As we soak up the last few weeks of summer, we're making the most of every moment, rain or shine. Keep the vibe high by planning a vacay (future you will be very grateful), discovering a taste of Cancun, dining in an outdoor garden, adding to your art collection and relaxing with at home spa treatments. More ways to maximize the sunny season (plus complementary cocktail recipes to pair with) below.
Summer might be coming to a close, but vacation mode is just starting at the new Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Hawaiian Resort, which re-debuts September 1. Plan your escape to this private retreat with immersive wellbeing options, island activities and spa treatments spread out over the 90,000-acre-island.
Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort
Dream about your next Cancun getaway with The Flavors of Cancun, a thoughtfully curated round-up of the best mexican dishes and restaurants to add to your mental travel itinerary.
Poc Chuc
Dine and imbibe at Scarpetta NYC’s Outdoor Garden Café for Italian summer snacks during Aperitivo, rosemary fried chicken for dinner, and frosé at sunset.
Scarpetta Garden Café
Explore La Playa Carmel, a charming cottage-style property, where you can enjoy brunch by the pool and stillness by the sea.
La Playa Carmel
If you’re missing the annual Glass House Summer Benefit Auction as much as we are, you'll appreciate that you can still enjoy (and support!) from home. The annual fundraising auction is live now through August 15.
Treat yourself to salon services from home with Moroccanoil’s restorative hair mask, moisture repair shampoo & conditioner and everyday hair treatments to add new life to your locks.
Moroccanoil
If a dip in the ocean isn't in the cards this month, turn to Uberliss's Ocean Bae Sea Salt Spray for textured beach waves no one will know came from a bottle.
Finally, take time to unwind with well. by Caliva’s bath bombs, followed by the hydrating moisturizing serum, for your daily dose of relaxation.
Ingredients
1.5 Parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
1/2 Part lime juice
4 Cubes sugar
4 Pieces pineapple
Mint leaves
Method: Muddle pineapple, mint and sugar in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, lime, Sailor Jerry and shake well. Pour into glass and top with ice, lime and mint.
Ingredients
2 tsp Cocoa mix
1 1/2 parts The Balvenie 12 Year Old Sweet Toast of American Oak
Heavy Cream
Coffee
Hint of Vanilla Extra
Chili powder (or nutmeg)
Method: Add vanilla extra, cocoa mix and whisky in a glass. Top with coffee and stir with a bar spoon. In a cocktail shaker, pour the heavy cream and shake. Top the cocktail with the heavy cream and a few dashes of chili powder.
Ingredients
2 oz. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
75 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
.25 oz. Agave Nectar
Splash with Grapefruit Soda (Suggested San Pellegrino Grapefruit Soda)
Garnish with Half-Moon Grapefruit Slice
Method: Combine all ingredients into shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously, and strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice, top off with grapefruit soda and garnish with half-moon grapefruit slice.
Ingredients
2 parts Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila
3/4 parts Tres Agaves Cocktail-Ready Agave Nectar
3/4 parts Lime Juice
1 slice of Jalapeno (no seeds)
2 Cucumber Slices
Pinch of basil (6-8 small leaves)
Tajín Rim (Optional)
Method: Place basil first, then Jalapeno and cucumber slices in shaker; add agave syrup and muddle. Add in rest of the ingredients and ice. Shake, double strain and serve over ice. Rim glass with Tajín or salt.
When you want a refreshing cocktail without the fuss, try The Perfect Spritz Kit complete with everything you need to make this fresh-tasting cocktail – from glassware to garnish – including easy-to-follow instructions, so that all you have to do is follow a few simple steps and enjoy.
On ‘At Home With,’ we virtually visit our members and catch up on their current normal. From recommended reading and podcasts to creative recipes and wellness routines, get to know the network - and maybe even come away with a little activity inspo.
Meet Gia Kuan, the NY-based founder of Gia Kuan Consulting. She shares her pandemic-prompted activities – from learning beginner Russian (she’s already bilingual in Mandarin!) to Coney Island visits and retro musical forays.
What’s your usual location, and where are you currently staying?
I've been in New York in my apartment downtown this entire time, sticking it out since March since I came back from Paris Fashion Week
Did you discover any new pastimes or creative outlets during lockdown that you’ll stick with?
I started practising the flute again which I used to play throughout high school, which has been therapeutic but probably annoying for my neighbours through our thin walls. I also tried to learn beginner Russian, and have been cooking a tonne during quarantine and learning new recipes.
Do you have any favorite podcasts, books, newsletters, etc.?
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts and it's really been only of my favorite past times while I'm working or when I go out for walks: Dolly Parton's America, My Favorite Murder. I also really like the HBR Ideacast and How I Built this by NPR. The best book I read recently is The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld by Patrick Radden Keefe. My favorite newsletters...there's too many! I'm definitely an oversubscriber and subscribe to absolutely everything. I do like the Artnet one as I love getting updated on news in the art world.
What do you miss most from pre-Covid life, and what’s keeping you going right now?
I loved dining out and going to restaurants with friends. But I have to say my cooking skills got a lot better since Covid, so it seems like a fair exchange.
Any summer plans?
August is actually a crazy busy month for me so I think I have to stay put. However I do go to Coney Island every other weekend.
As travel starts opening up, where will you be vacationing first?
I would love to go to Morocco, Cayman Islands and eventually Korea.