Skip to main content

August 11, 2026
August 4, 2026
July 31, 2026
July 28, 2026
July 28, 2026
July 14, 2026
June 30, 2026
June 11, 2026
June 1, 2026
May 27, 2026
May 14, 2026
May 1, 2026
April 20, 2026
Menu

Angela Betancourt

Digital Edition, LIFESTYLE, Luxury, The Issue

VanDutch Yachts: Luxurious Life at Sea

/

By Angela Betancourt Photography Courtesy of VanDutch VanDutch, the Dutch luxury yacht maker, is making waves in the boating world with their new VanDutch 75. As the flagship of their fleet, the new yacht features a large deck, pure lines, and a sleek interior design. The company says it will be the “most majestic member of the VanDutch family.” The VanDutch 75 has a high performance engine, can reach a max speed of 28-37 knots, and boasts a very smooth and discreetly quiet ride. Each one comes fully equipped and owners need only worry about what color they want their new yacht to be. The company’s Color Configurator helps make that an easier decision. The all white interior is spacious and elegant with three full cabins, three full baths, TV’s behind mirrors, and LCD switchable privacy glass in the main cabin. Instead of traditional windows, the VanDutch 75 has OLED screens inside that provide the owners and guests a live stream of their outside surroundings “It’s the next generation of yachting. We are taking a classic design and modernizing it,” said Nicholas Cardoza, VP of VanDutch Center Miami Beach. “It’s a boat for having fun and arriving in style.” Providing the ultimate luxury yachting experience is a top priority for this yacht and it’s at the core of the company’s overall success. “Our approach is not just solely centered on design, engineering and manufacturing,” said Anko Mast, CEO of VanDutch in a recent press release. “It is also centered on creativity, innovation and sustainability.” Since its founding in 2008, VanDutch has attracted the attention of yacht enthusiasts and celebrities around the world. The company prides itself on their dedication to craftsmanship and their ability to combine the latest technology, speed, and beauty in their designs. Their recreational yachts are now manufactured in the U.S. and are built to provide high performance capabilities, rapid acceleration, and exceptional cornering. Mindful of the environment, VanDutch yachts are created with eco-friendly products and are recognized as being 50% more sustainable than other yachts in the same class. For more information about VanDutch Yachts, please visit www.vandutch.com

