Ritual Rooms

By Ritika Jain

When you think of luxury, you don’t often think of rituals and routines. However, in the aftermath of years of isolation and uncertainty, people are striving for a sense of routine and community in their day-to-day lives. In response, luxury residences are starting to create shared spaces bathed in lavish details for residents to connect and spend quality time. These spaces are called “Ritual Rooms,” which promote regular gatherings among residents within the building itself, often complete with lavish features and striking views. Rooms of this kind are popping up in upscale condominiums in Florida, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and Nexo Residences, North Miami Beach.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay is a towering structure in Southwest Florida with two-, three- and four-bedroom residences and overlooks Florida’s first aquatic preserve, Estero Bay. In order to make use of South Florida’s gorgeous sunset views, it now boasts a Sunset Lounge designed by New York-based interior design studio Meyer Davis, complete with a bar and double-height glass surroundings. Craig Klingensmith, vice president of London Bay Development Group, shared with The High End the inspiration behind the Sunset Lounge and what they hope it will accomplish.

The Sunset Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay was<br />
designed to promote a sense of community among residents with a<br />
casual yet luxurious elegance that echoes the existing landscape.

“The concept for the Sunset Lounge came about from the desire to incorporate a large, centrally located area that would unite the two residential towers and would also present an opportunity for residents from both buildings to come together to enjoy the amenity spaces,” explains Klingensmith. The room itself boasts an understated yet luxurious design with the use of natural materials, which were inspired by the natural surroundings of Estero Bay.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Sunset Lounge invites expansive views of an outdoor deck overlooking three pools, a lagoon with floating-like pavilions, the Saltleaf Marina, and stunning vistas of Estero Bay. Along with a dreamy visual backdrop, the room presents opportunities for gathering with the ornate bar and a Demonstration Kitchen, “where residents can gather for a cooking class, or where some of Florida’s very best chefs can come in to prepare award-worthy meals.”

Luxury residences are starting to implement gathering<br />
spaces in their buildings to promote routine gatherings<br />
among residents.

Klingensmith expects the Sunset Lounge to be a hit among residents, as it will act as the central gathering space between both towers. The brand’s commitment to providing the epitome of luxury living alongside a sense of community is reflected not only in this room, but in all 36,000 square feet of interior amenities. “Each of these unique spaces is elevated with the brand’s hallmark of providing personalized and high-touch service that makes all the difference to enhancing everyday life.”

The Nexo Residences over in Miami Beach, which is slated to break ground in 2023 with a two-year construction period, is jumping on this trend with a Rooftop Observatory Deck to utilize in the nighttime. It will feature a telescope for stargazing; a summer kitchen with a large grill, mini fridge, and wine cooler; a long dining table for residents to socialize; and cozy seating arrangements around fire pits.

According to the team, the concept behind the Rooftop Observatory Deck is “to offer residents an intimate gathering space that would seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living, as well as showcase the beautiful Miami skyline.” The location of the building allows access to 360-degree, panoramic views of Miami’s most scenic skylines, including those of Aventura, Sunny Isles, and North Miami. It will provide residents with an opulent yet tranquil space to host gatherings and connect with one another while also promoting an appreciation for the natural landscape.

The integration of outdoor amenities within residences not only offers a sense of community, but also a variety of benefits to your health and well-being. “Humans have an innate desire to want to be close to and surrounded by nature. Studies show that outdoor spaces are essential to everyday life and promote health and happiness. Offering residents outdoor amenities allows people to feel connected to nature while promoting a sense of well-being,” says the team.

October 12, 2023 Comments Off

Not Your Grandparents’ Cruise

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

The traditional cruise experience — sharing a megaship with 5,000 fellow passengers, binging at midnight buffets and disembarking at tourist-clogged ports-of-call for superficial guided tours — may no longer be inviting, especially for active travelers. But with exciting new destinations, more intimate (albeit luxurious) ships and hands-on activities, cruising has newfound appeal.

Since the pandemic, many seabound tourists have turned their attention to smaller vessels and once-in-a lifetime destinations such as Iceland, the Galápagos Islands or, the holy grail of bucket list adventures, Antarctica. Many compelling itineraries cannot accommodate megaships and require more active participation by passengers to fully appreciate them.

Gary Bembridge is a London-based journalist who has authored “The Cruise Traveler’s Handbook,” “Essential Cruise Tips” and “The Cruise Travel Guide,” among other books, and chronicles his frequent voyages on the writer’s own Tips for Travellers website. He reports that while interest in smaller vessels is increasing, even the large carriers are introducing more unique ports-of-call and activity options to address evolving consumer preferences. Because of the price differential — Bembridge advises it can cost up to seven times more to cruise on a high-end small vessel than a mainstream line’s megaship — small ship cruising remains primarily a luxury indulgence.

Bembridge cites Oceania, Windstar and Star Clippers as lines providing luxury experiences in a smaller format, including yachts and sail ships. “In addition to the obvious ‘expedition’ locations like the Galápagos, Arctic, Antarctica and Greenland, there’s emerging interest in going to more well-trodden destinations, but with a greater focus on exploration and wildlife,” states Bembridge of developing trends.

Aqua Expeditions was founded by Francesco Galli Zugaro in 2007 to introduce exciting new destinations — think Indonesia’s Komodo Island, the Galápagos Islands and Mekong River — to travelers seeking adventure on a more intimate scale. The company’s Aria Amazon, a vessel that traverses the legendary river at the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru, offers just 16 river-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and serves the cuisine of renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aqua Expedition’s Aqua Mare, an exclusive superyacht deployed to the Galápagos Islands, accommodates just seven exquisite suites (including a lavish owner’s suite) designed by the firm of François Zuretti, acclaimed for sophisticated yacht interiors. The Aqua Mare presents a luxurious yet environmentally conscious means of exploring one of the most unique natural habitats on the planet.

