NEW YORK - Elite Traveler
Transcription
NEW YORK - Elite Traveler
D e s t i n at i o n G u i d e S e r i e s new york Sponsored by: elite guide to new york Highlights of new york 3 only elite The most exclusive VIP experiences, hand-selected by Elite Traveler 4 CONCIERGE recommendations 5 cruise new york harbor New York’s top concierges share their personal suggestions for the perfect day Where to ➤ Stay 8 ➤ Dine 17 ➤ be pampered 22 host a banquet at the new york public library What to do ➤ during the day 24 ➤ during the night 27 ➤ featured events 29 ➤ shopping 31 ➤ marinas 36 ➤ priVATE JET TERMINALS 37 ➤ EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT 39 ➤ USEFUL INFORMATION 39 stay at The London NYC hotel Need to know T R A V E L E R destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 2 take a helicopter tour of the city highlights of New york Don’t miss out on the wealth of attractions, adventures and experiences New York has to offer P acked with connotations of style, glamour and grandeur, iconic images of New York have been scattered across the globe in every form imaginable. Truly the most famous city on the planet, charismatic New York is the cultural heart of the U.S. The city’s many nicknames – among them The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps and Gotham City – reflect a certain affection for the city’s immense character, quirks and fascinating history. This affection is most evident in the friendliness of New Yorkers and their enthusiasm that visitors should enjoy the city as much as they do themselves. Its stylish, often frenetic vibe aside, New York is known for its topography. New York founded the skyscraper in 1870 with the Equitable Life Assurance Building and, ever since, the island of Manhattan has grown skyward, building an impressive list of towering urban beauties. Many of New York’s attractions are fabulously over the top; some are world-renowned institutions, yet others are historic and humbling. New York is a city that really does have it all, especially for the Elite Traveler. central park guggenheim museum CENTRAL PARK You can easily spend a full day taking in the wonders that this 843-acre oasis in the center of Manhattan has to offer. A perfect rectangle, flanked by striking buildings, Central Park is packed with bike and running paths, playing fields, playgrounds and more. It plays host to summer concerts, open-air Shakespeare plays and winter ice skating, not to mention full-time residents like the Central Park Zoo and the Conservatory Garden. Walking is a great way to experience this serene landscape, and there are many walking tours available, or opt for a romantic horse-and-carriage tour. Lunch lakeside at The Loeb Boathouse, featured in many a film. GUGGENHEIM museum One of the most iconic buildings in New York houses an internationally renowned art collection. A visit to the Guggenheim is a unique experience unlike any offered by a conventional art gallery – architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the museum as a journey, with visitors walking up (or down) a gently sloping spiral. The galleries are divided like membranes in citrus fruit, with self-contained yet interdependent sections. Visitors can view pieces by great artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Miró at their own pace or join a tour to learn about museum highlights, special exhibitions or the building itself. Alternatively, book a private viewing before or after museum hours and have this amazing spot entirely to yourself. SHOPPING IN MIDTOWN In the upper reaches of Midtown you’ll find Manhattan shopping at its most glamorous and sophisticated. Fifth and Madison Avenues, along with 57th Street, boast many of the world’s top brands, as well as New York’s own celebrated department stores. Extremely busy on weekends, you’ll encounter both residents and visitors shopping in this area, which brims with high-end designer flagships, as well as fine galleries, museums and restaurants. Musts include Tiffany & Co., Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Porters from the Peninsula Hotel Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 3 Only elite The most exclusive VIP experiences, hand-selected by Elite Traveler crisp farmhouse duck / the four seasons INSIDE THE FOUR SEASONS’ KITCHEN VIP Contact: Regina McMenamin Phone: +1 212 759 9008 Email: [email protected] Address: The Four Seasons restaurant, 99 East 52nd Street Website: www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com The celebrated Four Seasons restaurant opened its doors in January for the most exclusive cookery courses available in New York City. The restaurant’s chefs Pecko Zantilaveevan and Larry Finn will give three-hour classes teaching everything needed to prepare a three-course meal that includes the restaurant’s legendary crisp farmhouse duck (a dish with rave reviews from the New York Times). Guests enjoy the fruits of their labor over lunch and also receive a personalized chef’s jacket with their name in embroidery. manhattan by sail MANHATTAN BY SAIL VIP Contact: Claire Chirouze Ulloa Phone: +1 212 619 0907 Email: [email protected] Website: www.manhattanbysail.com There are numerous ways to see New York City but none more elegant and relaxing than by sail. Manhattan by Sail offers two beautiful and historic schooners, the 158-foot Clipper City and the 82-foot Shearwater, for a cruise tailored entirely to your preferences. Taking in the marvels of Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from the peaceful deck of one of these schooners is a timeless and memorable experience. These yachts’ crews are some of the most knowledgeable on the waters of New York, and though they’ll customize an itinerary according to your requests, with 30 years of experience, they do have several suggestions for a very special experience. SUNSET / CITY LIGHTS SAIL Watch the sun fall behind the Statue of Liberty and dusk creep across Manhattan while you float through New York Harbor. As you dine on deck and the schooner passes peacefully up the darkening Hudson, you can watch Manhattan’s impressive array of lights come into bloom. FALL FOLIAGE SAIL Throughout fall, the banks of the Hudson farther upstream flare into colors of gold, red and yellow as autumn sweeps across the region. Take the Shearwater schooner for a day and witness this stunning natural wonder while exploring the famous river. FOuRTH OF JULY FIREWORKS Last year, six barges anchored in the Hudson River illuminated New York’s West Side with the most impressive of fireworks displays. On the Shearwater, your captain will seek the finest vantage point from which to witness this breathtaking Independence Day celebration. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 4 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS Stephanie Matthei concierge, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Phone: +1 212 744 1600 Email: [email protected] WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT In New York there is almost as much to do during the night as the day. If you are visiting over Christmas, don’t miss Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top Christmas light displays. For music lovers, a quintessential New York experience can be had at The Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar or Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Both offer great jazz and stunning views of Columbus Circle. Another essential New York experience is to watch a Broadway show, see one of the classics, such as Jersey Boys or Chicago. Even if you have seen them before, nothing quite matches the energy or originality of Broadway. BEST RESTAURANTS Gramercy Tavern Cuisine: Contemporary American Address: 42 East 20th Street Best for: Cuisine and ambiance cONCIERGE SERVICES AT THE pENINSULA HOTEL Rick Cook senior concierge, Hôtel Plaza Athénée The River Café Cuisine: American Address: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn Best for: The views of Manhattan Phone: +1 212 606 4611 Email: [email protected] For a morning of shopping, you can do no better than Madison Avenue. So, after a leisurely breakfast in the Plaza Athénée’s Arabelle restaurant, take a hotel car, driver in-tow for the many bags you will end up collecting. Enjoy a light lunch at the wonderful Via Quadronno for a light panini and cappuccino. Then have one of our concierges book a private tour of The Metropolitan Museum, wander between the Egyptian and American wings and the Impressionist and Realist galleries before a glass of wine in the rooftop garden, perhaps one of the city’s most beautiful and secret destinations. By this time, you’ll be ready for a pre-theater dinner at Bar Americain before watching Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch in A Little Night Music on Broadway. Norma’s Cuisine: Real American Breakfasts Address: Le Parker Meridien, 119 West 56th Street Best for: The tastiest breakfast / brunch in town BEST SHOPS Henri Bendel Best: For accessories Bloomingdale’s Best: Department store BEST RESTAURANTS Daniel Cuisine: Contemporary French Address: 60 East 65th Street The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store Best: Museum gift shop Jean Georges Cuisine: French with an Asian flair Address: 1 Central Park West FAO Schwarz Best: Children’s store Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 5 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS Kenneth Abisror chief concierge, Mandarin Oriental Phone: +1 212 805 8800 Although I might be biased, the breakfast and brunch at Asiate, the signature restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental, New York is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. There are no other restaurants in New York City that have such spectacular view of Central Park and the New York skyline. KENNETH ABISROR Following breakfast, a private tour of New York can be both inspiring and amazing. A personal guide and historian can bring to life the experience immigrants had upon arriving in New York, taking in the Jewish, Italian, Russian or Irish experience of the Lower East Side, including the rich culinary history of these groups. Or, if your interest is more inclined toward the celebrity scene, lunch at Balthazar, Cipriani Downtown, Nello, ABC Kitchen or one of the many others frequented by foodies and celebrities. To conclude the afternoon, take care of some essential and non-essential shopping in the districts of Nolita and the Meatpacking District before you prepare for the evening. BEST RESTAURANTS Le Bernardin Cuisine: Seafood, French Address: 155 West 51st Street Rouge Tomate Cuisine: Modern American Address: 10 East 60th Street Recette Cuisine: Urban Contemporary Address: 320 West 12th Street, 10014 BEST SHOPPING AREA Nolita A very trendy weekend destination, with many cutting-edge fashion boutiques. Dinner can be your entertainment for the night in any one of Manhattan’s elaborate restaurants. Alternatively, if you want to experience the New York jazz scene, head for Jazz at Lincoln Center, or step back in time to the gritty jazz scene of the Village Vanguard. Of course, there is always a choice of musical and drama performances on Broadway. End the night with a nightcap at Brandy Library or The Campbell Apartment. Josephine Danielson BEST RESTAURANTS L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Cuisine: French with international influences Address: Four Seasons Hotel New York, 57 East 57th Street chief concierge, Four Seasons Hotel Phone: +1 212 758 5700 Email: [email protected] Winter day itinerary: Begin the day with breakfast beside the ten-foot fireplace in the TY lounge at the Four Seasons, before having one of our chauffeur-driven cars take you to the Neue Galerie and then to The Morgan Library. Lunch should involve something typically American at the ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th Street). For some retail therapy, head to SoHo, Nolita and the Meatpacking District. Stores not to miss here include Armani Casa in SoHo, Barker Black in Nolita and Helmut Lang and Jeffrey in the Meatpacking District. Finally it’s time to relax, so take a cab back to the hotel for a drink in The Garden wine bar followed by dinner at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Per Se Cuisine: New American / French Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor BEST SHOPS Bergdorf Goodman This famous Fifth Avenue department store symbolizes the very height of Manhattan’s elegance and luxury. Barneys New York Although famous for its luxury brands, Barneys is also well worth visiting for fashionable home furnishings. JOSEPHINE DANIELSON Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com tIMES SQUARE 6 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS John Mark Hopkins chef concierge, The Lowell Phone: +1 212 838 1400 Email: [email protected] Breakfast or brunch at The Breslin is a fantastic start to the day. This can be followed by a slow walk on the High Line, a former raised railroad elevated above the Meatpacking