Beverly Johnson: On Love, Life, And Longevity

Hills Views & Valleys

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Gentle Reader,

We welcome you to yet another elegant edition of our grand publication with an installment that honors history as well as the legends that help make it.

Ever inspired by the best of life, we recommit ourselves to you, our gentle readers, every single day and thank you for making us a part of your journey.

As always, it is our pride to bring you the best, most luxurious brands and the stories behind the people who wear them. Towards that end, we strive to distill for our readers the best of the best, the paths followed by our stars and luminaries, as well as the spirit of the age. We cannot accomplish this without you and our exclusive brand partners that have helped us play a small part in this great drama we call life but also “living.”

We’re happy to bring you continual news of our growth. We’ve grown, changed, adapted, and moved the dial forward. And we plan on continuing this pace, using what we learned, as well as building on our legacy.

This month’s cover model, Beverly Johnson, needs no introduction. A legend in the world of fashion, Johnson hit the catwalk for the first time in shows for Sergio Hudson and Bibhu Mohapatra.

Renowned for her breakthrough 1974 cover for Vogue, Johnson has graced more than 500 magazine covers during her career. The breadth and depth of her work not only serve as a cultural touchstone, but it is also a massive piece of the history of modern fashion as we know it.

With history and groundbreaking energy in mind, we’re ready for the next part of our journey to unfold.

Looking at the road ahead, we’re excited for what the future holds. Ever inspired by the best of life, we recommit ourselves to you, our gentle readers, every single day and thank you for making us a part of your journey.

It has been a pleasure to create this issue and I look forward to positively influencing your life and times, now and in the future.

Gratefully yours,

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Chopard’s

L’Heure du Diamant

Fuses Jewelry Embellishment with Horology in Unmistakable Fashion

If there’s one thing that luxury lifestyle blogs love, it is art. When you can combine high art with high fashion, the combination is almost irresistible. For many of us, horology is the perfect combination of engineering, science, art, and fashion. With this in mind, Chopard crafts some of the world’s most desirable and enviable timepieces, each distinct in its own right yet part of a collective whole that ties the brand’s heritage and tradition in with the currents of today. As you can imagine, the fashion, art, and horology worlds were set ablaze with Chopard’s announcement of their L’Heure du Diamant, and one glance at this amazing timepiece tells us why.

Known for their history in crafting one-of-a-kind objects as well as having an eye for trends and fusion that is peerless in the industry, Chopard’s bold choices with the L’Heure du Diamant speak to a Maison that not only knows its heritage and traditions but also where it is headed in the future. Although we live in a world of gadgets, smartphones, and even smartwatches, this piece from Chopard shows us all why horology is an art and science in addition to giving us yet another solid reason that this field is far from extinguished in the digital age. If anything, these timepieces are becoming the ultimate expression of sophistication and grandeur. A testament to the traditions of craftsmanship that created it, a hallmark to the jewelers whose vision brought this to life, and a one-of-a-kind treasure for owners who are destined to receive a lifetime of satisfaction from this timepiece.

The culmination of the work of master gem setters and watchmakers, the L’Heure du Diamant was envisioned as a showcase of Chopard’s work and technique from the very beginning. Forged as a cushion-shaped watch in 18k white gold with a mother of pearl dial and diamonds on the bezel, the watch both tells the

time and captures the light as it sparkles with life seemingly all of its own. Perfectly clear underneath the sapphire glass dome are the hour markers on a mother of pearl dial encasing 148 total components in what can only be described as a mechanical symphony of synchronization and engineering.

Utilizing the Chopard 09.01-C self-winding movement, the watch also features a tree-bark texture on the bracelet that is one-of-a-kind and proprietary to Chopard themselves, referencing the brand’s “Artists of Emotion.” Naturally, for buyers that prefer something more traditional, a leather strap is also on offer. Chopard notes that this evokes the glamor and heights of the 1960s era of fashion. For those of us that may not remember, metallic motifs and glitz and glam were huge in the 1960s and gold was the go-to color for everything from chic fashion and jewelry to highend electronics and decor. The textured element also recalls this era’s brash attitude towards new things and their implementation of industrial processes and styles into everything from clothing design to watches and electronics.

At times straddling the line between natural and industrial, this era’s elegance is reinterpreted, muted, and transmuted for a modern audience in the form of the Chopard L’Heure du Diamant, a watch piece of its time and ahead of its time while evoking distinct memories of a not too long distant past. Of course, none of this means very much without the “eternal” element attached to this watch and that is the crown of diamonds themselves. Diamonds are forever more than just marketing, they are the essence of luxury itself. An object revered only for itself and how it reflects light, Chopard’s integration of the eternal stone in a band of 12 hour markers is expected yet breathtaking nonetheless.

Jonah’s Kitchen+Bar

A Pioneer in BBQ Fusion

ills Views and Valleys recently sat down with Jonah Johnson of Jonah’s Kitchen + Bar to discuss everything from life’s inspirations, dreams, and passions as well as, of course, food and everything about his approach to cuisine. A pioneer in BBQ fusion, Jonah Johnson’s vast experiences shaped his restaurant’s approach to food and embodies an exploratory, try-itfirst approach to discovery.

This much is evident as soon as patrons take one glance at the restaurant’s menu. When we asked him what inspired him, he told us, “Growing up, the idea of a big bonfire and cookout always gave some joy and warm feelings. It’s celebrating and honoring your family and friends by taking the time to share stories, laughter, love, and developing yourself and your ideas and it’s all centered around a wood fire.”

Guests can sense this spirit as soon as they enter Jonah’s Kitchen + Bar where the theme of the bonfire and cookout continues.

“Then it’s time to eat the food that’s been prepared over the wood coals and in my opinion, there is absolutely no better way to prepare food than over burning wood. The flavors and nostalgia will always bring you back. I want to continue to share that with others and when it comes to cooking for me it’s not just about the food but the experience that comes along with it,” Jonah tells HVV.

In particular, fusing the essence of different cultures into his BBQ drives a lot of his passion. It is this sense of shared humanity and cultural heritage that, again, brings us back to the bonfire and the BBQ prepared by its side.

“All cultures are similar in that they have their own way of BBQ’ing and I’m interested in experiencing everyone in the woods’ way of doing it. I want to taste foods from around the world and be inspired to adopt some of those methods and flavors into my own cooking. The preparation of food is phenomenal to me.”

Naturally, this requires an intense focus on top-quality ingredients that are not only authentic to the palate but complementary with one another on the broader menu. Bringing together these different elements isn’t easy, but Jonah’s Kitchen & Bar makes it happen and with aplomb.

“My approach to cuisine is the balance and simplicity of ingredients and flavors. I prefer not to overindulge in the ingredients and rather watch over them as they roast and let them speak for themselves with the slight addition of flavors. I am only the conductor and possibly the background singer to the ingredients. The ingredients are the star of the show!”

One theme that patrons may notice when tying the various elements together is a nod toward Korean cuisine, something Johnson readily acknowledges. Curious, we asked him if there were any plans on introducing KFC (Korean fried chicken, a sensation in its own right) to the menu anytime soon.

“Yes, I do love Korean flavors. I lived in Korea town Los Angeles for over a decade, years back as a young man. I discovered Korean BBQ long before it was popular in LA amongst the younger generation of Koreans and I absolutely fell in love with it. Koreans are masters of BBQ and I’ve been incorporating Korean flavors into my food since then. No plans for KFC as of yet!

Although he did add, “...I regularly drive back to Korea town to get those wings from Kyochon Chicken.”

When pressed about recommending a dish, any dish, for our readers, Johnson highlighted “K-town Chicken and Lomo SALTADO” as a must-try.

Speaking of Los Angeles, we were more than curious about some of Johson’s star studded guests and he had two stories to share with us, one involving none other than Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger and the other legendary director Steven Spielberg.

As for the Jagger encounter, Jonah tells us “I’m cooking dinner for a great friend of mine in my outdoor woodfire brick oven in LA. He asked if it were ok if he brought a friend in town with him?

The answer is always, ‘absolutely!’ A man walks into my kitchen and says ‘Mate, have you got any soup?’”

“I turn around and it’s Mick Jagger!”

What about the soup, we have to wonder.

“I laughed and said, ‘I do.’ Luckily, I roasted Butternut squash and cauliflower in my brick oven and made a soup with it.”

As for Steven Spielberg, “I was cooking on the set of Catch Me If You Can. I was told by my guy to make my special BBQ Ribs for the entire production. Reluctantly I rose to the challenge and later that evening as I’m packing up, Steven Spielberg walks by abruptly with his headphones, notes, and a group of assistants. He stops on a dime, turns to me with BBQ sauce all over his mouth and face and says, ‘Those are the best ribs I’ve ever had... and I know ribs! Save some for my wife!’ and he walks off. Pretty good feeling as a young cook.”

That’s a pretty storied career for most of us, but Jonah has no intention of stopping there. As for the future of Jonah’s Kitchen + Bar, he tells HVV:

“I would like to open Jonah’s kitchen in several different communities around the city, nation, and perhaps the world to share my love....but only enough where I can honestly spend quality time at each and every one of them.”

As always, he stresses, the food needs to be at the center of the experience. In that spirit, he advocates a try-now-ask-later approach or, in other words, be brave and bold when it comes to your food and you can start with this awesome recipe from Jonah Johnson for K-Town Chicken:

The Perfect Pairing yster

Whilst it might not quite be the season, we’re all dreaming ahead to the lazy summer afternoons basking out on patios whilst slurping down sumptuous fresh oysters. The age-old tradition is to pair this with a Champagne, but with so many options out there, it’s hard to even know where to start. In all honesty, an oyster should be paired with a beverage you love most to emulate the flavor. But if you’re looking for some suggestions that embellish the sensation, you can check out our opulent selection below.

It is an effortlessly chic combination we see everywhere, but with so many styles of Champagne, it’s essential to pick the right one to unleash the maximum flavor from this timeless pairing. Firstly, the greater the vintage the more expressive the flavor is going to be. This is because older vintages have a higher level of ‘free glutamate and nucleotide content.’ Essentially, this is what gives a vintage a unique umami-like savory flavor, which when paired alongside an oyster creates a magical outcome.