Explaining that Aqua Expeditions represents the “experiential travel” niche — operating in the same sphere as African safaris — CEO Galli Zugaro states, “Most of our guests have never been, nor plan to go on a big ship.” He adds, “This audience wants to see remote parts of the world, go on adventures in the day, then return to a floating base camp that’s on par with any world-class hotel.”

“What we’ve noticed since the reopening of travel is that guests no longer want to wait until later in life to tick off bucket list destinations, but want to experience them now,” says Zugaro. He reports, “With mainstream cruising we see a median demographic of 60 years and above, but with Aqua Expeditions our demographic begins at around 40.” Explaining that his line’s river cruise itineraries are just as active as open sea voyages, he states, “Where a younger client may think that river cruising is something for older travelers, Aqua stands apart.”

“Luxury travelers will continue to seek world-class experiences to remote and exotic destinations that give them a sense of place without sacrificing the comforts they’ve come to expect from five-star hotels,” says Zugaro, who insists luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. “From the very beginning, Aqua Expeditions has been committed to making sure we do our part in contributing to local communities and protecting the pristine areas in which we sail,” says the cruise line’s chief executive.

Ponant is a French line known for luxuriously appointed small ships, five-star service and commitment to sustainability. The vessels that make their way to exotic destinations such as Antarctica, the Maldives and Madagascar typically accommodate no more than 250 passengers, sans the garish casinos, water parks and zip lining associated with the megaships.

On Ponant cruise liners, guests enjoy refined design, a culinary staff affiliated with renowned chef Alain Ducasse, world-class wellness programs, and the presence of experts to engage passengers as they explore unique natural environments or historic sites.

One of Ponant’s most expensive tours is a 28-day excursion to Antarctica — beginning in Ushuaia, Argentina and concluding in Lyttleton, New Zealand — aboard the 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot that boasts nearly a one-to-one passenger-crew ratio. Prices begin at more than $50,000, but ascend well above $100,000 for those booking larger staterooms, including an extravagant 1,237-square-foot suite de l’armateur (owner’s suite).

Ponant also operates Paul Gauguin Cruises, specializing in excursions to French Polynesia on the firm’s signature MS Paul Gauguin, a luxury 330-passenger vessel outfitted by the studio of Parisian architect Jean Philippe Nuel. Large staterooms with ocean-view balconies and butler service, fine dining and a spa are among the amenities that distinguish this high-end boutique line.

Demonstrating Ponant’s commitment to environmental awareness and activism was its leadership role in the recently convened Blue Climate Summit aboard the MS Paul Gauguin. Attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco and President Édouard Fritch of French Polynesia, the convocation drew 250 scientists, policy makers, business leaders and environmental activists.

“There has never been a more important or urgent time for the world to address ocean protection and climate change,” stated Stan Rowland, CEO of Blue Climate Initiative, sponsor of the inaugural event. Proud that the MS Paul Gauguin was selected as the host ship, Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel submits, “The partnership with Blue Climate Summit is a natural fit, as we also have ambitious objectives to protect the ocean and the communities our ships visit.”

The m/s Paul Gauguin was built to sail the lagoons of the South Pacific.

Considered a premier small-ship line by cruise journalist Gary Bembridge, Windstar Cruises is known for its luxurious vessels, including wind-assisted sailing yachts. The company recently announced its first Red Sea/Persian Gulf itineraries, some which pass through the Suez Canal, for those weary of the usual Caribbean or Mediterranean ports-of-call.

The new cruises include some of the region’s most alluring destinations and travelers can enjoy the voyages on Windstar’s traditionally themed Wind Class sailing yachts, such as its intimate 148-passenger Wind Star. “With impressive UNESCO sights, beautiful beaches and wildlife, top-rated golf courses, amazing snorkeling and diving, and of course, great shopping, Windstar is excited to introduce our guests to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf,” explains Windstar Cruises president Christopher Prelog. Boarding a yacht with teak decks and traditional sails atop towering masts provides a nostalgic, romantic setting for traversing exotic seas to some of the most ancient sites on the planet.

Miami-headquartered Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for its massive, 20-deck ships that entertain 4,000-plus passengers with casinos, water parks and nightclubs. However, Hurtigruten Expeditions is an authentically Norwegian carrier, one whose vessels are a fraction of the size, but offer an intimacy that suits the company’s commitment to onboard education and preservation of the planet’s most fragile habitats.

Nonconformist nautical adventurers may also consider booking a small barge meandering the canals of Europe, ideal for a group of friends or family. This kind of laid-back cruise involves diminutive, repurposed barges accommodating six to 12 passengers. Because the boat moves at a decidedly leisurely pace (less than five miles per hour), passengers can wander off on hikes or bike rides, then easily catch up with the escargot like progress of the vessel. Speaking of gastronomy, many barges retain accomplished onboard chefs who stock up periodically at charming local markets.

September 26, 2023 Comments Off

Changing the Skyline

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Marlene Ridgway

New York City’s Central Park Tower is now the largest residential building in the world. Its 179 luxury condos reside above Nordstrom flagship department store. “I believe that Central Park Tower is a proven testament to how far one can go, especially in a city like New York, but with the technological advances in vertical transportation and the ever-increasing strength of materials available, with creativity and ingenuity, the sky is the limit,” says Joaquin Stearns, the senior vice president of development of Extell Development Company, about going even higher.

The Central Park Tower design was developed by Extell and brought to fruition by architect Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, after decades of planning. “We worked with the world’s most talented designers, engineers, and architects to conceptualize and develop a product that exemplifies luxury, appeals to a discerning buyer and that would also resemble nothing else out there,” notes Stearns. The reflection of sunlight on the glass and its unique slender design have made Central Park Tower a stunning addition to New York City’s skyline.

At 1,550 feet, the glass-encased building with walls of windows boasts panoramic views of the city and beyond while tackling the challenge of sustainability. The super slim design takes up little land but it also utilizes solar power and wind, which takes some of the strain off of the infrastructure.

