Million Air Winter 2023/24

The Suites Issue SUPERLATIVE ABODES FROM AN UNDERWATER LAIR TO A PENTHOUSE WITH A BASKETBALL COURT

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Heading inland in the afternoon, we made our way to a beautiful temple. It was a work of art. But as our tour ended, the setting sun stole the show. Rays of light flickered across rice fields shelved into the sides of nearby hills like something from a movie. It was simply magical . I’ll never forget it.

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Winter ofWonder

Nothing compares to the beauty of Nemacolin in the winter. The breathtaking Laurel Highlands shine like a living snow globe, providing the perfect setting for exhilarating winter sports, toasty treats by the fi repit, and endless fun for all ages.

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COSTA RICA’S BEAUTY, LUXURY’S EMBRACE

Oceanfront Estate Homes and Oceanfront Condominiums that seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor environments and gently immerse themselves into the lush greenery and stunning Costa Rican coastline. Outdoor pursuits and family adventure that beckon each day, reminding you that the good life is enjoying the barefoot luxury of “pura vida” with concierge-level service and the world-class amenities of Waldorf Astoria. It would be our pleasure to schedule every detail of your family’s private bespoke discovery visit to the Waldorf Astoria Oceanfront Estates in one of the happiest, healthiest and most beautiful places on Earth. Welcome to the first Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica.

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Fully-Furnished, 4 & 5-Bedroom Oceanfront Estate Homes from $6 million and Fully-Furnished, 2 & 3-Bedroom Condo Residences from the low $2 millions (800) 655-6718 WaldorfAstoriaResidencesGuanacaste.com/elite Scan the code or email us at sales@WaldorfAstoriaResidencesGuanacaste.com to learn more

Waldorf Astoria is a registered trademark of affiliates of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (collectively, “Hilton”). The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Guanacaste (the “Project”) is not owned, developed or sold by Hilton and Hilton does not make any representations, warranties or guaranties whatsoever with respect to the Project and related residences (the “Residences”). The Project owner uses the Waldorf Astoria brand name and certain Waldorf Astoria trademarks (the “Trademarks”) under a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license from Hilton. The license may be terminated or may expire without renewal, in which case the Residences will not be identified as a Waldorf Astoria branded project and the Project owner will not have any rights to use the Trademarks. WE ARE PLEDGED TO THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF U.S. POLICY FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF EQUAL HOUSING THROUGHOUT THE NATION. WE ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT AN AFFIRMATIVE ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND SALES PROGRAM IN WHICH THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO OBTAINING HOUSING BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, RELIGION, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS OR NATIONAL ORIGIN. THE STRUCTURES, MATERIALS AND RECREATIONAL FEATURES AND AMENITIES DESCRIBED AND DEPICTED HEREIN ARE BASED UPON CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PLANS, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE ILLUSTRATIONS INCLUDED HEREIN ARE ARTIST RENDERINGS OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

The first ever Nicklaus Heritage Course. A 10-hole Tiger Woods Playground Course. Jack’s Bay Club is the first and only residential community in the world with courses by both The Golden Bear and Tiger. 15 holes will be directly on the azure seas and pink sands of Eleuthera, Bahamas. An oasis for the soul, Jack’s Bay spans 1,200 privately-owned acres and stretches over four miles of beachfront. It features an enviable slate of Club amenities and unforgettable experiences that will leave an imprint on your family.

You are invited to inquire about our Beachfront, Oceanview and Golf Homesites, and the Atlantic Club Cottages.

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“We’ve acquired our fleet of now 100 jets in a disciplined, deliberate way,” said Jim Segrave, founder and CEO of flyExclusive. “This helps us meet pre-existing demand, control the quality of our experience, and make every minute matter for our customers. We are building something special, and I look forward to the next steps for our growing company.” Our meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of your travel with 800+ professionals behind every flight. From aircraft maintenance and interiors to custom paint jobs, all managed in-house, we proudly have the high est safety ratings in the industry. You can count on us, with reliability being our hallmark. In 2023, we’ve achieved an outstanding 99.6% in-fleet completion rate, ensuring that your journey is not just a promise but a guarantee. Our commitment to excellence is echoed in our impressive customer satisfaction Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 74, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of those who choose to soar with us. Your journey matters

At flyExclusive, we’ve designed our services with you in mind. Gain the freedom to travel on your terms with our Fractional Ownership pro gram. With Fractional, you gain immediate access to our brand-new Citation CJ3+ aircraft, without the burden of monthly management fees, and you’ll never encounter blackout dates or excessive peak-day charges. Don’t wait, these brand new aircraft are available now for immediate delivery. If you’re seeking unparalleled luxury and convenience, our award-winning Jet Club program is also available. Recognized by Robb Report as the Best of the Best in 2022, Jet Club membership o ff ers you exclusive access to the second-largest fleet of Cessna Citation aircraft in the world. In 2023, we are proud to be recognized as the fastest-growing top 5 private jet operator. With a fleet of 100 aircraft at your disposal, we provide you with a consistent and top-tier experience that is unlike any other in the industry. “Owning and maintaining our own fleet has been core to the success and growth of our business.”

and we’re dedicated to making it exceptional every time. With impending plans to go public and a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional private aviation experiences, flyExclusive is set to transform the world of luxury travel. https://discover.flyexclusive.com/ ETWinter.

