Million Air Spring 2023

The Adventure Issue REWRITE YOUR BUCKET LIST WITH THESE BESPOKE ITINERARIES, DARING EXPERIENCES, MONTHS-LONG ODYSSEYS AND VOYAGES WITH FAMOUS GUIDES

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FLIGHT STAFF

MILLION AIR

HEADQUARTERS 7555 Ipswich Road, Houston, Texas 77061 www.millionair.com +1 888 589 9059

Executive Team | Million Air

Chief Executive O ffi cer ROGER WOOLSEY

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Million Air Magazine is published by Elite Traveler Custom Publishing, 441 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017. © 2023 by Elite Traveler/Elite Luxury Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, print or electronic, without the express written consent of Elite Traveler Custom Publishing.

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MILLION AIR

Takeo ff

Welcome aboard, and welcome to the world of Million Air! There is a distinctive and strategic reason you have chosen private air travel over scheduled airline service. Air travelers in public airline terminals continue to experience and endorse long crowded lines, poor cleanliness standards, a lack of privacy, dismal lobby conditions, low service ethics by commoditized airline personnel — and that special treatment administered by the TSA! When you choose to travel privately, you not only choose to boost the quality of your experience but are receiving a true and measurable return on your investment at the same time. Private air travel is one of the symbols of ultimate success. It appears in movies associated with the likes of James Bond and in the news alongside famous actors and business leaders alike. But it is vitally important to separate the common confusion generated by the hyped luxury of business jet travel from the true value created for the people and businesses that utilize this misunderstood tool. The reality is that private jet travel plays an enormous role in one’s business and personal life. Besides the clear bene fi ts of safety, security and a fl yingo ffi ce working environment — saving precious time for producing executives — private air travel gives back to the people who use it. Many times, it is the only way to connect multi-city itineraries in a single day, or to get home for that precious T-ball game for your child. Had you not had the opportunity to keep your promise and return for that game, would you have even taken the trip? Had you postponed or not taken the trip, would you have closed that pro fi table deal before other options stole the opportunity? One of the vital roles that Million Air plays in the life cycle of the business tool is both one of function and of reputation. Our job is to guarantee all of your needs are met fl awlessly, such as rental cars pulled to your aircraft, shelter from the elements, catering and fuel for your departure. But what about your business and personal reputation? An FBO is not merely a ‘gas station,’ but an extension of you, your company, your fl ight department and your reputation. Your FBO selection is one more critical decision in showcasing your own quality and brand image. Million Air is proud to have been named Best Large FBO Chain for the last 11 years. We see our tasks clearly — to establish the infrastructure and business strategies that deliver consistent service, to decrease operating costs and to manage not only our brand, but your experience, image and reputation as well. Everyone at Million Air looks forward to providing you with the service you expect and the opportunity to see you o ff on yet another safe journey to one of our fi neFBOs.

Keep ’ em fl ying...

Roger Woolsey CEO Million Air ceo@millionair.com

PARTNER WITH MILLION AIR AND REACH THE ELITE Become an exclusive partner of Million Air, North America’s premier private airport terminals. By placing your print ads in Million Air Magazine or displaying your product at one of our 35 terminals, your marketing message will speak directly to an audience of the highest net worth individuals on the planet. We welcome more than one million passengers annually, each with an average net worth of $3.6m. So climb aboard the Million Air Collection and gain a fi rst-class, all-access pass to the world’s wealthiest consumers. For more information contact millionairmagazine@millionair.com

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK

Suburban paradise WHITE PLAINS IN UPSTATE NEW YORK IS A UNIQUE BLEND OF SMALL-TOWN NICETIES AND BIG-CITY LUXURY — WITH ONE OF THE PLUSHEST SHOPPING DISTRICTS OUTSIDE THE BIG APPLE

WHERE TO SLEEP Less than an hour by car from New York City, The Opus Westchester, Autograph Collection is a luxurious 146-room haven, tucked away from the noise and lights of the city. The best room in the house is the 1,100-sq-ft Presidential Suite with a sumptuous marble bathroom. 3 Renaissance Square +1 914 946 5500 marriott.com WHERE TO EAT If you manage to peel yourself away from the stunning Opus Suite, reserve a table for dinner at Kanopi restaurant, conveniently located in your hotel. It is worth checking out for the views alone (the enormous windows overlook the city). Chef Anthony Gonçalves will take you on a journey to the

other side of the world with his Mediterranean-inspired dishes. 1 Renaissance Square +1 914 761 4242 kanopi.world

White Plains

WHERE TO FLY Westchester County Airport, home to Million Air White Plains, is a leader in aircraft maintenance and customer service, with convenient amenities including a hospitality bar, on-site car rentals and a Mercedes-Benz crewcar. MILLION AIR WHITE PLAINS (HPN) Westchester County Airport 136 Tower Road White Plains, NY 10604

