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MASTERS OF DESIGN

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MIDFIRST BANK

THE PEOPLE SHAPING COMMUNITIES ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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CONTENTS

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FALL 2026

Building on Relationships: How MIDFIRST BANK Helps Shape Communities BY MONIQUE REIDY

FEATURES 24

SHAI’LA YVONNE The woman who moves the room.

52-65

MASTERS OF DESIGN SOCAL Celebrates the architects, interior designers, builders and creative visionaries defining design throughout the region.

66-76

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP Beverly Hills, The Colony Estate, Frank Sinatra

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP MACIAS

COVER STORY

CONTENTS FALL 2026

FALL 2026

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

10 LETTER FROM THE

IN EVERY ISSUE

26 102

26 THE ART OF TAKING

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

ON THE COVER

FEATURED HOME LOCATED IN PACIFIC PALISADES. FINANCED BY MIDFIRST BANK. PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SOCIAL SCENE

PHILLIP MACIAS

A BREAK:

Southern California’s Most Extraordinary Spa Experiences 32 AT REMEDY LOUNGE

IN LA JOLLA, DRINKING IS MINDFUL BY FIONA CHANDRA

14 POLO IN PARADISE 15

SPA & WELLNESS

36 TEMECULA CREEK INN:

SCLM LAUNCH PARTY

A SERENE PARADISE BY BRIDGET GRAHAM

ESCAPES & ESCAPADES 86 THE CITY IN FIVE

CHECK-INS: MOXY NEW YORK BY MIKE McLANE

92 KUKUIʻULA: THE FIRST

PRIVATE CLUB ON KAUAʻI, AND THE LAST WORD IN ISLAND LIVING BY MONIQUE REIDY

98 RELISHING THE HERITAGE AT JW MARRIOTT LOS CABOS

SIGNATURE & LANDMARKS 16

‘LA EXPLAINED’ WALKING TOURS ARE A HOT TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

DEL SOL: A NEW KIND OF QUIET LUXURY IN LOS CABOS BY MONIQUE REIDY

78 VIVA LA MAMMA IS THE

PERFECT BLEND OF ALPINE INDULGENCE AND CALIFORNIA STYLE BY MICHELE STUEVEN

BY MICHELE STUEVEN

82 A MOORISH PALACE

FAMILY FUN 20 SMALL BRICKS, BIG DAY: LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA BY LAUREN STURMAN

BY LAUREN STURMAN

102 PARK HYATT CABO

THE GOURMAND

THE WAY FORWARD 22 IS DIVORCE THE RIGHT CALL? BY DAVID J. GLASS, ESQ, PHD

OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN SAN DIEGO BY MICHELE STUEVEN

84 POZA’S QUIETLY

GLAMOROUS BEVERLY HILLS ESCAPE

85 HYATT REGENCY IRVINE: A NEWLY RENOVATED MODERN OC SPOT BY BRIDGET GRAHAM

february 21

NYFW Event at the W Hoboken march 12

Fairmont Chicago for Women’s Month april - tbd

El Prado Silicon Valley may 15

W Miami july 9

Sofitel Beverly Hills September - tbd

Dallas november - tbd

W Scottsdale

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CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK California

Lauren Sturman

Monique Reidy

PUBLISHER

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Antoni Pham CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bridget Graham COPY EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike McLane, Michele Stueven, Fiona Chandra, Lauren Sturman, David Glass, Esq PhD

FALL 2026

elysian media group llc

Steve Bliman

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ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

I Do Books 4 You, Westlake Village BOOKKEEPER

Doug Bitto CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Edward Corey, Esq. LEGAL COUNSEL

Janine Goldberg SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER

AXAT Technologies WEBMASTER

info@socallifemag.com

Crystal Cove State Park is one of Southern California’s most atmospheric coastal preserves. A

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blend of wild shoreline, hidden coves, rugged backcountry, the region is a rare time‑capsule historic beach community. As one of the last truly undeveloped stretches of Orange County coastline, it consists of beaches, tide pools, hiking, and quaint 1930s–40s cottages. v

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 1435 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Tel: 805-849-7014 www.socallifemag.com Southern California Life magazine is published by Elysian Media Group, LLC. ©2026 Elysian Media Group, LLC. Southern California Life magazine is registered US Patent and Trademark Office. The opinions expressed in Southern California Life magazine are not to be considered official expressions of Elysian Media Group, LLC. Elysian Media Group, LLC does not accept any responsibility for the actions of its readers. The contents within Southern California Life magazine are for informational purposes only and should not be treated as health care or health management advice. The materials herein are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content in this magazine. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. Publisher does not assume responsibility for errors, omissions, and/or changes in advertising or editorial material. Printed in the USA.

2026

Masterpiece

SERIES

Rachmaninoff & Gershwin Sat., Jan. 24, 2026 | Sun., Jan. 25, 2026 Michael Christie, conducto | Janice Carissa, piano Smith/Key

| The Star-Spangled Banner

Sousa

| Stars and Stripes Forever March

Rachmaninoff | Piano Concerto No.2, C minor, Op. 18 Gershwin

| Suite from Porgy and Bess “Cat昀sh Row”

Mozart and American Voices Sat., Mar. 7, 2026 | Sun., Mar. 8, 2026 Michael Christie, conductor Angels Vocal Art, Kristof Van Grysperre, artistic director New West Symphony Chorus, Dr. Wyant Morton, director Mozart | The Marriage of Figaro (Selections) Selections from Bernstein’s Candide, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, hits by Sondheim, Copland, and more!

Bernstein, Brahms & Blues Sat., Apr. 11, 2026 | Sun., Apr. 12, 2026 Michael Christie, conductor | Tai Murray, violin W.C. Handy

| “Saint Louis Blues”

Ravel/Miloradovic | Blues for string orchestra

Five Sunday Afternoons 3:00 pm Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center

Bernstein

| West Side Story Suite for Violin and Orchestra

Brahms

| Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68

Beethoven & Copland Sat., Oct. 3, 2026 | Sun., Oct. 4, 2026 Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor Paci昀c Festival Ballet, Kim Maselli, director Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director Beethoven | Symphony No.1 in C Major, Op. 21 Copland

| Old American Songs

Copland

| Appalachian Spring

Symphony Goes to Cirque Sat., Nov. 7, 2026 | Sun., Nov. 8, 2026 Michael Christie, conductor | Troupe Vertigo Back by popular demand, symphonic favorites pair with feats of strength and agility.

Too Hot to Handel Sat., Dec. 5, 2026 | Sun., Dec. 6, 2026

SATURDAY CONCERTS - 7PM BANK OF AMERICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | THOUSAND OAKS (BAPAC)

SUNDAY CONCERTS - 3PM RANCHO CAMPANA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | CAMARILLO (RCPAC)

For additional details on all of our performances

Michael Christie, conductor New West Symphony Chorus, Dr. Wyant Morton, director Alfreda Burke, soprano | Rodrick Dixon, tenor Handel, arr. Christianson/Anderson | The Gospel Messiah “...perhaps the jazziest, most soulful reinterpretation of Handel’s Messiah you’ll ever hear.” - New York Post

866.776.8400 NewWestSymphony.org - All dates, artists and programs are subject to change. -

EDITOR’S LETTER

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

FALL 2026

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PHOTO: PHILLIP FARAONE

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

Monique Reidy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

elcome to our Fall issue, the one we make especially for you, our readers, so you can squeeze every last drop out of this beautiful Southern California community of ours. This is our Home and Design issue, which means we spent the summer knocking on the doors of some of the most notable names in the business, and they were kind enough to let us in. Our cover story goes to MidFirst Bank, a name that has quietly helped more Southern Californians realize the particular dream of owning a home, and that’s a lot to celebrate these days. Over in Wellness, we’ve rounded up the best spa experiences for anyone who believes, as we do, that a little skin and body pampering is basically mandatory once the seasons start to shift. And for those already dreaming of a Fall getaway, we’ve included a few favorites including parts of Kauai, an island that endured a genuinely devastating hurricane this year and, in true island fashion, is picking itself back up and asking, warmly, for visitors to come help it do just that. So go enjoy this issue, and then go enjoy your actual life, ideally outside, now that the heat has finally broken and the whole world smells like spiced pumpkin everything. v

Two Iconic Hotels. One Coastline. SOAK IN A LUXURIOUS SANTA MONICA BEACHSIDE ESCAPE

SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH One Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.458.0030 Reservations | ShuttersontheBeach.com

CASA DEL MAR 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.581.5533 Reservations | HotelCasaDelMar.com

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

FALL 2026

PHOTO: PHILLIP FARAONE

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Lauren Sturman PUBLISHER

here is something about fall that has always felt like a return home. As the days get a little shorter and the weather begins to cool, our attention naturally turns inward. We gather around the table, spend more time in the spaces we’ve created and reconnect with the people and places that make a community feel like home. It’s one of the reasons fall has always been my favorite time of year, and why I’m especially excited to share our annual Home and Design Issue with you. Before looking ahead, I have to take a moment to reflect on an incredible summer. Our Icons of Influence celebration at La Peer Hotel was a night I won’t soon forget. Watching the sun set from the rooftop surrounded by so many of our partners, honorees and friends was truly special. The Glambot was definitely a hit, and having our cover star Katherine Kelly Lang and members of “The Bold and the Beautiful” family there to celebrate with us made the evening even more memorable. As I continue settling into my role as Publisher, I also want to say thank you. The warmth with which our partners and the Southern California community have welcomed me has meant more than I can say. At its heart, this magazine has always been about the people, businesses and communities that make this region extraordinary, and I feel incredibly fortunate to help tell those stories. That spirit is at the center of this issue. Our annual design edition celebrates Southern California’s leaders in architecture, interior design, building and the many disciplines that shape the places where we live, work and gather. I’m grateful to every partner who helped bring these pages to life. Our cover story with MidFirst Bank takes that idea of building even further. Their story is ultimately about relationships and the human side of financing the homes, businesses and projects that are shaping communities throughout Southern California. It’s about showing up, understanding the people behind the projects and building relationships designed to endure for generations. Because communities aren’t simply built with homes, businesses, streets or skylines. They’re built through relationships. And across the many towns and cities that make up Southern California, those relationships are what give each community its character, its heart and, ultimately, its sense of home. This fall, we celebrate the people who make Southern California feel like home. v

Until next issue,

SOCIAL SCENE

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

FALL 2026

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Polo in Paradise n On a sun-soaked Sunday in July, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara brought its signature sense of occasion to the polo fields for Polo in Paradise, an unforgettable afternoon hosted in partnership with the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. As the official hospitality sponsor of the 2026 Santa Barbara Polo season and presenting sponsor of the prestigious Robert Skene Trophy, Bacara welcomed guests with a leisurely brunch at the resort before whisking them away to an afternoon of world-class competition set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. From the resort's private hospitality box, attendees enjoyed complimentary food and beverages, effortless parking, and front-row midfield views of the action. The day was a fitting celebration of a partnership rooted in shared elegance. It was, in every sense, a perfect Santa Barbara Sunday, and a beautiful reminder that polo has been woven into the fabric of this community for more than 130 years. PHOTOS: LAUREN SHEARON

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SOCALLIFEMAG.COM I FALL 2026

The Champagne Flowed and the Rooftop Glowed n Southern California Life threw the ultimate magazine launch party for our summer issue, and the city’s brightest turned out in full force. The night marked a milestone worth toasting: the 40th anniversary of the iconic daytime drama “The Bold and the Beautiful,” whose stars and storylines have kept us tuning in for four decades.

Lang, along a myriad of the show’s illustrious celebrities. Southern California’s 25 most notable names joined the party and were honored as our Icons of Influence, sipping and clinking glasses of AXR wines well into the evening. Setting a vibrant mood from the first beat, DJ Shai kept the energy soaring as guests took to the dance floor.

Perched above the city at LaPeer Hotel, guests mingled and soaked up sweeping views while celebrating an issue packed with star power, including guests Bradley Bell, Katherine Kelly

From the toasts to the skyline backdrop, it was an unforgettable night celebrating four decades of daytime drama and the people who have made the show a success. v

SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

FALL 2026

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L.A WALKING TOURS

‘LA EXPLAINED’ WALKING TOURS ARE A HOT TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION BY MICHELE STUEVEN

harlie Ryan and partner Thom Vest have taken their fun, friendly and wildly popular LA Explained Instagram account, celebrating LA’s past, present and future in countless photos, and expanded it from a digital footprint into one of the city’s best walking tours. The immersive and conversational strolls cover areas like Rustic Canyon, Echo Park, Hollywoodland, Venice Beach, Angelino Heights, Hancock Park, Highland Park, Downtown LA’s Historic Core, Historic West Hollywood and Pasadena. The tours have attracted more than 2,500 looky-loos since the beginning of the year. LA native Ryan, who spent years in the Hollywood and fashion communications fields and knows every inch of the city, leads the meticulously researched tours that last about two hours, energetically focusing a lot on architecture and local history. “Running LA Explained, I feel like I’ve been to all of these historic places like Chasen’s and The Brown Derby,” Ryan, who was born at Cedars Sinai and has lived everywhere from Windsor Square to Franklin Village and

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PHOTO: MICHELE STUEVEN

“ R U N N I N G LA E XP L A I NED, I F E E L LI K E I ’ V E BEEN TO A L L O F T H E S E H I S TO RI C P L A C ES LI K E C H A S E N ’S A ND THE B R O W N D E R B Y . ” -CHARLIE RYAN

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM I

PHOTOS: LA EXPLAINED

FALL 2026

Whitley Heights, told LA Weekly. “It’s the most fun job I’ve ever had. Every day there’s a new surprise. I have followers who recognize themselves and family members in our posts.” The Silver Lake tour starts outside the historic 1923 Paramour Estate, which was the recent site of the controversial Noma LA dinners. The walk featuring the Moreno Highlands neighborhood continues down to and around the reservoir and includes the highest concentration of LA architectural history in one place. It starts with a walk past the tiny first home that famed architect John Lautner built for himself and his wife in 1940 and winds along roads with noted works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolf M. Schindler, Paul R. Williams, Gregory Ain and Richard Neutra. Ryan explains the history behind the Case Study Houses, a series of 36 experimental, postwar residential prototypes commissioned by Arts & Architecture magazine from 1945 to 1966, and some of the behind-the-scenes drama and architectural intrigue of the era. >>

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SIGNATURES & LANDMARKS

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

PHOTOS: LA EXPLAINED

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FALL 2026

“W E HAV E A N E CLE C T I C CRO S S -S EC TI ON O F WA L K ERS O B SE SS E D WI T H LA T H AT J O I N THE TOU RS A ND ENGAGE IN LIVELY CONVERSATIONS. WE LEARN EVEN M O R E T H R O U G H T H O S E C O NVERS ATI O NS. ”

“We have an eclectic cross-section of walkers obsessed with LA that join the tours and engage in lively conversations,” Ryan said. “We learn even more through those conversations. The other day, we had the grandson of the founder of Golden State Mutual Insurance, which had its headquarters in a Paul Williams-designed building that is still standing at Adams and Western.” There are three Schindlers on the comprehensive walk, 11 Neutra properties (nine in the Neutra Colony, the Tree-Tops complex by his son Dion, and then the landmarked VDL Studio & Residences). You’ll also pass two from Gregory Ain (Daniel House, Greene House), one Raphael Soriano (Spencer Austrian House), one Robert Farquhar (Paramour Estate), one Eric Lloyd Wright remodel (Ross House), and three John Lautner properties (his personal residence, Silvertop and Baldwin House,) plus one Harwell Hamilton Harris (Alexander House). The Silver Lake tour is a leisurely wellness walk that includes plenty of historic staircases and inclines. It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water, but if you happen to forget and catch a weekend tour, there are lemonade stands dotting the streets along the way that were thoughtfully named by Scottish developers after Sir Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe. v laexplained.com

FEB 6 The Ten Tenors 10 The String Queens 13 Steve Poltz 21 #IMOMSOHARD 26 Count Basie Orchestra 27 Trailblazers | Chris Schell, Urban Ecologist MAR 6 Brian Regan 8 George Thorogood & The Destroyers 13 Pink Martini 14 Paul Taylor Dance Company 26 Il Divo by Candlelight 27 Kathleen Madigan 28 Gregorian APR 10 The Doo Wop Project 12 John Crist Live 17 Trailblazers | Cody Paige, Engineer 18 Yachtley Crew 25 Dinosaur World Live!

