The NBA Cup is back for the second year with all 30 teams competing for the NBA Cup. All 30 teams have been randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2023-24 regular season. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12 and continuing through Tuesday, Dec. 3, each team will play four designated Group Play games on “Cup Nights” – one game against each opponent in its group, with two games at home and two on the road. Eight teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds: the team with the best standing in Group Play games in each of the six groups and one wild card team from each conference. The wild card will be the team from each conference with the best record in Group Play games that finished second in its group. Western Conference West Group A Minnesota Timberwolves LA Clippers Sacramento Kings Houston Rockets Portland Trail Blazers West Group B Oklahoma City Thunder Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs West Group C Denver Nuggets Dallas Mavericks New Orleans Pelicans Golden State Warriors Memphis Grizzlies Eastern Conference East Group A New York Knicks Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Brooklyn Nets Charlotte Hornets East Group B Milwaukee Bucks Indiana Pacers Miami Heat Toronto Raptors Detroit Pistons East Group C Boston Celtics Cleveland Cavaliers Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Washington Wizards By ML Staff. Courtesy of NBA. For Miami HEAT tickets click here.

Lauren Clark and Christa Johnson claimed their well-deserved victories at the Florida Women’s Open & Senior Open at the Forest Country Club. Clark fired a final round of three-under-par, 69 for a tournament total of five-under-par. Clark claimed her wire-to-wire victory by five strokes over the field. Johnson also posted a tournament total of five-under-par to claim the victory by two strokes for the Senior Division. In addition, Alexandra White captured the low-professional win and brought home $10,000 after securing a third place finish with scores of 74-69-74. Open Division Lauren Clark took the lead during the first round and never gave it up. She fired a two-under-par 70 and posted five birdies over the 18 holes. Clark competed last week in the Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship where she found herself in contention and in the final pairing on the last day. She explained how it felt coming straight into this tournament, “When you have back-to-back tournaments, it’s really easy to get momentum going. For me, I did not finish off where I wanted to at the WASP, so it really made me go back and work hard for two days and then come straight into this practice round. It’s easy to get momentum and keep it, so hopefully I can ride that momentum through.” However, the second round Clark had to fight to retain her lead. She got off to a rough start, but stayed patient in order to find her way back to par. “Overall, I really just tried to stay patient and hit greens, make putts, and put myself in position to make putts.” Also in the mix throughout the tournament was defending champion, Jordan Fischer. Fischer posted rounds of 71-72 to enter into the final round only one stroke off the lead. The LSU rising sophomore carded a 78 in the final round to fall out of contention. However, Alexandra White fired a three-under-par, 69 during the second round to move up the leaderboard ten places and only one stroke away from the lead. The final round was an exciting one as it came down to Clark and White battling it out for the win. The two competitors remained within two strokes of each other until late in the back nine. White fell victim to a bogey on the 15th hole to give one back to Clark. Bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes gave Clark a five stroke win over the field. Clark said of her win, “I feel like I’ve been so close for so long that this is just an added bonus. I’ve been playing good golf and this is just the cherry on top.” However, White did not walk away empty handed as she earned low professional honors and a $10,000 check. In addition, Valentina Rossi secured second place with scores of 74-70-72. Senior Division Christa Johnson had a hot start to her tournament posting a six-under-par 30 on her first nine. She finished the day in a share of the lead with Leta Lindley at four-under-par. Johnson described her mindset, “I play point A golf, which means there’s no point B. It’s always new, and it’s always one shot, one shot, and then another shot and you do the best you can on each shot.” However, she fell victim to a few bogeys on the second nine while at the same time, Lindley heated up. Lindley posted three birdies on her bogey free back nine. Consistency was key for Christa Johnson as she fired another four-under-par, 68 to extend her lead to three shots over the field. Johnson carded five birdies over the 18 holes. Leta Lindley sat in second place at five-under-par, and Tara Joy-Connelly and Jackie Gallagher-Smith shared third place at even par. The final pairing was set of Johnson, Lindley, and Joy-Connelly. Johnson started the day with a three stroke lead and extended it to a four stroke lead heading into the back nine. However, she hit a few rough holes and by the 15th hole, Lindley trailed Johnson by only a stroke. Yet, a birdie on 16 brought Johnson back to a two stroke lead which she secured ultimately secured her win on the 18th holes. “It feels really good to win. I didn’t play as well today as I did the first two days, but I stayed patient and found some peace in there somewhere, and found some speed in my swing and I really learned a lot, so I am very happy about coming here to play.” Tara Joy-Connelly finished tied for third with Jackie Gallagher-Smith and earned low amateur honors. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of FSGA

