Northern Arizona LUXURY Living - Vol. 6 No. 3

VOL. 6, NO. 3

LIFES T YLE • WELLNESS • DESIGN

LUXURY IS STANDARD When it’s your time to make your dream come true, turn to the builder who takes it personally and makes it happen. Prescott’s Hometown Builder for more than 35 years.

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VOL. 6, NO. 3

CONTENTS Wellness & Culture Cultural Curators Specialize

More & More, Philanthropy Backing Wellness Programs

16

in Behind-the-Scenes Travel

is Becoming the Goal

20

Investment Worth Making

Be the Greatest Luxury

22

LIFEST YLE Let your Passion Spark your Immersive Sabbatical Legacy Homesite Opportunity in The Estates in Flagstaff The Falls of New York Await you

Offers Unparalleled Access to Health Care

What Can you Pass Down that

The Rich

34 38

Reclaiming Vaginal Health

Perimenopause: Power &

Men: Choose Tailored Over Skintight Look

by Reviving Salon Tradition

42

Sharpen your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Success

56 60 62

Craftsmanship-Delivered Design Promotes Well-Being Lay Down Luxury in your Brand-New Home

64

Real Estate's Benefits (and Risks) Without the Hassle

Cultural Immersion

44

Keeps Mind Active, Healthy

Speed, Status and the Thrill of the Open Water

your Heart, Brain, Healing

46

Home for an Intimate Retreat

48

Proper Muscle Training Exposure to Risk Builds

Backyard Vineyards Require Right Conditions to Thrive

52

68

Reignite Passion for Power After 40 With

Bring Wellness Experts into your

Emotional, Business Acumen

Changes Approach to

Driven Men Turn Gut

Connection, Relaxation

Grass to Grow a Green Lawn in Northern Arizona

86 88

Tips in Designing a

70

Home for Multigenerations

72

Upcycling Vintage

or as an Heirloom

Mirrors Reflects Well on

74

90 92

Bring an Artist Studio into your Luxury Home for Painting, Music, Writing

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

84

Trend: Designing

Contemporary Homes Health to their Advantage

4

82

It Takes Kentucky Blue Higher Altitudes Benefit

Cigarette Boat Racing:

66

78

Museum-Level Lighting

Screen-Free Space for REIT Investing Offers

32

DESIGN

Residential Design Build Intellects and Community

30

28

WELLNESS Breathe Differently

40

26

Has Continued Value? Concierge Medicine

Silence at Home Can

Prescott Named 10th Best

Luxury Housing Market in U.S. In Deep: Scuba Diving, an

Transformative Travel

24

94

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Take a Breath AND SEE THE

World F rom travel to how we

design our living space

to how we breathe, this issue explores how wellness and

culture can guide and fulfill us. Maybe you’re hoping to be transformed through travel. There’s a company that organizes

PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Julie Turetzky, Director of Marketing Services

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Michele Rodriguez, Creative Director Shannon Price, Digital Media Specialist

EDITORIAL

travel specifically for “strong,

Julie Turetzky, Managing Editor

adventuresome women.” Other travel companies offer

Christia Gibbons, Senior Editor

cultural concierge services that take you truly behind the scenes — for example, to the former homes of such composers as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Longing to delve into one of your passions? Consider a

Blake Herzog, Staff Writer Vickie Austin, Staff Writer

OPERATIONS

Terry Scheib, Delivery Manager Colin McDonald, Delivery Manager Flagstaff Gabrielle Luciano, Administrative Assistant

sabbatical. Not the academic type, but one that gives

& Distribution Associate

you the time to delve into a new language, practice

COMMENTS & IDEAS

a new skill, reconnect with the natural world. Want your home to be more of a sanctuary? How about fewer devices and more room to just breathe, talk, relax? Speaking of breathing, some of the most successful executives have become converts to breath work. It confronts burnout while helping decision-making under pressure and improving emotional regulations to help at work and off work relationships. Something we all could use. We also write about at-home fitness retreats, high-altitude living, concierge medicine and how craftsmenship-delivered design promotes well-being. Read on,

Laurie

Associate Publisher

8

nazluxuryliving.com

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

editor@roxco.com

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

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PRESCOTT OFFICE: 130 N. Granite St. Prescott, AZ 86301 • 928.350.8006

Subscribe Now! CEO

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

Northern AZ Luxury Living is published by ROX Media, LLC dba Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations. © 2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including but not limited to editorial content, illustrations, graphics and photographic images, may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher. The publishers of Northern AZ Luxury Living assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Northern AZ Luxury Living shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of ROX Media, LLC. Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions.

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Advertiser Index Adorn Interiors Commercial & Residential Design . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Allan's Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bellezza Sensa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Crystal Creek Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dancing for the Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Dermatology & Skin Care by Shelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Summer Indulgence

DeYoung European Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Findlay Toyota Prescott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Gardner Custom Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Heartland Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

High Caliber Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Joe's Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

MCK Woodworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

NewLight Blinds & Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Patriot Pest & Termite Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 100

Prescott Flooring Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

S&M Electric, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

The Hormone Zone Prescott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Wilson Aesthetics Beauty & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Yavapai Humane Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

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F E AT U R E

More & More, Philanthropy Backing WELLNESS PROGRAMS by Vickie Austin

A

s the wealth from one generation rolls over to another, the face of philanthropy is changing. Much of charitable giving by the wealthy is now being directed squarely at social, nonprofit and wellness programs, including retreats and education across a spectrum of causes. From deforestation to mental health initiatives, these philanthropic organizations dig deep into whatever values they espouse. WELLNESS FOR TRAUMA RECOVERY One such foundation is the Green Shoe Foundation, founded by Chad Richison, founder and CEO of Paycom. Based in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Green Shoe offers five-day retreats to those who have experienced childhood trauma. A $475 deposit is required but then returned to the participant at the end of the retreat so registration is essentially free. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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Another organization created to fund the gap in mental health services is Mindful Philanthropy. Founded in 2020, Mindful Philanthropy was created by a coalition of other nonprofits to accelerate impactful funding in mental health, addiction and wellbeing. The approach is to convene the thought leaders, guide the sector with foundational research and resources for mental health philanthropy, and uplift success stories. The goal of Mindful Philanthropy is to catalyze $35 billion in annual, high-impact philanthropic mental health funding by 2035. Three luxury retreats are being planned by Awakening Medical Retreat. Endowments will fund scholarships for attendees along with ongoing therapy programs for veterans, athletes and first responders. This charity is funded with a singular purpose: to provide

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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

free, comprehensive, luxury medical retreat services “for those who have given so much to protect and serve our communities.” THE ‘WHY’ BEHIND THE ‘WHO’ These retreat campuses can be seen as long-term social investment platforms rather than luxury amenities. People who consider investing their money may have different motivations for this type of philanthropy. For some, it may be a way to honor their own personal transformation. For others, it’s a way to build their legacy synonymous with a healthy lifestyle. And it’s always a naming opportunity. There may even be a mission of environmental stewardship, protecting land and funding conservation hand-inhand with wellness programs. Some fundraising is designed at very specific missions, like the Decolonizing Wealth Project.

In January of 2026 this group announced that $1.5 million in grants were awarded in 2025 through its Case4Reparations Fund, bringing their total investment in the reparations movement to more than $12 million since 2021. “Our work spans sector transformation, storytelling and grant-making — each designed to rebalance power and resources toward communities historically excluded from wealth,” the organization posted on its website. According to the project, 75% of grantee organizations and tribes have been led by women of color. “Money can be used as medicine,” according to the Decolonizing Wealth Project. “We use wealth to repair the harms of colonialism that impact our daily lives” to create a world where everyone belongs.

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F E AT U R E

Transformative

F

Travel

or many of the ultra-wealthy, travel is more than just showing up and lying on a beach to rest and relax. The luxe economy has taken to adventures that not only inspire but transform. Why this shift? According to travel site Pelorus, luxury adventure vacations are moving “beyond adrenaline,” past the thrill-seeking travel of yore. Increasingly, clients are seeking “not just a rush, but a resonance. Something that lasts beyond the moment and changes how we see the world.” Travelers are looking for personalization, consciousness versus indulgence and transformation from being challenged to being changed. Explorer X is another travel company that invites you to “travel deeper, live better.” By speaking with one of their travel designers, you can create a trip to meet local chefs, winemakers, artists and experts who inspire you to learn and grow. A HERO’S JOURNEY The Transformational Travel Council and its nonprofit, the Transformational Travel Institute, are modeled on Joseph Campbell’s concept of the hero’s journey. Based in Seattle, the company mission is to “educate, inspire awe and advance tourism, travelers and communities mindful of mutual respect, fairness and the well-being of humanity and our Mother Earth.” That’s a tall order to fill. To raise the collective consciousness through travel, they’ve partnered with the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality to offer programs on creating conditions

IS BECOMING THE GOAL

for transformation within travel, a $208 billion market in the United States alone. For example, you can become a dual pilgrim by walking the paths of the Kumano Kodo in Japan and the Camino de Santiago in Spain, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. SPECIALIZED FOR WOMEN AND RISK-TAKERS Some companies such as WHOA, a women-powered adventure company, target a specific niche. Allison Fleece and Danielle Thornton met while planning their first trip to Kilimanjaro. The two New Yorkers were looking for more meaning in their lives. They came home transformed and knew they were onto something. The ladies proceeded to build a community of “strong, adventurous women” around the world, and in 2013 they quit their day jobs to launch WHOA. In 2026 they are offering private adventures that cover all seven continents and group destinations that include Iceland, Scotland and the Grand Canyon. Costs range from $3,200 for Machu Picchu in Peru to $6,000 for a 10day trip to Bhutan. For those who don’t mind a risk, companies like Explorer X will take you to destinations unknown, described as an adventure that is “not for most people.” Without telling you the destination, they promise an epic travel experience with deep immersion in the culture, heart-stopping views and culinary rapture for people who crave the feeling of truly being alive. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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Silence

AT HOME CAN BE THE

T

22

GREATEST LUXURY here’s a certain kind of quiet that money alone can’t buy. It must be built. In a growing number of luxury homes, stillness is no longer an afterthought. It’s becoming the central design principle. Architects and interior designers are carving out spaces dedicated to reflection, not as spare guest rooms or token yoga corners, but as intentional sanctuaries within the home. The modern meditation chamber is a study in restraint. Walls are wrapped in lime plaster or pale oak, absorbing light rather than bouncing it back. Windows are positioned high, drawing in soft daylight without distraction. Floors

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

are often heated stone or overlaid with smooth mats, grounding the body the moment you step inside. There’s little furniture. A single low bench. A hand-thrown ceramic bowl. Perhaps a recessed niche for a candle. The absence is the point. DEEPER ESCAPE For those who crave deeper withdrawal, sensory deprivation rooms offer a more radical escape. These spaces are engineered to eliminate visual and auditory stimuli entirely. Matte charcoal walls, seamless doors, concealed ventilation. Some include float tanks tucked behind pivoting panels, allowing the ritual

to remain private. Without the hum of appliances or the flicker of screens, the mind has room to wander, then settle. Acoustic sanctuaries take a different approach. Here, the design focuses on sound rather than sight. Layered insulation, felted wool panels and curved walls soften echoes until even a whisper feels intimate. Triple-glazed glass and hidden sound baffles block out traffic and sirens. The result is silence without isolation. Then there are the private contemplation libraries. Not grand showrooms lined with leatherbound volumes, but intimate rooms scaled to the individual. Shelves wrap the walls from floor to ceiling, often in dark walnut or smoked ash. A deep chair sits beneath a reading lamp calibrated to mimic late-afternoon sun. A sliding ladder glides quietly along a brass rail. Books are chosen with care, edited as thoughtfully as art. What unites these spaces is intention. They are not about display, but withdrawal. In a culture built on speed and visibility, these rooms make a different promise. Close the door. Sit down. Stay a while. Stillness, it turns out, can be designed.