District, now an ‘aerial greenway’ and New York’s most amazing new attraction. Come back down to earth with an amazing lunch at the Socarrat Paella Bar (second best paella I’ve ever had; topped only by the one made by my friend Diego in Barcelona). New Yorkers love their shopping and one of the finest destinations is Madison Avenue. If shopping does not appeal to you and art does, then visit The Frick Collection, originally a private art collection in a Fifth Avenue mansion, now a wonderfully intimate museum. A visit to the Equinox spa and fitness club is a good way to work off some calories from lunch, or go for a massage and manicure if you’d prefer. A stunning destination for an aperitif or cocktail Jared Gullekson chief concierge, The London NYC Phone: +1 212 468 8856 Clinton Street Baking Company is a great place for a proper American breakfast before setting off to explore the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Have lunch, or brunch if you are early, at Prune, a classic Manhattan eatery, and then walk this off by exploring New York’s latest attraction, the High Line. Walk down this former raised railroad, now landscaped garden, until you get to the heart of the Meatpacking District and then hit the shops! I recommend Jeffrey, James Perse, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg. If you are sporty, build up an appetite for dinner by playing ping-pong while drinking cocktails at Susan Sarandon’s night club / table-tennis hall SPiN. can be found at Robert, on the ninth floor of the Museum of Arts and Design overlooking Central Park. Manhattan has some of the finest culinary destinations in the world, so make sure you’ve booked a table at one of the three-Michelin-Star restaurants and sample their tasting menu. For something slightly different, during the summer months we can arrange a picnic in Central Park complete with restaurant staff to wait on guests. Finally, I recommend a late-night ride on the Staten Island Ferry as the view is spectacular and you’ll be riding with real New Yorkers. John Mark Hopkins Enjoy some wonderful pre-dinner cocktails at the retro speakeasy Raines Law Room before heading over to the West Village for a fresh, contemporary American dinner at Mas (farmhouse). A short walk away is the Comedy Cellar, New York’s best venue for live stand-up comedy. Alternatively, witness some of New York’s finest Jazz at Smalls Jazz Club, where there are often late night all-star jam sessions. BEST RESTAURANTS Gordon Ramsay at The London Cuisine: French-inspired Address: 151 West 54th Street Blue Hill Cuisine: Seasonal American Address 75 Washington Place Dell’anima Cuisine: Seasonal Italian Address: 38 8th Avenue Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 7 BEST RESTAURANTS Daniel Cuisine: Contemporary French Address: 60 East 65th Street Eleven Madison Park Cuisine: Contemporary French Address: 11 Madison Avenue BEST SHOPPING Barneys New York (Taylor Piedra is the manager of concierge services there, and he can help with anything.) Where to stay Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare — choose from our stunning selection INN NEW YORK CITY VIP contact: Elyn Mensch Phone: +1 212 580 1900 Email: [email protected] Address: 266 West 71 Street, NYC, NY 10023 Website: innnewyorkcity.com A restored 19th century townhouse on the upper west side, Inn New York City, a luxury townhouse hotel, provides the ultimate in romance and exclusivity combining the rich ambiance of the old world with the advanced technology of the new. Located on a quiet, tree-lined block, the Inn is within walking distance of Lincoln Center and Central Park. Behind a discreet façade are four sumptuous, spacious suites, each a masterpiece of architectural artistry. Highlighted are such distinct appointments as Jacuzzis, working fireplaces, sauna, baby grand piano and outdoor terrace. Complimentary breakfast items, snacks, fruits and beverages are left daily. Beyond providing the most gracious services of a luxury hotel, our staff offers our guests a judicious blend of presence and privacy. TOP SUITE The Spa Suite Square footage: 800 Nightly rate: $725 Why we love it: The entire floor is your own personal spa, featuring Jacuzzi-for-two facing a dramatic fireplace, sauna and glass-block enclosed rain-shower. A king-sized bed on a raised oak platform in your bedroom and a fully equipped galley kitchen with intimate dining area complete this sophisticated, romantic suite. The Ritz-Carlton new york, Central Park the ROYAL SUITE Attention has been given to every aspect of luxury throughout The RitzCarlton, from the meticulously sourced ingredients at the BLT Market restaurant to La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering exclusive treatments from the eponymous Swiss skin care line. THE RITZ-CARLTON NEW YORK, CENTRAL PARK VIP Contact: Scott Geraghty, General Manager Phone: +1 212 308 9100 Email: [email protected] Address: 50 Central Park South Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/newyork Overlooking 843 acres of its namesake park, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park holds one of the most prestigious addresses in Manhattan, being only moments away from the famed Fifth Avenue shopping thoroughfare, The Museum of Modern Art and Lincoln Center. Inside, you’ll find Old World wood-paneled walls showcasing modern art from the hotel’s million-dollar collection. TOP SUITE The Royal Suite Square footage: 1,530 Nightly rate: $15,000 Why we love it: There’s plenty to please the aesthete in this suite, including sweeping views of Central Park, original artwork from the hotel’s milliondollar collection and stunning floral arrangements by in-house celebrity florist Jane Packer. A haven for many celebrities staying in Manhattan, the suite is likely to attract even more following its recent refurbishment. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 8 Where to stay TY Warner Penthouse suite FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW YORK VIP Contact: Christoph Schmidinger, General Manager Phone: +1 212 758 5700 Email: [email protected] Address: 57 East 57th Street Website: www.fourseasons.com/newyork One of Manhattan’s tallest hotels offers guests much more than panoramic views – here you’ll find a friendly and knowledgeable concierge service, The Garden restaurant surrounded by acacia trees and the renowned L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, boasting an open kitchen and a Michelin star. Rising above Park and Madison Avenues, the Four Seasons is exceptionally well located for shopping and business in midtown Manhattan. Attention to detail can be found throughout and every comfort is catered to, right down to the bathtubs that fill in 60 seconds. TY Warner Penthouse bathroom TOP SUITE TY Warner Penthouse dining area Ty Warner Penthouse Square footage: 4,300 Nightly rate: $35,000 Why we love it: Touting a renovation price tag of more than $50 million, this beautiful expanse offers nine rooms, a 360-degree panorama of the city below and four French doors revealing a view of Central Park that is almost surreal in its perfection. As impressive as the décor are the personal butler, personal therapist and personal chauffeur for unlimited travel in a Rolls-Royce Phantom or Mercedes Maybach, depending on your preference. Every element of this I.M. Pei and Peter Marino-designed space is breathtaking and constitutes a catalog of the world’s most exceptional materials. T R A V E L E R destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 9 Where to stay mandarin oriental, new york Asiate the presidential suite bathroom MANDARIN ORIENTAL, NEW YORK TOP SUITE VIP Contact: Robert Lowe, Hotel Manager Phone: +1 212 805 8803 Email: [email protected] Address: 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork This hotel strives to redefine luxury in every way, whether through its five-star VIP Spa Suite, the exclusive ‘Pampered By Appointment’ concierge service or the breathtaking views of Central Park and the Hudson River. These vistas provide a truly breathtaking backdrop to the hotel’s suites and signature restaurant Asiate. Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, the Mandarin Oriental is in the same complex as Jazz at Lincoln Center and top restaurants Per Se and Masa, leaving guests just moments away from some of the best entertainment and dining in New York. The Presidential Suite Square footage: 2,640 Nightly rate: $15,000 Why we love it: While providing astonishing panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, this suite is also the perfect retreat from the city, featuring two bedrooms, a living and dining area, gourmet kitchen and a separate wood-paneled study. The sublime marble bathtub overlooking the city is a decidedly rarefied vantage point from which to take in New York. No expense was spared in furnishing this quintessential urban retreat: The master bedroom comes complete with silk-lined walls and luxurious bed linens by Fili D’oro, and you’ll find handcrafted Oriental rugs throughout as well as $100,000 of Bang & Olufsen entertainment technology. elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com Sponsored by: 10 Where to stay THE CARLYLE, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL The Carlyle, a rosewood hotel VIP Contact: Erich Steinbock, Managing Director Phone: +1 212 744 1600 Email: [email protected] Address: 35 East 76th Street Website: www.thecarlyle.com A fixture on Manhattan’s elegant Madison Avenue, this classic hotel has earned its status as a New York landmark. Showcasing beautiful art and refined décor and positioned a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s finest galleries, The Carlyle is a sanctuary for sophisticated travelers seeking a ‘home away from home’. Every American president since Truman has visited The Carlyle, and many of Europe’s royals have stayed here as well, including the Prince of Wales and the Kings and Queens of Denmark, Greece, Spain and Sweden. TOP SUITE Empire Suite Square footage: 2,600 Nightly rate: $15,000 Why we love it: More an exclusive residential apartment than a hotel suite, this duplex’s hallmark is its private art collection curated by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The spacious suite features three bedrooms, a living room, an office with an Apple computer and four and a half baths. Floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park, as well as the chic Art Deco design by Thierry Despont, will make you swoon. Complimentary services include a bottle of Dom Perignon, Cristal or Krug champagne. Empire Suite Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 11 Where to stay THE LONDON NYC The stylish London Sky Suites are generously proportioned onebedroom suites occupying the hotel’s top two floors and featuring luxurious dressing areas and bathrooms complete with heated flooring, a soaking tub and separate, oversized double rain showerheads. VIP Contact: Dominique Piquernal, Managing Director Phone: +1 212 468 8856 Email: [email protected] Location: 151 West 54th Street Website: www.thelondonnyc.com TOP SUITE The London Penthouse Square footage: 2,500 Nightly rate: $3,999 Why we love it: The London Penthouse, the pinnacle of luxury, is a glamorous 2,500-square-foot duplex towering 53 floors above Manhattan. This one-of-a-kind suite offers unobstructed views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, along with sumptuously comfortable furnishings, a gas fireplace and two chic bedrooms with oversized luxe bathrooms, each offering a soaking tub, separate oversized shower and heated flooring. The London NYC offers an unparalleled luxury experience complemented by some of the most spacious accommodations in midtown Manhattan. The culinary team of Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay oversees all dining, from restaurant to room. From the twoMichelin-star fine dining experience, Gordon Ramsay at The London, to the casual yet sophisticated MAZE by Gordon Ramsay, guests have access to superb culinary options at the hotel. For a superlative urban getaway, The London NYC offers a selection of sprawling luxury suites. Whether you’re entertaining a group of friends or seeking solitude on a grand scale, the exquisitely detailed Luxury Suite Collection surrounds you with discreet service and stunning décor. Designed by innovator David Collins, the living spaces are a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The London Sky Apartments offer guests 1,800 square feet of unique residential ambiance, making them a perfect Manhattan escape. Just past the entry foyer guests encounter a gracious living / media room, thoughtfully appointed study, modern dining area and an extensive wet bar complete with Sub-Zero fridge. Views abound, complementing the sprawling bedroom and luxury bath environment, which is adorned with hand-cut mosaic tiles. Situated beneath an expansive glass atrium ceiling, the unique Atrium Suite impresses even the most discerning travelers. This one-bedroom masterpiece, with its sweeping panoramas, surrounds guests with all the stars the eye can see, plus 1,400 feet of space, a comfortable living room and an extensive wet bar. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 12 Where to stay TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER® Phone: +1 888 448 7867 Email: [email protected] Address: One Central Park West, New York, NY 10023 Website: www.trumpnewyorkhotel.com Trump International Hotel & Tower®, the only Forbes Five-Star & AAA Five-Diamond hotel with a Five-Star & Five-Diamond restaurant in New York, is an icon delivering the highest level of service, style and exclusivity. The impressive 52-story glass tower is located at the juncture of Central Park, Columbus Circle and Broadway. Inside the hotel, guests enjoy a higher level of luxury with unrivaled hospitality and detail oriented amenities. Trump New York is home to 176 newly renovated guest rooms and suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing unparalleled views of Central Park and the city. Jean-Georges Vongerichten sets the highest standards of quality and service along with extraordinary fare in this Five Star restaurant. In September 2010, Trump New York underwent a spectacular multimillion dollar renovation featuring a dramatic color palette conveying sophistication and style for the ultimate urban experience. Guests will enjoy seating in plush, high-contrast upholstered velvets, and silky fabrics will be paired with rich rosewood, mahogany, maple and walnut finishes. The added glamour continues with handcrafted Schonbek crystal chandeliers lending romantic allure to every guest room and suite. Burnished gold leaf, bronze, mirror and glass will add elegant touches, along with sumptuous velvet draperies and opulent silk accent walls making Trump International Hotel & Tower the epitome of luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Offering 6,000 square feet of calm and serenity, Trump Spa professionals specialize in a unique selection of facials, massages and treatments inspired by wellness techniques and rituals from around the world. The spa also offers an extensive health club, heated indoor pool, steam baths, saunas, yoga instruction and personal training with individually designed exercise programs. Trump International Hotel & Tower delivers sophistication without pretension, attention without intrusion, and service without boundaries. In Manhattan, at the crossroads of commerce, culture and entertainment, the Trump International Hotel & Tower New York is aptly positioned to grant any request you may have. The signature hotel concierge services and amenities provide a customized experience for each and every guest. Dining in three Michelin-starred Jean Georges offers the finest contemporary international cuisine in Manhattan. The famed chef, Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 13 Where to stay THE PLAZA VIP Contact: Shane Krige, General Manager Phone: +1 212 546 5203 Email: [email protected] Address: 5th Avenue at Central Park South Website: www.theplaza.com The only New York City hotel to be designated a National Historic Landmark, The Plaza is an iconic destination that boasts the largest guest room square footage in New York. Within the grand façade guests can choose from an array of culinary delights including The Palm Court, The Champagne Bar, The Oak Room and The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English. Adding to the hotel’s charm is Eloise at The Plaza, a shop dedicated to the hotel’s most famous six-year-old resident, and the Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa, featuring a wine lounge unique to The Plaza. TOP SUITE Royal Plaza Suite Square footage: 4,490 Nightly rate: From $20,000 Why we love it: An archetypal palatial accommodation, this three-bedroom suite is packed with an array of social and private rooms, each teeming with rich furnishings and fabrics that showcase a revolving art exhibition in partnership with Christie’s. The suite is fully equipped for entertaining with its own butler’s pantry, state-of-the-art kitchen and the option to retain the services of a personal chef throughout your stay. For guests’ privacy, the suite has its own elevator and in-suite gym. ROYAL PLAZA SUITE FOYER, THE PLAZA Presidential Suite THE ST. REGIS NEW YORK TOP SUITE VIP Contact: Paul Nash, General Manager Phone: +1 212 753 4500 Email: [email protected] Address: 2 East 55th Street at 5th Avenue Website: www.stregis.com/newyork The flagship property of this prestigious brand, The St. Regis New York reigns supreme in the heart of Manhattan. Impeccable butler service, luxurious amenities and sensational dining options await you in one of the city’s most historic buildings. Presidential Suite Square footage: 2,970 to 3,400 Nightly rate: $18,000 Why we love it: The height of elegance, this three-bedroom suite has previously accommodated celebrity guests such as Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. The marble foyer leads to a dining room that seats eight, as well as a beautiful walnutpaneled library. The oak floors and period furniture lend this suite the aura of a country home rather than that of a city residence, but breathtaking views of Fifth Avenue confirm that you’re in one of the most prestigious locations in Manhattan. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 14 Where to stay THE LOWELL PENTHOUSE SUITE, HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE VIP Contact: Rebecca Soloff - Director of Sales and Marketing Phone: +1 212 605 6819 Email: [email protected] Address: 28 East 63rd Street, 10065 Website: www.lowellhotel.com Located on a beautiful tree-lined street on the Upper East Side, just steps from the shopping and dining haven of Madison Avenue, Museum Mile and Central Park, The Lowell offers an oasis of calm in an otherwise frenetic city, combining stylish interiors and exceptional service with a host of comforting amenities, for a true home-from-home experience. The only hotel in Manhattan to offer wood-burning fireplaces, each of the 23 bedrooms and 49 suites provides gourmet kitchens, crisp Frette linen and marble bathrooms for the ultimate city sanctuary. TOP SUITE THE LOWELL PENTHOUSE SUITE Square footage: 2,200 Nightly rate: $525-$9,350 Why we love it: Located on the 17th floor, the luxurious three-bedroom suite looks posh and classic, yet feels relaxed and homey — perfectly old New York. There are four private terraces, a wood-burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen and a dining conservatory that’s wonderful for entertaining against a beautiful city backdrop. Standout service is The Lowell’s bellman, who will light guests’ fireplace during their stay offering a selection of different scents, from cedar wood and eucalyptus to lavender and rosemary. While the room features an iPod docking station, the hotel will also provide an iPod fully loaded with music at a guest’s request. HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE VIP Contact: Bernard Lackner, General Manager Phone: +1 212 734 9100 Email: [email protected] Address: 37 East 64th Street at Madison Avenue Website: www.plaza-athenee.com Following a multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2010, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has restyled itself as a luxury boutique hotel offering the intimacy and charm expected of smaller European properties. The concierge service reflects this, catering to guests’ every need, even arranging picnics in Central Park. Located on the Upper East Side, one block away from Central Park, this hotel is ideal for exploring some of New York’s greatest attractions, yet surrounded by refined townhouses on a tree-lined residential street, it retains a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. TOP SUITE Penthouse Suite Square footage: 2,453 Nightly rate: $9,550 Why we love it: Hosting past guests such as Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis and Paul McCartney, this newly renovated duplex suite is sure to draw a new crop of celebrities. In its larger configuration, the suite boasts two bedrooms, three marble bathrooms and a living room on the 16th and 17th floors of the hotel. There’s also a glassenclosed atrium terrace and an outdoor balcony that wraps around half the length of the hotel. THE LOWELL PENTHOUSE SUITE Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 15 Where to stay The Setai Fifth Avenue The Peninsula new york THE PENINSULA NEW YORK THE SETAI FIFTH AVENUE VIP Contact: Robert Rechtermann, General Manager Phone: +1 212 956 2888 Email: [email protected] Address: 750 5th Avenue at 55th Street Website: www.peninsula.com/newyork Right on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, this century-old grand landmark building can’t be missed. Inside, you’ll encounter nothing but luxury and sophistication throughout the hotel – staff at The Peninsula famously cater to guests’ every need, from dog walking to gift buying. Salon de Ning, the hotel’s rooftop bar, is one of the finest of its kind in Manhattan with a backdrop of famous Fifth Avenue. VIP Contact: Anne Maurice Phone: +1 212 613 8733 Email: [email protected] Address: 400 5th Avenue Website: www.setaififthavenue.com This brand-new addition to Manhattan challenges its rival five-star hotels in terms of luxury, style and service. Opened on November 1, 2010 in a skyscraper to rival others in New York City’s skyline, The Setai boasts some of the most spacious rooms in Manhattan. Its restaurants, bars and spa are so new that they are still being explored by New York’s finest. TOP SUITE TOP SUITE The Peninsula Suite Square footage: 3,300 Nightly rate: $16,000 Why we love it: Located on the 19th floor overlooking Fifth Avenue and 54th Street, this two-bedroom suite feels like the ultimate Manhattan penthouse apartment — replete with Jacuzzi, grand piano and a tenseat dining room table. The suite is packed with luxurious amenities, including Fili D’oro linens, Davi bath amenities and a Bose sound system. Of course, the hotel’s famed porters are always on hand to assist guests with every request. Penthouse Apartments Square footage: 1,900 Nightly rate: $15,000 Why we love it: The two-bedroom Penthouse Apartments can be reserved individually or combined to create a massive living space with four bedrooms. Outfitted with custom-designed furniture and meticulously chosen fixtures and amenities, the suites boast Duxiana beds, Pratesi linens and Grohe bath fixtures. Guests enjoy access to a personal assistant well versed in navigating the city. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 16 In association with: Where to Dine N ew York boasts some of the finest dining establishments in the world. Since the publication of the first Michelin Guide for New York City in 2006, five restaurants have claimed the guide’s highest culinary rating of three stars. Here, we’ve carefully compiled a selection of 13 restaurants offering a sumptuous variety of worldly cuisine from Modern American to Japanese. Each restaurant featured is a destination not only for exemplary eats, but also for stunning décor and unforgettable experiences. Furthermore, we’ve included two elite venues for those seeking a lavish private dining spot or a location to host a larger party or event. gordon ramsay at the london FOOD LOVERS PICHOLINE VIP Contact: Charles Updegraph, General Manager Phone: +1 212 724 8585 Address: 35 West 64th Street Website: www.picholinenyc.com Cuisine: French-Mediterranean Chef and owner Terrance Brennan weaves only the highest quality seasonal ingredients into masterful dishes that showcase the flavors of France, Spain and Italy, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars for four consecutive years. Celebrated signature dishes include diver sea scallops with cauliflower silk and chicken Kiev with chanterelles and liquid foie gras. Desserts are equally well conceived, and the cheese cart displays more than 60 of the world’s finest artisanal cheeses. For private dining, choose between L’Olivier and the Wine Room. picholine FOOD LOVERS GORDON RAMSAY AT THE LONDON VIP Contact: Christopher Nez, General Manager Phone: +1 212 468 8888 Address: 151 West 54th Street Website: www.thelondonnyc.com Cuisine: French-inspired Gordon Ramsay at The London, the luxurious fine dining experience set within The London NYC hotel, artfully serves French-inspired cuisine with impeccable sophistication. The eatery’s light and airy, elegant interiors were custom designed by innovator David Collins, who intuitively united classic British style with Manhattan’s enduring vivacity. With only 40 seats, you’ll find the perfect ambiance for any special moment or intimate occasion. Guests savor the culinary talent of chef de cuisine Markus Glocker, whose refined creations are complemented by an unprecedented wine list. Exquisite meals, based upon Ramsay’s signature London restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, are accompanied by decadent desserts and a tempting bonbon trolley. Those seeking the ultimate