03/25/2020
Travel Inspiration
Issue 1
During this difficult time for all of us one of the things we miss most is corresponding with you - planning, preparing, and reviewing your trips. Some of you travel more than we do – and that’s saying something. We know, like us, being “grounded” makes for some challenging times. Since you can’t sip rose in St. Barth’s or go on a cattle drive at Paw’s Up, we thought we’d bring you the next best thing and transport you there.
We have curated music, movies, books, cuisine and cocktails just for you from some of our favorite places to enjoy while you’re homebound. So, the bar is open, and we welcome your feedback. These are books from our own shelves, recipes from our favorite hotel partners, and of course our favorite cocktails, too!
Movies
French Kiss- Intercontinental Canned
With a tour of Paris and a romantic look at the Cote d’Azur, enjoy the South of France and a heart-warming romance.
Crazy Rich Asians- Singapore
Nothing showcases the bright lights and brilliant colors of Singapore better, from its sights to flavors, you’ll fall in love with city right along with the characters.
Succession- Gleneagles
Not only one of the best shows to stream right now, get to enjoy splendid Gleneagles like you’re a Roy. In season two, where you’ll be walking the hallways and enjoying their shenanigans inside the stunning hotel.
Some Like it Hot- Hotel el Coronado
An American classic that never gets old, and that’s both the movie and the hotel. Long before the swanky Beach Village, Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis frolicked in the sand.
Plot Against America- New Jersey
While we can’t tie this to a destination, we do want to share a plug for our own Andrea Malis who many of you have worked with over the years. Watch the Plot Against America adapted for HBO from Philip Roth’s novel, starring Andrea’s talented son, Caleb Malis as Sandy.
Playlist
Grab a glass of rose, close your eyes, and imagine you’re beachside at Eden Rock, where the famous “beach boy” butlers attend to your every need. Then walk the beach over to Nikki Beach Club where you’ll hear these same tunes. Feel free to dance on your table at home while listening to this Spotify playlist inspired by St. Barths.
Punga - Klingande
Wicked Games - Parra for Cuva
Karma, You Got Owned – Tep No
Klanga (De Hofmar Remix)- Gostan
True Thoughts – Parra for Cuva
Sexual Healing (Kygo Remix) – Marvin Gaye
Hvar (feat MSP) – Kiso
Riva Restart the Game (spada Remix) – Klingande
In the Air Tonight - Delancy
Are You With Me – Lost Frequencies
Books
Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry
Paw’s Up, probably one of the best books of the late 20th century, it’s fair to say your glamping tent and gourmet food will trump those in the novel, but you can enjoy majestic Montana and cattle drives all the same. Or you can cheat and watch the miniseries starring Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones.
Tough Guys Don’t Dance, Norman Mailer
Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Code, sure finding a severed head in a ma*****na stash may not be your cup of tea, but Norman Mailer captures Cape Cod, and you’ll feel like a local in no time. Or search for the hard to find film starring Ryan O’Neal and Isabella Rossallini
City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Venice, Gritti Palace ( I have photos or they are in Virtuoso). The definitive book of Venice which covers everything from Ezra Pound to the Guggenheims, to the most fantastic glass blowers in the city. Centering around the infamous La Fenice fire, this cast of characters reads like fiction.
Tender is the Night, F Scott Fitzgerald
French Riviera, if you like classics this somewhat parallels Fitzgerald’s real life marriage to Zelda as they traipse around Europe, and find refuge in the French Riviera.
Cocktail
A proper Aperol Spritz tastes like summertime in Italy and looks like a golden orange sunset. I’ll gladly sip one on our front porch now, overlooking our overgrown front yard, and later, with a view of the Italian Riviera.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces dry Prosecco
- 1 ounce club soda or unflavored sparkling water
- Garnish with an orange slice
Recipe
From the moment you walk into the welcoming residential setting of Espirit St. Germain you feel genuine warmth and kindness of french hospitality. Just steps outside the hotel are cafes and shops that are essential for those wanting authentic Paris circa early 20th century. You haven't truly experiences Paris if you have yet to excdonced in Espirit St. Germain's version of cozy streets and delightful bistros.
French Macaron(Macaroons)
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 1&1/2 cups pure icing sugar
- 1 cup almond meal
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring of choice