Stearns says, “the building exterior was designed with several different materials that were carefully selected in response to the energy efficiency of the building, but also in response to how the building would respond to the effects of sunlight throughout the day and throughout the year.” Each decision was a conscious effort to create something architecturally incredible while appealing to the residents who would live there.

The corners and layers of the building, as it gets higher, were designed to handle wind while placing structural elements between residences to offer better views. “We used highly efficient low-E glass units for the windows, low reflective surfaces such as zinc panels, as well as stainless steel components throughout the vertical aspects of the building,” adds Stearns.

A technological feat, “the exterior combines elements of glass, satin-finished stainless steel, and light catching vertical and horizontal details that accentuate the interplay of texture and light,” says Stearns.

“This building used a unique combination of structural components, including custom fabricated structural steel super-columns and the use of high-strength reinforced concrete lifestyle structure, which is only found in super-tall buildings.”

Throughout the design, none of the desired hotel-like amenities were overlooked. The terrace level offers a connection to the outdoors, which includes a luxurious 60-foot pool, elegant gardens, space for sunbathing, grilling, and fire pits.

“In addition to the unmatched residences, which offer endless views, exquisite architecture, and gracious layouts, Central Park Club is a defining element that further elevates our residents’ living experience,” says Gary Barnett, founder and chairman of Extell. While inside, the tower also presents an indoor saltwater pool, game room, billiards, a private screening, and performance space. With an emphasis on wellness, the tower is home to several spas, saunas, a wellness center, sports courts, and so much more for active residents.

Nordstrom, at the base of the tower, is seven stories high and offers an incredible viewing experience for shoppers and residents, who will receive special access. Designed by James Carpenter Design Associates, the Waveform Facade makes for unprecedented views of New York City and Central Park while shopping. The curvature of the glass and zinc fins eliminates the need for reinforcement in the middle of the windows and offers uninterrupted views.

September 14, 2023 Leave a comment

Only Murders in the Building

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Ritika Jain
Photography by Evan Joseph

In New York City, it’s impossible to count the number of grand, historic buildings you end up walking past. The city is dotted with towering buildings that have withstood the test of time. If you’ve been watching the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building,” starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, you might have noticed one of them. The show is predominantly set at The Belnord, a timeless prewar residence built in 1909 that takes up an entire block on the Upper West Side.

The Belnord boasts a commanding presence with exquisite, regal architecture and private, spacious entrances for residents to comfortably unload their belongings. Despite being built over a century ago, the building offers the height of modern luxury with renovated condominiums and a redesigned courtyard, making it especially attractive for affluent buyers.

Given the location of The Belnord, one would think that privacy would be hard to attain. However, the building is structured so that residents can freely enter and exit without wrestling through a crowd. There are 6 different residential lobbies, each with a private elevator, grand staircase, and freight lift to lead them up to their residence. The lobbies themselves are extremely upscale, with white high-gloss painted wall paneling, satin nickel hardware, and restored polished mosaic floors.

As for the residences, they are essentially large, apartment-style homes and nothing short of impressive. Robert A.M. Stern can be credited for the interiors, rethinking the original floor plan to implement a classic layout with contemporary features that complement the building’s structure while satisfying modern tastes.

Common features include grand arrival foyers; gracious bedroom galleries; a 5-inch, rift-cut, solid white oak chevron accent floor; and custom base, casing, and crown moldings. The kitchens are also notable elements, custom designed by Robert A.M. Stern and complete with polished Calacatta Gold marble countertops, a windowed eat-in area, and appliances by the luxury appliance brand Gaggenau, including a 5-burner gas cooktop and fully integrated column refrigerator and freezer.

Upon restoring The Belnord, the architect and designer were committed to retaining the prewar aesthetic while accommodating modern living expectations, according to Maya Kadouri, The Belnord’s director of sales at Douglas Elliman. In order to accomplish this, they used some of the same materials used in the original structure to preserve the building’s original feel. While today’s homebuyers have their eyes set on all things modern, the prewar aesthetic of The Belnord is a rare offering on the Upper West Side that exudes class and opulence.

“Restoring any prewar building, you have to be extremely knowledgeable in how to restore, but also create something that buyers of today can relate to while still retaining the prewar aesthetic. We try to use subtle, modern finishes and natural materials to highlight the history of the building,” explains Kadouri.

Aside from the desirable prewar design, the vast collection of amenities at The Belnord, known as The Belnord Club, also remain a significant draw for homebuyers. Residents of all ages enjoy access to a variety of spaces to dine, entertain, relax and stay active, including a sophisticated entertainment lounge with a dining room, a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, aerobics/stretching room, and a sauna with locker rooms.

The children’s playroom is full of whimsy and imagination, creating the perfect refuge for children to play and engage while teens can congregate in the teen lounge, which offers a pool table and separate kitchen. The double-height, high-tech sports court is also popular for its leather-cushioned walls and multipurpose use.

“It’s rare to find a prewar building with 30,000 square feet of interior and exterior amenities,” says Kadouri. In order to keep the building up to date with current demands, this is achieved by assessing how people like to spend their leisure time and what is missing from their residence, she says.

“The concept is to have an extension of your residence so you have somewhere else that feels like a part of your home. Now we see sports courts are very much a draw as well as separate lounges and playrooms for older and younger children.” All the amenities are strategically located on the ground floor or second floor, rather than in the basement, ensuring the utmost service and convenience for residents

When considering all the perks The Belnord has to offer, the pinnacle is undeniably the courtyard garden, which is one of the city’s largest at 22,000 square feet. A large interior courtyard that serves as the focal point of a building is also a historic concept, harkening back to European palatial architecture, says Kadouri. Re-landscaped by Edward Hollander, it now offers beautiful greenery, a tranquil water fountain, and great light. “It adds a much-needed sense of serenity and a respite from city life,” reaffirms Kadouri.

The Belnord has seen growing interest in its residences, particularly due to its presence in the show “Only Murders in the Building,” which premiered in 2019 on Hulu and just released a star-studded second season. It serves as an important character in the story of three residents who bond over their true-crime obsession when a murder takes place in their building, coined as the “Arconia.”