Seville, Spain

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F E AT U R E

CULTURAL CURATORS

T

Specialize in

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TRAVEL by Vickie Austin

o see the world is a wonderful thing, but to see the world through art or music is something altogether different. That’s why we have “cultural concierges” who are trained to help you plan the trip or tour of your dreams driven by your own interests and passions. BEHIND THE SCENES Do you have a keen interest in the arts? A cultural concierge company like Art Immersions can take you through Paris on a five-day creative retreat, exploring the City of Light through art, food, fragrance, sound and the sheer delight of being in Paris. Each of their trips includes a blend of art, architecture, design, fashion, music, literature, history and movement, not to mention food. Their programs inspire curiosity, conversation and a sense of renewal for those who need a lift. Another company specializing in designing travel plans around a passion for the arts is Artisans of Leisure, a luxury travel company that creates exclusive private tours throughout the world. They take their clients not just to the gallery, but they introduce them to the artist him or herself. This company offers a mouth-watering list of luxury art and design tours, from learning about the gardens of England in London and the Cotswolds to visiting India for 18 days to see its art and temples. Morocco, Portugal, Norway and Japan are all destinations rich in arts and culture, and these are just a few of their options. Visits are crafted

to be specific to a client’s interests and some of them include hands-on work with the artists themselves. MUSIC TO OUR EARS Artisans of Leisure also has a broad repertoire of travel options for music lovers. From arranging for major festivals like the Salzburg Festival in Austria, the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland and the Granada International Music and Dance Festival in Spain to procuring tickets at the Palais Garnier in Paris, this firm customizes each tour to the client’s desires. If you’ve always wanted to hear Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall or Christmas carols at Westminster Abbey, this company can take you there. Like the art tours, music tours aren’t a one-and-done attendance at the theater or stage. A cultural concierge can get you into the former homes of composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss along with behind-the-scenes tours of some of the most celebrated opera houses in Europe. If instruments are your interest, they can connect you with bagpipe makers in Scotland, harp makers in Ireland and brass and woodwind instrument makers at the Selmer factory outside of Paris. Encore Experiences specializes in offering elevated experiences for those who love music, immersing them in the art and history of music “through exclusive access to renowned venues, private performances and personal connections with the artists and maestros shaping its future.” VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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F E AT U R E

IN DEEP:

Scuba Diving,

F

AN INVESTMENT WORTH MAKING

or those who have tasted every obvious indulgence, true luxury often lies in access to rare objects and experiences. Scuba diving offers both. It is a hobby that rewards patience, training and a willingness to descend into a world far from land. At its most basic, scuba diving is accessible. At its most refined, it becomes a serious investment. A private certification course with a top-tier instructor can run several thousand dollars, especially if it’s arranged at a secluded resort or aboard a yacht. From there, the equipment begins. A high-end regulator system can cost $1,500 to $3,000. A custom-fitted buoyancy control device may add another $1,000. Dive computers, the essential wrist-worn brains that monitor depth and decompression limits, range from $800 to well over $2,000 for advanced models. Wetsuits tailored for exact fit, carbon fiber fins, underwater camera rigs with professional housings and discreet travel cases quickly push a personal kit into the $10,000 to $25,000 range. IT’S ABOUT THE DESTINATION For many affluent divers ownership extends beyond gear. It’s about where and how they dive.

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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

Chartering a private yacht equipped with a dive deck, compressors and onboard dive masters transforms the hobby into a floating retreat. A week in the Galápagos, Raja Ampat or French Polynesia can easily exceed $100,000 once crew, permits and conservation fees are included. Exclusive liveaboard expeditions start around $8,000 per person and rise steeply for premium cabins and small guest lists. There also are memberships in elite dive clubs, private marine biologist–led expeditions and bespoke itineraries arranged through luxury travel concierges. Still, the appeal is not rooted in excess. It’s in contrast. Forty meters below the surface, wealth becomes irrelevant. The only currencies that matter are air and awareness. Coral gardens unfold in silence. Manta rays move with slow precision. Time stretches. Conversations happen in glances and hand signals. There is no email, no market update, no reception. Scuba diving offers something increasingly rare: immersion without distraction.

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C on cierge

F E AT U R E

MEDICINE

T

OFFERS UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE by Blake Herzog

he American health care system isn’t making anyone happy. Well, almost nobody. There’s evidence that patients who join subscription-based concierge practices are happier about their relationship with their provider and more satisfied with the care they receive than those using the traditional health care system, riven as it is with spiraling costs, brief, infrequent appointments and insurance-snarled red tape. A 2024 review of 25 studies published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care reported concierge patients are more likely to trust their health care providers and adhere to their treatment plan than those at traditional doctors’ offices. They were more likely to say their provider spent an adequate amount of time with them, although their level of satisfaction with their provider was similar to patients at general medical offices. HOW IT WORKS Clients of concierge practices pay an up-front fee, paid monthly or yearly, for unlimited primary care services including physicals, preventive screenings and most minor urgent care services like stitches for minor injuries or antibiotics for infections. These offices strive to keep patient loads manageable for physicians and other providers, allowing them to spend more time treating patients and counseling them on preventive care and proactive wellness. Patients usually can make same- or nextday appointments, and they can contact their provider around the clock through email and/or phone. These factors help to solidify a relationship built on knowledge and trust.

The provider stays involved when the patient needs to see a specialist, making referrals and sharing information about the patient’s background so they can receive the best care possible. Most have admitting privileges at local hospitals. Subscription fees vary widely: the average annual cost is $1,700, according to Healthgrades, but premium practices can run $10,000 per year and those catering to high net-worth individuals often charge $50,000 or more. Since the concierge medicine model began 30 years ago it’s targeted affluent health consumers, but in recent years some practices have rolled out lower-cost tiers for patients with no insurance or high-deductible plans as a potentially more affordable option. WHO SHOULD SIGN UP? Patients who have the ability to pay the subscription fee and are looking for a closer, more collaborative relationship with their health care provider, most likely a physician but possibly a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, are most suited for a concierge practice. Many patients see the membership cost as a worthwhile investment in their future and are likely to benefit the most from the extra time talking to their provider. Most concierge patients have health insurance that they rely on for hospitalizations or other major medical bills, and they may use it for some costs with their concierge provider. Those with chronic diseases who require frequent doctor’s visits also may come out ahead with these. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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Prescott NAMED 10TH BEST

t e k r a M g in s u o H y r u L ux IN U.S.

T 30

he Prescott metro area hit No. 10 on the Winter 2026 Realtor. com/Wall Street Journal Luxury Market Ranking, with the article citing its rising popularity as tied to buyers beginning to shift their attention to smaller, more lifestyle-oriented markets. Local real estate experts aren’t too surprised. Greg Hyland, a Realtor with the Hyland Group and EXP Realty, said $1 million-plus homes were a rarity during his first decade in the market, but over the last 11 years it’s become much more common and is now close to the norm for his agency. “These buyers are by and large not as concerned with the interest rate environment, which has been volatile over the last couple of years,” he says. “In November, December and January we saw a sharp increase in the number of luxury properties that were going under contract and selling. And that kind of coincided with this article coming out in January, which made sense and was further evidence that on a national level Prescott is really hitting the map in the luxury space.”

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

This quarterly analysis compares 60 U.S. markets on real estate market health, economic health and quality of life, looking at factors including supply and demand, listing price trends and amenities. It includes the 30 largest markets in the country and the 30 with the highest concentration of homes listed for $1 million or higher. It values markets that are competitive and have reached some sort of equilibrium. Prescott’s metro area includes all of Yavapai County, which has a population of about 252,000 and includes Greater Prescott, the Verde Valley and the majority of the Sedona area.

It considers the top 10% of each market as its luxury segment, which in Yavapai County means homes valued at $1,425,790 or higher fits that definition. Prescott Realtor Jennifer Yount says homes at that price point are becoming more and more common with both newer builds and existing residences. “There’s tons of them. If you start looking around all these subdivisions and stuff, there are $1.2 million, $1.4 million-dollar homes listed everywhere,” she says. Along with climate and scenery, the availability of horse properties and other larger lots is a draw for higher-end buyers, Yount says.

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F E AT U R E

WHAT CAN YOU PASS DOWN THAT HAS

Continued Value?