The Miami HEAT have announced that Dan Bisaccio, currently a Player Development Coach, will become the head coach of their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Meanwhile, Kasib Powell, the former head coach of the Skyforce, will join the HEAT’s staff as a Player Development Coach. Bisaccio, who is presently coaching the HEAT’s Summer League team, has achieved a commendable 4-1 record, including a 2-1 run during the California Classic in San Francisco and an unbeaten 2-0 record thus far in the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas. Bisaccio has been with the HEAT organization for the past ten seasons, most recently serving as Player Development Coach last season. In this role, he mentored players and assisted the coaching staff with special projects. Prior to that, he spent five seasons as Video Coordinator, following four seasons as Assistant Video Coordinator. Bisaccio originally joined the HEAT as a video intern for the 2014-15 season. Before his time with the HEAT, he served as the Graduate Assistant/Video Coordinator for Marquette University’s men’s basketball team for two seasons. Powell has led the Skyforce as head coach for the past three seasons, guiding the team to the playoffs in each of his last two seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Under his leadership, an NBA-best 21 players were called up over his three seasons as head coach. Powell began with the Skyforce as an assistant coach in 2016 and was promoted to head coach after four seasons. Inducted into the Skyforce Hall of Fame in April 2016, Powell also had a successful playing career with the Skyforce from 2007 to 2009, earning the 2007-08 NBA G League MVP award. His professional playing career spanned nine seasons across various leagues, including the NBA, NBA G League, CBA, USBL, and international teams. By ML Staff. For Miami HEAT tickets click here.

On Tuesday, July 30th, The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF), will distribute school supplies from 12PM to 2PM at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for their Back To School specialty program, which provides essential school supplies to the children from LLF’s Partner Facilities. LLF raised more than $35,000 for the program through their fundraising initiatives at Miami Swim Week Shows. Enriching the lives of over 3000 underserved children and their families, providing them with essential school supplies for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year Children and families from LLF’s Partner Facilities will be transported to the event by LLF, where volunteers will assist in distributing school supplies. With exclusive access to PAMM, the children will also have the opportunity to explore the museum’s current exhibitions, participate in arts & crafts activities in collaboration with The Kindest Kid, and enjoy other engaging activities provided by LLF. In partnership with Pérez Art Museum Miami, this year’s Back To School program will include food donations from Subway and Joe’s Pizza, along with complimentary water from Icelandic Water and LaCroix Sparkling Water. Additional sponsors include Blacklane, 1 Hotel South Beach, Glass for Life, and Raising Cane’s. LLF’s Back To School program is dedicated to raising funds to provide essential supplies for underserved children, equipping them with the tools necessary for academic success. "We eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year with LLF's Back To School program at Pérez Art Museum Miami. LLF not only equips the children we support year-round with backpacks and school supplies, but also ignites their enthusiasm for the upcoming academic year," remarks Jonathan Babicka, CEO of The Little Lighthouse Foundation. "Our goal is to create a meaningful impact in South Florida's underserved communities, fostering lasting change for years to come." Participating facilities include Chapman Partnership, Lotus House, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, Breakthrough Miami, Educate Tomorrow, Overtown Youth Center, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Motivational Edge, Touch Miami With Love, Communities In School Miami, Miami Bridge, Citrus Grove, Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, Miami Children’s Initiative, His House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Silent Victims of Crime, Big Dreams for Her, Kristi House, Miami Beach, and more. “We are delighted to be working with our friends at The Little Lighthouse Foundation to usher in the new academic school year. It is a privilege for us at Pérez Art Museum Miami to continue our partnership with a vital local organization," remarks Franklin Sirmans, Director of PAMM. “Supporting underserved children and their families is essential to our mission, allowing us to foster creativity and emphasize the value of education in their lives.” LLF’s Back To School program is only open to the youth from invited LLF Partner Facilities. Volunteering opportunities are available from 11AM to 3PM on Tuesday, July 30th. For more information on how to support LLF’s Back To School specialty program, please visit TheLittleLighthouse.org. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of The Little Lighthouse Foundation