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Look out for the QR codes in this issue to take you to elitetraveler.com for more luxury lifestyle content

elite traveler WINTER 2023/24 23

Welcome

From Antarctica to Zambia, our Top 1 00 Suites invite you on a journey across the world. This year, we’ve had over 900 submissions (you’ll be able to see the entire list on our database at elitetraveler.com ) — whittling these exceptional suites down to just 100 is no easy

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

task; the suites you will fi nd on page 80 are truly the best of the best and o ff er the most dazzling amenities — think: a salon with walls painted by Jean Baptiste, an in-suite basketball court and a bowling alley, a master bedroom submerged under the sea, and suites that break the $100,000-a-night mark. We’ve categorized the suites based on vacation type, from beach breaks to wellness weekends, and, new this year, we have included our legacy suites — those very special abodes that have featured in Elite Traveler ’s Top 100 Suites for the last fi ve years or longer. Elsewhere in this issue, we answer the question of what to get the person who has everything with our curated gift guide — 10 pages of delightful goodies from hi-tech gadgets to glittering diamond jewelry and the best in booze. In our Explore section, John O’Kelly makes a strong case for Hong Kong: “Though circumstances temporarily eradicated Hong Kong’s viability as a vacation destination, within a day or two of returning visitors will understand just why this city’s o ff ering is world-beating.” Read his in-depth guide on page 148. Emma Al-Mousawi overcomes her water aversion with a voyage to the Galapagos Islands — turn to page 152 for a day-by-day itinerary. So that’s a suite sorted and a potential destination sorted. Now — how to get there? Doug Gollan looks to the skies and delivers the latest in aviation news in our Top Jets feature on page 135. Alexandra Cheney gets behind the wheels of two hypercars — one electric, one internal combustion — to discover their power. More of a seafarer? Miriam Cain looks at classic yachts and their replicas. Or, if you’re looking to get away from it all, our Flight of Fancy on page 168 features a magical experience swimming in a gulf in Costa Rica among glowing bioluminescence.

Behind the scenes of our gift guide photoshoot

KimAyling embarks ona road trip through Scotland’s rugged landscape

Alex Martin attends The Distillers’ One of One auction at Hopetoun House, Scotland

Samantha Coles Editor samantha.coles@elitetraveler.com

Samantha Coles checks out the Sterling Suite at The Langham, as featured in the Top 100 Suites

GRAND

Hästens Grand Vividus

VIVIDUS

See the Movie at Hastens.com

CONTENTS

Top 100 Suites Our annual collection of the most glorious suites on planet Earth is here — featuring lavish abodes such as the Raja Man Singh Pool Suite (pictured above) at the Six Senses Fort Barwara, India Pg 80

On the cover Image by Wirestock Creators/ Shutterstock

44 Bugatti’s Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’

elite traveler WINTER 2023/24 28 Contents

Discover 43 Object of Desire Although billed as a trunk, this one-o ff curio is more a fully functional games table, full of clever compartments and contraptions that house the most beloved games.

Influence 6 8 Laurent Gardinier Relais & Châteaux’s newest president is on a mission to bring the legacy hotel group to a new, younger market. He tells Kim Ayling how he’s planning on doing it. 70 Distillers’ One ofOne Alex Martin was in the room as the powers controlling a multi-billion-dollar industry gathered for

44 Motoring Alexandra Cheney

48 Yachts Miriam Cain delves into the world of classic yachts, sharing two modern replicas that artfully draw inspiration from the elegant vessels of the 1920s and 30s.

53 GiftGuide Over 100 items — from crystal-encrusted handbags and out-of this-world jewels to rare spirits and handmade board games — grace the pages of our annual holiday gift guide.

presents two hypercars that rede fi ne boundaries and push possibilities; one electric, one internal combustion.

48 The 295.6-ft Nero iswidely considered to be the fi nest new classica fl oat

an extraordinary whisky auction. 72 TedLemon Elin McCoy journeys to Ted Lemon’s

Sonama winery for an in-depth look at what he describes as “adiversi fi ed wine farm.”

70 Brora Iris 50 Year Old 1972

Bangkok, Thailand

The sense of warmth and camaraderie from dedicated staff. The thrill of becoming awestruck as you arrive at a fabled destination for the fi rst time. The joy of celebrating life, with indulgent cuisine.

EXQUISITELY CRAFTED CUISINE.

CURATED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.

