chasselas, a native white Swiss varietal. (Petite Arvine, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc are other popular whites.) Familiar reds include Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot and Gamaret, a Swiss cross of Gamay and Reichensteiner.
In the heart of the region, Domaine du Daley, the oldest registered brand, dating back to 1432, alights like a rare bird atop a slope. Its vineyard and winery were under the ownership of the Fribourg-based St. Nicholas chapter of the Benedictines until 1937, when it was purchased by a layman, with renowned Swiss vintner Julien Séverin at the helm. In 2003, Séverin’s son Marcel assumed ownership of the domaine, with Marcel’s son, Cyril Séverin, who has a science background, installed as winemaker.
Today, Domaine du Daley grows twelve grape varietals that are pressed and blended into fifteen different wines. The five crisper varieties that make up its “tradition” range are aged 10 to 11 months in oak barrels. The Grand Reserve collection, which are wines harvested from older vines, are aged from 11 to 22 months and have more pronounced tannins and complexity.
“We are quality oriented, small production,” explains Cyril Séverin. “We use only our own
grapes, and ferment, press and blend everything here.” The sunny terroir and artisanal tradition are apparent in the bottle, from dry, delicate Chasselas Grande Reserve to juicy, floral, Gamaret-based Cuvée Rosé, and the complex, unfiltered blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah in Mersyca Grande Reserve. Domaine du Daley’s collection has found a fervent audience in Asian markets, especially among Chinese and Japanese chefs, restaurateurs and collectors, who visit frequently to stock up on their favorite Swiss vintages.
Currently, only one percent of all Swiss wine, from six different growing regions around the country, is exported. As for the other 99 percent? The Swiss prefer to keep it to themselves.
At the Hotel Royal Savoy, which features 9,000 selections from around the world, about 20 percent of the list is from Lavaux—including two from Domaine du Daley: Pinot Noir Tradition and Chardonnay Grande Reserve. Among the most popular selections at their fine-dining restaurant, La Brasserie du Royal, are Dézaley La Médinette from Domaine Louis Bovard and Dézaley “Chemin de Fer” from Domaine Massy.
To get acquainted with Swiss wines, including those from the Lavaux, you can book a wine workshop at the Royal Savoy, which explores different grape varieties and food pairings. Or make reservations for an oenological dinner, with Strazzeri’s team expertly pouring accompaniments to the local-foodsfocused menu.
From there, you can head out into some of the Lavaux’s most respected vineyards and cellars, including Domaine Bovy, Luc Massey and Clos de la République. If you’re short on time, Lavaux Vinorama is a one-stop shop of sorts, with 300 wines from all over the region, plus wine tours, tastings and seminars. Or treat yourself and your friends to a private tasting or catered dinner on Domaine du Daley’s scenic terrace, or in its brand-new tasting room.
The region is also home to the legendary Fête des Vignerons, a once-per-generation wine festival in lakefront Vevey—the next one is due to take place around 2030—and the Fête de Vendanges, an annual September harvest event in the village of Lutry, where thousands of people converge to celebrate wine, Swiss tradition and community.
Of the Lavaux, Strazzeri says, “We are fortunate to experience all four seasons here, and each wine suits a different moment. Lavaux wines truly offer something for every occasion.”
PHANTOM
100 YEARS OF THE ICON OF ICONS
Art
The of the Vessel
Three Tastemakers Take Us Inside the World of Luxury Wine Glassware
BY LAYNE RANDOLPH
In wine, the vessel matters. In the 18th century, as winemaking became more scientific and wine appreciation more refined, glassmakers in Europe began shaping vessels to complement specific wine types. The rise of crystal houses like Riedel (founded in 1756), Baccarat (founded in 1764 via a commission by Louis XV) and later the glassware house Lalique (founded in 1888) helped transform wine service into a sensory art.
The evolution of wine glasses shows that a glass is never just a glass, not when it’s shaped by the heritage of Riedel, the precision of Lalique or the drama of Baccarat. Three tastemakers— Maximilian Riedel, Jean-Charles Boisset and James Suckling—lead that evolution, each through bold collaborations that merge centuriesold craftsmanship with modern sensibility. From Baccarat’s sculptural showpieces to Lalique’s featherweight crystal and Riedel’s high-performance forms, these visionaries are reshaping how we see—and sip—wine. We spoke with all three to explore the intersection of wine, design and the sensory experience.
PHOTO BY LAURENT PARRAULT
BACCARAT DECANTER
“Wine is the ultimate expression of the senses and art of living. It requires the most refined vessels to present itself.”
JEAN - CHARLES BOISSET × BACCARAT
If Riedel is a scientist, Boisset is a showman. The French American vintner, who presides over a transatlantic empire of wineries including Raymond Vineyards in Napa and Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy, lives for the dramatic moment. He blends wine with fashion, fragrance, and fantasy, turning the tasting room into a stage and the wine glass into a jewel.
With Boisset, the French crystal maison brought a vintner’s designs to life for the first time in its 255-year history. It created The Passion Collection, which includes a wine glass designed for white, red or rosé, a Champagne glass and wine and Champagne decanters.
Boisset’s collaboration with the legendary French crystal house Baccarat—crafting
glassware for royalty since 1764—is as opulent as the man himself. The Passion Collection features sculptural decanters, starburst-cut stemware and a distinctive diamond motif inspired by “the gems that grow on the vine.” His goal? To elevate the act of drinking wine.
“Wine is the ultimate expression of the senses and art of living. It requires the most refined vessels to present itself,” Boisset says. “It’s about beauty. Energy. Expansion.”
That spirit of boldness and glamour is infused into every facet of the collection. The Passion line blurs the boundary between utility and art, with weighty crystal that sparkles like stage lighting. Each piece features the signature diamond shape at the stem’s core.
Baccarat has long symbolized prestige, rooted in the grandeur of 18th-century France. But in Boisset’s hands, the crystal becomes a theatrical companion to Grand Cru Burgundy or Napa Cabernet. The Passion Decanter alone is a showstopper: dramatic in silhouette, designed to aerate with elegance and built to pour with charisma—each piece hand-blown, hand-cut and crafted from pure Baccarat crystal.
“The glass provides the perfect aromatic expression, the perfect lip opening to guide the wine and the perfect direction to hit the palate, allowing the wine to grow expansive in the mouth, bringing balance and coating your palate beautifully. Rarely does a wine glass achieve all of this.”
JAMES SUCKLING × LALIQUE
Few have shaped modern wine culture as decisively as James Suckling.A former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief and longtime global critic, Suckling is known for his elegant palate and experience with thousands of the world’s most renowned wines.
In his collaboration with Lalique, the storied French crystal house (originally a jewelry house), founded by René Lalique, he turns his attention from the vineyard to the vessel. Together, they created the 100 POINTS Collection, handcrafted glasses engineered for functionality and beauty. Sleek and feather-light, the stemware marries Suckling’s precision with Lalique’s artistry.
“One hundred points is the rating I give an incredible wine. A perfect wine. The Universal Glass Marc Larminaux and I designed was perfection for me,” he explains. “So, we named it 100 POINTS.”
Each glass is blown in Alsace and shaped to coax the finest expressions from top wines. It’s the kind of subtle luxury that whispers rather than shouts. The result? A tactile experience that elevates even a single pour into an act of reverence.
Suckling’s 13-year collaboration with Lalique now includes crystal glasses designed for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and Cognac, as well as water glasses, shot glasses, tumblers, decanters and cork holders. But his favorite remains his original Universal Glass.
“One hundred points is the rating I give an incredible wine. A perfect wine. The Universal Glass Marc Larminaux and I designed was perfection for me. So, we named it 100 POINTS.”
“Sometimes,
people don’t like a wine and blame the wrong reasons. Temperature is a good reason, but they never blame the glass. People should know that the wrong glass can negatively impact your wine experience.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIEDEL
MAXIMILIAN RIEDEL × RIEDEL
As the 11th-generation CEO of Austria’s Riedel Crystal, Maximilian Riedel was born into a nearly 300-year-old legacy—one that reshaped the wine world by introducing varietal-specific stemware in the 20th century. His family didn’t just make glasses; they pioneered the idea that each wine deserves a vessel tailored to its structure, aroma and expression.
Riedel is known for hosting dynamic sensory workshops that reveal how the same wine can taste dramatically different depending on the glass—clumsy in one, sublime in another. His Performance Collection, with its optical lines and precision-tuned bowls, is now a go-to for top sommeliers and collectors alike. For Riedel, the goal is harmony.
His father, Georg Josef Riedel, developed the concept of varietal-specific wine glasses. Georg
collaborated with industry icons like Robert Mondavi and Angelo Gaja who “taught him that the most important factor in winemaking is the fruit, the grape variety. So he studied fruit and grape varieties, and he realized that you could communicate a sense of them so much better if you start developing glasses that bring forward the finesse of every grape,” Maximilian said.
“Sometimes, people don’t like a wine and blame the wrong reasons,” Riedel says. “Temperature is a good reason, but they never blame the glass. People should know that the wrong glass can negatively impact your wine experience.”
In Riedel’s hands, centuries of tradition serve a modern mission: to enhance the voice of wine, not overshadow it. His glassware is about more than aesthetics—it’s about elevating expression through balance, clarity and intent.
EVERY GLASS TELLS A STORY
From Lalique’s minimalist elegance to Baccarat’s sculptural drama and Riedel’s sensory precision, each piece tells a story—not only of what’s in the glass but also of heritage, innovation and the visionaries shaping how we experience it. In the hands of James Suckling, Jean-Charles Boisset and Maximilian Riedel, the wine glass becomes more than a vessel: it becomes an extension of the ritual, turning every pour into a celebration.
Because in the world of fine wine, it’s not just what you drink—it’s how you drink it.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE THE GLASSES
VARIETAL - SPECIFIC GLASSWARE BY RIEDEL
AVAILABLE AT Riedel.com, luxury wine retailers and select global wineries
BEST EXPERIENCED AT Riedel Sensory Workshops led by Maximilian Riedel or in high-end tasting rooms
SIGNATURE PIECE
Riedel Performance Collection— precision-engineered and beloved by top sommeliers
PASSION COLLECTION BY BACCARAT × JEAN - CHARLES BOISSET
AVAILABLE AT Baccarat.com, Raymond Vineyards (Napa Valley), BoissetCollection.com
BEST EXPERIENCED AT
The Crystal Cellar at Raymond Vineyards— a theatrical tasting lounge bathed in Baccarat brilliance
SIGNATURE PIECE
Starburst Passion Decanter—inspired by cosmic energy, designed for showstopping pours
100 POINTS BY LALIQUE × JAMES SUCKLING
AVAILABLE AT Lalique boutiques worldwide, Lalique.com
BEST EXPERIENCED AT
James Suckling wine events in Hong Kong, Bangkok or Napa
SIGNATURE PIECE
Universal Wine Glass—feather-light with a frosted Lalique base, designed for purity and balance
2026 LuxuryPreviewAuto
Offering Power, Performance and Bespoke Driving Experiences, There’s Something for Everyone
BY SIMON ROBERTS
As fall approaches, luxury auto manufacturers bring their latest models of sexy, high-powered performance wrapped in opulence to the automotive runway. Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bugatti, Aston Martin and others pull back the curtains on the newest renditions of existing platforms and new lines for 2026. These latest and greatest offerings showcase cutting-edge technology, advanced hybrid electrification, thundering petrol-powered beasts and exquisite design. The depth and breadth of variety in these offerings are dizzying. That is to say, there is something for everyone.
The 2026 releases feature groundbreaking technology and performance combined with the ultimate level of craftmanship. With an emphasis on personalization and innovation, this year’s luxury car release redefines what it means to go for a drive. The one common feature of all the new high performance luxury vehicles is the ability to have the car exactly how you want it. All of these cars offer a level of factory customization that will accommodate even the most discerning tastes. A truly bespoke luxury experience.
ROLLS - ROYCE
There is no badge in the automotive world that announces luxury like Rolls-Royce. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is another continuation of the brand’s commitment to that standard. The Spectre offers stunningly quiet, and if you choose the “Black Badge” option, more than adequate power (650 HP). Rolls Royce describes the Spectre thusly, “A super coupe of sculptural elegance. A symphony of beauty and strength . . . a signature dark finish brightwork embodies Black Badge Spectre’s rebellious persona, radiating an irresistible, subversive allure.“ The exterior harkens back to the elegant wooden watercraft of the 1940s. This boattail beauty is a slight departure from Rolls-Royce’s architecture ethos which values comfort and luxury above all else. The Spectre is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever produced.
If the Spectre does not suit your needs, maybe Rolls-Royce’s SUV will hit the mark. There is certainly more than a few choices when it comes to high-dollar luxury SUVs, but the Cullican Series II sits in a unique place in the luxury SUV space. This opulent SUV offers a commanding presence with simple yacht-like lines and a 6.8-liter V-12 rumbler of a powerplant. The big baller V-12 means the Cullican Series II occupies rarified air with its uncompromising attention to detail and impressive powertrain. Rolls-Royce bills the Cullican Series II a vehicle built “For luxury voyagers of discovery. For the restless few who excel beyond limits.” Let me just say that I don’t think you will see many of these opulent land yachts bounding down technical offroad trails looking for adventure, but I do think you will see more than a few parked auspiciously at the polo grounds.