experience at this award-winning restaurant (it consistently earns two stars from the prestigious Michelin Guide) should book the exclusive Chef’s Table, which gives eight diners access to the inner sanctum of a bustling multi-million-dollar kitchen, alongside a nine-course tasting menu with expert wine pairings. destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 17 Where to Dine Daniel Nova Scotia Lobster with Garden Peas / eleven madison park FOOD LOVERS SPECTACULAR LOCATION ELEVEN MADISON PARK VIP Contact: William Guidara, General Manager Phone: +1 212 889 0905 Email: [email protected] Address: 11 Madison Avenue Website: www.elevenmadisonpark.com Cuisine: Contemporary French Eleven Madison Park, embodying urbane sophistication, serves modern French cuisine borne of Swiss chef Daniel Humm’s obsession with simplicity and seasonal flavors, a passion that has recently earned Eleven Madison Park a Michelin star. The restaurant’s dramatically high ceilings and magnificent Art Deco dining room offer lush views of historic Madison Square Park. In addition to the main dining room, guests can also enjoy beverages from an inspired cocktail menu in the restaurant’s bar area. DANIEL VIP Contact: Pierre Siue, General Manager Phone: +1 212 288 0033 Address: 60 East 65th Street, Upper East Side, 10065 Website: www.danielnyc.com Cuisine: Contemporary French cuisine Style / ambiance: Continually being praised by critics, Daniel has become a standard-bearer for quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service. Chef Daniel Boulud leads more than 30 meticulously-trained cooks to prepare beautifully-served seasonal cuisine. In 2010 Daniel was awarded the threestar Michelin award shared by only five other Manhattan restaurants. Daniel offers a variety of experiences from the tasting menu in the grand dining room, delectable cocktails in the intimate bar as well as made-to-measure events in the private dining room. tuna poke / rouge tomate le bernardin Stylish Stylish ROUGE TOMATE VIP Contact: Peter Esmond, Director of Operations Phone: +1 646 237 8977 Email: [email protected] Address: 10 East 60th Street Website: www.rougetomatenyc.com Cuisine: Modern American Rouge Tomate is a perfect spot for after-business cocktails, romantic dinners or a late-night rendezvous. Rich, natural wood frames a sleek and seductive upstairs bar, which offers delicious signature drinks made with freshly squeezed fruit juices. Executive chef Jeremy Bearman’s seasonal Modern American cuisine makes extensive use of locally sourced ingredients and features tempting entrées such as grass-fed New York strip steak, black winter truffle risotto and Nantucket Bay scallops. The restaurant recently received its first star from the Michelin Guide, placing it in the ranks of the world’s most elite eateries. LE BERNARDIN VIP Contact: David Mancini, General Manager Phone: +1 212 554 1515 Address: 155 West 51st Street Website: www.le-bernardin.com Cuisine: Seafood, French Ever since the Michelin Guide started sending undercover reporters to New York, Le Bernardin has scored the top, triple-star rating. Chef Eric Ripert is a master of innovative seafood cuisine, creating fresh dishes subtle in the flavors of Europe and East Asia. Both lunch and dinner are immaculately presented, and the seven-course tasting menu is outstanding. Head sommelier Aldo Sohm, named Best Sommelier in Austria four times since 2002 and Best Sommelier in the World in 2008, makes expert pairings from Le Bernardin’s wine cellar. Art aficionados will love the décor, as the quality of the art pieces lining the walls gives the experience of dining in an art gallery rather than in a restaurant. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | NEW YORK www.elitetraveler.com 18 Where to Dine ‘21’ club BREATHTAKING DÉCOR ‘21’ CLUB VIP Contact: Bryan McGuire, General Manager Phone: +1 212 582 7200 Address: 21 West 52nd Street Website: www.21club.com Cuisine: American ‘21’ Club serves up a unique blend of classic and contemporary American cuisine, with chef John Greeley’s menus highlighting locally sourced produce and ingredients. The legendary Bar Room is world-renowned for its “toy” collection of colorful sports memorabilia and corporate logo items, gifted to the restaurant over the years. ‘21’ Club also houses ten beautifully appointed, private banquet rooms, for parties of ten to 200 and up to 400 for a reception. The legendary Prohibition-era Wine Cellar, lined with celebrity bottles and hidden behind a heavy stone trapdoor, is at the heart of private dining at the ‘21’ Club and offers a truly special, secluded experience. ‘21’ Club has played host to many notables, from U.S. Presidents to Frank Sinatra to George Clooney, and it’s been featured in more New York films than any other restaurant. BREATHTAKING DÉCOR GILT VIP Contact: Robert Honeycuit, General Manager Phone: +1 212 891 8100 Address: 455 Madison Avenue Website: www.giltnewyork.com Cuisine: Modern American Gilt welcomes guests with strikingly beautiful interiors. Old World paneled walls contrast with a contemporary honeycomb sculpture at the bar, and the dining room, a refined banquet hall, is illuminated with sunset pinks and oranges. With this extraordinary décor and chef Justin Bogle’s modern flair, it’s no wonder Gilt has made its name as a fashionable hotspot. For the third consecutive year, Gilt touts two stars from New York’s Michelin Guide. MUST DO the lion THE LION VIP Contact: Christopher Dorsey, General Manager Phone: +1 212 353 8400 Address: 62 West 9th Street Website: www.thelionnyc.com Cuisine: American Housed in a charming New York townhouse, The Lion’s design reflects the exterior’s Old World feel: A grand dining room, highlighted by a gorgeous fireplace and an eclectic mix of captivating artwork, soars to high ceilings. Relatively new on the New York fine dining circuit, The Lion is already regarded as a huge success, attracting hosts of glitterati to sample executive chef and proprietor John DeLucie’s modern take on traditional flavors. MUST DO MASA VIP Contact: Lena Aviles, General Manager Phone: +1 212 823 9800 Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor Website: www.masanyc.com Cuisine: Japanese Don’t expect to order from a menu at Masa: Chef Masa Takayama creates dishes and serves guests as he pleases, using a wide array of exquisite and exotic ingredients, often flown in from Japan. The three-Michelinstar chef does consider your personal tastes, however, waiting for your response to a first taste of his sushi (the most expensive in the world according to Forbes) before tailoring the rest of your omakase meal. There’s only one seating a meal at 26-seat Masa, and your culinary experience could last up to three hours. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | NEW YORK www.elitetraveler.com 19 Where to Dine ROMANTIC corton CORTON VIP Contact: Avi Bromberg Phone: +1 212 219 2777 Email: [email protected] Address: 239 West Broadway Website: www.cortonnyc.com Cuisine: Modern French Chef Paul Liebrandt employs a contemporary approach to traditional French cuisine, turning out clean, precise and intense flavors that have won Corton two Michelin stars, as well as three stars from the New York Times. Located in the heart of Tribeca, Corton’s intimate, 65-seat dining room invites with vine and leaf embossed walls, vaulted ceilings and neutral tones that exude serenity. Named after a region in Burgundy, the restaurant naturally features wines hailing from Corton. per se jean georges ROMANTIC ROMANTIC JEAN GEORGES VIP Contact: Philippe Vongerichten, General Manager Phone: +1 212 299 3900 Email: [email protected] Address: 1 Central Park West Website: www.jean-georges.com Cuisine: French with an Asian flair This quiet, romantic restaurant is loaded with awards: three Michelin stars, four New York Times stars, five diamonds from AAA and a coveted spot on the list of Les Grandes Tables du Monde. To rival these accolades are the spectacular views of Columbus Circle through huge windows. Private dining as well as buyouts of the main dining room are available for a more exclusive experience of this world-renowned restaurant. PER SE VIP Contact: Anthony Rudolf, General Manager Phone: +1 212 823 9335 Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor Website: www.perseny.com Cuisine: French, New American Awarded three Michelin stars annually since 2006, this is one of the city’s finest dining venues. The cuisine, presentation, mood and surroundings all reflect chef Thomas Keller’s perfectionist vision. With striking views of Columbus Circle and its own fireplace and garden, the restaurant is a rare blend of open space and intimacy, offering discreet and understated luxury. Book a table in the 64-seat dining room or one of the two private dining rooms. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | NEw YORK www.elitetraveler.com 20 Where to Dine private dining 620 loft & garden 620 LOFT & GARDEN VIP Contact: Kate Chinn, Marketing Manager Phone: +1 212 593 9499 Email: [email protected] Address: 620 5th Avenue Website: www.620loftandgarden.com Sporting what is undoubtedly the finest rooftop garden in Manhattan, 620 Loft & Garden offers unique views of iconic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the soaring tower at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The garden itself is a refined oasis within one of New York’s busiest districts: Box hedges are manicured around a reflective pool and fountain beautifully illuminated for the perfect summer event. During the Christmas season, the garden overlooks the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice skating rink. The Loft, in contrast, exemplifies modern elegance. Overlooking the Prometheus Statue, Channel Gardens and Radio City Music Hall’s marquee, it can accommodate 120 people for a seated meal. This sleek space is a blank canvas to be used however you wish, whether for a very private and exclusive dinner with dancing or a cocktail reception for 150 people. new york public library private dining NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY VIP Contact: Lis Pearson, Manager Phone: +1 212 930 0730 Email: [email protected] Address: 5th Avenue, between 40th and 42nd Streets Website: www.nypl.org For an evening perfectly tailored to suit your tastes, host an event in one of the world’s greatest libraries, housed in one of New York’s most iconic classical buildings in the very heart of Midtown. The New York Public Library offers seven private event spaces, most radiating spectacular Old World grandeur. The Celeste Bartos Forum, a vast hall with a 30-foot-high glass-saucer-dome ceiling, is perhaps the most striking. The Trustees Room, in contrast, is a romantic charmer, featuring walnut-paneled walls, a marble fireplace and 17th century Flemish tapestries. The library also offers tours of the building and artifacts normally hidden away from the public. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 21 Where to be pampered french paradox Wine Lounge / CaudalÍe VinothÉrapie spa CAUDALÍE VINOTHÉRAPIE SPA AT THE PLAZA VIP contact: Heather Hannig, Spa Director Phone: +1 212 265 3182 Email: [email protected] Address: The Plaza, 5th Avenue at Central Park South Website: www.caudalie-usa.com Treatment and facilities: On the fourth floor of the landmark Plaza hotel is the Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa, a paradise of warm wood, relaxing dark stones and symbolic vine sculptures. Here, trained vinotherapists use grapes to relax the mind and revive the skin with treatments reminiscent of wineries and châteaux. The spa features 14 treatment rooms, a private VIP room for two, a signature barrel bath, two hammams and an exclusive French Paradox Wine Lounge, the perfect place to unwind before or after treatments. Signature treatments: The Crushed Cabernet Scrub uses grape seeds, honey and brown sugar to drain the skin of toxins while nourishing and softening it. Other treatments include the Vinoperfect Facial, the Honey and Wine Wrap and the Wine Maker’s Massage. AURIGA new york AT THE SETAI FIFTH AVENUE VIP contact: Jackie Nixon Phone: +1 212 695 4005 Email: [email protected] Treatment and facilities: Spanning the entire fourth floor of The Setai Fifth Avenue with more than 11,500 square feet of space, the Auriga spa transcends the typical urban wellness facility. Here you’ll find 11 private treatment rooms, wet rooms, experiential showers, a vitality pool, sauna, steam room and hammam. Signature treatments: Featuring four signature treatments that reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle, Auriga is a tranquil retreat of nourishment that balances the chaotic rhythms of New York City. These four treatments are New Moon (The Beginning), Waxing Moon (Sowing the Seeds), Full Moon (The Height) and Waning Moon (Cleansing). Sponsored by: elite destination guide | New york www.elitetraveler.com 22 SENSE, a rosewood SPA AT THE CARLYLE VIP contact: Erich Steinbock, Hotel Managing Director Phone: +1 212 766 1600 Email: [email protected] Address: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, 35 East 76th Street Website: www.thecarlyle.com Treatment and facilities: The Carlyle’s glamorous Art Deco style extends into its Sense spa designed by Mark Zeff. With five treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, fitness center, an Yves Durif salon and Sisley skincare products, it’s perfect for anyone seeking an intimate wellness refuge in the city. Signature treatment: The Carlyle Signature Ritual is a luxury breakthrough in anti-ageing facials. Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed out and the result is a toned, firm and even complexion. This rejuvenating facial is followed by the spa’s signature hand and foot treatment, which relieves tension and leaves hands and feet supple and soft. Where to be pampered Exhale Spa the Spa at Mandarin oriental, new york the SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, new york VIP Contact: Denise Vitiello, Spa Director Phone: +1 212 805 8880 Email: [email protected] Address: Mandarin Oriental, New York, 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street Website: www.mandarinoriental.com Treatment and facilities: This five-star spa combines ancient and contemporary techniques in customized therapies designed to help you achieve your personal equilibrium. Facilities include six treatment rooms with private showers, a Thai Yoga Suite with soaking tub and a VIP Spa Suite with fireplace and private steam room, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and 75-foot naturally lit indoor lap pool. Signature treatment: During the signature Oriental Harmony treatment, four hands will work in perfect unison to smooth and nourish your skin with a warm scrub, followed by a perfectly balanced massage. Finish up with a simultaneous head and foot massage, to clear the mind and re-energize the body. Exhale Spa VIP Contact: Holly Hatfield, Spa Director Phone: +1 212 249 3000 Email: [email protected] Address: 150 Central Park South Website: www.exhalespa.com Treatment and facilities: Exhale has crafted a range of unique therapies designed to improve wellness of both mind and body. Their menu includes a Core Fusion fitness program, yoga sessions, skin care and body therapies, healing treatments, nutrition and detox programs and more. With16 therapy rooms, two 1,200-square-foot studios and a chic space for manicures and pedicures, this spa is the perfect spot to calm your mind and tone and treat your body. Signature treatment: The Smart Peel facial is a science-based therapy targeting the skin at the molecular level. This breakthrough approach uses a tailored blend of protective, corrective and cell-stimulating ingredients to treat sun damage, wrinkles, acne scarring and hyper pigmentation. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | New york www.elitetraveler.com 23 WHAT TO DO ➤ DURING THE DAY A s one of the world’s most visited cities, New York has a wealth of attractions that could keep you busy exploring for months. The city is known as the cultural capital of the something different U.S. with good reason: Nestled amid residential and shopping districts you’ll find an astonishing number of worldrenowned museums and art galleries. Moreover, Manhattan has a bevy of sights and characteristics that make every visit unique. We have chosen our favorite galleries, museums, sights and activities that will complete any visit to The Big Apple. helicopter flight services HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICES Phone: +1 212 355 0801 Email: [email protected] Address: Downtown Manhattan Heliport Pier 6, East River Website: www.heliny.com There is probably no better, or easier, way to see everything in New York. From the Empire State Building and Central Park, to the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty, the city is even more splendid from above. Sunset tours, when one can watch the forest of buildings in Manhattan change color, are the most spectacular. Additionally, this convenient mode of transport is a great way to reach the heart of Manhattan from any of the metropolitan airports or the Hamptons. something different something different HIGH LINE TOP OF THE ROCK Phone: +1 212 206 9922 Email: [email protected] Address: The High Line can be accessed through entrances on Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th Streets Website: www.thehighline.org Originally built in the 1930s to raise dangerous freight trains above Manhattan streets, the High Line is currently being restored as an elevated public park a mile and a half in length, making it Manhattan’s latest attraction. The renovation has been extraordinary: The former railway is now a sliver of green garden snaking its way above Manhattan’s West Side. Meandering concrete pathways are lined with wild plants and flowers native to the area, along with moveable seating, allowing you to relax and admire the view from this privileged vantage point. When exploring the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, take to the High Line for a gentle stroll with river views, or as a means to avoid the traffic and bustle of the streets below. Phone: +1 212 698 2000 Email: [email protected] Address: Rockefeller Center, West 49th Street and 5th Avenue Website: www.topoftherocknyc.com Rockefeller Center’s historic observation deck presents the finest views of Manhattan. Atop this prominent building is a multi-level observation deck affording unobstructed, open-air views of the city’s most prominent landmarks, from the Chrysler Building to the Statue of Liberty and the entire length of Central Park. A visit to Rockefeller Center wouldn’t be complete without this elevated perspective from Midtown’s vibrant heart. During the holiday season, Rockefeller Center hosts New York’s most famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink, and among the permanent attractions are some of the city’s finest art and dining. Shopping is very much the center’s main pastime. Featuring some of the world’s most refined brand names in a truly iconic setting, Rockefeller Center continually abounds with keen shoppers. T R A V E L E R destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 24 WHAT TO DO ➤ DURING THE DAY Central Park Central Park something different CENTRAL PARK Central Park viewed from the london nyc Phone: +1 212 517 2233 (The Loeb Boathouse) Email: [email protected] Website: www.thecentralparkboathouse.com You can easily spend a full day taking in the wonders that this 843-acre oasis in the center of Manhattan has to offer. A perfect rectangle, flanked by striking buildings, Central Park is packed with bike paths, playing fields, playgrounds and more. It plays host to summer concerts and winter ice skating, not to mention year-round residents like the Central Park Zoo. Walking is a great way to experience this serene landscape, and there are many walking tours available, or you can opt for a romantic horse-and-carriage tour. Central Park Zoo: Although it only occupies a tiny corner of southeast Central Park, this imaginative zoo houses more than 150 species in two climatic zones. In the tropics, you’ll meet monkeys and see free-flying birds, while the polar circle is home to penguins and polar bears, observable both above and below the water. The Loeb Boathouse: Lunching in the Boathouse restaurant overlooking the lake and gardens beyond is a must. Explore the lake on a rowboat and float beneath romantic Bow Bridge. Ice skating: For the best scenic ice skating in the park, head to Trump’s Wollman Rink. Conservatory Garden: This six-acre, flowering formal garden graces Central Park’s northeast corner. Delacorte Theater: Located in the heart of the park, this amphitheater is home to New York’s Shakespeare in the Park season. Past performers include Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Natalie Portman. Free tickets make for long lines, so ask your concierge to secure seats. Picnics: For a true New York al fresco experience, ask your hotel concierge to prepare a picnic lunch or dinner and have it delivered to a park location of your choice. You’ll find yourself surrounded by locals, who love to enjoy both nature and city skyline views from this lush haven. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 25 WHAT TO DO ➤ DURING THE DAY museum of arts and design guggenheim museum CULTURAL CULTURAL MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM Phone: +1 212 299 7777 Address: 2 Columbus Circle Website: www.madmuseum.org In 2008, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) moved to a new location in Columbus Circle so it could display its ever-increasing collection of craft, art and design in a more spectacular setting. Among the historic and contemporary collections are porcelain by Cindy Sherman, stained glass by Judith Schaechter and jewelry by Margaret de Patta and Betty Cooke. In line with the museum’s mission to bring viewers closer to the artist, the building hosts resident artists whom visitors can view at work in their studios on the sixth floor. Three floors above is Robert, a chic and modern restaurant and lounge with expansive views over Columbus Circle and Central Park. Once you’ve soaked up the museum’s sights, the lounge is perfect for an evening cocktail, followed by comtemporary American fare with Mediterranean influences at the restaurant. VIP Contact: Emily Johnson, General Manager Phone: +1 212 423 3636 Email: [email protected] Address: 1071 5th Avenue at 89th Street Website: www.guggenheim.org One of the most iconic buildings in New York houses an internationally renowned art collection. A visit to the Guggenheim is a unique experience unlike any offered by a conventional art gallery – architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the museum as a journey, with visitors walking up (or down) a gently sloping spiral. The galleries are divided like membranes in citrus fruit, with self-contained yet interdependent sections. Visitors can view pieces by great artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Miró at their own pace or join a tour to learn more about museum highlights, special exhibitions or the building itself. Alternatively, book a private viewing before or after museum hours and have this amazing spot entirely to yourself. CULTURAL CULTURAL CULTURAL the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART THE FRICK COLLECTION the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Phone: +1 212 708 9400 Address: 11 West 53rd Street Website: www.moma.org The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is New York’s premier destination for those seeking to view modern art. The world-renowned institution’s collection includes pieces by the hands of Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Giacometti, Lawrence, Rothko and Warhol among many others. Outside is Philip Johnson’s sculpture garden containing many of his striking minimalist works in matte black granite. In addition to the works of these modern masters, you’ll always find works or exhibits that question the notion of ‘art,’ making any visit to the MoMA an eye opener. Phone: +1 212 288 0700 Address: 1 East 70th Street Website: www.frick.org Originally a private art collection in a Fifth Avenue mansion, The Frick Collection has now been transformed into a wonderfully intimate museum housing a collection of the grand masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Among the Monets, Renoirs and many other priceless paintings are collections of bronzes that are the finest in the world, superb 18th century French furniture, porcelains and Oriental rugs. For private affairs and exclusive dining, The Frick also hosts concerts and parties in its beautiful garden. Phone: +1 212 535 7710 Address: 1000 5th Avenue Website: www.metmuseum.org From the Egyptian and Greek wings to the American wing to the Impressionist and Realist galleries, this museum is a treasure. Known to New Yorkers as the Met, its exhibitions are always the talk of the city. The main building, located on the eastern edge of Central Park, is one of the world’s largest art galleries. After viewing some of these fascinating displays, enjoy a glass of wine on the beautiful rooftop garden. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 26 WHAT TO DO ➤ during the Night N ew York nightlife radiates glamour and sophistication, offering about as many ways to spend your nights as there are activities to keep you entertained during the day. To help you get started, here is a selection of the clubs where you can mingle with the ‘it’ crowd in lavishly decorated and fashionable venues, as well as bars distinctive for their drinks, views or atmosphere. While partying and lounging New York-style is a must, don’t leave town without seeing a Broadway show or a world-class performance at Lincoln Center. salon de ning bar bar bar SALON DE NING PEGU CLUB ROSE BAR Phone: +1 212 903 3097 Address: The Peninsula, 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street, 23rd Floor Website: www.peninsula.com There are many rooftop bars in Manhattan, but this one is a true gem with stunning views over Fifth Avenue and the Manhattan skyline. Located atop The Peninsula hotel, Salon de Ning has recently been refurbished in true Oriental style, reflecting the glamour and style of 1930s Shanghai, the “Paris of the East.” Salon de Ning is one of Manhattan’s finest venues for an evening sundowner, whether you’re sitting at the beautifully furnished bar or outside on the spectacular terrace. For further exclusivity, the terrace is available for private dining or events. Phone: +1 212 473 7348 Address: 77 West Houston Street Website: www.peguclub.com A bar for those who are serious about their cocktails, Pegu Club turns out carefully crafted concoctions with the utmost pride and delicacy. On the drinks menu you’ll find many of the old classics perfected and renewed by Pegu’s expert mixologists. If, however, you are after something in particular, ask one of the mixologists, and they’ll be happy to try their hand at something new. The décor is modeled on a 19th-century British officers club in Burma and thus features a mix of Colonial and East Asian styles, making for a very relaxed, yet exclusive setting in which to sip extraordinary creations. Phone: +1 212 920 3300 Email: [email protected] Address: Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue Website: www.gramercyparkhotel.com The Rose Bar brings all that is bohemian and eccentric into this incredibly atmospheric venue. The candlelit spaces resemble an artist’s studio, lined with books, customdesigned furniture and masterworks by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Damien Hirst. World-renowned bands play for special guests, with previous performances by Sean Lennon, Rufus Wainwright, Guns N’ Roses, The Cult and Elefant. Expect the unexpected in this sophisticated and spontaneous venue. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 27 WHAT TO DO ➤ during the night Brooklyn Bridge © NYC & Company revson fountain at lincoln center entertainment entertainment BROADWAY shows LINCOLN CENTER Phone: +1 212 541 8457 Email: [email protected] Address: 729 7th Avenue Website: www.broadway.com New York’s theater district offers a sweeping selection of elaborate musicals and award-winning plays. There are about 40 theaters scattered in a region bound by West 41st and West 52nd Streets, between Seventh and Ninth Avenues. The August Wilson Theatre and the Ambassador Theater host the Broadway classics Jersey Boys and Chicago, respectively, and certainly merit a visit. Moreover, there are Off- and Off-Off-Broadway theaters in other parts of the city whose excellent productions will sometimes make it to Broadway as well. VIP Contact: Jennifer Berry, Director of Visitor Services Phone: +1 212 875 5319 Email: [email protected] Address: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza Website: www.new.lincolncenter.org Lincoln Center is a leading performing arts center, uniting on one campus 12 of the finest performing arts organizations in New York, including the New York City Ballet, the New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and Jazz at Lincoln Center. This landmark New York institution has just undergone a $1.2-billion redevelopment project and now features restaurants (notably Lincoln), the rooftop Illumination Lawn and a revamped Alice Tully Hall. club club top of the standard KISS AND FLY Phone: +1 212 645 4646 Address: The Standard, 848 Washington Street Website: www.standardhotels.com The Standard hotel’s 18th floor has recently been refurbished to create this fabulously over-the-top bar featuring a hot tub, rooftop lounge and floor-toceiling windows gazing across the Hudson. Access to Top of the Standard is via a non-assuming service elevator. Sections of the floor are transparent, just so you don’t forget that you’re 18 floors above the Meatpacking District. Visitors to this hotspot are typically highly fashionable or famous, but most of the time they are both. Phone: +1 212 255 1933 Email: [email protected] Address: 409 West 13th Street Website: www.kissandflyclub.com This Euro-chic, mostly bottle service venue in the Meatpacking District has been outfitted with a grandiose Roman-meets-modern design. Low ceilings, massive distressed Roman columns, love seats positioned around the dance floor and flowing champagne combine to hedonistic perfection. Named for a certain French airport’s departures lounge, Kiss and Fly features Europe’s top DJs providing the hottest dance tracks from across the pond. club club TENJUNE PROVOCATEUR Phone: +1 646 624 2410 Address: 26 Little West 12th Street Website: www.tenjunenyc.com Tenjune, based in the relentlessly trendy Meatpacking District, is a happening subterranean venue set beneath the steakhouse STK. Split into bar, club and lounge areas, it is run by the nightlife pros whose former credits include Aer and Level V. VIP Contact: Brian Gefter, Owner Phone: +1 212 929 9036 Address: 18 9th Avenue Website: www.provocateurny.com Provocateur’s sexy décor was inspired by Madonna and her 1985 Virgin Tour. Innuendo-filled design features lavender staircases and walls adorned with black lace lingerie. Guests can book a table, a booth or the private balcony skybox overlooking the entire venue. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 28 What to do ➤ featured events C elebrated as the city that never sleeps, New York is always hosting one event or another, and often several simultaneously. Here you’ll find a compilation of some of 2011’s most anticipated events that you won’t want to miss if you’re in town. U.S. OPEN new york yankees AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, ANNUALLY VIP contact: Raleigh Leahy Phone: +1 914 696 7275 Email: [email protected] Address: USTA National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Website: www.usopen.org Known as the Wimbledon of the U.S., this tournament is one of the world’s most important tennis competitions where some of the biggest tennis stars have forged their careers. The U.S. Open completes the season of worldwide Grand Slam events following the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. Major matches are held in the Arthur Ashe Stadium where you can book one of several Luxury Suites with a private lounge, balcony and fine views of the action. NEW YORK YANKEES TIMES SQUARE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE MARCH – OCTOBER, ANNUALLY Phone: +1 718 508 3955 Email: [email protected] Address: Yankee Stadium, One East 161st Street, 10451 Website: www.yankees.com Watch New York’s most prized baseball team begin its season. The New York Yankees have been crowned World Series champions 27 times and may be the most franchised sports team in America. Some of the biggest names in baseball history have risen to fame with the Yankees and they remain the most feared and admired team in the Major Leagues. To watch this spectacular in style, rent one of the Individual Game Day Suites or other premium suites that offer superb views of the game. DECEMBER 31, ANNUALLY Website: www.timessquarenyc.org/nye New Year’s Eve celebrations in Manhattan’s Times Square are a must if you’re in the city at this time of year. An estimated one million people gather in famed Times Square to watch colorful pyrotechnic effects and a giant, illuminated Waterford-crystal ball drop, marking the very second of the new year’s commencement. The atmosphere on the street is truly vibrant, but you’ll get a better view from above the square in the R Lounge at Two Times Square. Alternatively, for the most glamorous and extravagant vantage point in the city, book a night at the Extreme WOW Suite, a stunning two-bedroom retreat on floors 56 and 57 of the W New York - Times Square. times square THE ARMORY SHOW Annually in March VIP contact: Manuela Paz, Director of VIP Relations Phone: +1 212 645 6440 Email: [email protected] Address: Piers 92 and 94, 55th Street and the Hudson River Website: www.thearmoryshow.com The Armory Show is America’s leading annual fine art fair devoted to the most important modern and contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The show lasts four days on Piers 92 and 94, attracting some of the world’s most prominent artists, galleries, collectors, critics and curators. On opening night, The Museum of Modern Art hosts an annual party, where the art world’s biggest players mingle and dance to the beats of legendary DJs. T R A V E L E R destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 29 What to do ➤ featured events MADISON SQUARE GARDEN / RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL macy’s fourth of july fireworks YEAR ROUND Event Suite VIP Contact: Oliver Davis-Urman Phone: +1 212 631 5613 Email: [email protected] Phone (General): +1 212 465 6080 Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 10001 Website: www.thegarden.com These are two of the hottest destinations in New York, indeed the world, to watch live concerts. Madison Square Garden, known locally as The Garden is a multipurpose indoor arena and the third busiest music venue in the world in terms of ticket sales. As well as a pack concert calendar, Madison Square Garden also hosts some of New York’s greatest sporting competitions, with ice hockey, boxing, tennis and basketball dominating the bill. Radio City Music Hall, on the other hand, is specializes more in theatricals, with regular appearances by Cirque du Soleil. This surreal circus display mixed with theater has swept the world since its founding in 1984, winning over critics on four continents. Each year Cirque du Soleil is ever more innovative and spectacular, and catching this extraordinary troupe at Radio City Music Hall is a treat indeed. radio city music hall MACY’S FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS JULY 4, ANNUALLY Website: www.macys.com/fireworks Even if you’re not American, the celebrations of this country’s Independence Day are still well worth enjoying. The Fourth of July is a national holiday and it is nowhere more evident than in Manhattan, where many New Yorkers flock to celebrate. The Macy’s fireworks display, launched from six barges on the Hudson River, is synchronized to the music of various orchestras and choirs. For the best positioning, book a suite in a hotel on the West Side overlooking the Hudson, like The Standard or the Mandarin Oriental, New York. Alternatively, choose from a bevy of rooftop bars with views of the river, like the Hudson Terrace. Standard Hotel: +1 212 645 4646; 848 Washington Street Mandarin Oriental, New York: +1 212 805 8800; 80 Columbus Circle Hudson Terrace: +1 212 315 9400; 621 West 46th Street TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL Annually in April Phone: +1 212 941 2400 Email: [email protected] Address: Films are screened at various locations in Tribeca and beyond. Website: www.tribecafilm.com Following the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded this film festival to encourage the revival of lower Manhattan. Over the course of the festival, Tribeca comes alive with celebrities, film and music. In the nine years since its launch, the Tribeca Film Festival has become an internationally renowned celebration, showcasing a variety of films and reaching a broad audience. It supports both emerging and established directors, promotes New York City as a major film center and attracts a lively and engaging crowd. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 30 WHAT TO DO ➤ SHOPPING S hopping malls are not native to New York City. Here, shopping is a pursuit likely to lead to the exploration of Manhattan’s unique neighborhoods. Give yourself time to wander, and you’ll discover some of the city’s smaller and lesser-known boutiques, but don’t miss out on the top designer brands SoHo The cobbled streets of Soho are packed with designer boutiques and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Prada. The area is popular with Manhattan’s fashion followers seven days a week. Chelsea and the Meatpacking District Well known for lively shopping and high fashion, Chelsea (west of Sixth Avenue between 15th and 30th Streets) is home to such designer boutiques as Comme des Garçons and Balenciaga. In the neighboring Meatpacking District, you’ll find Jeffrey, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and more among fresh galleries, gourmet food stores and eclectic antique stores farther toward the Village. Nolita A crowded weekend shopping destination, though perhaps not quite as popular as the famous Soho, Nolita contains fewer brands and more boutiques. Nolita’s parallel north-south spines are Elizabeth, Mott and Mulberry Streets between East Houston and Kenmare Streets. Barneys © NYC & Company MIDTOWN Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue, between Rockefeller Center and Central Park, is the pinnacle of the classic Manhattan shopping experience. Expect to find names like Prada, Gucci, Cartier and Tiffany & Co., along with many other brands revered for their quality and vision. The famous Saks Fifth Avenue faces Rockefeller Center, a shopping destination in itself. Farther toward Central Park is the striking, glassenclosed flagship Apple Store. 