Elite Traveler January-February 2016

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2016 27

Little Black Book: New York

Jacob Zucker, US marketing manager and event director, at Quintessentially Lifestyle concierge service on the top three New York venues in his little black book

A wilderness retreat was previously code word for somewhere with no home comforts and likely no electricity. Not any more. Today retreats are becoming ever more sumptuous, with private spas and world-class restaurants TAKE THREE/// LUXURY RANCHES IN MONTANA

RANCH AT ROCK CREEK Philipsburg

PAWS UP Greenough

TRIPLE CREEK RANCH Darby

From horseback riding to fly fishing and hiking, there is no shortage of outdoor pursuits to try your hand at here. For something less high- intensity, indulge in a private yoga session or spa treatment. Visit with friends and rent out the 2,668 sq ft Bear House. From $7,200 per night. theranchatrockcreek.com

Soak up the unspoiled wilderness of this 37,000-acre working cattle ranch with a stay in Blackfoot River Lodge. The lavish four-bedroom property comes with a luxury tent for sleeping out under the stars. From $4,415 per night in high season, based on six sharing. pawsup.com

This Relais & Chateaux gem prides itself on it world-class restaurant and award-winning wine cellar. The three-bedroom Ponderosa cabin, which sleeps six, has a private trout pond and multi- tiered deck overlooking dramatic mountain vistas. From $5,050 per night based on six sharing. triplecreekranch.com

Best suite: The Baccarat Suite at The Baccarat Hotel, just opposite MOMA. I love the striking decor and attention to detail, though the suite is worth checking into for the free hair blowouts, alone. There are also packing and unpacking services, a butler’s pantry and, of course, Baccarat crystal barware. baccarathotels.com Best table: Undoubtedly the chef’s table at Gabriel Kreuther onWest 42nd if you’re after a real VIP dinner. It focuses on Alsatian cooking. Try the iconic Squab and Foie Gras Croustillant. gknyc.com Best nightcap: Anything at Tico’s Tequila Bar in the Lower East Side, though my choice is A Smokin’ Maid (Mezcal, agave, lime, cucumber and mint). The decor channels 1970s Mexico with deep blue banquettes, brass lamps and a glowing bar covered in yellow resin. tijuana-picnic.com

Elite pick Porter & Sail’s new concierge app

Digital concierge service Porter & Sail has launched an app that connects leading hotels in Miami, Los Angeles, London and Singapore with their guests. It can recommend events according to neighborhood, make restaurant reservations and create personalized itineraries. What we like most is that it contains recommendations from local experts and celebrities – fromMoby’s favorite Los Angeles haunt (Mount Wilson Observatory) to designer Adrien Sauvage’s tailor of choice in London. The app is exclusive to guests of the company's partner hotels, which include Naumi in Singapore, Town Hall Hotel in London and Miami’s Soho Beach House. porterandsail.com