Les Bergeries de Piscia

Driving to this hotel from the airport in Figaro, I thought someone was playing a joke on me.  Following the route suggested by Googlemaps, we ascended a mountain for what seemed like ages, navigating twists and turns and fearfully observing the landscape become increasingly rugged and wild.  When the paved road came to an end and there was no hotel in sight, we considered turning back.  Placing all of our trust in technology, we continued forward, bumping along the dirt road and scraping past uncleared branches.    

When we finally saw signs for Les Bergeries de Piscia, it was like seeing a mirage after hours in the desert.  We parked the car, and as we followed the signs to the hotel's entrance, we were delighted by exotic wildflowers, cactus and butterflies fluttering around our heads.  The understated but chic hotel grounds compliment, while not overshadowing, the rugged landscape,  while a turquoise infinity pool, perched dramatically on the edge of the mountain, provides a welcome reminder that, at last, you've reached civilization.  

The restaurant, like the hotel's landscaping and decor, is elegant while remaining authentic and unimposing.  There is no menu, table decorations or wait staff.  When you're hungry, simply take a seat in the rustic dining room and the chef will fill you in on what is on the menu for the day (though it will likely include local boar, goat cheese and fig preserves).  

The unparalleled tranquility of this rustic hotel provides an unexpected compliment to your your Corsican beach weekend and is surely worth a visit, even if only for lunch a quick dip in the pool!

Classic Cars and Cigars: A Weekend in Cuba

New Jersey native Clayton Orrigo has made a name for himself as one of New York City's most formidable forces in luxury residential real estate.  We couldn't help but notice his gorgeous Instagram photos from a recent weekend in Cuba, and were lucky enough to catch up with him about his enviable trip to one of our Top 5 Emerging Hot Spots for Spring, 2015.   

What inspired the trip to Cuba?

It was my close friend's 30th birthday and he planned the trip for a group of eight of us.  We all wanted to check out Cuba before everything starts changing given the upcoming political changes with the U.S.

How did you get there?

Legally.  That’s the first thing to note!  We used a tour group to set it up and then we flew to Miami, spent a night at Soho Beach House, and flew to Cuba the next day. 

How did you get your visa?

The Cuba Exchange Program from Cuba Educational Travel. 

What's the best thing you packed?

Cash, because credit cards don’t work there. 

What were the best tips you got before you left?

To be prepared for the hot weather and to make sure your hotel has internet, since only a few do.  We stayed at Hotel Sevilla, which had wifi. 

What was the best meal you had there?

On our last night, we went to Dona Eutimia, which made Newsweek Magazine’s top 100 restaurants in the world in 2012.  They are known for their "ropa vieja," an amazing pork dish.  There is very little red meat in Cuba because it’s too expensive to get.  Even chicken needs to be imported from Canada.  So pork is their primary meat source.  Since almost everything is run by the government, you're best off making reservations at private restaurants which are effectively in people’s homes, usually offering a more upscale dining experience.

Favorite thing you did:

I visited a gallery of Hector Frank, a famous Cuban artist.  The gallery is in his private home, and we had a chance to meet his entire family as well as purchase a number of his pieces from his most recent collection.  He’s an up-and-coming artist starting to pick up a lot of steam in the U.S.   

Tell me about your best day there.

 One day we met a group of Croatians and got a chance to spend time with them as they were also exploring Old Havana.  We walked around and ate in bars where Hemingway used to hang out, which is big deal there (he is a huge figure in their culture and his books are being sold everywhere on the streets) and then we all went out partying that evening.  We bounced around to a couple fun clubs, including the "Art Factory" which is essentially a gigantic warehouse that is part club / part gallery.  We all ended up back at our hotel swimming under the stars until 6am.

What's one place you didn't get to visit but wanted to? 

Varadero Beach.  We ended changing a lot on our itinerary to focus on less "touristy" pursuits and more a natural exploration of the city. We wanted to find the Nolita of Cuba, not Broadway and it's tourist traps. We had our guide point us in the right direction and we roamed around for hours stopping in random bars, and street markets.

What was the most interesting thing you learned?

Brain surgeons make $30 per month. The healthcare system and the educational system is actually quite strong, but as the government pays for everything, wages are extremely low. The government provides food and shelter subsidies in addition, but some of the smartest people in the country make a fraction of our minimum wage employees in the U.S.

What did you bring back?

Everyone wanted rum and cigars and we were able to bring a limited amount back of each.  I also brought back a humidor.

What’s the #1 tip you'd give a friend who wanted to go?  

Get a tour guide and a car.  We had a driver the whole time and that was instrumental to us getting around.  Since there's no internet or Googlemaps, it's very challenging to get around.  Also, ditch the aforementioned Sprinter van for some amazing classic car taxis. We occasionally had our driver follow us as we drove around in classic American 1958 convertibles in all sorts of Crayola colors.  

Would you go back?