The Journey to Freedom Harriet Tubman Statue

T +1 914 946 0100 F +1 866 741 0199 E nfo.hpn@millionair.com W millionair.com

Donald Kendal Sculpture Garden

Continue your tour of the White Plains arts scene at the Donald M Kendall Sculpture Gardens, named after the former chief executive of PepsiCo. A former polo club, it is now full of sculptures of mermaids, grizzly bears and totems, fi lling the 168 green acres and making it feel like you stepped into a mystical world. Many of the striking pieces are by notable artists including Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti. To see even more contemporary art, visit the Neuberger Museum of Art. The permanent collection holds more than 6,000 pieces of modern, contemporary and African art; photographs; prints; and both indoor and outdoor sculptures. After a day of enjoying the arts, stretch your legs at the Game On Golf Center.

The suburban business and art hub of White Plains is conveniently located just a short train or car ride from New York City. It also happens to be the perfect place to do some big-city shopping without having to venture into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. The Westchester Mall is a huge 890,000-sq-ft shopping center with 134 luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, BOSS, Neiman Marcus, Ti ff any&Co andGucci. The White Plains Performing Arts Center is a not for-pro fi t arts organization that hosts spectacular concerts, musicals, dance shows and other performing arts. Previous critically acclaimed productions include Les Miserables , The Bodyguard , Sweeney Todd , aswell as Disney’s Tarzan and The Little Mermaid .

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING LAKE POWELL, ARIZONA

Adventures in Lake Powell ARIZONA’S LAKE POWELL IS A NATURAL PLAYGROUND FOR FANS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS

WHERE TO SLEEP Visitors to Lake Powell will fi nd a bounty of hotels to choose from, but few match up to Amangiri. It’s more remote than others in the area but, tucked away among the rock and the sand, the resort is a destination in its own right, with guests traveling from far and wide to stay at what has become a cult hotel. Accommodations are varied, from the sprawling four-bed Mesa Home to the canvas-topped Pavilion suites. 1 Kayenta Road +1 435 675 3999 aman.com WHERE TO EAT The restaurants you’ll fi nd in Lake Powell tend to be more on the casual side, but this isno re fl ection on the quality of the food on o ff er. At Antelope Point Marina, on Antelope Island, you’ll fi nd Jádí´Tooh, which surpasses all expectations of a marina restaurant. Situated in a prime spot overlooking the water, Jádí´Tooh serves a decadent menu of elevated comfort foods. 537 Marina Parkway +1 928 645 5900 antelopepointlakepowell.com WHERE TO FLY Located ideally close to Lake Powell, Page Municipal Airport makes getting here a breeze. The airport’s only dedicated FBO facility, Million Air Lake Powell is equipped with a spacious lounge area, conference room and heated hangar space. Travelers can also make use of the dedicated concierge service to complement their Lake Powell vacation.

Lake Powell

Perfectly positioned in the heart of canyon country, Lake Powell is a haven for all adventure lovers. While it is called a lake, the body of water is actually a man made reservoir (one of the largest in the US), that was formed in the 1960s with the building of the Glen Canyon Dam. Flanked by dramatic sandstone cli ff s, the winding lake stretches its way through Glen Canyon and out of Arizona toward Utah, but its waters have also fi lled a number of other smaller, secondary gorges, which are all but begging to be explored. There are guided tours, but you can also go it alone — choose between kayaks, motorboats, jet-skis or even stand-up paddleboards. There are several marinas on the lake

Glen Canyon Dam

with plenty of rental options. Back on dry land, the surrounding ancient rock formations have become must-see monuments in themselves. Don’t miss Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural bridges; the towering Horseshoe Bend; or Bullfrog Basin, a narrow, pebble fl oored ravine. The size of the lake means some are better visited via boat, but there are plenty of shorter hiking trails too. For a new perspective of the world famous canyons, visit during the annual Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta (usually held on the fi rst weekend of November), when hordes of colorful hot air balloons take to the skies. The nearby town of Page, which was orginally populated as a home for workers building the dam on what had previously been Navajo land, is a major resort area that now hosts millions of vacationers per year. Far from being just a gateway to the lake itself, Page is also home to two museums, a golf course and several sports fi elds. Lake Powell’s location also makes it perfect for fi tting into extended trips, with the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park all close by.

