Daytona, FL March 2026

Home & Design Issue

Home. Just four letters, yet it holds so much meaning. It’s our sanctuary, our foundation, and the place where life unfolds. Home is where we begin and end each day, where our lives take shape, and where our hearts find rest. While the specifics of what “home” looks like vary for each of us, its significance is universal.

Author Wendy Wunder captured it perfectly: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” With that in mind, this month’s issue focuses on what makes home special—from the warmth of shared meals and thoughtfully designed spaces to the people who bring it all to life.

Many people, myself included, want to live the "Florida Lifestyle" when they move here. That means something different to everyone, but finding local companies to help you design, furnish, and create your Florida Lifestyle is what we hope we can help you do. Please support our advertisers who can help you make your house a home.

This month, we had the privilege of connecting with local businesses and individuals who shape this community. Their stories highlight the creativity, resilience, and heart that make this area feel like home. We hope that as you turn these pages, you’ll be inspired to strengthen your connections—whether within your neighborhood, your city, or your own walls.

Many of our readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover, treasuring it as a piece of home—whether as coffee table art or a source of inspiration. That’s a tradition we’re proud to uphold, and we remain committed to delivering the value you expect each month.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Here’s to making this March a celebration of the spaces and people that matter most.

Happy March!

JOHN (TJ) FILLEY, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Thomas John (TJ) Filley tj.filley@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Oksana Zingman Filley

oksana.filley@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Deb Lovett

deb.lovett@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Deb Lovett, Marnie Van der Burgt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christophe Hanckowiak, Silver Eberly, Halifax Humane Society, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, TJ Filley, Deb Lovett, The Brown formerly known as MOAS, City of Ormond Beach

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN MARCH 2026

city scene

1: Christy Barrick cutting the ribbon at the opening of The Cristy B Comedy Club 2: Grand opening performances at The Cristy B Comedy Club 3-4: Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce members at the After Hours event at Daytona Toyota 5: Ormond Beach Commissioners and Mayor recognize Daytona Beverages for bringing The Clydesdales to Holiday Parade 6: Daytona Beverages and Ormond Beach Deputy Mayor Tolland celebrating Holiday Parade Award and City Proclamation 7: Tom and Tonya Perry with Oksana and TJ Filley at the FurBall.

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business monthly

Daytona Beach Symphony Society Fundraiser & Silent Auction

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society will hold its spring fundraiser, "Wine on the Halifax" at the Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach, on Friday, March 13th at 6pm. Tapas, entertainment, and wine will be on tap for what is always a well-done event. The evening concludes with a silent auction. Valet parking provided. Reservations at DBSS.org or by calling 386-253-2901 .

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Call for Volunteers - Dogs Day Out

Dogs Day Out at Halifax Humane Society gives shelter dogs meaningful time outside the kennel, offering real-life experiences that support their path to adoption. Volunteers take dogs on outings like walks, car rides, errands, and visits to parks or the beach to help them practice everyday skills, build confidence, and decompress in environments similar to a future home.

Visit the program page at www.halifaxhumanesociety.org or call  386-2744703 for more information.

AdventHealth Daytona Beach Among America's Top Hospitals Recognized by Forbes

AdventHealth Daytona Beach was recognized on the Forbes' America’s Top Hospitals 2026 list. Only hospitals earning four or five stars were included on Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals list.

Forbes evaluated 5,400 general acute care hospitals currently operating in the United States, from which about 2,500 hospitals met the inclusion criteria based on publicly available data across key quality and safety measures such as strong patient outcomes, high safety standards, and positive patient experiences.

A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E

A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH

PEAR, PROSCIUTTO,

Burrata Salad

INGREDIENTS

• Ripe Pear

• Prosciutto

• Burrata

• Lemon Zest

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Dried Figs

• Red Pepper Flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.

2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.

3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.

4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.

5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.

6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.

7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.