Yes.  What is so interesting about Cuba is that it’s only 90 miles off of Miami, but has a very Parisian, European feel to it.  The city is architecturally stunning, so for those based in Florida, they can have a completely new experience only 30 minutes away. 

Sunset at Hotel Sevilla

Taxi stand

Renting a classic car is a must!

View of Havana

Rolling Cuban cigars

Taxi Driver

"Her husband renovates classic cars.  Cuba is known for its classic cars, but renovating them is difficult because Cuba does not have access to many of necessary parts.  Renovators often have to make the parts by scratch, so in many ways, these people are artists." - Clayton   

Sunset over Havana

Stay: Hotel Sevilla;  Hotel Nacional.

Do: Stroll through the Old City, visiting Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza de Armas; visit the Rum Museum; take a day trip to Vinales Valley; hike the tobacco fields; visit the arts and crafts market in Old Havana; take a group picture at La Plaza de Revolucion.

Eat: Hotel Nacional; Dona Eutimia; El Cocinero. 

The Perfect Picnic at Storm King

Located just an hour north of the city, in the lower Hudson Valley, Storm King is a magical sculpture park set amidst green pastures, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes.  Home to over a hundred works by some of the foremost sculptures of our time, Storm King is the perfect place to picnic on a sunny spring, summer or fall day.  Bring a bottle of wine and spend the day lolling on sculpture and skipping through meadows.   

Getting there: Coach USA buses depart from the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd and 8th, 3rd Floor at 8:30am and 10am, and arrive at Storm King at 9:55am and 11:25am, respectively.  You can also take New Jersey Transit/MetroNorth from Penn Station to the Salisbury Mills train station, which is a three mile taxi ride from Storm King.  If you're driving, the address is 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY 12553.  Zipcar Members get a two-for-one admission to Storm King and a discount on Storm King Memberships ( membership@stormkingartcenter.org)

Hours: April 1 - October 1, Wednesdays - Sundays, 10am - 5:30pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Admission: $15

Welcome to the Jungle at Blancaneaux Lodge

I just returned from a long weekend at Blancaneaux Lodge in the heart of the Belize jungle, and while it's not a direct flight, it's worth every take-off and landing.  Owned by Francis Ford Copolla, and where Prince Harry reportedly stayed when he visited Belize, the Lodge offers rustic-chic luxury in a wild, exotic setting. With thatched roofs and mosquito-netting walls, the cabanas emerge seamlessly from the landscape (and do quite well at keeping the insects out).  We woke up early to the sounds of the jungle and set off to adventure through rain forests, caves and ancient Mayan ruins.   At the end of the day, we unwound at the bar, swam in the tranquil "jungle jacuzzi" and ate long, candle-lit dinners.   

Do: Spend your first day exploring the fascinating Mayan ruins of Caracol.  The Lodge will provide transport, lunch, and an excellent guide.  The next day, hike to Big Rock Falls, and spend the day swimming in the natural pool and admiring the enormous waterfall.  That evening, take a sunset horseback ride into the jungle.  At the end of the day, meet up with other guests (most of whom will be honeymooners) at "jungle jacuzzi" and compare adventures over cocktails.  If you have any free time left over, swim to the natural waterfall of the Privassion Creek, relax by the pool, or enjoy a Papaya Body Polish at the Waterfall Spa.  

Eat: There is a complimentary breakfast of fruit, pastries, coffee and juice, and you'll typically eat a packed lunch during your daytime adventures.  For dinner, the hotel has two restaurants, one Italian and one Guatemalan, both of which incorporate vegetables from the Lodge's organic farm.  The food is good (not amazing) but there is enough of a variety in the selection and restaurants at the hotel that you'll find something you like.  There is a good wine list, but the cocktails are your best bet.  Try the Jungle Juice and the Pineapple Mojito.  

How to get there: Fly into Belize City (BZE).  Coming from New York, you'll likely transfer in Miami or Houston.  An SUV stocked with water and snacks will be waiting when you arrive to take you on the 2.5 hour drive through the jungle to the Lodge.    

Jungle Juice Welcome Drink

Waterfall in the Privassion Creek, steps from our cabana

Jungle Jacuzzi

The perfect place to relax after a long day of adventures

Blancaneaux Lodge

Steps from the Privassion Creek to the Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge

The pool is a perfect place to relax, get some sun, and order some exotic cocktails. 

Blancaneaux Lodge

Rio Frio Caves

We stopped by this cave on our way to Caracol.  Apparently, this is one of the places that the Mayans would conduct ritual human sacrifices to please the rain gods. 

Caracol

Caracol

Our guide through Caracol was an expert in Mayan hieroglyphics, and interpreted many of the carvings for us.  

View from the top of Caracol

Caracol

Caracol

Caracol

This is a bird's nest, set in front of the astronomy center of Caracol.  The male birds create the nests to attract the females, who choose their mates based on the adequacy of the nests. 

Rio on Pools

You'll stop here on your way back from Caracol for a refreshing dip and waterfall back massage.