MILLION AIR LAKE POWELL (PGA) Page Municipal Airport

901 Sage Avenue Page, AZ 86040

T +1 928 645 2987 F +1 866 283 8274 E info.pga@millionair.com W millionair.com

Lake Powell Balloon Regatta

Photos Real Window Creative, James Kirkikis, Photographer199, Kusska/Shutterstock.com, Alex Papp/Shutterstock.com, Tami Freed/Shutterstock.co

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MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING TOPEKA, KANSAS

Historic Topeka THE CAPITAL OF KANSAS HAS A RICH HISTORY AND A BUSTLING ARTS SCENE

WHERE TO STAY For a quality stay with luxury amenities, book a room at Hyatt Place Topeka. Conveniently located four miles from downtown Topeka, Hyatt Place boasts a breakfast bar, a 24-hour fi tness center, an outdoor pool and 1,200 sq ft of meeting space. A King Room o ff ers a king-size bed and a media and work center with a 42-inch HDTV. 6021 SW Sixth Avenue +1 785 273 0066 topeka.place.hyatt.com WHERE TO EAT The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is the largest and oldest brewery in Topeka. The award-winning brewery is named for the prohibition-era custom of displaying stu ff ed tigers to alert potential customers; a 'blind tiger' was slang for a roaring party that was not known to the authorities. There's a huge

Topeka skyline

beer list, naturally. 417 SW 37th Street +1 785 267 2739 blindtiger.com

Kansas State Capital Building

WHERE TO FLY Located at Forbes Field in Topeka, Million Air Topeka is a top-of-the-line FBO with more than enough space for luxury-minded travelers. The airport is the base for two military units, including the Kansas Air National Guard, so it is equipped with three large corporate hangars, which also provide overnight space. Other facility services include a quiet room and Jet-A-Way Café.

Architecture in downtown Topeka

Located along the Kansas River, Topeka began as an important stop on the Oregon Trail before writing a colorful history that helped to shape the cultural and political landscape of the United States, most notably in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Today, Topeka continues its symbiotic relationship with government — the state of Kansas and the Kansas State Capitol act as the largest employers in the city. Built in 1866, the Capitol stretches over 20 acres and boasts a 306-ft dome that is reached by climbing 296 steps to the top. Inside, murals by painter John Steuart Curry illustrate scenes from Kansas’s rich history. Not far from the Capitol sits the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. The Monroe Elementary School building was part of a segregated school system that was taken to court in 1954 in a repeal of the ‘separate but equal’ clause. Now the site features special exhibitions, tours and information on the historic decision. Other educational sites include the Kansas Museum of History, which displays Civil War battle fl ags, an 1868 stagecoach and a 1950s diner; and the

Great Overland Station, which serves as a railroad museum and public center. Topeka also has a bustling arts scene with exciting opportunities for music, theater and visual arts. The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University o ff ers guests free admission to exhibits from regional, national and international artists; art lessons and resources; and an in-house complimentary ArtLab for guests to create their own works of art. Exhibitions change throughout the year, and an ‘endangered art’ fundraising project was unveiled in 2018 — creating a rare opportunity to see paintings from the Mulvane’s permanent collection that do not usually go on display. The Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, founded in 1936, is the oldest continuously running community dinner theater in the country and o ff ers a variety of showstopping theater experiences, including the celebrated dinner theater that promises visitors a delicious meal with the show. Budding thespians can enroll in the academy classes — a variety of workshops designed to teach students all they need to know to be successful performers. Summer camps are also available for youths.

MILLION AIR TOPEKA (FOE) Forbes Field Airport 740 SE Airport Drive, Suite 10 Topeka, KS 66619

T +1 785 862 0950 F + 1 785 862 4045 E info.foe@millionair.com W millionair.com

Photos Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com, Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com, Tupungato/Shutterstock.com

elite traveler SPRING 2023 17

Welcome

There are but a few moments in life that leave us fully speechless. But, as I stood on an endless stretch of thick sea ice, under the blazing sunshine, surrounded by emperor penguins and their ridiculously cute fl u ff y chicks… I couldn’t (and still can’t, really) describe just how magical it was. Antarctica features on even the most seasoned traveler’s bucket list, and it certainly exceeded all of

Elite Traveler around the world For daily updates, follow us on Twitter @elite_traveler and on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest @elitetraveler