WINTER/SPRING SEASON 2026 3/13

MAY 1 Phat Cat Swinger 2 & 3 I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce

2/10

2/13

2/21

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2/27

3/8

3/26

3/27

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4/18

4/25

5/2 & 5/3

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New events added all year! For up-to-date listing, check

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FAMILY FUN

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FALL 2026

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SMALL BRICKS, BIG DAY: LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA BY LAUREN STURMAN

here are theme parks that promise a great day and deliver an exhausting one, and then there is Legoland California in Carlsbad. This one actually delivers. Spread across 128 acres just north of San Diego, Legoland has quietly earned its place as one of Southern California’s most beloved family destinations. The park is designed specifically for children ages two through twelve, which is part of what makes it work so well. Unlike larger, more overwhelming theme parks where the scale alone can feel like too much, Legoland is sized just right. It is big enough to fill a full day with ease, and surprisingly expansive once you are inside, but never so large that it becomes too stressful to navigate. From the moment you walk through the gates, colorful LEGO creations greet you around every corner, and the energy is cheerful, imaginative and genuinely fun for the whole family. With more than sixty rides, shows and attractions built around the iconic brick, there is plenty to keep everyone busy. Gentle coasters and water rides keep the

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

younger ones happy, while hands-on building experiences give kids the chance to flex their creativity in real time. The undisputed star of a recent visit was Galacticoaster, the park’s brand-new indoor, space-themed roller coaster and its first new coaster in nearly twenty years. It is easily the highlight of the day, delivering enough speed and excitement to genuinely thrill adults while keeping the experience squarely within family-friendly territory. It strikes that rare balance that theme park designers always aim for and do not always achieve. Ride it early before the lines build. For a slower change of pace, the boat ride is an unexpected pleasure. It offers the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and cruise past some of the park’s most incredibly detailed LEGO sculptures at a pace that actually lets you appreciate them. In the middle of a busy, active day, it is a welcome breath of fresh air and one of those experiences that quietly becomes a favorite memory of the trip. No visit to Legoland would be complete without spending time at Miniland USA, the park’s perennial centerpiece. Intricate LEGO recreations of American cities and landmarks, built from millions of individual bricks, make up an exhibit that is as impressive for the adults as it is for the kids. The craftsmanship is extraordinary and the detail is the kind that rewards a slow, unhurried walk through. For families looking to extend the day, a water park and aquarium are also available on the property, making it easy to turn a single-day visit into a fuller experience. And the surrounding Carlsbad area adds considerable charm to any trip. Beautiful beaches, a walkable village with great restaurants and boutique shops, and a generally relaxed coastal atmosphere make Carlsbad a destination worth settling into for a night or two rather than simply passing through. A few practical notes before you go: parking is plentiful, so save your money and opt for regular selfparking rather than the upgrade. And plan on a full day. This is not a park you want to rush. Give yourself the time to wander, build, ride and soak it all in. v legoland.com/california

THE WAY FORWARD

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A MINDFUL GUIDE TO LEGAL CLARITY, EMOTIONAL WELLNESS, AND PERSONAL RENEWAL

IS DIVORCE THE RIGHT CALL? BY DAVID J. GLASS, ESQ, PHD

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

Do You Enjoy Spending Time with Your Spouse?

> Do you and your current spouse share any special activities together, such as sports, hobbies and social engagements, or do you carry out a family life where everything is separate? For instance, maybe your wife is always heading out for “girls’ nights” and leaving you behind. Maybe your husband blocks you out of his exercise classes, even though you’d enjoy sharing that experience with him. Maybe you take most of your vacations separately, only going out together about once a year. Some couples are happy to stay married but live separate lives. However, for most of us, that’s a sure sign we’re not happy with our spouse. If we’re not doing anything to reinforce our bonds, how do we even know those bonds are still there? Do You Have a Good Sex Life?

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FALL 2026

> Everyone is going to have a different answer to this question, but as much as it might make us blush, it’s an important one to ask. Are you having enough sex? Is it interesting? Is it fun, or does it feel like a chore? It’s up to you to decide how much each of these questions matters, but the state of your sex life can often serve as a good barometer for the overall health of your relationship. Politics, anger, frustration — all of it comes out in your sex life. Did You Try Everything?

lthough I may be a divorce lawyer, I have no interest in breaking up a marriage that could be saved. Whenever a potential client comes into my office contemplating divorce, I ask them a series of questions before agreeing to partner with them.

Is Your Relationship Fifty-Fifty?

> No one has a perfectly balanced fifty-fifty relationship, but ideally, it falls somewhere near this ratio. A good relationship relies on partners bearing equal amounts of responsibility and responsiveness. You and your spouse are supposed to care about each other and what you’re building together. If one of you is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting, neither of you is likely as happy as you might think.

> Have you given it your all to try and save your marriage: counseling, an intimate vacation together, even a short break to get some perspective? Usually when I ask my prospective clients this question, I get some variation of the same response: “There’s nothing to save here.” However, every once in a while, someone will look across the desk at me and say, “I don’t know. I mean, we didn’t really try anything.” When I hear that, I immediately send that person out of my office with a referral for a good marriage counselor. Then, a few months later, I often get an email from them thanking me for the referral and saying that it saved their marriage. Often, relationships fail because people don’t know the resources they have available to them. Perhaps they’ve heard of marriage counseling, but they have a negative view of what therapy is for or don’t think it will help them. This often leads to impulsive decisions; when something goes wrong, rather than try to fix it, the disgruntled partner will start looking for a way out, which eventually leads them to my office. If I can help someone reconsider the path they’re on and commit to working out their differences, then I’ve done my job — if not as a lawyer, then as a decent human being. That said, the sad truth is that sometimes divorce is the best option. If you’ve worked through these questions, and your answers continually skewed toward the negative, then you’re likely better off separating and starting over. v epggblaw.com

Generations of Fun and Happiness in Pismo Beach. For decades, Pismo Beach has been a happiness haven. Its golden sands and gentle waves soothe souls, while nearby wineries and top-notch restaurants tempt taste buds. Kids play on the beach, surfers chase the waves, and couples savor sunsets. The town’s laid-back vibe, turns every visit into a joyful escape. In Pismo Beach, happiness isn’t just a feeling— it’s the rhythm of the tide and the taste of the region.

Visit ExperiencePismoBeach.com for Seasonal Lodging Specials!

Come stay with us soon!

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PROFILE

YVONNE

SHAI’LA

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FALL 2026

THE WOMAN WHO MOVES THE ROOM

djshai.info I shailayvonne.com IG: @dj.shai

FALL 2026

booth and in front of the camera has also landed her national campaigns for brands including Verizon, Nike, Levi’s and AT&T. For more than eight years, Shai has also worked in fitness, first as a cycling instructor at SoulCycle and Equinox, later teaching internationally in China, and eventually building her own fitness experiences in Los Angeles. In 2023, Shai founded Girls Gone Active, a fitness and social community for women that has since grown to more than six hundred members. It would be tempting to think of this as two separate careers, running along on parallel tracks. But that’s not quite right. If you watch her closely enough, you’ll see it’s really one instinct wearing two different coats. That, more than any list of brands or stages or famous names, is the real measure of what she has built. Whether she is behind a set of decks or leading a room through a workout, the goal is the same: to read the energy in front of her, and to shift it toward something better. Music and movement, in her life, have simply always been two verses of the same song. v

PHOTO: MATAYA DADE / MAKEUP: SHARON QUEZADA

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

lot of DJs can make a track sound good. Few of them will understand why a room of different people, different ages, different histories, might need different things at different moments, or to make it all feel like one room instead of many. That is sociology, if you want to call it something. Shai'La Yvonne just calls it doing her job. You may know her as DJ Shai. That is the name on the flyers, the name Netflix and Nike and L’Oréal have called when they needed someone who could read a room the way a good preacher reads a congregation, knowing exactly when to build, when to hold back, when to let the whole place exhale together. In June of 2025, Los Angeles Magazine took notice of Shai, featuring her in its “Leaders of Pride” coverage, a recognition of the full breadth of her work across DJing, entrepreneurship, fitness and community building. It is the kind of recognition that tends to arrive only after years of unglamorous, unremarked-upon effort, the sort nobody sees until the results are impossible to ignore. Before she was DJ Shai, she was a girl from the Bay Area who went off to UC Santa Barbara to study Sociology and Black Studies. She was always paying attention to people, long before she ever touched a mixer. Today, she has been at this over a decade now, and in that time, she has built what people in the business call an open-format sound; it’s a fancy way of saying she refuses to be boxed into one genre. Hip-hop bleeds into afrobeats, which bleeds into a house groove, which somehow makes perfect sense next to a throwback everyone in the room suddenly remembers loving. It takes skill to move between worlds like that without losing anyone along the way. It also takes an instinct for people, the same instinct she was quietly building back in those sociology classrooms. That instinct has carried her into luxury events and nightlife, onto festival stages, into brand activations for Armani, Nike, Sephora, Virgin Voyages, Universal Studios Hollywood, and a client list that reads like a run-through of American culture itself. In the spring of 2026, it carried her to Coachella with Coca-Cola, which is the kind of milestone a person spends years quietly working toward, even if nobody around her fully realizes it until the moment arrives. And she holds her own when DJing events for and alongside with people whose names most of us only see on screens: Zendaya, Angela Bassett, LeBron James, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper, Lena Waithe, Paris Hilton, Amber Riley. Stepping out from behind the DJ

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PHOTO: ROBBIE NERO

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SPA & WELLNESS

THE ART OF TAKING A BREAK:

SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

FALL 2026

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY SPA EXPERIENCES

n a region that moves as fast as Southern California, slowing down can feel like a radical act. Between the packed freeways, packed calendars, and the quiet pressure to always be doing more, rest has somehow become the thing we save for later. But later has a way of never arriving. The truth is that self-care isn't a luxury reserved for special occasions or milestone birthdays. It is maintenance. It is clarity. It is the thing that makes everything else possible. Southern California, for all its frenetic energy, also happens to be one of the most extraordinary places in the world to exhale. From the desert stillness of Palm Springs to the salt-kissed calm of the Santa Barbara coast, from the canyon retreats tucked above Malibu to the sleek wellness sanctuaries woven into the heart of Los Angeles, this region has quietly become a destination for some of the most remarkable spa experiences anywhere. World-class therapists, visionary wellness concepts and settings of almost unreasonable beauty have made Southern California a place where restoration isn’t just available, it is an art form.

MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA AVIARA / PHOTO: ZACK BENSON GUERLAIN WELLNESS SPA / PHOTO: TANVEER BADA

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n Set along the oceanfront in Surf City USA, this luxury resort offers a seamless blend of laid-back California living and elevated, results-driven wellness, anchored by its standout Pacific Waters Spa. The spa stands out as a top wellness destination with offerings not available anywhere else locally, including data-driven, personalized wellness through Evolt 360 body composition technology, organic ocean-inspired ingredients, advanced holistic therapies and dedicated treatment areas. Wellness extends past the spa through the adjoining 24-hour fitness center that includes state-of-theart cardio equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, Peloton bikes, stationary bikes, free weights, resistance machines and a stretching area. Direct beach access encourages movement and mindfulness, from beach walks to outdoor fitness along eight miles of coastline. Blending measurable wellness innovation with the restorative power of the Pacific, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach delivers a spa experience that is both deeply personalized and distinctly California.

HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT AND SPA

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02 THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA SANTA BARBARA

04 GUERLAIN WELLNESS SPA AT REGENT SANTA MONICA BEACH

n Perched along California’s scenic coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s spa is a 42,000-square-foot sanctuary designed for deep relaxation, renewal and holistic wellness. Located within the resort’s expansive 78-acre property, the spa pairs luxurious treatments with an inviting indoor-outdoor setting and sweeping views of Santa Barbara. Guests can unwind with a full selection of amenities including an adults-only pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge, fireside lounges and rooftop terrace, transforming a spa visit into a full-day escape. The treatment menu offers an extensive range of massages, facials, body treatments, couples experiences, and wellness services. Signature offerings include the Citrus Avocado Body Scrub, Golden Hour Collagen Massage, and Elemis Expert Tech Sculpt + Firm

Facial. For an extra layer of relaxation, the spa offers innovative enhancements including Theraface LED Masks, Recovery Air Jetboots and virtual-reality meditation. The resort recently introduced its Resort Club Membership, a new lifestyle program designed for those seeking the coveted balance of wellness, relaxation, recreation and social connection. The membership offers exclusive access to the resort’s most sought-after amenities including the spa, fitness center and wellness classes while also providing annual spa credits for treatments, products and services. Whether relaxing at the spa, enjoying ocean-view dining, staying active on the tennis courts, or spending the day poolside, members gain access to a truly luxurious coastal experience rooted in the authenticity of California’s central coast.

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AARNA SPA AT PASÉA HOTEL & SPA

PHOTO: THE MERITAGE COLLECTION

PHOTO: TANVEER BADA

leaving the soul elevated and the skin with a luminous, natural glow. For those seeking visible, lasting results, Skin Perfection merges Guerlain’s cutting-edge facialist expertise with HydraFacial technology to deliver deep cleansing, exfoliation, detoxification and hydration, restoring skin that feels soft, radiant and deeply nourished. And for a truly modern approach to ageless beauty, Skin Surfing harnesses advanced radio frequency technology, sending soothing warmth deep into the skin to combat signs of aging, restore firmness and deliver an immediate, sun-kissed radiance that lingers long after you leave.

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n Guerlain’s expert therapists offer a range of rituals and treatments inspired by the house's nearly 200-year heritage, incorporating rare orchids, healing bee products and advanced skincare expertise. Along with their menu of massages, facials and body treatments, three exclusive experiences have been created specifically for Regent Santa Monica Beach, each inspired by the resort’s coastal setting and the restorative rhythm of the Pacific Ocean. The Crystal Vibes ritual invites guests to surrender on a mattress filled with precious gems, enhanced by a crystal sound bath that channels positive energy and inner peace,

rooms, or the unique Salt Room featuring a striking Himalayan salt wall. Outdoors, the private Spa Garden offers a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush greenery, with fire pits and food and beverage service. For those looking to make wellness part of their regular routine, the Aarna Oasis Membership offers locals an easy way to turn a spa day into a lifestyle, with access to exclusive offers, spa amenities, curated benefits, events and activations. The spa also keeps its programming fresh with monthly wellness experiences, from complimentary express facials with Los Angeles skincare brand Arcona to Sip, Shop & Spa events combining boutique shopping, wine tastings and mini treatments. Paired with Huntington Beach’s bike paths, surf lessons, beach fire pits and year-round sunshine, Aarna offers a restorative way to embrace the destination’s signature slower, more balanced pace.

