Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

My last trip to Mexico was for a wedding. I remember the jovial spirit of the wedding party as timeless festive songs echoed along the coastline while we flooded the dance floor. The colorful lights, skirts swaying and twirling with every song…You could feel the liveliness of the Mexican culture which has been passed down for centuries.

There are times when words cannot do justice to describe the most vibrant and touching moments. This is when we can thank the invention of photography and the photographers who capture and tell stories with their stills.

Christophe von Hohenberg, renowned portrait, documentary, and lifestyle photographer briefly describes the plot and inspiration for his upcoming exhibition, Shadows of the Gods….

“For the past eight years, I have been living among the shadows with the children of Montezuma and Cortez, exploring the neighborhoods,” says von Hohenberg. “From walking through romantic Calle Francisco Sosa in Coyoacan, to losing my balance on cobblestones in the picturesque Colonial neighborhood of San Angel.”

Shadows Of The Gods Book Cover

Splitting his time between Mexico City and New York City, von Hohenberg’s photographs have been featured in American Vogue, Art ForumVanity Fair, German Rolling StoneThe New York Times, Fortune, and French Vogue, as well as art galleries and private collections around the globe. He has published two acclaimed books Andy Warhol- The Day the Factory Died and Another Planet – New York Portaits – 1976 – 1996

Shadows of the Gods features photographs ranging from 2007 to the present, capturing the emergence of contemporary art and culture within Mexico City’s historical setting. A selection of the pieces featured in the exhibition will be taken from a section of the book which is devoted to Mexican Street Art.

Join von Hohenberg as he reveals his latest work at

Leonard Tourné Gallery
46 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065

Wednesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 14

Contact maribel@altimapalmbeach.com for more information.

Mexican Street ArtMexican Street Art

St. Barth Properties | Acerola Deck Dining

St. Barth Properties | Acerola Deck Dining

If you have been following Altima for a while, it is no secret that one of our absolute favorite destinations is St. Barts. The day we stop raving about it means we have finally dropped everything and moved there…

The island is known as the getaway for those “in the know” and comes with a high price tag, but it is the simplicity of the island that people fall in love with. Never underestimate the soothing power of pristine waters, picturesque cliffs and a bottle (or 5) of rosé. The French-speaking locals, sexy nightlife, and boho-chic shopping scene are just a bonus to the entire experience.

St. Barth Properties of Sotheby’s International Realty would like to introduce you to one of their most desirable listings – Villa ACEROLA on Camaruche. The romance of starting the morning off with an espresso and French pastries with no plans for the day other than lounging on the sprawling deck overlooking the panoramic ocean views begins the minute after you step off the plane.

The private 2-bedroom villa [now available from December 15, 2015- January 7, 2016] sits hillside featuring a contemporary living room, infinity swimming pool overlooking the picturesque landscape, outdoor fitness area, and inviting kitchen with a large island. The spot is perfect for entertaining family, friends and perhaps newer friends you have met during lunch at La plage (Tom Beach) or picnicking at Colombier.

To book your perfect villa or hotel, contact Mai directly and make sure you mention Altima Palm Beach for Special Perks! mai_sharona@yahoo.com or

call (590) 690 643 572

 

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

Like me, you may have had to settle for the living room plasma screen when Novak Djokovic went head-to-head with the legendary Roger Federer, or the emotional defeat of Serena Williams by Roberta Vinci at the 2015 US Open hosted in New York. Lucky for us, global business mogul and visionary Sir Richard Branson is bringing the thrill of tennis down south at the 2015 Necker Cup Pro-Am and Legends Tennis Camp on Necker Island from November 28, 2015 through December 3, 2015.

 

The Necker Cup is acclaimed as the “most fun and exclusive” Pro Am Tennis Event IN THE WORLD. Naturally, the event will be hosted in true Branson style. The all-inclusive six-day/five-night experience will include sixteen ATP/WTA Tour Players and legends who will be paired up with sixteen amateur teams of all levels. Imagine going back and forth on the courts with tennis greats Boris Becker, Brad Gilbert, Martina Navratilova, Marion Bartoli, Tracy Austin, Viktor Troicki, Donald Young, David Nalbandian, Chris Evert & Johan Kriek!

I know, this is an overdose of tennis frenzy and you may need some time to relax. There is still plenty for you to do at Necker Island like paddle boarding, sail boat races, kite boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, massage therapy, parties, and more! A-list celebs including Sean Paul, Jewel, Charlotte McKinney & Chevy Chase will all be joining the festivities too!

The unique experience organized by Premier Tennis is all about FUN and has raised over $2 million for their chosen beneficiaries.