my very high expectations. However, there is something about it that can weigh on your conscience. The penguins will waddle right up to you, as they are not used to humans and don’t have any land predators. The landscape is so wholly unblemished by humans it doesn’t seem real at times. So it begs the question: Should we be visiting at all? I was a guest on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot , a hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liqui fi ed natural gas. And even though the vessel has incredible ice-breaking facilities, the captain chose to follow the natural pathways through the ice wherever possible instead of carving his own route. There are two laboratories on board (which guests can visit) so that specialized researchers can access the polar regions. There were also very strict rules — this is the animals’ home and we were not to approach them for any reason; we were not to even think of taking anything home or back on ship. (We weren’t allowed to put backpacks onto the ground, which was tricky for the photo ambassadors on board). But human curiosity will never cease — Antarctica exploration dates back to the 17th century — so traveling with an environmentally conscious provider is vital. This theme extends into our annual Top Adventures feature, as a number of trips have donations built into the price. You’ll also fi nd a number of itineraries that have been custom-created for Elite Traveler , so you’re sure to fi nd something new and exciting. And what about how you get to your destination? Alex Martin takes to the skies with 100% sustainable aviation fuel and a new partnership with Fly Victor and Neste. If you’re wanting to hit the open road this spring, Alexandra Cheney looks at an electric vehicle for every occasion. Elsewhere in this issue, Elin McCoy states the case for saving old vines and the brands that are protecting them, while Nicola Leigh Stewart heads to Champagne Bollinger’s HQ to delve into the coveted brand’s storied past. In our Explore section, you’ll fi nd guides to New Orleans and the Aeolian Islands, as well as hotels that are best suited for larger groups of family and friends. We close this issue with a whimsical fl ight over the Namib Desert.

KimAyling takes fl ight in a hot air balloon to marvel at the Namib Desert in Africa from above

Samantha Coles becomes better acquainted with emperor penguins in Antarctica

Alex Martin fl ies to Rotterdam with Fly Victor and Neste to learn more about sustainable aviation fuel

Samantha Coles Editor samantha.coles@elitetraveler.com

JAKE COULD FEEL IT.

It was getting harder and harder to push himself.

A

The results speak for themselves.

successful energy commodities broker and owner of multiple businesses, Jake was juggling

“When I met with the doctors at Cenegenics, it was the first time somebody had been completely honest with me about my health and where I stood,” Jake says. “And not only that, they gave me a specific path to get to where I needed to be.” With state-of-the-art DEXA body-scanning equipment, Cenegenics doctors determined Jake’s starting body composition — muscle mass, body fat and bone density. An ultrasound CIMT test measured the thickness of Jake’s neck arteries to assess his risk of heart attack or stroke. A comprehensive blood panel, allergy & immunology testing and neurological performance exam assessed factors like hormone levels, inflammation response and metabolic and brain function. “I came out of it with a plan where all the elements worked together — nutrition, exercise, supplementation,” Jake says. “I’m not wasting time guessing and trying some random thing.” Weekly check-ins with his Performance Health Team keep him accountable and motivated—and mean his program has evolved along with his body through almost 10 years as a client. Jake built lean muscle mass with his Cenegenics Performance Health Coach’s bespoke cross-training regimen and a testosterone supplementation program.

Now in his mid-50s, Jake has less body fat than he did when he was in his 30s, and his predictive markers for heart disease and diabetes have dramatically improved. “I have more energy. I sleep better. I don’t have any soreness when I wake up,” he says. “I’m a single man in my 50s, and I’m in the best shape of my life. Cenegenics gives me confidence to compete against all these young guys out there.”

multiple work trips every month, entertaining clients at late-night events three or four days a week—all while raising three teenagers on his own. A former motorcycle racer and Air Force veteran, he struggled to keep his energy up and his weight down as his metabolism slowed with age. And he knew firsthand that an unhealthy lifestyle was putting him at risk. “My father died at a young age — 57 — from a heart attack,” Jake says. “He was very successful, but an unhealthy lifestyle had a lot to do with what happened to him.”

OurMethod

Jake knew that he needed to do something. It wasn’t just for him, but for his kids.

COGNITIVE GOALS

PHYSICAL GOALS

He needed more than just a plan.

“Joining a gym or ordering a food delivery service would have been easy, but I know from my business that one-size-fits-all solutions mean they usually don’t really fit anybody perfectly,” Jake says. “If I was going to commit the time and energy to changing my life, I needed to do it with the help of experts who could build something just for me, for my life.”

METABOLIC GOALS

The Core Components of Our Program

I’M A SINGLE MAN IN MY 50S, AND I’M IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE. CENEGENICS GIVES ME CONFIDENCE TO COMPETE AGAINST ALL THESE YOUNG GUYS OUT THERE.”

Biofeedback Diagnostics

Nutrition Plan

That’s where Cenegenics came in.

Low glycemic load and low sodium foods like vegetables, nuts and dark chocolate replaced the salty snacks in his pantry and his nutritionist showed him how to navigate a restaurant menu without sabotaging his progress when he was out entertaining.

A leading authority in age management medicine for more than 25 years, Cenegenics combines a comprehensive health assessment with a whole-body exercise, nutrition and supplementation program supervised by its team of doctors and Performance Health Professionals. More than 43,000 executives and entrepreneurs have used Cenegenics to achieve their peak performance.

Peak Physical Training

Nutraceutical Supplementation

Metabolic and Hormonal Optimization

Each Client is different. Results and cases may vary.

Visit www.cenegenics.com for a free consultation. The global leader in Performance Health Age Management.