Blancaneaux restaurant

River leading to Big Rock Falls

Walk to Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls

Blanceaneaux Lodge

Coconut water to rehydrate after a long day at Big Rock Falls. 

Driveway to Blancaneaux

Blancaneux Gardens

All of the vegetables at the restaurant are organic and grown on the lodge grounds.

Blancaneaux Stable

Blancaneaux Stables

Horseback ride through the jungle

Horseback ride through the jungle

My horse was a retired thoroughbred racehorse named Magnum.  The guide thought it was best not to gallop on him, because he would automatically revert back to his racing days and it could be a little fast, even for me!

Horseback ride through the jungle

Sunset horseback ride

Blancaneaux Lodge

Waterfall steps from our cabana, taken at sunrise. 

Blancaneaux Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge

Colorful tiles around the pool set a funky, jungle-chic vibe. 

Blancaneaux Lodge

Final breakfast by the pool.  Breakfast is complimentary every day and consists of fresh fruit, bread, coffee and juice. There's also an a-la-carte menu. 

New York, I Love You: An Instagram Tour of the City

When Peyton Carr isn't running the wealth management firm Keystone Global Partners, this St. Louis native spends his time taking breathtaking photographs of the city.  In fact, one of his photographs was recently featured on NY Instagram.  Last week, I caught up with Peyton to discuss life, photography, and of course, New York.

What do you do in New York?

I work with affluent individuals and do three things: investing, tax minimization, and asset protection. Think of me as a personal CFO for wealthy families and individuals.  I love my job because we are always solving problems and thinking of creative ways to improve our clients’ lives.  Last week I was working on a project to sell an art collection tax-efficiently and this week I’m helping a family pre-plan for the sale of their business. 

Describe your perfect day in the city.

Saturday workout; brunch with friends; see some art; shoot some pictures; watch the sunset; have some cocktails!

Where’s the best place to catch the sunset?

Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Battery Park, West side of Manhattan.

What restaurant are you dying to try but haven't yet?

I have not been to Santina, that Italian spot in meatpacking created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. It’s a big glass box right under the Highline, and the food is supposed to be very good! I think they just opened for brunch too, so I plan to check that out soon.

Where do you take a date to impress her?

Driving on the beach in the Hamptons during the sunset followed by beach grilling. Works every time!

What’s the best season to visit New York?

Late Spring or December. Spring is beautiful, not too hot, the park is open and everything is green. December is fun because the social season is in high gear and the city is completely lit up with holiday lights. It’s magical during the holiday season. During the summer, a lot of locals leave the city during the weekends, so beware of that if you’re coming to visit your friends in NYC.

What are your favorite weekend trips from the city?

The Hamptons. It’s easy to get there, has great outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and phenomenal sunsets.  East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk are my favorite spots. Outside the Hamptons, Newport and Nantucket are great, but they take longer to get to.

What weekend trip are you dying to try?

I really would like to spend more time in the Hudson River Valley. It has a majestic beauty, with quaint towns, great outdoors activities and wonderful hiking. 

Taxi, subway or Uber?

All of them! I also Citi-Bike which is a great way to explore the city. 

Any crazy taxicab stories?

My second year in the city, I was riding in a taxi up 6th Avenue somewhere in the 50’s and we stopped in the middle of the street. A guy walked up to ask the taxi driver for directions. The driver rolled down his window, then the guy stuck his hand in, grabbed some cash, and ran off. The driver leaped out and ran after the guy. Meanwhile, I’m sitting in the back of the taxi in the intersection all by myself and the light turns green. I got into the driver’s seat and moved the taxi to the side of the road. I called the police and waited there. The driver came back about twenty minutes later while I was speaking with the police and had somehow gotten his money back. Don’t mess with taxi drivers!

If you could tell one thing to the tourists of New York, what would that be?

Make reservations and plan well in advance. Be specific about your preferences and get ideas about what to do from friends who live here. There are so many amazing restaurants in the city.  Don’t buy those cheap $5 umbrellas that hawkers sell on the street, they fall apart after two minutes.

FAST FAVES

Neighborhood: Nolita.

Restaurant: Cosme, but make reservations well in advance. Get the uni-tostadas, the octopus and the duck. I love tequila and they some great anejos if you are into that. The husk meringue for desert is also top notch.

Brunch: The Lion in the West Village.

Museum: Dia-beacon. This is a day trip—it’s in Beacon, New York, right on the Hudson River in an old Nabisco Box factory. They have an amazing collection of art from the 1960s to present - huge installations that couldn’t fit anywhere else. In the city, my favorite museum is the Moma.

Date spot: Bell Book and Candle; The Daily.

Party: Yorkville Ball at the Union Club

Hotel: Standard in Meatpacking because the views are so great. There are newer and “hipper” hotels, but nothing beats a cocktail at the top of the Standard while listening to jazz, then checking out the view of the city from the rooftop.