Relax or entertain in the Residents’ Lounge, which maximizes comfort and style<br />
with contemporary details and an elegant marble fireplace.

Evidently, the show markets the building well as affluent viewers are making the transition to residents. The building has had three deals over $10 million in the last month, and the condominiums are nearly 75 percent sold.

When selecting a location for their comedic murder mystery, creator John Hoffman and actor Steve Martin were looking for a rare Upper West Side retreat with a large courtyard, and The Belnord made their vision possible. Current residents have even had the perks of getting a sneak peak of the filming of the second season.

“In the last episode, they invited some of the residents as extras. A ton of crowds would form outside the gate and get a peek of the stars. There was one day they were filming and they turned all of 86th Street into a stage and brought in cars and buses for one of the scenes,” relates Kadouri.

The Belnord has a layered history and an equally intriguing present, offering a romantic city lifestyle with almost every luxury at your fingertips. Get a closer look in the show “Only Murders in the Building,” or stop by the grand structure in person. Who knows, maybe you’ll get a sneak peek of Season 3.

August 25, 2023 Leave a comment

Super Yachts’ Top 3 Trends in 2023: Luxury, Sustainability, and Technology

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Jacquelyn Elliott

The sales of super yachts have increased significantly this year. While growing in popularity, revolutionary developments have been made to the super yacht experience.

From state-of-the-art amenities, impressive innovative technology, and off-grid solitude, super yachts continue to advance and provide an unparalleled level of privacy and luxury that cannot be matched.

Let’s delve into the latest trends observed on super yachts this summer.

Luxury

While at-sea experiences used to be exclusively for holidays and vacations, many stay aboard for everyday living. Not a single luxury is left behind, as there is nothing you can not do on board.

A recent yacht report explains that this summer, “saunas, cryotherapy chambers, hammams, steam rooms, resistance swimming pools, massage tables, meditation rooms, and personal gyms are now all the rage.”

Conveniently, super yachts offer the amenity to WFY or work from yacht. As remote work transitions to the new norm, super yachts provide the privacy and capability to work efficiently.

To keep up with the demands of everyday life, super yachts encompass “lightning-fast WiFi, acoustic privacy, larger bespoke desks, and integrated computer systems that allow them to perform 99% of their work functions perfectly well at sea.” What more could you need?

Sustainability

In 2023, sustainability is a prominent trend aboard super yachts. Extravagance is sustainable and recycled materials are the new concept of luxury.

Looking back, in 2022, there were a total of 6 super yachts with hybrid engines. Reports show that sustainability at sea includes “synthetic teak decking and faux leather upholstery cutting the carbon and animal footprint of each craft.”

Also trending is a growing movement “in which yacht owners are offering financial support to conservation directives, not least as more and more of them are heading off-grid to beautiful, delicate ecosystems themselves, and realizing the true fragility of the oceans.”

Technology

These trends are just the beginning. Startups in the industry tease plans to enhance the sailing experience.

The Yacht Sentinel plans to introduce innovative technology that will enable captains and crew members to monitor all the vital metrics in real-time, such as fluid levels, power, solar panels, batteries, engines, and maintenance.

Yacht shows will soon present virtual reality with immersive, realistic Metaverse tours of potential builds and future projects. Customers will be able to experience the thrill of sailing in a whole new way.

Exciting developments are promised for the future of super yachts creating countless opportunities for growth and innovation. What at-sea amenity would you like to see next?

August 18, 2023 Leave a comment

Next Stop… A Golden Era

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

Train travel has not been the dominant mode of transportation for three-quarters of a century, but the grandeur of a golden era of rail can still be discovered without ever purchasing a ticket. Just like the movie palaces of the period, many early 20th century train stations have been meticulously restored, some transformed into compelling attractions for tourists and locals alike.

The granddaddy of them all may be New York’s Grand Central Terminal, whose current Beaux-Arts building was inaugurated in 1913. Although Amtrak departs out of Penn Station, Grand Central still services commuter lines to suburban New York and Connecticut, while subway passengers connect here. The landmark is home to a wide array of food services, from sit-down restaurants (e.g., Grand Central Oyster Bar, Cipriani Dolci) to gourmet specialty purveyors such as Jacques Torres Chocolate or Murray’s Cheese.

Historic Main Concourse - Credit Grand Central Terminal

Like rail landmarks across the country, Grand Central Terminal’s history ranges from soaring heights to tragic declines, and it ultimately took a 1978 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to save it from demolition. During the controversy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who was a high-profile member of the Committee to Save Grand Central Terminal (as was architect Philip Johnson), argued for the station’s preservation. She queried, “Is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud monuments, until there will be nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children…?”

Union Station Kansas City has been reimagined as a multipurpose cultural center but remains an iconic symbol of the community.

Although its first passengers boarded trains in 1894, the Romanesque-style Union Station of St. Louis became a global hub during the city’s 1904 World’s Fair. Today, only local commuter trains run through Union Station, but the city has used the restoration of the historic landmark to fuel nearby redevelopment, attracting new hotels and shopping. The grand concourse of the terminal, with its Tiffany stained glass windows, has been polished up and a world-class aquarium now calls the station home.

Across the state, Union Station Kansas City (exceeded in size only by Grand Central and Penn Station in New York) opened in 1914 but shuttered in 1985 after decades of declining passenger volume. An ambitious plan to reimagine the Beaux-Arts station — it was transformed into a cultural center with an interactive science museum, exhibition space, planetarium and live theater — concluded in 1999. A catalyst for downtown development, the station’s evolution has been critical to the renaissance of the entire metropolis, insists George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City. Noting its image is as iconic to Kansas City as the Gateway Arch is to St. Louis or Empire State Building to New York, Guastello states, “It’s become the visual voice of our community, the monument that brings the city together.”

Cincinnati Union Terminal, opened in 1933, is a superb example of Art Deco architecture in America.