A

s any viewer of Antiques Roadshow knows, objects can increase in value over generations. Collectors look for provenance to guarantee the piece isn’t fake, and valuations fluctuate with the passage of time. Owners track heritage through notes from a great-grandfather or references from museums or galleries. Creating your own masterpiece to be handed down through the family is another story altogether. THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE What will catch the fancy of your descendants a few generations down the line? It’s hard to tell now, but experts in luxury collections veer toward something small and meaningful, like a watch. Investing in an engraved Patek Philippe with a clear plan for inheritance makes sense if it doesn’t ruffle any family feathers. Tastes do change throughout the generations and dark mahogany furniture that once cost a fortune is piling up in thrift stores throughout the nation. Some things keep their value and often, it’s in the eye of the beholder. China sets, like dark furniture, may be plentiful in resale shops but people are still keeping their grandma’s china for special occasions. The trick to real wealth is to use that china every day, relishing the stories that came with it. CRAFTY BEAVER Homemade arts and crafts make excellent heirlooms, even if there isn’t a commission involved. Quilting is a long-standing tradition that is making a big comeback, acknowledged as an art as well as a craft. Crazy quilts with names and dates make for precious hand-me-downs for those interested in ancestry. And by the looks

of things and the traffic on Ancestry.com, there are many who are interested. The next round of babies in the family may be showered with handmade wooden toys, building blocks and other treasures from grandpa’s wood-working shop. You can tell your family’s story with a visual connection by creating a photo album that includes names and dates. It’s easy to digitize photos and other family documents like old birth and marriage certificates. When curated with a spin on family history, photo albums are an heirloom that can’t be bought. Mumford Restoration is a furniture restoration company based in RaleighDurham, North Carolina, where it’s a hotbed of furniture manufacturing and sales. They have some additional ideas for encouraging sentiment for the past with these objects: • Cast iron skillets, a classic and essential kitchen tool passed down from cook to cook. • Recipe boxes filled with hand-written recipes that have been part of the family’s traditions for decades. • Wooden spoons and cutting boards, often etched with details about the family history (wedding spoons were once a traditional handmade gift for the bride and groom). • Tea sets and coffee pots, keepsakes from years of ritual celebrations. • Classic kitchen appliances like great-grandma’s KitchenAid or cheerful cannisters with bright red cherries straight from the 1950s. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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LIFEST YLE

LET YOUR PASSION SPARK YOUR

Im m ersive S abbati cal by Vickie Austin

W

hen you hear “sabbatical,” we usually think of the world of academia. College professors often get sabbaticals as part of their job, giving them time off to think, to travel, to write and to dream. A typical university sabbatical may be six months to a year, and the professor is encouraged to come back with some new learning and maybe a publication to add to his or her academic repertoire. SOAK UP THE CULTURE Now, cultural sabbaticals are all the rage. Those with time and the money to invest can sign up for immersive sabbaticals that may help them learn a new language or soak up the local art, culture and history in a foreign country. This isn’t your flagtoting tour guide on a crowded bus tour; a sabbatical means living like a native. How are sabbaticals different from vacations? According to ConsciousExplorer.com, sabbaticals are more intentional, designed to provide deep renewal, creative exploration or new skill development. Conscious Explorer offers everything from nature sabbaticals, where individuals can retreat and reconnect with the natural world, to creative and professional sabbaticals. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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LIFEST YLE VARIATIONS ON A THEME For artists, musicians, writers and those committed to the arts, a sabbatical can be a much-needed break from the day-to-day, allowing the artist time to nourish their creative sources. With time stretching before them, they can immerse themselves in their work without the stress of daily distractions. Companies like Intel and Goldman Sachs use professional sabbaticals to retain top talent. Investing in an employee by giving them time away for rest and renewal has provided keen returns, according to Eileen White, managing director at Goldman Sachs, in an interview with Forté.

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com. “Participants bring our culture of teamwork and excellence to the nonprofit sector and return with the invaluable experience of seeing things in a different way.” As a global company, Goldman Sachs recognizes the value of having employees who have a world view. AN EMPHASIS ON GIVING Conscious Explore provides sabbaticals that answer different needs, with connections throughout the world to make those sabbaticals happen. First, there are those who want to volunteer, to make a difference in a community. Lifelong learning is another motivation for taking a sabbatical, from understanding

elephants in Botswana to helping with marine conservation in Bali. Nature lovers can join a Patagonia expedition in Argentina or protect wildlife in Zambia with Game Rangers International. All the opportunities listed include ethical travel, stewardship and education. The Sabbatical Project offers stories, research and connections for those considering taking time off to dive deeply into their work or passion. Their research shows that sabbaticals are peak life experiences that help conquer burnout, sparking profound and positive changes. There’s data to prove that sabbaticals benefit everyone, so this project is working to make sabbaticals available to all.

S ta r s Stars S

E

01

ALL

A S O N

Save Th e Date SEPTEMBER

18-19, 2026

S t ay Tun e d F or T he L a t e sstt DANCINGFRORTHESTARS

.

NET

LIFEST YLE

Legacy Homesite IN THE ESTATES IN FLAGSTAFF submitted by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

rare, luxury 10-acre homesite opportunity in The Estates in Flagstaff has been listed for $3.295M with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Global Real Estate Advisors Shane Randall and Marie Dagenais. The stunning and true family legacy property at 3456 Laurie Lane includes an elevated architectural vision by Candelaria Design in the form of a 7,400-square-foot main residence featuring four master suites, an executive office, a heated four-car garage and six covered patios designed for fourseason indoor/outdoor living. Complementing the main home is a “Toy Barn” amenity pavilion concept with a fitness center, golf simulator, club lounge, basketball and pickleball courts, plus multivehicle garage capacity and workshop space. The generational mountain retreat is near protected forest land. The property combines privacy and scale. Already completed groundwork includes installed utilities, a main entry road brought into grade and extensive forest health and firewise mitigation. Overall, more than $400,000 has already been invested in infrastructure. The Estates offers 16 estate lots.

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This developer-owned lot was handpicked for its breathtaking views of the forest, meadow and seasonal creek, as well as for its ease of construction. A standout differentiator is a high-production private water well already installed on the property, providing an independent water source and a rare lifestyle advantage in Flagstaff. With abundant water access, owners may have greater flexibility for enhanced landscape and outdoor living concepts such as water features, ponds/ streams and expanded plantings. While the entry road and key infrastructure are complete, the proposed building area has been intentionally left unprepped, giving a buyer the ability to

refine siting and customize vision. The included plans represent a high-quality designdevelopment set and are not final construction drawings, enabling adjustments to scale or direction prior to completion of construction documentation. “This is a truly special Flagstaff offering — privacy, acreage and a meaningful head start that’s incredibly hard to find, highlighted by a private well already in place,” Randall says. For more information on Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, or to see current listings, visit www.russlyon.com, call 480.287.5200 or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube. Photo courtesy of Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

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Taughannock Falls, NY

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LIFEST YLE

THE FALLS OF

NEW YORK

N

Await you

iagara Falls gets all the glory, but there are waterfalls in central New York that will take your breath away. Depending on the level of adventure you’re seeking, any hankering for the beauty of the falls nestled throughout the 11 Finger Lakes can be fulfilled year-round. TAUGHANNOCK FALLS The star in the crown of waterfalls seems to be Taughannock Falls. Located in Taughannock Falls Sate Park, this waterfall is considered among the most outstanding of natural attractions. The falls drop 215 feet over cliffs that loom 400 feet above the gorge, formed thousands of years ago by gigantic glaciers that left deep troughs. When they receded 10,000 years ago, the troughs were filled with water, and 11 Finger Lakes were created. Tours are available to give guests insights into the park’s history, ecology and geology. The gorge tour includes visiting a large stone amphitheater and, of course, a visit to the falls. A trail brings you to the waterfall, and it’s reportedly flat and accessible enough for hiking for all ages. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Wedding permits are available and camping opens in May. For the less hardy, cabin rentals are available with a two-night minimum. For the nautically inclined, a marina is available with slip rentals for nights, weekends, holidays and a full season. (No sailboats.) Canoe enthusiasts can rent a rack for $100 per slot from March 1 through Nov. 30, and lessons are available for paddleboarding

by Vickie Austin

and kayaking. Out-of-state residents pay slightly more for all reservations. Tours and educational programs are offered by the Finger Lakes Environmental Education Department covering a range of topics including birds, fossils, reptiles and amphibians, invasive species, animal tracks and wilderness survival. Deer hunting is allowed during the season, and permits are required — bow only. Safety zones are posted to protect other park patrons, and no trapping is permitted. OTHER FALLS TO FALL FOR While spectacular, Taughannock Falls isn’t the only game in town. Other central New York waterfalls include Watkins Glen State Park, which features 19 waterfalls including Rainbow Falls; Ithaca Falls with a 100-foot waterfall located smack dab in the city of Ithaca; Buttermilk Falls State Park with its foaming cascade that falls more than 500 feet; and Salmon River Falls in Orwell, with a 110-foot waterfall. Hiking, hunting, camping — it’s a dream for the outdoorsy set. If you feel like swimming, make sure you bring appropriate gear, including slip-resistant shoes, hiking water shoes or hydro sport sandals. Many of these areas do not have lifeguards, so explore at your own risk. Make sure you’re safe when you’re taking a selfie — those gorges are steep, and you don’t want to be distracted when you’re that high up. The beauty of the falls and nature around it can be alluring and treacherous.

VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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LIFEST YLE

Reviving BUILD INTELLECTS AND COMMUNITY BY

SALON TRADITION

A

salon gathering is one of the most elegant ways to entertain at home. Rooted in the European tradition of intimate intellectual and artistic conversation and undergoing a 2020s renaissance, a modern salon blends thoughtful discussion, beautiful surroundings and effortless hospitality. The goal is not to impress with scale but to create an atmosphere where ideas, stories and connections can unfold naturally. A successful salon thrives on the mix of personalities in the room. Aim for eight to 12 guests, enough for lively exchange without losing intimacy. Choose people who bring different perspectives but share curiosity and openness. Artists, entrepreneurs, writers and thoughtful friends often make the most engaging. Your home should feel curated but comfortable. Lighting sets the tone immediately. Soft lamps, candles and warm overhead lighting create a sense of calm and focus. Arrange seating in a loose circle or clustered chairs so guests can see each other easily. Conversation flows best when no one feels isolated at the edge of the room. A salon typically revolves around a theme. It does not have to be formal.

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It might be a visiting photographer sharing a recent project, a friend discussing a book that sparked debate or even a short musical performance. The purpose of the theme is to give the evening a center of gravity. After a brief introduction or presentation, allow the conversation to evolve organically. Food and drink should complement the atmosphere. Offer a small selection of beautiful but simple bites: olives, artisanal cheeses, sliced fruit or delicate pastries. A signature cocktail, good champagne or a thoughtfully chosen wine encourages guests to relax without interrupting the flow of discussion. Everything should be easy to serve and to enjoy while talking. As host, your role is subtle but important. Welcome guests personally, introduce people who may not know each other, and gently guide the conversation if it stalls or drifts too far off course. A thoughtful question can revive the room instantly. Music can play a quiet role early in the evening as guests arrive, unless it’s going to be the focus. Once the discussion begins, let the room breathe. Silence, punctuated by laughter and thoughtful pauses, is part of the salon’s charm.