Of course, it’s also all about the texture. The subtle pop of the bubbles that arise like magic from the fizz is a great contrast to the velvety texture of the oysters. This is why sourcing a Champagne that is Brut Nature is important. It’s wine without any additional dosage so you’re magnifying the ‘bubbly’ element by going for this profile

Muscadet

Bright and crisp are the first words that come to mind when imagining a classic Muscadet flavor. The wine comes from the Loire Valley where the river meets the Atlantic and wild oysters grow in abundance in the coastal town of Nantes, making it a sublime pairing from its roots. Hailing from one single native grape, the melon de Bourgogne offers a unique salinity and delicate flavor. The result assists in lifting the sumptuous taste of an oyster, instead of overpowering as a more oaky alternative would be at risk of doing.

Muscadet can often be a hard sell due to its characterization of being a wine without a lot to offer. But in the case of this pairing, the simplicity of the wine is its greatest quality. The best Muscadet comes from the Sèvre-et-Maine region and a wine that is aged on lees creates a drier outcome, which is essential when matching with an oyster. This will be labeled with ‘sur-lie’ on a bottle, so keep an eye out for this hint. Subtle acidity, yet elegantly crisp, it comes as no surprise that these two marry together delightfully.

Louise Chereau, the co-owner of Château l’Oiselinière de la Ramée in the Loire Valley highlighted the complimentary flavors.

“The salty and citrus hint in the mouth is a result of the soil that brings a unique freshness to a Muscadet. This is what makes it the perfect pairing with oysters, our favorite being the meaty varieties that grow along the coastline of Nantes.”

It’s possible to find it in most premium beverage stores around the hills.

The Classic Martini

You don’t have to be restricted to wines when pairing drinks with an oyster. A classic dish calls for a cocktail of the same caliber and a stiff martini (shaken of course, not stirred) perfectly complements the buttery texture of an oyster.

But what’s the best oyster for a gin or vodka martini? If you prefer the botanical, herbaceous aromatics from a gin garnished with a single olive or aromatic lemon twist, the crisper and saltier the oyster the better. The botanics from a gin martini provide a jammy and plump finish, a great contrast from the initial salty hit.

If you’re more of a vodka mogul then a simple martini and lemon garnish makes for a wonderful pairing with a more meaty and juicy oyster. The bitterness from the vodka is the perfect balance without being overpowering, and the acidity from the lemon gives just the right kick to make a winning combination that is both classy and delicious!

A Smoky Mezcal Margarita

If you want to try something different, a smoky Mezcal Margarita always elevates the seafood’s delicate flavor, taking it to another level. You certainly won’t need a squeeze of lemon on top of an oyster for this one.

Pavel, owner of the trendiest spot in Portugal’s quirky capital Lisbon with the appropriately named ‘Oyster and Margarita’ bar gave us his insider expertise on why this combination is their best seller:

“The charcoal and citric combination that comes from the cocktail is like a warm blanket for the silky texture of the oyster. It’s the perfect palette cleanser with a surprise smoky kick between each meaty bite.”

Combining two flavor profiles with such ferocious intensity is a risk, but one that we can guarantee transports you straight to its origins.

An oyster is not just a decadent dish we enjoy with friends on a lazy afternoon. Regardless if you are in the blazing southernEuropean Lisbon sun or Beverly Hills hottest new restaurant opening. When paired with the perfect beverage it becomes a multi-sensory subliminal foodie experience. Closing your eyes you are completely transported. It is as though you are right there in a coastal bohemian town, shucking a fresh oyster directly from the sand with a delicious beverage safely in your hands.

GULLO PROFESSIONAL GRILLS

bring the elegance of the restaurant to your

HOME GARDEN

We’re spending more time at home than ever before, and that has many of us looking for the best of the best to take our lifestyles to the next level, whether it be in working from home, entertaining at home, or, best of all, eating at home. Perhaps that is what is pushing more people to seek not only good cooking equipment but the best out there. There is a drive to bring the restaurant experience into the home kitchen and to empower home chefs to produce professional-quality fares using the tools of the trade.

While this was definitely a trend before, it’s become even more accelerated now that people have rediscovered the magic and beauty of their own home’s kitchen and backyard. Gullo Professional Grills not only bring the best of the restaurant experience right into your backyard, but they also offer a lifetime promise of reliability, performance, design, and quality that is unmatched in the industry. And the difference is apparent at first glance. That’s because Gullo Professional Grills employ only the finest materials and beautiful, elegant design in all of their products. It is a mark of distinction that tells an owner and his guests that they are in for an experience.

With a vision that aims to bring the power of the restaurant kitchen to wherever the home cook might desire, Gullo Professional Grills are perfect for outside gardens and terraces as well as rooftops and other outdoor dining areas. But all of this isn’t just about design or appearance; Gullo Professional Grills, through a combination of features and accessories, truly opens up a range of culinary frontiers for the home chef that wants to entertain in the great outdoors. Towards this end, Gullo Professional Grills come with 15 different cooking methods including grilling, smoking, steaming, and frying, among others. There are also a variety of specialty accessories to expand cooking possibilities such as a wok ring, fry top, or pasta cooker.

To achieve restaurant levels of performance, Gullo Professional Grills are engineered to reach high temperatures to make meals not only memorable but ready in a flash. Capable of achieving 800 degrees in just four minutes, the grill also comes with infrared burners that can cook meat up to 50% faster than a traditional barbecue setup while the v-shaped grill helps meats retain their juices and flavors rather than lose them to the flame below. Arriving with everything a home chef could ever want, Gullo Professional Grills also come in a range of designs and colors that make the grill as unique as the owner himself. Varying colors and brass finishes are just two popular options but there are many, many more and grills can either be freestanding or built-in versions. The grills are designed to accommodate and accompany any decorating scheme and, thanks to their world-class materials and honed design, they fit in whether in an elegant country home’s terraced garden or on a penthouse rooftop. It is a classic, versatile design that is graceful, purposeful, and built to withstand the coming and going of trends for years to come. In other words, every Gullo Professional Grills product is an instant classic, an icon in its own right.

Of course, what is a grill without accessories? Gullo Professional specializes in different sets of tools purpose-built for their grills such as knife sets, meat cutters, leather place setters, and chopping boards. No Gullo Professional grill is complete without them, and, once you have them, owners will often wonder how they ever cooked with other products before these. There is the steak knife set with blond buffalo horn handles, the accompanying professional knife set, and the variant professional knife set with brass and ebony handles instead of the blond buffalo horn. The steak knife set consists of six stainless steel knives while the professional knife set is also six knives, including a chef, bread, paring, roast, ham, and boning knife.

For home cooks that want a finer slice, or who perhaps enjoy a good home roast, the flywheel meat slicer and worktop meat slicer offer precision instrumentation capable of being adjusted between 0 and 16mm for the worktop meat slicer or 9 different options for the hand-operated flywheel meat slicer variant. Again, everything is constructed with the home and professional chef in mind, and absolutely no corners were cut in this pursuit. For example, the pros use leather place setters, and Gullo Professional brings that home to its owners with hand-crafted, tanned Florentine leather table mats and circular trivets. There’s even a very elegant leather pot holder and a set of four napkin rings and four napkin coasters crafted from the same Florentine leather to accompany them. There are also four different boards on offer from Gullo Professional, including two laminated ash chopping boards, a soapstone chopping board, and a chopping board with a truffle cutter for the true connoisseurs out there. Oiltreated laminated ash boards come in 40x40 and 60x40cm each, both constructed of high-grain wood to

ensure long-term use and quality. The soapstone chopping board is housed in oil-treated walnut timber with a base of soapstone and stainless steel support handles for lifting it in and out of its wooden cradle.

Last and certainly not least, is the chopping board with truffle cutter, expertly designed for convenience, elegance, and with more than a hint or two of the inside. How so? To start, the chopping board with a truffle cutter comes with a glass bell so that you can trap the odors and essence of cut truffles once you have prepared them. That’s not only a tiny detail, it’s a must-have feature if you’re a professional and, as far as Gullo Professional is concerned, they are bringing that experience to the home kitchen. Constructed out of oiltreated walnut, the chopping board with truffle cutter is de rigueur for the serious at-home chef. Whether it is in their line of world-class grills or in their numerous high-quality accessories, Gullo Professional is a name that every luxury kitchen should feature.

THE

THREE

NEWEST

ADDITIONS TO THE CITY OF LIGHTS' CULTURAL SCENE COMBINE HISTORY, ART,

&ARCHITECTURE

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the city’s many museums. Of course, there is the iconic Louvre, but that is just one among a list of select choices for visitors to the City of Lights; there are many more and more than a few that visitors won’t want to miss. Three of the more contemporary museums stand out in this crowd, specifically the Foundation Louis Vuitton, Foundation Cartier, and the Pinault Collection housed in the ancient, stately Bourse de Commerce.

Foundation Louis Vuitton

The Frank Gehry-designed Foundation Louis Vuitton is a sweeping piece of architectural sculpture that serves as a tangible he Frank Gehry-designed Foundation Louis Vuitton is a sweeping piece of architectural sculpture that serves as a tangible embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s commitment to culture and the arts in Paris. Towards this end, the museum features a range of spaces capable of hosting concerts, lectures, special exhibits, classes, dance, film screenings, events, and much more. Chief of Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, described the Foundation building as a space that “opens up a dialogue with a wide public and offers artists and intellectuals a platform for debate and reflection.” Inspired by the glass Grand Palais as well as structures such as the Jardin d’Acclimatation Palmarium, the Foundation draws from Paris’s long architectural tradition and history. Distinguished by its swooping glass sails constructed out of 3,584 laminated glass panels, the Foundation is both welcoming and enveloping, cocooning visitors in a shell filled with natural light and sealed off from the outside world. Offering collections of works owned by both Louis Vuitton and Bernard Arnault, the Foundation has rotating exhibits and public events as well as a membership service with VIP-level amenities and access. The winner of several architectural and design awards, the building itself is as artistic and significant as many of the works inside of it.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN IS HERE.

Foundation Cartier

Similar to the Foundation Louis Vuitton, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, or Foundation Cartier, incorporates glass facades but in flat sheet panes rather than the bold, swooping forms found on the Gehry design. Designed by Pritzker Prize architect Jean Nouvel, it is home to over 1500 exhibits drawn from the Cartier collection as well as from around the world. Like the Foundation Louis Vuitton, the Foundation Cartier is ensconced in verdant woodlands that give visitors indoor and outdoor spaces within which to interact with exhibits or witness performances. The gardens themselves are designed by master arborist Lothar Baumgarten and feature stately trees scattered amidst lush, seemingly untamed green space. Devoted to art in all of its forms, the Foundation Cartier hosts exhibits from the worlds of fashion, design, video, performance art, photography, and digital art, among others. Intended as a creative nexus within Paris itself, the vision for the Foundation Cartier established by Alain Dominique Perrin in 1984 lives on in the museum’s embrace of the novel and cutting-edge as well as the traditional in the art world.