An Oceanfront Historical Legacy

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHE HANCKOWIAK & SILVER EBERLY

Built in 1918, the Prettyman House's foyer welcomes guests with a wood-burning fireplace and comfortable, stylish seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Like any great beach house, the best views are either from within or from a lounge chair on the deck. The Prettyman House on Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach meets—and exceeds—those expectations. Perched on the stretch of sand famously known as the “birthplace of speed,” the home keeps historic company with John D. Rockefeller’s Casements. Both homes, built in 1918, have been lovingly restored to preserve their original charm.

Recently designated an historic landmark by the City of Ormond Beach, the Prettyman House’s exterior preservation is now protected, while its interiors have been thoughtfully updated to suit modern family life. Formerly the Villa Mar Oceanfront B&B, the estate was purchased in 2025 by Silver Eberly, Esquire (Ret.) and Dr. Alvin Galuten, who have transformed it into the perfect setting for their large, active family.

The eight-bedroom Mediterranean Revival mansion, featured on the Ormond Beach Historical Society’s 2025 Holiday Tour of Homes, is just a short walk from the original “Ormond Garage,” where Henry Flagler built the first gasoline alley in 1904 to accommodate beach race cars. Daytona City Lifestyle visited the Eberly and Galuten family for a tour of their oceanfront estate and a wide-ranging conversation about their passion for law, medicine, and the rescue of both Huskies and thoroughbred racehorse orphans.

PHILANTHROPY, FUNDRAISERS & COASTAL ENTERTAINING

The home’s open-air access to 90 feet of coastline in the “no-drive” zone exemplifies the family’s love of the coastal lifestyle and entertaining. Lively conversation and gracious hospitality fill the space, reflecting the reason the couple is known for hosting successful philanthropic events and fundraisers.

Silver and Alvin, both retired, dotingly care for seven children, seven grandchildren, and six dogs—five Siberian Huskies and a senior French Bulldog. “Huskies are very special to me,” Silver says. “I adopted three as Emotional Support Animals during a difficult time in my life. Although it was said that I saved them, they actually saved me.”

Silver continues to coordinate philanthropic initiatives with a focus on Husky rescue, equine rescue, and

Autism awareness. Alvin volunteers at the Williamson County Animal Center, a no-kill shelter in Franklin, Tennessee, and provides free medical services at indigent clinics across Tennessee and Florida, as well as at Department of Defense and Veterans Administration Medical Centers nationwide. Their daughter has founded an equine sanctuary for thoroughbred racehorse orphans and senior horses at Crimson & Clover Pastures in Thompsons Station, Tennessee.

“We like to stay busy,” Silver says, “but we’re enjoying the more relaxed lifestyle of the Ormond Beach community. This home is perfect for kicking back and making memories with friends and family.”

THE DETAILS

The foyer welcomes visitors with a wood-burning fireplace anchoring the formal living room. Comfort is paramount, with ample seating arranged for conversation and relaxation. Hand-wrought chandeliers, featuring peony and tulip-shaped lights, extend up the elegant stairway to the second floor, where a parade of similarly beautiful fixtures illuminates the hallways. Even the primary suite’s line of light fixtures are in and of themselves architectural details that please the eye and complete the vision.

Every bedroom suite reflects the family’s passions, illustrating the adage that every picture tells a story. The girls enjoy their Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice Suite, while the boys bunk in the Toads, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tales Suite. Additional design details abound in the Bird Cage Suite, while the Game Changer reflects the family’s love of sports, and the Gulliver’s Travels Suite contains memories of places they’ve visited throughout the world.

THE VIEW

The Atlantic Ocean is a constant presence, complementing the interiors. On the main floor, the ocean view is omnipresent in two of the four dining areas which open to the grand kitchen, accommodating up to 30 guests across double islands and multiple tables. Upstairs, the master suite and sitting area views invite you to simply stay and relax.

“The eight-bedroom Mediterranean Revival mansion, featured on the Ormond Beach Historical Society’s Holiday Tour of Homes , is just a short walk from where Henry Flagler built the original ‘Ormond Garage.’”

