Category: General

  • Road Test: This Ford Escort MK1 Continuation Is as Beastly on Track as Its Legendary Inspiration

    Road Test: This Ford Escort MK1 Continuation Is as Beastly on Track as Its Legendary Inspiration

    Limited to 24 examples from Boreham Motorworks, the Alan Mann 68 Edition honors a renowned race team and a championship season. Limited to 24 examples from Boreham Motorworks, the Alan Mann 68 Edition honors a renowned race team and a championship season.

  • Ingrid Braun

    Ingrid Braun

    In partnership with 1 Hotel West Hollywood, we speak to the hotel’s general manager. 

    First opened in 2019, 1 Hotel West Hollywood brought a healthy dose of sustainable luxury to Los Angeles that feels as relevant today as ever.

    Perched above the Sunset Strip, the hotel offers nature-inspired rooms, farm-to-table dining at 1 Kitchen and a rooftop pool with unparalleled city vistas.

    With 1 Hotel West Hollywood now well into its stride, we speak to the hotel’s general manager about keeping the hotel ahead of the game in one of the hospitality world’s most competitive environments.

    What attracted you to a career in hospitality and to your position at the hotel?

    I graduated school with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration, but what really drew me into hospitality and kept me passionate about it over the years was the timing. I was entering the industry just as lifestyle brands like W Hotels were beginning to emerge. Suddenly, hotels weren’t just places to sleep—they were becoming cultural hubs, combining design, branding, and curated experiences that brought together like-minded people. Hotels started focusing on restaurants and bars that attracted locals just as much as guests. That blend of community, creativity, and service was really inspiring, and it made me want to be part of shaping those kinds of experiences. As with anything, lifestyle brands have evolved with the times, and a lot of the focus right now is on sustainability and wellness, and I think we are pioneering those efforts here at 1 Hotels.

    What defines true luxury in hospitality today, and how does your hotel embody that?

    Luxury today is less about formality and more about intentionality—and for us, that starts with service that’s genuine and intuitive. At 1 Hotel West Hollywood, we approach every detail with care, from warm welcomes and remembering guest preferences to thoughtful, personalized touches like a welcome amenity waiting in your room. It’s those small, human moments that define our brand of luxury. Paired with our nature-inspired design, sustainability efforts, and connection to the city around us, it creates a version of luxury that feels modern, meaningful, and uniquely 1 Hotel.

    All about the hotel

    How does your location inspire the guest experience here?

    There’s something really grounding about being in West Hollywood, right at the base of the Hollywood Hills. With views that stretch across the city and so much natural beauty around us, the Southern California landscape really shapes the feel of the hotel. The soft light, the greenery, the laid-back energy—it all comes through in how the space looks and feels. We’ve used reclaimed wood, native plants, and organic materials throughout to create a vibe that’s calm, airy, and connected to nature. It’s the kind of place where you can fully relax, even in the middle of the city.

    What experiences would you recommend if a guest stayed for just 24 hours?

    Start your morning with a fresh juice and sunrise views from your room, then head to The Field House for a workout or join one of our signature group fitness classes like yoga or guided breathwork. Afterward, enjoy a garden-to-table brunch at 1 Kitchen, where the menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients—many sourced from our on-site organic garden. In the afternoon, unwind with a holistic treatment at Bamford Wellness Spa or relax poolside. As the day winds down, stop by Juniper Lounge & Garden for cocktails and shareable bites, or head up to Harriet’s Rooftop for a nightcap and one of the best views in the city.

    All about the suite

    What separates this suite from anything else on offer in the region?

    The Canyon House Suite truly feels like a private escape in the heart of West Hollywood. It’s spacious, relaxed, and thoughtfully designed to feel like a home away from home, complete with a full dining area, cozy living room, and plenty of space to unwind. What really sets it apart is the wraparound terrace, with panoramic views of both the Hollywood Hills and the LA skyline. It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a coffee or wind down with a cocktail as the sun sets. That blend of comfort, calm, and breathtaking views is what makes the suite such a standout.

    How does the suite’s design reflect the essence of your hotel?

    From the moment you step inside, the Canyon House Suite captures the spirit of 1 Hotels—natural materials, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to nature. You’ll find reclaimed wood finishes, living plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with beautiful California light. Every detail is intentionally chosen to create an atmosphere that feels warm, inviting, and luxurious. It’s a true reflection of the property’s mindful, nature-driven approach to hospitality.