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LIFEST YLE

REIT

INVESTING

Y

Offers

REAL ESTATE’S BENEFITS (AND RISKS) WITHOUT THE HASSLE by Blake Herzog

our investment portfolio likely is defined in large part by real estate, with your home providing a big chunk of your assets. Some of you have dived further into the market, buying up additional properties to lease as residences or vacation rentals and are able to take on the added expenses of maintenance, property tax and so forth. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer another way for people to take advantage of relatively stable-to-rising property values without making that kind of commitment. Most specialize in a particular kind of property such as commercial, residential or industrial holdings, though there are some with investments that span multiple sectors. There are two major types of REITS, as well as hybrids of the two: • Equity — Companies that own, collect rent on and invest in their properties. • Mortgage — Firms that own mortgages or debt securities after purchasing them from the original lender. Generally considered to be riskier.

People can invest in publicly traded REITs through buying into stocks or mutual funds, purchasing shares in a public nontraded one through a broker who participates in this type of REIT, or private REITs. The latter two generally target institutional or high net worth investors. PROS AND CONS REITs are required by law to pay 90% of their annual income as shareholder dividends, which leads to some of the highest dividend yields in the stock market. The most reliable ones pay steady dividends, good for anyone that needs a steady stream of income. They’re capable of outperforming equity indexes as well. Publicly traded REITs are much easier to buy and sell than conventional real estate and are usually less volatile than other types of investment, though nothing is immune to seeing potential ups and downs. On the downside, some REITs take on a lot of debt and become riskier investments, or they may not have enough funding to buy more assets, leading to low-growth or stagnant returns. Shareholders also must pay income tax on dividends unless they’re investing through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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LIFEST YLE

CIGARETTE BOAT RACING:

Speed,Status F AND THE THRILL OF THE OPEN WATER

ew sports blend raw speed with luxury quite like cigarette boat racing. Long, narrow and built for performance, these highpower offshore boats skim across open water at speeds that can exceed 150 miles per hour. For participants and spectators alike, the appeal lies in a mix of adrenaline, engineering and unmistakable prestige. The term “cigarette boat” traces back to the sleek vessels used during Prohibition to outrun law enforcement while transporting illegal alcohol. Today’s versions share the same slender profile but are a world apart in terms of technology and power. Modern offshore racing boats are typically constructed from carbon fiber or advanced composites and powered by multiple high-performance engines. The result is a machine designed to handle rough water while maintaining extreme speed. Part of the fascination with cigarette boat racing comes from the experience itself. Waves, wind and shifting conditions mean drivers and throttlemen must constantly adjust their strategy. At racing speeds, even small swells can launch a boat briefly

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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

into the air before it slams back onto the water. Precision, trust between crew members and nerves of steel are essential. For fans, the sport carries a glamour few motorsports can match. Events often take place in scenic coastal destinations such as Miami or Monaco. The racing is just one part of a larger atmosphere that includes luxury yachts, waterfront parties and a crowd that appreciates both performance and style. A beautifully polished offshore racer tied up at a marina draws attention the same way an exotic supercar does on land. Of course, entry into the sport is not cheap. A competitive cigarette racing boat can cost

anywhere from $500,000 to well over $2 million depending on size, materials and engine configuration. Many teams run twin or even quad engines that require frequent maintenance. Fuel consumption alone can be staggering, with some boats burning hundreds of gallons during a race weekend. Beyond the boat itself, teams must consider transportation, crew salaries, spare parts and safety equipment. Insurance and entry fees add another layer of expense. For serious competitors, annual costs can easily climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Perhaps the investment is part of the allure.

With lifestyle, wellness and design articles, we help our readers achieve their aspirations and celebrate all the things that make our lives richer. Get highlights from each issue of Northern Arizona Luxury Living delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter today!

www.nazluxuryliving.com/newsletter

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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

LIFEST YLE

T

g n ri B Wellness Experts INTO YOUR HOME FOR AN INTIMATE RETREAT

he modern luxury retreat no longer requires a flight across the world or a secluded resort reservation. Increasingly, it begins at home. Across the country, hosts are transforming private residences into intimate wellness retreats, inviting trusted yoga teachers, private chefs and breath work guides to lead curated weekends designed for restoration and connection. The result is something traditional retreats rarely achieve: a deeply personal experience shaped around the rhythms of the home and the people within it. An intimate retreat typically begins with a small circle of guests. Six to 10 people is ideal. The group might include close friends, family members or a few carefully chosen new faces who share a common interest in wellness and meaningful conversation. With a smaller group, every session feels less like a class and more like a shared exploration. The beauty of hosting at home is flexibility. A living room can become a sunlit yoga studio in the morning, mats arranged near tall windows as the day begins quietly. A garden or terrace may host afternoon breath work or meditation. Even a dining table transforms into a gathering place for nourishing meals and reflective conversations that stretch late into the evening. Selecting the right experts is essential. Many hosts work with a yoga teacher they already trust, someone who can tailor sessions to the group’s experience level. Breath work facilitators often guide deeply restorative practices that balance the physical movement

of yoga. Some retreats also include a sound healer, meditation teacher or wellness coach who can lead discussions on mindfulness, sleep or stress. Food is a central part of the experience, and this is where a private chef elevates the weekend. Rather than rigid detox menus, today’s retreats favor vibrant, seasonal cuisine that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Think of citrus-marinated salads, warm vegetable dishes, herbal teas and beautifully composed breakfasts shared after morning practice. Meals are unhurried, often served family-style, encouraging conversation and connection. Thoughtful pacing makes the retreat feel effortless. A typical day may begin with gentle movement and meditation, followed by breakfast and free time for walks, journaling or quiet rest. Afternoon workshops invite deeper exploration, while evenings unfold slowly over candlelit dinners and soft music. The host’s role is less about orchestrating every detail and more about creating an atmosphere of ease. Fresh flowers, comfortable linens and a few small welcome gifts set the tone. The intention is simple: guests should feel both cared for and completely at home. In many ways, the intimate retreat reflects a broader shift in luxury. Privacy, personalization and meaningful experiences now hold more value than spectacle. By opening their homes to thoughtful wellness leaders, hosts are creating spaces where rest, conversation and renewal naturally unfold. The greatest luxury, it turns out, may simply be gathering well. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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WINERY & VINEYARD

Section

Northern Arizona Luxury Living presents the Wine & Vineyard section. Each bimonthly issue shares features on the luxurious enjoyment of wineries, vineyard vacations, emerging wine regions, tastings and more!

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”

–Paulo Coelho, Brida northernazluxurylivingmagazine

northernazluxuryliving

Email laurie@roxco.com Visit www.nazluxuryliving.com

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LIFEST YLE

Backyard Vineyards

M

REQUIRE RIGHT CONDITIONS TO THRIVE by Blake Herzog

uch of the allure of wine enthusiasm is tied to the potential for travel to glamorous or exotic wine-growing regions in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Chile and many parts of the U.S. But others drawn to the art and science of viticulture are passionate enough to want to literally bring it home, as in growing their own grapes for fermentation and production into a very exclusive product to share with family and friends. Given the presence of the Verde Valley American Viticultural Area in the heart of Northern Arizona it stands to reason that people could plant a few vines in their own yards in the Prescott, Sedona and Flagstaff areas. Anything is possible with selection of the right grape varieties for your climate and terrain, but it will take research, hard work and dedication to reach that goal, hopefully in no more than three years.

area, but not a guarantee. The valley itself has features that make it uniquely suited for vineyards, including gently sloping land ideal for planting grapes, alluvial soil that’s less rocky than in the surrounding areas and a climate with warmer afternoon temperatures. Do your homework when selecting your grape varieties; you can consult with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offices and their Master Gardeners in Prescott, Camp Verde or Flagstaff (see www. extension.arizona.edu/local-offices). Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center, an estate vineyard and teaching winery in Clarkdale with a tasting room, is another option. It holds an Emerging Winemakers Competition and Symposium every spring for aspiring noncommercial winemakers. See www.southwestwinecenter.com or call 928.634.6566 for more information.

THE RIGHT SPOT AND VINE Most grapevines need seven to eight hours of sunlight per day throughout the growing season to reach their full taste potential. It’s important to choose grape varieties that you love and will drink, but that also will grow well under the conditions you can provide. Verde Valley American Viticultural Area vineyards have had success with more than 40 types of grapes, including the familiar like chardonnay and Syrah and lesser-known treasures like picpoul blanc and Tannat. A record of being brought to fruition in the Verde Valley is a good indicator that a grape will grow well in the surrounding

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED? Something else to consider is how much wine you want to produce versus how much land you have available. If you’d be happy with one or two standard 25.5-ounce bottles’ worth per season, one healthy, mature vine should be enough, depending on which variety it is. Set up to 50 square feet aside for it and make sure there’s enough vertical space to train the vine upward. If you’re hoping to produce more, we’ll say 5 gallons, you’ll want at least 20 vines, which will require roughly 1,000 square feet.