MERCEDES - MAYBACH
If you are looking for something a little sexier and with an inclination to go topless, then the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is where you should be looking. Or, as Mercedes-Maybach puts it, “The iconic silhouette of a roadster meets the unmistakable excellence of MercedesMaybach.” When Mercedes revitalized the Maybach brand in the early 2000s, one would have thought that they would end up lending a touch of exclusivity and elegance to the SL line sooner rather than later. It turns out to be later. Maybach certainly took their time getting to one of Mercedes’ most iconic lines. This marks the first time the design team at Maybach has deemed a two-seater roadster worthy of their attention. The Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series begins life with a significant leg up, as it is based on the Mercedes’ skunkworks program over at AMG. Maybach took the already snarly, street fighter AMG SL63, whose twin-turbo V8 delivers an impressive 577 HP with a baritone exhaust note, and sent this AMG bad boy to charm school and a high street tailor for touches of class and a new suit. Maybach has kept all the great elements of this iconic roadster and brushed it with visual opulence and envy-inducing sophistication. If you need even more excitement from a topless tourer, opt for the AMG SL 63 S E Performance Roadster that adds an electric motor to the V8 biturbo which boosts the output into the serious range at over 800 HP. You can certainly spend more on a two-seat grand tourer, but I am not sure you can find one that bridges the gap between luxury and sportiness better. Love it or hate it, the SL is truly an icon.
CADILLAC
Cadillac has decided to make a big statement with its newest flagship, the Celestiq. If you are not a stranger to the ultra-high end luxury auto market, you will know that although that Cadillac’s previous flagship, the Escalade, has been the movie bad guy convoy vehicle for years, it really was not a player in the uber-luxury market. It was more of an Uber XL luxury option for a ride from the airport. The Celestiq, which the company named after a French explorer, seems to have drawn on the design cues of another famous French icon. In my estimation, Celestiq bears a not-toosubtle resemblance to the quirky French masterpiece, the Citroen DS. The Celestiq features resemble a highspeed train or some sort of retro futuristic movie. The Celestiq continues to surprise as this is an allelectric offering from our friends in the Motor City. The powerplant for this bold expression is a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that churns out roughly 655 HP. This is very respectable for an ultra-quiet, smooth-riding luxury sedan. The interior matches the exterior’s bold design, featuring vibrant leather upholstery, a massive 55-inch digital display and bucket seats inspired by the Eames mid-century aesthetics. The Celestiq will be offered as a special-order vehicle and Cadillac says there is essentially no limit to the amount of custom tailoring that they will do for each client. If you are in the market for a high-end electric sedan which places passenger comfort above all else, the Celestiq should be on your list.
FERRARI
Of course, no list of high-end luxury and performance cars would exclude the name Ferrari. What is most interesting about the Ferrari 296 GTB is that it is not the most expensive, or the fastest, but that it is a leap into the future of electrification, with a nod to traditional Ferrari design. The 296 GTB fits into the Ferrari lineup around the middle of the pack. Not as fast as the SF90, but more realistically drivable off track. That said, the 296 GTB is no wall flower, mind you. The plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V6 slings 819 HP to the rear wheels with authority. The 296 GTB is noted as being one of the quickest rear-wheel drive vehicles on the market that can also deliver the goods in corners. If the base model 296 GTB doesn’t do it for you, Ferrari also offers the 296 in a GTS version with a retractable roof and a pumped up 296 Speciale that increases the HPs to 868 and adds carbon fiber aero components to increase downforce. The 296, in any of its forms, is a beautiful car that is well mannered on the streets and possesses ballistic performance when you get your foot onto the loud pedal.
ASTON MARTIN
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a longtime coming collaboration between the British luxury automaker and Red Bull Racing. This may seem like a bad idea, but somehow it isn’t. The first thought may be of racing engineers and Red Bull-fueled shouts of “watch me rip donuts in a school parking lot,” but the Vahalla is anything but a ridiculous attention-seeking ride. The mid-engined plug-in hybrid supercar has a V8 supplied by Mercedes-AMG that pairs with the two electric motors to send 1064 HP to all four wheels. Aston Martin is looking to position the Valhalla as a more practical alternative to the track-oriented Valkyrie flagship. The Valhalla is an effort to blend high performance with daily usability. That said, the interior is more F1-inspired-meets-spaceage-cockpit than comfortable for the weekend on twisty canyon roads. If you are in the market for a slick-bodied McLaren W1 killer that you can drive to dinner, then the Aston Martin Vahalla deserves your consideration.
BUGATTI
If Rolls Royce signifies refined British luxury, then Bugatti represents a raucous French street protest against the laws of physics. The newest offering from the French manufacturer Bugatti is the Tourbillion. This car is shocking, which is not surprising because it replaced the wildly overpowered Chiron which was shocking in its own right. Bugatti has partnered with their brand brother Rimac (electric sports car maker), all under the watchful eye of Porsche & Rimac to produce something special. They have taken a naturally-aspirated V16 engine with Formula One technologies and added three electric motors to nearly double overall horsepower and smooth out any peaks and valleys in the torque and power curves. The interior of the Tourbillion is what has become expected from a manufacturer that makes the world’s fastest and most expensive cars: meticulous, driver focused, luxurious and thoughtfully spartan. If you are lucky enough to drive a Tourbillion, I guarantee you won’t remember what color the dashboard was. Driving is the experience that Bugatti wants you to focus on. And focus on the driving you’d better. The 1800 HP that the Tourbillion produces is a serious matter for serious people. Zero to 60pmh in 2.0 seconds and zero to 125 in less than 5 seconds. High-speed Instagram clowns need not apply. The exterior of the Tourbillion is not a wild departure for Bugatti. It is a Bugatti, after all. It is wide, low slung and menacing with its gawping wide-open mouth searching for supercars to eat for lunch. The bottom line is, the Bugatti Tourbillion is more expensive than anything else, it is faster than anything else, and if you have the means and are serious about speed, then look no further. Good luck.
Own the Skies
Cirrus Elevates Private Travel by Empowering Travelers to Fly Themselves
BY NADIA HAIDAR
In the world of private travel, your time is everything. Whether it’s traveling to a secluded island resort or adventuring on a safari, being greeted by your own private jet on the tarmac provides the autonomy travelers are looking for today. One company is fulfilling the desire to own your adventure by making it possible to fly yourself in a Cirrus aircraft.
Cirrus is revolutionizing what it means to fly privately by offering individuals the opportunity to take the controls into their own hands. Cirrus is more than an aircraft manufacturer—it’s an invitation to experience personal aviation and empower the way you travel. With aircraft design rooted in quality, unmatched safety systems, and an ecosystem of ownership services to support, Cirrus is redefining the journey from jetsetter to pilot.
FLYING YOURSELF
Imagine arriving at your private hangar, stepping into your own aircraft—tailored to your aesthetic—and taking off on your schedule, to your destination, without a single line, layover, or logistical compromise. Now, imagine you’re the one in the pilot’s seat.
Cirrus offers not just flying private but flying yourself. For those that have always been
interested in learning how to fly, there is now a pathway and a lifetime of aircraft ownership support.
For those who have long relied on private aviation for its efficiency and privacy, Cirrus introduces a new dimension—personal empowerment. More than ever, individuals are interested in gaining experience, autonomy and self-mastery. Few experiences rival that of becoming a pilot and flying your own aircraft.
Cirrus has created a seamless pathway to help aspiring aviators, many with no prior flight experience, transition from passenger to pilot. It all starts with the aircraft itself.
AIRCRAFT QUALITY, INNOVATION AND SAFETY
Cirrus aircraft are unlike anything else in the sky. From the award-winning SR Series to the groundbreaking Vision Jet—the world’s first single-engine personal jet—every model reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality performance, innovation and safety.
Inside, the aircraft is more akin to a smart, luxury car than traditional aircraft: premium leather interiors, intuitive avionics, ambient lighting, and design details that are for not only the pilot but the passenger. The in-flight experience is sophisticated and personal.
It’s not just about luxury—it’s about intelligence. Both Cirrus aircraft, the Vision Jet and the SR Series, are equipped with advanced safety systems, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®)—a whole-airframe parachute system that has saved hundreds of lives by allowing the entire aircraft to descend safely in an emergency. Now with the introduction of the latest SR Series G7+ model, the SR Series product line includes Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, where at the touch of a button, anyone can safely land the aircraft at a nearby suitable airport in the event of pilot incapacitation or another inflight emergency. These safety systems offer both pilot and passenger invaluable peace of mind.
MAKING AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP EFFORTLESS
Cirrus understands that luxury isn’t just about the aircraft—it’s about the experience. That’s why the company has built a full-service ecosystem that supports owners from their very first flight to the nuanced details and the journeys that follow.
Whether you’re starting your journey in an SR Series or upgrading to a Vision Jet, Cirrus ensures every detail is handled with the level of care and precision you’d expect from a world-class brand.
Cirrus’ premium personal aviation ecosystem includes:
• Aircraft Consultation—Experts help you select, configure, and customize your aircraft to match your lifestyle and design sensibilities.
• Personalized Flight Training—Through Cirrus Approach™, new pilots train one-on-one with certified experts, using a curriculum tailored to the needs of busy executives and global travelers.
• Service & Maintenance—A global service network and concierge-level support mean your aircraft is always maintained to the highest standard, without interrupting your schedule.
• Aircraft Financing & Insurance Specialized partners make ownership simple and secure, with transparent, aviation-savvy guidance.
• Increased Connectivity – Stay connected to your aircraft through the Cirrus IQ PRO™ mobile app and study for flight training anywhere with the Cirrus Approach flight training app.
• Ongoing Owner Support—From aircraft management to curated pilot owner communities, Cirrus ensures owners are well connected with the resources and support from the Cirrus owner community. The Cirrus owner events are held all over the world—most recently in Biarritz, France.
It’s a concierge experience from the moment you shake hands with a Cirrus representative.
FOR THE ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE: CIRRUS ONE
Of course, not every owner wants to fly themselves. Some prefer the freedom and control of private aircraft ownership, without sitting at the controls. For them, Cirrus One offers the ultimate turnkey solution.
Cirrus One is a premium management program that delivers all the benefits of aircraft ownership—on-demand access, personalization, privacy—while handling operational details behind the scenes.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, with family or friends, your Cirrus is prepared, piloted and ready to fly when you are. From pilot sourcing and flight scheduling to maintenance, fueling and hangar logistics, Cirrus One elevates ownership to a concierge experience.
It’s the ideal solution for individuals who want to own an aircraft that’s as beautiful and safe as their favorite yacht or super car—but prefer to leave the flying to the professionals.
Cirrus’ leadership sees this transformation not just as a growing aviation—but as a lifestyle movement.
“We’re creating new pathways for a new generation of pilots,” says Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “It’s not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about inspiring people to do something extraordinary—to take control of their time, their travel, and their lives. That’s what true luxury is all about.”
Cirrus has leaned into its role in the aviation industry as a gateway brand—bringing more people into aviation by making it more approachable, more aspirational and more personal than ever before.
Cirrus doesn’t just manufacture and sell aircraft—it invites you into a new lifestyle.
For those already accustomed to the advantages of private aviation, Cirrus offers something more profound: independence through personal aviation. You’re no longer bound by other people’s schedules, limited by availability, or forced to choose between spontaneity and comfort.
Cirrus owners fly where they want, when they want, how they want. Weekend escapes to Aspen, quick hops to the Hamptons, coastal getaways—these moments become effortless when you fly a Cirrus aircraft yourself.
But perhaps even more importantly, Cirrus represents a rare opportunity in luxury: the chance to learn something new, to master a skill few possess, and to experience the world from a perspective few will ever see.
It’s about the thrill of taking off on your terms.
True luxury is about more than indulgence— it’s about ownership. It’s about having the tools, support and freedom to shape your own experiences. Cirrus delivers that freedom in a first-class way with a true understanding of the lifestyle its owners lead.
Whether you choose to fly yourself or be flown, whether you’re escaping to your mountain retreat or making a boardroom meeting across the state, Cirrus transforms the journey into something extraordinary.
It’s time to redefine travel with personal aviation.
BOARDROOM BIOLOGY from to
How Entrepreneur
Brandon Dawson Is Disrupting Wellness
BY KAREN BROST
By any traditional measure, Brandon Dawson was never supposed to make it.
He didn’t follow the traditional academic path and was labeled “least likely to succeed” in high school. But what Dawson lacked in pedigree, he more than made up for with grit, vision and an uncanny ability to see potential—both in businesses and in people—long before others could.
Today, Brandon Dawson is the Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of 10X Health System, a company revolutionizing the wellness space with personalized, data-driven health solutions. But the path that led him to optimizing human biology began in the dirt of a walnut farm in Oregon.
THE FARM LIFE THAT FORGED A FOUNDER
Before he ever stepped into a boardroom, Brandon Dawson was just a teenager on a walnut farm in Oregon. One fall, while his parents were out of town, Dawson was left with a daunting task: clean up the orchard and pick the walnuts. Around that same time, his high school was organizing a fundraiser. Dawson had the idea that if he could get them to come over to pick the walnuts and HE could give them the $1,000 they were fundraising for, then he could have more free time before his parents returned.
Students and families all came out to the farm to pick the walnuts. Not only did he accomplish what needed to be done on the orchard—without
having to do the labor himself—but the school completed their fundraising goal at the same time. That moment didn’t just spark a creative solution; it revealed a foundational principle Dawson would carry for life: problems are just opportunities waiting for systems.
From those humble beginnings, Dawson carried the lessons of the farm of resourcefulness, discipline and an unshakable belief in potential into everything he built. At just 29, he took his first major venture, Sonus, a network of audiology clinics, public on the American Stock Exchange. It was an audacious move for someone with no formal business training, but Dawson had something better: an obsession with systems and scale. He built Sonus into a national brand.