SMALL SHIP LUXURY.

It’s the personal experiences that will last a lifetime.

CALL 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) | VISIT OCEANIACRUISES.COM CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

elite traveler WINTER 2023/24 30

15 6 Eriska Bridge and Loch

Contents

elitetraveler.com

Inspire 80 TopSuites

Explore

148 Guideto HongKong

15 6 HotList A tale of two climates: Kim Ayling battles the rain on a wildlife and whisky fi lled road trip around Scotland, while Fiona Sims soaks up the sun during a culinary tour of Nevis. 1 6 4 Property Bigger is certainly better in this issue’s property listings, from a grand country manor just outside Edinburgh to a frankly staggering Upper East Side mansion. 1 6 8 Flight of Fancy As always, we round the issueo ff with our Flight of Fancy — this time, it’s to Costa Rica for wildlife-rich nightime swim among the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton.

It’s back: Our de fi nitive round-up of 100 of the very best hotel suites in the world, from New York City penthouses to remote Mongolian abodes. 135 TopJets Doug Gollan goes sky high as he investigates the charter companies that rule the private aviation roost. Expect all the big names, as well as a few newcomers.

Though Hong Kong’s viability as a vacation destination was temporarily eradicated, within a day or two, visitors will understand why this city’s o ff ering is world-beating. Join John O’Kelly as he tours the metropolis. 152 The Journey Emma Al-Mousawi negotiates her dislike of the ocean on an adventure through Earth’s last paradise: the Galapagos Islands.

Yannick Alleno on bringing Pavyllon to London’s Mayfair

This year, Michelin-decorated chef Yannick Alléno opened his very fi rst London restaurant within the glamorous halls of Four Seasons Park Lane — and the city’s discerning diners haven’t stopped singing its praises since. Irenie Forshaw sat down with the chef in said restaurant to fi ndouthow many stars he’s gunning for this time around (none, Rolls-Royce Spectre Alex Martin was one of the fi rst journalists to drive the Rolls-Royce Spectre on UK roads. Spectre, the world’s fi rst ultra-luxury EV, may prove to be a pivotal moment in the car industry’s electri fi cation. Scan the QR code to fi ndoutwhat he made of the $420,000 super coupe. apparently…). First drive:

152 Pikaia Lodge

Photo Pikaia Lodge

BEST PART OF THE JOURNEY IN ISTANBUL STOPOVER

Turkish Airlines invites passengers to discover unique wonders of Istanbul with complementary stopover accommodation service.

As the airline that connects more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines o ff ers the oppo rt unity of discovering world’s connection center Istanbul and its unique wonders with stopover service for passengers with lengthy transfer times.

For passengers with a voluntary connection period of at least 20 hours in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines provides 1-night stay in a 4-star hotel for Economy Class and 2 nights stay in a 5-star hotel for Business Class. Passengers will also have the option of staying at contracted hotels with special prices sta rt ing from 49 USD.

At least 72 hours before their first flight, passengers can make a reservation on www.turkishairlines.com with the PNR and surname information or by sending their requests to the e-mail address corresponding to their country of depa rt ure on the website.

Transfer passengers from 66 countries* experienced the privilege of discovering Istanbul with stopover service so far. For more people to explore Istanbul, stopover service will be expanded with 29 new countries** until the end of 2023.

Terms and conditions apply, visit turkishairlines.com | freehotelphilippines@thy.com *66 countries (depa rt ure point): Philippines, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Po rt ugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia **Planned 29 countries (depa rt ure point): Austria, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia , Israel, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives , Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mongolia , Mozambique, New Zealand , Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore , South Sudan, Sri Lanka , Taiwan, Tajikistan, Vietnam and Zambia.

Contributors

London

MITCH PAYNE

Photographer

Mitch Payne is a still-life photographer whose body of work spans commercial projects for well-known brands such as Lacoste, Nike and Jimmy Choo, as well as leaders in the spirit world including The Balvenie, Grey Goose and Bandida Mezcal, through to editorial commissions. Primarily working out of his East London studio, Payne specializes in high-contrast images, abundant with color and character. In Elite Traveler ’s Winter 2023/24 issue, Payne returns to our pages for the annual gift guide photoshoot, which youcan fi nd on page 53, featuring the very best in fi ne jewelry, premium wines and spirits, luxury accessories, andmore. mitchpayne.co.uk pg53

Paris

LAURENT GARDINIER Hotelier and Relais & Châteaux president

Laurent Gardinier is on a mission: To breathe new life into global hotel collection Relais & Châteaux. The hotelier is based in Paris and, on top of running his family hotel, Domaine Les Crayères, in Champagne and Parisian restaurant Le Taillevent, this year Gardinier took on the role of Relais & Châteaux’s new president. On page 68, he tells Elite Traveler ’sKim Ayling about his perception of the modern traveler, explains what it takes for a property to join the prestigious Relais & Châteaux ranks, and shares his plans and ambitions for his tenure in charge. relaischateaux.com pg68