57TH Street The iconic Louis Vuitton flagship, typically awash in some version of the brand’s legendary monogram, is on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, setting the tone for this fashionloaded thoroughfare. Next door is Yves Saint Laurent and not far away are other flagships such as Burberry and Chanel, as well as some of Manhattan’s most well known art galleries. Madison Avenue As far up as 79th Street, Madison Avenue is packed with French and Italian labels that include Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, Prada, Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel. Between some of these big names and farther north, you’ll find several fascinating bookstores and antique dealers of old Manhattan. T R A V E L E R destination guide series Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 31 and world-renowned luxury department stores that make New York a shopping mecca. We’ve selected some of the very best to help you on your way. major STORES Apple Store, Fifth Avenue Phone +1 212 336 1440 Address: 767 5th Avenue Website: www.apple.com At first glance, New York’s flagship Apple Store is not much more than a glass cube, yet it boasts hidden depths. As it’s one of the most visited sites in New York City, you’ll want to stop by either early or late. For a more handson experience, reserve a place at one of the many workshops and events this technology wonderland offers. BARNEYS NEW YORK Phone +1 212 826 8900 Email: [email protected] Address: 660 Madison Avenue Website: www.barneys.com Barneys New York, founded in 1923, is today a chain of luxury department stores offering high-end brands and private concierge services to build the shopping experience around you. Brands available at Barneys include Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Fendi, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Paul Smith, Diane von Furstenberg and many, many more. BERGDORF GOODMAN Phone +1 800 558 1855 Email: [email protected] Address: 5th Avenue at 58th Street Website: www.bergdorfgoodman.com The company was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and is located on Fifth Avenue at 58th Street. Since its humble beginnings, Bergdorf Goodman has come to symbolize the very height of Manhattan‘s elegance, luxury and superior service, offering all the major brands under one roof. WHAT TO DO ➤ SHOPPING streetshoppers © nyc and company Stefano Ricci Phone +1 212 371 3901 Address: 407 Park Avenue Website: www.stefanoricci.com Classic Italian tailoring at its best, Stefano Ricci offers refined attire and accessories for the discriminating gentleman, as well as a coveted home ware range. The trademark cufflinks are handmade by master goldsmiths using a host of precious stones, and the luxury leather range includes wallets, footwear, belts, travel bags and handbags for the perfect gift. DEVI KROELL Phone: +1 212 644 4499 Address: 717 Madison Avenue Website: www.devikroell.com Redefining true luxury, New York-based luxury accessories brand Devi Kroell combines modern design with flawless craftsmanship and highest quality materials. Not relying on logo or hardware, Devi Kroell allows their innovative designs to showcase fine skins, securing a style that is decidedly modern and distinctly New York. FAO SCHWARZ Phone +1 212 644 9400 Address: 767 5th Avenue at 58th Street Website: www.fao.com Nearly 150 years old, this legendary toy shop is a favorite destination for adults and children, tourists and New Yorkers alike. If not for shopping, it is worth visiting merely to marvel at the displays in the Grand Hall and FAO Schweetz, a classic New York candy store. JEFFREY Phone +1 212 206 1272 Address: 449 West 14th Street Website: www.jeffreynewyork.com Jeffrey Kalinsky selects the finest, fashion-forward pieces for his stores, and you can expect to find labels like Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. All of Jeffrey’s associates are trained personal shoppers who offer warm and insightful assistance. HENRI BENDEL Phone +1 800 423 6335 Email: [email protected] Address: 712 5th Avenue Website: www.henribendel.com Advertised as ‘a girl’s playground,’ Henri Bendel is a Fifth Avenue shopping icon for anyone interested in accessories, cosmetics or gifts. Although technically it’s a department store, inside it feels more like a series of sophisticated boutiques. KIRNA ZABÊTE Phone +1 212 941 9656 Email: [email protected] Address: 96 Greene Street Website: www.kirnazabete.com This two-floor boutique has been attracting fashion fans ever since its 1999 opening. The store carries a well edited collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories from established designers like Balenciaga, Celine and Lanvin, as well as pieces from select up-and-coming labels. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 32 LINDA DRESNER Phone +1 212 308 3177 Address: 484 Park Avenue Website: www.lindadresner.com This exclusive and modern store caters for many of Manhattan’s sophisticated and elegant customers, who book ahead to make use of Linda Dresner’s expert staff during private shopping appointments. Linda Dresner presents her discerning clientele with a carefully-edited selection of pieces from top designers like Chloe, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten and Marni. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Phone +1 212 753 4000 Address: 611 5th Avenue Website: www.saksfifthavenue.com Saks Fifth Avenue has been one of the city’s preeminent high-end department stores since it opened in 1924. The ten-floor luxury behemoth buzzes with brands like Gucci, Escada, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Fendi. SCOOP Phone +1 212 925 3539 Address: 473-475 Broadway Website: www.scoopnyc.com Scoop first opened in New York City in Soho in 1996. Since then, the store has branched to additional locations on the Upper East Side and in the Meatpacking District. The store is merchandised to be the ultimate closet, brimming with brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni and Rag & Bone. WHAT TO DO ➤ SHOPPING fashion and accessories ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Phone: +1 212 645 1797 Address: 417 West 14th Street Website: www.alexandermcqueen.com ALFRED DUNHILL Phone: +1 212 753 9292 Address: 545 Madison Avenue at 55th Street Website: www.dunhill.com ANYA HINDMARCH Phone: +1 212 750 3974 Address: 29 East 60th Street Phone: +1 212 343 8147 Address: 115 Greene Street Website: www.anyahindmarch.com BALENCIAGA Phone: +1 212 206 0872 Address: 542 West 22nd Street Website: www.balenciaga.com CHRISTIAN LACROIX FENDI Phone: +1 212 753 2569 Address: 36 East 57th Street Website: www.christian-lacroix.fr Phone: +1 212 759 4646 Address: 677 5th Avenue Website: www.fendi.com DIANE VON FURSTENBERG GIORGIO ARMANI Phone: +1 646 486 4800 Address: 874 Washington Street Website: www.dvf.com Phone: +1 212 988 9191 Address: 760 Madison Avenue Website: www.giorgioarmani.com DOLCE & GABBANA GUCCI Phone: +1 212 249 4100 Address: 825 Madison Avenue Website: www.dolcegabbana.com Phone: +1 212 717 2619 Address: 840 Madison Avenue Phone: +1 212 826 2600 Address: 725 5th Avenue Website: www.gucci.com DONNA KARAN new york Phone: +1 212 861 1001 Address: 819 Madison Avenue Website: www.donnakaran.com HERMÈS Phone: +1 212 751 3181 Address: 691 Madison Avenue EMILIO PUCCI Phone: +1 212 752 4777 Address: 24 East 64th Street Website: www.emiliopucci.com Phone: +1 212 785 3030 Address: 15 Broad Street Website: www.hermes.com BURBERRY Phone: +1 212 925 9300 Address: 131 Spring Street henri bendel HUGO BOSS Phone: +1 212 485 1900 Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center Phone: +1 212 407 7100 Address: 9 East 57th Street Phone: +1 212 334 9001 Address: 555 Broadway Phone: +1 212 707 6700 Address: 444 Madison Avenue Website: www.burberry.com Phone: +1 646 336 8170 Address: 401 West 14th Street CHANEL Phone: +1 212 965 9442 Address: 132 Greene Street Website: www.hugoboss.com Phone: +1 212 334 0055 Address: 139 Spring Street Phone: +1 212 535 5505 Address: 737 Madison Avenue ISSEY MIYAKE Phone: +1 212 226 0100 Address: 119 Hudson Street Website: www.isseymiyake.com Phone: +1 212 355 5050 Address: 15 East 57th Street Website: www.chanel.com JIMMY CHOO Phone: +1 212 759 7078 Address: 716 Madison Avenue CHLOÉ Phone: +1 212 717 8220 Address: 850 Madison Avenue Website: www.chloe.com Phone: +1 212 593 0800 Address: 645 5th Avenue, Olympic Tower Website: www.jimmychoo.com Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 33 WHAT TO DO ➤ SHOPPING LOUIS VUITTON MICHAEL KORS PAUL SMITH Phone: +1 212 274 9090 Address: 116 Greene Street Phone: +1 212 452 4685 Address: 974 Madison Avenue Phone: +1 212 627 9770 Address: 108 5th Avenue Phone: +1 212 758 8877 Address: 1 East 57th Street Website: www.louisvuitton.com Phone: +1 212 965 0401 Address: 101 Prince Street Website: www.michaelkors.com Phone: +1 646 613 3060 Address: 142 Greene Street Website: www.paulsmith.co.uk LULU GUINNESS MISSONI RALPH LAUREN Phone: +1 212 367 2120 Address: 394 Bleecker Street Website: www.luluguinness.com Phone: +1 212 517 9339 Address: 1009 Madison Avenue Website: www.missoni.com Phone: +1 212 645 5513 Address: 380 Bleecker Street MANOLO BLAHNIK MIU MIU Phone: +1 212 582 3007 Address: 31 West 54th Street Website: www.manoloblahnik.com Phone: +1 212 334 5156 Address: 100 Prince Street MARC JACOBS Phone: +1 212 924 6126 Address: 385 Bleecker Street Phone: +1 212 343 1490 Address: 163 Mercer Street Phone: +1 212 924 0026 Address: 403-405 Bleecker Street Phone: +1 212 206 6644 Address: 382 Bleecker Street Phone: +1 212 929 0304 Address: 298 West 4th Street (Marc by Marc Jacobs Mens) Website: www.marcjacobs.com MARNI Phone: +1 212 343 3912 Address: 161 Mercer Street Phone: +1 212 257 6907 Address: 21 East 67th Street Website: www.marni-international.com Phone: +1 646 638 0684 Address: 381 Bleecker Street Phone: +1 212 625 1660 Address: 379 West Broadway Phone: +1 212 641 2980 Address: 11 East 57th Street Website: www.miumiu.com Phone: +1 212 606 2100 Address: 867 Madison Avenue Website: www.ralphlauren.com MOSCHINO PRADA Phone: +1 212 243 8600 Address: 401 West 14th Street Website: www.moschino.it Phone: +1 212 334 8888 Address: 575 Broadway MULBERRY Phone: +1 212 327 4200 Address: 841 Madison Avenue Phone: +1 888 685 6856 Address: 387 Bleecker Street Phone: +1 212 664 0010 Address: 724 5th Avenue Phone: +1 888 685 6856 Address: 605 Madison Avenue Website: www.mulberry.com Phone: +1 212 308 2332 Address: 45 East 57th Street Website: www.prada.com OSCAR DE LA RENTA Phone: +1 212 288 5810 Address: 772 Madison Avenue Website: www.oscardelarenta.com PATRICIA FIELD SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Phone: +1 212 759 3822 Address: 655 5th Avenue Website: www.ferragamo.com Phone: +1 212 966 4066 Address: 302 Bowery Website: www.patriciafield.com Barneys © NYC & Company Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 34 WHAT TO DO ➤ SHOPPING mONTBLANC to the work of highly talented and passionate craftsmen who dedicate their skill to the refinement of each individual product – and then give it something even more. Something that goes beyond the demands of function or beauty: they give it a soul. Montblanc boutique madison avenue Phone: +1 212 223 8888 Address: 598 Madison Avenue Montblanc Boutique SoHo Phone: +1 212 680 1300 Address: 118-120 Greene Street Website: www.montblanc.com Montblanc is one of today’s leading international luxury brands. Founded in 1906, the company and its products have upheld the tradition and expertise of the finest European craftsmanship for more than 100 years. The world-famous white emblem takes its inspiration from the highest mountain in Europe: Mont Blanc – whose towering summit also represents the standard of excellence to which this premier brand was dedicated by its founders. Thus, the star-shaped emblem symbolizes not only the peak itself with its six glacier tongues, but also, and even more importantly, it is a symbol of the brand’s philosophy: a commitment to creating and manufacturing handmade products of the highest quality, out of the finest materials and with timeless aesthetics. It’s a testament TOD’S Phone: +1 212 644 5945 Address: 650 Madison Avenue Website: www.tods.com VALENTINO Phone: +1 212 772 6969 Address: 747 Madison Avenue Website: www.valentino.com VERSACE Phone: +1 212 317 0224 Address: 647 5th Avenue Website: www.versace.com YVES SAINT LAURENT Phone: +1 212 980 2970 Address: 3 East 57th Street Website: www.ysl.com ermenegildo ZEGNA Phone: +1 212 421 4488 Address: 663 5th Avenue Website: www.zegna.com Remaining true to this philosophy, the companyCC MB Rieussec EliteTravelerDestGuide 100x100.indd 1 21.02.11 14:06 has developed over the years into a diversified luxury lifestyle brand offering exclusive Swiss watches, writing instruments, men’s and ladies’ jewellery, fine leather goods, fragrances