Choose between 3 exclusive packages and allow Altima to help you set up the trip of a lifetime! Contact us at 561-833-8283 or email maribel@altimapalmbeach.com

Necker Cup Pro-Am Package
Play in the Most Exclusive Pro-Am in the World
Location: Sir Richard Branson’s private, Necker Island, BVI
Package Price: $110,000 for two (2) people, all inclusive (air not included)
Highlights: Team entry for up to two players into the Necker Cup Main Draw that will include Sir Richard Branson and 15 ATP / WTA Tennis Legends; Courtside seats to the Necker Cup Pro Charity Tennis Exhibition; and entry into the Charity Dinner, Auction & “End of the World” Party in the newly rebuilt, Great House

Platinum Packages
Play in the Legends Camp & Enjoy the Necker Cup
Package Price: $40,000 for two people and $25,000 for one person (Limited to 10 guests)

Legends Tennis Camp Package
Led by Murphy Jensen, Wayne Bryan
Location:  Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort, Virgin Gorda, BVI and Necker Island.
Package Price: Starting at $13,000 for two (2) people and $7,645 for one (1) person, all inclusive

 

 

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

I’m still trying to understand how this works.. According to a recent article I came across, Christie’s International Real Estate and its partner Dutch Docklands have taken ‘Private Island Living‘ to the next level.  According to Forbes Magazine,  “Amillarah Private Islands has created unique tailor-made floating residences designed by famed Dutch architect Koen Olthius.”  Not only will these islands be self-sustainable, eco-friendly and free from environmental impact, but you can take it wherever you want to create your own private paradise…  Customize your island and take it to… Miami? Maldives? Dubai? New York?

Even if I could afford it, not sure it would be my cup of tea…I prefer the ‘real thing’,  but no question this ‘over the top experience’ may be just the thing for some who have experienced just about everything…. Click here to read the article

We’re thrilled to offer our Elite subscribers the opportunity to become InList VIP members and have access to the hottest and most exclusive events in 45 cities and jet-set destinations around the world. InList’s cutting-edge technology also includes an in-app concierge with complete, live service only a tap away.

Co-founded by nightlife mogul/developer/philanthropist Michael Capponi and software engineer Gideon Kimbrell, this mobile app’s latest features include “I’m on my way” and “I’m in” buttons, which notify both the venue and personal concierge of the customer’s arrival to ensure seamless assistance until the member is “in”.  So whether it’s Fashion Week in Paris, a movie premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, or a reservation at a local restaurant, InList has your hassle-free access to these highly curated events around the world

See what Fox News 5 says and understand what VIP Access means at www.inlist.com.

 To receive Exclusive VIP Membership, download the app, sign up, and request VIP with our code: AltimaPB

visual

 

Famous for its winter season, Gstaad has been a destination for the who’s who– celebrities, Royals and jet-setters from across the globe since the early 1900’s — some who enjoy the skiing and but most who relish the après-ski scene-   So its only natural that Gstaad would host the Hublot Polo Cup Gstaad, as it is the ‘Sport of Kings’.

The Gstaad Polo Club is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary, from August 13th to August 16th. In addition to Hublot, sponsors include Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza, E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds, McLaren Geneva, Gstaad Palace, Vicomte A., Perrier Jouët champagne and Dunhill to name but a few.

Polo aficionados who appreciate the finest music has to offer, will have the opportunity to enjoy the Menuhin Festival which began July 16th and continues through September 5th.  Even on top of the summits of our mountains, you can hear the gentle sound of the music…

menu00567

menu00567

menu00595

menu00595

Win your way in to the most exclusive and fun golf pro-am in the world — The Necker Open, by participating at the Sea Island Qualifier Tournament August 25- August 28th.  Golfers of all levels will have the opportunity to earn a spot into the exclusive Necker Open Pro Am. Altima has special pricing for up to two players! (Scroll down)

Play with PGA Tour legends including Greg Norman “The Shark’, and if you qualify, you are flown directly to Necker Island, where Sir Richard Branson will  host you during  3 nights. (August 27th to September 1st)  While there you can enjoy all island activities including paddle boarding, kite boarding, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, and the ‘Necker 9″ with Sir Richard Branson, which includes a par three hole-in-one $1,000,000 prize and other fun golf challenges.

Or don’t risk losing and guarantee your spot at The Necker Open. There are only 4 spots left,  and Altima Elite Club members are exclusively invited to save 15%.  (offer is limited and based on first come, first serve).

 

NeckerIsland-a5f18ac0

Sea Island Qualifying Tournament

Standard 2 player package is $9750;  Altima Preferred price:$7313

All-inclusive 1 player package starts at $5,950, Altima preferred price: $4,463

Necker Island Pro-Am

Price per person is $40,000; Altima preferred price: 34,000

(Includes Sea Island experience, transportation to Necker Island and everything the Necker pro-Am, Necker Island and Sir Richard Branson have to offer….