London

GRACE TAYLOR Elite Traveler intern

Grace Taylor joined Elite Traveler in September 2023 following roles in business development and marketing, and graduating from the University of St Andrews with a degree in International Relations and Social Anthropology. Home might be London (her top tip for visitors is to go to the famous Columbia Road late on Sunday to avoid the fl ower market crowds and fi nish with a drink at Equal Parts), but even before joining the team, Taylor had caught the travel bug and has visited some very special locations — Bolivia goes down as her favorite. In this issue, she takes a deep dive into the world’s best skiing abodes as part of our annual Top 100 Suites list. Her favorite? L'Appartement at Airelles Courchevel — it has its own spa and furry guests will be given their own collar and dog bed. elitetraveler.com pg80

London

MAYA LINHARES-MARX

Stylist

London-based still-life stylist and set designer Maya Linhares-Marx has 16 years’ experience across both editorial and commercial shoots, and her current clients range from advertising campaigns to magazine editorials. Linhares-Marx comes from a background in textile design which began with a BA Hons in Textiles and Surface Design. After graduating in 2005, she moved to Vienna, Austria, and worked as a freelance designer in one of the largest textile design studios in Europe, selling her designs globally. It was here that she thrived in a studio environment and found her passion for color and placement. In this issue, Linhares-Marx joins forces with both Elite Traveler and regular collaborator Mitch Payne to bring our holiday gift guide to life. mlmstylist.com pg53

Words Kim Ayling

US: Albany, Alexandria, Austin, Birmingham, Bozeman, Burbank, Dallas, El Paso, Florida Keys, Gulfport Biloxi, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville-Cecil, Lake Charles, Lake Powell, Medford, Moses Lake, Orlando, Richmond, Riverside, Rome, Saint George, San Antonio, St. Louis, Stennis, Syracuse, Tallahassee, Topeka, Tucson, Victorville, White Plains, Yuma Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary Colombia: Cartagena

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

Social Media and Special Projects Manager JORDAN SANDERS jsanders@millionair.com

Magazine & Special Events millionairmagazine@millionair.com

Marketing & Public Relations

Chief Branding O ffi cer ALLISON WOOLSEY awoolsey@millionair.com

Marketing & Publishing Operations

SVP, Brand Marketing & Associate Publisher LORRAINE COUSLAND

ELITE LUXURY PUBLISHING, INC

National Advertising/Editorial Inquiries: +1 713 640 4013

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.

圀圀圀⸀䴀䤀䰀䰀䤀伀一䄀䤀刀⸀䌀伀䴀

MILLION AIR

Takeo ff

Welcome aboard, and welcome to the world of Million Air! Still ignited with a passion for excellence and desire for growth, this is our 20th year of the Million Air Magazine and 40th year in the industry. Our passion for aviation and outstanding customer service begin with our strate g y: to use location, design and decor to set the stage for our extremely talented employees to animate exceptional customer experiences. Every organization has a culture of some kind, whether or not it is managed, de fi ned or taught to employees. Our incredible pilots and aircraft owners gave us a great deal of input and guidance in designing the services we o ff er and the very style in which we greet every aircraft. This, in turn, helps to make the family vacation more memorable, the trip extra special, and the business environment for executives more conducive to business. I am told over and over again that we are a direct re fl ection on the reputation and mood of the passengers on every fl ight. We take that responsibility very seriously. We set out to create a strong culture with guest-centered values. In all service industries, the ‘product’ is largely intangible. One result of this intangibility is that the value and quality of the product are determined exclusively by the experience of the customer. Each and every aircraft visit determines the quality and value of the service experience. Almost invariably, the customer’s judgments of quality depend not on our brand, but on the excellence of the immediate customer contact with our front-line sta ff . The basis of that excellence can be taught in employee manuals and training programs, but front-line employees frequently face problems and decisions not covered in formal training. In these situations, front-liners must be able to translate the cultural principles of guest service into the appropriate behavior and take responsibility for making your experience a positive one. The organizational culture fi lls in the gaps between what the organization can anticipate and train its people to deal with, and the opportunities and problems that arise in daily encounters with a wide variety of customers and needs. With a kindred spirit and a genuine desire for continuous improvement in ourselves for our customers, we set out for a new 2024. The Ladies and Gentlemen of Million Air are up to the challenge to meet your expectations. Consistency in the chain, new and improved facilities, our customer’s safety and values over processes will remain the primary focus of our entire team. Have a happy and prosperous 2024 as we remain on standby for your safe return!