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n Discover a tranquil coastal escape at Aarna Spa, the serene wellness sanctuary at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. Inspired by the natural beauty, rituals and restorative spirit of Bali, Aarna Spa offers a curated menu of signature massages, body treatments, rejuvenating facials and holistic wellness experiences designed to restore balance to body, mind and spirit. Blending Huntington Beach’s laid-back surf culture with the rituals and artistry of Bali, Aarna, named for the Sanskrit word for “wave” or “ocean,” is just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Thoughtfully designed treatment rooms are named for flowers found in Bali, while handcarved Balinese doors, teak emblems, ceremonial fabrics, vintage dancer paintings and photography create an immersive setting that feels transportive yet connected to the destination. Guests can unwind in the expansive relaxation lounge, luxurious sauna and steam

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n Tucked across 1.5 acres in the heart of Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione is a sun-drenched oasis of secret gardens, shimmering pools, quiet lounges and softly trickling fountains. Originally built in the 1920s by Scottish painter Gordon Coutts as a Moroccan-style hideaway, the property has long magnetized artists, musicians, and free spirits — celebrating its centennial in 2024 with the same bohemian soul it has always carried. Today, this adultsonly retreat continues its legacy as a creative sanctuary, with 28 individually designed bungalows, guesthouses and villas steeped in Mediterranean and Moroccan influence. Korakia deepens its wellness offering with the introduction of a new spa and wellness enclave inspired by the elemental landscape of the desert — the sun, the mountain winds, the surrounding peaks, fault lines and

06 MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA AVIARA

PHOTO: ZACK BENSON

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KORAKIA PENSIONE PALM SPRINGS geothermal waters beneath. Designed to heighten the body’s natural restorative process, the experience guides guests through a considered sequence of dry heat, wet sauna, exfoliation, massage, aromatherapy and facial treatments. A new outdoor fitness area, seamlessly woven into the property’s gardens, offers an open-air setting for movement and recovery beneath the palms and endless desert sky. Mornings unfold at their own unhurried pace with leisurely breakfasts in the Moroccan courtyard, yoga beneath the clear blue sky, or restorative sound baths as the desert awakens. Guests sip mint tea beside fire pits or settle into the library, and those drawn to adventure can explore the sacred grounds and waterfalls of nearby Tahquitz Canyon or ride horseback through the sweeping beauty of Murray Canyon.

n Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara brings Miraval Resorts’ signature mindfulness and wellness experiences to Southern California’s picturesque Pacific coast, set within the iconic AAA Five Diamond Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. The spa offers an expansive menu of globally inspired treatments, from the coastal-inspired Ocean Song body ritual and Warrior’s Recovery massage to energy therapies, skin and nail care and restorative experiences. Guests can complement treatments with daily activities such as meditation, breathwork, sound bathing and chakra balancing, alongside fitness offerings including aerial yoga, bungee fitness and pilates.

The expansive facilities feature tranquil indoor and outdoor treatment spaces, sauna and steam rooms, an adults-only ocean-view pool deck, yoga and Pilates studios, and a state-of-theart fitness center. For a deeper reset, customizable three- and five- day itineraries encourage guests to build a wellness journey around their individual intentions. Community members can also embrace the Miraval lifestyle through a membership program offering fitness, yoga, meditation, culinary and nutrition classes, plus preferred access to events, dining and golf. Together, the spa’s treatments, programming and coastal setting create a destination designed to inspire balance, restoration and mindful living. v

Where restorative spa rituals meet modern wellness treatments Set against the quiet of the ranch

Featuring

M A L I B U , C A L I FO R N I A Scan For More Info

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AT REMEDY LOUNGE IN LA JOLLA, DRINKING IS MINDFUL A fully dry bar offers elixirs for the body. BY FIONA CHANDRA / PHOTOS BY ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA SOCALLIFEMAG.COM I

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s health and wellness are at the top of everyone’s minds, today’s drinking culture has shifted toward nonalcoholic beverages. Most cocktail bars and restaurants have incorporated zero-proof cocktails on their menus and canned versions are available at most retailers. Yet a fully dry bar is still hard to come by in Southern California. Enter Remedy Lounge. A serene and intimate lounge located within the resort Estancia La Jolla, Hotel & Spa, the interior of Remedy Lounge is lush with hanging plants and dried flowers, but what really makes this lounge stand out is that the focus on wellness goes beyond just removing alcohol from the menu: they’re making drinks that are meant to improve your health. Inspired by apothecaries of yesteryear, Remedy Lounge offers what it calls elixirs, carefully crafted to incorporate an active dose of adaptogens or supplements. Each of the four elixirs on the menu includes ingredients that enhance what lead beverage developer Luis Tovar Zarate considers the four most important aspects of your body: heart, mind, reproductive system and cellular energy. Inside the beautifully light blue-hued drink, The Phoenix, are antioxidant-rich blue spirulina and NAD+ which boosts cellular energy. The drink, The Architect, combines vanilla spice tea with cacao, lavender, and rose enhanced with blue lotus and pineal guard that relax the mind and improve focus. Another elixir contains supplements that promote heart health, while the last incorporates a custom tea blend designed to support the reproductive system. The wellness-based ingredients Zarate uses in his drinks are ones of personal experience. Zarate started researching nutraceuticals after years of working in nightlife and feeling the impact on his mind and body. He only incorporates the supplements and adaptogens that he has found to be helpful over the years, like liposomal NAD+. “By the time we hit 30, our NAD+ levels drop about 30%,” Zarate said. >>

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“ T HE GO A L O F R E M E DY LO U NGE I S TO O P EN U P PEO PL E’S AWA R E N E S S. I T’S NO T GO I NG TO BE SO M E T H I N G T H AT YO U D R INK O NC E A ND I T’S A B S O L U T E L Y G O I N G T O H E A L Y O U . ” -LUIS TOVAR ZARATE

When Estancia La Jolla saw the growing need for an inclusive gathering space that caters to the zeroproof consumers, Zarate took it as an opportunity to take it a step further and create a wellness-based program that incorporates the ingredients that have helped him. Zarate thinks that the future of mixology lies in crafting drinks that don’t just make you feel good in the moment, but “that affect your body in a positive way.” Estancia La Jolla’s culinary team has also designed a similarly health-focused food menu, from small plates like kanpachi crudo packed with omega-3s topped with forbidden rice to vegetable curry samosas. The elixirs at Remedy Lounge aren’t just good for you, they are also complex and, most importantly, delicious. Even for those who are only sober-curious or don’t typically avoid alcohol, the elixirs are still well worth trying. Part of that is choosing the supplements that would work cohesively in a drink. “There were definitely some things I wanted to use, but I couldn’t just because of the taste or the texture,” Zarate said. In addition, the drinks have been crafted to ensure that the taste and texture result in an enjoyable drinking experience, “so it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking medicine.” For The Architect, Zarate makes a distillate of cacao, lavender, rose and sage, which not only all work together well with the adaptogens he adds, but individually contribute as a stress reliever. His use of ceremonial cacao gives the drink a nice backbone and velvety mouthfeel. Another drink, The Pistil, is a refreshing option with smoked pineapple and Zarate’s housemade grapefruit tonic. Aiming to be an inclusive space, Remedy Lounge also offers four non-alcoholic cocktails without the functional enhancements for guests who want to opt

out of the supplements. But these aren’t your standard mocktails; instead, they are crafted with the same effort Zarate puts into the elixirs. The Affection Expression, made with lychee, dragonfruit and housemade zero-proof elderflower liqueur, is a showstopper. Reminiscent of the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast, it’s a fuchsia-colored drink with a roseshaped ice served inside a glass dome. After all, simple mocktails aren’t enough to draw the sober audience out anymore. People are looking for drinks they can’t get at home and flavors they can’t replicate. While each elixir contains an active dose, just drinking it once won’t be a magical cure, of course. The goal of Remedy Lounge is to open up people’s awareness. “It’s not going to be something that you drink once and it’s absolutely going to heal you,” Zarate said, “These are things that are meant to educate.” His goal is to offer his guests “new tools that they can wield to just have a better quality of life.” v

REMEDY LOUNGE

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 412-0500 estancialajolla.com

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TEMECULA CREEK INN: A SERENE PARADISE Tucked away in beautiful Temecula wine country, surrounded by more than 300 acres of rolling hills and centuries-old oak trees, sits Temecula Creek Inn, where charm meets simple luxury, for a weekend of food, wine and, of course, their signature golf. BY BRIDGET GRAHAM

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ocated halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, this lovely inn features 123 newly remodeled guest rooms and suites, each with a private patio or balcony; it feels hidden but yet provides accessibility to Temecula’s wine country, Old Town, and other local activities. This is a true Southern California escape blending nature, recreation and relaxation. Let’s start at the heart of the resort — golfing. The award-winning 27-hole championship golf course is split across three distinct nine-hole courses: Oaks, Creek and Stonehouse. Oaks provides a more traditional course; Creeks is a friendly fairway with an open layout; Stonehouse is the most challenging and demands precise tee shots due to the dramatic changes in elevation and bends. The Inn’s driving range gives the opportunity for perfecting your swing and is designed for golfers of all skill levels. And the Putting and Chipping Green facility is designed to motivate golfers to practice that precision on the meticulously maintained greens. The courses welcome frequent tournaments, and membership is an option. The outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center is also available around those tee times. The Grab&Go food cart located nearby

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“ST O NE H O US E H O S T S U P TO 2 70 GU ES TS, WA S B U ILT I N T H E LAT E 1 8 0 0 S, A ND I S S U RROU NDED BY O L D O A K T R E E ; I T S I TS O N L A NDS C A P ED L AW NS F O R A P I C T UR E S Q U E MEMORY. ” makes it easy to stay lounging all day without having to worry about missing the sun by serving fresh bites, snacks, coffee and cocktails. A hiking/walking trail lets you get those steps in if you used the golf cart, and for a delight, visit the on-site butterfly habitat. Temecula Creek Inn takes pride in the delicious, garden-to-flame fresh food served to both guests and locals. The Lounge offers craft cocktails, rotating beer taps and, of course, local wines for relaxing after the day’s activities and socializing before dinner. Another spot, The Patio, offers covered dining with a stone fireplace, views of the golf course and cocktails of the month, made with fresh ingredients from the garden. However, it is their restaurant Corkfire that is the jewel. This is California cuisine at its finest serving fresh, ingredient-driven food shaped by the seasons. These are dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the chef’s garden. Overlooking the golf course, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor tables for brunch and dinner. Brunch includes entrees such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Focaccia French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, or a delicious Prime Rib Filly sandwich or juicy burger. At dinner, try the Roasted Chicken entree at dinner, with pea puree, summer squash, heirloom carrots and herb pistou, or

the Herb Roasted Prime Rib (only available on Wednesdays and Fridays) for delicious fare. The entrees are subject to change because Executive Chef Jonathan Alcala insists on using fresh ingredients, so visiting Corkfire when even just passing through town is well worth the stop to check out the current menu. Temecula Creek Inn is also the perfect backdrop for a wedding or social event with the secluded ambiance throughout the property. Stone House hosts up to 270 guests, was built in the late 1800s, and is surrounded by old oak tree; it sits on landscaped lawns for a picturesque memory. The Meadows is nestled between eucalyptus, oak and magnolia trees, includes a waterfall feature and hosts up to 150. And for those looking for a small intimate gathering, Quarry Room, located inside Corkfire will welcome up to 32. Temecula Creek Inn is simple luxury with no fuss. This feels like a hidden retreat with its beautiful surrounding grounds. v

TEMECULA CREEK INN

4501 Rainbow Canyon Rd Temecula, CA 92592 (888) 976-3404 temeculacreekinn.com

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Peltzer Winery

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40275 Calle Contento Temecula, CA 92591 (951) 888-2008 Peltzerwinery.com

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n Temecula is known as our SoCal wine country. And while there are many places to get your taste on, Peltzer Winery offers a unique experience with their low-key approach to great wine. A family-owned winery, located along the Calle Contento Trail, Peltzer Winery is a 25-acre property that combines a working farm atmosphere with a vineyard winery. This is a gathering space for tastings, weddings and seasonal events. This isn’t the typical Tuscan environment; it is an upscale, quaint farm feel with some vintage elements. Peltzer’s annual pumpkin farm every fall is a local favorite and brings in those to taste, hear music and pick pumpkins. The ice rink in the winter months continues the festivities. Throughout the year, there is live music, bingo nights and other fun activities. All ages welcome. However, on Fridays and Saturdays after 6 p.m., it switches to guests over 21 only. They host small weddings on the grounds as well. This is a spot to socialize in a unique environment complete with vintage and reclaimed materials throughout the space and a porch that overlooks the farm and vineyards. There is no pretention here. They want you to taste and find out what you like. They want you to ask questions about the wine. They want you to feel welcome. They want you to enjoy yourselves. And the wine? It is delicious. The Crush House Tasting Room is open daily. Their vineyard is driven toward warm-climate Mediterranean grapes; think Sangiovese, Barbera and Petite Sirah in boutique-style production. They serve up both red and white, and blends. But again, they encourage you to learn what you like and will walk you through the tasting experience — all while having some fun. This is a must visit in Temecula for a truly unique experience in wine country.

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MIDFIRST HOW BANK

BUILDING ON RELATIONSHIPS:

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BY MONIQUE REIDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP MACIAS

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“EVERY OPPORTUNITY BEGINS WITH A VISION AND A RELATIONSHIP. OUR ROLE IS TO UNDERSTAND THAT VISION AND PROVIDE THOUGHTFUL FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS THAT HELP MAKE IT POSSIBLE.”

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

< MASHA KAZNACHEY, DAVE COMFORT, JASON DiNAPOLI, JESSICA GRAHAM, GREG HADDAD

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HEN PEOPLE THINK OF BANKING, one institution stands apart for its scale, private ownership, operating philosophy and enduring commitment to the communities it serves. MidFirst Bank, the nation’s largest privately owned bank, brings a distinctive approach to relationship banking, supporting clients with a wide range of commercial and private banking services. Its trusted bankers help turn ambitious ideas into attainable realities, combining creativity, expertise and personal access at the moments that shape how people live. Across Southern California, something worth paying attention to is happening, one relationship at a time. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we visited homeowners and the bankers who helped bring their visions to life, often building on successful business relationships that grew to support clients’ personal dreams. The homes are strikingly different: hillside estates, contemporary coastal builds, thoughtful renovations and properties reimagined for a family’s next chapter. Yet each tells a remarkably similar story. Behind the architecture, blueprints and financing structures is a relationship built on trust, genuine understanding and someone who picked up the phone when it mattered. What most people don’t tell you about building or buying a home is that it is never just a transaction. It is one of the most personal things a person will ever do, and it requires someone on the financial side who understands not only the numbers but the people behind them: their ambitions, their complications, what they are really trying to build and why it matters so much to get it right. That philosophy has shaped MidFirst Bank’s presence in Southern California for more than two decades. Its bankers operate at the intersection of ambition and possibility, combining financial sophistication with the kind of personal access that is increasingly rare in banking. As the stories on the following pages make clear, the bank’s impact cannot be measured in business endeavors and homes

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financed alone. It lives in the confidence clients gain from having an accomplished advocate at the table, in relationships that outlast the closing documents and in communities elevated by what those partnerships make possible. The people behind the dream are the kind of partners others wish they had.