  • Here’s How You Can Attend the Premiere of Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Movie

    Here’s How You Can Attend the Premiere of Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Movie

    Marriott is giving fans a chance to stop by ‘F1’ premiere, along with the Singapore and Las Vegas races later this year. Marriott is giving fans a chance to stop by ‘F1’ premiere, along with the Singapore and Las Vegas races later this year.

  • Jefferson’s Just Added a Straight Rye Whiskey to Its Core Lineup of Bourbons

    Jefferson’s Just Added a Straight Rye Whiskey to Its Core Lineup of Bourbons

    This is a blend of rye whiskeys bottled at different ages. This is a blend of rye whiskeys bottled at different ages.

  • Tiger Woods’s Golf Brand Just Dropped a Pair of Retro-Inspired Golf Shoes

    Tiger Woods’s Golf Brand Just Dropped a Pair of Retro-Inspired Golf Shoes

    The Pioneer Magnolia Spectator drops May 27 in a two colorways with soft spikes and brogue detailing. The Pioneer Magnolia Spectator drops May 27 in a two colorways with soft spikes and brogue detailing.

  • Napoleon’s Famed Bicorne Hat Could Fetch Over $900,000 at Auction

    Napoleon’s Famed Bicorne Hat Could Fetch Over $900,000 at Auction

    A herald sword and stick used during Napoleon’s 1804 coronation ceremony at the Notre-Dame de Paris will also be sold. A herald sword and stick used during Napoleon’s 1804 coronation ceremony at the Notre-Dame de Paris will also be sold.

  • Why David Silver’s New Vintage Rolex Coffee Table Book Is Essential Reading for Collectors

    Why David Silver’s New Vintage Rolex Coffee Table Book Is Essential Reading for Collectors

    The new edition updates the retailer’s original 2020 volume with an additional 300 watch images and two new chapters. The new edition updates the retailer’s original 2020 volume with an additional 300 watch images and two new chapters.

  • An L.A. Restaurateur and a Hollywood Actress Reimagined This $3.5 Million Lake Arrowhead Home

    An L.A. Restaurateur and a Hollywood Actress Reimagined This $3.5 Million Lake Arrowhead Home

    Hospitality entrepreneur Beau Laughlin and his wife Lindsey Gort have transformed a four-bedroom residence within the exclusive Rainbow Point community.  Hospitality entrepreneur Beau Laughlin and his wife Lindsey Gort have transformed a four-bedroom residence within the exclusive Rainbow Point community. 

  • This Ultra-Rare Porsche 964 Was a Race Prototype. Now It Could Fetch $1 Million at Auction.

    This Ultra-Rare Porsche 964 Was a Race Prototype. Now It Could Fetch $1 Million at Auction.

    One of only 22 built, the 1991 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Leichtbau will be offered during Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions in August. One of only 22 built, the 1991 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Leichtbau will be offered during Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions in August.

  • Zem Wellness Clinic Altea: A Life-extending Wellbeing Hotel

    Zem Wellness Clinic Altea: A Life-extending Wellbeing Hotel

    Our editor Samantha Coles visits Spain’s latest wellness center, where longevity is not just a goal but a celebration of life itself. 

    But as I was ushered into the grand gold-and-cream lobby, with its intricate 35,000-piece mosaic (which I’m later told is pieced together by hand, a process that takes months) and dangling chandelier overhead, I can already tell I’m in for a much-needed soothing.

    Calling it a clinic is a tad misleading as it definitely feels more akin to an elegant, grande dame five-star hotel — just one that has a plethora of wellness treatments as well as a high-tech medical center.

    On arrival, I’m introduced to my ‘Zem master,’ who shows me around the labyrinthine space and explains what to expect from my visit. Each guest has an assigned Zem master who conducts a pre-visit consultation and is on hand throughout their stay (programs are individualized and range from three to 21 nights). I’m presented with a cork binder with my schedule for the following days, which will soon be filled with in-depth results from my various assessments.

    The grand lobby is more five-star hotel than wellness clinic / ©Zem Wellness Clinic Altea

    My first stop is in the clinic proper — a slick space that has a more medical feel. The clinic offers services in 25 specialties and 32 medical practices. I began with a facial scan to asses the layers of my skin and to spot any problem areas such as wrinkle depth and sun damage before having a similar scan on my body, where any blemish is flagged — a nurse checks out any freckles or moles that are slightly larger than typical in case they need to be assessed further.

