The wildly popular social movement “farm-to-table” encourages sourcing food locally, so that consumers know exactly where their food came from. Knowing the origin of your food encourages the freshest dining, and that can be found in these three dining options. These farm-to-table experiences have taken sustainability to a luxury level.
OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD
Originally staging a handful of events in 1999, luxury farm-to-table dinner service “Outstanding in the Field” today stages 100+ multi-course feasts every year, from coast to coast across North America to all around the world.
Founded in 1999 by artist and chef Jim Denevan, “Outstanding in the Field” originally was a radical idea to switch up the traditional convention of dinner. Rather than sourcing ingredients and bringing them to the restaurant, Denevan’s vision was to create a restaurant at the source, where guests would enjoy a communal meal and the farmer’s story could be told and celebrated. A single long table is set at an extraordinary site, and guests dine outdoors on the food grown at the source.
“Our mission is to get folks out to the places where the food comes from and honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table,” says chef and artist Jim Denevan. “Our roving restaurant without walls may be located wherever good food comes from. There are no boundaries.”
“Outstanding in the Field’s” culinary caravan has visited all 50 U.S states and 15 countries around the globe. The #TabletoFarm tour season runs May through November, with a smaller winter tour in January/February to warm-weather spots like Florida, Hawaii and Mexico.
STUDIO IN MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Studio is Montage Laguna Beach’s five-star free-standing fine dining restaurant. Studio prides itself on serving innovative modern cuisine. While Studio is known for its tasting menus and incredible service, it is also a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner, with approximately 2,500 wine selections and 30,000 bottles in inventory.
Studio’s showstopper is the 1,000-square-foot raised bed garden, which provides many of the ingredients for the restaurant’s signature cuisine. The garden is currently growing cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Swiss chard, Valencia oranges, artichokes and edible flowers, to name a few. The culinary team at Studio uses the garden’s bounty in everyday cooking, especially in the restaurant’s gourmet vegetarian tasting menu, and also for fresh cocktail garnishes throughout Montage. The garden can seat up to 50 guests.
FLORA’S FIELD KITCHEN, MEXICO
Flora Farms is a 25-acre organic working farm at the foot of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and is home to Flora’s Field Kitchen, a field-to-table restaurant set amongst idyllic organic fields and gardens.
The original Flora Restaurant was in San Jose del Cabo, but after 5 years in town, the owner decided she would rather bring the restaurant to the farm instead of the other way around. Flora’s Field Kitchen prides itself on serving only what it has grown, even nixing beef from the menu, as it is not sustainable in the Baja region.
Flora’s has an onsite bakery firing up artisan breads, a butcher-shop, a brewery, and a wood-fired oven that serves up 15 types of Neapolitan-style pizza.. The restaurant also offers cooking classes several days a week.
Flora Farm is available for private gatherings and special occasions, with customizable event menus.
AGRICOLA FORE PORTA, ITALY
Only accessible on foot, this organic agriturismo, or farm resort, only uses seasonal, organic products, with the famous Amalfi lemons at the forefront of the fresh cuisine.
For Italians, the idea of combining agriculture with tourism is an old tradition, and this agriturismo started generations ago, when the farm was an old papermill. Agricola Fore Porta today offers a daily menu, which includes traditional courses prepared only with seasonal products picked freshly every morning, and Mediterranean cooking lessons, where participants will learn how to prepare local recipes.
An hour outside Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport along the western coastal state of Nayarit, Mexico, is the future site of Mandarina, a new, exclusive resort that will feature hotel suites, one of the world’s first collections of One&Only branded residences and other world-class amenities. Unique Homes was able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the site of this future resort.
Entering the site of Mandarina is like stepping directly into a tropical jungle, surrounded by the sounds of native creatures and the crashing waves along the Pacific coast. The road leading toward Mandarina is outlined by plots of farmland owned by local farmers from the region. Fields of fruits and vegetables dictate the way, the spikes of the rising pineapple plants standing tall like knights in verdant green armor. Even taller than the pineapples are the amazing mountains that serve as the natural border of the valley, as well as a nature sanctuary for hundreds of jaguars, a nationally protected animal of Mexico.