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Bourse de Commerce

Pinault Collection - Bourse de Commerce

Home to the Pinault Collection, the Bourse de Commerce is a stately, 19th-century building originally constructed to house a corn exchange before later transitioning into a commodities exchange and, now, a museum. The Bourse’s iconic dome is even mentioned in Parisian author Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris and is considered a historical monument. Leased to Francois Pinault in 2016 to house his collection of art, the building was soon converted into a dynamic, functional modern museum space. Housing more than 3,500 works from both Pinault’s personal collection as well as others, the combined value of $1.5 billion makes the Bourse home to some of the world’s finest art without exception. Renovations to the Bourse expanded its total exhibit space while also outlining how visitors would experience art in the main gallery. A 2017 addition by Tadao Ando, a thirty-foot concrete cylinder, serves as the Bourse’s main exhibition gallery as it spirals upwards towards, putting visitors on a contemplative journey that shows off the best the museum has to offer. When renovations are completed, the Bourse will have 32,000 sq ft of exhibition space available as well as a new underground auditorium for performances, lectures, and other events.

Whether kinetic, ephemeral, or classical, the design and spirit of these museums continue Paris’s long tradition as the art and culture capital of the world in more ways than one. And we are just at the beginning of their journey as they make their way towards the halcyon leagues of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

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Taking the runway by storm. Strutting to the tune of the audience’s applause. Mainstay cover model Beverly Johnson has heard it all before. Except these words of praise are not from her heyday as a pioneering supermodel in the 1970s, nor can they be attributed to the subsequent years while she reigned supreme in the fashion world.

Johnson had the industry’s media in meltdown when she returned to the world of fashion with a walk at New York Fashion Week in February, walking for buzzworthy designers Sergio Hudson and Bibhu Mohapatra. For Mohapatra, Johnson closed the show and was met with rapturous cheers.

At 69 years young, it looked like Johnson had never been away.“It was a wonderful, beautiful experience,” she said backstage at the Mohapatra show.

Johnson’s impact on the fashion world is well documented as the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue in 1974, and the trail she blazed is evident in the industry today. Yet, Johnson has always been more than “just a model”; trailblazer, cover model, icon, mother, grandmother, she also leveraged her profile to successfully branch out into other areas, including movies and television shows, three published books, business, and philanthropy.

How does she manage to balance it all and still find time to steal the show at New York Fashion Week? Keen to find out, Hills Views & Valleys traveled to Palm Springs to meet the legendary model and learn about her childhood, career, and devoted charity work for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Tell us about your childhood. What was it like growing up in Buffalo, New York?

I was so shy. It is always interesting to people when they get to know me. You would think entertainers would be very outgoing. I was the total opposite. I was a nerd. My goal in school was to make A’s and walk across the stage when I made the honor roll. I was in a number of clubs, like the cheerleading squad and the French honor society. It was a beautiful, idyllic childhood.

What about your family and friends? Can you tell us a little more about them?

My father was a steel laborer. My mother was a nurse. I have four siblings, and we had a dog, a collie named Flame. My best friend in the world, Yvonne Bratton, has been there for me for my entire life. We lived next door to each other and she could tell you I’m exactly the same person as I was when I was a little kid. My two sisters were the beauties of the family and my baby sister got all the boys. She was short, light-skinned, and curvy whereas I was tall, flat-chested, skinny and the nerd with two long braids even in high school!

Playing sports was a big part of your world as you were growing up. Did that shape your future personality in substantive ways?

I got into swimming at the Buffalo, New York YMCA. I got on the team, and we swam all across New York state and competed against other teams. As with most things in my life, I wanted to win. We practiced a lot; before school, after school, and

Every decade I had to reinvent myself and think about what I would do next.

on and on. If you know anything about Buffalo, New York, it can get really cold early in the morning, and we had to practice at six in the morning. Right after, you might go into school with wet hair – there were no hairdryers, but it just meant everything to me. Competing in the AAU, we did the Junior Olympics, hoping to qualify for the Olympics, but my time wasn’t fast enough.

College is often described as a formative experience. Is there anything specific from your college years that you remember and would like to share?

Academics were very important, but I’m the only one in my family that did not graduate from college. The cost of living was going up, and my parents’ jobs weren’t meeting the costs. They were struggling and I wanted to help them financially. My siblings were going to college, and it was a lot of money. I went to school the first year and that very summer I did a ten-page spread for Glamour. The rest, as they say, is history.

I was a Criminal Justice major at Northeastern College, and they have specific jobs they want you to do, like interning at the DA’s office, but I had modeling offers. I’ll never forget it: A three hundred dollar check from Conde Nast came to my dorm room and I’d never seen so much money in my life. I took the check and the magazine to my dean and told him it was a rare opportunity. He said, “You want to be a lawyer, but you want to intern as a model?” I said I did, and he let me!

Tell us about the historic Vogue cover photoshoot and what it was like to break the glass ceiling for female Black models.

I had that big break at the beginning, with Glamour, and continued to work with them. But living in New York, there’s a certain work rhythm you need to get into to be able to survive since it’s so expensive to live in the city. After a couple of years, I was able to quit my part-time job and survive only on modeling.

When I got the Vogue cover, I’d never been that excited in my life. It’s the highlight of my life, aside from the birth of my daughter. I get excited about it to this day. That propelled my career globally. I became a very well known person in New York. I was working all around the world.

Juggling a career and motherhood is a challenge that many women grapple with every single day. Was there any particular challenge you faced while working as a model?

It was unheard of at the time. I had my daughter at twenty-five. Models are usually out of the game by then. Not only did I continue to model, but I also did a movie when I was pregnant (I didn’t tell them I was). I also did an album. I never let anything stop me!

YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD DIAMOND NECKLACE PETER MARCO $750,000 DIAMOND CUFF BRACELET PETER MARCO $150,000

“I was always a businesswoman”.

“I’ve written three books. My last book, ‘The Face That Changed It All, was a New York Times best seller for which Warner Brothers bought the rights. Also, I was the executive producer on ‘Beverly’s Full House’, on the Oprah Winfrey Network, about mother-daughter relationships.”

Juggling a career and motherhood is a challenge that many women grapple with every single day. Was there any particular challenge you faced while working as a model?

It was unheard of at the time. I had my daughter at twenty-five. Models are usually out of the game by then. Not only did I continue to model, but I also did a movie when I was pregnant (I didn’t tell them I was). I also did an album. I never let anything stop me!

And that’s evident now more than ever before! Five decades later and you’re still working. Is that something you anticipated or is it a pleasant surprise to still be this involved?

Every decade I had to reinvent myself and think about what I would do next. The 70s were great. In the 80s, I kept reinventing myself. That’s when our salaries really shot up. We were making $10,000 to $15,000 a day. There was no way they were going to retire me! I acted, wrote books, hosted TV shows, and even became a disc jockey. I didn’t know what I was going to do after modeling, but I definitely wasn’t stepping down.

Something that many of our readers may not know is that you are quite the businesswoman. Are there any recent ventures you’d care to discuss?

I was always a businesswoman. As a model, you are an independent contractor, and I realized I could take that entrepreneurial spirit I had in the modeling world and do different projects. I’ve written three books. My last book, “The Face That Changed It All,” was a New York Times bestseller. Warner Brothers bought the rights and we’re hoping for a mini-series. I do my ambassadorship with Retrouvé, which is just a fabulous skincare line. I also have a home décor line in the works.

And executive producer with the Oprah Winfrey Network no less.

I was the executive producer on Beverly’s Full House on the Oprah Winfrey Network, a show about mother-daughter relationships. I also do public speaking engagements. I have a daughter and four grandchildren and I’m very, very involved in their lives. I actually have to meet with some of their teachers soon, I’m one of those kind grandmas. I go to all the games. My grandmother was amazing to me, so I want to be that grandmother to them. My plate is very full right now!

Even so, you still make charity work a huge part of your life, specifically your support for the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children. Tell us a bit about that.

I sit on the board of directors. They take the kids straight from the police station to the center where we have a rape clinic, and they immediately go

into therapy. It saves their lives from that kind of trauma. They work with the kids when they have to prosecute the person who has been molesting and assaulting them. These poor kids don’t deserve that so we’ve made a big dent in our community in the way of addressing that issue.

What about your work with children with Down Syndrome, is there anything you’d like to share with us?

For all her marvelous success on the covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines and her enduring impact, Johnson’s involvement in “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself” could be listed as among her most important contributions to fashion.

Inspired by her niece Natalie Fuller with Down syndrome, Beverly Johnson has worked tirelessly to promote these causes. Beverly has served as a key spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and is an active champion of the organization’s efforts to raise funds for vital resources and research. Her role within the foundation was recognized in 2014 when Johnson received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.

“From this organization, I have met a network of people that have enhanced my family’s life and Natalie’s life in ways that I could never be able to repay,” Johnson said in a video paying tribute to her involvement with the foundation.

The fashion show continues to be a huge success, raising millions of dollars for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The switch to virtual platforms these past two years could not disrupt the show’s momentum, nor stunt its fund-raising capabilities as dozens of celebrities and influential figures turned out to lend their support.

The late Barbara Sinatra, the founder of the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children, described Johnson as “a kind, generous, giving, wonderful person. Everybody loves her, and she always has a smile on her face.”

Yes, absolutely! I’m involved with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Quincy Jones introduced me to that charity and I’m so glad he did. My first cousin and niece had a baby with Down syndrome so it’s something very near and dear to my heart. We do a “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself” fashion show every year that I contribute my time to, and I couldn’t think of a better way to show these kids how much we love them.

Only two years shy of the 50th anniversary of her iconic Vogue cover, Johnson can reflect on a body of work that has left an indelible impact on the fashion world and beyond. Despite more than 500 magazine covers (including this issue of Hills Views & Valleys), dozens of movies and televisions shows, bestselling books, successful businesses, and impactful charity work, Johnson has no plans to slow down. It is a simple, yet powerful, approach to life that has allowed her to achieve so much and still strive for more.

Only two years shy of the 50th anniversary of her iconic Vogue cover, Johnson can reflect on a body of work that has left an indelible impact on the fashion world and beyond.

Three is a crowd.