 

Click below to view PDF of both the Sea Island Qualifier Tournament and The Necker Island Pro-Am Participant package

 Necker Open – Sea Island Qualifier Tournament                       

 2015 Necker Open – Pro-Am Participant

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, a stop in Florence, if only to witness the restoration of the Baptistery, is a must.  The Pucci couture sheath, wrapped by the venerable House of Pucci a year ago,  remains a delight for tourists and Florentines alike.

The Pucci family is one of the city’s founding families and its Renaissance-era Palazzo is around the corner from the Baptistery.  Laudomia Pucci has kept her father’s passion alive, spearheading efforts to mark the 60th anniversary of Florence’s Center for Italian Fashion with her father’s original 1957 designs. Pucci used over 20,000 scarves to drape the iconic Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence during its restoration. “Quite amazing to think the foulard Emilio designed in 1957 would be draping the Baptistery over 50 years later!.” A limited edition of the ‘Battistero’ scarf is available at Emilio Pucci’s stores in Florence, Rome and Milan as well as on emiliopucci.com, with proceeds benefiting this iconic monument’s continued refurbishment, scheduled to be completed September 2015.

Emilio Pucci not only dressed The Baptistery in Florence Italy, and designed the limited edition scarf, but then went to the next level– Presenting scarves of the world.. What’s next?

baptistery pictureModella-indossa-camicia-in-seta-stampata-disegno-Battistero-vista-frontale-con-foulard-1957-665x920

Click here to read more and to view the Battistero scarf in full splendor

When visiting my friends in Palm Beach, I learned one thing– The Chesterfield Palm Beach is the ‘locals’ favorite”. Perfectly situated, a block away from Worth Avenue’s famed boutiques and hottest spots to see and be seen, two blocks away from the pristine beaches of Palm Beach, the Chesterfield is also the meeting place for locals and celebrities who appreciate dining al fresco in the Courtyard, and covening at the iconic and vibrant Leopard Lounge for drinks, which usually culminates with dinner …(once I’m there, I don’t want to leave!!)

I understand they now have fabulous summer specials– I also hear from the locals its the best time to go! The snowbirds are gone! Book any of The Chesterfield’s gorgeous Junior or Master Suites for two nights and receive the third night free. Perfect for a long weekend or an extended holiday, this “3 Nights for the Price of 2” package keeps on giving with a maximum of nine nights in total. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is subject to availability and booking terms and conditions.

PB_Rooms

PB_Rooms

Another offer is the “Summer Sizzler” evening, where you can recuperate with a night of unadulterated luxury and enjoy two cocktails in the Leopard Lounge Bar as well as a refreshing continental breakfast the next morning. They also throw in complimentary valet parking and Wi-Fi! One night is all you need to revamp and return to reality. Package is valid between June 1 – September 30, 2015 based on two adults sharing a Superior Queen Room. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Restaurant

Restaurant

For some reason, Florida residents get an even better deal! They don’t have to travel far to enjoy a well-deserved break from the daily hustle-and-bustle. The “Florida Resident Package” is the perfect way to embark on a little getaway and treat yourself to something special. Guests take advantage of a further reduction of the Best Available Rate and also receive a Continental Breakfast for two each morning! Guests must show proof of Florida residency. Standard cancellation applies.

chesterfieldFor details and reservations, please contact The Chesterfield Palm Beach at 1-561-659-5800 or
email bookchpb@rchmail.com. Visit them online at http://www.chesterfieldpb.com

by Madison McCleary

I traveled to Bora Bora with my family and absolutely loved every second of it. We were lucky enough to stay at the Four Seasons Resort  in a bungalow that overlooked the water.  It was probably one of the most memorable experiences ever!!

 I had the opportunity to go cage diving with sharks in Bora Bora which was the thrill of a lifetime. My sister Chesley kept saying cage diving “was so intense yet exciting at the same time!”  Believe me it was more than exciting… Seeking an adrenalin rush, and then much more..

 Known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and amazing Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora may be the best tropical paradise in the world. Many people choose Bora Bora as their dream getaway whether it is for a romantic honeymoon, or simply an outstanding family vacation!

40e5e0_f8826ec04c0c4e1dbbca420c8a547a55.jpg_srb_p_463_382_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb

Outdoor activities are a must when the temperatures rarely fall below 80 degrees. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline (like we did…) or prefer tranquility there is something for everyone. Cage diving with sharks, Parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and boating are just some of the few things that Bora Bora has to offer. 

However it wasn’t just the activities that made this trip amazing for my family. The locals on the island were so welcoming and helpful to all of us which made it that more enjoyable.

Bora Bora is a dream location that has so many things to offer while there. So before planning your next vacation, consider Bora Bora. You will not regret it!!

 For more information about The Four Seasons hotel and other options visithttp://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

or Trip Advisor