The Kansas City landmark still performs the role for which it was originally designed, albeit on a much smaller scale, as passengers board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles, and the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis. With approximately 2 million annual visitors, Guastello suggests the revitalized facility has again become the lively ecosystem it was early in the last century. “It’s a model for what an historic train station can become in the 21st century,” he says, adding, “It’s not just a station but a source of civic pride…It’s the piazza of Kansas City.”

Opening in 1933, in the height of the Art Deco era, Cincinnati Union Terminal remains one of America’s great examples of that glamorous architectural style. The station’s soaring rotunda spans 180 feet and features impressive mosaic murals by German-American artist F. Winold Reiss. Cincinnati Union Terminal no longer accommodates the 200-plus trains per day it was designed for, but travelers can still board the Amtrak Cardinal to New York or Chicago, and the facility has become home to several museums.

Denver’s Union Station, a Neoclassical landmark rebuilt in 1914 after a devastating fire, is another worthy destination for history buffs. The trendy Crawford Hotel now overlooks the station’s sumptuous Great Hall, where restorations of the original 1,200-pound chandeliers create a dramatic scene shared by hotel guests and rail passengers. The westernmost monument to the golden age of rail in America is Los Angeles’ Union Station, which presents an artful melding of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco architecture.

Bruce Scottow, former program coordinator at the Los Angeles Conservancy — he continues to conduct walking tours of Union Station for the organization — reports the building has always exemplified the California lifestyle. “Completed in 1939, it was late in coming and is often regarded as the last of the great railway stations,” explains Scottow. L.A.’s Union Station has appeared in movies such as Blade Runner, Bugsy, Catch Me If You Can, and The Dark Knight Rises, prompting preservationist Scottow to comment, “Any movie star would be jealous of its film credits.”

Today, in addition to accommodating Amtrak service, the station is the hub of L.A.’s underappreciated subway and commuter train networks, and its restoration has attracted trendy restaurants and brewpubs. “Union Station is no longer the end of the line…it has never been busier than it is now,” states Scottow.

Among the world’s most beautiful trainstations, and representing an innovativeadaptive reuse, is the formerGare d’Orsay onthe banks of the Seine in Paris, inaugurated in 1900. The magnificent Beaux-Arts building is better known today as Musée d’Orsay, which houses one of the greatest collections of Impressionist art on the planet, including iconic pieces from Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir.

The Napoli Afragola railway station, a vision of pioneering architect Zaha Hadid, has become a metaphor for modern Italy.

At Musée d’Orsay, two giant clocks face the river — highly Instagrammable is the glass dial of one that doubles as a window — and the museum’s restaurant itself is a work of art. Across town, however, is arguably the world’s most glamorous rail station restaurant, the gilded Belle Époque-style Le Train Bleu at Paris’ Gare de Lyon, an historic station where passengers climb aboard aerodynamic, 200 mile-per-hour TGV trains to Barcelona, Milan or Geneva.

Occupying the site of a former 16th-century monastery in Porto, Portugal is the São Bento Railway Station, another Beaux-Arts masterpiece clad in remarkable wall murals. The historic scenes were created from 20,000 ceramic tiles, mostly the blue-and-white azulejo tiles that are a signature of Portuguese craftsmanship. Designed by architect José Marques da Silva, the station was completed in 1916 after a decade of painstaking labor. São Bento makes a memorable first impression for tourists arriving in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Not all notable stations are historic, and a renaissance in train travel — particularly fueled by investments in high-speed rail in Europe and Asia — has resulted in extraordinary new stations being designed by world-class contemporary architects. The soaring World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York and the dramatic Liège-Guillemins train station in Belgium (both designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) demonstrate that infrastructure can be aesthetically elevated, even sexy.

Naples, Italy has a 3,000-year history but the ancient city’s Napoli Afragola railway station could not be more futuristic. A vision of the late pioneering architect Zaha Hadid, the ultra-modern facility accommodates high-speed trains to Rome and connections throughout Europe, while its curvilinear design is evocative of a moving train. As much an engineering marvel as an artistic expression, the station’s interior is flooded with light yet its innovative skeleton moderates the region’s often-oppressive heat.

“This extraordinary station is the work of a great architect and of enormous strategic value, proclaimed Gioia Ghezzi, former president of Ferrovie dello Stato, the Italian state-run railway, of the opening of Napoli Afragola in 2017. Lauding the new station’s progressive state-of-the-art design, then-prime minister Paolo Gentiloni used the project as a metaphor for his nation’s acceleration into the 21st century. “With this inauguration we send a message that Italy is moving, the country is growing,” he proclaimed.

In contemporary America, where the expedience of travel tends to be valued more than its experience, the joys of touring by train have almost been forgotten. The rails were abandoned when speedier modes of transportation emerged, but the glorious architecture of rail culture has outlived the trains. Not only can the cavernous structures be appreciated for their physical grandeur, but these noble landmarks may even inspire a nostalgic journey. The ticket window is still open.

July 10, 2023 Leave a comment

Positive Energy

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Marlene Ridgway

In just two years, the first fully carbon-neutral and emission-free resort, Six Senses Svart will welcome guests to stay and explore, all while combating the pollution that the travel industry typically generates.

The 94-room resort will offer adventure and conscientious travelers an incredible way to experience and preserve the unique environment of the Svartisen glacier in Norway. The revolutionized resort plans to take sustainability and energy efficiency to a new level by not only eliminating negative impacts on the surrounding environment from start to finish, but also generating its own energy through solar panels and geothermal wells.

Guests will get an immersive experience where they can enjoy the surrounding landscape guilt-free. “Six Senses Svart aims to become a prototype for the future of sustainable hospitality,” says Jeff Smith, vice president of sustainability for Six Senses.

The eye-catching, ring-shaped resort will combine a futuristic design and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that use the least embedded energy. The circular green form is tactile, creating a feeling of openness and perpetual consciousness of nature as it gives the building a transparent appearance. The happy side effect is its ability to collect energy from the roof and offer panoramic views and privacy with the expanded distance between rooms.