Three Cognacs to try for National Cognac Day

Mark it in your calendars, and if you haven’t yet, consider this a sign. June 4th, which is blessedly a Saturday this year, is National Cognac Day. It’s not a surprise for America to celebrate drinks, if the margarita is regarded in reverence during Cinco de Mayo and the Irish Car Bomb during St. Patrick’s Day, without a doubt, Cognac deserves 24 hours of the spotlight.

Dubbed as l’eau de vie (the water of life) in French, this drink can only be called Cognac if it comes from the Cognac commune in France. And the ugni blanc grape variety is what’s mostly used, though folle blanche, and colombard are also acceptable. And, it only gets tougher from there. If a label wants to use the region’s name, it has to pass the strict requirements of the appellation d’origine contrôllée (AOC). Rest assured, you know what your drinking is simply the best.

Here are our top picks for the best Cognac brands to celebrate with on National Cognac Day.

Hennessy Black

Many things happened in 2009 - the passing of Michael Jackson, the inauguration of Barack Obama. But for cognac connoisseurs, the debut of Hennessy Black was on the same pedestal.

Hennessy Black sets itself apart from the lavish Hennessy Cognac family due to its perfection for cocktails. Mixologists choose it for its higher ABV (43%) and smoother texture. Pale gold in color, its lighter hue comes from subtle aging in oak barrels, and it gives you bold jasmine notes combined with citrus and honey. The palate is described as fresh cognac grapes with a touch of citrus.

If you can’t do without a classic Sidecar or a Sazerac for a nightcap, then what are you waiting for? The Hennessy Black is the best, albeit the only choice, for this.

Ferrand 10 Générations Grande Champagne Cognac

Maison Ferrand is not just a Cognac producer, they have other spirits in their arsenal as well. Rums, gins, curacaos, and liqueurs are also drinks in their portfolio.

But what makes their Cognacs extra special is their hands-on approach from vineyard to bottle, and this one is named for the 10 generations of Ferrands who ran the distillery. The Ferrand 10 Générations

Grande Champagne Cognac is made from ugni blanc grapes and aged in French oak casks with 20% Sauternes wine barrels to enhance the notes of honey and spiced fruit.

This drink has notes of pepper, nutmeg, baked pear, honey, and white flowers, and is a showstopper when used in making the classic Old Fashioned.

There are only two things to remember when drinking cognac - if it’s young, mix it, and if it’s old, drink it straight. Life is too short not to enjoy the finer things in life. And cognac is one of those things that you need to experience, even if only once a year.

Rémy Martin XO

When you conjure up an image for the word Cognac, the first thing that probably comes to your head would be a luxurious brown leather lounge chair, an individual sitting beside a fireplace, swirling a crystal glass with alcohol in it. And a bottle of Rémy Martin XO on the drinks cart.

Such is the image that this brand has created around it - nothing short of opulent. And it’s the same for the Rémy Martin XO. The XO denotes extra old, which means the youngest cognac in the blend must have been aged at least ten years as of 2018.

Another thing that makes this drink special is the 400 eaux-de-vie in it. It’s evident with the different aromas that progress once it hits your taste buds. Starting with plum, mature fig, and candied orange to spicy notes with a hint of cinnamon and freshly crushed hazelnuts, finishing on gourmet notes of roasted cocoa beans, honey, and ginger.

French

The amber liquid of cognac is the nectar of the gods to many liquor aficionados and, when paired with amaretto, it is not hard to see why. A French Connection can be crafted out of any grade of cognac, from VS to VSOP to XO, and the amount of amaretto to taste. Some drinkers prefer a drier, more bracing taste while others enjoy the sweeter notes of a more balanced mix.

Cigar Aficianado

ONE NIGHT OUT

The discerning gentleman has more options now than ever before when it comes to the accouterments he chooses for a day at the office or a night out on the town. But that doesn’t mean that all of those options are created equally; variety might be the spice of life, but constancy is the hallmark of leaders and kings.

That’s why we only seek out the best when it comes to men’s watches and jewelry. We look for craftsmanship, heritage, quality of materials, and, above all, a certain kind of panache. Call it a zest for life, a spirit of ecstasy, or, simply, understated statement luxury items. And towards that end, we have a collection today that the gentleman of tomorrow will want to peruse.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite men’s watches and jewelry to give you some insights into what is moving the dial in men’s fashion right now. From the ornamental to the timeless, this selection not only underpins a gentleman’s composed outfit but also makes him prepared for whatever occasion life may throw at him.

And it all begins with your accessories.

evered watchmakers Arnold & Son commemorate the year of the tiger with a special timepiece crafted specifically for this occasion and with embellishments that mark it as both unique and in a class of its own. An iteration on Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon, the Golden Water Tiger Watch features the aforementioned tiger outlined in gold upon an azure backdrop with trademark pale moon and shimmering stars overhead. The A&S1512 calibre was developed in Arnold & Son’s Manufacture La Chaux-de-Fonds and consists of two barrels with an oscillation frequency of 3 Hz resulting in a 90-hour power reserve.

We love to present you with options and that is exactly what we are doing with the Arnold & Son Globetrotter Gold. Reminiscent of the special edition Perpetual Moon Golden Tiger Watch in that it evokes Arnold & Son’s signature style and craftsmanship, the Globetrotter Gold features the Earth itself, complete with deep blue handpainted seas and a design that recalls John Arnold’s marine chronometers used on English sailing ships during the 18th century. Constructed out of red gold and featuring details in Super LumiNova, it has red hands for telling local time while world times are “identified by visualizing an imaginary longitude from the ruby in the central bridge to the 24-hour sapphire ring.” For the discerning gentleman that has it all (or wants it all), the Globetrotter Gold is a timepiece worthy of remark. Assembled on the Maison’s automatic calibre A&S6022, the Globetrotter Gold is fully assembled at Arnold & Son’s La Chauxde-Fonds with an oscillating weight of 22-carat gold, skeletonized in the Clou de Paris guilloché pattern.

Maor Cohen has mastered understated elegance, and this bracelet perfectly complements a gentleman’s watch in addition to being versatile enough for business, formal, and even casual wear. You may have seen Maor Cohen on celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Johnny Depp, or Wiz Khalifa. Treasured for their casual/formal versatility, it’s no wonder that Maor Cohen designs tend to be a favorite among the accessories chosen by celebrities for their magazine photoshoots. The Grandia Omnia Gold/ Silver White Diamond consists of 18-carat yellow gold with oxidized 925 sterling and diamond accents. The piece is both artisanal and modern with quality construction that is meant to last for a lifetime.

Establish your own mythology with this 18-Carat Gold Phoenix Feather Ring with White Diamonds from Maor Cohen. Again, we have an understated elegance here that is ideal for the modern gentleman. We also have the dual effect of being perfect for formal, business, or even less formal occasions. This makes Maor Cohen’s designs a favorite among Hollywood’s A-List male celebrities like Theo Rossi, Matt Damon, and Gerard Butler. Imagined in 18-carat gold with white diamonds, the feathered accents give the appearance of the phoenix’s wings while the gems themselves catch and reflect the light shining from the warm 18-carat gold foundation.

Maor Cohen 18-Carat Gold Phoenix Feather Ring with White Diamonds $6,070

A name that needs no introduction, the Cartier Knot Yellow-Gold Cufflinks are the perfect finishing touch to any gentleman’s outfit. The aesthetic embodies the original cuff link itself - knotted string threaded between the holes on a formal shirt’s cuffs - yet in a metallic, gold rendition that is both classic and durable, timeless and present. A set that will last a lifetime, these Cartier cufflinks are the musthave accessory for the cosmopolitan and jet-set crowd.

Provident

Top Drawer

Style

Before looking into the differences in tailoring style, let us first try to understand the allure of bespoke. Bespoke tailoring from Savile Row and Naples are the finest in the world, but the process of acquiring the special garments takes time and effort. The pinnacle of tailoring requires a considerable financial cost, multiple fittings, months of wait and a lot of thought. Therefore, bespoke tailoring is not only for those with means, but for those with a passion for style and an appreciation of craftsmanship. Bespoke is for those who have earned the privilege to take time to enjoy life.

At the end of the process, you will have a garment that you helped bring to life. High quality tailoring lasts, which not only saves money and environmental harm, but as a bespoke garment follows you throughout life then you come to appreciate it more.

Jon Paul Phillps

ur journey begins at the home of British bespoke tailoring, on Savile Row in London’s Mayfair district. For centuries, British gentlemen have had their garments sewn by hand in the workrooms of the many historic tailoring houses.

Huntsman, established in 1849, is one of these legendary houses and has been outfitting kings and queens of Europe and cultural figures for centuries. In recent years, many have been introduced to the world of tailoring from the movie series “Kingsman” which is filmed in the Huntsman tailoring shop. This flagship of tailoring has both tradition and the best of today’s craftsmanship and states that “Huntsman has been proudly contemporary since 1849.”

British tailoring is quite conservative, probably because it has the strongest heritage. The charcoal suit paired with a pair of classic John Lobb Oxford shoes is what springs to mind. All the tailoring houses on Savile Row will be able to create a beautifully cut suit for the traditional London office, but each house also has its own style. The cut of an English suit is often quite structured and, while good tailoring is comfortable, it also gives the uplifting feeling of wanting to stand up straight.

Jon Paul Phillps

One of the legendary Neapolitan tailoring houses is Sartoria Dalcuore, which exemplifies pure Italian craftsmanship and style. To Sartoria Dalcuore, Neapolitan tailoring is defined by two factors. Firstly, the particularly strong tradition of passing down craftsmanship from generation to generation and, secondly, the character of the Napoli spirit where vanity is not hidden away as arrogance but is treated as a joyful game.

The debate between British and Italian tailoring is a little about technique and a lot about style. Whether you prefer a heavy flannel suit from Savile Row or a light linen suit from Naples, the tailors from both places are obsessed about craftsmanship. It is most important to find a tailoring house that fits your personal style. Bespoke is something you do for yourself, because you enjoy and admire craftsmanship. Only fellow connoisseurs will be able to appreciate the true value of your bespoke suit. Best of all, the more you get to know your tailoring, the more you can love it.

The grand tour of tailoring goes from London, through Paris, and ends in Naples. Here fabrics are less understated and the jacket construction is lighter but don’t be fooled, the Neapolitan tailors are no less talented. The key features of Neapolitan tailoring are a dynamic cut and the natural shoulder with very little shoulder padding and a “spalla camicia” construction. This gives a relaxed look and allows for free movement, as the jacket follows the natural lines of the body. This style of jacket works well half-lined in a nice linen fabric and will bring comfort and style. The Neapolitan style is famous for the “Sprezzatura” attitude, where a tendency to show off is mixed with an effortless appearance.

de Riscal

Award-winning architect Frank Gehry is a household name in all things related to architecture. His designs are instantly recognizable across the world, and he counts the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles as some of his greatest achievements.

