Innehållsförteckning för March 2021 från Naples Illustrated

1 LOOK FORWARD TO ALL THAT’S NEW ON THE SERENGETI SAFARI CIRCUIT. Remarkably, 2020 blessed us with some of the Serengeti’s most stunning accommodations to date. Of note, the much-loved Singita Sabora Tented Camp (singita.com), a crown jewel of Singita Grumeti Reserve in the western Serengeti, re-debuted in November 2020 after a year-long closure, showing off a brand-new facility built from the ground up. Sabora Tented Camp 2.0 is a masterpiece of light-on-Earth, transitional indoor-outdoor space, with profound wellness elements woven into a minimalist, African-indebted aesthetic. Each of the nine canvas-topped tents reveals expansive open floor plans, framed by alternating glass and mesh screens, allowing the sights, sounds, and breezes of the savanna to remain present at all times. Rooms are strewn with custom leather furnishings, from nightstands to folding…

Long before #pandemicpuppy was trending across social media, the Kurtz family of Naples has been a dog-digging bunch. However, these serial builders haven’t succumbed to adding a pandemic puppy to their team of two dogs that includes Bentley, developer Randy Kurtz’s beloved Goldendoodle, and Riley, his daughter Carolyn Gordon’s chocolate lab. “Bentley is 11 or 12 now,” says Elizabeth Kurtz, the youngest of Randy’s two daughters, both of whom work with him at Kurtz Homes and at The Collective. “He is getting up there; his life expectancy is 13 or 14 years. We are hoping that a puppy will bring life to an older dog. That’s why my dad is thinking about reaching out to the breeder we got Bentley from. But then again, it would be quite the feat…

One of the most refined ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to indulge in high tea. While the practice is not just an English institution, the Irish interpretation is remarkably similar: The menu revolves around miniature sandwiches, pastries, and scones with butter and jam. Without traveling to Europe, you can have some delightful tea moments right here in Naples. To partake in a formal and traditional high tea, head for The Ritz-Carlton. Its afternoon tea is available in the lobby lounge from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from November through May. Indulge in savory tea sandwiches as well as a range of desserts including freshly baked scones with fruit preserves and Devonshire cream. (ritzcarlton.com/naples) Brambles English Tea Room is a Naples legacy dating back to 1995,…

Spirits have exploded in quality over the past three or four decades and attained an aura of connoisseurship, something previously reserved for wine. However, despite being affordable and easy to drink, Irish whiskey traditionally lagged far behind, dominated by massmarket brands. The situation is rapidly changing. Irish whiskey is the fastest-growing spirit in the world today, and the best examples are on par with the finest single-malt Scotch, premium tequila, or single-barrel bourbon. New distilleries are launching and releasing exciting expressions that combine extended aging with experimental barrel treatment. Here, we highlight some lesser-known brands worth investigating. Teeling: In 2015, the Teeling family opened the first new Dublin distillery in more than 125 years—very close to where their ancestor, Walter Teeling, established his operation in 1782. Their range begins with…

After months of working from home, you may be feeling more back or neck pain than usual. Maybe it’s because you are working from a stool at the kitchen counter or from the sofa on a coffee table. The culprit might be poor posture, which can trigger neck, back, and even leg pain, says Julie Williams, clinic manager at CORA Physical Therapy in Bonita Springs. Often times, people sit with their head forward and their back rounded, putting strain on their neck and shoulders. When sitting, “our ears should be over our shoulders, our shoulders should be over our hips, and our feet should be on the floor,” she says. To maintain proper posture, Williams suggests sitting by a mirror to keep an eye on your positioning or having an…

If asked to guess what will go down as the greatest economic impact of 2020, the answer should be pretty obvious. “The [COVID-19] pandemic, by historical standards, presented an unprecedented swing in economic activity this past year,” notes Michael Loewy, an associate professor of economics at the University of South Florida. From the extreme setback in the stock market in the second quarter, to the loss of jobs and failure of businesses resulting from the forced shutdown, the world took one economic hit after another. The larger, more difficult question in 2021 is how and when the U.S. and the state will recover from the pandemic-induced recession. However it happens, it won’t be quick, Loewy believes. Although the stock market and housing market held up relatively well in 2020, they…