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, The Issue

Christine Bullock: The Evolution of Fitness

/

By Angela Betancourt Photographed by Sarah Orbanic Christine Bullock is a triple threat. She is a fitness model, wellness expert, and fashion maven that has set a new standard in the industry and she is only getting started. She’s been voted “LA’s Hottest Trainer,” has been featured in dozens of national magazines and TV programs, and her Butt Lift DVD won top Pilates DVD of 2013. Perhaps the only things more impressive than her accolades are her credentials. She has a BA in Psychology and Education and was a ballet dancer with the Pittsburg Ballet Theatre. She also has certificates in Pilates, Yoga, Barre, TRX, HIIT, Pre and Postnatal fitness, and nutrition.   Christine recently developed a new fitness series called “Evolution 20” which is a 60 day workout program and nutritional plan that requires only 20 minutes a day. As a busy woman herself, Christine saw an opportunity to create a program that would be effective and wouldn’t demand too much of our already busy lives.   Christine believes that fitness and nutrition are the keys to living life to the fullest. Eating well, exercising, and feeling good about yourself will not only get you ready for summer, but will enhance your overall quality of life. “Fitness is about creating the strongest version of yourself.”   In January Christine came to Miami to do a photo shoot for the all-natural Champion Naturals and shared a few words of wisdom on getting ready for summer and building a healthier life.   Don’t diet. “Going on a diet is restrictive and it’s like a punishment. I eat more than the people around me but I eat healthy.” Instead, focus on eating healthier foods. The number one thing she would recommend everyone stop eating right now is sugar. Sugar is in everything including processed foods so it’s not the easiest thing to eliminate.   Mix up your workouts. Get off the treadmill and try something different. “A 20-minute hard core work out is more effective than spending two hours doing the same thing.” Even celebrities in Hollywood have caught on to variety in working out. Christine points out that some Victoria Secret models have incorporated boxing to tone the upper body. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna also mix things up. “Changing up your workout and tricking the body is what helps improve your physical form.” Stick to it. Though eating well and increasing your fitness level will put you on the road to a healthier you, results will be minimal if you don’t stick to it. Finding the motivation to work out can sometimes be difficult. Christine suggests reaching out to a friend. Having someone workout with you makes you accountable for each other and can serve as extra motivation. Push through it. On particularly hard days when working out is the last thing you want to do, you just have to push through the feelings. “The first 10 minutes can be miserable,” describes Christine about her tough days. “But if you push past those 10 minutes eventually things get easier.” Make a plan. An effective way to commit to a workout plan, is to “schedule things into a calendar and make them nonnegotiable items on your to do list. When you schedule things into your day you are more likely to follow through.” This isn’t just true for workouts. On Sundays, Christine plans out all her meals and workouts for the week. She also prepares some of the ingredients beforehand; she makes hummus, salsas, and chops up vegetables so they’re ready to go. Get the latest look. Christine loves fashion and blogs about fashionable gear on her website. She believes that feeling confident while exercising is an important part in having a good workout and wearing the right outfit can make a big difference. One of her favorite places to shop is Carbon 38. They feature a massive variety of active wear for just about every activity. “They have 70-100 new arrivals every month and there is something for you no matter what your style.” Christine gravitates to their Michi and Alo Yoga collections and loves bright colored gym shorts and apparel for spring. Christine also recommends checking out Lorna Jane Active Living, which is also very hot right now.

Events, Sports, The Issue

The Miami Open Celebrates 30 Years

/

By Angela Betancourt Photography Courtesy of Miami Open  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Miami Open taking place from March 23rd- April 5th at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne. Over the past three decades, the tournament has grown into one of the largest tennis events in the world; offering more than $10 million in prize money and attracting more than 300,000 spectators and a plethora of celebrities. The tournament has become one of Miami’s premier events, and in addition to enhancing the city’s image internationally, it has had a major financial impact for Miami-Dade County. “Our event generates an economic impact of $386 million annually which is the equivalent of hosting a Super Bowl. That does not include the 12,000 hours of global TV coverage in 193 countries the tournament generates,” said Adam Barrett, Miami Open Tournament Director. “Over the last 30 years, the tournament has grown from a family run event into one of the biggest, most glamorous and most prestigious events in the world. But what I think is even more impressive is how the tournament has been a leader in the sport in terms of how an event entertains its guests,” he added. In addition to watching world class tennis players compete, the Miami Open wants attendees to feel more engaged in the experience. They transform Crandon Park from a tennis center into an interactive and social environment. Events for children, VIP lounges, live music, a food court, and shopping are just some of the features they can enjoy. “The Miami Open has always looked for new ways to make the experience on-site special both on and off the court. Whether we are bringing in on-court entertainment and celebrity musical performers pre- match, having live performances on our entertainment stage, or offering unique shopping and food and beverage experiences we strive to make everyone’s time here special. Today, you see events all over the world using the same model we started here in Miami.” The tournament was founded in 1985 by former US Pro Championship tennis player Butch Buchholz, who had a vision to create the first major tennis event of the New Year. The Miami Open has had a few name changes along the way. In 2000, the event was rebranded as the Sony Ericsson Open. In 2002, the event was renamed to the NASDAQ-100. In 2007, it once again became the Sony Ericsson Open and maintained that name until 2014. Late last year, tournament owner IMG announced a new sponsor and a new name. For the next four years, the event will officially be named the Miami Open presented by Itaú. Itaú is the largest privately owned bank in Latin America. This is the first time Miami is part of the name and the change has been welcomed with open arms. “We are very excited to have Miami in the tournament name. When people hear the name Miami they think energy, excitement, luxury, and world-class service. These are all traits that are synonymous with our event, and being able to better align the Miami brand with the tournament can only help the continued growth of the event. We were fortunate to find a presenting sponsor like Itaú who agreed with this philosophy and were on-board with this idea from the start,” said Barrett. Improvements have also been made to the tennis center site itself. They’ve added new shade structures to the food court for a more enjoyable dining experience and have also spruced up their social media efforts with the addition of a new Social Media Wall by SAP. Barrett also wants guests to know that the repairs to the Bear Cut Bridge have been completed and that the tolls at the entrance to the causeway have been replaced with Sunpass. The change to Sunpass will certainly help the flow of traffic and that is welcoming news because IMG is expecting to exceed 300,000 visitors this year. Celebrating 30 years is a testament to the dedication that IMG and Miami-Dade County have to keep tennis thriving in Miami. However, the true stars of the show are the tennis fans around the world who will continue to make this event a success. Barrett feels that “we are so fortunate to be able to host this event in one of the most vibrant, metropolitan, and diverse cities in the world. The entire South Florida community has really embraced the tournament and they are wonderful tennis fans. It is what makes this event so special. The energy and excitement that our fans bring to the event are very unique among our events. It doesn’t matter what country a player is from, they are guaranteed to have a large contingent of fans.”   Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.   