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VISIONS REALIZED MidFirst Bank’s Southern California roots date to 2004, when 1st Century Bank opened its doors. Jason DiNapoli and Alan Rothenberg helped build and grow 1st Century, then continued to lead the business after it became part of MidFirst Bank in 2016. Over the past two decades, they have helped expand MidFirst’s presence and capabilities across the state. DiNapoli, California President of MidFirst Bank, is passionate about building strong relationships that help clients achieve their business and personal financial goals. “Every opportunity begins with a vision and a relationship,” he said. “Our role is to understand that vision and provide thoughtful financial solutions that help make it possible. The financing is important, but the relationship is what makes projects successful.” That philosophy ties together the homes featured here. Each is different in style and story, but made possible by the same foundation: a banking relationship built on trust, patience and a genuine understanding of what a home means to the people who live in it. DiNapoli believes every community has its own personality, but all share a deep pride of place. “People here don’t simply buy houses,” he said. “They create homes that reflect their families, their lifestyles and their aspirations.” While each home is unique, he noted, all represent people investing in the communities they love. “Whether it’s a family renovating a forever home or someone building something entirely new, these projects contribute to the character of their neighborhoods,” he said. “We’re fortunate to work with clients who care deeply about where they live and want to leave something meaningful behind.” Under DiNapoli’s leadership, relationship banking, which combines business and personal financial needs, has become a proven model. Many MidFirst

“WE’RE FORTUNATE TO WORK WITH CLIENTS WHO CARE DEEPLY ABOUT WHERE THEY LIVE AND WANT TO LEAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL BEHIND.”

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Matt Guirguis has spent 30 years navigating the mortgage world, and he will tell you that most of it felt impersonal: numbers pulled, boxes checked, deal closed, next. When he met the MidFirst banking team around 2010, something was different from the first conversation. They wanted to understand his business model, his vision, what he had built and where he intended to go. He had never had a bank ask him any of that before. “It’s truly a personal relationship first that happens to fit into the business world, which is highly unusual these days.” Guirguis said. That conversation introduced him to Greg Haddad, the MidFirst banker who would come to know Guirguis as well as anyone in his professional and personal life. They became friends almost immediately, forging a closeness that extends well beyond banking. Their longstanding trust laid the groundwork for Haddad to assist Guirguis across multiple properties. Guirguis’ story does not begin in real estate. He immigrated to Santa Monica from the Middle East as a child, speaking three languages. He became a top Ford technician, worked in racing systems, taught aerobics, ballet and yoga, and created the largest Middle Eastern orchestra outside the Middle East, which performs at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Real estate was one more arena in which he decided to excel. Over time, Guirguis adopted a philosophy he later learned was called manifestation. He would drive through Santa Monica, spot a building he wanted to own and somehow it would find its way to him. He did not understand until his thirties that there was a technique behind what he had been doing all along. It became the foundation of everything he built. >>

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THE MANIFESTATION OF A DREAM: A PACIFIC PALISADES PORTAL

client relationships span years, and some extend across generations. “We’ve helped clients start and expand businesses, purchase homes, finance renovations and preserve and grow their legacy,” he said. “Being part of those milestones creates trust, and that’s something you can’t build overnight.”

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PHOTO: GEORGE EVAN

< MATT GUIRGUIS AND GREG HADDAD

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The Positano property in Pacific Palisades sits near the iconic Getty Villa. Guirguis has lived there for 18 years; he got married and had his daughter there. Eventually, he decided the property deserved something extraordinary. At its center is a pool that may be the only one of its kind anywhere, with unrestricted ocean views and a moving floor with an attached glass guardrail that rises and falls to allow two feet of water for children or full depth for swimming. “Putting a home like that on the hill,” Guirguis said, “took one miracle after another.” Through construction financing, COVID, economic upheaval and fires, Haddad and the MidFirst team were present and engaged at every turn. Guirguis’ hope for the finished property was simple: a space where his wife and daughter could open their own doors. None of it, he will tell you, would have been possible without the people who showed up every time it mattered.

> KARIN NAPEL, ALEXANDRA AND GEORGE BERAR

A HEALTH ESTATE TAKES ROOT IN HOPE RANCH, SANTA BARBARA George and Alexandra Berar never went looking for their property. They found it on a walk. Exploring a quiet stretch of Hope Ranch one afternoon, they stopped at a parcel where the land seemed to do the talking: the light, the slope, the ocean beyond it. They fell in love with the site before they had a single drawing of what would rise on it. What they eventually built was a health estate designed around how well a family lives and ages. Hospital-grade filtration, humidity control, oxygenated water, grounded floors, low-EMF electronics and circadian lighting became part of the home’s foundation, alongside a chlorine-free lap pool, gym, recovery room and sauna. Architect Kate Svensson translated farmhouse traditions, including gabled rooflines, stone and timber, into something contemporary, with walls of glass that dissolve the line between interior and garden. Interior designer Anne-Marie Barton brought an organic-modern sensibility that George said gave the home its soul: natural materials, warm neutrals and rooms shaped around daylight. General contractor Gavin Moores and the Center Point Development Group team carried that vision into reality with craftsmanship that matched its ambition. For Karin Napel, the MidFirst relationship manager who worked with the Berars, the scale

of the project was only part of the story. She had helped George and Alexandra with the original property purchase, and this was her third loan with the family. “I was very comfortable moving forward given the long banking and lending relationship,” Napel said. The complexity was real. Between the size of the build and the intricacy of its systems, Napel describes it as one of the more demanding projects she has overseen, requiring close attention on the financial and construction sides simultaneously. For George, that dual oversight was the difference between confidence and anxiety. “Every draw, every milestone, every phase was reviewed by a partner with real expertise,” he explained. “They didn’t just fund our home. They helped protect it into existence.” New construction in Santa Barbara is difficult by design, George noted, slowed by

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cost, long timelines and sustained project management. Just getting this one underway feels like its own quiet achievement. George is clear that the accomplishments belong to architects, builders, craftspeople and financial partners who carried the vision. The home is coming together beautifully. But the real foundation, as it turns out, is trust.

A MID-CENTURY FOOTHILLS HOME COMES FULL CIRCLE

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“ONCE CLIENTS EXPERIENCE THE SERVICE LEVELS AND EASE OF USE, WE END UP BEGINNING MANY LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS.”

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Kathryn and Chris Birch found their Santa Barbara property through their realtor, David Magid, who had been watching for something near the foothills. Chris had grown up in Santa Barbara and wanted a property reminiscent of the one he knew as a child. When this one surfaced, it fit. The Birches’ vision was never to erase what already existed, but to build on it. The home’s mid-century bones, tongue-and-groove ceilings, original roofline and simple, honest lines were worth preserving. What they wanted to add was flow: an inside-outside connection that matched how they lived. Kathryn wanted the house to move with Santa Barbara's outdoor rhythm, blurring the line between interior rooms and the surrounding landscape. The result is what she calls mid-century organic: a home that preserves its architectural intent while opening itself to the hills and nature around it. The project extended well beyond the main residence. Chris and Kathryn wanted a large property that included a barn and stables, an ambition that required a banking partner capable of understanding the entire vision, not merely the loan, as well as a construction team, Beachfront Construction, to bring it to life. >>

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> KATHRYN BIRCH

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MidFirst’s Matt Keenan understood that broader vision, structuring around the Birches’ needs rather than asking them to fit a conventional solution. “Once clients experience the service levels and ease of use, we end up beginning many long-term relationships,” Keenan said. Watching the project evolve was one of the more rewarding parts of Keenan’s job. “It’s always great to see a project go from conception to reality,” he said. “Being part of the team working to bring that to life is very rewarding.” He sees the finished home as a distillation of Santa Barbara itself. “Most people would say the character of Santa Barbara is in the Spanish and Mediterranean architecture,” Keenan said. “I think it’s more of an expression of relaxed sophistication and the showcasing of natural beauty. This home captures both.” Keenan notes that projects like this do not come together through financing THE LÖY HOUSE alone. It takes a full team, from architect to contractor to the MidFirst staff working behind the scenes. “Once the loan is structured and signed, you always remember the people,” he said. For the Birches, the home is a quiet return to something familiar, reimagined for how they live today and grounded in memory, land and the easy rhythm of the Santa Barbara foothills.

THE LÖY HOUSE: POINT LOMA’S WELLNESS RETREAT Before their Point Loma opportunity emerged, Josh and Nichole Allen had built a decade-long relationship with MidFirst. Their relationship banker, Derek Lau, supported their growth as entrepreneurs and real estate investors, giving the bank a clear understanding of their portfolio and goals and positioning it to act when the right property became available. The Allens were drawn to the property for one simple reason: the views were unbelievable. With sweeping sightlines of the ocean and downtown San Diego, the sunrises and sunsets alone made the case. The property had succeeded as an Airbnb, but the Allens saw an opportunity to elevate it into a special retreat. Their vision became the Löy House, a high-end wellness escape built around a luxury sauna and cold plunge, exercise equipment, an outdoor shower and space for relaxation. Its clean, calming coastal design blends Point Loma’s relaxed rhythm with Scandinavian sauna culture. It celebrates the best of San Diego: the ocean, great food, fitness and a genuine sense of well-being.

> DEREK LAU, JOSH AND NICHOLE ALLEN

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< RAMIRO BARDOT, LYNDSEY HUDGINS, DR . MANNY BARDOT

Villa Luna Rosa also begins with a full business and personal banking relationship. Lyndsey Hudgins has known Ramiro and Manny for 15 years, and they were among her earliest MidFirst clients. Today, the relationship spans Ramiro’s law firm, including its operating and IOLTA trust accounts, as well as the couple’s personal banking and credit needs. It reflects full-relationship banking: a holistic understanding of each client’s personal, professional and longterm goals. >>

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VILLA LUNA ROSA: A GLENDALE TEAR-DOWN REIMAGINED

VILLA LUNA ROSA

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“THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LEVEL OF TRUST AND PERSONAL ATTENTION THAT MADE AN INTIMIDATING PROCESS FEEL MANAGEABLE. SHE ALWAYS GETS THINGS DONE AND MAKES IT HAPPEN.”

Josh and Nichole have lived and worked in Point Loma for years, so building there was never in question. The historic seaside peninsula embraces outdoor living, health and good food in a way that matches what the Löy House was designed to offer. With panoramic views, the property sits at the heart of that identity. Behind the scenes, the deal carried complexity. The Allens juggle multiple businesses and a real estate portfolio, and their long relationship with Lau proved essential in underwriting that financial picture. “MidFirst was able to understand and underwrite their complex financials and help provide a seamless close,” Lau said. Purchasing the property from its previous owner could have been complicated, but the Allens said MidFirst made it feel effortless. “A smooth transaction and transition, allowed us to move forward with our vision confidently,” Josh said. After a decade of working together, trust and service define the partnership. Lau said such a long-term relationship gives clients certainty. “Our clients can rest assured that they have a banking partner that will be there every step of the way in their journey.” The Allens describe the Löy House as more than a beautiful vacation rental. It is a place where guests can slow down, focus on wellness and experience the best of San Diego living. Years from now, Lau said, he will take joy in knowing he helped his clients acquire a property that became part of their legacy.

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COVER FEATURE

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> GREG HADDAD, DAVE COMFORT, JASON DiNAPOLI

Ramiro was drawn to the Glendale property by what it lacked. He did not want a turnkey house where every decision had been made. He wanted good bones, room to grow and freedom to leave his imprint. Although far from finished, he could picture a courtyard, larger openings connecting the living areas to the garden, and a home that felt both intimate and expansive. Hudgins saw the same potential. Having watched Ramiro build his career as an attorney, she knew what he and Manny could create. “Their elevated sense of style, attention to detail and commitment to quality made it clear that the finished home would deliver both stunning aesthetics and significant long-term value,” she said. The vision was a warm and welcoming home, built around a courtyard with moving water, native plantings and fruit trees designed to draw birds and pollinators. Ramiro and Manny called it a modern Spanish and Moroccan revival, editing those traditions into something cleaner: handmade tile beside simple plaster, arched openings paired with contemporary lighting. The name Villa Luna Rosa reflects that sensibility, rooted in history but unmistakably their own. Midway through the renovation, the project needed additional capital. Hudgins and MidFirst worked with the couple to create a financing solution that allowed it to be completed. For Ramiro, the deeper value was the relationship. This was his first major real estate purchase, and he needed someone to translate options into a plan suited to where he was and where he was headed. “There has always been a level of trust and personal attention that made an intimidating process feel manageable,” he said. “She always gets things done and makes it happen.” Hudgins described the bond in almost familial terms. “While they are valued clients, they have become much more than that over the years. They feel like family,” she said. She believes real relationship banking, built on candor and continuity rather than pure transaction, has become rare and allows clients to move confidently through complex projects.

Both agree the home reflects something larger than architecture. Ramiro takes pride that one property, thoughtfully reimagined, became the forever home he once assumed would take several houses to reach. Hudgins’ favorite memory is more intimate: Ramiro and Manny opening box after box in a wholesale tile shop until they found the exact tiles for Villa Luna Rosa. “It makes me smile every time I think about it,” she said.

A LEGACY TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING Southern California has always attracted people with big ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. That continues today. “Clients’ businesses are thriving and their growing personal wealth is providing them the opportunity to invest in their personal real estate,” DiNapoli said. “This success and investment positively enhance our communities, and new generations are putting their own mark on the region.” For clients and communities that have known the bank for years, the message is simple: The founding principle of relationships first has remained constant. Clients can expect the same offerings, bankers and commitment that have defined the institution from its earliest days. In a world where it sometimes feels like nothing stays the same, that consistency is worth something. “The homes featured here reflect the ambition of the people who envisioned them and the strength of the relationships that helped bring them to life,” DiNapoli said. v

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Select profiles shot on location: 1200 Laurel Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Offered by Ginger Glass | DRE #01478465 Profile Photography: Philip Macias Photo Above: Paul Barnaby

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Great design does more than transform a space. It shapes the way we live, gather, work and experience the world around us. In our annual Masters of Design portfolio, Southern California Life celebrates the architects, interior designers, builders and creative visionaries defining design throughout the region. From inspired residences to remarkable commercial spaces, these are the people bringing thoughtful ideas to life and helping shape Southern California's landscape.

PHOTOS: MIKE P KELLEY DESIGN

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THE APPROACH Shannon Ggem sees creating a home as one of life’s great creative endeavors; she believes clients should enjoy the process. Their dreams, histories and even their bravery become the raw materials. Ggem Design translates those into spaces informed by architecture, landscape and a sense of place, filtered through quality, authenticity and restraint. The goal is a home that feels deeply personal and, ultimately, inevitable.

THE AESTHETIC There is no prescribed “Ggem look.” Instead, rooms feel collected rather than decorated, grounded in materials that improve with age and punctuated by something wonderful, odd, old or unexpected. Current obsessions include handmade tile, textured limestone, leather, murals, dimensional surfaces and rich reds alongside camel, tan and beige. Every choice answers the same question: Why does this belong in this house, for these people?

THE GO-TO’S Mohair velvet, linen drapery, embroidered textiles, vintage books, midcentury works on paper and “weird old frames” are perennial favorites. But Ggem believes the smartest investment comes before the purchases: clarity. Thoughtful interior design can eliminate costly mistakes and reveal better solutions. Once the foundation is right, she encourages individuality; keep the funny painting, embrace the color you’ve loved since childhood and reupholster Grandma’s weird chair.

THE MANTRA “Bravery is rewarded.” For Ggem, memorable interiors require confidence: the courage to move beyond sameness, trust personal instincts and make choices with meaning. The result isn’t simply a beautiful home, but a stronger, more authentic expression of the people who live there.