Following a year’s absence, Andrey Boreyko, music director of the Naples Philharmonic, returns to conduct a concert March 5-6 at Artis—Naples’ Hayes Hall. The program will include Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, and Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, highlighting the talents of Ansel Norris, the philharmonic’s assistant principal trumpet. Ansel became the first American prizewinner in the brass division during the 2019 XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. Boreyko, who is based in Hamburg, Germany, hasn’t been in Naples since last March, when Artis—Naples suspended programming due to the pandemic. Tickets are $59. (artisnaples.org)…

DAVID LAWRENCE CENTERS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WHAT: Sound Minds Mental Health Symposium WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples SUPPORTS: Collier County’s only comprehensive, nonprofit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults, and families DETAILS: Former congressman and mental health advocate Patrick J. Kennedy was the keynote speaker at the signature fundraising event. WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY WHAT: Day of Giving WHERE: Waterside Shops, Naples SUPPORTS: The Women’s Foundation’s initiatives for supporting women and girls in Collier County through grantmaking, advocacy, and education DETAILS: Participants were able to donate kitchen and personal care items from Williams Sonoma and L’Occitane to support recently rehoused and homeless senior women through the Hunger & Homeless Coalition of Collier County.…

Naples author Theresa Hickey published her third poetry collection titled SHY (Finishing Line Press, $15) this winter. Hickey, a member of the Pelican Bay Writer’s Group, noticed that her poems reflected people’s need for quiet time and a calming influence amongst all the uncertainty in the world today. “I called it SHY because I thought that this is something that we think is so unattainable in today’s world as everything is so fast and moving at such a quick pace,” she says. “I think we are always thinking to ourselves, ‘I need that, but I can’t find it.’” Hickey’s two other collections, Raising the Child (2006) and Size of a Gracious Nature (2010), are also about reflecting. “We all want to be our most authentic selves,” she says. “The quiet…

Designers are sometimes like marriage whisperers, asked to produce a finished product to please both clients in a committed couple, even when those individuals have distinctly different preferences. Seasoned designers have been caught in the middle before and can adapt to the challenge of making a particular pair happy. In this project, Carrie Brigham, creative director of Naples-based Carrie Brigham Design, figured out how to beautifully blend a husband’s contemporary leanings with his wife’s more traditional tastes. “This home is light and airy and an example of timeless coastal elements that can keep our clients happy for many years,” Brigham says. Built by Naples contractor BCB Homes, the 3,700-square-foot residence is situated in the gated, dog-friendly Park Shore neighborhood, where stunning sunsets and leafy surrounds are de rigueur. Subtle layers…

Mary Brandt, the owner and operator of The Hotel Escalante, started her professional life in the health care industry in Indiana. The stylish mom of Emry, age 17, and Allie, age 11, discovered the Escalante property while on vacation in 2003. Enchanted by Naples, she started as a seasonal Neapolitan in 2004, then became a full-time resident in 2010. Around 2013, ready to make a bold move, Brandt took the helm as the sole proprietor of the Escalante. Because the boutique hotel is just a few blocks away from her home, she is able to spend lots of time with her girls while giving her guests an amazing experience. “Considering the many places we’ve seen, Escalante serves as a mixture of the charms of France, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, and…

The menu at Lamoraga evokes the cuisine of Spain, particularly with its pinchos, smaller versions of tapas that are traditionally served in the Basque region and popular throughout the country. “Pinchos are the perfect bar food,” says owner Tom Nutten, a former guard for the St. Louis Rams who traded in his Super Bowl ring for a career in hos - pitality. “They’re easy to eat and come in many different shapes and flavors.” To begin a meal, diners may order the assortment pictured here on ciabatta bread: braised short rib with mascarpone, roasted tomato, and mushroom ragout; Serrano ham with grated hard-boiled egg; and melted manchego cheese, tomato puree, and quince paste. “The great thing about pinchos is that they’re perfect to share with good friends,” adds Nutten. (lamoragarestaurant.com)…

Your dog can be more than just a furry friend—he or she can be your better health buddy too. Many studies suggest that caring for or simply being around dogs can reduce loneliness and help you feel more satisfied. Spend time with your canine companion while getting a workout by trying an agility class, where you and your dog work together to complete an obstacle course. “It’s great exercise and mental stimulation,” says Aschley Kezeske, owner and lead trainer of Ruffgers Dog University in Naples. Participants begin by learning the basic obstacles. As you master each one, you’ll put them together and progress to more complex actions. While it does take some physical effort, the obstacles can be adapted, with lower jumps or a shorter course available. Kezeske says a…