Living, The Issue

Interior Design with #RichKids of Beverly Hills Star Roxy Sowlaty

/

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Aubrie Pick  A peach One Kings Lane Ava Settee couch basks in the warmth of the sun as it shines through the window on a perfect day. A mid-century brass vase glimmers on top of a West Elm marble box frame coffee table, while an ivory Moroccan Fez wool shag rug, beckons to be touched. For interior designer and TV personality, Roxy Sowlaty, these are the makings of a perfect living room, for the spring season. Roxy is one of the stars of E! Network’s #RichKids of Beverly Hills and the founder of her own interior design firm, specializing in high-end residential projects. Roxy is the product of a wealthy Persian family, and is the daughter of Acuprints CEO, Sam Sowalty. At just 26 years old, the Beverly Hills native is proving to be more than just another wealthy pretty face in the sea of reality TV stars. Roxy has worked in the design industry since she was 16 years old, when she started a clothing line with her sister, Tara, called RoxTar. She graduated from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, and later enrolled in Parsons New School of Design in New York City where she graduated with her Master’s degree in Interior Design. In addition to New York, she has designed a variety of homes in cities like Los Angeles, Aspen, and Bel-Air that ranged from 800-square-foot city apartments to extravagant mansions. Her style is timeless, yet never dated and her ability to infuse vibrant flair into any room is capturing attention nationwide. Despite what her ties to “rich kids” might imply, Roxy is passionate about helping others design homes they will love regardless of their budget. Redecorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and Roxy demonstrates that perfectly with her favorite interior looks for spring. This spring it’s all about warm pastels, white linens, Carrara marble, and lots of metallic accessories. Starting with the living room, Roxy recommends making things brighter and more vibrant by incorporating peach and coral colored fabrics and metallic accessories into the design. Replacing drab, lifeless pillows with new ones in fun, bright colors or patterns is an affordable way to bring spring into any room. Another quick and affordable way to give a room a lift is with a great area rug. An area rug is actually one of Roxy’s favorite design elements and it has often been the starting point for her decorating projects. “Rugs are usually the largest and most defining piece in a room. Going from a dark to light color can really change the look of the entire space,” she explains. The furniture that will be around this carpet is also important. Carrara marble furniture is one of Roxy’s favorite decorating items. This is the next best thing when your budget doesn’t allow for a full marble renovation. Carrara marble immediately gives a room a much more expensive look. In a blog post Roxy gushed that “Carrara marble makes anything look instantly sexy and beautiful.” If you opt not to buy any Carrara marble, the beauty of furniture is that it can easily be reorganized. “Sometimes just moving an existing side table makes all the difference.” One of the biggest mistakes she sees people make when it comes to furniture is buying matching room sets. “Buying a room set seems easy, but there is no dimension. You have to mix it up.” Rather than buying everything from the same location, Roxy recommends shopping around at various stores for great finds that will complement each other. “You don’t want things to look cookie cutter.” She recommends going to stores like West Elm, Target, Pier One, and Urban Outfitters to find unique and affordable pieces to bring home. “So many things are being massed produced and it’s more important than ever to connect to your true personality. We all have our personal style. But if you don’t know where to begin social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram are good ways to find and keep track of rooms that you gravitate to.” When it comes to picking the right furniture size, Roxy says that bigger is always better. It’s a common misconception that if you live in a small space you need small furniture. The opposite is actually true. “Bigger furniture can actually make a space look larger.” Her favorite springtime look for the bedroom also incorporates a lot of warm pastel colors, warm peaches, and creams. Intertwining metallic and pastel colors is her secret to creating a soothing yet vibrant space. “Use pastels as your base or accent color and add metallics like silver and gold.” No matter what your budget; revamping your home for spring doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some warm colors, the right accessories, and a bit of creativity can go a long way.   Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.