Up through the mountains, we walk through an almost prehistoric forest with deep-rooted trees that stretch high into the jungle canopy. This area, a soon-to-be Kid’s Club, will host educational programming for children and families to learn about nature, geography and history with the inclusion of tribal markings on stones throughout the mountains. Eventually we make our way to The Point, a high ridge on one of the main mountains and the future site of an adult-only destination on the resort with exquisite indoor-outdoor dining experiences. From here the entire landscape is laid out perfectly in front of us, from the Jetty that will extend in front of the One&Only Majahua Beach Club for residents to harbor and set off on sea-faring endeavors. On the one-mile stretch of beachfront between the One&Only and Rosewood resorts will be the Canalan Beach Club with a beachside swimming pool and casual dining.
“It is very rare to find a landscape with so many unique and diverse ecosystems,” says our host Ricardo Santa Cruz, RSC president and CEO. RSC Development was enlisted by RHL Properties to oversee the sales of the developments on Mandarina, including the collection of One&Only Private Homes and Rosewood Mandarina residences.
“Mandarina was shaped thousands of years ago by a long-dormant volcano, creating dramatic cliffs amongst a dense rainforest, long stretches of sandy, swimmable beaches, flatlands and a natural estuary all in one place.” Juan Bremer, deputy CEO of RHL Properties, notes that one of the resort’s most unique and exceptional offerings is the world-class Polo and Equestrian Club that will sit within the flatlands of the property. “Capturing the equestrian spirit that is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, Mandarina’s facility will be a place where riders of all ages will gather, learn, practice and compete,” says Bremer.
Top photo: Rendering of Majahua Beach Club; Bottom photo: Rendering of The Jetty.
Apart from certain sections of the site that are already under construction, a large part of the property is waiting to be developed, which according to Santa Cruz will be done in stages, coinciding with the sales of the 55 One&Only Private Homes. Santa Cruz has been working and negotiating with citizens and authorities within the region for more than 10 years to acquire the land for Mandarina, an endeavor that has formed a closer relationship between Mandarina and the local towns along the coast. These relationships are a deeper reflection of RHL and RSC’s focus on the land and keeping the resort and residences as authentic to the region as possible.
Authenticity was a main priority to Santa Cruz and the development team, so much so that the resort’s amenities consistently reference the land’s history and natural beauty. For example, the fertile plots of farmland lining the road to the property will offer locally grown produce for a farm-to-table experience at the restaurants at The Point and beach clubs.
“We have set out to create a destination that is at once, respectful of the past and mindful of the future,” Santa Cruz affirms. “Through careful, very low-density land planning, Mandarina will preserve the topography, native flora, wildlife and ecosystems that currently thrive here.”
Rendering of the lounge area of The Plateau.
The architect of Mandarina, Rick Joy of Rick Joy Architects, has had a hand in every meticulous detail throughout the design process to ensure this sense of authenticity, with climate responsibility and landscape sensitivity also in mind. “At Mandarina, the design stems from a detailed site analysis, investigating the geology, climate, views, availability of local materials and ‘the building culture of place.’ The result is architecture that is at one with the site and its heritage,” says Santa Cruz.
Renderings from the One&Only Mandarina villas.
In Mandarina, every terrain you set foot on and every view your eyes capture is different from the next, a variety that is not only unique but engaging. RHL and RSC understand the need for unique experiences and tailored luxury and aim to prove with One&Only Mandarina how to engage not only in luxury, but with the physical world around us.
Top left photo: Rendering of One&Only Mandarina villa ; Bottom left photo: Rendering of the Plateua ; Right photo: Rendering of The Point.
All images courtesy Hayes Davidson and Mandarina.
The new residential villas will feature an open concept with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to ample private terraces.
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Los Cabos’ premier beachfront resort and residential villa community, will expand its real estate offerings with the fall 2018 unveiling of 28 new beach-front villas, 12 new hotel rooms and suites and a variety of social and culinary amenities for owners and guests.
Since opening in January 2017, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences has seen strong sales numbers and high occupancy at the award-winning Auberge property.
A sprawling 22-acres above one of Cabo’s coveted year-round swimmable beaches and part of the prestigious 1,200-acre resort community of Chileno Bay, the resort is comprised of a private beach club and a three-tiered infinite swimming pool with an oceanfront hot tub and fire pits.
The new residences will provide future buyers more options to stay at this luxurious resort with the introduction of two-bedroom villas, penthouses and additional four-bedroom villas.