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Ggem Design Co

28914 Roadside Drive #203 Agoura Hills, CA 91201 shannonggem.com Phone: (213) 999-9907 IG: GgemDesign

SHANNON GGEM

Based in Agoura Hills, Shannon Ggem creates highly personal interiors rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place. Through Ggem Design Co, she approaches each home as a reflection of the people who inhabit it, favoring thoughtful choices, enduring materials and collected character over a prescribed aesthetic. A member of the Thermador Design Council, Ggem brings her distinctive perspective and expertise to conversations shaping the future of residential design.

“

Great design should feel inevitable.”

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SHANNON

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KEVIN TOUKOUMIDIS, AIA

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“

Great design should elevate everyday life.” KEVIN TOUKOUMIDIS, AIA

MASTERS of

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Kevin Toukoumidis, AIA, leads dSPACE Studio Architecture with a human-centered approach to modern residential design. Based in Santa Monica, his work explores the relationship between architecture, nature and well-being, creating highly personal homes that elevate the experience of everyday life.

PHOTO: PHILIP MACIAS

dSPACE Studio Architecture

2450 Colorado Ave. Suite 100E Santa Monica, CA 90404 dspacestudio.com Phone: (213) 588-3392 IG: dspace_studio

THE APPROACH At dSPACE Studio, every home begins with one question: How do you want to live? Rather than imposing a predetermined style, Kevin Toukoumidis and his team study each client’s routines, priorities and aspirations, allowing lifestyle and site to shape the architecture. The result is deeply personal — spaces designed not simply to look beautiful, but to make everyday life better.

THE AESTHETIC Warm modernism defines dSPACE’s point of view. Clean lines and rigorous geometries are softened with curves, organic forms and an intentional connection to nature. Drawing from neuroarchitecture and biophilic design, Toukoumidis considers how everything from coastal light and framed views to natural rhythms can influence mood, focus and even sleep, which creates homes that engage the senses and feel inherently restorative.

THE GO-TO’S Natural materials with character, including wood, stone, plaster and metals, develop a rich patina, bringing warmth and depth to dSPACE projects. Sculptural forms turn functional architecture into art, while high-performance windows are a worthy investment for the way they shape light, frame views and connect interiors with Southern California’s outdoors. Furniture and art, meanwhile, offer opportunities for playfulness and evolution.

THE MANTRA Toukoumidis believes architecture has the power to improve health, well-being and quality of life. From circadian lighting to meaningful connections with nature, every detail is considered through the lens of how it makes people feel and live. The ultimate goal: homes that are both inspiring and restorative.

PHOTO: KIM FOX PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: LAUREN ENGEL

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ERIK B.

DESIGN

PETERSON

“

Great design should be as minimal as needed to be functional and beautiful.” ERIK B. PETERSON

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As President of PHX ARCHITECTURE, Erik B. Peterson leads the awardwinning firm from its Scottsdale headquarters and Beverly Hills office, specializing in bespoke residential, luxury hospitality, private clubs and distinctive dining environments. A Chicago native, Peterson began his Southwest career with Taliesin Architects, Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm in Arizona, where he developed an appreciation for organic architecture and design rooted in place. Today, his work can be found throughout the U.S. and internationally.

PHX ARCHITECTURE

9696 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 205 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 phxarch.com Phone: (310) 626-4111 IG: phxarch

THE APPROACH Great architecture begins with listening. Rather than imposing a signature style, Peterson and his team begin by understanding how clients live, what inspires them and what they ultimately want to experience within a space. PHX’s concierge approach extends beyond architecture, coordinating interiors, landscape, consultants and contractors to deliver a highly personalized, whiteglove experience from concept through completion.

THE AESTHETIC Timeless, contextual and intentionally refined. Peterson gravitates toward natural and organic materials, expansive glass, innovative lighting and strong indoor-outdoor connections. Steel, copper and board-formed concrete frequently appear in PHX projects, softened and integrated to create warmth rather than a hard contemporary edge.

THE GO-TO’S Invest first in the elements that are hardest to change and foundational to the project: thoughtful space planning, proportion, natural light, quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Personality can then emerge through unexpected moments, from a dramatic wine room or wellness retreat to statement lighting and custom entertainment spaces.

THE MANTRA “Design with purpose. Serve with intention. Create lasting value.” For Peterson, great architecture begins with great relationships. Clients are entrusting the firm with something deeply personal, making listening, collaboration and service as important as the design itself. The goal is not only to create extraordinary spaces, but to make the journey equally rewarding, creating places that endure and relationships that continue long after a project is complete.

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PHOTO: KIM FOX PHOTOGRAPHY

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Great landscape design should reveal something about who we are while deepening our connection to the natural world, to ourselves and to one another.” JESSICA VIOLA

Based in Malibu, Jessica Viola, founder and principal designer of Viola Gardens, creates immersive landscapes that connect people more deeply to the natural world. Her work brings together artistry, ecology and an intuitive understanding of the land, resulting in gardens that are as beautiful and expressive as they are resilient and alive.

PHOTO: PHILIP MACIAS

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JESSICA VIOLA

THE APPROACH For Jessica Viola, landscape design begins with people: how they live, what moves them and how they want to experience the world around them. From there, she considers the garden as a living system, balancing habitat, water, soil, climate and resilience with architecture and beauty. Each project becomes a conversation between client, structure and land, resulting in gardens that feel personal, purposeful and alive.

THE AESTHETIC Viola’s work is defined more by feeling than a prescribed style. Organic, asymmetrical planting meets strong architectural gestures, with influences ranging from California and Mediterranean landscapes to modernism, sculptural forms and unexpected color. She approaches planting almost like painting, using repetition, texture, movement, form and negative space, while leaving room for something wild. Birds, butterflies and pollinators become part of an immersive landscape that evolves over time.

THE GO-TO’S Natural stone, reclaimed materials, wood, tile, gravel and custom details appear throughout Viola’s work, but planting remains the constant. She personally hand-places every plant in every garden her studio builds, responding intuitively to the architecture, land and individual plant. Healthy soil, thoughtful irrigation and considered planting provide the foundation; unexpected paving, art, color and hidden moments bring personality.

THE MANTRA “Head below heart, hands in the soil.” Viola’s philosophy is a reminder to lead with curiosity rather than ego and respect nature as a collaborator. For her, design is ultimately about possibility, the ability to restore habitat, build resilience and transform how people experience both a place and themselves within it.

Founder & Principal Designer, Viola Garden Malibu, CA violagardens.com Phone: (415) 722-0749 IG: violagardens

THE APPROACH

THE AESTHETIC

Symmetry creates balance and refinement, while velvet, linen and mohair introduce softness and depth. Senia favors neutral foundational pieces as an investment, allowing artwork, accessories and color to evolve over time. Secondary spaces provide opportunities to take greater risks with expressive art, lighting and unexpected accents.

THE MANTRA “We got this.” For Senia, it’s a philosophy of resilience — continuing to move forward through the inevitable challenges of business and life with confidence and focus.

Elite Maison

8122 S Maie Ave, Unit 1 Los Angeles, CA 90001 elitemaison.com Phone: (310) 901-3395

SAMANTHA SENIA

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THE GO-TO’S

“

Great design should always show your passion.”

Senia describes her style as modern luxury: sophisticated and current, but designed to last. She gravitates toward clean spaces with one or two pieces that command attention, often incorporating furniture she has designed for Elite Maison. Right now, texture is a major influence. From fabrics with subtle swirls and organic patterns to dimensional details that give a room more depth. The key, she says, is knowing when to stop. A statement piece should stand out without taking over the room.

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For Senia, luxury should always feel inviting and personal. She begins by understanding how clients envision living in a space, along with the colors, inspiration and atmosphere they naturally gravitate toward. From there, she develops distinct design directions that balance her expertise with the client’s personality, creating homes that feel inspiring, comfortable and authentically their own.

SAMANTHA SENIA

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With more than 18 years in luxury staging and interior design, Samantha Senia has transformed more than 20,000 homes across Southern California. The founder of one of Los Angeles’ leading luxury home staging companies, she translated that experience into Elite Maison, her luxury furniture and home décor brand, creating timeless, elevated pieces designed for beautiful, functional living.

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“

Great design should make an entrance and tell a beautiful visual story of wonderment.”

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MICHELLE BOUDREAU

Based in Palm Springs, Michelle Boudreau Design creates expressive residential interiors defined by bold individuality, architectural sensitivity and a sophisticated sense of discovery. Drawing inspiration from modernism, fashion, art and travel, Boudreau brings a distinctly curated point of view to each project, balancing timeless design with unexpected moments that make a space feel entirely its own.

MICHELLE BOUDREAU DESIGN

THE APPROACH Every project begins with listening. Boudreau considers how clients want to live, feel and move through their environments, while studying the architecture, setting and natural light to uncover each property’s potential. From there, thoughtful space planning, expressive materials, art and custom details translate the client’s vision into something refined, original and deeply personal.

THE AESTHETIC Boudreau describes her signature aesthetic as “refined with a streak of bold wonderment.” Rooted in modernism, her work thrives on tension: rare vintage pieces meet contemporary design, natural finishes contrast with mixed metals and strong architectural geometry is softened by organic forms. Currently, she’s exploring an elevated futurism through sculptural woods, expressive stone, dimensional textiles and atmospheric color.

THE GO-TO’S Custom millwork and furnishings are defining elements, from architectural cabinetry and integrated shelving to sculptural wall paneling. Natural woods, beautifully veined stone, handapplied plaster and detailed metalwork add depth, while lighting is treated almost like jewelry. Boudreau considers custom furnishings worth the investment but encourages clients to be especially adventurous with lighting, often the detail everyone remembers.

THE MANTRA Design with courage. Boldness doesn’t have to be loud; it can be an unexpected material, fearless color or one extraordinary detail that gives a room its identity.

Michelle Boudreau | Interior Design 1115 N Palm Canyaon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 michelleboudreaudesign.com Phone: (415) 471-4818 IG: michelleboudreaudesign

THE APPROACH

THE AESTHETIC

Well-proportioned windows and doors, warm wood, carefully selected stone and intentional lighting are recurring elements. Pablo believes indoor-outdoor space is always worth the investment, even carving out space for an atrium or patio when it can transform the surrounding rooms. For moments of personality, powder rooms offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with color, tile and unexpected materials.

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THE GO-TO’S

“

California contemporary defines KKC Fine Homes’ point of view. Natural light, indoor-outdoor living and relaxed gathering spaces create homes that feel refined without becoming formal. Warm woods, natural stone, textural tile and tactile finishes add character, while thoughtful connections to views, patios, decks and yards reflect the South Bay lifestyle.

Great design should be inconspicuous. If we’ve done our job right, it becomes the backdrop to a great way of living.” PABLO ESCUTIA

With a background spanning both architecture and construction, Pablo Escutia of KKC Fine Homes brings a comprehensive perspective to creating highly personalized residences throughout Southern California. Based in Hermosa Beach, his work is rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship and an understanding that a successful home should feel as good as it looks.

THE MANTRA

PHOTO: LAUREN TAYLOR

3216 Manhattan Ave Suite E Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 kkcfinehomes.com Phone: (310) 372-6027 IG: @kkcfinehomes

PHOTO: LAUREN TAYLOR

“Listen first, then build with intention.” For Pablo, the strongest projects come from a shared vision among the homeowner, architect, designer and builder. His role is to protect that vision throughout construction while remaining transparent about the decisions, costs and craftsmanship required to bring it to life.

KKC Fine Homes

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Every project begins with listening. Pablo uses early conversations to understand not only what clients are drawn to, but how they live, gather and move through their home. From there, his architectural and construction experience helps translate that vision into a cohesive design, carrying the original intent from the first decisions through the final details. The goal is a home that feels unmistakably personal to the people who live there.

PABLO ESCUTIA

PHOTO: STACEY HIDALGO

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BRYAN GOLD

THE APPROACH Aldik Home believes some of the most impactful design elements are also the most underestimated. A beautiful floral arrangement or custom artificial tree can completely transform the feeling of a room, introducing natural softness and warmth without the maintenance of living botanicals. Every piece is selected, or custom created, with an emphasis on realism, craftsmanship and how it will ultimately live within a client’s space.

THE AESTHETIC

“

Great design is about creating beauty that feels natural, timeless and at home in its surroundings.” BRYAN GOLD

For more than seven decades, family-owned Aldik Home has been a Southern California destination for lifelike botanicals, custom trees, luxury outdoor furnishings and seasonal décor. Founded by Richard “Dick” Gold, the company’s legacy continued through his son, Larry Gold, and today with third-generation Bryan Gold, carrying forward the family’s commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Inspired by Southern California’s effortless indooroutdoor lifestyle, Aldik Home embraces spaces that feel layered, inviting and connected to nature. The philosophy is simple: bring the natural beauty of the outdoors inside while extending the comfort and sophistication of the home outdoors, creating one seamless environment.

THE GO-TO’S Christmas at Aldik Home is an experience all its own. Each year, the Van Nuys showroom transforms into an immersive Winter Wonderland filled with more than 50 fully decorated trees, spectacular lighting displays, ornaments, ribbon and an expansive collection of extraordinarily realistic artificial trees. For many families, visiting has become a tradition passed from one generation to the next.

THE MANTRA Never compromise on quality. Trends evolve, but beautiful design, exceptional craftsmanship and genuine service endure. For Aldik Home, success comes from remaining passionate about the details while continually finding new ways to inspire customers and elevate the spaces they call home.

Aldik Home

7651 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91405 aldikhome.com IG: @aldikhome

THE APPROACH

THE GO-TO’S Inventive layouts, organic materials, bespoke lighting and custom millwork are recurring elements in Elizabeth’s work. Meaningful art and collected objects provide the final layer of soul. She considers quality cabinetry and thoughtful space planning essential investments, while lighting, wallpaper and hardware offer opportunities for personality and an unexpected touch.

THE MANTRA A well-designed home should care for the people who live there. For Elizabeth, success is creating a place that welcomes, restores and allows its inhabitants to truly exhale.

Elizabeth Crisfield | Interior Design Torrance, CA 90501 setonhomedesigns.com Phone: (310) 569-2964 IG: @setonhome

“

A home should do more than look beautiful. It should care for the people who live there.” ELIZABETH CRISFIELD

At Seton Home, Elizabeth Crisfield creates sophisticated interiors designed to be lived in and loved. Based in Southern California, her work blends timeless elegance with warmth and ease, grounded in the belief that a beautiful home can enhance everyday life.

FALL 2026

Clean and elegant, yet warm and approachable, Elizabeth’s interiors embody a sense of quiet luxury. Natural materials, organic textures and subtle architectural details that feel collected rather than overly designed. Currently, she’s drawn to expressive natural stones, tumbled limestone and richer earth-inspired hues that bring depth and permanence to a space.

THE AESTHETIC

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Every project begins with conversation. Elizabeth looks beyond the scope of work to understand how her clients actually live, including their routines, gathering places and what they need from their home. Rather than imposing a signature look, she interprets each client’s perspective through a thoughtful, timeless lens, creating spaces that feel distinctly their own.