“The

chef's commercial-grade kitchen opens to both French Provincial and English Rococo dining rooms with ocean views and easy access to outdoor entertaining spaces.”

ROOM FLOW DESIGN

The chef’s kitchen is designed for both style and socializing. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances include Thermador dual gas-top convection ovens. The countertops and multiple island surfaces are natural swirled Portinari marble which provide a high movement and dramatic look. Tile floors perfectly complement the wavy glass mosaic and stone tile backsplash, which was selected by their two-year old granddaughter and sourced locally by the family at ProSource.

While cooking, chatting, or cleaning up, it’s easy to drift toward the ocean view to keep an eye out for the pod of whales recently sighted. French doors lead to an oceanfront patio, connecting seamlessly to multiple entertainment areas, and ultimately back inside to the Garden Party Suite, which overlooks both pool and ocean.

THE PAW-SI-TIVELY PURR-FECT SUITE

The second-floor primary suite is a sanctuary with oversized windows, French doors opening to a private balcony, a gym, a sitting room, huge walk-in closets, and an office with floor-to-ceiling built-ins. Four additional bedrooms with ensuites occupy the second floor, while the top floor houses a media room also used as a children’s retreat.

The family’s Huskies often patrol the primary suite’s balcony, keeping an eye on beach activities. Their devotion to the breed illustrates the Eberly and Galuten family broader investment in animal welfare. “We became regular volunteers with Husky rescues,” Alvin says. “We tried to foster several times and failed, but we persisted.” Silver recounts fostering a new Husky after their beloved Husky named Everest passed—a dog who, astonishingly, turned out to be Everest’s brother.

Silver and Alvin “foster failed” when they took in the family’s new Husky, Vandy, after their beloved Husky named Everest passed—a dog who, astonishingly, turned out to be Everest’s brother.

THE “HORSE IS A HORSE, OF COURSE, OF COURSE” SUITE

The home’s equestrian-themed suite pays homage to the family’s passion for horses. “As life would have it, we had so many fortuitous moments moving here,” says Silver. “When we moved in, we found the former owners had left us multiple rocking horses, one of which was made by a local artisan. They were in pristine condition and they are the focal point in several rooms.”

In the Horse is a Horse Suite, table runners depict traditionally attired riders, horses, and beagles at work. A picture of Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm was a sentimental and surprising find on Facebook Marketplace given that Silver herself was in attendance that day at Churchill Downs.

“We’ve found in life, love, education, and careers that while we’ve worked hard, we’ve also been in the right place at the right time over and over again,” Silver reflects. “Our giving back is simply an extension of who we are. We aim to improve lives, protect those in need, and put as much positivity as possible back into the universe.”

The Prettyman House is more than a home; it’s a manifestation of history, coastal elegance, family legacy, and philanthropic spirit. From ocean views and chandelier-lit halls to Huskies on the balcony and equestrian tributes in the suites, the estate tells the story of a family committed to comfort, culture, and compassion— one spectacular room, one memorable gathering, and one rescued animal at a time.

LEARN MORE: Silver, a retired attorney, and Alvin, a retired doctor, enjoy their new coastal home in Ormond Beach decorated with a rich family and historical heritage with room to celebrate surrounded by beloved friends and family.

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ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”

PROJECT CREDITS

THE BROWN - FROM HIDDEN GEM TO CROWN JEWEL

ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BROWN

The Brown's new board chair, Andy Watts, announcing The Brown's construction and rebranding on December 2, 2025 as

REDESIGN MUSEUM

In December 2025, The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) unveiled plans to begin construction of a new campus on its 60-acre campus in the Tuscawilla Preserve on Nova Road in Daytona Beach. The combination of the beautifully serene park with the artistic, historical, and scientific contents of the buildings is a profound intersection of the inside and outside world. The launch of a new name, brand, and philosophy are

indicative of both the thought and institutional awareness the team has put into the strategic shift. The Brown , as MOAS is now known, has announced a transformation from “hidden gem” to “crown jewel” that will see its doors closing later this month until construction is complete in Fall 2028.