But like many entrepreneurial stories, it wasn’t all wins. A difficult exit from Sonus tested his resolve and taught him one of the hardest lessons in business—what happens when you build something valuable but don’t control it. Instead of backing away, Dawson doubled down. He’d go on to build again—smarter, stronger and with full control.
FROM SETBACKS TO SCALE : AUDIGY AND THE BUSINESS OF EMPOWERMENT
Determined to apply everything he had learned from his first venture, Dawson founded Audigy Group, a business built to support and scale independent audiology practices. Unlike Sonus, this time he bootstrapped. No outside capital. No safety net.
“Health is wealth.”
Audigy wasn’t just successful—it was a masterclass in how to scale a company from scratch with precision and strategy. By the time he exited, the company had achieved an extraordinary 77X EBITDA multiple, selling for $151 million. More importantly, he had validated a replicable model that could help other founders do the same. This became the basis for Dawson’s broader mission: teaching other business owners how to unlock maximum value in their own businesses. He spent over two decades studying and refining a system for starting, scaling, optimizing and exiting businesses.
In 2019, Dawson partnered with real estate mogul and entrepreneur Grant Cardone to co-found Cardone Ventures, bringing his business methodologies to the masses. Together, they built a platform to help small and midsize businesses scale using Dawson’s proprietary systems.
But in his work with entrepreneurs, Dawson began noticing a trend—one that was deeply personal and profoundly frustrating. “I was working with some of the most brilliant business minds in the country,” Dawson recalls, “and they were all burning out.”
He saw it everywhere: high-achieving CEOs with poor sleep, low energy, metabolic dysfunction and chronic stress. Leaders who had spent years building empires while silently watching their health decline. These were people who could scale a company but couldn’t remember the last time they felt energized, focused or truly well.
For Dawson, this wasn’t just a health issue—it was a systems issue. And so began the next chapter.
THE BIRTH OF 10X HEALTH : PRECISION WELLNESS FOR ALL
What if you could take the same principles that scale businesses—data, systems, and optimization—and apply them to the human body?
That question led Dawson to co-found 10X Health System , a wellness company built on the radical belief that people shouldn’t have to guess when it comes to their health. 10X Health combines genetic testing , blood biomarker analysis and precision protocols to create hyper-personalized health plans. It’s wellness without the fluff, rooted in hard data.
“Most people are following generic advice, trend-driven supplements or outdated wellness models,” says Dawson. “We help them stop guessing and start knowing—down to their DNA—what they need to thrive.”
At the heart of 10X Health is a patented precision nutrition platform—the only one of its kind in the world. From customformulated IV therapies and supplements to performance-based weight management, skincare and personalized meal structures, 10X Health delivers an integrated system for human optimization and longevity. All guidance is in real time using life sciences data delivered via AI, giving each person individualized precision guidance, coupled with a remote medical team for advisory on peptides, hormone therapy and regenerative medicine.
A PERSONAL MISSION, A PUBLIC CALL TO ACTION
For Dawson, the move into health and wellness isn’t just a savvy business pivot—it’s personal. He’s in his fifties now, but in better shape than he
was in his thirties. Not because he’s chasing aesthetics, but because he sees his body as a performance vehicle for the life he wants to live. His philosophy is simple: no amount of business success matters if your body is breaking down
This ethos now drives everything at 10X Health. It’s a call to action— not just for CEOs and entrepreneurs, but for anyone who wants to live fully optimized. Dawson believes that peak performance is available to everyone. Not through hype or hope, but through science, systems and personal responsibility. He wants to move the needle in healthcare towards human optimization and longevity.
As Dawson often says, “Health is wealth.”
From the walnut farm in Oregon to the boardrooms of multimillion-dollar exits, and now to the labs and clinics of 10X Health, Brandon Dawson has spent a lifetime building systems that unlock potential. Now, he’s applying that same discipline to perhaps the most important system of all: the human body.
Because in the end, the most valuable asset any of us will ever scale— is ourselves.
Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, business scaling expert, real estate investor, author, Building Billions podcast host, and CEO of Cardone Ventures; a business valued $500 million+ with over $2 billion worth of companies under management. Cardone Ventures created new companies such as 10X Health, 10X Buy Sell, and Cardone Equity Group. Dawson became one of the youngest to ring the American Stock Exchange bell in New York. His last business exited in 2016 for $151 Million—77x EBITA. 10xhealthsystem.com
FROM BUSH
You wake up in the middle of the Serengeti, the honks of rutting wildebeest acting as a natural alarm clock. It’s time to choose your own adventure. Continue searching for the Big Five and sipping G&Ts around the campfire or shed your well-worn khakis and trade them for a swimsuit as you jet off to a boulder-strewn coastline along the Indian Ocean.
More travelers than ever are opting for the latter, splitting their time between the bush and beach in Tanzania, Mauritius and beyond. According to one report from Go2Africa, there’s been a 20 percent rise in interest in surf and turf trips, as well as growing demand for dreamy islands like the Seychelles.
The winning combination isn’t untested; honeymooners desperate for post-wedding
R&R have been capping off extravagant stays at tented camps and remote lodges with blissful beach escapes for decades. “They’re interested in going on safari but also want downtime and the romance of magnificent ocean views,” says Tamsyn Fricker, director of Travel Artistry Africa.
So why are people falling under the spell of the hypnotic blue Indian Ocean now? Air connectivity continues to dramatically improve with carriers such as Qatar Airways, Air Seychelles and Turkish Airlines increasing their flight frequencies, and new and resumed direct connections from cities like Zurich, Rome, Doha, Frankfurt and Riyadh. The expansions of Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius also play a role.
Still, experts warn that traveling around the continent itself remains tricky. “When there is no budget, I suggest you do a private charter,” says Fricker. “Sometimes it’s easy, but regional airlines [in Africa] tend to change schedules so you’re beholden to their whim.”
Thankfully, brands with properties in multiple destinations, such as the Four Seasons Safari & Islands Collection, are stepping up to make the journey seamless with specially tailored packages featuring air and ground transportation and a dedicated Residence Host or Private Butler. In September 2025, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti began offering private charters on a new Pilatus PC24 that flies directly from Seronera (the primary airstrip in Serengeti National Park) to the Seychelles. The luxurious, three hour-plus transfer, bookable through the Four Seasons Serengeti reservations team or
DESERT + DELTA SAVUTE SAFARI LODGE
TO BEACH
More Travelers Than Ever Are Capping Off Their African Safaris at Blissful Luxury Coastal Retreats
BY ALEXANDRA OWENS
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
Safari Plus, beats previous commercial options by a cool 20 hours, including layover time.
Flexibility is also having an impact on the trend. As vacations become longer and pricier, giving travelers the time and budget to go off the grid, more people are opting to visit far-flung islands. As a result, Zanzibar, a historically popular choice for sun seekers and one of the easiest archipelagos to reach from the mainland, is beginning to lose its shine. Closer often doesn’t mean better, after all.
“It’s a tough destination when you’re coming from the US and expect Caribbean beaches,”
says Elizabeth Gordon, CEO of Extraordinary Journeys. “We also have been really pretty successful in suggesting some alternatives, like Mozambique and Madagascar.”
Meanwhile, Fricker has seen a shift in the type of experience travelers request, as they choose to focus on the ocean rather than the beach itself. “We’re being asked by clients who have been on safari multiple times to add a marine safari element. There are a lot of cool experiences out on the atolls, whether it’s diving with turtles or conservation programs. That way the trip becomes more bush safari meets water safari.”
HOW TO PULL OFF A SURF AND TURF VACATION
Traveling to the Seychelles and Mauritius is becoming easier, but don’t mistake it for a weekend in the Bahamas. Here’s what the experts say you should consider.
DO YOU PREFER TO SPEND TIME OR MONEY?
“You lose a full day getting out to some of these islands,” says Gordon. “You need to have time and the willingness to suck up flight cancellations and schedule changes—or you need to have money and fly private.” Most experts agree that at least four nights in each country makes the journey worth the cost.
PLAN FOR DELAYS
If you decide to fly commercial, build a buffer into your itinerary to allow for delays; one day in your connecting city is ideal. “I’m not going to assume everything will go according to plan and you will have that two-hour window to make it straight into the bush,” says Fricker.
ORDER MATTERS
While many travelers are tempted to jump right into safari, Fricker and Gordon both suggest starting at the beach if possible. “That way you decompress at the beginning and are ready for early mornings in the bush,” says Gordon.
FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI
FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI
KISAWA SANCTUARY
FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI
CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE BEACH
When flying out to palm-fringed islands is just too inconvenient, choose a less traditional waterside destination such as Lake Malawi. “It has that feeling of being on a beach,” says Gordon. “You can actually go snorkeling and kitesurfing.” Fricker favors a road trip along the Cape coastline in South Africa. “Sometimes my clients really do want a beach or marine safari— and sometimes they just want a day or two to catch their breath and shake off the safari dust before they travel home.”
WHERE TO GO
“Mauritius is a playground for families with incredible resorts like the Four Seasons and One&Only,” says Fricker. “The Seychelles has a cachet and glamor to it. It’s that far-flung, blue water island experience. Mozambique still has a distinctly African flair if you want something a bit more adventurous.” Here are a few of the top properties in each spot.
SEYCHELLES
Jet off to Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Mahé Island where villas stacked along the hilltop overlook Petit Anse Bay. Epic views of the Indian Ocean are best enjoyed at sunset from your pool-sized sunken bathtub, glass of bubbly in hand. Transfer by plane to the hotel’s sister property Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, where you can indulge in a posher version of the Robinson Crusoe life (it’s the only resort on the 933-acre island) alongside charismatic Aldabra giant tortoises.
Match it with a Tanzania Safari: Watch the Great Migration pass by your balcony and elephants drink from the poolside watering hole at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
MAURITIUS
The property that launched the One&Only brand, One&Only Le Saint Géran received a facelift in 2017 and new additions last year, including a Guerlain spa and AC Milan Junior Camp for Kids. Once the favorite of Nelson Mandela and Catherine Deneuve, the resort remains a classic.
Match it with a Botswana Safari: Visit ancient San rock paintings and gawk at the secondlargest summer zebra migration in Africa at Desert + Delta Savute Safari Lodge.
MOZAMBIQUE
Located on a stunning island in the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago, the eight-suite Kisawa Sanctuary introduced a new level of luxury to Mozambique while maintaining a homegrown spirit through beach-chic, handmade decor and local, eco-conscious activities like kayaking through mangroves and scientist-led dives.
Match it with a Zambia Safari: Fully embrace the sights and sounds of a bush at the birthplace of the walking safari in South Luangwa National Park with The Bushcamp Company.
ONE&ONLY LE SAINT GÉRAN, MAURITIUS
ONE&ONLY LE SAINT GÉRAN, MAURITIUS
KUKAYA
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
By LAND, SEA AIR or
Six Caribbean Islands Worth the Trek, no Matter the Mode of Transportation
BY JOEY SKLADANY
The Caribbean offers no shortage of postcard-worthy beaches and luxurious resorts to accommodate visitors in search of sun, sand and sea. But with 13 independent countries to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on a destination to escape from the world, at least temporarily, and cloak yourself in pockets of island paradise.
To assist, we’ve rounded up six islands and trending properties that have emerged as leaders in upscale hospitality. These range in size, opulence and overall vibe, but all guarantee one thing: a tropical vacation that is worth the time, money and effort, no matter the type of voyage required to get there or take advantage of upon arrival.
SET FOOT: BARBUDA
Perhaps 2026’s most anticipated Caribbean opening is Barbuda’s Nobu Beach Inn, heralded by two-time Oscar winner-turned-hotelier, Robert De Niro, along with his partners Daniel Shamoon and James Packer. The property, consisting of 17 two-or-three-bedroom
beachfront bungalows, will feature an oceanfront pool, outdoor cinema, two tennis courts, padel and pickleball courts, as well as an open-air gym pavilion and outdoor spa to further encourage guests to blend in with their natural surroundings. The 400 acres of shoreline paradise will also be an unsurprising extension of the pre-existing, omakase-style restaurant bearing its iconic namesake, ensuring that there really is no reason to venture off-property for additional modern luxuries. Exclusive real estate options include 25 custom residences, fully serviced by the Inn, with pricing starting at around $12M and 30 estates on larger 5.5 acre-lots for private compounds. Each home is designed to feel like a personal luxury retreat - secluded and immersed in nature.
“Since I first stepped foot on Barbuda, I knew it was special. We wanted to create a place that’s comfortable, where everyone wants to gather and embrace the essence of the island,” said De Niro in a statement. “The Nobu Beach Inn is designed to complement its surroundings while maintaining the landscape’s natural beauty.”
SET SAIL : BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ST. LUCIA
Though boating culture runs rampant across all Caribbean islands, the British Virgin Islands’ archipelago has essentially morphed into a bustling harbor of sailboats, mega yachts and fishing charters, providing direct access to the sea for water-drawn tourists.
Dock for an extended stay at the Marina Village in Virgin Gorda’s Oil Nut Bay, home to dozens of mansion-esque villas built directly into its vibrant lime-green cliffs. Ranging from $650 to $17,950 per night, these grandiose, handsomelydesigned accommodations offer the region’s best views of sunsets and breaching whales from private pools, oversized decks and outdoor showers. The property is also a hub of high-end amenities, including a brand-new overwater spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and two on-site restaurants that serve everything from fresh-caught lobster to wood-fired pizzas. For those looking for a permanent vacation, Oil Nut Bay also offers a range of luxury real estate opportunities, including turnkey villas and custom homesites with sweeping ocean views
NOBU BEACH INN
starting at $1.95M. Owners enjoy full access to the property’s amenities and services for a seamless blend of island living with a resort feel.