Preserving and Generating Energy

The resort will be poised above the water and landscape to minimize the impact on the environment, a notion that has influenced every decision about the project along the way. Six Senses Svart aims to demonstrate that carbon neutrality can be not only feasible in a sophisticated development at an eco-sensitive site, but can also be profitable.

The resort will also funnel solar energy back into the running of the hotel, boat shuttle, and energy needed for building, making it possible for the resort to function entirely off the power grid. Such energy-positive buildings could deliver 89 percent of the 45 percent decrease in emissions required to reach the scenario where global warming is limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

To create a self-sustaining travel destination, the resort will employ its own waste and water management, recycling, and renewable infrastructure. The team will work with existing sustainable fishing and farming operations and engage like-minded local suppliers for the restaurants and bars. All of this will make the zero waste dining venue possible where everything from food storage, prep, and dining will be a proactive, sustainable decision. For example, “whatever isn’t eaten fresh from the farm may get pickled or utilized in some other way,” according to Smith.

Health and Wellness

The resort will not simply have a positive impact on the area, but will also prove restorative for guests looking for an authentic and unplugged experience. Outdoor adventures, such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding will entertain guests while the spa and fitness center will encourage even more rest and rejuvenation.

Six Senses Svart will cover the full gambit of integrated wellness, with state-of-the-art equipment and wearable technology assimilation, integrating a specially developed Svart Touch concept that will further elevate the brand’s pioneering wellness approach.

May 26, 2023 Leave a comment

Traveling by Design

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

In a world filled with compelling architecture, there is little reason to stay in a nondescript glass-and-stucco hotel replicated in cities around the world without regard to local culture or sensibilities. For travelers seeking enrichment from their destinations, the first priority is booking a room at an architecturally distinctive hotel, one with historic significance or contemporary aesthetics imagined by a world-class architect.

Emphasizing the diversity of hotel design, Shelley Hornstein, senior scholar and professor emerita of architectural history and visual culture at Toronto’s York University, notes, “Architecturally important properties aren’t necessarily luxury properties.” She reports that architectural tourism has become extremely influential in the hospitality industry, based on the draw of UNESCO World Heritage sites alone, and that social media fuels the trend. “Instagram, for example, is one principal ‘venue’ that has taken site awareness to meteoric levels!” says Hornstein, whose most recent book is Architectural Tourism: Sight-Seeing, Itineraries and Cultural Heritage.

Regarding hotel aesthetics, Hornstein suggests, “For those who can afford it, design tops all. We see this from hotel industry advertising, and the latest and greatest are always sought after.” Explaining that hotel architecture is demographically driven, Hornstein notes that comfort and convenience are frequently sacrificed for trendy design. “Function was always trumped, it seemed, by what sold well in a picture,” observes the professor.

The UniqHotels website is one source of the kind of images Hornstein contends are so powerful for hospitality consumers. It is valued by travelers looking for memorable accommodations, from treehouses to ice hotels, Hong Kong skyscrapers to Moroccan desert camps. Recounting the genesis of his venture, founder Daniel Hoffmann reveals, “My travels to over 70 countries made me realize the finite chances of staying in genuinely unique accommodations in our lifetime.” He began building a database that ultimately evolved into the UniqHotels platform, now boasting approximately 1,500 listings.

Hoffmann describes UniqHotel’s readers as travelers and adventure-seekers searching for inspirational accommodations, but they are not necessarily architecture buffs. “Due to the heavy focus on visual presentations, UniqHotels can be a source of entertainment for anyone, even if a visitor is not specifically interested in architecture,” says the European-based travel advisor.

One UniqHotels listing is Fogo Island Inn, perched on a windswept cliff along the coast of Newfoundland. Despite its incorporation of elements from traditional local architecture, one would hardly expect to find this modern minimalist hotel in such a remote location.

Designed by architect Todd Saunders (based in Norway but a native Newfoundlander), the property’s 29 one-of a-kind rooms or suites feature wood-stove fireplaces and commanding views of the rugged North Atlantic coastline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Representing the ultimate Fogo Island accommodations is the Inn’s 1,100-square-foot Flat Earth Suite, showcasing panoramic views in three directions.

“Fogo Island Inn is deeply tied to Fogo Island and the architectural traditions of outport Newfoundland in the way it meets with the natural landscape,” reports Amanda Decker-Penton, director of the Inn. “Fogo Island Inn’s contemporary design is the perfect marriage of old and new, and speaks to both our past and our present —and, of course, our future,” she adds. An initiative of Shorefast, a nonprofit founded by eighth-generation Fogo Islanders, the hotel is exceptionally eco-friendly, and everything from building materials to the seafood served in the dining room are sustainable. “From its inception, Fogo Island Inn has adopted a responsible approach to design in order to uphold a high-fidelity relationship with the natural world,” explains Decker-Penton. The project and its impact on the community were captured in the award-winning 2015 documentary film Strange & Familiar: Architecture on Fogo Island.

Rioja is Spain’s most legendary winegrowing region, where grapes have been cultivated since the Phoenicians occupied the Iberian Peninsula. Rioja has a traditional, old-school reputation, but the Hotel Marqués de Riscal challenges that image. The dazzling hotel, connected to a venerable winery of the same name, is instantly recognizable as a Frank Gehry original, as its wavy metallic skin is reminiscent of the architect’s iconic Disney Concert Hall in L.A. or Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. What gives this structure new dimension is an injection of wine country color into its ribbons of titanium, a delightful contrast to the vineyards surrounding it.

The terms of Gehry’s engagement for the design were reportedly agreed to over a bottle of Marqués de Riscal 1929 (the architect’s personal vintage). The winery subsequently named a new wine, the Frank Gehry Selection, after the architect, and the hotel’s Gehry Suite offers spectacular views of vineyards and the medieval village of Elciego. The renowned architect said of this project, “I wanted to design something exciting and festive, because wine is pleasure,” and playfully characterized his effort as “a marvelous creature, with its hair flying in all directions, launching itself over the vineyards.”