Arts, Culture, MSM Online

Around the World in Eighty Works

/

By Angela Betancourt An artistic journey around the world begins with just a single step into the Markowicz Fine Art Gallery. On February 12th, the gallery is hosting famed French painter and sculpture Alain Godon for an invitation-only one-man architectural exhibition titled Around the World in Eighty Works. The exhibition will unveil new sculptures from Godon’s Architectural series which captures the sites and spirit of famous international cities like New York, Paris, and Miami through paintings and sculptures. The series, which he began in 2006, depicts iconic architectural landmarks from each location with vibrant colors that beautifully blend together and captures the imagination. Each of his bronze sculptures corresponds to an existing painting and pays homage to the landmark’s unique design and structural element. The opening exhibit event will take place from 6 to 9pm. Invited guests will experience a total of 80 works and immerse themselves in Godon’s BildoReliefos original technique that garnered him worldwide attention when it was introduced in 2009. The Markowicz Fine Art Gallery is located at 110 NE 40th St in the Design District. The exhibit will be open to the public February 13-28, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm.

Arts, Culture, MSM Online

Art Deco Weekend

/

By Angela Betancourt The 38th Annual Art Deco Weekend celebrated 100 years of Miami Beach history, architecture, and culture. From January 16th -18th, Ocean Drive traveled back in time to one of the city’s most iconic eras. Live jazz, dynamic lectures, and a classic car show were just some of the event’s treats. Thousands of people attended to see street performers, eat delicious food, and shop at over 100 artisan vendor booths. This year’s Art Deco Weekend also hosted the first annual Deco Dance-a-Thon fundraiser on Saturday at The Promenade from 3-6pm. Prizes were awarded for a variety of categories and all participants entered into a raffle to win a 5-day trip to Napier, New Zealand valued at $5,000. For more information, please visit ww.artdecoweekend.com

MSM Online, Traveler

Three Travel Packages to Take Advantage of Now

/

By Angela Betancourt The travel theme for the 2015 seems to center around adventure and exploration. While traveling to another country is a worthwhile pursuit, cities around the US are stepping up their game to provide experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Pack your bags and leave your passports at home; there is a lot to experience at these destinations. Scottsdale, Arizona– Scottsdale has a lot to offer travelers, including spa retreats, nature trails, and the Sonoran Desert. Thanks to the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale can now satisfy the need for speed. The resort created the Ferrari Casita Package that offers a half-day rental of a Ferrari California worth $229,000. The package starts at $1,383.88 (including tax). Pompano Beach, Florida- Named one of the top up-and-coming U.S destinations by TripAdvisor, Pompano Beach offers plenty of opportunities for adventures in the sun. The oceanfront  Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa has created a package called Sun, Sand and SiSpa, that includes a 50-minute spa treatment per night and reserved beach chairs and umbrella. The package is available through March 31, 2015. Lake Placid, New York- Lake Placid is known for being a two-time site for the Winter Olympics and the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games. When it comes to winter adventure this city aims for the gold. The Whiteface Lodge created a Winter Games Experience Package that gives guests the opportunity to participate in winter activities including ice-climbing, bobsledding, tubing, speed skating, and downhill skiing. The Winter Games Experience Package is available Dec. 5, 2014 through March 31, 2015. Rates start at $476 per night.

