Million Air Winter 2023/24

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