Luckily, there are several ways the Smithsonian-affiliated museum will be able to remain accessible to the Daytona community during construction.

PLANETARIUM REMAINS OPEN

The planetarium will remain open throughout the two-year construction phase, but without walk-in access. The planetarium is already known for creative combinations of music and visuals but the new ticketed events on the horizon - including “Howl at the Moon” where visitors can bring their dogs to the planetarium – indicate an ever-expanding creative approach the museum is developing to delight the Daytona area long into the future.

While the planetarium will remain open during construction, it will be expanded to include a new 60-foot dome that will double seating capacity and offer immersive shows anchored by a redesigned Science Gallery.

PROGRAMMING IN THE COMMUNITY CONTINUES

The Brown will remain active in the community through several existing programs.

• Museum in Motion brings hands-on learning to schools, libraries, and events via its mobile outreach van.

• Lohman Field Studies delivers standards-based curricula directly to the classroom ensuring local students continue to benefit from the museum’s educational resources.

• Summer Learning Institute (SLI) will partner with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to continue offering the week-long hands-on STEAM summer camp for children and teens.

EXPANSION & TRANSFORMATION

The esteemed architectural firm selected to redesign The Brown is the same firm behind much of the ERAU campus. Joe Tattoni, Design Principal of ikon.5 architects explains the scope and vision behind the new design.

“Museums are becoming more interactive with visitors in how collections are displayed

“THE MUSEUM'S NEW INVITATION-ONLY PHILANTHROPIC CIRCLE, THE NOVA SOCIETY, IS HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE BROWN AND HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED UPCOMING ONEOF-A-KIND EXPERIENCES FOR NOVA SOCIETY MEMBERS.”

and how technology is utilized to further satisfy curiosity,” said Mr. Tattoni. The architecture and the exhibitions will be designed to work together to fulfill the Museum’s mission to ignite curiosity and connections to art, science and history.

Permanent galleries will be immersive and technology-forward with interactive storytelling and interpretive experiences across art, science, and history. Extending the museum’s interactivity will be a multi-sensory performance hall , a first-of-its-kind experience for Central Florida.

Non-traditional multi-purpose collection galleries such as a black box events hall will be able to host cultural, art, music, and performance gatherings; a temporary traveling collection gallery will showcase artwork and exhibits from around the country to enrich the museum’s offerings; and a planetarium and science gallery will provide a hands-on sense of discovery and innovation.

The existing MOAS will be removed and replaced with a new structure connecting to The Brown’s Museum of Art and an expanded welcome center with streamlined ticketing and a new café. New outdoor activation areas will include a redesigned environmental education trail through the Tuscawilla Preserve.

The transformation will bring the museum into the 21st century and beyond.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

The museum has created new ways to keep members engaged and to encourage new members to sign up through a Buy Two Years – Get One Year Free family membership offer that includes:

• priority registration for SLI

• invitations to member-only events and programs

• behind-the-scenes experiences

• pop-up programs

• special preview days before the reopening

• Framing the Future newsletter with insider updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive behind-thescenes stories

THE NEW NOVA SOCIETY

The museum’s new invitation-only philanthropic circle, the Nova Society, is helping to shape the future of The Brown and has already announced upcoming one-of-a-kind experiences for Nova Society members.

Bourbon and Blueprints is an immersive evening event on March 20 to toast the museum’s new vision, explore the architectural plans, and experience firsthand how philanthropy and creativity intersect at The Brown.

Inside the Frame – The Art that Shaped Me features The Brown’s CEO, Tabitha Schmidt, who enjoyed a childhood raised in an immersive creative environment, eventually pursuing degrees in art as well as a master’s in art history. “My arts education included real-life experiences as a museum docent - eventually building program and facility expansions at both the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and as CEO of Powell Gardens in Kansas City,” said Tabitha. She relates that she enjoys being a change agent and sees now how her pathway to Daytona has prepared her well to lead The Brown through its transformation. With a play on The Brown’s new logo, she will share an “inside-the-frame” look at the art she fell in love with on her journey.