Nestled beneath Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the heart of Spain’s Rioja wine region, is his first completed hotel - the luxurious, five-star Hotel Marqués de Riscal.

Attached to one of Spain’s oldest wine bodegas, the hotel opened in 2006, transforming the peaceful village of Elciego into one of the hottest art, design, gastronomy, and wine destinations on the planet.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal is signature Gehry. Undulating ribbons of pink, gold, and silver, emulating the colors of fine wine decorate the structure - silken waves of titanium tumbling from the rooftop and down the exterior façade creating canopies of shade. It’s a futuristic building, ahead of its time, and a jewel in the crown of the Marriott International hotel group.

The hotel’s 43 rooms and suites are distributed across two wings, the Gehry wing and Spa wing, connected by a stunning glass bridge. Accommodations are a blend of avant-garde and neoclassical, each suite carefully curated with elegant pieces - a cloud lamp made from fabric balloons, a patterned armchair or curved coffee table. They also benefit from state-of-the-art technology with large HD TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines and Porsche designed electric kettles.

Traveling for a special occasion? Reserve the Gehry suite. Alluring and loft-like, dressed in neutral tones with a delightful private terrace, the suite is playful with comfortable sofas, an Italian marble bathroom and angled, floor-to-ceiling windows boasting incredible views of the vineyards and mountains.

Alternatively, book the bold and unapologetic Riscal suite. The stylish one-bedroom suite, decorated in varying shades of deep red, is equipped with a King bed and views of Elciego village from the spacious outdoor patio.

The luxury hotel offers a selection of gastronomic options catering to discerning palates. Marqués de Riscal Restaurant, helmed by local chef, Francis Paniego has been awarded a prestigious Michelin star. It serves an innovative fusion menu of sharing tapas, avant-garde and traditional Riojan dishes. Wines from the bodega collection are recommended by expert sommeliers, and exquisite tasting menus are available to sample on dates throughout the year.

Restaurant 1860 Tradición is a less formal option, blessed with 2nd floor panoramic views overlooking the Cantabrian Mountains, it offers an à la carte menu and is perfect for family gatherings or smart casual dining.

After dinner head for the chic hotel wine bar or modern alfresco rooftop lounge for coffee, a cocktail or nightcap, marvelling at the vista as the village illuminates below.

Following a busy day of local exploration, relax and unwind at Vinothérapie® SPA. With an extensive menu of wine therapy treatments, specialists trained in the French wine region of Bordeaux use the essence of grape to cleanse, soothe, and invigorate the skin. The wellness sanctuary, awarded Number One Spa in the World in 2009 and Favorite Overseas Hotel Spa by Conde Nast Traveler UK readers, also includes an indoor swimming pool, steam room, fitness center and pediluvium.

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Adventurers wishing to delve into local history and the unspoilt natural beauty of Rioja can speak with the hotel’s luxury concierge team who can organize everything from winery visits and bicycle hire to cultural trips, private golf sessions, restaurant reservations and more.

Guests inspired by the architectural and design prowess of Frank Gehry, shouldn’t bid goodbye to Spain without visiting another exceptional landmark. His magnum opus, the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, lies just eighty miles north on the banks of River Nervión.

The world of luxury jewelry is exciting, expensive, and a little bit elusive sometimes - this means that in order to procure some truly amazing pieces, you have to know where to start looking. With a plethora of options available to you, it can be somewhat cumbersome to select the ideal piece for that special woman in your life, especially if she’s a jewelry aficionado with style to spare. Hills Views & Valleys has handpicked several options that truly stand out in any crowd, and these gorgeous works of art will undoubtedly impress even the most cultured and chic women. Presented to us by The Palm Beach Show Group, this collection includes several one-of-a-kind pieces that promise to enhance your jewelry collection for years to come. palmbeachshowgroup.com

BESPOKE SUPERYACHTS DRIVEN BY INDIVIDUAL DESIRE

FEADSHIP REVEAL NEXT-GENERATION PURE SUPERYACHT, DESIGNED BYYOU.

Talented Dutch superyacht builders Feadship have been designing and constructing luxury superyachts since 1949. They are proud of their legacy, and rightly so, telling those who ask that they don’t build yachts to meet a budget, they build yachts to meet a desire.

Their catalogue of innovative superyachts to date is impressive to say the least. The most recent offering being the VIVA, a ground-breaking, eco-friendly, 94-meter custom Feadship with open beach style interiors courtesy of Peter Marino Architects, famed for their work in Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel stores around the world.

This year feadship revealed their latest concept. a next-generation custom built; 81.75-meter superyacht known as PURE.

The essence of Pure is the unparalleled visual and social connections offered by her open onboard architecture and three-deck atrium, a feat that is very challenging to achieve on a yacht.

The rest of the main deck is completely open with dining and lounging facilities strategically placed for the best views.

is instantly recognizable from afar - bold, futuristic, and minimal by design, streamlined and sculpted to cut effortlessly through the ocean with a set of underwater anchors that avoids the need for pockets in the side.

Located half inside half out, glass is an interchangeable aspect of the entire space. It connects each deck with the surrounding environment giving the yacht an open, extended feel.

Pure can be custom designed with up to five decks. A sun deck can feature a large jacuzzi and fire pits for evening glasses of wine at sunset and barbeques, while there’s also space for a dedicated bar and dining area with seating around a giant elliptical skylight for stargazing. The master states room sits in prime position forward with a direct link, making much of the fact that Pure has no conventional wheelhouse.

The main deck can also benefit from luxurious lounge facilities strategically placed for the best views, and a dazzling swimming pool offers space to relax and unwind following a day of shore exploration and designer shopping.

Interiors of Pure are beautifully balanced to provide incredible fluid spaces throughout, but the truly ingenious part is how they link together, intertwined in a dance of natural design perfection.

Designer Jan Schaffers explains, “Pure synthesizes all the know-how gained in recent times over the types of spaces and exteriors which owners ask for in the purest way possible. Many of us are inherently reluctant to truly explore what our actual needs are and Pure takes a deep dive down this path. To slightly paraphrase the famous Steve Jobs quote, people don’t always know what they want until you actually show them”.

This next-generation yacht is controlled from a concealed command centre where everything is simulated and displayed on a collection of screens. The information required to navigate comes from sources such as radar, AIS, maps, depth sounders and cameras placed strategically around the yacht. The data is then combined and presented using smart augmented reality visualization.

Additionally, prospective owners of Pure will benefit from diesel-electric propulsion, which receives energy from both batteries and liquid fuel, making this ship energy efficient as we move into a world driven by sustainability.

The first deliveries of this new system are expected in 2024, with further updates in 2027 and 2030. However, for interested parties, work can begin on a customized Pure superyacht as soon as tomorrow.

For additional information about Pure or other Feadship yachts, please visit www.feadship.nl

Rolls-Royce Driven by Luxury

“ Take the best that exists, and make it better”

- Sir Henry Royce

hen you think of luxurious vehicles, few brands are as iconic and embedded in the mind as the sumptuous automotive titan Rolls-Royce. The mere mention of the name conjures images of opulence, exclusivity, and royalty. It is a unique brand, finding its roots in the rolling English countryside and driven by the century-long pursuit of automotive excellence. The essence of which can be summed up no more succinctly than in the words of its co-founder Henry Royce, “Take the best that exists and make it better.”

The magnificence of a Rolls-Royce is not sheer happenstance; it is the beating heart and soul of the brand. Founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, the famed duo set out with a single goal in mind…to build the perfect motorcar. One could very easily make the case that Rolls Royce has done just that.

The 115-year ambition of unrivaled luxury reveals itself through nearly impossible levels of detail and design. Everywhere you look on a Rolls-Royce, you see the painstaking work of master craftsmen and engineers; from the hand-stitched leather interiors, to the magnificent V-12 engine. A remarkable engine engineered to such a level of refined power that a penny, when placed upright upon it, can balance without falling over...even at full rev!

With a ride quality that can only be described as gliding, an interior that is as whisper quiet as it is elegant, and a drivetrain that produces over 500BHP, it is fair to say that one does not simply drive a Rolls-Royce, one experiences a RollsRoyce. Read on for a look at the dream team that rules the road.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost

For most other luxury automakers, the Ghost would most assuredly be a fully loaded flagship vessel, but for Rolls-Royce, the Ghost is the entry-level model in the company’s lineup. When one is standing next to a Ghost, however, the idea that it is entry-level is almost comical.

The exterior of the Ghost is bold, yet elegant. It maintains the same features that are unique to Rolls-Royce, but it has a modest, sporty quality. This winning design gives the Ghost a hint of playfulness that is quite fitting, and helps to bolster the Ghosts distinctive characteristics.

The interior is as plush and luxurious as the company’s flagship model, the Phantom, albeit with its own distinctive styling; and thanks to a long and robust options list, the only limit to the Ghost’s extravagance is the imagination and list of must-haves specified for each buyer.

Those unfamiliar with the Rolls-Royce lineup may be laboring under the misconception that the Ghost is a slow-moving estate car. Rolls-Royce answers that misconception in 563 ways. The Ghost is powered by the company’s 6.7-liter V-12 engine, producing an incredible 563HP. With numbers like that, it is no surprise thatthe Ghost is capable of hitting 60 miles per hour in only 4.6 seconds.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the automaker’s 8th rendition of the full-size, luxury saloon. One look and it is easy to see why this model has stood the test of time.

For over a century the Phantom has inspired and captivated motorists with unmatched sophistication and luxury. More than a car, the Phantom can be likened to a mansion on wheels, and with a starting price tag of $450,000, it is indeed an easy comparison to make. Rolls-Royce commands such a price by offering their customers simply the best example of bespoke craftsmanship of any motorcar company. The words from the cofounder, Henry Royce, “When it doesn’t exist, design it,” has been a mantra that inspired the firm.

The exterior of the Phantom is handsome, bold, and recognizable. It exudes an air of British sophistication and forward thinking design. This newest generation looks a bit more daring and intrepid, with an imposing presence that outshines previous generations.

The Phantom, with its extended wheelbase variant, is certainly a pleasure to drive, and they have long been used as the benchmark for ride quality. The luxury saloon glides effortlessly over bumps, tarmac, and gravel, and sports a mighty 6.8-liter V-12 engine that provides exceptional power. As pleasurable as the Phantom is to drive, it has long been celebrated as a limousine--a car for those who are driven.