For a more resort-like feel, opt for Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, recently featured on an episode of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Reality TV’s leading ladies lapped up luxury in the all-inclusive hotel’s new Ocean Point residences, complete with rooftop pools that take in 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and sun-drenched mountain ranges. Daily activities also include catamaran treks to Soufriere where guests visit the island’s Sulphur Springs for a volcanic mud bath and take a splash in famed Toraille Waterfall, cascading from a staggering 50 feet above. But what is arguably St. Lucia’s best vantage point is a happy hour cruise around the Pitons: twin volcanic spires that jut from the cobalt-hued waves beneath them.
JET SET: BAHAMAS, ANGUILLA AND TURKS & CAICOS
Private jetting has its obvious perks, particularly on islands with runways designed to welcome only small planes and a limited number of commercial aircraft. But some resorts have made their appealingly remote locales even more accessible with major airline partnerships, new direct routes and aviation programs that prioritize the utmost in travel quality and convenience.
A trip to Nassau is always top of mind for any Caribbean connoisseur and Baha Mar is the most ideal place to start or end a journey. Aside from being only a 15-minute drive from the capital’s airport, a nucleus of daily flights from all over the world, its sprawling campus touts the area’s largest casino, celebrity chef-backed eateries, and lively pool lounges with premium cabanas. Visitors also have the choice of staying at ultra-lux Rosewood, butler-appointed Park Hyatt, or recently renovated SLS with rooms furnished by RH. Any option makes an appropriate backdrop for lavish parties and celebrations, no matter the occasion, with exclusive access to bars and clubs that are merely a shell’s throw away.
Only 10 minutes from Nassau sits Andros’ Kamalame Cay, a private island haven of villas among a secluded strip of beach to appease any silence-seeker. To get there, the property has introduced its own seaplane service, COCO, for easy, year-round services that take passengers directly to not only the resort’s coastal entrypoint, but also castaway coves and sand-dollar islets. Guests are encouraged to disconnect entirely from the real world by soaking up rays, enjoying a massage on the boardwalk spa and noshing on locally foraged
WINDJAMMER LANDING RESORT & RESIDENCES, SAINT LUCIA
OIL NUT BAY
produce from a daily menu dictated entirely by nature’s bounty.
Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club has also situated itself as a hotel primed for the runway, with only a 15-minute drive from the island’s only (and mostly private) airport. The hotel, which partners with Best Jets International to offer a fleet of various sizes, boasts everything expected at a five-star resort and then some, including an amphitheatre for concerts, massive activity center with mini golf and a climbing wall, as well as a waterpark for kids. It’s also host to a whopping six restaurants, including 10,000 square feet of gardens and farmland that are often used for romantic outdoor dinners.
For those flying commercial, newly-constructed South Caicos Airport now welcomes visitors with two non-stop American Airlines flights a week from Miami International Airport. Practically every passenger is en route to Salterra, a Marriott luxury property adjacent to actual salt fields. This isolated Turks and Caicos gem escapes the hustle and bustle of touristy Providenciales for a more laidback holiday experience. Though the breezy, minimalist vibes of its rooms and landscaping are charming, its nautical excursions are the crown jewel, including half-day outings to uninhabited atolls and a local coral farm that promotes regrowth and replanting efforts.
SET OFF : THE CARIBBEAN ALWAYS MAKES SENSE
Whether it’s by land, sea or air, there’s no wrong way to relish the unrivaled beauty of the Caribbean. Its signature turquoise water sparkles bright from foot, boat, or plane, luring weary and anxiety-ridden visitors like a siren song so that they can relax, disconnect, and embrace the trademark calm of island life. Choose your own adventure—there’s no wrong journey, as long as you safely arrive at your destination.
NOVA LOUNGE, OIL NUT BAY OIL NUT BAY VILLAS
KAMALAME CAY
SALTERRA ROSEWOOD, BAHA MAR
The Soul of BERMUDA
St. George’s, on the Island’s Quiet, Eastern Side, is Experiencing a Renaissance
BY MICHAEL COLBERT
With its pink sand beaches and eyecatching pastel towns, Bermuda has always been an ideal destination for families with mixed vacation preferences. And with flights from New York clocking in at just over two hours, you can leave JFK in the morning and be on the beach by lunch.
St. George’s, a community of under 2,000 people situated on the eastern tip of the fishhook-shaped archipelago, has been a British outpost since 1609 when sailors shipwrecked off the coast. For many years, the town was a popular port destination for cruises, but when cruise ships began outgrowing the town’s smaller harbor, the tourism economy contracted.
Over the last few years, the town has reopened its doors to business. For those who are part of it, they see what’s growing as a true renaissance.
WHERE TO STAY
“St. George’s is where Bermuda’s soul lives. The town is rich in history and culture and offers a charm you can’t find anywhere else,” says Leslie Prea, General Manager of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. Since the hotel’s opening in 2021, this celebration of the neighboring community has presided over the property, which brings the beachside amenities of a tropical getaway beside a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Staying by St. George’s, there’s no need for taxi rides across the island—the walk is barely 20 minutes.
The hotel is the only property to sit on the easternmost shore of the “fishhook.” By contrast, the majority of the island’s resorts, from the Rosewood to the Fairmont Southampton Princess are located at points south of the airport. While all of the island’s coastline is public, St. Catherine’s Beach is a
secluded place for guests to tan, swim and sip on a Dark and Stormy, one of the island’s signature drinks.
For golfers, the island is a popular vacation destination for its top-notch courses, and this May, The St. Regis partnered with Golfzon Leadbetter to unveil a new golf academy at the resort’s Five Forts Golf Club. The partnership provides local youth with opportunities for college scholarships, while international guests can get elite training at the resort’s 18-hole, par-62 course, which boasts views over the turquoise Atlantic and the East End’s historic Fort St. Catherine
FOR FOODIES
Though Bermuda may appear to leave the world behind, a global palette informs its culinary offerings. BLT Steak NY serves surf-and-turf oceanfront. Prime cuts of steak are complemented by Dover sole and local snapper with piperade basquaise.
One of the island’s signature treats is the Bermuda Fish Sandwich. Every hole-in-the-hall has their own spin on this classic—Lina serves theirs with battered and fried wahoo, tartar sauce, coleslaw, romaine and sliced tomato. Across the island, there’s generally consensus on one thing: the sandwich is best served on raisin bread—the sweetness of the cinnamon and nutmeg cut through the sandwich’s savory flavors. For local, no-frills dining, look no farther than Wahoo’s Bistro and Patio, which is known for their fish sandwich, and Swizzle Inn, the dive bar where the island’s famous Rum Swizzle is said to have originated.
One of the town’s newest additions perches cliffside, the “MediterrAsian” Achilles. Sushi lovers will enjoy the chirashi don with fresh yellowtail, hamachi and crisply sliced radish, while those looking to eat Mediterranean can find fattoush, melitzanes and local catches alla Pantesca. The Japanese cotton cheesecake is a cloudy nightcap, flavored with yuzu and drizzled in a miso caramel sauce for a refreshing blend of sweet and tang.
FOR YACHTERS
Bermuda native KJ Maybury says that “St George’s offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Homes and buildings dating back to the 1600s and cobblestone streets speak to early colonial settlement and governance of the island as this east end parish was Bermuda’s first capital.” While he might know the community well from his upbringing, he often takes a different view on the island—from his vantage at Traveler Charters, he sees things best on the water.
Groups can book Traveler’s 50-foot yacht for days exploring the island’s stunning waters and coves. Spending so much time at sea, Maybury has collected a number of favorite spots: Paradise Lakes, King’s Point, Admiralty House, Gilbert’s Bay, Mangrove Bay and the Vixen Shipwreck. Unlike its neighbors in the Caribbean, Bermuda, located about 700 miles off the coast of North Carolina, tends to be a seasonal destination. However, in the quiet months, Maybury takes guests whale watching.
Thrill seekers can jet ski or stand-up paddleboard, and gentle explorers can take to the Atlantic to snorkel or swim. And for those who just want to luxuriate to some lazy yacht rock, they can find a spot on the ship’s bow and enjoy a fresh-cooked meal from a private chef, champagne flowing.
ST. REGIS BERMUDA RESORT
ACHILLES
ACHILLES
LUXURY INSIDE THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE
If Traveler takes guests on the water, Lili Bermuda takes them below the surface. Since 1928, the perfumery has been crafting delicate and refined fragrances that pay homage to the island’s history and culture. Mary Celestia, one of their signature scents, tells a story from deep within the Bermuda Triangle— so deep, it begins underwater.
In 2011, marine archaeologists recovered two bottles of Piesse and Lubin London perfume from the Mary Celestia, which sank on a journey between the island and Charleston, South Carolina in 1864. Visitors to the perfumery can learn about its history, tour the property or enjoy afternoon tea on site. Perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone also leads private perfume making workshops, taking guests step-bystep through the art of fragrance making inside of the historic workshop.
FOR LOCAL FLAVOR
Beyond the food and outdoor thrills, one of the best ways to get to know St. George’s is the simplest: on foot.
“We have everything you would want to have a great holiday,” said Kristin White, who’s a local icon. The proprietor of Long Story Short, a gift and bookshop in downtown St. George’s, she recently filmed a pilot and regularly leads group history tours of her community. She began giving tours of St. George’s in 2015 through her work with local culture and heritage organizations.
While she takes visitors through the island’s past, she sees how alive the contemporary scene is, as well. “It’s so vibrant and amazing here,” she said. “We’re in a major, major renaissance for the town. Even my son who’s in his late 20s and has lived in St. George’s his whole life says, ‘This is our time now.’”
“There’s just an incredible energy,” she added. “It’s a small town, so there’s this friendliness. There’s this light. You’re walking around, you can see everyone’s waving and saying, ‘Hey.’ I never feel like I can just ride my bicycle home. I’m stopping, someone says, ‘Come in, have a drink.’ There’s always something to do, and I never know what my day is going to end up being in St George’s.”
ST. REGIS BERMUDA RESORT
Chief Officer Optimism of
BY SI SI PENALOZA
Gary Vaynerchuk Plays the Long Game
If Gary Vaynerchuk didn’t exist, Silicon Valley would have had to invent him. No algorithm could code the combustible cocktail of clairvoyant intuition, East Coast hustle, and monastic work ethic that powers this entrepreneurial polymath. He is part futurist, part corporate therapist, and wholly allergic to the anemia of safe ideas. As for subtlety? That’s for people trying not to be noticed.
We meet on a morning thick with high-frequency buzz. “Attention,” Vaynerchuk tells me from behind his signature kinetic warmth, “has always been the asset. But now it’s fractured, splintered into a million micro-moments: fleeting, brittle, and utterly monetizable.” Our conversation shapeshifts and unfurls like something from Milan Kundera’s late period. Our topic, ostensibly, “Day Trading Attention,” Vaynerchuk’s latest book, but he is irrepressibly, indefatigably bigger than any one topic. A man of macro-vision and microdetail, he speaks with the fervor of a beat poet who just swallowed McKinsey’s back catalog whole.
Part manifesto, part controlled detonation aimed at the crumbling bastions of traditional marketing, the book argues — persuasively and with bulletproof swagger — that relevance trumps reach, and that the real estate of the human mind is won not with a single glossy campaign but with an unending cadence of moments that matter. The book’s central argument strikes him as so obvious that it’s almost quaint to have to articulate it. “Relevance creates resonance,” he says. “That’s what leads to consideration. That’s when people buy.”
What separates GaryVee the media avatar from Gary Vaynerchuk the man is not authenticity, but aperture. “Intuition,” he says. “You’ve got to know if NFTs are a five-minute fad or a five-year movement.” He might as well be talking about metaverses, or whatever the marketing department is pitching this quarter. “People ask me if something’s going to stick,” he says and shrugs. “My answer?
Maybe. So try, because if one of those things hits, it’ll make up for the nine that didn’t.”
What’s astonishing is not the advice, but the stamina behind it. Vaynerchuk doesn’t just anticipate waves; he paddles toward them with joy. “The cost of experimenting is nothing,” he insists, “compared to the cost of staying still.”
What Fortune 500s don’t understand is that they are afflicted by a peculiar form of time-traveling paralysis, he explains, eyes narrowing. “They’re obsessed with yesterday. Intrigued by tomorrow. And they have no energy for today.” His contempt for corporate inertia is delivered not with disdain, but with the pity of a surgeon diagnosing terminal blandness. “They’ll spend a million on a metaverse storefront with six visitors but won’t invest in a piece of social creative that could reach six million.”
This, it turns out, is Vaynerchuk’s version of prophecy: not prediction, but insistence. He believes, fervently and almost religiously, in relevance. “Potential reach?” he scoffs. “That’s vanity. Actual reach — that’s what matters. That moment when someone sees a post and goes, ‘Huh,’ and maybe buys the coffee.”
Vaynerchuk’s obsession with attention has given way to something more expansive: the pursuit of intellectual property as a project. VeeFriends, his Sesame Street–meets–Pokémon
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universe, isn’t just a marketable IP play; it’s a Trojan horse for emotional intelligence. Characters, like Decisive Duck, Empathy Elephant, Self-Aware Hare, are whimsical carriers of virtues that feel almost radical in their overt sincerity. “When I was a kid, G.I. Joe ended with a lesson. So did He-Man. We’ve lost that. Now the world just wants your money,” he says. In his telling, VeeFriends is a way to reclaim that lost cultural utility while still playing, unapologetically, in the highstakes arena of global commerce.
“We overcorrected,” he says, almost mournfully. “Parenting got weird. Somewhere between participation trophies and existential dread, we forgot the power of characters that teach.” He cites G.I. Joe and My Little Pony with reverence. “Every cartoon back then ended with a lesson. I want to bring that back. But this time, I want to scale it.”