Moving a Museum – An Inside Look at the Collection is a behind-the-scenes look at the process of inventorying, digitizing, and storing the extensive collection donated to the museum by Cici and Hyatt Brown. Cici relates how she started as a docent through the junior service league in 1971, one year after the museum opened. She and Hyatt were inspired to begin collecting paintings of Florida artists after viewing the collection of Florida art built by the Vickers of Jacksonville. “As is often the case with serious collectors,” Cici says with a smile, “We needed to build extra space to house our growing collection and so, eventually, an art museum was born.”

THE BROWNS

The extraordinary couple powering this once-in-a-lifetime transformation are cultural, scientific, and history-minded people who are fast-tracking their goal to leave a lasting legacy to the Daytona area. Their contributions to the community are well known and recognized, but behind the scenes they have built a philanthropy of wise stewards whose mantra is to be business-minded, mission-driven, as well as thoughtful and careful in the museum’s growth. The pressure to get it right only fuels the team to design and fund a successful, longterm, and sustainable legacy that continues to reflect Cici and Hyatt Brown’s dedication to the region’s educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and the community’s exposure to an expanding world view.

“THERE ARE A FINITE NUMBER OF NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO JOIN THE BROWNS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC VISION WITH FUNDRAISING WELL UNDERWAY.”

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AND MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

As Cici and Hyatt Brown make an enduring $203M commitment to support the museum, the community will also have several significant once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to signal its own appreciation to the museum and its founders. While the Browns have designed an endowment to fund operational expenses of the museum moving forward, funding operations during construction is tight given the loss of museum revenue. In addition, the support of the community is imperative to the full completion of the museum redesign.

In order to galvanize the fundraising effort, the Browns have laid out plans to maximize their investment. Their financial gift to the museum in 2024 was already the largest cultural donation in Florida’s history and since the new announcement in early December, they have further increased their donation by an additional $53M for a total gift of $203M.

The $75M matching program within their gift is based on a community fundraising goal of raising an additional $25M which the Browns will match on a 3 to 1 basis. With the advent of a new campus, however, comes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to place family names on buildings and halls in perpetuity.

“We have a finite number of naming opportunities,” announced Hyatt Brown during the unveiling of construction plans. The naming opportunities are a tangible way for community-minded philanthropists to join the Browns and the museum team as wise stewards of what is planned to be Florida’s largest museum.

FAREWELL EVENT

As the closing date approaches, The Brown will be announcing opportunities for the community to join in farewell events. More information is available at moas.org.

CREATING TRAVEL MEMORIES THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

TRAVEL DESIGNED WITH TIME AND PLACE IN MIND

Some journeys announce themselves with landmarks. Others reveal themselves more slowly, through the curve of a street or the way morning light slips between centuries-old buildings. Long before we open a guidebook or sit down to our first meal, architecture quietly tells us where we are. It shapes how a place feels, how we move through it, and how deeply it stays with us once we’ve gone.

ARTICLE BY MARNIE VAN DER BURGT

Many of the world’s most beloved cities are architectural wonders in their own right. Paris feels intentional; grounded in limestone and symmetry.

Rome is layered; ancient foundations carrying centuries of reinvention. Barcelona hums with imagination, while London balances tradition with just enough edge. Walking through these cities feels immersive, as though you’re moving through a living gallery. The buildings are not simply there to admire - they seem designed with history and place in mind. They are part of the experience and shape how the city unfolds around you.

The most memorable hotels understand this instinctively. They don’t interrupt the story of a place, they carry it forward. Relais & Châteaux properties do this beautifully, offering stays that feel deeply rooted rather than imposed. Through Virtuoso, these experiences become even more personal. Whether it’s a countryside estate or a historic townhouse in the heart of a city, each property reflects local craftsmanship and a strong sense of identity.