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LIFEST YLE

W ineries

VINEYARDS

IN NORTHERN A Z

Alcantara Vineyards & Winery

3445 S. Grapevine Way Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928.649.8463 www.alcantaravineyard.com

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards & Tasting Room 1023 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.2789 www.azstronghold.com

Back Alley Wine Bar

156 S. Montezuma St. (in back alley) Prescott, AZ 86303 928.706.1059 www.backalleywine.com

Caduceus Cellars 158 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9463 www.caduceus.org

Caduceus Cellars The Ventura Room

760 Verde Heights Dr. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.9463 www.caduceusvscventuraroom.com

Cellar 433

909 N. Main St., Ste. A Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.852.4002 www.cellar433.com

Cabal Cellars

Chateau Tumbleweed Winery & Tasting Room

1151 W. AZ-89A Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.0443 www.chateautumbleweed.com

Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery 4053 E. AZ-260 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 602.859.7418 www.clearcreekwineryaz.com

Cove Mesa Vineyard Tasting Room 1210 S. Western Dr. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.301.9909 www.covemesa.com

Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 6, NO. 3

D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards 1901 N. Dancing Apache Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.247.6868 www.daranch.com

Decanter Tasting Room

7000 AZ-179, A-100 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.284.2134 www.decantertastingroom.com

974 N. Grandview Paulden, AZ 86334 928.554.5479 www.delriospringsvineyard.com

1341 W. AZ-89A Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.0301 www.bodegapierce.com

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705 N. Main St., Ste. A Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.634.6710 www.davinesvineyard.com

Del Rio Springs Vineyard

Bodega Pierce Winery & Tasting Room

417 Hull Ave. 412 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 480.483.5051 www.cabalcellars.com

DA Vines Vineyard Tasting Room & Bistro

LIFEST YLE

Four Eight Wineworks

816 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.649.2007 www.four8wineworks.com

Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery

1565 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.649.2681 www.javelinaleapwinery.com

Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria

770 N. Verde Heights Dr. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.639.1001 www.merkinvineyards.org

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery

1555 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.660.6395 www.oakcreekvineyards.net

Oeno Wine Lounge

22 E. Birch Ave., Ste. 1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928.266.0330 www.oenoflg.com

Page Springs Cellars

1500 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.639.3004 www.pagespringscellars.com

Passion Cellars

301 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 480.483.5051 www.passioncellars.com

Rafter Eleven

2985 Centre Ct., Ste. B Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928.227.2050 www.raftereleven.com

Rubrix Wines

1040 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.649.8733 www.rubrixwines.com

Salt Mine Wine

536 W. Salt Mine Rd. Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928.910.2075 www.saltminewine.com

Vino Di Sedona

2575 W. AZ-89A Sedona, AZ 86336 928.554.4682 www.vinodisedona.com

Southwest Wine Center Yavapai College

VINO Wine Bar

601 Black Hills Dr. Clarkdale, AZ 86324 928.634.6566 www.southwestwinecenter.com

Prescott Pines Inn 901 White Spar Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303 928.710.0063 www.vinowine.bar

Tantrum Wines

918 N. Main St., Ste. C Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.634.2266 www.tantrumwines.com

Vino Zona

369 Main St. Jerome, AZ 86331 336 AZ-179, Ste. A207 Sedona, AZ 86336 www.vinozona.love

The Art of Wine

101 N. AZ-89A, Ste. B9 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.203.9463 www.artofwinesedona.com

Winery 1912

Sinagua Plaza 320 N. AZ-89A, Ste. 3 Sedona, AZ 86336 928.282.0715 www.winery1912.com

The Eureka Room

1012 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928.852.7394 www.theeurekaroomaz.com

Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden

The Original Jerome Winery

114 Jerome Ave. Jerome, AZ 86331 928.639.9593 www.theoriginaljeromewinery.com

2515 N. Road 1 E. Chino Valley, AZ 86323 928.636.2003 www.wineycats.com

Up The Creek Bistro Wine Bar 1975 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325 928.634.9954 www.upthecreekaz.com

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WELLNESS

he R ich TBreathe

Differently by Vickie Austin

T

he global wellness economy is forecast to hit $9 trillion by 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Is that enough to take your breath away? Good, because that’s what we’re focused on: the rising status of breath work or pranayama as part of that wellness economy. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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WELLNESS NOTHING NEW HERE The art of breath work isn’t new, dating back to yoga as a practice in ancient India. Pranayama comes from the words prana, meaning breath, and ayama, which can mean expansion, length and rising, according to WebMD. “In yogic beliefs, it is thought that you can control your inner force, also known as prana, through a pranayama practice,” the site reads. In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, prana means “life force.” ONCE WEALTH, NOW HEALTH “Wellness has quietly replaced wealth signals with health signals,” say advisers at Arbra Pragmatic Investment with offices in Switzerland, Portugal and the United Kingdom. “True luxury, it turns out, is not stimulation but serenity — the space to think, to recover and to be fully, deliberately alive.” Health, they say, has become both investment strategy and status signal. What could be more luxe than having one’s own breath coach? There are plenty of them out there, ready to sign you up for a 10-session breathing lesson based on the principles of traditional yoga or pranayama. The most cutting-edge may do breath work within the context of a broader wellness program including ozone therapy, IV infusions and neurocognitive coaching. Bespoke longevity protocols are tracked with technology, and a careful one-on-one relationship is formed between the coach and the client to yield maximum results.

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A PANACEA FOR STRESS Customized breath work can be a panacea for burnout so it’s easy to see why the corporate sector is a target for breath work coaches. Arba reports that billionaire executives bring their coaches along with them on jets to make sure they’re doing their breath work. If it sounds expensive, it is. But the benefits, the experts say, are many, including clearer decision-making under pressure, improved emotional regulation, stronger relationships and a more grounded sense of purpose. The risks? A loss of clarity when it’s most needed, broken connections and conflict spilling into both work and home life can cost financially and emotionally. Canadian breath coach Francis Dostie offers private online breath work sessions for entrepreneurs as well as urgent support for anxiety and pressure for leaders who are reacting to pressure. He helps disable the “fight or flight” mode that’s triggered by stress, structuring a micro-plan to help the client move forward. Through breath work, blood circulation can be improved, immune systems can be boosted and energy levels can be transformed So forget about the chauffeur and the bling — the latest status symbol is one people may never see, but they’ll certainly feel your serenity.

Experience Advanced Laser Hair Removal with DiolazeXL at Bellezza Healthcare!

WELLNESS

PERIMENOPAUSE: POWER & RECLAIMING

"

Vaginal H ealth

No one told us this was perimenopause.” She thought she was just stressed. She blamed her sleep. She changed her workouts, cleaned up her diet and pushed through the fatigue. What no one told her was that her hormones were shifting. For many women, perimenopause can begin as early as the mid-30s. Estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, while progesterone quietly declines. The result? Symptoms that are often misunderstood or dismissed: anxiety without cause, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, disrupted sleep and changes in menstrual cycles. And then there’s the conversation we were never taught to have — vaginal health. Dryness. Pain with intimacy. Recurrent UTIs. Decreased sensation. Mild bladder leakage. These are not uncommon; they are biological. Estrogen receptors live within vaginal tissue. As hormone levels shift, collagen production decreases, blood flow slows and tissue becomes thinner and less resilient. This is not a failure of aging, it is a natural physiological transition. What has changed is how we

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by Aymee Wilson, Owner & Founder, Wilson Aesthetics

respond to it. Modern medicine offers solutions that support the body, not silence it. Hormone replacement therapy, vaginal estrogen, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, radiofrequency treatments and peptide therapies are redefining how we approach intimate wellness. These are not cosmetic treatments — they are regenerative, designed to restore function, comfort and confidence. Because this conversation is bigger than symptoms.

Perimenopause can affect mood, identity, relationships and how a woman feels in her own body. And yet, so many navigate it quietly. It’s time to change that. You are not dramatic. You are not broken. You are not “just getting older.” Your body is evolving, and you deserve guidance, support and care that meets you there. Reclaiming your health after 40 isn’t about turning back time. It’s about moving forward — stronger, informed and fully supported.

Looking forSpace?

ADVERTISE WITH US!

Email laurie@roxco.com or call 928.350.8006 for more information.

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WELLNESS

Men: Choose Tailored

F

OVER SKINTIGHT LOOK

or men’s fashion advice we go to a guy named Derek Guy, a Canadian writer known as “the menswear guy” on Twitter, which some call “X.” (Not me.) He is an erudite leader in the fashion world where he focuses exclusively on men’s clothing. His acerbic wit has earned him thousands of followers, and his take on dressing the athletic figure is predictably simple: it’s not that different from dressing other types of figures. The central problem is that “many athletic men have bad taste and think clothes have to fit skintight to look good, as they want to show off their body,” he writes. He goes on to profile his friend who has an athletic figure. The importance, Guy states, lies in proportion: jacket ends halfway from collar to floor, shoulders have enough breadth to not pull on the sleeve head, and trousers are not overly tight. This last recommendation is the chief sin among men who are “built” — tight pants don’t fall gracefully and often get bunched up around the thighs and calves. DRAPE IS EVERYTHING Even in clothing that compliments the athletic build, drape is everything, according to Guy. Things like shawl collar cardigans, sharp-angle silhouettes and long vertical lines are going to emphasize a man’s fitness without requiring tight fabric as a showcase for bulging muscles. He emphasizes that a classic cut will flatter anyone, citing examples from the 1990s like Arnold Schwazenegger wearing voluminous

clothing to “emphasize a hulking figure underneath.” The idea of “shape and drape” crosses all body types, including those who are über fit. In a March 2026 thread, Guy features work wear from men through the centuries, emphasizing that “shape and drape” applies to work clothes, too. An outfit that confers a distinctive silhouette, hanging cleanly and wrinklefree, demonstrates the importance of how fabric hangs and moves. “Men of any body type — short, fat, tall, skinny, muscular, etc. — can apply these principles. Employ textures and layers. Learn about (the) semiotics and history of clothes. Consider shape, drape and proportions. Above all, pay attention to culture.” BESPOKE IS DE BEST Derek Guy also is a devotee of bespoke tailoring, which is the best of all possible worlds. He sings the praises of Italian tailors like the late, great Antonio Panico, featuring photos of Panico in a suit as he cuts black chalked fabric. “On a very basic level I reject the idea that you have to be tall and lean to look stylish,” Guy says, adding none of his views are aimed at getting women, advancing a career or appearing rich and respectable. He posted photos of some finance bros wrapped in skintight shirts, Jeff Bezos in an unfortunate polo and a guy in ill-fitting khakis and a too-tight white shirt. “The general aesthetic references nothing.”

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Sharpen your Emotional Intelligence

WELLNESS

W

FOR GREATER SUCCESS

hen we hear about emotional intelligence we can’t help but think of the author Travis Bradberry who, with co-author Jean Greaves, wrote the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0. The book, published in 2009 and updated in 2021, was a hit and remains relevant in business suites today. In an article in Forbes magazine, Bradberry is quoted as saying, “Emotional intelligence is the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence.” Skip ahead to 2026 and you’ll see an update on EQ from Bradberry in his book The New Emotional Intelligence, published in 2025. Built on the principles of his first book but adapted to a new, digital landscape, EQ is still described as a scaling tool and a performance indicator for leaders. Instead of being the latest business fad, EQ is here to stay.