ELIZABETH CRISFIELD

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BEVERLY HILLS

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A NEW ARCHITECTURAL ICON

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BEVERLY HILLS PHOTOS BY PAUL BARNABY

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BEVERLY HILLS

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Real Estate Roundup

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• Ginger Glass | DRE #01478465 | ginger.glass@compass.com P: (310) 927-9307 • Alexandra Glass | DRE #02158627 | P: (424) 666-9235

Beverly Hills 1200 Laurel Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 6 Beds | 9 Baths | 11,283 SF | 23,663 SF Lot Offered at $32,995,000

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EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN MEETS refined luxury in this new Beverly Hills architectural masterpiece. Perched in the lower hills with sweeping city skyline vistas, this ultraluxurious Beverly Hills architectural masterpiece opens via a grand, gated motor court with parking for six cars and a five-car garage, welcoming you into an entertainer's paradise designed for both glamorous events and intimate family evenings. Warm, modern finishes and soaring floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the main level, which features a formal living room, an elegant dining room and a spacious chef's kitchen boasting an expansive waterfall island that flows seamlessly into a sun-drenched family room. Glass pocket doors disappear to reveal oversized entertainer decks equipped with an elevator, outdoor kitchen and dining area, an infinityedge pool and spa and breathtaking city views. Main-floor luxury peaks in the primary suite, highlighting a magnificent custom wardrobe and dressing wing. Meanwhile, the lower level unfolds into a media room, a secondary family room with a bar, a gym and a full spa, complete with an indoor hot tub, sauna and cold plunge. Featuring three dedicated guest suites and staff quarters, this entire lower level surrounds an open, sunlit courtyard that floods every space with natural light. This is a rare opportunity to own a true trophy property, offering unparalleled design, privacy, resort level amenities and unmatched proximity to the very best of Beverly Hills. v

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THE COLONY ESTATE: A PRIVATE SANCTUARY IN VENTURA COUNTY

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THE COLONY ESTATE

Real Estate Roundup

BY ROSEMARY ALLISON

THE COLONY ESTATE is a rare and remarkable private sanctuary where grand scale architecture, resort inspired amenities and breathtaking natural beauty come together across 3.38 acres of impeccably landscaped, privately gated grounds. Encompassing approximately 11,141 square feet among three distinctive buildings, this exceptional estate is ideally positioned between Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Malibu, with Camarillo Airport approximately seven minutes away. Here, privacy feels absolute, the mountain views stretch toward the horizon, and every element has been thoughtfully designed for an extraordinary Southern California lifestyle. The arrival sets the tone for everything that follows. Impressive 30-foot gates open to reveal a sweeping circular driveway framed by manicured lawns, mature landscaping, elegant water features and generous guest parking. Beyond lies an enchanting world of architectural presence and peaceful seclusion, a magnificent setting for luxurious everyday living, weekend escapes, holiday celebrations, and cherished gatherings with family and friends. At the heart of the estate is the approximately 9,290 square foot main residence, where hotel inspired luxury is balanced by warmth, comfort and timeless sophistication. A dramatic foyer with an approximately 35-foot ceiling creates a breathtaking introduction, setting the tone for the impressive interiors beyond. The main level unfolds through an elegant fireside living room, a richly inviting library, and a gracious formal dining room with its own fireplace, each space offering a distinctive atmosphere for intimate evenings or memorable occasions. The gourmet kitchen serves as a true culinary centerpiece, created for those who appreciate both beauty and function. Generous preparation and gathering areas, complemented by two walk-in pantries, provide exceptional space for everything from relaxed family meals to elaborate entertaining. A full bathroom, powder room and spacious laundry room complete the thoughtfully arranged first floor. >>

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“AT THE HEART OF THE ESTATE IS THE APPROXIMATELY 9,290 SQUARE FOOT MAIN RESIDENCE, WHERE HOTEL INSPIRED LUXURY IS BALANCED BY WARMTH, COMFORT AND TIMELESS SOPHISTICATION.”

Real Estate Roundup

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THE COLONY ESTATE

“THE APPROXIMATELY 953 SQUARE FOOT DINING PAVILION ELEVATES ENTERTAINING INTO AN EXPERIENCE. RETRACTABLE POCKET DOORS INVITE THE OUTDOORS IN, CREATING A SEAMLESS CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED INTERIOR AND THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE. ”

Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite becomes a private retreat unto itself. A romantic fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, while breathtaking panoramic views unfold beyond a wraparound balcony, an idyllic setting for quiet mornings, sunset reflections and evenings beneath the stars. The suite is completed by a lavish primary bathroom and an expansive walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a powder room provide comfortable and beautifully appointed accommodations for family and guests. The third floor reveals more than 3,000 square feet of wonderfully versatile open space, a dramatic canvas awaiting the next owner's imagination. Envision an extraordinary home theater, expansive recreation and entertainment areas, a private fitness or wellness studio, creative workspace, additional sleeping accommodations, or an exceptional combination tailored to personal interests and lifestyle. A separate approximately 898 square foot guest residence offers its own full kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Designed to provide both independence and privacy, it is ideal for extended family, visiting guests or on-site staff. The approximately 953 square foot dining pavilion elevates entertaining into an experience. Retractable pocket doors invite the outdoors in, creating a seamless connection between the beautifully appointed interior and the surrounding landscape. A fireplace establishes an inviting focal point, while the full kitchen, complete with a pizza oven and indoor barbecue, provides everything needed for festive meals and relaxed gatherings. A spacious balcony overlooks the magnificent mountain scenery, offering a spectacular backdrop from morning through sunset. Outside, the estate unfolds like a private resort. Expansive wraparound patios invite leisurely afternoons and alfresco dining, while a magnificent swimming pool, spa, and sauna create a serene haven for relaxation and renewal. Enchanting fountains and water features bring movement and tranquility to the grounds, complemented

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

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by a fire pit and pergola that offer intimate places to gather, unwind and enjoy the beauty of the setting. Lush landscaping and sweeping mountain vistas surround the property, creating a sense of privacy, peace and escape. Additional amenities include a detached nine car garage, RV parking, abundant on-site guest parking, and equestrian zoning, providing remarkable flexibility for car collectors, recreational enthusiasts and those envisioning an exceptional country estate lifestyle. The property is conveniently located near three distinguished country clubs, including the renowned Spanish Hills Club approximately one mile away, placing exceptional golf, recreation, dining and social opportunities within easy reach. More than a residence, The Colony Estate is a world of its own, a singular offering defined by architectural drama, expansive living spaces, magnificent grounds and an atmosphere of enduring elegance. For those seeking privacy without isolation, grandeur without sacrificing comfort, and an extraordinary setting in which to live beautifully, this exceptional estate is truly without equal. v SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

RosemaryAllison@aol.com • 2025 Daily News BEST CHOICE Real Estate Agent in Ventura County • 2024 Woman of the Year

I FALL 2026

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FRANK SINATRA

INSIDE TWIN PALMS: THE DESERT ESTATE FRANK SINATRA BUILT ON A WHIM

Real Estate Roundup

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PHOTOS BY NATURAL RETREATS SHORT TERM RENTAL

SOME HOUSES ARE designed. Twin Palms was practically dared into existence. The story goes that in the spring of 1947, a 31-year-old Frank Sinatra walked into the office of architect E. Stewart Williams wearing a white sailor cap and eating an ice cream cone, and announced that he wanted a Georgian style mansion, brick facade and all ready in time for a Christmas party he was already planning to throw. Williams, horrified at the thought of a colonial brick house baking in the middle of the California desert, quietly presented Sinatra with two sets of drawings instead of one. Sinatra looked at both, chose the sleek modern design over the traditional one, and in doing so handed Williams his first residential commission and helped launch an entire architectural movement in the process. That house is Twin Palms, and it still stands today in Palm Springs’ famed Movie Colony neighborhood, now available through Natural Retreats as one of the most storied vacation properties in the American Southwest. Sinatra got his Christmas party. The house was completed in late 1947 at a cost of $150,000, an extraordinary sum for its time, and it set a new standard for postwar Hollywood glamour almost immediately. Williams’s design leaned into the desert rather than fighting it: long horizontal lines, flat rooflines, floor to ceiling glass and Douglas fir ceilings that soared above rooms built for both entertaining and escape. The result did more than house a famous singer. It helped define an entire style, now known as Desert Modernism, that would shape Palm Springs architecture for decades to come. Sinatra lived at Twin Palms from 1947 until the mid 1950s, a period that included his marriage to Nancy Barbato and his famously turbulent romance with Ava Gardner. He treated the house as his refuge from Hollywood's noise,

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

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“NO DETAIL AT TWIN PALMS IS MORE INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE THAN ITS SWIMMING POOL, SHAPED LIKE A GRAND PIANO IN TRIBUTE TO SINATRA’S MUSICAL LEGACY.”

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Real Estate Roundup

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FRANK SINATRA

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

going so far as to install a private sound studio so he could record without ever leaving the property. When cocktail hour arrived, legend has it he would hoist a Jack Daniel’s flag between the estate’s two namesake palm trees, a signal to the neighborhood that the party had officially begun. No detail at Twin Palms is more instantly recognizable than its swimming pool, shaped like a grand piano in tribute to Sinatra’s musical legacy. Whether the shape was fully intentional has long been debated, even by Williams himself, but the effect has become inseparable from the house’s identity. When the light falls across the adjoining walkway at the right angle, the shadows fall like piano keys across the stone, a small architectural flourish that feels entirely appropriate for the man who lived there. Today, the 4-bedroom, 6.5-bath residence comfortably sleeps eight guests across the main house and a separate pool house, with the same walls of glass and seamless indoor-outdoor flow that made the property famous in the first place. The interiors have been furnished with period appropriate detail, from original Terrazzo tile to vintage St. Charles cabinetry, alongside vintage audio equipment and Sinatra memorabilia woven throughout the space. It is a home that does not merely reference its history. It still lives inside it.

Natural Retreats, the luxury vacation rental company that manages the property, has taken care to preserve that historical character while quietly layering in modern comforts and concierge service. Guests receive private check in, tailored recommendations and curated local experiences designed to connect them with Palm Springs culture both inside the gates and beyond them. Twin Palms sits centrally, within walking distance of other historic celebrity homes and a short drive from downtown Palm Springs, making it as convenient as it is iconic. For design-minded travelers drawn to heritage, style and desert glamour, it remains one of the rare properties where a stay is not simply a vacation. It is a chance to spend a few nights inside a genuine piece of American cultural history, in the house where Ol’ Blue Eyes once raised a flag at cocktail hour and let the rest of the world wait outside the gate. Natural Retreats operates curated vacation homes across some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Big Sky, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, Park City, the Emerald Coast, Whitefish, Sun Valley, Mammoth Lakes and more, offering travelers a way to experience each region’s character through its most distinctive properties. v naturalretreats.com

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7651 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys, CA

(818) 988.5970

THE GOURMAND

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VIVA LA MAMMA IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF ALPINE INDULGENCE AND CALIFORNIA STYLE

BY MICHELE STUEVEN

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PHOTO: MICHELE STUEVEN

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

PHOTO: WONHO FRANK LEE

FALL 2026

iva La Mamma, the new Vienna-born Italian concept on West 3rd Street, is a seamless mélange of Austrian alpine textiles, Northern Italian cuisine and spritzes, all enveloped in California indooroutdoor style, blending interior comfort with the outdoor energy and uninterrupted flow of Beverly Grove. The 4,000-square-foot space is a combination of art installation and dining room with statement lighting, custom finishes and plush velvet booths against larger-than-life murals, the crown jewel for which the team calls The Cathedral, an original spray-painted mural titled Praying Madonna with Doves, created by Austrian mural artist Max Rocks. Rather than gutting and rebuilding, the Austrian Viva group made a deliberate choice to refine the existing space by reupholstering bench fabrics, adding new lighting including pink Italian glass chandeliers and selecting wall art. Deep reds, soft blues and warm golds meander through the tri-level space that includes a rooftop patio with slogans like “in mamma we trust” sharing wall space with graffiti and bold graphic typography. The whimsy, warmth, chaos and pleasure of Italian dining translate to the food and beverage menu as well. >>

THE GOURMAND

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Drink menus are renditions of vinyl record covers that include a full bar program and no less than ten different spritzes, including a cooling Viva La Mamma Spritz with gin, Viva La Mamma prosecco, and a mix of citrus served with a biodegradable pasta straw. The happy hour menu includes deals on focaccia pizzas, pasta tasting boards for sharing, and spritz pitchers. And on the subject of pizza, the Sweet But Psycho is a must-order. The spicy pie combines bacon jam, Gorgonzola dolce latte with jalapeno and onion. The house-made pasta lineup is something sorely overdue on menus. Instead of having pasta and sauces dictated to the diner, Via La Mamma gives the option to choose from pasta styles like casarecce, linguine, mafaldine, orecchiette or gluten-free spaghetti and pair them with sauces like an oozy burrata arrabbiata, rich beef ragu, the broccolicious with broccoli pesto, crispy broccoline and parmesan, or the Pacific Kiss with fresh prawns, white wine tomatoes and arugula. Pair any of the above with a Summer Romance salad, an energizing combination of arugula, shaved fennel and grapefruit topped with gorgonzola and walnuts. You’ll find the icing on the cake at Viva La Mamma’s dramatic tiramisu, enough for two. And to round it all out and settle things down before you take a stroll down West Third, indulge in a true regional grappa or schnapps from a selection you won’t easily find like this in one place anywhere else in town. v

“DRINK MENUS ARE RENDITIONS OF VINYL RECORD COVERS THAT INCLUDE A FULL BAR PROGRAM AND NO LESS THAN TEN DIFFERENT SPRITZES...”

PHOTO: WONHO FRANK LEE

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PHOTO: MICHELE STUEVEN

PHOTO: WONHO FRANK LEE

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VIVA LA MAMMA

8022 W 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 457-1319 vivalamamma.us

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THE GOURMAND

A MOORISH PALACE OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN SAN DIEGO

AMAYA, THE PREMIER RESTAURANT IN THE FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR, IS THE JEWEL OF THE CROWN

he typical trajectory when heading south toward San Diego is either to head straight into town or turn off anywhere beachside. But if you veer off to the left to the mountainside of Carmel Valley, follow the tree-lined canyon roads for about six miles, you’ll come upon what appears to be an intricate Persian Palace in the middle of nowhere. It’s the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Located midway between Oceanside and downtown San Diego in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, the gated 249-room resort sits on 400 acres of pristine coastal canyon, complete with wide open spaces for exploring safely, an award-winning golf course, a five-star spa, four heated pools, tennis, pickleball, outdoor and indoor fitness centers, hiking trails, and offers horseback riding. The elegant guest rooms and suites feature spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, expansive balconies and terraces, and spectacular views of the resort gardens, Grand Golf Club, or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The jewel of the crown is Amaya, an elegant and peaceful restaurant that features breakfast, lunch and dinner in a setting that feels more like the mountains of Morocco than San Diego. Creative Director of Beverage Jason Sorge, who spent a decade at Montage in Beverly Hills, oversees the cocktail program, and Chef de Cuisine Tushar Kandalgaonkar, who recently signed on, brings a globally diverse perspective to a menu combining his Mumbai roots with seasonal California produce and flavors of the Mexican border.

PHOTOS: GRAND DEL MAR

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BY MICHELE STUEVEN

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

FALL 2026

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct San Diego, CA 92130 (858) 314-2000 granddelmar.com

FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR

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“FOR BRUNCH ON THE BREEZY PATIO OVERLOOKING THE SURROUNDING HILLS, THERE’S A SOURDOUGH SALMON TARTINE WITH PICKLED ONIONS AND COLORFUL HERB FLOWERS THAT MIRRORS THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS OF ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IN SAN DIEGO’S BANKER’S HILL.”