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

The Residences at Park Grove

/

By Angela Betancourt For the past several years there has been a lot of excitement about new residential and mix-use developments being built across Miami-Dade County. Brickell and Miami Beach often steal the spotlight with their billion dollar projects, luxury new residences, and all the opulent amenities that come along with them. However, there are several other neighborhoods experiencing their own share of new development projects, among them is Coconut Grove. This historical area is one of Miami’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Dating back to 1925, Coconut Grove is known for its parks and gardens, hammock trees, art festivals, shopping, and historical landmarks. Coconut Grove is located approximately 10-15 minutes from Brickell, yet this proximity has not had an effect on this neighborhood’s unique identity. These characteristics were part of what caught the attention of the Terra Group and The Related Group. The two powerhouse developers have joined forces for the first time to create The Residences at Park Grove on a 5.2 acre property directly across from Biscayne Bay. The architecture is led by OMA and Rem Koolhaas in collaboration with kitchen and bath designer William Sofield, and Enea Landscape Architecture. The project masterminds recently came together for a design talk event to showcase building renderings and discuss the vision behind the design. A crowd of 250 top-tier brokers, buyers and tastemakers gathered to hear legendary architect Shohei Shigematsu from OMA and famed landscape designer Enzo Enea, dis- cuss the past and future of Coconut Grove as well as their take on new trends in residential architecture and how they perceive design and development in Miami. Both Shigematsu and Enea revealed how their designs look at urbanism and historical elements specific to the Grove’s existing climate and culture; and their in- tentions to “elevate” Coconut Grove while honoring its historical elements. The hour-long discussion was moderated by Ted Loos, a design expert and regular contributor of Architectural Digest and hosted by co-developers of the property: David Martin, President of Terra Group and Carlos Rosso, President of Condo Development The Related Group. The Residences at Park Grove is set for completion in late 2016. The units will range between 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Glass walls will give residents end- less views of the marina and Biscayne Bay as well as an abundance of natural light. From the expansive balco- nies, spacious living areas, airy dining rooms, and fully equipped kitchens, the designers did not cut any cor- ners. In addition to amenities that rival those found at any world class luxury resort, Park Grove will also have a private rooftop pool deck with views of the city. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the individual residents and out into the buildings two- acre sculpture park where Enea set out to create a se- rene and lush garden for residents to enjoy. The Residences at Park Grove will increasingly draw more attention as it unfolds in one of Miami’s most established neighborhoods; bringing in new elements and establishing roots of its own. Photography Courtesy of THE RELATED GROUP AND TERRA GROUP Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

Living, Luxury, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Living with Style – FENDI Château Residences