“Our goal with the new villas is to offer the most exciting new ownership opportunity in the destination and bring a new level of luxury to Los Cabos,” says Mark Cooley, a partner of SV Capital Partners — developers of the resort.
With simple, direct forms, the villas are clean, light and airy. The new homes feature an open concept with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to ample private terraces. Ground-floor villas all have private, in-ground pools and spas, while upper-level villas have Jacuzzis on the spacious, open-air balconies. All residential villas are equipped with indoor-outdoor gourmet kitchens with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, immaculate finishes and fixtures and distinct artisanal furnishings and artwork.
The developers are also introducing new community amenities that appeal to the whole family — specifically, more opportunities for young adults to meet peers and simply have fun. The result is the new Young Adult’s Club, a casual space for gathering with a recording studio, gaming center, onsite photography coordinator and mocktail bar. Other new enhancements around property will include a coffee shop and an additional dining venue.
Owners at Costas Palmas have access to the members-only Beach Club, which serves as the heart of the club community, offering organic cuisine, fitness and locker rooms, full-service pools and proximity to the beach.
Owners can also take advantage of “Aventura” guides, offering jet skiing, paddle boarding, wake surfing, sport fishing, ATV adventures to secret caves or waterfalls, and sunset horseback rides on the beach. The Costa Palmas Marina, a deep-water marina with 250 slips, is located just steps away from the marina village offering artisanal boutiques, dining, music and art. — Kelly Potts
rendering & photos courtesy Costa Palmas
Costa Palmas, a 1,000-acre private beachfront resort community on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, will soon be home to the first Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences in Los Cabos. Options for owners include a fully furnished, fully managed golf, beach or marina one- to five-bedroom residence, or one of just 18 private, custom-designed villas of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet located on the beach or marina.
Unique Homes takes a behind-the-scenes look at the new and exclusive resort, Mandarina, in Nayarit, Mexico.
By Kristen Ordonez
The curves and ridges of the cobblestone streets describe the character of the charming, seaside town of Sayulita, located on the western coastal state of Nayarit, Mexico. Unique Homes was recently invited by RLH and RSC and The Agency to stay in the town of Sayulita as part of a larger effort to discover and learn about Mandarina, a new exclusive resort that will feature hotel rooms, one of the world’s first collections of One&Only branded residences and other world-class amenities.
Though only a 15-minute drive separates Sayulita from the land Mandarina is located on, entering the site is like stepping directly into a tropical jungle, surrounded by the sounds of native creatures and the crashing waves along the Pacific coast. The site of the resort is expansive and includes a variety of landscapes that will feature amenities for every kind of adventure-seeker. The flat plots of fertile farmland lining the road to the property will offer locally grown produce for an authentic farm-to-table experience at the restaurants that will be on the site. In the background was an amazing protected mountain range that nestled us closer to the cliffs and the shore.
The steep climbs and alternating landscapes provide a challenge for active guests on the trail system, open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. These trails take you through thick patches of jungle that are both reminiscent of how out of our element you are, but also envelope you in a sense of quiet wonder that fill you with a sense of contentment. On the shore, two stretches of beach will satisfy those looking to relax somewhere that feels world’s away from everything. This property is the definition of unique, providing incredible vistas of every terrain imaginable, from the crystal clear waters you can see from cliffs formed by a long-dormant volcano many years ago, to the green flatlands that will eventually play host the world-class Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club.
Apart from certain sections of the site that were already under construction, a large part of the property is waiting to be developed, which according to Ricardo Santa Cruz, RSC President and CEO, will be done in stages coinciding with sales of the One&Only Private Homes. Santa Cruz has been working and negotiating with citizens and authorities within the region for more than 10 years to acquire the land for Mandarina, an endeavor that has formed a closer relationship between Mandarina and the town along the coast of Nayarit. Santa Cruz, alongside architect Rick Joy, aim to bring a tailored luxury experience that immerses you into the landscape and the surrounding communities by keeping authenticity a key principle.
A sense of individuality and uniqueness are undeniable, as few have come to find once they set foot in Mandarina. There will be no other place quite like it.
A closer, in-depth look at the Mandarina project will be included in Unique Home’s upcoming Ultimate issue, which will be on sale in May.