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HEAD AND HEART Where intelligence quotient (IQ) tests determine a person’s intelligence (think book smart), assessment of someone’s EQ is a determination of how well someone can read a room, build a team or handle a crisis. “It’s a powerful way to focus your energy in one direction with a tremendous result,” Bradberry told Forbes. Emotional intelligence, unlike IQ, can be developed over time. The personal competencies include self-awareness and selfmanagement, and the social competencies are social awareness and relationship management. Sounds simple, but when it comes to emotions, it’s never easy. The ability to handle a delayed order or squabbles within a team may not be natural for a leader.

Working on EQ involves reflection and introspection, something not all leaders are willing to do. LEADERS COACHING LEADERS Executive coaching provides an opportunity for leaders to share challenges, evaluate past behaviors and next steps. Rather than a crutch, executive coaching is very much a perquisite for those who are in, or close to, the corner office. Typically, the fees, which may be steep, are paid by the company, and a coach may be integral to the team with an allegiance to the leader. Harvard and Yale both offer courses in EQ along with other executive development programs available through the American Management Association and the Center for Creative Leadership.

With a variety of ideas to stay physically and mentally fit, we explore areas including men’s and women’s health, heart health, nutrition, mental health and more, opening the door to a healthy, robust lifestyle for everyone. Get highlights from each issue of Prescott Healthy Living delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter today!

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WELLNESS

CULTURAL IMMERSION

M

KEEPS MIND ACTIVE, HEALTHY by Vickie Austin

y friend Bonnie is a judge who watched her mother disappear from Alzheimer’s disease over the course of many painful years. Bonnie declared war on dementia by continuing her studies in Spanish and French, speaking and reading both languages and traveling frequently to foreign countries. She quilts, she cans and she wins blue ribbons at the county fair. On top of that, she is a cellist who plays regularly in a symphony orchestra. Did I mention she’s a judge? STATISTICS SUPPORT THE STRATEGY Studies in the National Library of Medicine support this strategy for holding off the ravages of memory loss. In an abstract by Daisy Fancourt and Andrew Steptoe, the authors write: “There is increasing evidence that leading an active, socially engaged lifestyle might protect against cognitive decline.” The arts are mentioned as particularly beneficial due to the “combination of cognitive complexity and mental creativity.” Their experiment divided participants into three groups: those who went to museums, galleries and exhibitions; those going to the theater, opera or concerts; and those who went to the cinema. The first two groups had a lesser decline in cognitive function. Going to the movies, however, had little effect. The essence of this study: choose your entertainment outlets wisely (no offense, Hollywood). BENEFITS OF CULTURAL IMMERSION Living in a culture other than your own doesn’t just improve language skills, according to Lingoland Club, a language learning blog. The brain actually changes in structure, enhancing thinking, problem-solving skills

and mental agility. The areas of the brain that control executive function have better decision-making capabilities, and studies show this “neuroplasticity” protects the brain from the onset of cognitive decline. There are other benefits, of course, to cultural immersion. Learning a language can be taxing but rewarding, enabling you to make connections with people in their own context. That brain exercise also increases creative thinking, which is why travel and sabbaticals are so important. When you immerse yourself in another’s culture, you learn the skills needed to be empathetic. You also enhance your abilities to focus and remember. LINKING THE WORLD Cultural immersion “dissolves stereotypes and builds genuine understanding between communities,” notes Lingoland Club. Experts there say this goes beyond just tolerating someone to actively appreciating the differences in behavior, customs and perspectives. Not only do you come away with a greater appreciation for the complexity of the human species, but you’ll develop enhanced critical thinking skills. It’s hard to be xenophobic after having been exposed to different people and different cultures. That reduces anxiety and leads to all kinds of new opportunities if you remain open to them. Besides enhanced longevity, cultural immersion can lead to expanded career opportunities, international business partnerships, an understanding of the global market and the chance to lead cross-cultural teams. Academic performance can be improved as well. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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WELLNESS

Higher Altitudes

T

Benefit

YOUR HEART, BRAIN, HEALING hat annual ski vacation in the mountains is a great way to improve your mood and your health, according to abstracts from science experts as well as homebuilders touting their alpine communities. For those with a commercial bent to selling first and second homes to the wealthy, the many benefits of living in the mountains include improved concentration, memory and calm. Scientists concur: a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health concluded: “Residence in mountainous areas seems to have a ‘protective effect’ from total and coronary mortality,” probably from increased walking on rugged terrains and the “moderate hypoxia” (less oxygen). The study found that higher altitudes with lower oxygen levels turn on certain genes that change the properties of the heart muscles, resulting in new blood vessels and more ways for the blood to flow to the heart. Mountain altitudes also increase metabolic rates and may cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss, which also helps the heart. HEAD FOR THE HILLS Altitude is only part of the equation. Just being in nature can provide stress relief and

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lower blood pressure, significant factors in cardiovascular health. A Japanese study published in the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that just being in a forest environment, or “forest-bathing,” can lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rates and blood pressure and increase the parasympathetic nerve activity. The study reported that being in nature increased the subjects’ ability to relax the human body, causing positive mental effects as well. This same study found that just being in the forest lowered the participants’ stress hormone

concentrations by more than 15%, and a walk lowered the average pulse by nearly 4% and blood pressure by more than 2%. AGE AND HEAL GRACEFULLY In addition to the benefits to the heart and brain, living at higher altitudes, which inspire outdoor activities, also can lead to faster healing. A Harvard study showed patients exposed to natural light healed faster and had less pain than those who stayed inside. And another study showed that 70-year-olds who spent time outdoors reported fewer aging muscle aches and pains than those who remained indoors.

Targeting YOUR CUSTOMERS IN

NORTHERN ARIZONA

VOL. 6, NO. 2

LIFES T YLE • WELLNESS • DESIGN

Email laurie@roxco.com or call 928.350.8006 for more information.

WELLNESS

Proper MUSCLE TRAINING REIGNITE PASSION FOR POWER AFTER 40 WITH

W

by Blake Herzog

e’re told, for good reason, that strength training only gets more important as we age. We’re up against natural muscle loss (sarcopenia) along with all the other negative trends we’re fighting, so building up and maintaining essential structural tissues is important for expanding your health span along with lifespan. We should actively resistance train at 40 and well beyond, but we need to do it more cautiously than we did in our teens and 20s. Our joints may not be able to bear the same loads they used to, and our need for recovery time grows. Injuries aren’t as easy to bounce back from, and lighter, more numerous reps are usually recommended. Although some emerging research suggests heavy lifting, with weights that exhaust us after one or two reps, is beneficial into our 80s and 90s. In any case, we must get the grunt work in to preserve our muscle strength. There are programs and classes that make the art and science of maintaining muscle much safer and more fun. IN-PERSON TRAINING The easiest way to ensure strength training is going to be effective without crossing the line into injury is to have a certified personal trainer watch your every move, at least in the beginning. Keeping an expert in proper form and the science behind it close by will be an important shield against injuries such as rotator cuff strains, tendonitis, muscle tears and back strain.

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When hiring a trainer we should first consider our fitness goals and then look around for professionals with the most experience programming toward those objectives. Credentials are important, but consider which organization they earned their papers from; the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) are more geared to strength training. Ask friends with similar goals which trainers they’ve gotten onboard with, too. PILATES FOR EVERYONE Pilates is a low-impact exercise renowned for building strength deep in our core muscles, which in turn reinforces our posture and balance. It simultaneously builds up and stretches out our muscles, which expands our flexibility. All of this helps us in our daily life as well as when we work out to promote well-being. It’s a regimen that benefits anyone trying to fortify their muscles — the women who currently predominate in this exercise regime and men following the example of founder Joseph Pilates. Pilates movements can be done on a mat, but using a spring-loaded reformer machine in a studio or at home is the more luxurious option, providing assistance with some moves while adding resistance to others. In-studio reformer classes have lower instructorstudent ratios, making it easier to get the attention to form we need.

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WELLNESS

EXPOSURE TO RISK

R

Builds

EMOTIONAL, BUSINESS ACUMEN

isk, at its highest level, may not look reckless but rather strategic. It’s the developer who invests in a visionary property before the neighborhood peaks. The entrepreneur who pivots a thriving company toward innovation instead of comfort. The executive who says yes to a leadership opportunity that stretches every skill they’ve built. While extreme sports make headlines, the most meaningful risks taken by high achievers are intellectual, financial and deliberately physical. They are calculated moves designed to sharpen instinct, strengthen resilience and expand long-term capacity. Psychologists have long studied how the brain responds to controlled uncertainty. When we engage in challenging but manageable risk, the brain activates its reward circuitry. Dopamine is released, increasing focus, motivation and learning retention. Over time, this pattern builds cognitive flexibility: the ability to make clear decisions under pressure. For business leaders, this matters. Markets fluctuate. Industries evolve. Growth requires forward momentum before certainty arrives. The difference between recklessness and mastery lies in calibration. SENDING NEW MESSAGES ABOUT STRESS Controlled risk — whether launching a new venture, expanding into a different market or committing to

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advanced physical training — trains the nervous system to interpret stress as stimulation rather than threat. Performance psychologists call this “stress inoculation.” By gradually increasing exposure to challenge, individuals enhance emotional regulation and sharpen executive function. You see it in private pilots refining complex maneuvers. In endurance athletes training at altitude. In investors diversifying portfolios into emerging sectors. In founders betting on innovation instead of predictability. The common thread is intentional discomfort. Refined living often celebrates stability — beautiful spaces, curated environments and carefully constructed routines. But sustained success is rarely built in comfort alone. It is built at the edge of it. Intellectual risk — engaging with unfamiliar ideas or disruptive technologies — expands strategic thinking. Business risk — entering negotiations or partnerships without guaranteed outcomes — strengthens decisiveness. Controlled physical challenge — such as strength training, endurance events or competitive disciplines — improves mental stamina and confidence. Each reinforces the other. Research shows that individuals who regularly take calibrated risks develop stronger problem-solving abilities and greater psychological resilience. They are less reactive under pressure and more capable of recognizing opportunity. In other words, they see possibility where others see uncertainty.