This is Vaynerchuk’s terrain: the restless border between culture and commerce, where intuition is the currency and cynicism the tax. At VaynerMedia, his empire of creative commandos, the brief is not to play it safe, but to play it now. Here, experimentation is less a risk than an obligation; failed bets are shrugged off, folded into the next iteration, metabolized by the machine.
Vaynerchuk speaks of attention as others speak of oil or rare earth metals: a finite, fiercely contested resource. However, unlike those commodities, attention is volatile; its value fluctuates rapidly, spiking and plummeting in hours, sometimes even minutes. In his hands, the principle is less a gamble than a worldview — an almost athletic comfort with risk, a refusal to be paralyzed by the possibility of loss.
Perhaps the most affecting moment of our conversation came when he paused the interview to answer a call from his son. The interruption was so achingly sincere it became its own thesis. “Years ago, a friend told me his dad always answered the phone when he called,” Vaynerchuk says. “That changed me forever.”
He’s a paradox in motion: the mogul who makes TikToks, the sage who believes cartoons can raise the collective emotional intelligence of a generation. At one point, we speak of Pencils of Promise, his philanthropic initiative to build schools in places where textbooks are luxuries and classrooms are held under trees. It’s poignant, given that Vaynerchuk was a self-confessed “atrocious student.”
“Entrepreneurship was my way out,” he says. “In other parts of the world, that escape route doesn’t exist unless you build the damn school.”
Vaynerchuk, whose public persona, GaryVee, operates somewhere between messianic pitchman and gruff Jersey uncle with opinions on dopamine and branding, has built a sprawling business from the raw material of cultural intuition. This is Vaynerchuk’s entrepreneurial calculus: waste is not waste if it buys proximity to the future. And failure is not failure if it was done in earnest pursuit of signal over noise. He speaks with the rapid-fire cadence of someone whose brain is five tabs ahead of his browser, and with the intensity of a man defibrillating corporate America out of its creative coma.
And then there’s the New York Jets, his moon shot and holy grail. “I’m not chasing the team,” he clarifies, “I’m chasing the chase. I want to own them one day because I couldn’t even own a jersey as a kid; my mom knit me one. That’s the dream.”
It’s not for the owner’s suite or the merch empire. Not even for the primal, testosterone-sodden thrill of potential Sunday supremacy. He wants the Jets because once, in a New Jersey childhood trimmed in immigrant grit and VHS static, his mother couldn’t afford to buy him a jersey, so she knit him one. And if you don’t feel a small tectonic shift beneath that — if you’re not, at the very least, intrigued by the idea that emotional sincerity might be the most undervalued currency in modern business — then, frankly, you’re not ready for Vaynerchuk. Because this self-made, self-aware, selfreplicating oracle of attention isn’t here to pitch hustle. He’s here to seduce you with it.
Texas Heat, Hollywood Cool
The Rise of Glen Powell
BY SI SI PENALOZA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN PFLUGER / AUGUST
Glen Powell has the polish of a studio idol and the comedic reflexes of a short-order cook at rush hour—grinning while juggling six skillets, never singeing the sole meunière. Hollywood, which still believes it can engineer charisma like a soundstage sunrise, keeps discovering that Powell arrives with his own generator.
His curriculum vitae reads like a set designer’s sketchbook: the cocky aviator in Top Gun: Maverick; the raffish romantic conspirator in Anyone But You; the tornado-flirting cowboy in Twisters with his collar open to the prairie wind; and—most revealingly—the slippery, brainy, mercurial chameleon in Hit Man, the Linklater lark that turned into a meditation on desire, disguise, and the pleasure of pretending. Somewhere between storm clouds and screwball noir, the consensus crystallized— Glen Powell is a movie star, not because the industry blessed him, but because he insists on earning the title one cunning turn at a time.
With the unhurried air of a Texan who knows when to pour another coffee and when to step on the gas, Powell treats stardom less as a coronation than a puzzle: how to deliver the goods without underestimating the buyer. Each choice feels
it, and conjured a new shade of high voltage charm—part silk-gloved Cary Grant misdirection, part Texas front porch candor. Look closely and you can see Powell assemble the persona like a watch mechanism: his voice gathering ballast, posture spreading his shoulders, his baby blues narrowing with an amused squint as if he’s a beat ahead of whatever’s coming. The revelation is not generic; it’s Powell’s tonal control, the way he treats identity as an athletic drill. He does reps at embodying characters, and then sprints back to himself.
Now, the monitor glow is football. His new Hulu series, Chad Powers, gives us Powell in a shag wig, prosthetic nose, disguising himself to walk on to a college team in trouble. On paper, it’s a caper; onscreen, it’s a fable about second chances disguised as bad ideas. The old American daydream: walk on the team, start over, test the world.
Powell invents a folk hero in cleats and dares us not to love him. Prosthetics are the dare. Can charm survive a rubber intermission? From the masters in the latex arts—Cruise, Bale, Farrell—he borrowed one blunt rule: when the character rings true, the rubber becomes the runway. And that’s the creed of Chad Powers: sometimes you uncover your truest self by pretending to be someone else. With the Georgia sun pressing
With the unhurried air of a Texan who knows when to pour another coffee and when to step on the gas, Powell treats stardom less as a coronation than a puzzle: how to deliver the goods without underestimating the buyer. Each choice feels reverse-engineered from audience pulse rather than personal vanity.
reverse-engineered from audience pulse rather than personal vanity. In a polarized era, Powell is the rare modern leading man who can meet an audience where they live without condescension. This working philosophy recurs across his choices, from tentpole gale force to rom-com revival. He’s the exemplar of a particular American archetype we desperately need right now: the guy who can swagger and still ask a sincere question about how you’re doing.
Powell moves through Hollywood with the casual aplomb of someone who knows the difference between confidence and entitlement. He grins, he banters, he misses zero beats. With Powell, the reveal isn’t accidental. If the mask slips, it’s because he scheduled the moment.
Hit Man was the crucible. Powell plays a mild professor moonlighting as a fake contract killer who talks would-be criminals out of their worst impulses. He co-wrote it, produced
down like penance, he tackles land with the thump of real collisions; the pocket is claustrophobic; inside the helmet, private weather howls. The mustache is the gag; the sincerity is the tell.
As for his career—call it weather. A gale of summer storms, a winter of noir grin, and now the bass-drum tempo of shoulder pads. Range, here, is less dilettante than survival plan. He carries a marquee-ready name but the tool kit of a character actor built to bench press a franchise. The muscle is craft; the shine is runoff. Vulnerability as magnetism isn’t new; you can sketch a throughline from Newman’s rue to Clooney’s semaphore eyebrows. Powell updates it for the meme century: he’s in on the joke without becoming the bit.
He may look like he was beamed in from central casting, but Powell’s grounding is stubbornly terrestrial. His Austin childhood plays like an early Linklater frame—backyards,
bleachers, half-formed dreams lit by the Texas sun—a Friday Night Lights episode that never ends, except the footballer here wound up with a SAG card.
Born October 21, 1988, in Austin, Texas, Powell is now at an age in Hollywood years that makes him young enough to be reckless but old enough to know where the wreckage usually lands. He is the middle sibling—Lauren ahead of him, Leslie trailing—raised in a household where his father, Glen Sr., dispensed executive-coach pragmatism while his mother, Cyndy, kept the entire Powell production upright. The family has a habit of moonlighting in his career: sisters slipping into cameos, parents materializing at premieres, the whole clan treating cinema less as an ivory tower than as an extended backyard barbecue with cameras.
Growing up, Glen was never just the budding actor, he threw himself into sports with the same unabashed zeal he now applies to genres: football pads one season, lacrosse sticks the next, and the occasional curtain call at Westwood High, where he graduated in 2007. Later, at the University of Texas at Austin, he enrolled in radio/TV/film studies and joined Sigma Phi Epsilon—though the lure of the screen pulled him toward L.A. before the degree was done. And yet, after a decade of jet-stream stardom, he circled back home in 2024—less retreat than recalibration, proof that even a marquee name needs Austin air and a family heckle to keep him square. His sense of identity is threaded through sibling laughter, late-night family dinners, and the quiet gravity of people who’ve known him before the spotlight flickered.
If Powell’s screen romances sometimes leave you wondering what his off-camera heart is up to, the story is quieter, more patient, and sprinkled with hints. In 2017 he was linked with Nina Dobrev, the Vampire Diaries star; the two appeared in photos together, laughed in public settings, and then gradually loosened the orbit—no scandal, just the way two schedules can drift apart. Later came a short-term flutter with Renee Bargh, an Australian TV host, which seemed to trail off before it ever caught fire. Then, more publicly, Powell was in a three-year relationship with Gigi Paris, a model whose path often crossed his in press tours and premieres. Their split in April 2023 was attributed to distance and diverging priorities. He’s currently single, but in the balance of his romances you see someone who wagers warmth but insists he’s not giving it away lightly.
Celebrity spoils quickly; dignity requires upkeep. He knows how to surf the gossip tides without drowning in them, how to address craft without falling into self-advertising. His inner circle stays tight, his curiosity feral, the collaborations fast. It’s a blue-collar glamour: less myth, more mileage—the showroom chassis with bug splatter on the grille.
Powell does vulnerability without syrup. He treats openness as a form of toughness, an unfashionable stance in an age that prefers irony’s cologne. He’s also become, perhaps accidentally, a bellwether for whom the industry now defines as bankable. The Powell paradox, then, is that he’s both throwback and prototype. A populist with an auteur’s attention span. Powell isn’t asking us to believe in movie stars again— he’s reminding us we already do.
TheArt of
The Quiet Brilliance of Three Heart-Led Female Entrepreneurs
BY ANNIE STOPAK
Jetset’s “Influential Women in Business” is a striking depiction of conscious leadership. The story is less about listing accomplishments and more about intentional moments in between. In the pages that follow, we reveal the ardent hearts of three fashion and beauty visionaries who harness intuition to better understand themselves and those around them. Whether she fights to adjust in new terrain or marches to the beat of her own drum, these women curiously maneuver the world to fine-tune innovative spirits and carefully-crafted visions. As she peels back the layers to her own hidden qualities, she secretly unlocks the key to fame, fortune, and fulfillment. It is through this rare journey to authenticity that she finds a sense of purpose and builds a legacy with no end.
Fashion’s Phantom
The Immaterial Genius of Iris Van Herpen
There’s a felt beauty that resonates from a fashion designer who knows herself. Able to explain the subtlety of movement to show a truer depiction of her craft, she sees fluidity in everything. She feels life in everything. She carries less of a desire to boast about the physical quality of her work and more of a need to speak of the unseen realms between it. This is the soft, magnetizing energy of Iris Van Herpen.
Van Herpen’s ability to alchemize the ethereal is perhaps most evident in her love for fine art and classical ballet. The Dutch fashion designer dipped her toe into the world of art and movement at an early age, garnering a deep understanding of energetic principles and fine-tuning an immense curiosity with herself and those around her. This transformative era in her life could be interpreted as Van Herpen’s catalyst, where she began to quietly finesse her creative eye and see the world with more presence, potency, and poise.
The now 41-year-old designer has spent 18 years perfecting Iris Van Herpen—as a brand, as an individual—and the result is palpable. The feeling she creates is evident in the peculiarity of her work, like her latest innovation that graced the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week–a haunting dress made from 125 million bioluminescent algae. Van Herpen artfully fuses fashion, philosophy, and science in a way that could conjure a fair share of skeptics, yet she has managed to effortlessly draw in a dedicated fanbase who understand her. After experiencing her presence, I was convinced. How could one not be allured by the delicate and daring nature of it all?
Although she values illusionary concepts, Van Herpen’s heart holds a deep connection to the physical world. As technology evolves, the designer fears losing touch with the tangible quality of what
makes her designs so impactful, an ideal she may have inherited from her grandmother, who had a secret collection of costumes and relics tucked away in her attic. In light of this, Van Herpen’s focus remains on innovations with real garments as opposed to digital wardrobes or consultations that aren’t face-to-face. She values technological advancements, too. Her exceptional use of 3D printing and laser cutting is a prime part of her creative process that has driven her business to succeed, but human connection is—and always will be—her main draw.
The designer claims to have no singular muse, yet the cycles of nature and undone beauty of the earth are prime sources of inspiration for her. She’s a proponent of being outside, sitting in public parks, and absorbing the local landscape. She finds solace in the garden at her home in Het Twiske, a wetlands nature reserve about a half-hour’s drive north of her studio in Amsterdam, where this hidden refuge allows the designer to sit and ponder life, ground her feet into the earth, and gather ideas. “I see little transformations that are happening every day that are already such a force of life,” Van Herpen said, “and it gives me new energy.”
She sees nature as an evolution. In her eyes, our natural dwelling manages to signify the past, present, and future of how everything came to be in one sitting. “I just feel that I’m in connection with something much bigger than the here and now,” Van Herpen said. “It’s like looking at the stars. It can have that same overwhelming feeling of what we are. I think it’s like putting ourselves into a different perspective, and I think that is always very helpful for finding new creativity,” Van Herpen said.
In a beautifully soft way, Van Herpen’s designs suggest an almost otherworldly nature. Her pieces, displayed in art museums and
“I just feel that I’m in connection with something much bigger than the here and now. It’s like looking at the stars. It can have that same overwhelming feeling of what we are. I think it’s like putting ourselves into a different perspective, and I think that is always very helpful for finding new creativity.”
worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Cate Blanchett, are incredibly delicate yet mesmerizingly intricate. Her silent silhouettes and subtle textures aren’t devoid of warmth, they are woven with wonder. One could say her dresses are the embodiment of life: natural, obscure, and ever-evolving. It’s this unspoken element that maintains intrigue and appeal, and it involves reading between the lines–a process that Van Herpen encourages when it comes to sharing interpretations of her breathtaking works of art.