In London , The Cadogan - a Belmond Hotel and Virtuoso favorite - exudes residential warmth. Its historic façade grounds it firmly in its neighborhood, while inside, the design strikes a thoughtful balance between contemporary comfort and classic British elegance. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to linger, to settle in, and to feel part of the city rather than simply visiting it.

Aman resorts approach design with restraint and respect. Their structures feel as though they’ve emerged naturally from their surroundings, whether desert, jungle, or coastline. Materials are honest, lines are intentional, and the boundary between indoors and outdoors quietly dissolves. These are places that invite stillness and deepen your connection.

Belmond properties tell their stories differently, but with equal care. From restored monasteries to historic villas and grand urban icons, these hotels are shaped by time. They allow travelers to step into living history, where modern comfort is layered thoughtfully with architectural legacy.

Architectural beauty in travel isn’t limited to hotels alone. Apartments tucked into historic neighborhoods, light-filled lofts overlooking rooftops, or private villas set into the countryside offer a different kind of intimacy. These spaces allow mornings to unfold slowly and daily life to feel wonderfully local.

Carefully selected apartments and villas become a natural extension of this approach, tailored to how you like to live when you travel. From Parisian apartments with tall windows and wrought-iron balconies to Mediterranean villas built of sun-warmed stone, these stays offer privacy, character, and a true sense of place.

In the end, architecture is the quiet companion to every great journey. It frames our experiences, shapes our emotions, and gives weight to our memories - reminding us that travel isn’t just about seeing the world, but about dwelling within it.

The Fresh Start

A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS

Week 1: Refresh and Declutter

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week

3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions

• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.

• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.

• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.

Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

Week 4: Finishing Touches and Maintenance

• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.

• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.

• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.

events

MARCH 6TH

Movies on the Halifax - A Minecraft Movie

The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 | 6:30 PM

Movies on the Halifax is a free, family-friendly event that takes place on The Casements' lawn in Rockefeller Gardens. Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy the movie " A Minecraft Movie" along the banks of the beautiful Halifax River.

MARCH 7TH

Daytona 200

Daytona International Speedway, 1801 West International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | 1:00 PM

America’s most historic motorcycle race returns with the 84th running. You can even ride Daytona on a two-seat Superbike with a professional racer at speeds up to 150mph. Tickets at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP

MARCH 15TH

High Tea at Polly's Tea Room

558 Riverside Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 | 2:00 PM

Enjoy high tea in a beautiful, historical home on the Halifax River. Includes Finger Sandwiches, Scones, Soup, an assortment of desserts, a glass of Sparkling Wine and pots of tea. Step back in time to jolly England for a couple of hours. Reservations required. Call 386-253-5002 for more info.

MARCH 18TH

Art Talk: The Golden Age of Dutch Painting

Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 | 2:00 PM

Join guest curator, Ruth Grim, in the OMAM Boardroom for a look at the Dutch Golden Age. Beginning with the iconic paintings of Jan Van Eyck (9C.1380/1390 – 1441) and other Early Netherlandish paintings that first developed the technique of oil painting in Europe, this lecture will follow Northern Renaissance painting into the triumph that was the Dutch Golden Age.

MARCH 27TH

Buffalo Philharmonic

News-Journal Center, 221 N Beach St, Daytona Beach FL 32114 | 7:00 PM

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society welcomes the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in a romantic evening of music by Brahms and Bruch. Tickets at DBSS.org, at the News-Journal Center box office, or by calling 386-253-2901

MARCH 28TH - 29TH

ONE DAYTONA Art Festival

1 Daytona Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | 10:00 AM

The ONE DAYTONA Art Festival showcases 120+ artists and crafters. Enjoy live music on the Victory Circle stage as well as The Kid's Zone which provides hands-on art activities. The Gallery500 has exhibits artist talks with art demonstrations, including a live figure drawing class. Art will be on display from Volusia County schools and Daytona State College.