/

  By Angela Betancourt 9365 Collins Ave in Surfside will soon be the home to FENDI Château Residences, a 12 story condominium building with 58 exclusive waterfront residences that feature uninterrupted views along 300-linear feet of pristine beachfront. Miami luxury developer Château Group and FENDI, the Italian luxury house, have joined forces to build this new high-end development located just a few blocks south of the world renowned Bal Harbour Shops. Slated to be completed in the summer of 2016, FENDI Château Residences is the first branded real estate project globally for the FENDI Company, and as of December, is already 50% sold. “We are pleased to bring FENDI Château Residences to the Miami market place. The residences will allow residents to savor the pulsating life of Miami with its avant-garde art and design culture, as well as its sandy beaches and lush surroundings,” said Manuel Grosskopf, Château Group President. On December 2nd during Art Basel, the building ’s sales center held a special event to showcase a full model residence where invited guests had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the FENDI Château living experience. Every single detail was accounted for; the ultra modern kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, the elegant accessories, and the Italian marble finished bathrooms, were all depicted exactly as they will be when the building is complete. Grosskopf and FENDI Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari were both in attendance to provide additional project insight and share their excitement to create this luxury project that will be unlike anything else in the community. “This has been a successful and enjoyable partnership. Both Château Group and FENDI share an unwavering passion for producing high quality products with an acute focus on design and creativity, underscored by the art of excellence,” said Grosskopf. The residences and penthouses range from 3,000 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet with prices ranging from $5 million to $25 million. Each unit comes equipped with plush amenity areas designed by FENDI and decorated with FENDI Casa fixtures and fittings. The building’s common areas include a library, business center, ballroom, kid’s club, reflective ponds, a relaxation terrace with aromatherapy, private cinema, lounge with gourmet kitchen, restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the ocean, bicycle storage, multiple beachfront pools with cabanas, and numerous other lavish amenities. Residents will also have access to “white glove” services, including a 24-hour multi-lingual concierge staff, beachfront and poolside service, and a doorman and valet. “This is a very important project for us,” said Beccari. Together with the Château Group, FENDI Château Residences further establishes the FENDI brand within the luxury private home sector. When the FENDI Château Residences are complete, it will add an entire new dimension of luxury living to the Bal Harbour and Surfside communities. Photography Courtesy of FENDI CHÂTEAU RESIDENCES Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 Issue.

Living, Luxury, The Issue

Artefacto Debuts Its First Fabric Collection During Art Basel

/

By Angela Betancourt Celebrating 35 years of design and innovation, Artefacto has established itself as one of the world’s leading creators of contemporary furnishings. At the helm is Artefacto’s CEO Paulo Bacchi whose vision made the company the preferred choice for designers, developers, and South Florida residents. Their continued success is a reflection of their ability to stay relevant and always on the cutting edge of the interior design industry. During Art Basel and Miami Art Week, Artefacto debuted its first-ever fabric collection titled Animal Prints by Lais Bacchi, a collection of three bold neutral prints in five original fabrics presented on natural velvets designed by Paulo’s wife Lais. A jewelry designer and fashion icon, Lais Bacchi has already gained a lot of recognition for her company LB designs, a hand crafted jewelry line manufactured by artisans in her native Brazil. With Animal Prints, Lais had the opportunity to apply her vibrant sense of style in a new way: making her and her husband a power couple of interior design. “I drew from my background as a stylist and a jewelry designer to envision Artefacto’s first fabric collection, Animal Prints. The punchy patterns add a little bit of flair to Artefacto’s usually neutral palette of light woods, whites and chrome by virtue of their rich, luxurious texture and versatile nature.” The fabrics will add an additional element to Artefacto’s design style with upholstered and decorative accent pieces. In addition to the launch of Animal Prints, Artefacto also unveiled the Projecto Cubos exhibit, a series of custom acrylic art pieces created by 10 celebrated Brazilian artists. The exhibit will run until the end of January and will then be donated for auction at the IV Gala Brazil Foundation in Miami. Artefacto also showcased the work of Miami photographer Daniel Azoulay who presented an exclusive collection of new work inspired by the movement of ballet dancers. The photographs were displayed throughout the entire showroom. To celebrate the launch of Animal Prints, Projecto Cubos, and Azoulay’s work, Artefacto hosted an invitation only champagne brunch and exhibition at their main showroom in Aventura. More than 100 guests were in attendance, among them the “who’s-who” of Brazilian interior designers, architects, artists, and stylists, who are some of Artefacto’s most important clients. Guests showed excitement as they admired the new fabrics and exhibits. They sipped on endless champagne and delectable bites, and networked amongst each other. Overall the launch proved to be an exciting affair. Artefacto’s ability to partner with artists, who so well complement the company’s aesthetics, is just another sign that they are on the right track to continued to success. Photography by BRETT HUFZIGER Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