Photos courtesy of Mandarina and Hayes Davidson
The Debut of this Highly-Anticipated Oceanfront Retreat Reinforces the Multimillion-Dollar Masterplan to Re-imagine Luxury Living in Punta Mita’s Residential Communities.
DINE, one of Mexico’s premier real estate developers, has announced the debut of Sufi Ocean Club. The new oceanfront club is located in Punta Mita’s Porta Fortuna community, a luxury real estate community on the Riviera Nayarit. The club will be available exclusively to Punta Mita’s premier members and their guests.
The announcement of Porta Fortuna’s expanded amenity collection follows on the heels of the 2017 launch of Porta Fortuna Ocean Residences, an ultra-luxurious resort enclave. This highly anticipated residential retreat is part of Punta Mita’s multimillion-dollar re-imagination and underscores DINE’s unbending commitment to unveiling one-of-a-kind offerings throughout Punta Mita’s 15 residential communities.
Fully equipped with the finest amenities and boho chic design, the Sufi Ocean Club provides an intimate sanctuary. This expansive retreat is comprised of open concepts that create a relaxed lifestyle, inviting the lush and alluring outdoors in. Overlooking the Punta Mita Pier and the Bay of Banderas, Sufi Ocean Club offers an expansive saltwater pool, a grand reception hall with ocean views, poolside cabanas and day beds, outdoor showers and access to the Punta Mita Pier.
While relaxing to the eclectic vibes of new resident DJ Franco Demichelis, owners can enjoy oceanfront or seaside dining at the new Sufito Cevicheria Bar and Sufi Restaurant. A newly introduced Isla Mita boutique pop-up store will also open its doors, providing owners with access to a carefully curated collection of designer resort wear and Mexican accessories.
“Our unyielding commitment to our owners and their guests drives us to continually unveil top-of-the-line offerings that further connect residents to this magical paradise they call home.” — Carl Emberson
“Punta Mita owners choose to live within the exclusive peninsula gates for the premier level of luxury provided within, and Sufi Ocean Club is one of our finest amenities, fully encompassing the carefree yet luxurious Punta Mita lifestyle,” said Carl Emberson, Punta Mita’s director of marketing and operations.
Partnering with well-known Mexican interior design firm Hadad Interiors and famed San Francisco-based designer Antonio Martins, Sufi Ocean Club will include boho chic-inspired furnishings and décor that accentuate the modern, free-spirited vibe of Punta Mita. Through breathable, organic textures and natural cream colors, Sufi Ocean Club will touch on the aesthetics of both Mykonos and Tulum while embracing the authenticity, natural light and good fortune of the surrounding destination.
“When experiencing the Sufi Ocean Club, your mind and body will immediately feel more at ease,” said Martins. “Our team handpicked natural, sand-colored hues to adorn wicker and wooden fixtures in an effort to create an extension of the area’s exquisite natural surroundings. As a regular visitor at Punta Mita, the Sufi Ocean Club will surely become my go-to sanctuary.”
The Punta Mita peninsula is currently home to 15 spectacular residential communities, with wholly owned properties and lots ranging from $500,000 to $20 million.
Photos courtesy of Punta Mita Properties
These two stunning peninsulas make for perfect travel destinations this winter. Both have recently announced transformations, which means both destinations are completely reimagined just in time for the cool weather.
Peninsula Papagayo — Costa Rica’s Exclusive 1,400 private Peninsula
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, Peninsula Papagayo commands 1,400 acres of lush landscape in the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast near Nicaragua. The peninsula features two luxury resorts, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo and the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica.
New ownership has recently announced a $100 million re-imagination of the entire Peninsula Papagayo. Beginning in December 2017, the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo will wrap Phase 1 of a more than $100 million capital improvements project toward the creation of the premier luxury vacation and residential destination across the Latin America region. The major metamorphosis of Peninsula Papagayo will bring an unprecedented new level of meaningful eco-luxury to the Latin America region of the Americas while connecting the peninsula from end to end for the first time.
Guests and homeowners will experience the natural beauty and wonders of the peninsula’s 1,400 acres through a combination of new builds, major enhancements to existing spaces, and a collection of new peninsula amenities, adventures and experiences that encourage people to connect with nature, the rich local culture and pura vida lifestyle, and each other.