Her designs sharpen curiosity for many reasons. The designer takes a different approach than the average fashion label when she opts for less-obvious relevance to popular culture by paying little attention to trends. In a way, it is her attempt to block out parts of the world that don’t resonate with her cause. Perhaps in an effort
to become true to herself and step away from normalcy, she was able to find her niche with a strong sense of humility.
Despite the temptation to evolve into ready-to-wear, the designer intuitively chose to remain in haute couture, and she’s glad that she did. This subtle nuance in approach is what made her so widely successful. “I think in everything that I do, I have to find a balance between taking good advice and really following my intuition,” Van Herpen said. “The fashion industry over the last 40 years has become very easy to get lost in, so I think it’s really about being creative and innovative at the same time.”
Van Herpen released a book, Sculpting the Senses, as an extension of her exhibition catalog and global travel retrospective, which had its debut in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France. It shows in
great detail the designer’s creative process using original illustrations to accompany the text and explores Van Herpen’s unique approach to the materiality of fashion from a philosophical perspective. Not only is it a practical rendition for aspiring fashion designers, it’s a beautiful coffee table piece for those who love her, and it can nestle in the nooks of any home. The Limited Artist’s Edition includes a sketch, pattern drawing, and fabric swatch from her own personal atelier. While the original catalog version can be purchased at any one of her museum exhibitions, the Limited Artist’s Edition is only available to buy on her website at irisvanherpen.com
Coming full circle from the interests of her youth, Van Herpen has designed the costumes for the NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala and is in collaboration with choreographers and dancers to saturate her runway shows with an element of the unexpected. This was
especially true in her latest show in Paris, called Sympoiesis—a spellbinding laser light reenactment by laser artist Nick Verstand and dancer Madoka Kariya whose body spoke a soft language of the seas. Additionally, her work will be shown in the Brooklyn Museum in 2026. Van Herpen plans to continue her use of intertwining fluidity and fashion in a way that further brings the art of movement to mainstream moments like this one.
“Dance is such a pure form of art, and that really inspires me,” Van Herpen remarked. “I’m trying to show a vision where the expression of our embodiment goes way beyond fashion,” she said as she looked off fondly into the distance. In that moment, it felt as if I was willfully sorting through the folds of her mind, and it was as beautiful as it was enigmatic. Iris Van Herpen, in all her delicate glory, is a force of mystery and grace.
Brow Power
How Anastasia Soare’s Inherited Grit Shaped The Future Of Beauty
Anastasia Soare embodies many things—charm, class, precision—but what many of her fans don’t know is that there’s more to her than good brows and sophistication. She shares truth in a way that’s tender and makes you want to lean in. Her boldness never comes off as brash. You can almost sense the obstacles she’s encountered by peering into her eyes, and her face holds a story of its own–complemented by a pleasing palette of peach hues–that suggests beauty is more than makeup.
Soare, Founder & CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, moved to Los Angeles from Romania at the age of 31. Struggling to learn English, she managed to forge her beauty empire from the ground up. Now, 36 years later, the 67-year-old is sitting on a billion-dollar business crafted from highbrow hustle—elegance built on grit.
Her striking determination was a learned behavior from her childhood in Romania. Soare’s mother, a tailor and seamstress, not only assumed the role of sole provider for her daughter but also became her prime caregiver when Anastasia lost her father at the young age of 12. Additionally, her mother faced challenges and uncertainty as a small business owner in 1980s communist Romania. The single mom was in constant fear of losing the rights to her business that she ran all on her own.
Unbeknownst to her mother, Soare was secretly studying her every move. The young Soare quietly immersed herself in the tricks of the trade, absorbing her mother’s technique in hopes of carving out her own legacy one day. Soare watched her mother sew, interact with customers, and market herself. “My mother would wake up at 6:00am and work until midnight,” Soare said. “I couldn’t understand at that time why she worked so many hours,
so I told myself…I don’t want to work like that,” Soare admitted. “But later on I came here and I realized…I became my mother.”
One of Soare’s most notable triumphs was uncovering the recipe for perfectly-shaped brows, recalling that no one paid attention to eyebrows in Hollywood in the 1990s, so it was an opportunity ripe for the picking—a niche that later became the brow queen’s bread and butter. “I saw the gap in the beauty industry, which was eyebrows,” Soare said, “and I realized that my eyebrows made me look surprised because of the shape.”
She recalled her former art teacher’s words that left an impression on her. He instructed her to draw eyebrows with varying curves and strokes if she wanted to change a portrait’s emotion, and so it became clear to her that this was the approach that was missing in modern-day makeup. “I realized that brow styling has to be the shape that works for everybody,” she remarked. “We all have different bone structures and eyebrow shapes, and I think it’s important to embrace that natural look.”
Soare made it her life’s mission to perfect her product. She spent years fine-tuning her signature brow method, The Golden Ratio, in an effort to create balance and symmetry for each unique face shape. After combing through research, she discovered that the brain sees beauty with balance. Using the principle of thirds, a formula that derives visually appealing intersection points to achieve composition, she applied this artistic strategy to the face. And in no time, she invented a brow method that paved the way to her face-framing fortune.
In her brand new book, Raising Brows, Soare chronicles her experience as a Romanian immigrant and so eloquently shares her
“I want to share my journey–the highs and the lows, the lessons that I learned, and the importance of resilience. I was able to build this, and it wasn’t easy, so I hope my experiences will inspire other people to make fewer mistakes.”
voice in a way that feels refreshingly down-to-earth and relatable. You’d almost forget that English is her second language. Her unshakeable strength almost leaps off the page and serves as a beautiful tribute to what she’s built.
In Part One titled, Believe In Your Dreams. Don’t Give Up, Soare shares her heart’s desire for the impact she hopes to have upon her daughter: “If I could give my daughter three things, they would be the confidence to always know her self-worth, the ability to know how deeply she is loved, and the strength to chase her dreams,” Soare remarked fondly. And speaking kindly to her readers, she continued, “I wish that for all of you, too.”
Soare’s unwavering love for her daughter Claudia is deeply felt in the pages of her book and in real life. Known professionally
as Norvina, Claudia is a successful internet personality and has been the president and creative director of Anastasia Beverly Hills since 2016. Her relationship to Soare is reminiscent of the bond Soare has with her own mother and is a subtle, or not-so-subtle, reminder of the legacy she’s made.
When asked why she wanted to release her memoir now, Soare remarked with confidence, “I want to share my journey–the highs and the lows, the lessons that I learned, and the importance of resilience,” Soare confessed. “I was able to build this, and it wasn’t easy, so I hope my experiences will inspire other people to make fewer mistakes.” With a glimmer in her eye, one could sense a strength that was untouchable. It was bravery that got her here, but empathy that made her legendary—a kind of beauty that is rarely known.
PHOTO BY STUDIO ABH
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THE POST OAK HOTEL AT UPTOWN HOUSTON
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the District. It’s a movement.
Threads of Freedom
How Paige Mycoskie’s SoCal
Spirit Built An Everlasting Enterprise
It was 2006, in a small garage near Venice Beach, California. The breeze was easy and soft, and only the quiet hum of a sewing machine could be heard against the distant echo of the ocean. Paige Mycoskie was tediously crafting her future. Stitch by stitch, the 26-year-old immersed herself in screenprint tees and taught herself how to sew. Between shifts at a local surf shop, the Texas-born blonde spent the evenings entranced in texture. “I’m obsessed with extreme quality in all the tiny details,” Mycoskie remarked.
Nineteen years later, she’s the founder of Aviator Nation, a California-based clothing label. Best known for hand-stitched tees and sweatpants you can live in, the now 45-year-old used the pandemic in 2020 to lure in loungewear lovers by selling $160 sweats to young teens and twentysomethings. The blue-eyed designer didn’t just find her niche, she skillfully crafted the ease of salty hair and surf culture into each fiber of her clothing, and in doing so, amassed an estimated net-worth of $490 million, according to Forbes magazine.
Mycoskie’s world offers more than clothes. It’s a lifestyle—one that embodies the West Coast dream. Her dedicated, free spirit emerged from her younger self, who attentively searched the aisles of thrift stores to find the perfect worn-in wears. She was particular, not as much about how clothing looked, but about how it felt—always finding a critique in store quality or design. Her aim was to uncover soft staples that hung “just right” but also effortlessly, allowing the California breeze to pass through them with ease.
Mycoskie loved color and 1970’s nostalgia, so she was disappointed to continually uncover washed-out hues. It was a game changer when she was finally able to make clothing on her own, and she could mimic the vintage quality that she so loved. Not only did she receive compliments from strangers on the SoCal streets, but she was able to continue the small-town feel of this quiet act and turn it into something greater. To this day, each piece from Aviator Nation is made locally by the hands of a tedious in-house team and designed exclusively by Mycoskie.
Some of Aviator Nation’s best sellers include soft, distressed knits like zip-up sweatshirts and matching drawstring joggers, the ‘Ninja’ pullover that keeps long locks intact while beachside, or even the traditional tri-top bikini, designed to wear on spontaneous ocean swims. In addition to loungewear staples, the brand sells denim and accessories like socks, backpacks, and surfboards. There is even an extensive menswear and kidswear line. Of course, the lure of her apparel is the playful graphics—namely the signature smiley face or retro rainbow stripe—that she sought out so deliberately in her youth.
Aside from the creative design, the most fascinating part of Mycoskie’s success is centered around her intentional business strategy. The multi-millionaire chose to take no outside investment to grow her brand. She opted to keep sole ownership of the business by expanding lines of credit from various banks in gradually increasing increments. This way, she didn’t owe anyone anything in return. Any dollar she made, as minor as it was in the beginning, went directly to her.
“I strongly believe the longer it takes to acquire wealth the more you appreciate it,” Mycoskie said. “It’s not about building fast and selling out, it’s about creating a life that you enjoy and having a desk you can’t wait to wake up to,” she continued. “Of course over the years if you work hard and build a successful company, the money eventually comes.”
This added wealth allowed her to expand her brand into so much more. In 2021, the designer extended her casual daywear after dark when she opened the doors to Dreamland, a bar, restaurant, and live music venue in Malibu. The vaulted wood ceiling abode drips floor to ceiling with color and nostalgic furnishings at every turn. Decorated in vinyl records and vintage memorabilia circa 1975, each cozy corner tells a story of its own and speaks a language that is quite similar to her beloved brand.
Aviator Nation has 20 retail locations across the United States, including its newly opened exercise studio, a joint boxing and cycling space, in Los Angeles. Both ventures further honed Mycoskie’s portfolio—reinforcing a brand that is continually growing yet somehow always remaining true to timelessness. “It’s hard to find a product that I don’t think I can make better, so I stay grounded by focusing on making new products each year and making sure they are better than the year before,” Mycoskie said.
In her downtime, Mycoskie settles into one of her many personal properties scattered across the western side of the US. While sitting and pondering her life, she recalls what it’s like to make clothing for people and knows this is just the beginning. “Basically I want the brand to never go away,” Mycoskie said.
Mycoskie lives by the notion that the love we hold for ourselves and others is limitless. “When we are wearing clothes that make us feel good and spread love to people around us at the same time, we are winning.” What she has carefully woven together over the last two decades is a testament to this heartfelt sentiment. The spirit of the 70’s lives on in her clothing and in the hearts of those who receive it.
Nine Action Steps Employees Should Take Before Requesting a Pay Increase RAISING EXPECTATIONS
BY DR. JOHN DEMARTINI
In all probably, you have had at least one of your employees over the years ask you, or your HR department director, for a pay raise with more of a disrespectful sense of entitlement than a respectful request to discuss their true contributions. The simple series of action steps that follow could be suggested to such an employee to help both of you remedy this unproductive scenario and reach a more fulfilling outcome.
Before your employee ever asks for a raise, encourage them to take the following steps:
STEP 1.
Compose a comprehensive list of clear contributions or accomplishments they have made for your company.
Ask them to write out their list concisely and memorize it prior to the raise request meeting
so it is presented succinctly, convincingly and time efficiently.
When they can clearly demonstrate to you that they have produced additional benefits and profits for your company, then you will be more likely to be receptive to offering them more financial, positional or other rewards. Encourage them to be factual, not fictional, presenting contributions that are demonstratively productive or profitable to your bottom line.
STEP 2.
Compose a list of new responsibilities and achievements they have fulfilled, or are about to fulfill, since their previous salary determination.
When they can demonstrate these additional accountabilities they are now
responsible for, you will be more likely to be receptive to offering them more economic or other rewards.
STEP 3.
Clearly define the raise they desire and feel they truly deserve.
Ask them to present this request only after they are sure in their heart that it is truly a fair request and a win-win exchange for them and your company.
STEP 4.
Write out 25+ reasonable benefits to your company of paying them the newly desired wage and 25+ drawbacks of continuing to pay them their current wage.
This is for the sake of full disclosure and transparency of motive.
STEP 5.
Identify or determine your or your HR director’s (the decision maker’s) highest values, priorities or objectives.
When they respectfully communicate the pay raise they desire in terms of your or your HR director’s highest values or priorities, you or they will become more open and receptive to their request.
STEP 6.
Have them identify and own where they may have any of the possible intimidating traits that you or your HR director (the final raise decision maker) might display during the meeting (in case they are hesitant and repressing pent up frustration that can lead to entitlement).
