Joey Velez, MA, MBA; Wellness Contributor @velezmentalperformance Have you ever been in a semi-conscious state, when suddenly you snap into a fully conscious moment? Or have you ever started to think about your six-page long “to-do” list and asked yourself, “Did I brush my teeth this morning?” even though you completed the task two minutes prior. Thinking about what you must do tomorrow, or all that happened yesterday can make your brainwaves look like a major city freeway during rush hour traffic on a Tuesday evening. Whether planning, organizing, worrying, or reliving past experiences, these are thoughts that can take up valuable real estate in your mind, but what these thoughts are reall

Jyoti Paintel, Spiritual Contributor @jyotipaintel 2020 is starting to be one Hell of year already, and I mean that in an almost a literal sense. It has been difficult to watch footage of the complete annihilation of the Australian landscape—due to the bush fires—and not have a heavy heart. But the inherent goodness and compassion of people still have the power to give others hope. It has been inspiring to see emergency rescue teams and even ordinary civilians risking their lives to save animals. It rouses the heart to see that emergency units are working around the clock in shifts to care for all the injured: humans and animals alike. The Irwins, the surviving family of the much-loved Austr

by Cezar Kusik, Wine Contributor @cezareatsdirt The Rhone Valley wine region of France is roughly divided into the two sub-regions of Northern and Southern, which, considering their geographic positioning, differ dramatically in their climate, topography and geology. Northern Rhone has a continental climate with overall cooler temperatures, more precipitation and less sunshine. The landscape is rugged with steep hills along the banks of the river, and the soil is composed mainly of hardened granite. The Southern Rhone is gentler, and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea influences its mild weather. The land flattens here, and the soil becomes more agriculturally manageable, comprised predomina

Fashion and food are not the most natural fit, but when I see Massimo Bottura sporting a colorful Gucci sweater it all makes perfect sense. The stylish Italian chef was in New York for a brief visit and he couldn’t conceal his excitement for a project in Los Angeles: the new Gucci Osteria which is opening stateside in spring 2020. “It will be a very cool rooftop terrace on Rodeo Drive,” the Michelin three-star chef says. The smart-casual venue will be the second that he and the storied fashion house have opened together. The first  Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence, Italy, opened in 2018 and has been an overwhelming success, earning its first Michelin star earlier this month. Segu

The Golden Globes are the first red carpet event of the award season, so the expectations are high for stars to come out with a bang. Aside from being the first, the red carpet of the Golden Globes is also one of the most glamorous, prestigious and anticipated of all award shows. The looks from this year’s Golden Globes were great…for the most part. We did have some surprises, what with a few stars who we expected to wow us but did the exact opposite. For example, in the case of Jennifer Lopez, who looked like a giant gift wrapped up in a green and gold ribbon, or Charlize Theron in that corseted green dress with a train. Despite those mishaps, let’s turn our attention to the best fashion o

With the help of an extensive panel of industry leaders, we bring you the official countdown of @golfscape’s Top Golf Courses in the World 2020. Join us as we travel through forests, over clifftops, and across the desert to uncover the world’s top golf courses. The golf courses featured in this official ranking offer experiences to remember, from Scotland’s legendary layouts as the birthplace of golf, to the unspoiled spectacular nature of golf courses in South Africa. Bandon Dunes at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort USA Staying true to the spirit of Scotland’s ancient links, Bandon Dunes offers a timeless game in the heart of Oregon’s rugged coast. Pristine native dunes, sparkling ocean views, and

Tucked away in the heart of wine country sits a charming, bucolic paradise, where the number of Michelin stars outnumber the square mileage and the vino flows free: Welcome to Hotel Yountville. Rooms are bright and airy, decorated with natural fibers, shades of cream and camel, and pops of sunset orange, some featuring vaulted ceilings and French doors that open onto a private patio and cool Napa breezes. Suites have white bead-board barn doors, in-room wet bars, and stone fireplaces. Bathrooms are spa-like with white herringbone subway tile showers and deep alcove bathtubs. The town of Yountville, named for the presumed first English-speaking resident and first winemaker of Napa County, Cha

Documented as one of the oldest continuously occupied structures in the United States, The Baker House 1650 and its history make it a truly a movie-worthy estate. Yet the patrons that frequent the establishment don’t come here for the flamboyant glitz of the Hamptons, but for the secluded, casual luxury it provides. Located in East Hampton, just a two-hour drive from New York City, this extensive property was built in 1648 by a sea captain who chose the location for the central access to water and its notable serenity. Founder and owner Antonella Bertello acquired the property almost 16 years ago who, at that time, lovingly coordinated a complete renovation of the Elizabethan-style estate, w

If curling up care-free in front of a roaring fire with a glass of Grand Cru and someone special sounds like the way you’d like to spend Valentine’s weekend, then the Presidential Suite at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago is the answer to all of your heart’s desires. Equally spacious and chic, with attentive yet discreet service, the two-bedroom unit with separate living and dining rooms, as well as a chef’s kitchen and private prep space, the Presidential Suite commands a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s high-rise grid of luxury below. Ask the concierge to book you into the indulgent haven, the Waldorf Astoria Spa, and take a quick trip down the elevator to revel in the award-winning spa experien

Music biggest event of the year has arrived in Hollywood: The 62nd annual Grammy Awards kick off in Los Angeles Sunday night in the wake of Kobe Bryant’s sudden death. Mourners gathered outside of the Staples Center. Tribute was paid to the basketball star from the onset of the evening. The awards ceremony, hosted by Alicia Keys, featured performances from musicians Billie Eilish and Lizzo, two of the Grammy’s most-nominated artists. Stars such as Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, Tyler, the Creator, John Legend, Usher and others joined the leading ladies for the awards show program as well. The ceremony has a history of bold, outré fashions. For fashion-history buffs, it’s hard to believe

All photos by Eva Thompson for Polo Lifestyles St. Moritz, Switzerland – The by-line of St. Moritz is ‘Top of the World’ and sitting in the packed grandstands for the Finals, it did truly feel like there is no place better to be anywhere on the globe. Record crowds descended upon the iconic frozen lake, set in the beautiful, sun-bathed setting of the Engadin Valley, to watch the snow polo giants do battle. The sunshine was super-hot, the champagne ice-chilled, the setting unbeatable and the polo truly world-class. The first match of the day was the La Martina Trophy played between Badrutt’s Palace and Maserati for third and fourth place. Melissa Ganzi made history last year by being crowned