Credit: Gencom
The Ultra Exclusive Punta Mita Peninsula in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nestled on a 1,500-acre private peninsula on the southwest point of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit region, Punta Mita is an unsurpassed luxury coastal enclave surrounded by lush landscape and pristine white sand beaches.
The residential community is home to 15 luxury real estate communities and two five-star resorts: the St. Regis Resort and the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, owned by tech billionaire, Bill Gates.
Launched this year, the Porta Fortuna is an ultra-luxurious resort enclave offering 4-to 6-bedroom, ocean view and oceanfront villas ranging from $2.8 million – $4 million.
The estates blend Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican architecture with a slightly contemporary flair. It offers an enviably luxurious lifestyle and vast ocean views across Banderas Bay, capturing the evening glimmer of Puerto Vallarta’s sparkling lights. Porta Fortuna is home to the acclaimed Sufi restaurant, a private owners’ beach club and the Punta Mita pier.
Credit: DINE
Riviera Maya Property Consultants bring luxury condominium to the center of Tulum.
Tulum, Mexico has become a hot spot for the ideal first-class getaway. In addition to the beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants and fashionable boutique shops are popping up in Tulum, making it more attractive to stay in town.
Tulum has many eco boutique hotels, which offer gourmet food and morning yoga. However, there is one shortage in Tulum — high-quality vacation rentals. While beach hotels are lovely, everyone cannot afford a $700 night stay.
Silk Residences, a more affordable option, is a new luxury condo that will open its doors this September within the center of Tulum. Developed by a local boutique company, Riviera Maya Property Consultants, Silk Residences is a 7-luxury apartment condominium that is a reflection of the quickly developing town.
Designed by experienced architect, Gabriele Fabrizio Sbalbi, Silk Residences blends local Mayan materials with European sophistication and sleek design.
The condo has individual dip pools on terraces and high-end finishes, with a rooftop that features a 6-people Jacuzzi, BBQ, bar, modern equipped gym and a common pool. Luxury services include personalized attention, maid service, concierge and private chef’s services.
Perfectly located in Tulum’s center, Silk Residences is a 10-minute bike ride from the beach, surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars, as well as situated on a tranquil residential street.
All apartments have two bedrooms, and the penthouse is a 1-bedroom property. Prices range from$278,850 and $325,700.
Photos courtesy of Riviera Maya Property Consultants
This luxury Mexico Resort is launching a rehabilitation project.
By Alyssa Gautieri
The erosion of Rivera Maya and Caribbean beaches has worsened and climate change continues to impact trade winds and ocean currents. As a result, beaches have suffered a loss of sand and beach corrosion.
Luckily, Mayakoba Tourism Development has a plan to rehabilitate its coastal ecosystems. Their innovative and comprehensive plan will ideally increase sea level not only in the Caribbean, but worldwide.
A strategic alliance was made with expert scientists from the School of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico as well as local technical, environmental and legal partners.
Mayakoba will use sustainable technology to rebuild the coastal dunes, place barriers as protection against erosion and waves, recover sand on the beach and reefs and create new coral barriers.
Mayakoba Tourism Development seeks to act as a pioneer by adopting this plan.
Photos courtesy of Mayakoba.
As the only residential offering in Playa Mujeres, La Amada introduces sophisticated coastal living in one of Mexico’s most untouched areas.
With a $6 million renovation underway, La Amada Residences has announced the launch of sales for its luxury mid-rise condominiums. By the winter of 2017, the property will feature a new fitness club, upscale gourmet food shop and a new Beach Club. Prices are set to begin at $300,000’s and range over $1.3 million.
Throughout five unique buildings, there will be 140 residences. Floor plans will range from one- to three-bedrooms and interiors will span from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet.
Purposefully designed for its beach-centric location, the collection of residences effortlessly connects indoor and outdoor living with large glass sliding doors and outdoor spaces from expansive terraces to rooftop decks.
Owners and their guests will also enjoy private access to a swim-up bar, tennis and paddleball courts, cabana and barbeque spaces, a world-class gym and more.
“La Amada Residences has found a piece of virtually untouched Mexican landscape that combines the serene escape each of us long for with elements of adventure we never knew we were missing,” said Julie Quigley, sales director for La Amada Residences. “We are thrilled to launch sales on this piece of paradise and invite future residents to celebrate everything Playa Mujeres has to offer.”
Photo courtesy of La Amada Residences