When they fully own the same behavioral traits, they will not be too humble to communicate their request respectfully and confidently as an equally respected human being and not as a disempowered, entitled and defensive underdog. If they cannot walk away from the raise request negotiation table when they do not receive the salary hike that they desire, then they are still to some degree in a disempowered position as an underdog. In any area of their life they are not empowered in—they will probably become overpowered. When they are in a state of disempowered entitlement, the outcome will not likely be as fruitful.
They are to be certain and empowered enough to be willing to walk away to some alternative opportunity to receive what they want. Not that they actually will, but it reflects that they truly believe they contribute value. If they cannot walk away from the raise request negotiation table to an alternative job offer that pays what they desire, then they would be wise to add more value to the company by adding to action steps 1, 2, 4 before the raise request meeting.
STEP 7.
Rehearse the presentation in a manner where they have imagined themselves receiving their desired raise outcome.
This elevates them to a more professional positioning which will ultimately serve your company.
STEP 8.
Dress to match the elevated position, image and standard of the additional accountabilities that they will be responsible for so as to position them in a higher light during the presentation.
When they dress professionally for the part and are more responsible and productive in their positioning, they will probably be more convincing.
STEP 9.
Time their raise request at a more profitable period when there is more likely to be a cash surplus in your company.
Only request something for something (a fair raise for their added service and productivity) and not something for nothing. Sustainable fair exchange is the only thing that builds companies and lasts.
Thank their raise request decision maker for honoring their raise request and then deliver even higher quality and more productive service to your company.
Also, have your employees periodically look or ask for additional responsibilities so they can continue to add more value to your company and open the door for additional future promotions and raises.
Although the individual employee that may be respectfully requesting a raise may or may not ever become a partner in your company, when called to account for any of their
Let them respectfully and exceptionally perform for you just as soon as they feel certain that they can and develop ever greater talent and accountability.
independent and productive actions, you can have them show you how their chosen actions actually outperformed your standard requests and expectations. If they stand firm, not with insubordination or disrespect, but with certainty and true caring about your company, then they could be a potential asset for the future. Let them respectfully and exceptionally perform for you just as soon as they feel certain that they can and develop ever greater talent and accountability. Have them try it on early just in case their talents could serve greatly.
There is probably little you, the employer, would appreciate more than discovering and cultivating a truly dedicated employee for the sake of growing your company. If you are not receptive to the emergence of great talent, then you may not be the quality of employer they will want to remain with. They may then leave whenever they can, even at a sacrifice, and find an employer capable of discerning their genius and contribution and secure enough to truly delegate authority. It is wise to recognize quality employees and assist them in contributing to your business mission and brand message.
Dr. John Demartini is a human behavioral specialist, educator, internationally bestselling author, consultant and founder of the Demartini Institute. drdemartini.com
YOUR BEST DAYS
What Defines Them and the Secret to Having More of Them
BY BARRY LABOV
Has anyone ever asked you to describe your best day at work? How would you respond if they did? In my company’s podcast, Difference Talks, we conclude each episode by asking our guest: “Describe your best day—a day when you are energized and fulfilled.” I expected to hear stories of extraordinary triumph in boardrooms or the stock market, but that has never been the case. The leaders we have interviewed include CEOs, bestselling authors and Grammy Award winners. Their best days all revolve around one singular focus: people.
Ranaan Meyer, founder of the Grammy Awardwinning band Time for Three, expressed his inspiration to pay it forward to aspiring musicians. His mentor, Hal Robinson, former principal bassist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, selflessly guided Ranaan to pursue his love of music. Today, Ranaan is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Honeywell Arts Academy, which is responsible for supporting and nurturing the careers of budding musicians worldwide. He mentioned that his best day, for example, was seeing one of his students, who is pre-med, using her musical talents to help heal patients in a hospital setting.
Chuck Surack, founder of Sweetwater, the world’s largest online music retailer, finds inspiration in helping revive his hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana, by investing in beautiful apartment complexes, performance halls, grocery stores and other worthwhile projects.
A respected figure in the automotive industry, Johan de Nysschen has left a lasting mark through his leadership of iconic brands like Audi and Cadillac. His best days have been seeing not just brands succeed but also the impact that success has had on the people who represent them. One of his most meaningful moments came after steering Audi of America through a difficult chapter. A dealership salesperson shared that he went from feeling disengaged with the brand to taking immense pride in selling its products, achieving both personal and professional success. For Johan, moments like this—where leadership leads to real, human impact—define a best day.
Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, a worldwide, multi-billion-dollar manufacturer, finds inspiration in seeing his team grow professionally and personally. Bob authored Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary
Power of Caring for Your People Like Family and established the Chapman & Company Leadership Institute to do just that. His best days are when he hears firsthand how his philosophy is touching the lives of his people by improving their personal lives.
For Jonathan Randall, President of Mack Trucks, his best day is when he can connect with his dealer partners and customers face-toface. It’s his opportunity to understand their challenges and determine if his company can help solve them. In a world of Teams and Zoom calls, personally interacting with them and understanding their needs is invaluable to him.
Derek Jenkins, a renowned automotive designer and Senior Vice President of Design and Brand at Lucid Motors, describes his best day as seeing his and his team’s creative work culminate in a beautiful automobile. From clay models to finished products, it’s an inspiring journey that excites him.
THE BEST DAYS ARE ABOUT PEOPLE, NOT THINGS
In the age of AI, one of the few differentiators we have is our humanity—being caring people. Leaders committed to their employees’ wellbeing will be rewarded with higher retention, increased quality of work and soaring morale. Don Hunter, CEO of Haig Point Club, an exclusive private island community in South Carolina, told me he’s most inspired when he helps his staff realize they can achieve their goals. Don started out with very little and is now a leading national club manager whose clientele is among the wealthiest and most successful. It would be easy for his staff to view their positions as comparatively low, but Don’s best days are when employees can purchase their first car or home, which illustrates his hope for their success.
OUR GOAL SHOULD BE TO HAVE MORE BEST DAYS
When we ask clients how often they have a “best day,” we usually hear they are few and far between. If we can increase our best days from once a month to once a week, wouldn’t that create an amazing impact? Our actions to improve our teams’ lives are as important as reviewing spreadsheets or developing a new product.
No matter the importance of the position or size of the enterprise, our greatest asset, and most meaningful concern, is our people—those who build, serve, design, sell and represent companies and their brands. Their happiness, success and fulfillment directly affect ours as leaders. Our focus must be on having as many best days as possible.
Where Success Meets Beauty
SURVIVING THE SLOWDOWN
3 Pillars for Recession-Proofing Your Real Estate Portfolio
BY KEN MCELROY
The real estate market has changed. Instead of the boom we experienced from 2020 to 2023, in 2025, everything seems quiet. Homes are sitting on the market longer, rent prices are lowering and inventory is slowly building. As inventory continues to build, investors need to understand there is a good chance of a price correction on real estate. During this time, you must reassess how your portfolio is positioned. I’ve spent the last two decades building and managing real estate assets through boom and bust cycles, and slowdowns and recessions are just part of the real estate cycle. It isn’t a time to panic, but it is a time to analyze your portfolio. It isn’t about playing defense; it’s about realigning capital to make sure your money is invested where it is getting the best return.
I’ve identified three pillars for recessionproofing your real estate portfolio:
PILLAR 1 : CASH FLOW OVER APPRECIATION
During bull markets, I see a lot of syndicators chase assets for their projected appreciation,
but in recessionary periods, cash flow is king. If it doesn’t pay you today, don’t assume it will pay you tomorrow. Flipping homes, developing land, or an Airbnb might look good on Instagram, but they don’t cover your lifestyle or liabilities when markets correct.
Shift focus toward income-producing assets— multifamily apartments, build-to-rent homes or single-family long-term rentals. These are boring to most, but no matter what the state of the economy is, everyone needs a place to live. When inflation rises and consumer spending tightens, consistent rent checks are the quiet engine keeping the lights on, even if your property is depreciating in value.
In 2008, MC Companies had many properties that were underwater if we would have sold them, but we didn’t need to sell them because they were cash flowing monthly. Those same properties, fifteen years later, are worth significantly more than we bought them for and have been cash flowing the whole time. The point is you shouldn’t get wrapped up in the value of your property during slowdowns as long as it is cash flowing.
PILLAR 2 : ANALYZE YOUR CASHFLOW
Cash flow is the goal of every property, but knowing if a property cash flows or not is a very surface-level assessment. Sophisticated investors really analyze their return on capital, because even a property that cash flows can be a bad investment if the return on equity is weak.
Now is the perfect time to take a hard look at your portfolio. Ask yourself: What’s the actual rate of return on the equity trapped in your properties? If a rental is paid off and worth $800,000 and you’re clearing $1,200/month in net cash flow, that’s only a 1.8 percent annual return on your equity. Those are the weak returns that need to be analyzed and possibly moved around into properties that deliver better returns.
This market slowdown creates rare windows to sell underperforming assets and 1031 exchange into stronger cash-flowing properties. Properties are sitting longer, which means you have time to analyze the buy. Analyzing your cash flow is about unlocking trapped equity and moving it into vehicles that accelerate your wealth. Don’t just sit on properties out of habit. Sit on properties because they are giving you a good cash-on-cash return.
PILLAR 3 : DURABLE DEMAND
Even in a recession, people will always need a place to live. That’s why the foundation of a recession-proof real estate portfolio isn’t luxury beachfront villas or vacation rentals. Instead, it’s solid, long-term rental housing in areas with jobs and population growth.
The key is targeting markets with durable demand—places where employment is strong, businesses are hiring, and people are moving in faster than they’re moving out. If a city or neighborhood is seeing net-positive migration and offers a mix of industries, then that should spark your interest. These areas tend to hold up better when the economy contracts.
I’ve seen investors get distracted by aesthetics or status, but recession-resistant real estate isn’t about prestige. It’s about predictability. Simple, affordable units with manageable upkeep and steady demand are what carry portfolios through turbulent times. They’re not flashy, but they’re faithful.
FINAL THOUGHT
In real estate, market cycles are inevitable, but how you respond to them determines your success. If you stay focused on cash flow, strong fundamentals and markets with real demand, you won’t just survive the slowdown—you’ll emerge from it stronger, smarter and better positioned for the next upswing.
Living Lookbooks
Suite Dreams Are Made of This: When Fashion Meets
Five-Star Fantasy
BY SI SI PENALOZA
Luxury hotels aren’t simply places to stay these days—they’re where the cashmere jetset is seen, styled and storied. In a growing trend that weds hospitality with high fashion, posh hotels partner with brands to create immersive lifestyle experiences way beyond the suite. Today’s elite traveler can grow fatigued by piña coladas and lush poolscapes—they’re increasingly after exclusivity with cultural
capital. They want a stay to look good, feel rare and say something.
Enter Shangri-La Paris, where hospitality and fashion don’t just collaborate—they co-conspire. In a haute homage to The Paris Open, the city’s grand palace hotel sets the stage for a sport-chic spectacle. Lacoste, house of the crocodile and the court, unveiled a creative residency to the delight of Roland Garros VIPs.
blends haute hospitality with the crisp codes of the crocodile. A martini hints at a clay court, the olive kissed by something unexpectedly aromatic. Plating is inventive and graphic, clever nods to heritage. The menu—crafted by Shangri-La’s chefs—is bold, elegant, unmistakably Lacoste: desserts embossed in green velvet with the brand’s iconic logo.
Radiating quiet, contemporary luxury, Shangri-La Paris isn’t merely hosting Lacoste; it’s inhabiting it. And vice versa. The codes of both houses—artistry, precision, heritage—overlap with surreal perfection. Le Pavillon Lacoste blurs the line between fashion, flavor and cultural iconography. Lacoste brings the courtside cool; Shangri-La answers with palace poise.
Meanwhile, across the Channel, with ascent comes a scent. Citrus, pepper, vetiver—playing on the senses at Shangri-La The Shard, high above London. In partnering with Jo Malone CBE—under her bold, autobiographical brand Jo Loves—hotel amenities deliver a layered narrative, where fashionable fragrance plays both signature and souvenir. Chauffeured from the clouds to the cobbled calm of the Jo Loves flagship in Belgravia, guests indulge in a “fragrance tapas,” a theatrical ritual of scent, complete with cloud-steam colognes, ice-shaken cleansers, whipped lotions
Stylish interlace of two cultural institutions— the Shangri-La palace once owned by Prince Roland Bonaparte and the maison that defined athletic panache—meeting on common ground to recast the language of luxury.
Venture into the hotel’s manicured gardens, where gastronomy wears a polo collar. Designed as a pop-up extension of La Bauhinia, this ephemeral, open-air experience
applied with paint brushes—a backstage pass to Jo’s creative world. Back in-suite, a chocolate perfume bottle by Head Pastry Chef Piero Sottile puts the cherry on top. A passage through memory, material and meaning, choreographed with an aesthetic emotional intelligence that’s become Shangri-La’s signature.
Under Area General Manager Kurt Macher, a hotelier with the daring of a cultural producer, Shangri-La’s bold collaborations with Lacoste and Jo Loves epitomize the new era of fashionforward hospitality. “A Shangri-La stay is no longer just a chapter of a trip—it is the plot itself,” Macher remarks. “Your room key opens more than a door. It opens a portal into a moment, the kind travelers now crave.” Macher’s brand of lightning-in-a-bottle is brilliantly bespoke, dripping with personality, turning luxury into a lived moment. With his statuesque stride and glacier blue eyes, this platinum snow leopard of an Austrian delights regulars with a sartorial game so strong it could tailor a storm into submission. When he’s not yachting the Thames with VIPs, the impresario can be found holding court at GŎNG on the 52nd floor—where the skyline stuns, cocktails glint like gems, sashimi borders on transcendent, and the vision is always set a few years ahead.
