BEVERLY HILLS DEER VALLEY KAPALUA BAY LAGUNA BEACH PALMETTO BLUFF LIFE, WELL LIVED FALL 2014 A Legacy of Wine VINTNERS CARRY ON A FAMILY TRADITION TRES CHIC FRESH FACES OF FRENCH FASHION MONTAGE MEMORY MAKERS REAL KIDS DOING GOOD LATE NIGHT S NEW LOOK THE NEXT ERA OF TV TALK SHOW HOSTS
JOY RIDES Satisfy wanderlust on two wheels with some of the world s top cycling expeditions. BY CHADNER NAVARRO Biking or cycling, as those who partake call it has never been more popular than it is today. Asian megacities (see Hanoi, Vietnam) and European capitals (Amsterdam and Copenhagen top the list) have been relying on transportation on two wheels for many years now; and as the rest of the world catches up, the luxury travel industry has been taking note. These days there s nothing more immersive, no matter your experience or fitness level, than a bike tour through some of the world s most iconic destinations, from the wineries of Europe and the beaches of Hawaii to the deserts of Morocco.
LOWCOUNTRY LEISURE The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, Palmetto Bluff, S.C. Coast home than the forests and wetlands of South Carolina s Lowcountry. Here, it s all about Southern comfort and style, from the gabled architecture of the region to the massive live oak trees that offer shade and ambience. To soak in the locale s natural splendor and waterside hospitality, grab one of the resort s Sun Bicycles Drifter CBs (complimentary rentals are available to guests of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff), and independently coast through forest trails and coastal paths. This timeless bike is simple but comfortable and is equipped with all the technical features (high-rise handlebars, smooth rolling tires and a light alloy frame) that make even the more challenging terrain of the May River community manageable for novice riders. Palmetto Bluff has four trails perfect for leisure rides, including the 3-mile River Road Trail, which passes parts of two Old World plantations and lots of relaxing water views. (montagehotels.com/palmettobluff) 59 MONTAGE FALL 2014
TERRAIN TO TRAVERSE Montage s Utah outpost offers the most robust biking program within the brand s portfolio, thanks in part to a collaboration with high-tech bike manufacturer BMC. The Switzerland-based company has set up an exclusive test center at Montage where you can preview most of the bikes BMC has to offer, with the help of very knowledgeable bike valets. Pick from road BMC s most renowned innovations includ- City offers cyclists of all levels great variety with gorgeous mountain views to match. But the property has also crafted two types of guided excursions: a three-hour tour of the area with a trained staffer from Compass Sports, Montage s on-site moun- Pro option where an ex-pro racer will give guests a thorough instructional session on how to be the best cyclist he or she can be. (montagehotels.com/deervalley)
PLETHORA OF PATHS Audley, New Zealand DESERT DISCOVERIES Butterfield & Robinson, Morocco 61 MONTAGE FALL 2014
CRUISING THROUGH CULTURE Founded by Andy Levine back in 1996, DuVine has become one of the world s premier travel-on-bike operators. So big has DuVine become (and in turn the industry as a whole) that the brand recently expanded to couture offerings, where just like a creation from a storied Parisian couturier bespoke is the name of the game. And because of DuVine s expertise in the luxury bike travel world, it offers many itineraries in destinations where it s the exclusive luxury bike operator. One such locale is Portugal, where DuVine leads an unforgettable ride through the country s Alentejo region, one of trip starts with an easygoing 15-mile ride on day one. From there, you and your bike (which will be personally selected for you fort needs) will come across local potters and artisans, rolling hills of gold and green, 18th-century palaces, small-batch vineyards, Roman ruins and some of the most delicious meals in the country. (duvine.com) ANCIENT ALLURE Trek Travel s eight-day cycling trip through Myanmar starts with a special monk blessing at a Buddhist temple in Yangon a fabulous welcome to a country that s just recently opened itself up to tourism. Daily cycling during this tour covers an average of 36 miles, which might be a lot to those who don t pedal more than they walk, but you ll be too occupied with admiring the gorgeous scenery throughout the journey (from houses on stilts to incredible rice paddies) to be thinking too much about the pedaling. Cocktail hour boat rides, swimming with elephants and visits to ancient pagodas are just some of the off-bike excursions on the itinerary that help give this trip its once-in-a-lifetime quality. You ll also be supplied with a high-end carbon Trek Domane road bike, which comes with an electronic Di2 shifting mechanism that makes changing gears as easy as clicking a mouse. Plus, Trek Travel is renowned for having some of the best guides in the world, who are on-hand to do everything from haggle on your behalf at markets to troubleshoot bike issues. (trektravel.com)
Wheel Style Renowned designers have taken note of the cycling sensation, collaborating with premier bike manufacturers to create road warriors that combine luxury, comfort and functionality for everyday commutes. VICTOIRE CYCLES FOR BERLUTI, price upon request, available on special order at Berluti boutiques in Paris, New York City, London and Tokyo (info@victoire-cycles.com for inquiries) Luxury shoemaker Berluti has partnered with custom Victoire Cycles on a completely handmade model inspired by the delivery bikes of the FILSON BIXBY, and laser-cut dropouts. BMC ALL BLACK HUBLOT TEAM MACHINE, $19,500, hublot.com for locations Go stealthy chic with Hublot s all-black bike, the product of a collaboration with Swiss bike manufacturer BMC. Made with a a limited edition project for the watchmakers. Only 30 were produced retail channels. LE FLÂNEUR D HERMÈS LEISURE BICYCLE, $11,300, hermes.com in luxury.