The interior is incredibly soft, sensuous, and supple. Rolls-Royce has always provided lavishness in unexpected ways, and the new Phantom is a testament to that ambition. A robust materials list transforms the interior into a canvas on which the buyer may paint their masterpiece. The Rolls-Royce Phantom may just be the finest example of the perfect luxury vehicle. For those fortunate enough to be driven in such a car, they are truly driven by luxury.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith

More menacing, more powerful, and designed to be driven, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is like no other GT in the world. The Wraith maintains the same level of comfort and luxury as other models in the lineup, but exudes a much more aggressive presence.

The interior of the Wraith is uniquely crafted in bull leather. Rolls-Royce exclusively uses bull leather, as the hides from cows are prone to stretch marks and imperfections. The interior styling is dynamic and masculine, but it doesn't let one forget that they are in a luxury coupe. The Wraith still provides exceptional room and comfort for passengers, yet pays particular attention to the driver.

The exterior of the Wraith is a beautiful blend of saloon and GT styling. The 2-door coupe features automatic coach doors that close with the touch of a button. The swooping lines pay tribute to the RollsRoyce heritage, and the fastback design strengthens the notion that this machine is meant to go fast...and does it ever.

Under the hood you will find a massive 6.6-liter turbocharged V-12 engine, producing over 600HP. With numbers like that, one doesn’t have to question why Rolls-Royce chose the old Scottish word ‘wraith,’ meaning ‘spirit’ for this amazing ride. With a 4.4 second 0-60mph time, you may never really see one.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn

For buyers yearning for the feel of the wind in their hair, Rolls-Royce offers one of the most opulent convertibles ever made...the Dawn.

It is easy to simply assume the Dawn as the convertible version of the Wraith. Both are 2-door, both are powered by a 6.6-liter V-12 (although the Wraith is a bit more powerful), and both share similar features in external design. When one slips inside the Dawn, however, the differences are as clear as night and day

The interior is rich and graceful, and is so intricately designed that one must view it from many angles to see all the incredible details. One such detail offered by Rolls-Royce, is the $21,275 Canadel Wood Paneling option. This package dresses the Dawn with highly grained, exotic wood paneling on every conceivable surface. When viewed from behind, one can see a single line where each panel is joined, creating a stunning visual presentation.With painstaking levels of hand-craftsmanship, an unforgettable driving experience, and insane levels of comfort, it is clear that the Dawn is an extraordinary car.

Rolls-Royce adorns each of their vehicles with the legendary sculpture hood ornament, “The Spirit of Ecstasy.” That spirit may be unmistakably enjoyed in no other vehicle more than when behind the wheel of the Dawn.

Driving the Dawn feels like being at the helm of a luxury sailboat. The scent of fresh air, the feel of handcrafted leather, and the display of exotic woods only heightens the experience. With the top down, one can truly appreciate the subdued growl of the V-12 engine, and with the top up, one can get lost in the sound of the high-fidelity Rolls-Royce Bespoke audio sound system.With painstaking levels of handcraftsmanship, an unforgettable driving experience, and insane levels of comfort, it is clear that the Dawn is an extraordinary car.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan

For the first time in its 115-year history, the most luxurious brand on the road, goes off-road with the first ever all terrain luxury SUV. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan can only be described as incredible.

The exterior of the Cullinan is beautiful and imposing. It exudes the same level of finely honed-design as Rolls-Royce’s heritage models. It is as if a genie has directly transformed the company’s flagship vehicle, the Phantom, into an SUV. While that may sound like an oversimplification of the Cullinan, it is important to remember that the Phantom has had nearly 100 years to improve and perfect it’s design, while the Cullinan has only had one birthday to celebrate.

The doors wrap around the side skirts to mask them from any off-road dirt or debris; a detail built into the Cullinan simply to keep one from getting their pants dirty as they exit the vehicle. Inside you will find a private-jet level of spaciousness, comfort, and technology.

The interior is everything one has come to expect from a Rolls-Royce. The butter soft leather provides plush comfort for the driver and passengers alike, and the BMW infotainment system delights riders with premium sound and entertainment. The modern-technology-infusion doesn’t stop there, as even the gauges get a special Rolls-Royce treatment. All digital gauges mimic traditional gauges, but move so smoothly that they appear to be analogue. Additionally, you won’t find a rev-counter; instead, a power-reserve gauge as it is a more sophisticated measurement.

Under the hood you will find a 6.7-liter, twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, producing an incredible 563HP. The humble growl, which is surprisingly subdued, is a distinctive sound. The Cullinan’s engine is paired with an 8-gear transmission that is so smooth that it masks the gear changes. The result of the respective pairing is a ride quality that is amazingly smooth and powerful.

In a first for Rolls-Royce, the Cullinan is built with an all-wheel-drive system. This not only helps the Cullinan reach a 0-60mph time of an unbelievable 4.5 seconds, it also allows the Cullinan the unbridled freedom of any terrain. RollsRoyce showcased the Cullinan’s unique off-road capabilities with a 12,000 mile, cross-country journey across some of the world’s toughest terrains.

With tremendous power, incredible comfort, and no longer limited by terrain, Rolls-Royce has reached new heights with the Cullinan. The Cullinan is, without contest, the best and most luxurious SUV in the world.

The exquisite Rolls-Royce lineup commands a celebrated presence. It shows the unlimited reach of a company that prioritizes the perfection of luxury motoring above all else. Rolls-Royce has reached dizzying heights with their current lineup. As we peer into the future, one is left to wonder, “How could the best possibly get any better?”

ROLLS-ROYCE

Escapism Luggage Range

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces Black Badge variant to its Escapism luggage range starting at $30,000

The new Black Badge luggage is comprised of a five-piece collection (48hr Weekender, 24hr Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag and Organiser Pouch), which can be purchased individually or as a full set. rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_US/boutique.html

“Poor Quality is remembered long after low prices are forgotten.” Charles Rolls

A r c h i t e c t : B e r g l u n d A r c h i t e c t s B u i l d e r : S h a e f f e r H y d e P h o t o g r a p h e r : S t o v a l l S t u d i o

DUCK, NC

The most beautiful place you have likely never heard of… an insider’s guide to The Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks have been a well-kept secret for decades until the Netflix series of the same name hit the airwaves. The storyline is a dramatic look at a treasure hunt, linked to the death of a family member, in a charming seaside community. And while the show has created a buzz about the area, it is not actually filmed on location.

The series setting is The Outer Banks, a 200 mile long chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, but filming actually takes place off the coast of South Carolina. While the filming location is intriguing, even the show’s creators admit to taking liberties with the geography that is portrayed in the popular series.

The good news is that Duck, North Carolina is a crown jewel of the region and simply an unforgettable destination. The northernmost community in Dare County, and one of the most popular resort towns on the east coast, Duck earned it’s moniker from the waterfowl, including the wild ducks that have called the area home for so many years. The area is believed to be a center point on the Atlantic flyway for the ducks that migrate from the Arctic to the tropics.

The Outer Banks in general, and Duck in particular, are steeped in history and have been a holiday playground for many who return, year after year, to make new acquaintances and to reconnect with old friends. Generations of families have established traditions in these quaint and picture postcard environs. With few year-round residents, low tax rates, and a high ratio of medical services per person, The Outer Banks is well recognized as a peaceful haven for retirement.

The Outer Banks are, circumstantially, believed to have been first discovered by Amerigo Vespucci on a trip to the New World in 1499 and are thought to have been formed with the termination of the last ice age 18,000 years ago. Melting glaciers receded and sea levels rose to flood areas behind the beach ridges, creating narrow tidal inlets and more than 100 miles of open shoreline and picturesque beaches. From Duck and Southern Shores in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south point, each segment of The Outer Banks has a distinct feel and style and each offers a variety of leisure time pursuits.

While most seaside destinations are packed with tourists, not so here in this little known paradise of islands that beckons you onward. The chain of islands can be driven, top to bottom in one day, but in doing so you would be denying yourself the time to explore and cherish the beauty of each stretch of unspoiled seaside wonder. And the sunrises and sunsets…they are among the finest on the planet with Technicolor® skies reflected in cool and clear waters.

You can truly spend weeks enjoying the breathtaking vistas, the remarkable dining, and the rich history of the islands. Tales of local pirates and stories of early American settlers to the region abound. Just 15 minutes south, in Kitty Hawk, stands the national memorial to the Wright Brothers legendary first flight on December 17, 1903. The interactive activity center and exhibits on aviation and historic preservation display a reproduction of the celebrated 1903 Wright Flyer that you can climb into and a 16-screen video wall. History meets technology in a landmark setting.

Ocracoke is known to have been a hideout for the pirate Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard, and infamous for raiding ships off the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina. Legend tells the tale that Blackbeard was eager to begin plundering at the light of dawn, and beseeched a rooster to crow in the early hours. “O cry, cock!” was his refrain to coax the day to begin, and over time the name is said to have developed into Ocracoke.

While hunters and gatherers have been ‘flocking’ to Duck since the 1800’s for the abundant waterfowl and hunt clubs, today visitors glide in seasonally to enjoy the great sandy beaches and shell collecting, water-sports, outdoor adventures, fine dining, and eclectic shopping. Jet-skiing, kayaking, fishing, and boating bring both seasonal and full time residents to the water’s edge. A nationally recognized Duck Jazz Festival is organized in the fall and is held rain or shine.

Among the grande dams of hospitality presented, The Sanderling Resort provides the luxuries of a resort and yet the comforts of home in an oceanfront setting. The resort and spa has been a draw for individuals, couples, and families creating happy times and special moments. The resort is acclaimed for hosting memorable events such as weddings, crab quests, intimate entertainment, culinary adventures, and last but not least, their Meet a Mustang opportunity.

The wild horses are the pride of The Outer Banks and have inhabited the island for more than 500 years. These magnificent residents are considered to be the descendants of Spanish mustangs brought in by explorers during the Colonial era. Several herds – around 400 horses in total – occupy areas of the islands. They can be observed strolling the beaches and wooded areas near Corolla, Cape Lookout, Beaufort, and Ocracoke. Some believe that the horses descended from horses that swam to the islands from the legendary shipwrecks caused by the shallow waters found near the shores.

While all of the herds are wild now, the horses have become a treasure and are protected by the National Park Service, the state of North Carolina, private funding, and sanctuaries to ensure that they will be cherished for generations to come.