    Following my skin assessment, I visited Solange, one of Zem’s doctors, for a ‘bio-integrative medicine consultation.’ She carried out a number of tests and thoroughly explained why she did each one (as well as sharing charming anecdotes — she speaks four languages and learned English as a way to understand when her grandmother and great-aunt were gossiping). I have arthritis and, as a result, I have swelling in my knee; Solange suggested a number of treatments to improve the condition.

    Next, I had a session with the nutritionist. Zem offers different dietary plans based on the guests’ needs and which program they are undertaking, ranging from pretty intense detox to metabolic bioregulation. All plans are tailor-made and based on the Mediterranean diet — a few highlights of mine were matcha pancakes for breakfast and a divine mushroom risotto for dinner.

    The clinic has its very own organically cultivated vegetable garden spanning nearly 20 acres — it has one of the highest ecological certifications for its sustainable farming practices. The farm, Finca Althaya, is a short drive away should you wish to explore, and it has 60 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs that supply the restaurant. The chef who showed me around the finca spoke enthusiastically about how special it is to have tropical fruit that they grow themselves and to know it is of excellent quality.

    Finca Althaya, an organically farmed vegetable garden where Zem Clinic sources most of its produce / ©Zem Wellness Clinic Altea

    The finca also has a number of olive trees with the goal of producing Zem olive oil within the next two years. (The Zem logo is the DNA symbol intertwined with an upside-down olive tree.) Guests can also take part in harvesting the produce and using it in cooking classes — Zem has a gorgeous chapel-like cooking space with a domed atrium ceiling and stained-glass windows; the chef’s station has cleverly positioned cameras that live stream every chop and slice, so budding chefs can see every move and follow along.

    During my session with the nutritionist, I also had a body composition analysis and was presented with data like my total muscle mass (188lbs), muscle quality (high), sarcopenia risk (low), bone mass (6.3lbs), visceral fat index (low) and metabolic level (equivalent to a 21-year-old). I’ll take it!

    The following morning, I had a check-in with my Zem master to see if the itinerary was to my liking (it most certainly was). I then visited the gym, which is chock-full of Technogym equipment alongside Greek-esque sculptures — it shouldn’t work, but it Photos Jovi Fotógrafos absolutely does. I was put through my paces with a functional assessment and training where my cardio, strength and mobility were tested along with my mental capacity — reaction time, memory and thought processing.

    A slightly harder challenge considering my lack of coffee (replaced with a reishi mushroom cappuccino), but the experience provided valuable insight; my mobility needs the most work and I vowed to start practicing yoga, which I started doing from my suite’s spacious balcony with far-reaching views down to the sparkling ocean. (Post yoga, I had a well-deserved soak in the bathtub, which also sits on the balcony, and watched the birds fly by.)

    The spa / ©Zem Wellness Clinic Altea

    I spent my afternoon in the spa, which is utterly spectacular — a marbled mosaic wonderland with gushing water features, more sculptures and artwork, and a zen garden illuminated by a domed window above. There are two saunas, an infrared sauna, steam room, swimming pool with massage jets, hammam, salt room, snow room, cold plunge pool and even a snow shower. Guests can use the spa whenever they wish, and it’s remarkably easy for the hours to melt away here.

    More treatments await, including a ‘triple detox’ in an MLX i3DOME that combines three detox methods into one by combining far infrared technology, plasma and light treatment. I lay in a chamber and sweat more than I’ve ever sweated before while a helmet was placed over my head and I was given options for which type of light to have on my face — I opted for blue light to help with blemishes and problem skin which, despite my skepticism, works wonders.

    I also enjoyed the Zestos Dryfloat treatment, where I lay on what felt like a rain-filled cloud while soothing music played — the vibrations from the music reverberated through the squishy bed, and I felt total calm wash over me.

    I found my visit to be wholly inspiring — I am now armed with valuable data on areas for improvement, but feel motivated with the positive results. Both my mind and my skin are worlds clearer than when I arrived (perhaps due to the alkaline water — there are multiple stations throughout the clinic, each infused with herbs from the finca). One of Zem’s philosophies is that longevity is not just a goal but a celebration of life itself, and I find myself implementing the practices into my everyday life long after I return to the norm.

    From $12,225 for a seven-night detox program. Contact info@zemaltea.com, +34 966 888 800, zemaltea.com