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

Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING EL PASO, TEXAS

The sun city THE SUN IS ALWAYS SHINING IN TEXAS, SO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY

WHERE TO SLEEP The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is situated in downtown El Paso, in the heart of the city's business, arts, and entertainment district. The building is an iconic part of El Paso’s skyline, with its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that re fl ects the heritage of the region. Since its grand debut in the 1930s, the storied hotel has hosted illustrious guests such as Conrad Hilton and Elizabeth Taylor. The 130-room hotel o ff ers a range of amenities, including re fi nedguest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and event spaces for weddings and meetings. WHERE TO EAT Anson 11 is situated across the street from The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, in the historic Anson Mills building; guests of The Plaza can charge meals to their room. Anson 11 serves modern American cuisine and guests can choose to dine in the Bistro on the fi rst fl oor for a relaxed and welcoming evening, or head upstairs to the second fl oor for a more upscale dining experience. Private dining is also available. 303 N Oregon Street +1 915 504 6400 anson11.com WHERE TO FLY Million Air El Paso has 10,000 sq ft of VIP lobby space, 20,000 sq ft of hangar space, a dramatic aircraft porte-cochère, and expansive ramp space capable of supporting any aircraft type. Inside the new general aviation terminal, guests will fi nda refreshment bar, pilot’s lounge, snooze rooms, a state-of-the-art fl ight planning room and a multimedia conference room serviced with Million Air’s concierge approach to fi ne service. 106 W Mills Ave +1 915 440 7666 plazahotelelpaso.com

Franklin Mountains StatePark

El Paso Art Museum celebrates D í adeLos Muertos

ElPasoZoo

attend workshops and sharpen their skills. Animal lovers should head to the El Paso Zoo, a 35-acre park with 220 species, such as the critically endangered Amur leopard and the Aruba rattlesnake. For a bit of culture, visit the El Paso Museum of Art. Founded in 1959, it is the only accredited art museum within a 200-mile radius. It has a number of interesting permanent collections encompassing American, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary art. It also hosts events such as art classes for adults and children. Learn all about local history at the El Paso Museum of History; it has six galleries examining 400 years of border life through artifacts, photographs and videos.

With an average of 302 days of sun annually, El Paso, Texas more than deserves its nickname of ‘Sun City.’ At the edge of the US/Mexico border, the town has a unique fusion of history, nature and culture that is best enjoyed in the warm sunshine. Lace up your sneakers and visit Franklin Mountains State Park. The highest peak reaches 7,192 ft, and it is one of the largest urban parks in the nation at over 24,000 acres. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery. Rock climbing is permitted in the park, but keen rock climbers will know that Hueco Rock Ranch hosts the annual Hueco Rock Rodeo. Considered one of the world’s best bouldering competitions, it is a beloved El Paso event. There’s competitions for all abilities, including children, and guests can sign up to

MILLION AIR EL PASO (ELP) El Paso International Airport 1800 Hawkins Boulevard El Paso, TX 79925 T +1 915 235 9357 F +1 915 219 5368 E info.elp@millionair.com W millionair.com

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Rich in culture THE CITY OF RICHMOND HAS BEEN BOOMING WITH EXCITEMENT SINCE AMERICA’S INCEPTION

WHERE TO SLEEP The Je ff erson is the most elegant place to stay in Richmond. Built at the end of the 19th century, this ornate hotel boasts the 1,400-sq-ft Je ff erson Suite with a grand piano and a marbled tub in the master bath. With these truly luxurious amenities, you may want to call The Je ff erson home for

more than just a night. 101 West Franklin Street

+1 804 649 4750 je ff ersonhotel.com

WHERE TO EAT Lemaire creates the perfect atmosphere, with a decor of muted warm colors, to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. This farm-to-table restaurant boasts locally grown foods that complement the classic American dishes — like the cast-iron seared jumbo sea scallops that ensure patrons are eager to come back for more. 101 West Franklin Street +1 804 649 4629 lemairerestaurant.com WHERE TO FLY Million Air Richmond has a prime location just a few miles from Downtown Richmond and just two hours from the nation’s capital. With a pilot lounge, hospitality bar and a snooze room, taking o ff , landing and transitioning have never been easier or more enjoyable.

Richmond

Richmond is known for its important place in American history as a city that was a focal point during the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War eras. Today, Richmond is a fl ourishing Southern cityo ff ering visitors a fascinating look into the past with various museums and historical sites, but it also provides a 21st-century experience with many cultural and outdoor activities. The fall and winter seasons are the perfect time to visit Richmond’s many museums. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opened back in 1936 and has a number of excellent exhibits. Be sure to check out the ongoing Fabergé and Russian Decorative Arts exhibition — it is the largest public collection of imperial Easter eggs outside of Russia. The Science Museum of Virginia, housed in a 100-year-old train station, is home to the world’s fastest and highest- fl ying production aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird. This iconic, supersonic stealth plane is the focal point of the museum’s exhibition gallery, Speed. “Suspending a supersonic jet from the ceiling of a historic train station presents some challenges,” says Richard Conti, chief wonder o ffi cer, Science Museum of Virginia. Richmond’s temperate climate allows for a wide range of exciting outdoor activities, such as being a spectator at the thrilling Richmond Raceway. This 1,000-acre, multipurpose facility hosts concerts, festivals and, of course, races throughout the year. Photos Piotr Kalinowski Photos/Shutterstock.com, J Martin/Shutterstock.com, Photos by J Hicks/Shutterstock.com, Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com, Tracey Mershon/Shutterstock.com Virginia State Capitol James River Railway Bridge