CONTENTS

Inspire: Top Adventures Our annual compilation of thrilling adventures is here — from descending into the untouched depths of the ocean to hiking in Oman (pictured above) in search of emerald wadis for a spot of wild swimming Page 6 2

On the cover Image by Piven Kostiantyn

with our caring cabin crew CONNECT TO HOSPITALITY

elite traveler SPRING 2023 22 Contents

33 How else would one carry a botle of cognac than with a customized leather lanyard?

Discover 33 Object of desire Louis XIII’s collection of miniature bottles comes with a unique accessory. 34 Aviation Alex Martin takes fl ight with sustainable aviation fuel.

Influence 52 Jasper Smith The founder of marine adventure company Arksen (pictured below) speaks to Kim Ayling about creating the most capable and sustainable explorer yachts.

3 6 Cruises Slow down and unwind with these languid luxury itineraries. 38 Motoring Alexandra Cheney looks at electric vehicles for every occasion.

42 Wine Elin McCoy makes a compelling case for old vines. 44 Jewelry Lean into the adventurous spirit with these bold pieces.

48 Watches Roberta Naas takes a deep dive into water watches.

54 Champagne Bollinger Inside Galerie 1829,

more than 7,300 bottles, magnums and jeroboams tell the nearly 200-year history of Champagne Bollinger. Nicola Leigh Stewart delves into the house’s story. 5 6 Don Julio Tequila Don Julio paid homage to its eponymous founder by hosting an exclusive tequila, Ultima Reserva, during Miami Art Week. 58 Elite Traveler celebrates the Fall issue Elite Traveler hostedan exclusive cocktail party to celebrate the launch of its Fall issue at Bucherer 1888 TimeMachine, where over 150 guests enjoyed access to one of the most extensive watch collections in New York. tasting of its limited edition Extra Añejo

38 2023 McLaren Artura

Photos Patrick Gosling

THE PLACE you call PARADISE we call HOME

A rare estate surrounded by nature. Here, you will be greeted by your personal Embajador. Where ancient rituals yield modern remedies. And coquí frogs serenade you to sleep. Welcome to your home at the ends of the earth.

24

elite traveler SPRING 2023

112 A Weddell seal in Antarctica

Contents

elitetraveler.com

Inspire 6 1 Top adventures A seriously competitive sub-genre of luxury travel, the adventure sector is always pushing the boundaries. We present our annual compilation of the best out there, from a million-dollar safari to heli-skiing with an Olympian. 82 Topyachts The hottest travel trend for families, ‘edventures’ (educational adventures) combine the classic ingredients of adventure with education. Miriam Cain looks at the yacht charters that deliver both inspades.

Explore

9 6 Tophotels Gather your nearest and dearest and commandeer one of these exceptional hotels. 102 NewHotels A shiny new jewel in Lake Como’s glittering crown

112 HotList Journey to the vast

seventh continent, take on a grueling expedition with Navy SEALs, or take a step back in time. 122 Property Exceptional homes in the USA and Mexico, from a sprawling Beverly Hills mansion to a ranch-style abode in Aspen. 128 Flight of fancy Glide over the Namib Desert in a hot air balloon.

has the air of a very private, very re fi ned home. 104 Destination guides Soak up all of New

Doron Merdinger on what it takes to design a ‘ fl yingcar’ The two-seat eVTOL (electric vertical takeo ff and landing vehicle) has two sets of wings with large, ducted propellers and wheels so it can be rolled into a garage. Unlike aircraft — or, indeed, cars — the Doroni H1 fl ies with “three clicks of a button” and, Merdinger hopes, future owners will need just 20 hoursof fl ight training and a regular driver’s license to operate it. Sacha Lichine on introducing rosé to theworld Rosé, the drink of summer, the elixir of fun, is one of the great success stories of the 2 1 st century. And it’s all down to one man: the Bordeaux-born, US-educated Sacha Lichine. But the man behind Whispering Angel isn’t doneyet.

Orleans’s vibrant culture or take a dreamy jaunt around the Aeolian Islands.

6 1 Tordrillo

Mountain Lodge in Alaska is co-owned by Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moeand

heli-ski pioneer Mike Overcast

Photos Brandon Cole/Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

You Deserve The Preserve An All-Inclusive Four-Season Sporting Resort the Magic & beauty of The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences in Richmond, Rhode Island, goes far beyond the architecture and amenities at the property. Your personal adventure awaits with more than 3,500 acres to explore. At The Preserve, you can enjoy more than 20 luxurious amenities such as Double Barrel Steak by Chef David Burke, the OH! Spa, The Preserve Equestrian Training Stables, The Maker’s Mark HOBBIT HOUSE TM , The Safari Tent Scotch & Cigar Experience, the world’s longest indoor range, hiking, fishing, and more. Whether you seek the thrilling or the serene, Preserve Sporting Club & Residences o ff ers a combination of unspoiled nature and refined luxury for everyone.