Doubling down on whimsical plotlines, ShangriLa’s Eat, Play, Love campaign—running across fourteen of its global properties—inspired by the memoir-turned-cultural-mantra, explores
SHANGRI - LA PARIS
taste, exploration and emotional reconnection. It offers a narrative arc—giving big main character energy—as if each night booked writes the next act. “Play” in Paris plays out in a stylish Bohemian Rhapsody joyride you didn’t know you needed. Hop in a classic Citroën 2CV— entering your Godard film era—and cruise the storybook hills of Montmartre. Park and hit pause for wine and charcuterie at Montmartre Museum, living la vie bohème. The pièce de résistance? A local artist sketches your portrait en plein air in the museum’s romantic gardens.
At the summit of Shangri-La The Shard— Western Europe’s tallest hotel—the Shangri-La Suite sets the ultimate stage for “Love.”
Spanning over two thousand square feet at $12,000 a night, it practically purrs. Designed by Italian superyacht masterminds Francesca Muzio and Maria Silvia Orlandini, it leverages London’s skyline like a fitted glove, all cloud atlas palette and sensual silence. The aesthetic? Think Bond girl grows up to win the Pritzker Prize. “Love” begins with a swim through the sky in the
TĪNG RESTAURANT, SHANGRI - LA THE SHARD, LONDON
SHANGRI - LA PARIS
infinity pool, an ELEMIS spa indulgence, while Champagne awaits next to a rose petal sprinkled tub overlooking London like a throne. There’s a telescope for flirting with the skyline, and personalized stationery just in case inspiration— or seduction—strikes. From a soaring 1,016 feet, the city looks smaller, slower, yours.
Ideally suited to Jetset readers, the suites offered across Shangri-La’s London and Paris properties are not just among the largest accommodations in their respective cities; they’re architectural showpieces designed for travelers requiring privacy, scale and unrelenting views. Shangri-La The Shard, London’s suites occupy the highest luxury space in the city; Shangri-La Paris’ perch boasts Eiffel Tower skyline spectacle so close it is positively spine-tingling. Paris’ signature suites—Gustave Eiffel, Chaillot, Prince-Bonaparte and Shangri-La Suite—cast a spell with Directoire, Empire and Art-Deco furnishings. The eponymous suite can be privatized in an entire floor takeover, a four-bedroom apartment totaling 5,382 sq ft, ideal for discreet, high-net-worth gatherings.
Other noteworthy takes on the fashion-forward hotel trend include The Colony Hotel Palm Beach’s villa designed by Aerin Lauder, all swathed in shell pinks and polished cane, the spiritual essence of American summer wealth. Aspen’s The Little Nell welcomed Dior with its Toile de Jouy–soaked spa residency, leaving guests steeped in blooms and silk like they’d just stepped into a living fashion lookbook. Gurney’s Montauk gave Dolce & Gabbana the keys to its beach club, resulting in a Mediterranean fantasia for the camera and the cocktail circuit alike. Clearly, the current zeitgeist in travel collapses identity, art and aspiration all in one immersive stage.
Luxury hospitality has always traded on exclusivity. Today, it’s no longer enough to offer what’s rare. It’s about what’s personal and seamless—the difference between staying somewhere and stepping inside a story that unfolds around you. There’s something alluring, addictive even, about hotels that offer such initiation rites. Once immersed, you don’t want to leave, as you’ve landed on a rather spellbinding page in your own story.
If 2024 was the year travelers demanded more meaning, 2025 shaped up to be the year they expect that meaning to mean something. Not everyone will get to star in the story, taste the Michelin magnitude, revel in the playground. That’s the point.
And for those who make it into the garden, where cocktails come with a wink? Welcome, you’ve arrived.
TĪNG RESTAURANT, SHANGRI - LA THE SHARD, LONDON
WHITE GLOVE, WHITE SNOW
Where Luxury Meets Winter Adventure
BY STACEY LASTOE
It’s one thing to book a true ski-in, ski-out stay at an elite resort—but quite another to check into a mountainside mansion with a private chef, butler and spa therapist on call. As all-inclusive escapes move beyond cruises and beach resorts, winter travelers are in for something special. And the best part? You don’t have to be a die-hard skier
to enjoy these next-level experiences in farflung, snow-covered locales.
From double black diamond heli-skiing to Northern Lights sightings and fireside tasting menus, these curated winter packages are made for discerning travelers—whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just the view.
A PRIVATE ARCTIC PLAYGROUND IN SWEDISH LAPLAND
When it comes to high-end, tailored experiences that pack a luxurious punch, Blue Parallel, a boutique travel outfitter known for private, experiential itineraries, has you covered. In this particular winter wonderland, not only do you get to enjoy a luxe, perfectly appointed lodge in the great, wide wilderness, but you’ll also get to enjoy the pampering that comes with it, thanks to a full staff to cater to your every need. Of course, as cozy as it may be to stay in the lodge’s warm embrace, you’ve come here to soak up the outdoors. From a Northern Lights guided tour to a privately guided Nordic ski tour and a guided snowmobile ride through lush powder, it’s hard to beat this sumptuous tour in Sweden.
Blue Parallel Swedish Lapland tour, from $2,500.00 per person per day.
KEYSTONE REIMAGINED WITH CHEF- LED APRÈS IN THE SKY
Keystone has long been a favorite for families and casual skiers—but not exactly a destination for those seeking five-star flair. Until now. The slopeside Kindred Resort debuts this ski season, bringing the mountain’s first legit five-star accommodation to the scene. Be treated to gourmet meals courtesy of a chef-in-residence offering where rotating James Beard-nominated chefs prepare five-course menus in the privacy of your chalet. The skiing is spectacular here, but even more so when verticals are accessed from a heli-drop. Meanwhile, the après action takes place at sunset in the “Après-in-theSky” lounge, a charming balcony stocked with Champagne and booked with live music per the guest’s wish. If the altitude and wine pairings have you feeling a little sluggish, opt in to the IV recovery treatment and sports massage. Heliarrival from Denver is in the works.
Kindred Resort Penthouse starting at $3,400/night.
HELI - SKIING ROYALTY IN THE ALASKAN BACKCOUNTRY
Famous for heli-skiing, this lodge about 75 miles west of Anchorage is the epitome of the high-end ski vacation. With the Tordrillo Mountains as the backdrop, this destination was seemingly designed for the hard-core skiers and snowboarders who will no doubt delight in heliskiing and heli-boarding on 1.2 million acres of fresh powder. The deep snow and intense verticals are made slightly more manageable with the help of expert guides, although by day seven, you may just feel like you can accomplish anything on your own after mastering this exclusive terrain. Gourmet meals are prepared by your own private chef and the trip, although focused on heli adventures, is fully bespoke and tailored to travelers’ every desire.
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, $18,500 per person for seven nights.
LAPLAND IMMERSION : SAUNAS, SLEDS AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
There may be no truer winter wonderland than the seven-day journey through Lapland. On this adventure, from luxury travel leader Abercrombie & Kent, guests will be whisked away on a tailor-made escapade involving husky sleds, ice-floating under the aurora and foraging workshops. For an extra invigorating experience, go from the hot sauna to the icy lake. There’s also an opportunity for a second kind of plunge: jump into the bracing Arctic waters for an ice-floating experience beneath the night sky. But don’t worry, for this extra special dip, you’ll be outfitted in a specially designed rescue suit. The tour includes stays at both the Arctic Bath, a boutique offering set on the Lule River in Swedish Lapland, and Levin Iglut, a magical retreat on a serene hillside in Finnish Lapland.
Abercrombie & Kent Lapland: A Winter Wonderland, $43,995 for seven days.
A BESPOKE COLORADO RETREAT WITH JET - SET STYLE
The impossibly charming Colorado ski town of Telluride manages to be both refined and rugged, but when you opt to visit the picturesque ski town via Exceptional Stays, a bespoke vacation rental service known for its ultra-premium portfolio, you’re embracing the most refined side of a Telluride ski vacation. Skip the long drive from Denver or the regional airport in Montrose and take a private jet on Telluride Flights to reach the remote destination—and your brand new custom Wagner skis. The stay includes an ultra-exclusive chalet with ski-in/ski-out access, on-call staff and sweeping views of the San Juans. But this white-glove experience doesn’t end with exclusive on-mountain access and those shiny new skis; embark on a private shopping session at Jagged Edge, a local shop selling top-end outdoor equipment and ski apparel.
Telluride: Ultimate Ski Experience with Exceptional Stays, $250,000 for a three-night stay for two people.
VERBIER’S MOST GLAMOROUS CHALET ESCAPE
There are many ways to do it up in Verbier, one of—if not the—poshest ski area in the Alps. Part of Switzerland’s famed Four Valleys ski area, with over 400 kilometers of terrain, Verbier was glamorous long before Sir Richard Branson’s nine-bedroom alpine chalet, The Lodge, became available for buyout. The capacious home features a dedicated ski equipment room with boot warmers and ski kits. Of course, the rest of your needs will also be fully attended to, considering the team of 15 running the show: spa therapist (much needed after a day out shredding), 24-hour chauffeur, Michelin-trained chefs and a crew of housekeepers to keep everything as sparkling as the best five-star hotel.
The Lodge, $11,515.72 per night.
PORSCHE ON ICE : A THRILL - SEEKER’S DREAM IN THE ALPS
Ever dreamed of spinning around an alpine ice track in a brand-new Porsche 911 or Boxster? This adrenaline-fueled two-day tour through Austria and Germany lets you get behind the wheel yourself—no imagination required. Off the track, there’s just as much thrill to be found on the slopes, with guided access to premier runs across the Arlberg and Bavarian Alps. After a day of high-speed adventure, wind down with pampering spa treatments and overnights in luxe five-star hotels, including a centuries-old castle reborn as a chic alpine retreat.
HunterMoss Luxury Winter Tour & Ice Driving Experience in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, $16,999 for double occupancy.
THE ULTIMATE ICELANDIC ODYSSEY, FJORDS TO FIRELIGHT
Bespoke itineraries, a focus on sustainable travel, and a keen eye for world-class experiences are the hallmarks of a Wayfairer trip. On this one—14 days around Iceland’s Golden Circle—adventure is the name of the game with ice caving tours, heli-skiing and exploration of the longest fjord in Iceland at the forefront. At the end of an afternoon of icy snorkeling, cozy up at a chic boutique hotel like Deplar Farm, where the geothermal spa and otherworldly fjord views are rivaled only by the locally sourced food and drink.
14-day Iceland Golden Circle Tour with Wayfairer Travel, $28,647 per person.
Fly Private
BY KAREN BROST
FlyExclusive, led by Founder and industry pioneer Jim Segrave, currently has a fleet of approximately 100 owned and operated jets. It is currently one of the nation’s top private jet operators by hours flown, according to the Private Jet Card Comparisons 2024 Full Year Report, and is quickly becoming the private travel solution of choice for many business owners and private jet customers.
Like the other top private aviation companies, flyExclusive offers a diverse fleet of light, midsize and super-midsize jets with well-appointed interiors and upgraded cabins. Unlike their peers, flyExclusive has built a Jet Club membership program similar to the well-known “Jet Card,” but with a “Day Rate + Occupied Hourly Rate” pricing model that allows their customers to truly fly like an owner.
This unique pricing model charges Jet Club Members a day rate of $7,500 for their factory new Citation CJ3+ (light jet), then charges a fixed rate of $4,000 per hour. This allows Jet Club Members to fly from Teterboro to Palm Beach, a three-hour flight, for only $19,500 + FET (Federal Excise Tax). To put this into context, other top private jet operators who continue to utilize the traditional Jet Card hourly rate structure are charging $9,000+ per hour for access to their premium light jet fleet which would cost $27,000+ FET to accomplish the same Teterboro to Palm Beach trip.
Beyond the highly competitive pricing model, flyExclusive keeps their members “on fleet” on over 99 percent of all flights, which helps deliver a consistent quality of service on every flight. The flyExclusive Jet Club Members also are not held back by “blackout” or “no fly” days like many other top private jet providers include. The competitive pricing, no blackout days and quality of service keeps flyExclusive top of mind for new and existing private jet travelers.
FlyExclusive is also providing a new Fractional Ownership experience for the private jet customer. The company offers shares in the Bombardier Challenger 350, Citation XLS Gen 2 and Citation CJ3+. These shares come with flexibility that is truly uncommon in this space. Fractional owners enjoy no monthly management fees and benefit from the same unique pricing model of the Jet Club. This is the first fractional
ownership offering of its kind and allows owners immediate access to the full flyExclusive fleet.
When we asked a flyExclusive Jet Club Member what the main difference was between flyExclusive and everyone else, they said, “First of all, the pilots, service, and jet interiors are incredible. Second, my average trip costs 30% less with flyExclusive. Last, the fact that I have full access to their entire fleet without blackout dates allows me to select the perfect jet for every trip, every time.”
Control and transparency are true luxuries in the private aviation world and with flyExclusive customers get both without having to compromise. With flyExclusive they can also have peace of mind knowing that their safety is paramount to the company’s culture. flyExclusive proudly exceeds all FAA standards and is revered as an ARG/US Platinum and Wyvern Wingman operator.
The only question now is, which flyExclusive program is a better fit for you, Fractional Ownership or a Jet Club Membership?
To learn more about the flyExclusive Jet Club Membership or Fractional Ownership in their Citation CJ3+, XLS Gen2, or Challenger 350 aircraft, please visit flyexclusive.com.