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WELLNESS

Driven Men

T

TURN GUT HEALTH TO THEIR ADVANTAGE

he modern driven man measures everything. Sleep cycles, heart rate variability, VO2 max. Yet one of the most powerful drivers of performance often goes overlooked: gut health. The digestive system is not just about breaking down food. It is a command center for energy, immunity, mental clarity and inflammation control. When it is optimized, you feel sharper, lighter and more resilient. When it is off, no amount of discipline can fully compensate. At the core of this system is the microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria that influence how you absorb nutrients, regulate hormones and manage stress. For high performers who regularly experience pressure, this translates directly into output. Stable energy, faster recovery and reduced brain fog are not abstract benefits. They are competitive advantages. Performance digestion begins with efficiency. It is not about eating more, but absorbing better. A well-functioning gut extracts maximum value from high-quality inputs like lean proteins, omega-rich fats and micronutrient-dense vegetables. This is where precision matters. Chronic bloating, irregularity or subtle discomfort are not minor inconveniences. They are signals that your system is underperforming. Inflammation is the silent limiter. Low-grade, chronic inflammation can blunt testosterone levels, slow muscle recovery and impair cognitive function. The solution is not extreme restrictions but intelligent design. Anti-inflammatory nutrition focuses on balance: wild-caught fish, olive oil, fermented foods and polyphenol-rich

plants. At the luxury level, this is elevated through chef-designed dining experiences that merge science with taste on curated menus supporting gut diversity while delivering refined, satisfying meals. DATA OVERTAKES GUESSWORK The new frontier, however, is data. Advanced microbiome testing has moved far beyond basic insights. Today’s diagnostic labs can map bacterial strains, identify imbalances and provide tailored recommendations that go far deeper than generic advice. This is personalized performance at a biological level. Instead of guessing which foods work for you, you operate with clarity. These insights often reveal surprising truths. Foods considered “healthy” may not suit your system. Stress, travel and alcohol can shift your microbiome more than expected. With the right data, adjustments become strategic rather than reactive. High-level operators already are integrating gut optimization into their routines. Morning protocols include targeted probiotics or prebiotics. Strategic fasting windows support gut repair. Travel kits are designed to maintain digestive stability across time zones. The goal is not perfection. It is control. Gut health, when approached with the same rigor as training or business, becomes a lever. One that enhances endurance, sharpens focus and protects long-term vitality. It is subtle, but its impact is undeniable. For the man who demands more from himself, the question is no longer whether gut health matters. It is how far you are willing to take it. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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Targeting your luxury consumers in

NORTHERN ARIZONA Prescott • Prescott Valley • Payson • Wickenburg • Cottonwood • Sedona • Flagstaff • Verde Valley

FIND THE CURRENT ISSUE AT THESE FINE ESTABLISHMENTS Capstone Homes

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5171 N. Test Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86004

530 Piccadilly Dr., Ste. 105 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

1540 S. Riordan Ranch St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 1101 E. Butler Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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120 N. Leroux St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA Flagstaff is a four season hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small-town charm and endless outdoor adventure beckons. It is the highest point on the entirety of Route 66. It's also the place where Pluto was discoverd and astronauts trained before first visiting the moon. Drop your bags off at a cozy hotel close to great restaurants, hiking, skiing and only 90 minutes away from the Grand Canyon.

Email info@roxco.com or call 928.350.8006 for more information.

DESIGN

IGN S E D D LIVERE E D P I A N SH

g n i e B l l e W s e t o m o r P M CR AF TS

by Vick

T

ie Aust

in

he biggest threat to design says Dieter Rams, a famous German industrial designer, is obsolescence. Rams is famous for asking himself, “Is my design a good design?,” then going on to publish the Ten Principles of Good Design in the late 1970s. Among them are these principles: good design is long-lasting and environmentally friendly. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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DESIGN

From those principles we learned about the slow design trend in furniture, attributed to the slow food movement that increased our focus and attention on sustainability and the environment in our food consumption. Slow doesn’t just mean taking your time to choose a piece before adding it to your home. This movement has raised the visibility of what is, and isn’t, good design. AN EXPERT SPEAKS Andrea Clare, a Brooklynbased designer and owner of Andrea Clare Studio, cites these benefits to slow design: 1. Increased well-being: Carefully made objects can improve your quality of life and overall wellbeing. 2. Reduced waste: High-quality, sustainable products reduce the amount of waste in your home and the environment. 3. Supports creative communities: Creative communities preserve traditional craftsmanship.

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4. Investment in the future: Made to last, the things you buy are an investment in your future as well as the future of the planet. 5. Unique style: Slow-designed objects create a personal style that reflects your choices, values and aesthetics. Even if you aren’t a cardcarrying environmentalist, it makes sense that items produced with time and craftsmanship, whether that’s furniture or lighting or those special treasures that make your house a home, can impact your sensibilities. KEY PRINCIPLES BEHIND SLOW DESIGN Careful consideration of the design process takes time and patience. Collaboration is often key to creating a luxury home, whether that’s working with an interior designer or sourcing your own furnishings. Slow design considers natural materials and the important — often healing — touch of craftsmanship. The

feel of a fabric, the elegance of soft lighting, the blend of plants and natural wood, all add up to mindful living. Choosing sustainability over immediacy and factoring in the environment isn’t a fad. Witness the return of antiques, recycled and upcycled goods. Rejecting mass-produced materials is a good first step toward becoming a thoughtful consumer while still decorating with style and panache. THE OTHER SIDE OF SLOW If you look at the “slow movement” in design, it doesn’t take long to see what has driven the momentum. “Flat packaging” furniture, often referred to as ready-toassemble (RTA), predates IKEA which, according to Treehugger. com, opened its first store in the U.S. in 1985. The projected growth of the RTA market is $18.2 billion by 2027, based on a report by IMARC Services Private Limited. Sadly, most of the furniture is made of composite wood along with plastic or toxic elements, making it unrecyclable and ending up in a landfill.

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DESIGN

Lay Down

LUXURY IN YOUR BRAND-NEW HOME

O

by Blake Herzog

nce you get the keys to a new house, it can be both thrilling and overwhelming to get into the task of furnishing and decorating it. The debates while deciding how to turn your residence into a true home include whether you want to change up your décor from your last abode or leave it intact. Since you’ve picked up this magazine, we’ll assume you have at least a passing interest in luxury living and wish to reflect that in your new digs, so we’ll use that as a starting point. DEFINE YOUR DIRECTION Luxury is perennially difficult to define, so your first step is to define it for yourself. Quiet luxury communicated through high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship in minimalistic furnishings has been in favor for several years, while more lavish spaces feature plush upholstery in rich colors, dazzling fixtures with ornate detailing and eye-catching patterns and artwork that may not be “loud” but are a little more in-your-face. It’s your job to figure out where on the spectrum your heart lies and start dreaming from there. This will help determine what will stay and go from your last home.

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FIND YOUR INSPO Now you can find the interior designer or decorator who you vibe with to use as a guide bringing your dream to life. It’s ideal to hire one you can bring into your home and confer with throughout the process, but if that’s not feasible find the books and websites of those who appeal to you. Then give yourself a crash course on their aesthetics and portfolios. Adapt what you love about them to your own circumstances. SPREAD THE WEALTH Luxury shouldn’t be confined to two or three “public” rooms — keep the quality and comfort consistent, so the rooms where you and your family spend your quieter, more intimate times don’t feel like an afterthought. Bedrooms should have strong bedframes and headboards, plush mattresses with high thread-count sheets and statement lighting. Spalike bathrooms can have standout features like standalone jetted bathtubs, steam showers, heated floors and quartz or marble countertops. Even your garage can look highend with customized storage, climate control and video screens.

CUSTOM HOMES REMODELS ADDITIONS & ADUs

FLAGSTAFF’S CLIENT FOCUSED BUILDER

ELEVATE YOUR LIVING SPACE Whether you’re taking the first steps toward your dream home or have a few questions, we’re here to guide you. Reach out to High Caliber today, and let’s lay the foundation for a beautiful partnership.

928.526.2156 • www.hcnaz.com 5200 E. Cortland Blvd Ste D6 | Flagstaff, AZ 86004 sales@hcnaz.com ARIZONA ROC LICENSE NUMBERS: KB-1 252743 CR-11 275972

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DESIGN

Museum-Level

Lighting

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CHANGES APPROACH TO RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

n the finest homes, lighting is no longer treated as an afterthought. It is being curated with the same precision once reserved for museums and highend galleries, where illumination is designed not simply to brighten a room but to shape emotion, direct attention and elevate every object within it. Luxury residential design has embraced this philosophy in a major way. Homeowners are increasingly looking to gallery-style lighting techniques to make interiors feel more intentional, dramatic and refined. The result is a home that does not just look beautiful, but feels composed, layered and extraordinary. At the core of museum-level lighting is control. Rather than relying on a single overhead fixture to do all the work, designers use multiple light sources to create depth and hierarchy. Architectural lighting is often layered through recessed fixtures, linear LEDs, concealed cove lighting, accent spots and decorative statement pieces. Each serves a distinct purpose. Ambient light provides an overall glow. Task lighting supports function. Accent lighting highlights what deserves attention, whether that is a sculpture, a textured stone wall, a dramatic staircase or a prized art collection.

ILLUMINATE WITH CARE This is where gallery influence becomes most visible. In museums, light is carefully angled to minimize glare, protect sensitive materials and enhance color and texture. Luxury homes borrow that same strategy with adjustable fixtures, narrow beam spreads and high-quality LEDs that offer excellent color rendering. In simple terms, that means artwork looks richer, wood grains appear warmer and fabrics reveal their true depth. Lighting designers also think in terms of visual storytelling. A hallway can become a curated passage with pools of light drawing the eye from piece to piece. A wine room can feel like an installation. Even a kitchen can benefit from this approach, with under-cabinet lighting, toe-kick illumination and carefully placed pendants transforming a utilitarian space into something sculptural. Another hallmark of museuminspired lighting is restraint. Not everything is meant to shine equally — contrast is what creates sophistication. Shadows are just as important as brightness. A softly lit wall beside a spotlighted painting gives the room tension and focus. A dimmed living space with illuminated shelving feels intimate and composed rather than flat and overlit. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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DESIGN

Trend:

DESIGNING SCREEN-FREE SPACE FOR

"

Connection, Relaxation by Vickie Austin

Dumb” décor may be making a comeback. For years, we’ve been told to go “smart” with high-tech devices in every area of life, from our in-home robots Alexa and Siri vying for our attention to adjusting the thermostat from across an ocean or two via a phone app. There’s a pendulum swinging in the design world, going back toward turning dens of digital iniquity into analog rooms, free of all things screen-related. TREND WITHIN A TREND What has us glued to our phones, bumping into lampposts while scrolling through our social media feed? For some, it’s the fear of missing out, also known as FOMO. We want to be up on the latest, even if it means we’re missing out on what’s happening right now, right in front of us. The result can be stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Writer Maria Sabella extols the virtues of designing screen-free space in a recent article in Better Homes & Gardens, How to design a screen-free space that helps your family relax and reconnect. The benefits of technology are many, she says: phones provide us with the ability to see and talk to our loved ones who may be miles away. However, devices can be “incredibly addictive and distracting.” Going screen-free encourages connection and conversation, inspires new hobbies and invites physical movement, all of which can positively impact your sleep quality.