Arts, The Issue

Cirque du Soleil Partners with Spectrum Miami During Art Basel Week

/

By Angela Betancourt During Art Basel and Miami Art Week, Cirque Du Soleil partnered with the contemporary art show SPECTRUM Miami in the Wynwood Design District, to promote its new show Amaluna directed by Tony Award Winning Director Diane Paulus. Amaluna, will be touring around the world this year and saw Art Basel and Miami Art Week, as the perfect time and setting to launch the first performance. The show premiered to the general public on December 11, 2014 at the iconic blue and yellow Big Top at Sun Life Stadium. However, SPECTRUM attendees were privy to a sneak peak of the performance and a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary show. Amaluna is a story that celebrates women and femininity. It takes place on the mysterious island of Amaluna that is governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Overcoming adversity, spiritual renewal, family, and love are all themes that play a role in the show. In true spirit of the performance, SPECTRUM “captured” a Cirque du Soleil artist, from the island of Amaluna, for the purposes of public observation. They recreated her natural habitat at the fair and dazzled guests as they witnessed the exclusive look at how the artist prepared for the show. She effortlessly moved her body from one mind blowing position into another as she demonstrated her graceful strength and control. Fair goers were also able to observe the “Crystal Goddess” and her porcelain-like disposition before she was shared with the rest of the world. SPECTRUM Miami is one of the largest shows, at 350,000 square feet, during Art Basel and Miami Art Week. Its growth and success is in part due to its reputation for incorporating these types of performances and artistic components. This partnership between Cirque du Soleil and SPECTRUM attracted thousands of visitors that wanted to see the extensive collection of art and partake in all the excitement being generated by Amaluna, while simultaneously drawing a lot of attention to some of SPECTRUM’s other exhibits. In addition to showcasing a collection of contemporary artworks from artists around the world, SPECTRUM puts a lot of emphasis on bringing in the local art community. During the fair they introduced a special curated Art Labs Series that featured educational projects and seminars by leading Miami-based art institutions. They also presented Yo Miami, a live invitational mural painting collaboration by veteran artists and up-and-comers. The fusion of these different artistic elements has made SPECTRUM a leading fair during the art-filled week and will continue to make SPECTRUM one of the most anticipated fairs for many years to come. Photography Courtesy of RED WOOD MEDIA GROUP Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