87 Kingstown Road, Richmond, Rhode Island 02898 | PRESERVESPORTINGCLUB.COM | 401.539.4653 Leisure Stays | corporate Meetings & Events | Memberships | Residences

elite traveler SPRING 2023 26

Contributors

France NICOLA LEIGH STEWART Writer Based in Paris, Nicola Leigh Stewart is a travel and food writer whose stories have appeared in Telegraph Travel and The Independent .Already holding a WSET Level 2 (WSET quali fi cations are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge), she is currently studying for Level 3. For this issue, Stewart visited Champagne Bollinger, one of the most famous houses in Champagne, in northern France. As the celebrated family-owned Champagne house approaches its 200th anniversary, Stewart delves into the brand’s fascinating past and its plans for the future. champagne-bollinger.com p54

Isle of Wight JASPER SMITH Entrepreneur

Although Jasper Smith’s professional background is in media, technology and fi nance, it is his untamed thirst for adventure that acted as the motivator for his latest undertaking. Two trips, taken several decades apart — a mammoth sailing trip from Sydney to Alaska in his early twenties and then a trekking expedition across Greenland’s ice caps with his son — became the catalyst for Arksen, a marine adventure company that builds exceptionally capable vessels. Elite Traveler ’s Kim Ayling visited Arksen’s shipyard on the Isle of Wight (an island o ff the south coast of England) to take a deep dive into the brand and speak to Smith about adventure for the greater good. arksen.com p52

New Orleans

MICHELLE GROSS

Writer

"There’s no city on earth that stirs the soul and enlivens the spirit quite like New Orleans,” according to Michelle Gross, a multimedia journalist and regular visitor to the Big Easy. She currently splits her time between New York City and Beaufort, South Carolina. Gross’s words and photographs have appeared in Vogue , Food&Wine , Playboy and the San Francisco Chronicle , among other prestigious titles. Recently, she launched her own newsletter, The Beau Yorker , where she covers a mix of topics from Sophia Loren’s ship christening to travel trends, food reviews and news. thebeauyorker.substack.com p108

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McLaren Artura As McLaren’s fi rst series production plug-in hybrid supercar, Artura is light on weight but heavy on superlatives, according to Alexandra Cheney, who took the model for a spin Page 38

Page 33 Object of desire Louis XIII has a collection of miniature bottles with a unique matching accessory. Page 34 Aviation Alex Martin takes fl ight with sustainable aviation fuel. Page 36 Cruises Relax with these languid luxury itineraries. Page42 Wine Elin McCoy makes a case for old vines. Page 44Jewelry Lean into the adventurous spirit with bold pieces. Page 48 Watches Roberta Naas takes a deep dive into water watches.

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Object of desire by Irenie Forshaw

This image, below The Drop’s bottle case can be customized and carried on a lanyard; The Drop collection consists of fi ve tiny decanters — each one is fi lledwith 1cl of Louis XIII’s signature blend and can be purchased individually or as the entire set

LouisXIII TheDrop

Louis XIII has been making its famed spirit in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac since 1874. It is made from the oldest and most precious eaux-de-vie (a clear liquid extracted from grapes) and aged in ancient French oak casks for decades. When the cellar master deems the precious liquor to be ready, Louis XIII is poured into a handcrafted decanter made by a team of artisans from Europe’s most illustrious crystal houses and placed in a signature red display box. The amber-hued cognac is wonderfully complex and light, with delicate notes of dried rose, honeysuckle, fi gs and leather giving way to an unmistakable hint of spice. At fi rst glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Louis XIII has now ventured into the world of perfumery with its collection of miniature bottles. The Drop consists of fi ve tiny decanters; eachone is fi lled with 1cl of the iconic brand’s signature blend and can be purchased individually or as the entire set. Each bottle has a case that can be customized with your initials and carried on a lanyard. To celebrate the launch of The Drop, a series of immersive pop-ups are taking place all over the world; the most recent pop-up was held in Singapore, where guests enjoyed augmented reality experiences and crafting stations for engraving and leather embossing. The Drop collection box from $950; bottle case from $120, louisxiii-cognac.com