Richard Segalman’s ties to Naples date back to the 1950s, when he visited his uncle and aunt at their Third Street South lounge. There, he showed his early charcoal drawings before being formally represented by a downtown gallery. Today Segalman, who has a masterful affinity for capturing the frisson of a stroll along the shore, is represented in 40-plus museums’ permanent collections, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Across his career, the Coney Islander has mastered four mediums—watercolor, monotype, pastel, and oil—notes Kristine Meek of Harmon-Meek Gallery, which has represented the artist since 1981 and hosts an annual solo exhibition of his work. This month’s “Richard Segalman: From Naples to New York” at Harmon-Meek|modern on Twelfth Avenue South runs March…

The Naples Airport Authority and City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department celebrated the grand opening of the new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Station No. 3 in December. The main purpose of the $5.8 million facility, funded by the airport and Florida Department of Transportation, is aircraft firefighting. However, it is also the most weatherprotected building on airport grounds, built to withstand a category 5 hurricane, so it serves as both the fire department and the airport’s emergency operations center. Station 3 was previously located on the north end of the airport. With the new facility now on the southwest end, firefighters do not have to cross any runways to reach calls on and off airport grounds, allowing for a faster response.…

What does the sweet smell of success actually smell like? When it permeates the interior of Mercedes’ stunning new $160,000 flagship SUV—the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic—it’s the flowery, light aroma of white osmanthus blossom, rounded off by a gentle leather note, with a hint of spicy tea. The olfactory-minded team at Mercedes-Benz created this unique fragrance to spritz the cabin of the hedonistic GLS 600. Here is a super-luxe business jet on wheels to challenge the likes of Bentley’s Bentayga, Range Rover’s SV Autobiography, and BMW’s Alpina XB7. And while it was developed from the Alabama-built, full-size Mercedes GLS 4x4 (prices from $76,000) it’s a different animal altogether. Just look at the thing: It has more bling than Liberace at his most flamboyant, Vegas best. It oozes opulence, from its…

John “Hap” Fauth is a familiar face who casually pedals around Port Royal, hits the links at the Hole-in-the-Wall Golf Club, and dines at the Naples Yacht Club. Despite his relaxed demeanor, he’s a razor-sharp powerhouse in the international yacht-racing community. As CEO of the United States’ 2021 America’s Cup challenger syndicate, American Magic, Fauth has been focused the past few years on bringing the Cup back to the U.S. this year, while upping the ante on sailing yacht innovation and design. With four years between each America’s Cup (AC) challenge, Fauth had been absorbed with fundraising for the multimillion-dollar endeavor, including the specifics of the team’s foiling monohull design called the AC75 and the cliffhanging competition at multiple tiers that boils down to mere seconds. “You can race the…

Suman Chaniyil of Le Indya is on a mis - sion to change the perception of Indian food in America. The chef (known to his customers as Sam) hails from Kerala prov - ince on India’s southern coast, which is fa - mous for seafood from the nearby Arabian Sea. The region is also known as the spice capital of the world and is a major exporter of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, as well as coconut milk and oil. Chaniyil im - migrated to the U.S. in 2000 and operates two successful restaurants in Fort Myers. He opened Le Indya in Naples last July. “Spicy doesn’t necessarily mean hot,” he explains. “There are thousands of cook - ing techniques in India, but they all rely on unique blends of…

Get Footloose at The Naples Players’ outdoor performance of the hit musical in Baker Park, March 3-7. Tickets cost $45- $60 and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. (naplesplayers.org) Opera Naples’ inaugural Festival Under the Stars will take place March 10-13 at Baker Park, featuring a concert by tenor Joseph Calleja (March 10), a performance of La Traviata (March 11 and 13), and a symphonic version of West Side Story (March 12). Tickets cost $25-$125 with five levels of seating available. (operanaples.org)…

WOMEN’S REPUBLICAN CLUB OF NAPLES FEDERATED WHAT: Bells of Joy and Courage Christmas Luncheon and Boutique SUPPORTS: Neighborhood Health Clinic WHERE: Naples Grande Beach Resort Visit our website at naplesillustrated.com Naples Illustrated and Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC. retain exclusive rights to all editorial and photographic materials used, which cannot be reproduced in any manner without written consent.…