ALTERNATE SPACE OR RETROFIT The design world has responded to our urge to unplug and reconnect with those around us, or maybe just with ourselves. Whether you declare an existing space like the dining room table device-free or you build out a new space that is a sanctuary from your screens, you’ll need to come to some agreement if you’re sharing that space with anyone other than your cats. Retrofitting an existing room may look like turning the garage into a weather-friendly space to curl up and read a book. Maybe your home already possesses a “nook” that can be outfitted with a chair that invites daydreaming, or you may have a spare room that can be redecorated in spa-like tones with pillows and surround-sound. A basement filled with storage can be turned into a game room for the family where everyone checks their cellphones at the door. Look for abundant natural light or something that draws us around each other, like a fireplace. Lean toward darker tones because they feel quieter and more subdued. Go for the comfy couches, the deep reading chairs that you can sink into for an hour or more. Smaller spaces are best says Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director of Studio Seva in Westport, Conn., as quoted in Better Homes & Gardens. She touts the merits of something as simple as a chair at the top of a staircase landing. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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IT TAKES

Kentucky Blue Grass

W

TO GROW A GREEN LAWN IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

hen in Rome, they say, do like the Romans, and in the high-elevation spaces in northern Arizona, that means building your green space with care. Not every type of vegetation is going to thrive in and around Flagstaff, so if you’re bringing those visions of a rolling green lawn with you to the mountains, you’ll need to shake it off. Green space in Arizona may just mean a patch among rocks. SERIOUS GARDENERS, TAKE NOTE If you’re a serious gardener, and have your heart set on a thatch of green somewhere on your estate, please take note: only a few types of grass will thrive at these altitudes. For expertise we turned to the county extension folks who always seem to know their stuff. “High elevation turfgrass sites (5,000 feet and above) are best suited with cool season grasses for lawns,” writes David M. Kopec, extension turfgrass specialist for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension newsletter Turf Tips. That includes Kentucky bluegrass (KBG), the most predominant species. The advantage is the grass produces underground runners called rhizomes, which allows the turf to become thick while crowding

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out weeds. Kentucky bluegrass also serves as a growing point for grass to regrow if there’s damage or drought. Other types of grass that thrive in northern Arizona include perennial ryegrass, which serves as a “nurse crop” binding soil for other grasses, and creeping red fescue, a grass that is shade tolerant and typically mixed with other grasses. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that is also heat-tolerant and is best grown alone. This grass grows well in elevations between 3,500 and 7,500 feet, and it does well in the mountains of northern Arizona. PAY ATTENTION So much of lawn care is paying attention to what’s happening — or not happening — to your green lawn. If not managed well, KBG can become weedy and escape home landscapes, giving more desirable native plants a run for their money and reducing plant diversity. Runaway bluegrass can also reduce wildlife habitat, which we don’t want to do. Whether you care for your lawn yourself or leave it in the hands of the professionals, a lawn needs love.

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Tips in

DESIGN

DESIGNING A HOME FOR

Multigenerations

C

OR AS AN HEIRLOOM

reating an estate plan can be more than words on paper. As families grow in and out of homes, they may settle on a vision for multigenerational living. Architects and real estate experts as well as estate planning attorneys recommend careful planning when creating or expanding a home to accommodate two generations or more. CONSIDER ZONES Success in living happily ever after under one roof lies in making sure that distinct zones are created to ensure privacy as well as to invite connections. Here are some ideas for consideration from a blogpost by Riverbend Homes, a Texas-based custom homebuilder: • Be sure to include in your design a central area where all can gather comfortably. This may be an open kitchen or great room. Ideally, grandparents can play with their grandchildren while the “kids” prepare dinner. • Think about noise levels and position bedrooms accordingly. Older adults may want to be farther away from where the action is. • Each bedroom should feature a private sitting area, exclusive to the person or people living there. Everyone should have an independent retreat connected to their room. • Provide separate access points for the different sections of the home, perhaps along with a covered entryway with seating.

THE HEIRLOOM STRATEGY Another post by Tim Clarke on Styled (vocal.media/styled) refers to this as “The Heirloom Strategy,” a wealth-building approach to build financial strength and a family legacy. Instead of seeing the home as a real estate asset, he suggests that it be seen as an intentional legacy asset. Quoting from Borchers Trust Law, the Heirloom Strategy “reframes the home as both a living environment and a structured legacy asset.” The goal, he shares, is simple: “Design a home that grows in meaning while protecting and strengthening its value over time.” This requires foresight and the ability to design a home that will inevitably evolve as the family grows and ages. Another attorney, Sean Malloy of Mallow Law Offices based in Maryland and Virginia, advises not to assume heirs will sell the house. If it’s adaptable, it becomes what he calls “an option rather than an obligation.” QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Estate planning experts recommend furnishing the home with pieces that are sturdy, original and long-lasting. Like a good cashmere sweater, quality furniture lasts. They also recommend quality in any kind of construction or renovation, focusing on durability. Like any good personal shopper, they say opt for fewer, high-quality pieces. Avoid anything that’s trendy and stay away from particle board. Malloy also notes that from a legal standpoint, extended family living situations can reduce financial strain while protecting other assets within the estate. Don’t forget to document and appraise the home to protect the heirs. A lack of clarity can cost future generations both time and money. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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Upcycling

V

Vintage Mirrors REFLECTS WELL ON CONTEMPORARY HOMES

intage mirrors have a quiet kind of charm. The glass may be slightly imperfect, the frames worn with age, but that character is exactly what makes them worth saving. Instead of discarding old mirrors, many designers and homeowners are giving them new life through thoughtful upcycling. The result is décor that feels personal, sustainable and far more interesting than something purchased brand-new. One of the simplest ways to refresh a vintage mirror is by transforming the frame. An ornate frame found at an estate sale or antique market can be sanded, repainted or finished with metallic leaf to create a striking focal point. Soft matte tones such as charcoal, ivory or muted sage can bring a traditional frame into a modern space, while a brushed gold or champagne finish adds a quiet sense of luxury. Mirrors also can be repurposed beyond their original function. Designers often remove the glass entirely and convert large mirror frames into decorative trays or wall art. With the addition of a fabric or wallpaper backing, the frame becomes a sophisticated display piece. Smaller mirrors can be arranged in groups to create a gallery wall that reflects light throughout a room, making even compact spaces feel brighter and more open.

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Another elegant option is turning vintage mirrors into statement furniture accents. A mirrored panel can be inset into the top of a coffee table, bar cart or console. The reflective surface adds depth and light while preserving the character of the original piece. In dressing rooms and walk-in closets, smaller mirrors can be framed with leather or velvet trim to create a boutique-like atmosphere. For those who enjoy more creative projects, aged mirrors can become part of decorative lighting. When placed behind sconces or table lamps, the reflective surface amplifies the glow and creates a warm, layered effect. Some designers even incorporate antique mirrors into headboards or wall panels, allowing subtle reflections to soften the look of a bedroom. Beyond aesthetics, upcycling mirrors also speaks to a broader shift toward thoughtful living. Rather than replacing older pieces, homeowners are choosing to restore and reinterpret them. Each mark or patina tells a story, adding a sense of authenticity that mass-produced décor rarely captures.

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Bring an A rtist S tudio INTO YOUR

Luxury Home

I

n today’s most thoughtfully designed luxury homes, creativity is no longer confined to spare corners or makeshift desks. Instead, it’s given a dedicated, beautifully designed space that rivals the elegance of the rest of the home while quietly supporting inspiration, focus and flow. The modern artist studio at home is less about utility alone and more about intention. Whether it’s a light-filled painting atelier, a sound-optimized music room or a serene writing retreat, these spaces are being designed as sanctuaries for expression where aesthetics and function work in harmony. For painters and visual artists, natural light is everything. Luxury homes are incorporating north-facing windows, skylights and even floor-to-ceiling glass walls to create consistent, diffused light throughout the day. High ceilings allow for large-scale work, while clean architectural lines keep the space from feeling cluttered. Storage is discreet but abundant — custom cabinetry, hidden drawers and rolling carts ensure materials are accessible without disrupting the visual calm. In some homes, movable walls or oversized doors allow finished pieces to transition seamlessly into gallery-style display areas elsewhere in the home. Music studios take a different approach, blending technical precision with elevated design. Acoustic paneling is no longer bulky or industrial — it’s integrated into the architecture through upholstered walls, wood slat features and sculptural ceiling treatments. Soundproofing ensures privacy without sacrificing beauty, allowing homeowners to practice, record or simply unwind without interruption.

FOR PAINTING, MUSIC, WRITING

Grand pianos are positioned as focal points, while built-in systems support everything from vinyl listening lounges to full digital production setups. The result is a space that feels both intimate and performance-ready. For writers and thinkers, the emphasis shifts toward quiet luxury. These rooms often draw inspiration from classic libraries but with a contemporary edge. Rich wood tones, soft textiles and layered lighting create a cocoon-like environment, free from distraction. Views matter — whether overlooking a forested landscape, a manicured garden or a distant mountain range, the connection to the outside world fuels reflection. Custom desks are tailored to the individual, paired with seating designed for long, comfortable stretches of focus. In some homes, hidden doors or tucked-away locations enhance the sense of retreat. Across all creative studios, one element remains consistent: personalization. These are not generic rooms, but deeply individual spaces that reflect the passions and routines of the homeowner. Materials, color palettes and layout are all selected with intention, ensuring the environment supports both creativity and well-being. Technology plays a subtle but powerful role as well. Adjustable lighting scenes, integrated sound systems and climate control allow each space to adapt throughout the day. A painting studio can shift from bright and energizing to soft and contemplative. A music room can transition from rehearsal to entertaining. A writing space can remain perfectly quiet, insulated from the rest of the home. VOL. 6, NO. 3 Northern A Z Luxur y L iving

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