Like the horses that play and thrive on the islands, generations of visitors have come to the Outer Banks for years for recreation and relaxation, and created memories to last a lifetime. The secret may be out, but The Outer Banks are in.

“The wild horses are the pride of The Outer Banks and have inhabited the island for more than 500 years”

The Visionaries and Crafters behind the World’s most cutting edge and timeless Land Rover Defenders.

Handcrafted, bespoke-built NEW vehicles completed in 4 to 6 months in the US.

All company names, brand names, trademarks, and logos are the property of their respective owners. Osprey

Experience the

MAGIC of Africa in Style

It is often said that the experience of an African safari is indescribable; that there just isn’t the vocabulary to effectively articulate its magnitude and magnificence.

Even Brian Jackman, one of the foremost writers on African wildlife, struggles to put it into words: “Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it?”

Well, there’s only one solution to that conundrum, Mr. Jackman: it’s time to book a safari. The first recorded safari occurred in 1836 and was organized by Sir. William Cornwallis Harris, a British military engineer and explorer. Those early expeditions, while also involving the observation of African fauna, primarily served as prolific hunting trips.

Mahali Mzuri Masai Mara, Kenya

Thankfully, the modern-day safari has evolved immeasurably, both in terms of its approach to conservation and in its levels of comfort.

Africa is vast and diverse, so the safari experience differs greatly from country to country. Regardless of where you ultimately choose for this life-affirming journey, rest assured it will be enjoyed in the height of luxury.

So where to go? Where to stay? And what to do?

Botswana has become an increasingly popular destination for safaris. The southern African country has transformed itself from being one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most stable and safest. As a result, luxury tourism has skyrocketed, with five-star resorts and private safari tours welcoming travelers from across the globe.

Xigera Safari Lodge is the embodiment of Botswana’s luxury safari market. Located on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve overlooking the Okavango Delta, Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’) offers 12 luxurious, African-designed suites spread across two islands, all with perfect views of the floodplains.

For a truly unique stay and ultimate intimacy, the Baobab Treehouse allows guests to sleep under the stars and enjoy a private picnic dinner on the deck.

Xigera’s safari offerings benefit such a beautiful resort. Game drives and walking safaris through the Okavango Delta are led by Xigera’s expert guides, and guests can expect to see lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and countless more spectacular wildlife.

Helicopter safaris and water safaris are also available for those who want to witness the Delta from different perspectives.

“Xigera is a gift to the world for people to experience the African safari in a whole new space,” said Toni Tollman, Director of Design and Projects, whose family are the custodians of Xigera. “Coming on safari with us, you can do whatever you want, at any time of the day.”

Masarwa, Botswana Xigera Safari Lodge

Bisate Lodge takes all the hassle out of arranging the gorilla trekking expedition as the resort will assist in organizing the necessary licenses through local tour guides.

Bisate Lodge takes all the hassle out of arranging the gorilla trekking expedition as the resort will assist in organizing the necessary licenses through local tour guides. After hiking through Volcanoes National Park, visitors will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime one-hour encounter with the gorillas.

“This experience is run by Volcanoes National Park, but the lodge helps to prepare our guests by giving each guest an information pack the night before their gorilla trek,” Baas added. “It contains information on the National Park and the various gorilla groups, what to expect during the trekking experience and the etiquette that is involved when spending time with the gorillas. The lodge also provides trekking equipment such as gaiters and backpacks. The staff is very experienced with gorilla viewing protocols and can assist guests with any questions that they may have.”

While safari in Botswana and gorilla trekking in Rwanda have surely provided plenty of food for thought, you might want to put those plans on hold if arranging your African safari between May and August.

Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri, Rwanda Bisate Lodge

From the plains of Botswana to the hills of Rwanda, a truly special experience awaits visitors to this East African nation.

Rwanda has grown from strength-to-strength since the horrifying genocide of 1994, and like Botswana is now one of the safest countries in Africa. A beautiful nation known as ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, it is the gorillas that are the stars.

Neighboring Uganda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but it is actually Rwanda that offers a more reliable experience, in that visitors are guaranteed to see gorillas (in Uganda, while meeting gorillas is likely, there are no such guarantees).

Volcanoes National Park is a prime location for gorilla trekking and it is where the multi award-winning Bisate Lodge is situated.

Sat on the slopes of an eroded volcano crater and within one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions, Bisate Lodge comprises just six private villas designed by traditional Rwandan craftsmen.

“Each 91 square meter villa has breath-taking views out across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke. With only six villas, the real generosity in the Rwandan context is the amount of private and exclusive space that surrounds Bisate, cosseting it in a rare natural landscape brimming with Albertine Rift biodiversity and beauty,” Ingrid Baas, Wilderness Safaris Rwanda Operations Manager, told Hills Views & Valleys.

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on Earth.

Once you have been there, you will never be the same.”

Brian Jackman

Tanzania Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

In that case, there is only one show in town, and you will need to be in either Tanzania or Kenya to get your front row tickets. The Great Migration is referred to as ‘the greatest show on earth’ – and for good reason: millions of wildebeest and other animals make the treacherous annual journey between the Serengeti in Tanzania in the south and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya in the north.

To witness the Great Migration in Tanzania (typically in May and June), then the Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti National Park will make that dream come true all while providing guests the ultimate in luxury living.

All villas within the lodge come with personal attendants and private pools, while the on-site spa is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

In addition to game drives and walking safaris, guests can witness the Great Migration from the most breathtaking birds-eye view in their own hot air balloon.

“It has all the characteristics of a traditional safari but at the same time gives you all the amenities of a luxury resort,” Martin Cody, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Manager, told Hills Views & Valleys

“We have five private villas and each one comes with their own butler. Guests can enjoy an in-villa barbeque, complimentary spa massages, and other intimate activities for complete privacy.”

As the Great Migration makes its way to Kenya in July and August, you will need to be in the Masai Mara Reserve – and what better place to stay than the No 1 resort in the world?

Voted the world’s best hotel at the Travel + Leisure Awards, Mahali Mzuri is a 12-tented luxury camp which offers jaw-dropping views of the Masai Mara.

Given its prime location within the reserve, Mahali Mzuri’s expert guides are on hand to immerse guests in the Great Migration, as well as year-round safari excursions.

“When you think of going on safari in Kenya, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Great Migration,” said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group and owner of Mahali Mzuri. “Words just can’t do justice to the majesty of this awe-inspiring spectacle.”

“At Mahali Mzuri you’ll have a front row seat, not just to the migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round.”

What is abundantly clear about an African safari is that no matter when you visit, where you stay, or what experiences you have, it will make an indelible imprint on your life.

As Brian Jackman insisted, the magic of Africa must be experienced to be understood.

A DEPTH OF VISION

Barton Perreira is an independent brand that sees things differently, taking the time to invest in craftsmanship that produces nothing less than the finest eyewear in the world. Meticulously crafted by hand in Japan, a single pair of Barton Perreira frames takes weeks to refine.

Distinguished for their passionate attention to each one-of-a-kind detail, Japan’s leading artisans ensure every facet of Barton Perreira eyewear is brought to life with precision and virtuosity.

“From the beginning, the dream of  Barton Perreira was to make products without compromise.  And we have.” -Bill Barton

more than ever, we must prioritize the health of our planet. We embrace the challenge and are committed to doing our part to make a lasting change.”

BARTONPERREIRA

“Now

THE INVISIBLE WALL SYSTEM

The Invisible Wall – occasionally imitated, never equaled. Proven and tested since 1992, with over 60,000 units installed in over 60 countries. Featuring many beautiful innovations that you would only expect from Goldbrecht.

THE ROAD TO WELLNESS

Health

While over the decades health trends and fads have come and gone, the basic pillars of how to maintain, or restore, vitality and good health have not changed. In the case of Nathan Pritikin, the evidence is in and in hindsight, he got it right. His ideas were ground-breaking and not initially very gracefully accepted by the medical profession. Cardiologists and heart surgeons simply did not believe that heart surgery, or other interventions could be avoided by making different lifestyle choices, but the patients at Pritikin were, and still are, doing just that.

The renowned Pritikin Wellness Center in Miami welcomes A-List clients from near and far. For restorative travel at its finest, the Pritikin Center is tucked into a private enclave and surrounded by 650 acres of verdant landscape. Founder Nathan Pritikin is legendary and is well known for his revolutionary and direct approach to health and wellness through the selection of properly derived nutrition and fitness.

Pritikin advocated for unadulterated and natural foods, not processed or artificially enhanced foods loaded with sugars, fat, and salt. He was a pioneer in suggesting that meats consumed be served more as an appetizer than a meal centerpiece. He spoke avidly of choosing meats that are free-range, grass-fed, and not from a feedlot or factory farming operation. In 1982, in his interview on PBS with Dr. John McDougall, he laid out his philosophy and that has today become what public health authorities recommend.

Hippocrates is considered to be the father of medicine and is well known for his quote, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Although no one is certain he spoke those words, it is meant to illustrate the importance of nutrition to prevent, and even cure, disease. Today many are turning to philosophies of the past to heal and prevent the ills of modern civilization. For the ultimate experience in developing personal wellness, time taken for a respite and reset at a wellness spa is a worthy investment in the future. It can be time well spent in environments that will make you want to stay forever to be cradled and cared for by the world’s leading health pioneers.

Apple Watch Series 7 is the most durable Apple Watch ever, with a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal. It is the first Apple Watch to have an IP6X certification for resistance to dust, and maintains a WR50 water resistance rating.

HEN WELLNESS AND TECHNOLOGY COLLIDE W

Measuring one’s blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter is akin to taking one’s temperature at home these days. The triviality of an action that used to be done exclusively in healthcare settings such as hospitals or clinics reminds us of the challenging times. And how far technology has come in aiding humanity’s search for longevity and the avoidance of illness.

Amidst the pandemic, our health takes center stage, and there are no more excuses not to prioritize it. Wearable tech is not just a toy for

the nerds, it has become an integral part of our everyday lives. And the better part of it is that it is also a tool for wellness. Some are even going the extra mile to achieve milestones in surgical procedures, physical diagnosing, and improving athleticism.

Here is the latest in wearable technology that not only serves as beacons for promoting health but is the materialization of the saying, “Prevention is better than cure.”

THE LATEST WEARABLES IN TECH

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple’s collaboration with Hermes made heads turn and changed the smartwatch game. Not only can tech be fashionable, but provides us with breakthrough health innovations.