and eyewear. This extensive range is made up of modern luxury products all sharing the same values and reflecting the original founders’ commitment to authenticity and excellence – a heritage that lives on in every product bearing the famous white Montblanc emblem. jewelry and watches DIOR HORLOGERIE Phone: +1 212 421 6009 Address: 17 East 57th Street Website: www.diorhorlogerie.com BREGUET Phone: +1 212 288 4014 Address: 779 Madison Avenue Website: www.breguet.com OFFICINE PANERAI Phone: +1 212 223 1562 Address: 545 Madison Avenue Website: www.panerai.com CHANEL Phone: +1 212 334 0055 Address: 139 Spring Street OMEGA Phone: +1 212 535 5828 Address: 733 Madison Avenue Phone: +1 212 207 3333 Address: 711 5th Avenue Website: www.omegawatches.com Phone: +1 212 355 5050 Address: 15 East 57th Street Website: www.chanel.com PIAGET Phone: +1 212 246 5555 Address: 730 5th Avenue Website: www.piaget.com CHOPARD Phone: +1 212 223 2304 Address: 709 Madison Avenue Website: www.chopard.com TIFFANY & Co. Phone: 212 755 8000 Address: 5th Avenue at 57th Street DE BEERS Phone: +1 212 906 0001 Address: 703 5th Avenue Website: www.debeers.com Phone: +1 212 514 8015 Address: 37 Wall Street Website: www.tiffany.com Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com NI CO L AS R I E U SSE C T I M EW R I TE R 35 Need to know F ew realize that New York is at the heart of America’s finest cruising waters. North of Chesapeake Bay and southwest of NORTH COVE VIP Contact: Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore Phone: +1 212 786 1200 Email: [email protected] Address: North Cove Marina, 385 South End Avenue, #6H Website: www.thenorthcove.com MARINAS Newport and Nantucket, the city’s ideally positioned for taking in the wonders of the eastern seaboard by boat. One of the most New York city Skyline North Cove was one of the first marinas in Manhattan to cater to megayachts. Here you’ll find 12 slipways that accommodate yachts over 100 feet in length, with a maximum of 180 feet. The depth of the marina at low mean is 18 feet in most places (deeper near the breakwall). Nicknamed “Monaco on the Hudson,” this exclusive marina is perched on the southwestern tip of Manhattan in a posh planned neighborhood called Battery Park City, which is a mix of residential housing, retail stores and 35 acres of beautiful parks and open spaces. Docked at North Cove, you’ll be enviably close to the fashionable Tribeca district, not to mention Wall Street, Chinatown and South Street Seaport, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Metro Yacht Charters of New York Director of Sales and Events: Laurie Kutscera Phone: +1 800 445 5942 Phone: +1 631 368 3565 Email: [email protected] Website: www.metroyachtcharter.com Metro Yacht Charters, a premiere full service yacht charter specialist firm, offers the finest luxury yachts, sailboats, and dinner cruise vessels in the New York City and tri-state area. The fleet of private luxury yachts and sailboats will accommodate 2 - 1200 guests, all offering pick up locations in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester and Long Island. Each vessel offers a selection of unparalleled cuisine served by a professional and courteous staff. Whether you are looking for a classic yacht for a corporate dinner cruise, a modern yacht for a Nautical Wedding, or a private cruise sailing the New York Harbor, Metro Yacht Charters will help you choose the right vessel that reflects the tone of your event and your personal style. At Metro Yacht Charters, the knowledgeable staff will assist you in planning all the details from live entertainment and floral arrangements to custom invitations and ground transportation. Metro Yacht Charters is available seven days a week to assist you in creating an event that is both memorable and distinctive. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 36 exciting yachting destinations on the planet, New York beckons with beautiful bays, a famous skyline and activities galore. Need to know private jet terminals Oxygen Aviation Phone: +44 (0)1403 237 010 Email: [email protected] Website: www.oxygenaviation.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/oxygenaviation Services: Oxygen Aviation is synonymous with excellence in private jet travel. By consistently providing an unsurpassed level of service, Oxygen Aviation has become a major force in the private jet market that offers total worldwide coverage. It offers a full aviation solution; aircraft charter, sales, management, block-hours and consultancy. You have choices where to spend your time, money and energies, and you will be sure to have more of each of these, once you begin traveling with Oxygen Aviation. Teterboro Airport teterboro, new jersey Private jet terminals Atlantic Aviation Contact: Joseph G. Fazio Phone: +1 201 288 1740 First Aviation Services Contact: Christine West Phone: +1 201 288 3555 ext. 259 Jet Aviation Contact: John Langevin Phone: +1 201 462 4000 Meridian Contact: Victor Seda Phone: +1 201 288 5040 signature flight support Contact: Holly Stash Phone: +1 201 288 1880 Republic Airport SheltAir Aviation Services Contact: Leonel Rivera Phone: +1 631 843 9488 Charter Operators NorthEastern Aviation Contact: Peter Montemurro Phone: +1 631 756 4600 Talon Air Contact: Amy Brown Phone: +1 631 753 8881 Downtown Manhattan Heliport new york, new york operated by Saker aviation Services Contact: Brian Tolbert Phone: +1 212 248 7240 Essex County Airport fairfield, new jersey operated by Air Pegasus Contact: Abigail Trenk Phone: +1 212 563 4442 Sponsored by: www.elitetraveler.com 37 Avantair elite services Contact: Shaolin Stafford Phone: +1 973 227 8299 new york, new york Private jet terminals Air Bound Aviation Contact: Guyon Nelson Phone: +1 973 575 1833 elite destination guide | new york Services: Whether it’s a helicopter, turboprop plane, jet or air ambulance you need, Privé Jets has you covered around the clock – without any long-term commitments or hassles. With Privé Jets’ on-demand jet charter service, a team of professional travel consultants is standing by to provide you quick access to more than 6,000 aircraft and 50,000 airports around the globe. With these truly expansive offerings, you’ll always have the right aircraft to get wherever you need, or want, to go. West 30 Street Heliport east farmingdale, new york Private jet terminals Atlantic Aviation Contact: Shawn Rose Phone: +1 631 752 9022 Privé Jets Phone: +1 305 917 1600 Email: [email protected] Website: www.privejets.com Need to know east 34th street heliport new york, new york operated by Atlantic Aviation Contact: Pat Oreily Wagner Phone: +1 212 889 2319 Westchester County Airport white plains, new york Private jet terminals Avitat Westchester Contact: Todd Dolphin Phone: +1 914 428 3730 Landmark Aviation Contact: Ray Martinez Phone: +1 914 761 3000 Million Air Contact: Janette Licastrino Phone: +1 914 946 0100 Panorama Flight Service Contact: Michael Smith Phone: +1 914 328 9800 private jet terminals Charter Operators corporate flight management Contact: Matthew Macri Phone: +1 914 761 7336 queens, new york Private jet terminals Port Authority of NY & NJ Contact: John Selden Phone: +1 718 244 3771 LaGuardia Airport queens, new york Private jet terminals SheltAir Aviation Services Contact: Kimberly Ibarra Phone: +1 718 779 4040 newark, new jersey Charter Operators Blue Star Jets Contact: Todd Rome Phone: +1 212 446 9037 Charter Operators Heliflite Contact: Francesco Lazzarini Phone: +1 973 273 7564 Newark Liberty International Airport Morristown Municipal Airport morristown, new jersey Private jet terminals Signature Flight Support Contact: Marilyn Vela Phone: +1 973 292 1300 Jet Aviation VIP contact: Christine M. Amos, VP Charter Sales Phone: +1 877 214 2892 Email: [email protected] Address: 112 Charles A. Lindbergh Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608 Website: www.jetaviation-charter.com Charter a private jet with Jet Aviation today. Call Jet Aviation to plan your next charter experience and indulge in the convenience and flexibility of traveling privately. Jet Aviation’s reputation for safety and security combined with its tradition of excellent service will allow you to sit back and relax while enjoying your journey in style. Jet Aviation has more than 40 years of experience completing, maintaining and managing every kind of private aircraft from small business jets through executive airliners. Owned by General Dynamics, Jet Aviation is a preeminent worldwide leader in the business aviation service company. With international locations and more than 5,000 employees, the company is dedicated to providing its clients with impeccable customer service around the world and around the clock. Whether you are a first time charter customer or a frequent traveler, Jet Aviation is ready to serve you. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com John F. Kennedy International Airport 38 Need to know WHEN BEST TO GO Autumn and spring are the best times to visit New York. From April to mid-June and September to midNovember, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the light is beautiful. With the leaves changing in Central Park and just a hint of crispness in the air, October is a fabulous time to be here. Beware the high humidity of the summer months and the snow and freezing temperatures that winter brings. Although December can be frigid, New York shines with festive holiday-season cheer. EXCHANGE RATE £1 = USD 1.60 €1 = USD 1.39 COUNTRY DIALING CODE +1 24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT 911 for all emergencies EMBASSY CONTACTS UK: +1 212 745 0200 POPULATION 8.4 million LOCAL TIME / BUSINESS HOURS New York is five hours behind GMT, and standard business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Shops normally start their day at 10am and close between 6 and 8pm from Monday through Saturday, though some larger shops will remain open until 9pm on select days. On Sunday, most stores open a little later (11am to noon) and close a little earlier (6pm) than during the week. Large department stores tend to keep the longest hours. Shops are most crowded on weekends and public holidays. DRESS AND CUSTOMS Although New Yorkers generally dress casually, they also love fashion and tend to dress up for weekend nights out and special occasions. Many of the city’s finest restaurants, bars and clubs expect their guests to dress well for the experience. If ever in doubt about the level of formality required, contact the establishment to find out. In the city’s business districts, such as Wall Street and Midtown, many men wear suits and ties, while women typically opt for a conservative-chic look. LANGUAGE English CURRENCY US dollars ($) Useful Information Average Low Temperature (°F) Average High Temperature (°F) Average Precipitation (in.) Average Snowfall (in.) January 23 36 3.69 7.5 February 24 40 2.94 8.5 March 32 48 4.08 5.1 April 42 58 4.06 0.9 May 53 68 4.48 0 June 63 77 3.45 0 July 68 83 4.17 0 August 66 81 4.05 0 September 58 74 4.05 0 October 47 63 3.50 0 November 38 52 4.00 0.9 December 28 42 3.86 5.5 Month EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT HELICOPTER FLIGHT SERVICEs VIP Contact: Kathleen Wiig, General Manager Phone: +1 212 355 0801 Email: [email protected] Address: Downtown Manhattan Heliport, Pier 6, East River Website: www.heliny.com Helicopter Flight Services is based in New York and offers spectacular tours of the city and transfer services to the Hamptons, Boston, Atlantic City, Philadelphia and all of the cosmopolitan airports including John F. Kennedy. International. GOTHAM DREAM CARS VIP Contact: Sarah Podlaski, Director of Client Services Phone: +1 212 957 4400 Email: [email protected] Address: 241 William Street, Englewood, New Jersey Website: www.gothamdreamcars.com Gotham Dream Cars features ultra-exotic vehicles from the most exclusive manufacturers and offers a unique driving experience that puts you and up to 12 friends behind the wheel of six of its most exhilarating cars. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: QUINTESSENTIALLY TRAVEL Phone: +1 646 215 2167 Email: [email protected] Website: www.quintessentiallytravel.com A sister company to Quintessentially - the world’s leading private members’ club & luxury lifestyle group – Quintessentially Travel is a bespoke global travel operator, offering exclusive travel to the world’s elite, organising everything from flights, private jets, transfers, and accommodation, to private tours and concierge services. QUINTESSENTIALLY DRIVEN VIP Contact: Dean Pemberton Phone: +1 646 607 5754 Email: [email protected] Website: www.quintessentiallydriven.com Quintessentially Driven offers a fleet of luxury, chauffeur-driven Jaguar XJ cars with Internet access and low carbon emissions. If you prefer to drive yourself, zoom off in an Aston Martin Volante, Maserati Quattroporte, Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster or Ferrari 360 Spider. Sponsored by: elite destination guide | new york www.elitetraveler.com 39