So many great architects have left their imprint on Chicago’s skyline that the Windy City is essentially an ever evolving museum of architectural history. Among its collection of distinctive hotels is The Langham Chicago, a luxury property occupying 13 floors of a high-rise designed by groundbreaking modernist Mies van der Rohe.

First impressions are important when traveling, and the hotel lobby — what guests experience upon walking through the door — can become a meaningful memory even before receiving their room key. Floating above The Langham Chicago’s main lobby, a sleekly furnished mid-century-inspired space, is a striking 60-foot installation of handblown glass, designed by Jana Růžičková and Tomáš Hovorka of Lasvit, a renowned Czech glassworks firm. “Chicago architect of record Goettsch Partners and London-based interior designer Richmond International created a space that marries the traditional aesthetics of The Langham brand within a Mies van der Rohe- designed building,” explains Langham Chicago managing director Edward Shapard. “The marriage between fine art, architecture and interiors is prevalent throughout the hotel,” he adds. Prior to the pandemic, and planned to
resume, are hotel art tours that connect guests with the building’s architectural heritage.

Located in China’s picturesque Zhejiang province, close to Shanghai, is the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, a 27-story horseshoe-shaped structure, equal parts sculpture and hotel. Evocative of a ring, the moon or a traditional Chinese bridge, the structure is dramatically reflected on the surface of Lake Tai, especially when illuminated at night. The hotel was designed by MAD Architects — the global firm is known for its playful, audacious approach to design — and its signature tower rises 400 feet above the water.

According to Judy Shen, deputy general manager of Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, guests are captivated by the design, and tourists share photos of it on social media. “Even if they’re not guests, young visitors still like to pay a visit and mark the unique experience with a photo,” says Shen, comparing the property to iconic hotels like Burj Al Arab in Dubai. “The architectural design of the hotel plays a very important role in helping consumers make a decision,” adds the manager. “Hotels with special architectural features represent an important collection within Marriott International’s overall portfolio, and significantly affect guests’ expectations of their experience,” Shen states.

Like its sister city of Las Vegas, the gambling capital of Macau features an eclectic array of architectural styles, but the late Zaha Hadid wanted to create something unique to this former Portuguese colony off the coast of China. Her futuristic design for the 40-story Morpheus hotel is wrapped in a free-flowing lattice inspired by Chinese jade carving traditions. Project director Viviana Muscettola explains, “Macau’s buildings previously referenced architectural styles from around the world, but Morpheus has evolved from its unique environment and site conditions as a new architecture expressly for this city.”

Among the diverse properties listed on UniqHotels are the Taj Lake Palace on an island in India’s Lake Pichola, Budapest’s Four Seasons Gresham Palace whose Art Nouveau lobby is stunning and Los Angeles’ Ace Hotel, which oozes Hollywood heritage.

June 23, 2022 Leave a comment

Fast Yet Fashionable

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

Fast-food operations are not what they used to be, and even the term “fast food” is passé, with trade associations turning to more attractive euphemisms like “quick- service restaurant” (QSR) or “fast-casual” establishment. The latest generation of eateries represents much more than a corporate image makeover, however, with a commitment to artisanal ingredients and even fine dining principles adapted to lower price points and rapid turnaround.

The concept of fast food integrating more upscale standards is well represented by the now-ubiquitous, publicly traded Shake Shack, the progressive burger joint founded by fine dining entrepreneur Danny Meyer. The creator of legendary (and pricey) Manhattan restaurants Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern and Eleven Madison Park proved that quality ingredients, chef-driven techniques and top-drawer customer service were adaptable to the quick-service sector.

QSR magazine editorial director Danny Klein, who is exposed to hundreds of quick-service concepts every year, reports, “In the beginning of the pandemic, there was a rush to comfort food, as people gravitated to dishes they understood and related to.” He adds, “But now we’re again seeing more global cuisines and an emphasis on healthy food.” Klein explains the provision of higher-quality food at accessible prices was the impetus of the more sophisticated fast-casual movement that emerged about a decade ago. Now, concepts his magazine refers to as “fast-casual 2.0” focus more on chef-driven menus in affordable, convenient settings.

Dumplings, whether authentic fare at a Chinatown dim sum restaurant or upmarket versions filled with foie gras or black truffles in trendy establishments, represent a current obsession among food enthusiasts. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop offers an expansive menu of iconic American flavors folded into little pockets of dough, including Philly cheesesteak, Reuben and PB&J sandwiches, as well as sausage-and-egg, lamb gyro with tzatziki and dumplings that satisfy a craving for chicken parmigiana.

Founder Stratis Morfogen began serving the sandwich-themed dumplings at his upscale Brooklyn Chop House, and when the kitchen could hardly keep up with demand, launched a QSR concept. At Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, customers order in advance on their smartphones or at automated kiosks, then grab their orders from a designated temperature-controlled locker, eliminating human interaction.

The no-contact system surely appeals to pandemic-weary consumers, but was designed strictly for efficiency. “We’ve got driverless cars, so why not bring back the automat?” queries Morfogen, referring to New York’s nostalgic automated diners from the first half of the 20th century. Both the system and dumplings have been well received by customers, and the business community is responding, too, with hundreds of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop franchises being contracted around the country. “Dumplings are social and make great bar food,” says the restaurateur, who notes, “Everybody loves the concept of a two-ounce sandwich.”

QSR magazine’s Klein believes the versatility of the dumpling and the company’s commitment to automation will benefit Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s ambitious expansion plans. While he notes there will always be demand for the in-store dining experience, the trade journalist reports, “There’s growing interest among consumers to have as little face-to-face interaction as possible, preferring to place an order by phone and grab their food out of a locker.” Noting the restaurant industry has sometimes been slow to evolve, Klein states, “One of the positive outcomes of COVID was that it ushered in years of technological innovation.” He suggests this will result in more kiosks, voice-activated ordering tablets and even artificial intelligence in the drive-through lane.