The latest Apple smartwatch, Series 7, boasts its biggest screen yet and claims to be the most durable watch so far. Health features include measuring your blood oxygen level and heart rate, taking an ECG, and a new way of tracking your sleep, including your respiratory rate. It also has a new feature, mindfulness, reminding you throughout the day to keep your stress to a minimum. On top of that, there are dozens of workouts available. It comes with 50-meter water resistance, enabling it to accompany you in your swims.

It functions like your Apple phone, with the base functions like maps (can direct you where to go without bringing out your phone), Siri, making phone calls, and sending texts.

AirPods and AirPods Max

To fully aid you in your workouts and mindfulness, pair your Apple Watch with the latest AirPods 3rd gen and AirPods Max. The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, and a couple of its materials are 100% recycled (eg. magnets, case). In case you went out for a run and it started to drizzle, no worries, your AirPods can handle this with its IPX4 rating.

If you’re not a fan of the AirPods and would prefer the full headphones experience, the AirPods Max will be your new companion. It has a custom acoustic design combined with powerful H1 chips and advanced software. If this doesn’t sound like music to your ears, we don’t know what else will.

Movano Ring

There is a great advantage to owning and wearing a smartwatch, but what if you simply cannot let go of your Rolex or Audemars? What is that watch is an heirloom and a sentimental value to wearing it? Is there still a way to track your health?

Movano is doing just that. Imagine if your ring is not just fancy gold or silver jewelry anymore. What if it can deliver an almost full health workup to your physician, without you having to see them and set up an appointment? Say hello to Movano rings - they are fashionable and comfortable, and if you won’t let your precious watch go.

The ring can measure heart rate and variability, sleep, respiration, blood oxygen, steps, and even calories. It can also measure your temperature so you get a warning against fever or a good sign if you’re trying to conceive.

It has four different colors available that caters to a wide array of style preferences. The rings will be available in the second half of 2022. But they already have their prototypes up on their website for you to take a look at.

Vuzix Blade Upgrade Smart Glasses

The Vuzix Blade Upgrade underwent several improvements. Amongst these are easier-to-read digital instructions and seamless hands-free video calls. Its lens is tougher, which means safer as a PPE, especially for those whose work requires eye protection. Its camera can be at par with any smartphone, as it has an auto-focus 8-megapixel camera. The built-in stereo headphones can also be an alternative to earphones. A prototype for swimming goggles is also in the works. Imagine, swimming while streaming your favorite show underwater and with built-in sensors to track your session and progress.

But what does it mean for health care? Vuzix is teaming up with an AI facial recognition software. The aim is to recognize and detect covid-19 carriers, especially in hospitals, event venues, and retail outlets (users need to opt-in for this feature). AR-assisted surgery is also becoming closer to reality. In June 2020, the first surgery using a Vuzix M400 happened in Paris, France. The AR smart glasses aided in the surgery through virtual mapping, amongst many others. This can also be used in law enforcement through facial scanning and checking it against a police database. RoboCop comes to life.

BLUE MIND

Connecting The World’s Most Interesting People

®

…My Yacht® Group Distills the Essence of Ultra-Luxury Experiences

merging from a pandemic that saw families separated, human contact limited, global events go virtual, and the freedom to travel curtailed, requests for one-of-a-kind experiences, bucket list adventures, and in-person gatherings with like-minded people are hitting all-time highs. None more so than at the elevated level of HNW or UWNW individuals, whose exacting standards require an expertise honed over many years, by those who understand this breed of clientele.

My Yacht® Group (MYG) brings just that expertise to the table, finely tuned over multiple decades of involvement with luxury and experiences in a broad swath of interests ranging from Formula 1® to art fairs, Hollywood academies to top automotive gatherings, international yacht shows, and more. Creating turnkey hospitality and experiencesaboard superyachts, naturally - for luxury brand partners, their top clients, plus a curated global selection of HNW and UHNW guests, these events provide a unique setting for networking and socializing, as a spokesperson told to Hills Views & Valleys .

One event - at the Monaco Grand Prix - has seen a meteoric rise in demand, in no small part due to the popularity of “Drive to Survive”, the smash-hit Netflix series, now in its fourth season, that dramatically follows the F1® teams and their drivers around the world as they battle for supremacy. While Monaco has long conjured images of glamorous people and hyper cars in the famed Casino Square, the Grand Prixnow in its 79th year - has found a heightened level of interest among the vast numbers of new USA fans clamoring to attend the racing weekend. And none more so than the well-heeled seeking a new and exciting “must have” experience to check off their bucket list. Which is where My Yacht® Group comes in!

“There is no greater experience and ‘bucket list’ item than watching the Monaco Grand Prix weekend from the stern of our super yacht moored trackside on Quay Kennedy whilst sipping chilled Whispering Angel rosé, as the cars whizz by 50 feet away”, says MYG’s founder and CEO, Nicholas Frankl. This from someone who has attended, worked, and / or hosted discerning clients at the jewel of the F1 calendar for over 25 years, and for whom Monaco holds a special place.

Says Frankl, “I was running sponsorship for Asprey, the royal jeweler, with the Ferrari F1® team from 96-99, when Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and Jean Todt were with the team and quickly realized that the guests of the team’s commercial sponsors (think cigarettes, petroleum, and telecom) were from a totally different socio-economic background than these high-net-worth entrepreneurs, CEOs, Lords, Ladies, music stars, and movie celebrities who were Asprey’s clients and guests for the weekend. It was clear that we had to create a sophisticated experience for these like-minded individuals,

with which all our guests were comfortable, so I suggested a VIP yacht at the Monaco F1 GP. We hosted a fabulous evening, and it was a tremendous success!”

And this is the kernel from which MYG grew at a time when the global luxury market was itself expanding. Frankl adds, “Since those early days, as mass luxury has expanded with globalization around the world and true luxury occasions for UHNW guests have diminished with too much clutter trying to reach the 1% and 0.1%, we built on our annual signature My Yacht Monaco weekend experience with the generous support of some extraordinary guests and have organically and annually expanded to more and new events globally.”

Typical clients of MYG also share much in common aside from a penchant for the new, novel, and exclusive. This list is filled with global executives, luminaries, and VIPs from various industries, organizations, and even state representatives.

“We connect the world’s most interesting people, using a super yacht to elevate the brand and guest experience whilst showcasing the yacht for sale or charter and whilst remaining focused on our categoryexclusive, complementary,best in class brand partners’ objectives to host and appreciate their top clients whilst also engaging with our own qualified Ultra High Net Worth attendees. And these brands cover a broad range from private Swiss banks like Vontobel, to needle-moving companies like Axiom Space - just named in Time Magazine’s top 100 companies of 2022 - to luxury residence-at-sea projects like Njord, to Perrier Jouët, Bvlgari, and more. We concentrate on curating an intimate and friendly environment that enables meaningful relationships to be established.”

Luxury isn’t just about exclusivity, however, as Frankl quickly reminds HVV. There is a huge component of giving back and contributing to the greater good in the community and globally. “We have chosen to align with some wondeful charities in order to help raise both funds and awareness for their causes, through global communication to our guest database, and through donations and silent auctions that have, over the past 15+ years, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities that include-

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Operation Healing Forces, Blue Angels Foundation, Brain Tumor Research Campaign, Make-A-Wish, Happy Hearts Fund, White Feather Foundation, American Diabetes Foundation, YachtAid Global, and more.”

Like the growth in popularity of F1 racing, MYG’s global offerings to clients are always open to expansion: “We are consistently looking to take our events to new places or in concert with other new happenings. It’s the inaugural Miami F1 Grand Prix, May 6-8, and we will be there aboard a magnificent 56m / 182ft yacht to host a weekend of receptions and parties. We were the first to host a super yacht reception at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance® nine years ago, the first to host one at Art Basel Hong Kong seven years ago, and the first to establish a custom, pop-up nightclub at the USA F1 Grand Prix in Austin a decade ago. My Yacht Club - our only nonyacht event - has been there every year and we’ll be back in 2022.”

Hills Views & Valleys is thrilled to partner with My Yacht® Group on its present and future superyacht events, and is honored to be included alongside such an esteemed global brand.

AEROMOBIL

DELIVERS THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION TODAY

Sky dweller might become more than just a watch in the near future thanks to a bold business plan from AeroMobil which aims to dominate the airways first in North America and then beyond.

So many entrepreneurs promise the future, and so few actually deliver on that statement; Aeromobil, however, is bringing us the dreams of the future today and in the form of a flying car that will literally change the way we live, work, and play.

To do this, the company is developing a range of flying cars to meet a variety of consumer needs. The first such concept, the AeroMobil 4-seater flying car, is a revolutionary piece

of technology that is aiming at a complete transformation of the consumer passenger vehicle market as well as with eyes fixed on challenging the status quo in ride-sharing and logistics.

Developed as the fulfillment of a promise long elusive to the modern consumer, the flying car from AeroMobil combines the company’s distinct expertise in design and engineering with a flair for styling and an aesthetic that is both inviting, futuristic, and adaptable. It is also unmistakably one-of-a-kind and captures a kind of optimism about the future that is often lacking in products ostensibly aimed at tomorrow.

“We are excited to announce the second revolutionary model of AeroMobil’s true flying car. Following AM4.0, the world’s first production flying car, AM NEXT will disrupt and democratize the regional travel market. It will provide a better, and in many cases previously unavailable, solution to trips in the 100-500 mile range. AeroMobil will leverage AM4.0’s proof of concept of engineering and regulation, and its premium branding, into AM NEXT’s mass-market aerial ride-hailing service,” CEO of AeroMobil Patrick Hessel of the company’s 4-seater concept.

With deliveries starting in 2024, the world won’t have to wait long to see the first AeroMobil vehicles in the skies. Speaking of which, the skies are no barrier as AeroMobil

reaches for the stars; estimating a market in North America alone at $70 billion, the company’s technology is on the brink of breaking out in a big way. The company’s ridehailing service, called AM Next, is expected to launch in 2027 and is currently regarded as the company’s primary business model.

And a four-seater isn’t the company’s only offering on the block. Naturally, AeroMobil has other models planned that will help expand upon its core technology through iterative design.

Hessel also added that “Coinciding with the announcement of AM NEXT, we are touring the prototype 2-seater AM4.0 flying car in the United States, with public viewing and with private appointments for investors, buyers and operators.”

While we often like to talk about a world of seamless delivery, instantaneous services, and boundless application of technology, few companies are bold enough to actually do it. AeroMobil is not only embarking on such a plan, and it is exciting to imagine the sky-is-thelimit possibilities that the four-seater flying car can bring to our world.