Start the day off with the breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs and chorizo, chilaquiles with pulled chicken, or huevos rancheros. For brunch on the breezy patio overlooking the surrounding hills, there’s a sourdough salmon tartine with pickled onions and colorful herb flowers that mirrors the stained glass windows of St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego’s Banker’s Hill. For dinner, the green grape gazpacho combines delicate cucumber caviar in a dill tart with white balsamic gel. The spring lamb duo comes with a juicy chop and the belly, and the tortilla tetelas are gently stuffed with Jidori chicken, Oaxaca cheese, topped with pickled serrano, served with a pine nut, almond, and sesame white mole. Room service is served all day and is a treat for breakfast on the balcony or terrace of the palatial estate that was designed by architect Robert Altevers of Altevers Associates as an homage to the legendary, early 20th-century architect Addison Mizner, heavily featuring Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial. There are seasonal activities that take place year-round at the resort like the Wicked Spooky Afternoon Tea on Saturdays and Sundays in October and the fourth annual Día de Muertos Gala, one of the most exclusive celebrations of its kind in the United States. It’s an extraordinary evening combining world-renowned chefs, Mexican culture, luxury and philanthropy. As the official kickoff to the San Diego Food + Wine Festival in early November, the event will bring together distinguished guests, exceptional wines, premium spirits, acclaimed culinary talent, inspiring entertainment and immersive cultural traditions at one of Southern California’s most iconic luxury destinations. v

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THE GOURMAND

salad may sound like an expected rooftop standby, but here it earns its place as the sort of crisp, savory classic worth ordering twice. The Maine Lobster Cobb brings a more luxurious note to the table, while the Poke Bowl captures the easy, fresh appeal of Southern California dining. Beer-battered fish tacos arrive with the satisfying promise of a coastal afternoon, casual enough for poolside dining yet elevated by the setting. Then there are the cocktails, which are no mere accessory to the view. The spicy coconut margarita has become something of an insider favorite, marrying heat and tropical softness in a glass designed for golden hour. For a more spirited detour, the Bali Hai blends Beluga Noble Vodka, Chartreuse, passion fruit, and an edible flower into a vivid, playful sip. Aurora Cálida leans more aromatic and European, combining Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto,

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FALL 2026

POZA’S

QUIETLY GLAMOROUS BEVERLY HILLS ESCAPE

ome rooftop restaurants make their intentions known long before the first cocktail arrives. There is the velvet-rope energy, the packed bar, the familiar feeling that the view is doing most of the work. Poza Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, perched beside the rooftop pool at the iconic L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, takes a more alluring approach. It feels discovered rather than announced, a polished open-air hideaway where the Beverly Hills skyline slowly becomes part of the meal. The timing is everything. Arrive in the late afternoon, when the sun warms the terrace and the city begins its transition into evening, and Poza reveals its particular charm. The atmosphere is refined but unforced, equally suited to a lingering lunch, a post-work rendezvous, or a weekend brunch that turns into a full afternoon. There is room to settle in, to look out over Los Angeles, and to order one more round. The menu follows a distinctly Californian rhythm, bright with coastal flavors, market produce and dishes made for sharing. A Caesar

Salers Aperitif, White Burgundy, and grapefruit for a cocktail with lift, brightness, and a gently bitter edge. Dessert provides the proper finale. Mango pudding offers a cool, sunny sweetness, while chocolate mousse delivers the richer, more indulgent choice. Both suit Poza’s essential appeal: a restaurant that understands that a beautiful setting should enhance the experience, not substitute for it. At Poza, the food, drinks and view find their own easy balance. It is a Beverly Hills rooftop that trades frenzy for finesse, inviting diners to stay just a little longer. v

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

yatt Regency Irvine is located at the perfect juncture: off the 405 freeway for easy access, two miles from John Wayne Airport for travel proximity, a few miles from Irvine Spectrum Center and UC Irvine, and just a short drive away from Disneyland and iconic Newport Beach. Following a $55 million transformation, the 516 guestroom hotel, complete with suites (and rooms with bunkbeds for the kids), has a laid-back SoCal vibe that’s modern and chill at the same time. With such a central location, it is the perfect spot for travelers who need a night or two to rest their heads, or SoCal residents, and families, who just need a night or two away. The outdoor zero-entry swimming pool oasis is ideal for the kids with the waterslides as well as for adults with the pool bar. This pool restaurant serves refreshing cold drinks and cocktails, and light gourmet fare, so nothing is too heavy while you’re trying to soak up the rays. The expansive deck offers sun loungers and shaded cabanas, so there really is a lounge spot for everyone. There is also a fitness center on site for those who need a workout in as well. And families can even bring Fido, because the hotel loves and welcomes dogs throughout the space. Even better? No daily resort or destination fees, so those extra little charges won’t interfere with the travel budget. Whether you’re a guest of the hotel or just in the area, the on-site dining at Warehouse 72 is a place where art and creativity meet good food. It has a lively modern vibe for both families and those there for the cocktails at the bar area. Serving both lunch and dinner, the food is fresh and delicious, and offers a wide range of entrees for all tastebuds. From Yuzu Chilean Bass to Peruvian Jidori Chicken to the steaks and sides offered, Executive Chef Jaime Salazar has curated a menu sure to delight every diner. For those planning weddings, your beautiful event can take place in the Regency Ballroom, a magnificent 14,600-square-foot space, the largest in South Orange County, which hosts up to 2,100 guests; or, you can welcome those celebrating with you on the lawn, an open-air 7,800-square-foot venue, which accommodates up to 600 guests and is adjacent to the patio, which exceeds 12,000 square feet. The 4,500-square-foot-open-air patio alone can host up to 200 guests. Business meetings, corporate events or other social gatherings are welcome in the Theater, a 2,310-square-foot space that holds up to 90, or the Pavillion, one of the largest event spaces in Irvine, a 5,500-square-foot-space that holds up to 550. All spaces are easily paired together for all events. v

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HYATT REGENCY IRVINE

17900 Jamboree Road Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 751-1234 hyatt.com I irvine.warehouse72.com

FALL 2026

BY BRIDGET GRAHAM

HYATT REGENCY IRVINE: A NEWLY RENOVATED MODERN OC SPOT

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PHOTOS: HYATT REGENCY IRVINE

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ESCAPES & ESCAPADES

THE CITY IN FIVE CHECK-INS: MOXY NEW YORK BY MIKE McLANE

t most American hotels, the front desk has become a transaction so routine that guests stop noticing it: a card, a few minutes of small talk while a machine processes payment behind the counter, then a key and a nod toward the elevator. It is courteous. It is efficient. It is also, by any honest measure, no different from checking out at a supermarket. At Moxy hotels in New York, the exchange feels different. Guests are greeted the way a host greets someone who was already expected, and that first minute at the desk sets the tone for the rest of the stay. New York has five Moxy properties developed by Lightstone: four in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. Each has adapted to the block it sits on. A hotel in Times Square serves a different purpose than one in Williamsburg, and the five Moxy locations across the city reflect that. What unites them is not sameness but a shared approach: programming that gives guests a reason to stay in, public spaces built for lingering rather than passing through, and food and drink worth staying in for.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL KLEINBERG

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THE HOTEL HA S 287 DES I GN-DRI VEN ROOMS, ALONG WITH CO-WORKING S PA C ES, C U LTU RA L P ROGRA MMI NG AND TEC H-F O RWA RD A MENI TI ES A I MED AT TRAVEL ERS W HO DON'T S EPA RATE WORK F RO M TRAVEL .

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

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LOWER EAST SIDE

I FALL 2026

145 BOWERY, NEW YORK, NY 10002 (212) 245-6699

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n Moxy NYC Lower East Side sits in a neighborhood long associated with New York cool, and the hotel leans into that reputation rather than resisting it. It is pet-friendly and houses a Japanese restaurant, two bars, an underground nightclub and a rooftop bar, putting much of what a guest might otherwise leave to find inside its own walls. The hotel has 303 designdriven rooms, along with co-working spaces, cultural programming and tech-forward amenities aimed at travelers who don’t separate work from travel. Tao Group Hospitality oversees the five dining and drinking venues: modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana; piano lounge Silver Lining; subterranean nightclub Loosie’s; rooftop bar The Highlight Room; and The Fix, a day-into-night café and bar in the lobby The décor carries a deliberate, playful edge throughout the property, extending into guest rooms with a glass-enclosed bathroom split into two stalls, one for the shower and one for the toilet. The location puts Nolita, Little Italy, Greenwich Village and the West Village within walking distance, giving the hotel the feel of a home base inside a mixed-use neighborhood. Rooms look out over both the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge and stay quiet despite the neighborhood’s energy.

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ESCAPES & ESCAPADES

PHOTOS: MOXY EAST VILLAGE

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EAST VILLAGE n Moxy NYC East Village sits closer to Union Square, with a lobby designed for a stated purpose: to meet, to greet, to retreat. The tone here differs from the Lower East Side property almost immediately. The neighborhood feels quieter and better suited to travelers who already know the city than to first-time visitors. The Strand bookstore and neighborhood bagel shops are within walking distance, along with the Union Square Greenmarket, where residents shop alongside chefs loading produce onto handcarts. The hotel’s common areas carry that same relaxed, local register and feel well suited to families. Where the Lower East Side property leans chic, this one leans playful: The mainfloor bar offers skee-ball and arcade games alongside quiet reading corners stocked with shelves of movies and books available to borrow. Rooms make efficient use of a small footprint, with slightly more surface area for bags and toiletries than the Lower East Side property, a detail suited to longer stays. 112 E 11TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10003 (212) 288-6699

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

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MOXY CHELSEA

PHOTOS: MOXY CHELSEA PHOTOS: MAGIC HOUR AT MOXY TIMES SQUARE

485 7TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10018 (212) 967-6699

FALL 2026

n Moxy Times Square argues that affordability and style aren’t mutually exclusive. The hotel has 612 rooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg, featuring flexible furniture and oversized showers. Wi-Fi is fast, and streaming apps are free. Social spaces double as work areas and gathering spots. Tao Group Hospitality runs the food and drink program, including Bar Moxy in the lobby, a Café d’Avignon pop-up and Magic Hour, billed as the city’s largest all-season rooftop lounge, built around an urban amusement park concept with skyline views. Blind Barber provides grooming services, including cuts, shaves and blowouts. The design stays playful throughout, and rates remain accessible.

MOXY TIMES SQUARE

105 W 28TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10001 (212) 514-6699

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AT T H E TOP, THE FL EUR R O O M OFFER S A GL ASSE N C L O S E D, 360-D EGR EE V I E W S TR E TC HING FR OM T H E S TATUE OF L IBE R TY T O T H E EMP IR E STATE B U I L D I NG, WITH A RETRACTABLE WINDOW WA L L THAT OP ENS THE L O U N G E TO OP EN AIR AT T H E P U SH OF A BUTTON.

n Moxy Chelsea rises 35 stories out of the Flower District, a neighborhood the hotel has built its identity around. Rooms are compact, but amenities are not. The property marks the second collaboration between Yabu Pushelberg and Rockwell Group, the design team also behind Moxy Times Square. An industrial façade opens into a glass atrium of vertical gardens, a nod to the Flower Market’s foliage-lined streets. Café d’Avignon serves coffee and pastries by day and transforms into Moxy Afterdark by night, with dinner and cocktails taking over the same street-level space. The second floor houses a bar, a bocce table, a co-working lounge, a plant-filled conservatory and meeting studios that shift easily between office and social use. At the top, The Fleur Room offers a glass-enclosed, 360degree view stretching from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, with a retractable window wall that opens the lounge to open air at the push of a button. >>

ESCAPES & ESCAPADES

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

PHOTOS: MICHAEL KLEINBERG

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MOXY WILLIAMSBURG n Moxy Williamsburg is the smallest of the five properties, with 216 rooms, and its ambitions match the neighborhood’s understated character. The architecture references the area’s industrial past, updated for a cityscape shaped by converted 19th-century warehouses, with Domino Park nearby and the Williamsburg Bridge visible from the roof. Bar Lab, the team behind Broken Shaker, runs the hotel’s dining and drinking venues: Bar Bedford, a cocktail bar and café with motorized liquor risers inspired by old Automats; Jolene Sound Room, built around a custom sound system; and LilliStar, a rooftop bar overlooking the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The property also includes a backyard garden and a year-round pickleball court. Developed by Lightstone with BASILE Studio and Stonehill Taylor, the hotel reflects Williamsburg itself: retro in instinct, current in execution. 353 BEDFORD AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11211 I (718) 782-6699

All five Moxy locations share the same core strengths: welcoming hospitality, distinctive design, efficient use of compact spaces and easy subway access, making each one a workable base for exploring the city. v

Rescue Animals are Priceless

Brandon McMillan, author of “The Story of Your Dog: A Straightforward Guide to a Complicated Animal”

No matter where you live in California there is a local rescue or shelter with sweet souls waiting to be adopted. Join Shelter Hope and Brandon McMillan in their mission to rescue stray dogs and place them in loving homes. Support your community by fostering, volunteering or donating or of course adopting!

15 years and more than 16,000 adoptions! Janss Marketplace ~ Across from Gold’s Gym Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (805) 379-3538 or (310) 770-3571 www.ShelterHopePetShop.org info@ShelterHopePetShop.org

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KUKUIʻULA:

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EXECUTIVE CHEF BEN TAKAHASHI THE CLUB AT KUKUI`ULA

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BY MONIQUE REIDY

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THE FIRST PRIVATE CLUB ON KAUAʻI, AND THE LAST WORD IN ISLAND LIVING

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here is a particular kind of fantasy that involves owning land in Hawaiʻi, tending a small garden, and generally becoming a more relaxed version of yourself. Most people who have this fantasy never do anything about it. The people behind Kukuiʻula did. Kukuiʻula is the first Private Club development on Kauaʻi, a 1,010-acre residential and resort community on the island's southern coast in Poʻipū, tucked between the National Tropical Botanical Garden and historic Old Kōloa Town. The community sits on the land that not too long ago was a sugar plantation, flat and unglamorous, growing cane instead of custom ocean view homesites. Chef Ben also oversees Calabash at Kukuiʻula. This seasonal event celebrates food from everywhere, the kind of global spread that makes you wish you had three stomachs instead of one. Wine and spirits are poured with the generosity of people who understand that vacation calories don’t count. There are wellness and movement experiences too, in case you’d like to feel virtuous before you undo it all with a second helping of whatever’s at the next station.

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“THE LODGE PORTION OF THE COMMUNITY, WHICH ARE THE HOMES AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR SHORT-TERM STAYS OR VACATIONS, INCLUDES 12 VILLAS, 14 BUNGALOWS AND 14 COTTAGES.”

Guests wander from station to station like it’s the world’s most delicious scavenger hunt, sampling little bites made just for that night. Then, as the evening winds down, everyone drifts to the lawn for a concert by renowned performers while the sun sinks into the ocean in shades of orange and pink. People dance. The ocean glows. Nobody wants to leave. Today, it is ten distinct neighborhoods, with homesites ranging from a third of an acre to three full acres. This is a collection of luxury homes, villas, cottages and bungalows that renowned architects including Shay Zak, Olson Kundig and Bing Hu have scattered along hillside slopes and ocean overlooks, the way you might scatter throw pillows, if your throw pillows cost several million dollars each. Private homes here run from three to 14 million dollars, spread across roughly 120 lots, and cottages land somewhere in the three to five million range. There is no pressure to build immediately once you own a lot. This is island time applied to real estate, the correct application to almost everything on Kauaʻi. The lodge portion of the community, which are the homes available to rent for short-term stays or vacations, includes 12 villas, 14 bungalows and 14 cottages.