MILLION AIR RICHMOND (RIC) Richmond International Airport 400 Portugee Road Richmond, Virginia 23250

T +1 804 222 3700 F +1 804 222 4044 E customerservice@millionair-richmond.com W millionair-richmond.com

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING MOSES LAKE, WASHINGTON

Natural beauty AMERICA’S BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LANDSCAPE IS FULLY CAPTURED IN THIS SMALL WEST COAST CITY

WHERE TO SLEEP The Washington state night sky cannot be missed when guests stay at Sagecli ff eResort & Spa, as the resort has yurts that boast sky domes. These yurts are fi lled with king-size beds, plush bedding and lavish bathrooms. The award-winning winery adds the fi nal touch to this fantastic hideaway. 344 Silica Road NW +1 509 787 8000 sagecli ff eresortandspa.com WHERE TO EAT Michael’s on the Lake has a vast wine list sure to please any wine lover. Match this with the beautiful views and it becomes the perfect place to have a relaxed and romantic dinner. 910 W Broadway Avenue +1 509 765 1611 michaelsonthelake.com WHERE TO FLY Grant County Airport has one of the longest runways in the world. The amenities at Million Air Moses Lake don’t disappoint visitors either, with a movie theater, cafe and conference rooms. MILLION AIR MOSES LAKE (MWH) Grant County International Airport 7810 Andrews Street NE, Suite 134 Moses Lake, Washington 98837

Columbia River Gorge

Mount Rainier

T +1 509 762 2222 F +1 509 762 2299 E info.mwh@millionair.com W millionair.com

Grand Coulee Dam

With a population of a little over 20,000, Moses Lake has just enough amenities to create an exciting atmosphere, yet not enough to spoil the natural beauty of this unique area. Located just three hours southeast of Seattle, and nearly fi ve hours northeast of Portland, it is the perfect landing spot allowing easy access to major cities, yet it’s surrounded by wilderness and open space. The city is named after the large, natural freshwater lake of the same name, Moses Lake. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fi shing and swimming. The surrounding landscape is characterized by high desert terrain, with agriculture playing a signi fi cant role in the local economy. The city has also attracted tech companies due to its low-cost electricity and favorable climate for cooling.

Moses Lake is an hour and a half from the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, which helped build up this picturesque city and make it what it is today. Thanks to its prime location, visitors can head to Mount Rainier National Park, which is around a three-hour drive away. This park is home to the iconic, glacier-capped, active volcano Mount Rainier, which stands an impressive 14,410 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest peaks in America. Perhaps the most important aspect of Moses Lake is the lake itself. The picturesque lake is 18 miles long with over 120 miles of shoreline, and is a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts for its abundance of hiking, biking and camping. Kayaks and canoes also launch regularly from Neppel Landing, providing a unique view of this valuable ecosystem.

Photos Nadia Yong/Shutterstock.com, Serge Yatunin/Shutterstock.com, Semmick Photo/Shutterstock.com, Wspin/Shutterstock.com, Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

MILLION AIR FLIGHT BRIEFING ST LOUIS, MISSOURI

Mighty Mississipi LONG KNOWN AS THE ‘GATEWAY TO THE WEST,’ ST LOUIS OFFERS BOTH OLD-WORLD CHARM AND CONTEMPORARY LUXURY

WHERE TO SLEEP In the middle of St Louis’s businesses, galleries and restaurants, The Ritz-Carlton, St Louis isn’t just surrounded by luxury, it is luxury. While the largest dine-in wine cellar in St Louis is impressive, it is the sumptuous Ritz-Carlton Suite that best encapsulates its namesake’s amenity-rich philosophy. Boasting an en-suite sauna and stunning baby grand piano, this suite may well be the best on the Mississippi. 100 Carondelet Plaza +1 314 863 6300 ritzcarlton.com