elite traveler SPRING 2023 34

NESTEEGG Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) promises an emissions reduction of up to 80% — and with it, a potential solution to business aviation’s biggest problem. But can you fuel your next private flight with SAF? Thanks to a new partnership between Victor and Neste, you can. The 1.5C target set out by the Paris Agreement is an awkward topic for any private aviation company, but Fly Victor is clear about the facts: We’re nowhere near. And despite their fractional contribution to global emissions, business jets are an easy target for activists. The chance of having your flight disrupted by someone glued to the door may be small, but the threat of reputational damage is growing. SAF is a credible solution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the entire fuel life cycle when compared to conventional kerosene. The leading SAF, made by Neste, is produced purely from renewable waste and residue raw materials like cooking oil and animal fat waste. It can be used in any jet without the need for conversion and has fewer particulates than kerosene, so it burns cleaner. So far, so good. But production costs are high — estimated at two to three times higher than kerosene by the time it arrives at the airport. And even if you’re willing to pay the premium, as a consumer, until recently you couldn’t buy it directly from Neste. That is what makes a new partnership between Neste and Victor so innovative, and potentially the first step towards a major shift in consumer choice within the industry. Anyone booking on Victor’s platform will see a slider offering the chance to fuel your flight with SAF in increments of 5%. You can choose any amount you want (including 0%) and see the resulting CO2e offset as well as the additional cost. To put this into practice, I flew from London Biggin Hill to Rotterdam Airport with 100% Neste MY SAF. It added an additional 14% (approx. $3,700) to the by Alex Martin Aviation

sustainability within private aviation, introducing a voluntary 200% carbon offset for every flight purchased through its platform in 2019. That initiative is being phased out in 2023 with the funds diverted to promoting its SAF offering. It also doesn’t make any money from selling SAF, passing the cost directly to the consumer. Since launching the service in June 2022, and at the time of this writing, 20% of customers had offset at least some of their flight with SAF. The average offset was 33%, and the additional cost, $960. For a company measuring its turnover in the tens of billions, this is a drop in the ocean for Neste, but to focus on the figures is to miss the point. Both Victor and Neste see this partnership as a test bed for what will ultimately be a wider rollout across the industry — including commercial. For Wood, SAF is the only option. “If SAF is not sufficient, then we don’t have a solution,” he says, frankly. “Electric aircraft and hydrogen power have no outlook to provide long haul or large aircraft solutions, so if you don’t support the concept of SAF as a way of reducing emissions, then you don’t support aviation.” flyvictor.com; neste.com

price of the charter but reduced the CO2e emissions by 74.72% compared to kerosene (equivalent to 4.22 MT of CO2). We know this because Victor and Neste send the lead booker a certificate detailing the exact fuel burn of their flight, which can then be used in annual carbon accounting. But there’s a catch: our jet didn’t actually haveSAF in it. It’s a system called Pay Here, Use There, and it’s hard for some consumers to swallow. Why, having bought SAF, should you not be able to fuel your jet with it? Neste’s reasoning makes perfect sense, at least to those serious about minimizing their carbon footprint: Instead of sending a truck of SAF to London Biggin Hill, Neste maximizes the carbon saving by transporting the exact amount to one of its partner airlines at Helsinki Airport, a short drive from one of its refineries. The fuel is then mixed into the system and fuels an anonymous flight. Jonathan Wood, VP for renewable aviation at Neste, says: “We don’t in any way want to undermine the emission reduction of our SAF. The fact that the person paying for it is not on that specific flight, that’s something that we obviously feel is consistent with what we’re trying to achieve.” Victor is fully aligned. It has been a trailblazer for

The leading SAF, made by Neste, is produced purely from renewable waste and residue raw materials like cooking oil and animal fat waste

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While adventure travel is all the rage, some of us think an experience only ranks as a vacation if we’re doing something idle — perhaps even hedonistic and indulgent. Cruises, with all their myriad options, have never feared languid luxury. Experiences transport guests to another realm, one awash in quixotic nostalgia, mystery and unforgettable fun. Sometimes tuxedos and silky dresses are involved; other times, it’s the chance to discover an unknown culture or take a cooking class from a renowned chef. As an antidote to active, outdoor pursuits (which we also highly recommend), we bring you some cruise moments imbued with old-school repose and new frontiers — sure to envelop you in a lavish, less sporty mode. After all, maybe you just want to sip some champagne... CELESTIA This new vessel, a handcrafted 146-ft phinisi yacht, sails the less-trammeled Indonesian Archipelago known as the Coral Triangle. As the passion project of two Indonesian siblings (one a fashion designer), the vessel meanders into lesser-traveled waters in style. With just seven cabins, kitted out in Villeroy & Boch and Geberit fi nishings, the Celestia delivers cruisers tailored experiences among the 17,000 islands that comprise this Indonesian destination. While snorkeling and wakeboarding are o ff ered, just as important are private beach dinners, meditative LANGUID LUXURY Cruises by Becca Hensley RIVERSIDE COLLECTION When savvy boutique hoteliers add cruising to their portfolio, you know the ship will feel like the consummate luxury hotel. Enter: Riverside Collection by Seaside Collection, owned by the Gerlach family, who also operate a stunning group of hotels in Europe and the Maldives. They’ll launch their fi rst vessel , Riverside Mozart , on the Danube this spring. The intimate and stylish ship, which holds up to 150 guests, was formerly part of Crystal Cruises’s fl eet. Now reimagined and repurposed to embrace the Gerlach’s renowned personalized service, Riverside Mozart will feature trained butlers assigned to every cabin, top-of-class shore guides and a gastronomic food and beverage program, including a nonpareil wine cellar. The ship will sail the upper and lower parts of the Danube from Passau in Germany to the Iron Gates, between Serbia and Romania. seaside-hotels.com yoga and massages. celestiayacht.com