The Issue, Traveler

Rediscovering Las Vegas

/

By Angela Betancourt From “Sin City” to a world-class city, Las Vegas has undergone a major transformation over the past several years. It’s embarked on a mission to go beyond its infamous reputation and expand its audience in order to remain one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced that in 2013 $3.6 billion was invested into new attractions, amenities, and experiences. The rise of luxury resort hotels, award- winning restaurants, a downtown revitalization, and other revamping initiatives, helped Las Vegas attract nearly 40 million new visitors in 2013. With so many new and exciting things unfolding, Las Vegas craves to be rediscovered. Yes, you can still get caught up in shenanigans, but now is a great time to explore how much more Las Vegas has to offer. It’s hard to top that kind of an experience, but Vegas will welcome you back from the Grand Canyon with a long list of exciting new things yet to be discovered. Catch Wicked at The Smith Center, Sing along at the Britney Spears Concert, or dance the night away at LiFE Nightclub; the possibilities are endless. Getting there It’s never been easier to travel to Las Vegas; especially from South Florida. On October 29th, JetBlue celebrated the launch of its new direct flight from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) to McCarran International Airport (LAS). The airline celebrated with a cocktail launch party on the 28th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and charmed passengers with games and giveaways during the inaugural flight.   Where to stay Selecting a hotel in Vegas can be overwhelming. In 2013 the city had 150,593 hotel rooms; a number which grew with the addition of several new hotels. Among those hotels is the Delano Las Vegas which opened in September. Formerly, THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, the Delano Las Vegas is a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and the Morgans Hotel Group; the creators of the Delano South Beach. While there are some South Beach influences, the Delano Las Vegas stands apart by paying homage to the Mohave dessert. Two enormous boulders greet you when you enter the hotel. The lobby is a harmony of warm woods and giant columns draped with white sheers. A rug with a depiction of the Colorado River guides you to the front desk as you pass a suspended rock sculpture by Korean artist Jaehyo Lee. There are 1,117 luxurious room suites, a 14,000 square-foot-spa called The BATHHOUSE, and no casino in sight. The ambiance is zen-like; an escape from the frantic energy found just outside the hotel doors. Culinary Adventure Las Vegas is climbing the culinary ranks at tremendous speed. Delia’s Kitchen in the Delano is a great place to begin a culinary journey around the city. The farm-to-table concept offers scrumptious items like Blue Crab Benedicts made with artisan brie, spinach, and roasted tomato; and the Tuscan Kale made with organic quinoa, Chenel goat cheese, sun-dried cranberries, and walnuts. For coffee lovers, the Delano’s 3940 Coffee and Tea cafe, is the perfect place to grab artisan roast coffees, teas, fresh juices, and specialty drinks like the S’mores Mocha. Continue your culinary journey at Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Meaning “revelry,” Jaleo is the creation of famed Chef Jose Andres, the mastermind behind the Bazaar at the SLS Hotel in Miami. He’s evoked the authentic flavors of Spain in an impressive array of tapas and paellas while creating a complete sensory experience. A massive paella grill centerpiece high-jacks your visual focus from the moment you enter. An aromatic symphony of spices dances around the room and the food is vibrant and full of robust flavor. For a more intimate dining experience, head to La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at the Wynn. La Cave’s menu showcases contemporary American cuisine and small-plates created by Chef Billy DeMarco. The dishes were created to harmonize with their extensive wine collection that includes 250 bottles and 50 wines by the glass. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but there are two items that must be ordered: the mushroom grits and the bacon wrapped dates. A ten minute drive from La Cave is Lao Sze Chaun at the Palms Casino Resort. This authentic Chinese restaurant was created by Chicago Chef Tony Hu. Chef Hu brings his success to the Vegas strip with an expansive selection of Chinese dishes. The menu is wonderfully overwhelming with more than 100 beef, chicken, pork and seafood options. When in doubt, start with the dim sum followed by Tony’s Chicken with Three Chili dish. Buddy Valastro, internationally acclaimed chef and reality TV star of the Cake Boss, opened his first Italian Restaurant, Buddy V’s, at the Venetian. The menu offers Italian-American classics from Valastro family heirloom recipes like Grandma’s Meatballs and Nona’s Lasagna Al Forno. With pictures of the Valastro family along the walls, it feels like you’ve stepped into his grandma’s house for a family dinner. You can’t have a culinary adventure in Las Vegas and not go to a buffet. Consider visiting the mother-ship of all buffets at Caesars Palace for brunch. Not only has it been voted best buffet in Las Vegas, Brunch at Bacchanal is a good deal if you love champagne. On Saturdays and Sundays brunch comes with unlimited bubbly. From chicken and waffles to Japanese curry, and everything in between, this buffet is every foodie’s dream come true. Try everything and anything that catches your eye but leave some room for the mouth watering dessert station. Vegas off the strip Some of the best new things in Las Vegas are hap- pening off Las Vegas Boulevard. About 15 minutes north of the strip is Downtown Las Vegas, home to Fremont Street. Fremont Street is the original “strip” from when the city was founded in 1905. Today, part of this historic street has become the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block canopy-covered entertainment district featuring a plethora of new activities and live musical entertainment that co-ex- ists

Scroll to Top