St Louis Arch and skyline

Perched on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, St Louis is a city as iconic as the land on which it sits. From all-American culture and a rich pre-Civil War history, to some of the best ultra-luxe options, any exploration of St Louis should begin at the Old Courthouse. This stunning domed testament to US justice has been hearing cases for over 150 years. Home to the pivotal Dred Scott trial, in which former slave Dred Scott successfully sued for his freedom and, according to some historians, hastened the onset of the American Civil War as a result, the Old Courthouse is a must-see for both history bu ff sand humanitarians. For a literal and fi gurative taste of a more modern US icon, take a guided tour of the oldest and largest Anheuser-Busch brewery, located mere footsteps from the bustling downtown district. In addition to

three national historic landmarks on-site, you get the opportunity to peruse the chilled beechwood aging cellar, enjoy a photo op with some of Budweiser’s world-famous Clydesdale horses, and indulge in some complimentary brews in the post-tour hospitality room. After the tour, swing by Busch Stadium, home of the St Louis Cardinals and one of the most revered ballparks in the country, for a tour, a game or maybe just a box of Cracker Jack. End your stay with a trip to St Louis’s single most de fi ning landmark, the Gateway Arch, 630 ft of neo-futurist grandeur designed to pay tribute to the adventurous spirit of westbound pioneers. Intrepid travelers can take a tram ride to the top or embrace their inner Tom Sawyer with a sightseeing cruise aboard a replica, 19th-century paddle-wheel ferry. Either way, you will be entering the Midwest in style.

WHERE TO EAT Once the executive chef for TCS Expeditions’ private jet excursions, Carl McConnell is used to cooking for the on-the-go traveler. But when it came time to settle down, Carl and his wife Nancy opened the quaint Stone Soup Cottage, just outside St Louis. With just a handful of tables, the farm-to-fork partnership with nearby Wiese Nursery ensures Stone Soup’s fl avors are big.

5809 Highway N +1 636 244 2233 lechampde fl eurs-ssc.com

WHERE TO FLY Boasting 70,000 sq ft of corporate hangars, as well as a red-eye alleviating snooze room and on-site rental cars, Million Air St Louis — located at Spirit of St Louis Airport, just minutes from downtown — is the best way to begin your stay in this all-American city.

Anheuser-Busch brewery

MILLION AIR ST LOUIS (SUS) Spirit of St Louis Airport 549 Bell Avenue Chester fi eld, Missouri 63005 T +1 866 532 0408 F +1 636 532 7901 E custservice@millionair-sus.com W millionair-sus.com

The Old Courthouse

Turf

Hotel La Compañía is located in the colorful and historic oldtown, Casco Anitiguo, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Three different eras of Panama history come to life here, where opulent modern design revitalizes a landmark location. Choose a beautifully curated room in the French Colonial wing, dating back to 1688, or the Beaux Arts rooms in the American wing. World-class dining experiences await you at Hotel La Compañía, where you’ll find five amazing in-house restaurants and two-lively bars. Savor fine wines from our private cellar at 1739, framed with an ambiance that offers cocktails at Exilio Bar next door. Go for old-school favorites at American Bazaar, or traditional Italian at Luigi’s. Finally meet up with friends at Hari’s or our spectacular rooftop bar, Capella. Return home mentally liberated, having fulfilled a LUX bucket list “Surf and Turf ” experience. Panama a new and undiscovered destination within hours of the USA.

Once recognized only for the Panama Hat and the Canal, Panama is now a destination for luxury adventure travel. Fly direct to Panama City from 82 cities around the world, Begin your adventure at Hotel La Compañía, then enter a luxury decomprenssion at Nayara Bocas de Toro, finish off your mental revival with a final right in Panama’s historic quarter. Its only a one-hour flight to Panama’s Craibbean award winning, Nayara Bocas del Toro featuring Tahiti-like overwater villas with private pools, water window villas and island treehouses. Nayara Bocas del Toro was created to be the western worl’ds ultimate boutique luxury vacation destination. You no longer need to travel to Bora Bora, Tahiti, or the Maldives to experience an exotic vacaion with over the water villas. The adult-only all-inclusive resort is located on a sere private island, a short 15 minute boat ride from lively Bocas Town. The food and cocktails are fabulous, and the adventure list is endless. Sun and sandals take on a whole new meaning at the World’s First Aerial Beach.

WHERE MAGNIFICENCE BEGINS

From the moment you enter, this is a home like no other, your ultimate urban oasis. Discover Tribune Tower Residences, a sublime union of modernity and timelessness.

1-4+ Bedrooms Available EXPLORE MORE AT TRIBUNETOWER.COM OR CALL 312.967.3700

DL# 2556130 Credit, Dave Burk Photography. All floor plans shown are for illustrative purposes only. Floor plans may not depict final design of units as constructed and may not be drawn to scale. All sketches, renderings, architectural models, materials, plans, specifications, terms, prices, conditions and statements, including estimated timeframes and dates, contained herein are proposed only and are not intended to constitute representations. Developer reserves the right to make modifications in its sole discretion and without prior notice. All photographs and renderings are merely intended as illustrations of the activities and concepts depicted therein as interpreted by the artists. Developer makes no representations regarding any view and/or exposure to light at any time including any existing or future construction by either owner or a third party. Square footage and ceiling heights are approximate and may be based on various measurement methodologies, subject to construction variances and tolerances, as well as redesign, and vary from unit to unit (and may vary from floor to floor). This brochure shall not constitute a valid offer in any jurisdiction where prior registration is required and not yet fulfilled. Where used, developer shall mean Tribune Tower West (Chicago) Owner, LLCand its affiliated entities and their respective managers, members, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, affiliates and employees.