Celestia , a new 148-ft phinisi yahct

Seabourn has a wholly curative partnership with Dr Andrew Weil

SEABOURN Dedicated to giving guests new insights that stay with them after their voyage, Seabourn boasts an extraordinary and wholly curative partnership with Dr Andrew Weil, a renowned expert well-versed in holistic health and wellness. The fi rst-ever program of its kind at sea, Mindful Living with Dr. Andrew Weil has a Mindful Living Coach onboard each ship. Trained in Weil’s philosophy, and certi fi ed in yoga and meditation practice, this well-being leader inspires, educates and assists guests with their quests for a more salubrious approach to life — both at sea and at home. seabourn.com

HOLLAND AMERICA Capture the glitz and glamour of bygone days aboard one of Holland America’s 2023 Heritage Cruises with sails envisaged to celebrate the cruise line’s 150th anniversary. With stops at ports signi fi cant to Holland America’s story and culture, the cruises will revel in classic Dutch-style high tea, gala dinner menus from the past and Dutch games — such as Sjoelen (tabletop shu ffl eboard) and Egg Walk. Wear your vintage fi nery

for Historic Happy Hour, a fete that features cocktails at decades-old prices (think: martinis for just 75 cents) and menu o ff erings to match. Gin lovers can look forward to the debut of an exclusive spirit label that honors Holland America’s history. In a decorative and modern bottle, De Lijn Gin blends remarkable botanicals such as orange, rose, lemon verbena,

raspberry and juniper. hollandamerica.com

From the Arctic to Antarctica, go beyond your comfort zone. Follow your curiosities, free your spirit and expand your mind with new experiences you’ve never known; polar kayaking, ice fishing, polar diving and so much more.

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elite traveler SPRING 2023 38

The F-150 Lightning, the EV model of America’s most popular truck, signi fi es a colossal shift in the continued arrival of electric vehicles

by Alexandra Cheney Motoring As the push for electrification amplifies beyond the bounds of sedans and sport utility vehicles, manufacturers focus on versatility and function. From a pickup truck to a supercar, the duo of automobiles listed here provide newfound opportunities — an EV for any occasion

Thunderstruck 2023 F- 1 50 Lightning Platinum

There’s a secret handshake afoot, unfamiliar to valets and charging stations alike. Surprisingly and stupendously, it belongs to the best-selling family of vehicles in the US for the last 46 years, Ford’s F-Series. The F-150 Lightning, the EV model of America’s most popular truck, signifies a colossal shift in the continued arrival of electric vehicles. This is not a low-volume manufacturer experimenting with burgeoning technology in a sedan or SUV, but a high-stakes statement from a company that sells around 2,500 combustion engine F-150s daily. While the exterior of the Lightning looks decidedly familiar, under the hood there’s a frunk (front trunk). In Ford parlance, it’s a Mega Power Frunk, a 400-pound capacity space large enough to haul anything from farm equipment to athletic gear. What powers the pickup runs underneath it. A front/ rear transverse mounted, four-wheel drive dual eMotor

supports vehicle-to-load charging — meaning if the power goes out, when paired with the Charge Station Pro, the available 131-kWh battery could keep the average house running for three days at its usual rate. Ford has included some customer-friendly pragmatic touches. The driver seat folds completely flat, should the motorist want to nap while charging en route. The tailgate integrates a ruler and clamps for, say, sawing wood or assembling skis, plus there’s a bottle opener, pen holder, and a deployable step and handle. 2023 F-150 Lightning Platinum from $96,874, shop.ford.com

with an extended-range battery will clock up to 320 miles via 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. With optional trailer and towing packages, the Lightning can haul 1,952 lbs and tow 8,500 lbs. Ford’s flex comes in its Pro Power Onboard system: The Lightning can supply 9.6kW of power to 11 outlets, including a 240V in the truck bed. That’s enough to (silently) power laptops, flood lighting, televisions, refrigerators and sound systems, and more. From tailgating to camping, consider outdoor truck-centric activities redefined and refined. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Lightning

From tailgating to camping, consider outdoor truck centric activities rede fi nedandre fi ned