Another major trend in the restaurant industry, from Michelin three-star restaurants to the corner quick-service eatery, is the introduction of plant-based menu items. While Klein is skeptical of its widespread adoption outside urban areas, even the most ubiquitous brands now offer some plant-based options.

Metro Atlanta’s Slutty Vegan is one of many quick-service concepts appealing to the now-mainstream interest in
veganism, and offers some sloppy, indulgent “burgers.” Beefsteak, with locations in a handful of major American cities, was founded by celebrity chef/humanitarian José Andrés, and while not purely vegan, markets itself as a celebration of vegetables. Many of the menu items are entirely plant-based, but some dairy, egg, chicken, and seafood can be incorporated into bowls or salads that are easily customized. The only beefsteaks to be found are tomatoes, and the burgers are entirely plant-based at this concept, whose rarefied pedigree draws attention.

This is not the first foray of the Michelin-starred chef into fast food, and one suspects more of his high-flying peers from the world of fine dining will follow.

Chef Roy Choi, a native of Seoul and Culinary Institute of America alum, is credited with discovering the unique synergies of Korean and Mexican cooking, both cuisines he grew up with on the streets of Los Angeles. His fleet of Kogi trucks continues to rumble through L.A., and the renegade chef’s unique fusion fare (e.g., kimchi quesadillas, Korean short rib tacos) has practically gone mainstream. Chains like St. Louis-based Seoul Taco (it, too, began as a food truck), are continuing Choi’s tradition, offering Korean-sauced tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas with a choice of bulgogi, spicy pork, chicken, or tofu, along with kimchi fried rice and even churros with strawberry-Sriracha sauce.

Bonchon — the rapidly growing company began in South Korea and now has more than 370 restaurants worldwide — is another chain taking advantage of the widespread acceptance of Korean cuisine. Bonchon’s specialty is its highly relatable fried chicken, an American staple introduced by U.S. troops during the Korean War, transformed by the locals and exported back to the States as something a bit more exciting. The eatery also offers takoyaki (Japanese fried octopus balls), soft buns stuffed with pork belly that are reminiscent of an upscale dish authored by celebrity chef David Chang, and bibimbap, Korea’s classic egg-topped rice bowl with meat or tofu.

Bonchon now has more than 100 U.S. stores, including a new prototype with a smaller footprint and more streamlined menu. CEO Flynn Dekker comments, “Now, with the increased interest of Korean art and culture in recent years — the Oscar-winning film Parasite, the Netflix sensation Squid Game and K-pop artists like BTS — you’ve got all the right ingredients for mass appeal of Korean cuisine and Bonchon Korean fried chicken, in particular.”

From the talent behind Sushi Roku, a super-premium Japanese restaurant, and the founder of assembly line pizza chain PizzaRev comes Yakumi, a fast-casual establishment with the style and quality of high-end sushi bars, but more approachable prices. Sushi preparations feature sophisticated touches one expects at much pricier establishments, such as salmon drizzled with true soy and dusted with sesame seeds, or crispy shallot- crowned albacore splashed with ponzu sauce. The inaugural Yakumi location is in Burbank, California, but given its ambitious leadership, you can be sure this concept will proliferate.

Indian is another ethnic cuisine currently enjoying its moment, and Curry Up Now is rapidly expanding from its San Francisco Bay Area roots. The concept’s emphasis is on Indian street food — specialties range from traditional samosas and miniature naan bread bits with tikka masala dip to vegan, Indian-themed “burritos” — and much of the menu is plant-based. Further globalization of the quick-service sector is represented by promising concepts such as Nando’s, featuring peri-peri chicken (a specialty of Portugal via Mozambique), Mediterranean-themed Cava and La Granja, a Peruvian-inspired chain with locations throughout Florida.

Café d’Avignon is a concept from the owners of Pain d’Avignon, a bakery/restaurant that supplies some of New York City’s top restaurants and hotels with artisanally crafted bread. Customers at Café d’Avignon enjoy a croissant or quiche Lorraine for breakfast and a niçoise salad or croque monsieur tartine later in the day, complemented by an impressive repertoire of baked goods. The fast-casual eatery, beloved by Francophiles, has multiple locations in New York and is seeking opportunities in other major markets.

Burgers and fries may still rule the world of fast food, but endless alternatives and sophisticated products are making the grab-and-go routine infinitely more exciting.

June 3, 2022 Leave a comment

A Summer Weekend to Remember

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Brigitte Sinoradzki

The beginning of summer is around the corner. Time to start planning a weekend getaway to one of these classic and iconic destinations!

The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach Island

The Breakers, grand in scale and appearance, is the ultimate luxury Palm Beach resort. They have something for everyone: from a family trip spent at their luxurious pool and gorgeous beach, to a girl’s weekend filled with fine dining and top of the line spa treatments, or a guy’s golfing get together. There is plenty to do in and around the hotel. If fitness is your thing, you can take a run on the beach, visit the gym at the Breakers, or take a barre or private pilates class with world-renowned instructors down the street at Labarre.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego

The legendary Coronado Hotel sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego, on the exclusive Coronado Island, with views so expansive you can actually see all the way to Mexico. Enjoy sunsets at their patio bar, beach bonfires in the cool SoCal breeze, or learn to surf in nearby La Jolla. Walking through the grounds at Coronado is an experience within itself, with plenty of fine dining options and high end boutiques. And, if you are into the more spooky side of things, this hotel is consistently ranked as one of the most haunted spots in Southern California.

The Mark, NYC

There is no shortage of luxurious hotels in NYC. The Mark hotel stands out as being a favorite of the fashion elite for the Met Gala, as well as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s getaway spot when he needed time to himself. Located on the upper east side, The Mark overlooks Central Park, where you can swing by the Loeb BoatHouse for some food, drinks, and views. Fine dining and shopping is just steps away on Manhattan’s infamous Madison Avenue. A quick stroll will take you to The Metropolitan Museum. Avoid the crowds of time square at this quietly set, extravagant hotel.

May 18, 2022 Leave a comment