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SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Elite Traveler is the only BPA-audited publication for the private jet audience. To make sure you never miss an issue, subscribe to Elite Traveler , the Responsible Luxury Lifestyle magazine. $50 for a single issue. For subscription details, visit elitetraveler.com/subscribe. To keep up to date with the latest private jet lifestyle news, sign up for weekly email roundup LATEST IN LUXURY at elitetraveler.com/eliteaccess

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DISCOVER

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ Surpassing the power and prowess of supercars, hypercars belong in an even more rari fi edclassof automobile. Alexandra Cheney gets behind the wheel of two big hitters Page 44

Page 43 Object of desire The Game Island Trunk is full of clever compartments and contraptions that house the most beloved games. Page48 Yachts Miriam Cain looks at classic yacht replicas that have drawn inspiration from the elegant vessels of the 1920s and ’30s. Page 53 Gift guide Ten pages of magni fi cent gifts from glittering diamonds and exquisite timepieces to fun gadgets and chic accessories.

The Samling Hotel I Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LR, UK I T: +44 (0)15394 31922 I www.thesamlinghotel.co.uk

DISCOVER

elite traveler WINTER 2023/24 43

Object of desire by Samantha Coles

Playing games Unveiled for the fi rst time at Salon Art + Design, a prestigious New York art show held in November, this nostalgic trunk celebrates the traditional board game. Yet less a trunk and more a fully functional game table, the piece, named ‘Game Island Trunk,’ is full of clever compartments and contraptions that house the most beloved games. The sides of the trunk open out to o ff er seating on either side and create a workstation for each player; a chess board has its home atop the workstation. Deeper inside, you’ll fi nd backgammon and Ludo, as well as a hidden tower of Jenga blocks guarded by mini trunks that hold poker chips. The trunk is an impressive display of exemplary craftsmanship — the tangible result of brothers Paritosh and Priyank Mehta’s creativity. The pair founded the Trunks Company, a Jaipur-based brand specializing in handmade, hand-painted trunks created using traditional methods such as the ‘lost-wax technique.’ (It’s a process by which a duplicate sculpture — often a metal, such as silver, gold, brass or bronze — is cast from an original sculpture. Intricate works can be achieved by this method, and the oldest example dates back to 4550–4450 BC.) Many of the Trunks Company’s pieces are bespoke and include such whimsical creations as Timeless Travels with the Taj — a re-imagination of the majestic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in trunk form. Price on request. Contact enquiry@trunkscompany.com,

+91 992 876 6444, trunkscompany.com

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The Game Island Trunk is full of clever compartments and contraptions that house the most beloved games

DISCOVER

by Alexandra Cheney Motoring

Surpassing the power and prowess of supercars, hypercars belong in an even more rarified class of automobile. Their existence elicits questions that often double as exclamatory sentences: How fast is it?! It does what ?! On the following pages, this duo of hypercars — one electric, one internal combustion — redefine boundaries and push possibilities

Pininfarina Battista “It’s better if you start from a full stop,” the engineer in the passenger seat advised. Hands at nine and three, full exhale. “All clear,” the professional Italian race car driver exclaimed into the walkie-talkie. On an undulating road deep in Southern California’s Santa Monica Mountains, experiencing the full expression of the all-electric, 1,900 hp Pininfarina Battista is a breathtaking, cheek-flapping delight. The first time feels unreal. Even after the comprehension of Battista’s one motor for each wheel (which combined allows for a top speed of 217 mph) sets in, digesting a statistic like 0-60 mph in 1.79 seconds is very different than swallowing it in real time. Named for the company’s founder, Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, the hypercar marks the Italian design studio’s first in-house production vehicle in its 93-year history. Although now owned by India’s Mahindra Group, throughout the 20th century Pininfarina continuously collaborated on exterior bodywork and styling with Ferrari (288 GTO), Alfa Romeo (Giulietta Spider) and Maserati (GranTurismo), to name a few. For its namesake debut, the company partnered with Rimac on the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis but its exterior

design styling is proprietary. As is to be expected, Battista exudes an edited, composed set of lines that begin at the U-shaped nose, extend around the exposed carbon-fiber belly and end at the active rear wing. No need for superfluousness here. The all-wheel drive automobile features a double wishbone suspension and semi-active dampers. Without losing power or control, Battista can flick between the five customizable drive modes (in order of intensity: Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa or the customizable Carattere). The 120 kWh lithium-ion battery can go from 20% to 80% in 25 minutes (depending on the charger) according to the company. It also touts a 300-mile range, if driven conservatively. From $2.2m, automobili-pininfarina.com