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At the center of it all sits the private clubhouse, which functions as the social and recreational heart of the community. This includes ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar, the signature restaurant, an 18,000 square foot wellness sanctuary called the Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, a golf clubhouse, pickleball and multi-sport courts, and a collection of saltwater swimming pools designed to replicate a private oasis, in case the actual ocean a few hundred feet away somehow fails to satisfy. The golf course itself was designed by Tom Weiskopf, and is considered by many to be among the best in Hawaiʻi, which is a claim golf courses love to make about themselves, but this one has earned the title. The fairways are wide and forgiving, and the greens are massive and a bit tricky, thanks to small mounds Weiskopf placed throughout. The 14th hole has become something of a local legend among members, a quintessential Weiskopf par 4 with ocean views so dramatic that humpback whales occasionally show up to watch. On any given hole you might spot dolphins or whales, or you might just spot coffee beans, kukui nuts and pineapples growing along the fairway, which feels like the golf course equivalent of finding twenty dollars in your coat pocket.

The Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center can be described as a tranquil sanctuary. There are meditation gardens, a lap pool, private treatment rooms, outdoor showers, a steam pavilion, a dry sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools. There’s a fitness center offering more than 30 classes a week, taught in part by guest instructors who fly in for the privilege. The treatments themselves draw from Hawaiian tradition, working organic botanicals into massages, tonics and skin treatments, and the signature Hiʻilani Water Ritual takes guests through the sauna, the steam room, a cold plunge and a hot Jacuzzi in sequence, all in the name of circulation and muscle recovery. There are also treatments with names like Sound Healing Massage, Scar Tissue Release, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, in addition to traditional skin and body therapies. If the spa is where Kukuiʻula tends to the body, the Farm is where it tends to everything else. This is a 10-acre organic farmstead with its own freshwater reservoir and event lawn, staffed by actual farmers who help residents and guests harvest whatever is in season, fields of red ginger, papaya, mango, and more, depending on the month. The Farm exists partly for agronomy, the branch of agriculture concerned with field-crop

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production and soil management, and partly for something less scientific: the simple, old-fashioned pleasure of picking your own dinner. It works closely with Kukuiʻula’s culinary team to keep the menu genuinely seasonal, hosts floral arranging workshops and gardening lessons, and even feeds ingredients to the Hiʻilani Spa for its tonics and fresh-pressed juices. On days when the Farm feels too far to walk, there is a self-serve produce stand right on the lānai next to the Clubhouse, an honor system for people who otherwise pay millions of dollars for an ocean view. Kids can go fishing in the Farm’s lake, which is stocked with peacock bass, a detail that turns an afternoon errand into a small adventure for anyone under the age of twelve, or honestly, anyone at all. The culinary program is led by Executive Chef Ben Takahashi, known to most simply as Chef Ben, and the general consensus among the people who know him is that his real talent isn’t just art, science or cuisine, though he has plenty of all three. It’s knowing his guests. ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar is the flagship restaurant, serving breakfast, sunset cocktails and dinner with views of Spouting Horn, built around seasonal ingredients from the Farm and fresh seafood from local fishermen, the kind of menu that changes with what happened to grow well that month rather than what a printed menu insists should be available. Makai Grill + Bar handles the more casual poolside meals, poke bowls, salads, sandwiches, grilled favorites, and produce fresh from the Farm, while a rotating weekly calendar keeps things lively: Sunday Grilling with live music, a Twist Taco Bar on Mondays, and Burgers, Brats, Beer and Bourbon on the first Tuesday of every month, which is either the most American sentence in this entire article or the most Hawaiian, depending on how you look at it. Quarterly farm dinners are held under the stars with 360-degree views, the kind of evening that makes you briefly reconsider your entire life plan. Kauaʻi does not lack for adventure, and Kukuiʻula leans into that fact through Huakaʻi Outfitters, its team of local experts who run everything from stand-up paddle boarding to surfing to snorkeling. The Farm Lake now offers eFoil lessons, an electrically powered surfboard that somehow makes grown adults shriek with joy the first time they get airborne, and Monday mornings bring archery to the mix, for anyone who prefers their thrills a bit more medieval. Beach days come with the option of being driven down with all the necessary equipment already loaded, which is either the height of luxury or simply what happens when you finally admit that carrying your own boogie board is beneath you. Bikes, boogie boards and surfboards are all complimentary for guests, a detail that quietly acknowledges the whole point of being here: to actually use the island, not just look at it from a lānai. Three pickleball courts opened in 2023 in response to overwhelming demand, and tennis pros are on hand for private lessons or group clinics. Huakaʻi staff handle setup and game matching for anyone who shows up wanting to play but not necessarily organize. For all its luxury, Kukuiʻula takes its relationship to the land seriously, in ways that go beyond the usual gestures. The community captures rainwater through

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

a network of dams and reservoirs for irrigation, and green waste from the golf course and landscaping is composted rather than discarded. Cattle graze the mauka pastures, a practice that reduces wildfire risk, supports biodiversity and helps control invasive species, which is a lot of ecological benefit to get from something that mostly just looks like cows having a nice afternoon. An old water tower on the property has even been converted into a solar-powered bathroom, proof that nothing here goes entirely to waste, including the infrastructure nobody uses anymore. Kukuiʻula bills itself as an amazing family destination, the kind of place built for reunions, weddings, quarterly dinners under the stars, and grandchildren catching peacock bass in a lake their grandparents helped plant flowers around. Having gone through the sheer scope of what's here, the golf, the spa, the farm, the food, the water and the land itself, it is hard to argue. This was sugar cane not so long ago. Now it is the kind of place where staff remember your name, where nobody rushes you and where even the vegetables seem to know they have a pretty spectacular view. That, more than any amenity list, is the real luxury on offer. v

KUKUIʻULA

2700 Ke Alaula Street Kōloa, HI 96756 (808) 240-6600 kukuiula.com

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RELISHING THE BY LAUREN STURMAN

WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

JW MARRIOTT LOS CABOS

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ome trips offer an escape. Others immerse you fully in a destination. A recent stay at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa managed to do both, delivering a sun-soaked weekend of exceptional food, Mexican culture, wellness and understated luxury. The resort sits along the sun-soaked shores of San José del Cabo, where the Sea of Cortez playfully collides with the Pacific. Here, sophistication takes its shoes off and stays a while. The resort itself is striking. Its sleek, modern architecture and minimalist aesthetic feel perfectly suited to the Baja landscape, with clean lines, dramatic open spaces and lush greenery softening the contemporary design. Around every corner, the property seems to frame the desert, sky and Sea of Cortez as part of the décor. The infinity pool is particularly spectacular, and an easy place to lose an entire afternoon. The elegant rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views, modern décor and state-of-the-art technology. Plush bedding, high-quality linens and luxurious amenities set the stage for genuine relaxation, while 24-hour room service and a private balcony let guests take in the breathtaking scenery on their own schedule. Those craving even more space and lavish touches can upgrade to a suite. Days here move at an unhurried pace. Guests can wander the beach until the only real decision is when to turn around, slip into one of the resort’s pristine pools and let the afternoon dissolve, or head to the Puerto Los Cabos club, where 27 holes of championship golf await anyone determined to perfect a swing amid seriously scenic surroundings. When the sun becomes a

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bit much, even paradise has that problem, Jasha Spa and Salon offers a cool, quiet antidote built for full-body serenity. Hunger is covered too, with six restaurants and bars serving everything from the first coffee at sunrise to the last cocktail at sunset. The visit coincided with Relish the Heritage 2026, a culinary celebration marking the festival’s tenth anniversary. This year's edition brought together the traditions and flavors of Oaxaca and Baja California, continuing a format where a different Mexican region takes center stage each year alongside the coastal character of Baja California Sur. The weekend began with an Oaxaca Market Welcome Experience beneath the trees at Amet Patio. The next day brought a botanical garden tour and gourmet picnic with award-winning chef Thierry Blouet, the resort's founding culinary

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Puerto, Fraccion Hotelera Fh5-C1 Subdelegacion De La Playita, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico +52 624-163-7600 marriott.com

JW MARRIOTT LOS CABOS

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“ONE OF THE STANDOUT DISCOVERIES OF THE STAY WAS THE SPA ITSELF, A GORGEOUS, SERENE RETREAT THAT FELT LIKE AN EXPERIENCE UNTO ITSELF. BEYOND INDIVIDUAL TREATMENTS, THE HYDROTHERAPY FACILITIES INCLUDED A SAUNA, STEAM ROOM AND HOT AND COLD PLUNGE POOLS.”

force, and a rotating cast of guest chefs. That evening centered on mezcal, traditional Oaxacan delicacies and a memorable dinner at MarHumo built around seafood, Oaxacan flavors and live-fire cooking. Saturday balanced a morning of sailing and snorkeling with an evening of Mexican wine, flamenco and a festive procession to Café des Artistes. The weekend's culmination was an elaborate gala pairing dinner honoring Oaxaca, featuring Michelin-starred chef Thalía Barrios alongside acclaimed chefs Alejandro Ruiz, Thierry Blouet and Mario Rodríguez. Barrios, who earned her Michelin star in 2024 for her Oaxaca City restaurant Levadura de Olla, was also named the Michelin Guide Mexico Young Chef Award winner that same year, recognition for cooking rooted in the recipes and traditions of her hometown, San Mateo Yucuntindoó. Ruiz, chef of Casa Oaxaca, has spent years championing Oaxacan cuisine on the national stage, and the pairing of the two chefs at Café des Artistes reflected the festival’s broader theme this year: that Oaxaca’s culinary identity cannot be reduced to a single dish or a single mole. One of the standout discoveries of the stay was the spa itself, a gorgeous, serene retreat that felt like an experience unto itself. Beyond individual treatments, the hydrotherapy facilities included a sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunge pools. A full 60 seconds in the cold plunge proved equal parts brutal and exhilarating, and absolutely worth it. JW Marriott Los Cabos feels sophisticated without being showy, modern, restorative and unmistakably connected to Mexico. Relish the Heritage offered an even deeper appreciation for the culture, cuisine and creativity that make Los Cabos, and this particular corner of Baja California Sur, so special. v

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PARK HYATT A NEW KIND OF CABO DEL SOL: BY MONIQUE REIDY

PHOTOS: PARK HYATT CABO DEL SOL

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ark Hyatt Cabo del Sol opened its doors in December 2025, and marked something of a big deal: the Park Hyatt brand’s very first entry into Mexico. All those years, all that coastline, and Park Hyatt waited for this specific spot. The resort sits along a private stretch of coastline within the Cabo del Sol community, tucked neatly between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. And here’s the thing about that location: it gives you the best of both worlds without the chaos of either. This isn’t a spring break kind of place. There’s no foam party energy, no frat-house soundtrack drifting across the pool deck. It’s a coastal sanctuary, the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think, which is a rare and precious commodity these days. >>

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The architecture here deserves its own chapter, because it was clearly not an afterthought. The property was designed by Sordo Madaleno and Paulina Morán, two of Mexico’s leading architecture and interior design powerhouses, working alongside George Wong Design, with concept design contributed by Yabu Pushelberg. That’s a lot of talent in one room, and you can feel it the moment you walk into the property. The entire place operates on a philosophy best described as unique simplicity. Natural materials, an earthy palette, architecture that seems to have grown out of the terrain rather than been dropped onto it. It pays homage to the desert as much as it does to the sea, which feels appropriate for a place that sits exactly where the two meet. Nothing here shouts. Everything just quietly insists that you slow down and notice it. There are 163 rooms and suites in total, including 88 suites and three private villas, and more than half of all the accommodations are suite-style. That’s not a small detail. It means most guests get real, residential-style space to stretch out in, not just a bed and a mini fridge. The suites have oversized doors that add real drama to the decor, and the bathrooms are big enough to accommodate a small army. Every suite comes with a handcrafted hat and bag that guests get to take home as a gift. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of small thing that tells you a hotel is thinking about you as a person and not just a reservation number. Food and drink are a huge part of the story at Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, and the dining program is led by Executive Chef Miguel Gomez. There are four distinct destinations, each with its own personality, and none of them feel like an afterthought. Costamar Beach Club is the refined beach club experience, serving coastal fare and handcrafted cocktails with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez. If you’re the type who likes your luxury with a side of barefoot sophistication, this is where you’ll want to plant yourself. There’s even an adults-only cabana experience here, designed for people who want personalized service and uninterrupted seafront serenity. Every detail is calibrated to the rhythm of the sea, which is a poetic way of saying: nobody will bother you. It’s important to note that the Sea of Cortez is not a swimmable sea in the traditional sense, and it can get a bit more hectic than the calmer Pacific side. But it’s undeniably beautiful; and watching it from a beachfront suite is its own kind of therapy.

“EVERY SUITE COMES WITH A HANDCRAFTED HAT AND BAG THAT GUESTS GET TO TAKE HOME AS A GIFT. IT’S A SMALL THING, BUT IT’S THE KIND OF SMALL THING THAT TELLS YOU A HOTEL IS THINKING ABOUT YOU AS A PERSON AND NOT JUST A RESERVATION NUMBER.”

Carr. Transpeninsular Km 10.3, Tourist Corridor, Del Sol, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico +52 624-124-1234 hyatt.com

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Mesa Madre is the restaurant that pays homage to the abuela figure of Mexican and Latin American kitchens, the mothers and grandmothers whose recipes get passed down and never written in a cookbook because they don’t need to be. The menu evolves with the hours of the sun, and it's meant to be a gathering space as much as a restaurant. There’s something deeply comforting about a hotel restaurant that understands the emotional weight of a home-cooked meal. Dátil Coffee Shop rounds out the daytime options, an all-day café with artisanal coffee and fresh, house-made pastries. It’s the kind of spot you’ll find yourself returning to more than once a day, whether you mean to or not. And then there’s Silán, the resort’s signature restaurant, which serves Levantine cuisine drawing inspiration from North Africa to the Middle East. It’s an evening destination built for intimate dining and relaxed conversation, complete with a refined bar program and a thoughtfully curated wine cellar. All the resort’s restaurants are open to the public,

so even if you’re not staying on property, you can still talk your way into a reservation. If the food is the heart of Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, wellness is its backbone. The resort is anchored by a 59,000-squarefoot fitness and wellness center, one of the largest in the entire Los Cabos region, and it's not just for show. At the center of that wellness offering is Saria Spa, which takes its name from an ancient Pericú deity believed to protect the natural world, including the ocean. It’s a fitting namesake for a spa that’s designed as a calming sanctuary inspired by the sea, the desert and the sky. Saria Spa includes ten treatment rooms, five of which are designed for couples, along with a dedicated yoga studio, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, and serene pools that keep the desertmeets-sea landscape front and center. One signature treatment worth mentioning is the Sunrise Ritual, a 120minute face and body experience that starts with a sea salt exfoliation, moves into a mineral-rich red clay body wrap, continues with an invigorating massage, and finishes with a hydrating facial. Every ritual at the spa is rooted in emotional well-being, with intention setting, an aromatherapy assessment, and curated music selections that shape the experience around your particular mood and energy that day. Beyond the spa, the resort’s main pool area includes three separate pools, one of which is dedicated to kids and their families. The most significant feature of the Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol experience isn’t the architecture or the spa or even the abuela-inspired cooking. It’s the staff. They truly go out of their way to help, and the entire philosophy of the place seems to be guests first, full stop. You can tell within the first ten minutes of arrival that this isn’t corporate lip service. It’s evident in every interaction. There really isn’t a way to fully capture how exquisite this property is on paper. Some places you just have to experience for yourself, and Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol is one of them. v

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WHERE TO EAT + STAY + PLAY

A New Way to Experience Napa Thoughtfully designed guestrooms, private patios and evenings beside your own firepit. Casa Mani Resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, brings a warm, residential ease to every Napa stay.

CasaManiResort.com | 707.253.9540 1075 California Blvd, Napa CA, 94559 @CasaManiNapaValley