In collaboration with Guerlain, Belmond presents a brand-new spa at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. The spa draws inspiration from Anguilla’s earliest inhabitants, the indigenous Arawak tribe, offering a harmonious connection with nature and a rebalance of energy. At this haven of relaxation, nestled on the intimate shores of Anguilla, guests will enjoy a collection of Guerlain rituals in harmony with the atmosphere of the Caribbean. The Cap Juluca Spa proposes a range of exclusive treatments that reflect the tranquil ambiance and enchantment of the region. They include Ocean Vibes and Crystal Bowl Energy, incorporating natural elements to soothe and revitalize guests. Designed by Rottet Studio, the spa invites visitors to reconnect with nature amidst lush gardens. The spa counts seven private treatment rooms plus an Imperial Suite offering VIP treatment. Guests relax in peaceful spaces post-treatment, enjoy a sauna, or take part in ancestral cleansing rituals in the Calichi Garden. Cap Juluca offers holistic well-being experiences as well that incorporate mindfulness, nutrition and longevity activation. The new Guerlain Spa at Cap Juluca redefines the well-being experience with a combination of luxury, nature and tradition for an unforgettable escapade in Anguilla. ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Lit according to tradition in Olympia, the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 left Athens at the end of April aboard the Belem to reach Marseille on May 8th, welcomed by an extraordinary celebration in theVieux Port, marking the start of its journey across France. On the deck of the Belem Caisse d’Epargne Foundation ship, the Louis Vuitton trunk that protects the torch was opened by Florent Manaudou, Olympic swimmer and champion in the 50m freestyle and four-time Olympic medalist. It was then lit by him at the prow of the ship. The trunk was made by the artisans of Louis Vuitton, in their emblematic Asnières workshop near Paris. It completes the Maison’s collection of trophy trunks, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship and groundbreaking creativity. Sephora, Official Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays of Paris 2024, launched a store activation which will travel through 46* shops located in cities covered by the Relay of Paris 2024, giving customers a chance to win beauty products or even tickets for Paris 2024. Sephora will also welcome the public within celebration zones of four major cities along the Olympic Torch Relay of Paris 2024: Bordeaux on May 23rd, Nice on June 18th, Lille on July 2nd, and Paris on July 14th. The Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays of Paris 2024 are also a unique opportunity for LVMH to celebrate its talents – Artisan of All Victories of the Group in all professions – as well as its heritage throughout France. More than two hundred collaborators from the Group and its Maisons across France (workshops, stores, production sites) have been selected based on their social, environmental, sports or community commitment to participate in both Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays throughout France. It represents a once in a lifetime chance to bring together talents across Maisons, professions or sectors within the Group to meet with the general public across territories. LVMH will organize inclusive celebrations close to where the Torch Relay of Paris 2024 passes to resonate with the Group’s mission, “The Art of Crafting Dreams”: May 23rd at Château Cheval Blanc’s site in Saint Émilion July 14th at Pont Neuf square between La Samaritaine and Louis Vuitton Headquarters in Paris July 15th at Fondation Louis Vuitton and Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris, where children from French association “Le Secours Populaire” will be invited to join festivities. These key moments will be unified by a scenography built around the concept of  “The Fabric That Connects Us”. Furthermore, the Olympic Torch Relay of Paris 2024 will also pass by sites linked to the Group: May 24th in front of Hennessy in Cognac May 31st near Christian Dior Museum in Grandville June 30th near Moët & Chandon in Epernay As part of the Olympic Torch Relay of Paris 2024, LVMH and Château Cheval Blanc welcomed 150 pupils from Saint Emilion to see the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 and discover the estate. This Wednesday, May 23rd, marked an important step in the programme unveiled on May 8th by LVMH – Premium Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 and the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays of Paris 2024 – to celebrate the arrival and passage of the Flame of Paris 2024 in France, in collaboration with several of its Maisons. Château Cheval Blanc welcomed the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 during the Saint Émilion relay, where teams from the Maison invited 150 pupils from the town to experience this exceptional moment up close to the torch. In the presence of the mayor of Saint Émilion, 150 pupils from the town’s primary and preschool were able to discover the estate and take part in various workshops organized by teams from the Château. For this relay, five employees of Château Cheval Blanc were selected for their commitment related to sport, involvement in associations or in their local communities, to carry the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 within the estate. Following the passage of the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024, a series of activities were proposed to the 150 children, all supervised by Château Cheval Blanc employees: discovery of agroecology, beekeeping and biodiversity, discovery of the agroforestry practices that have been in place on the estate for many years, as well as physical activities including a “mini-relay” and athletics challenges. Raphaël Heureude, ornithologist and partner of the Château’s teams, led an ornithology workshop on the birds present on site. The day ended around 4pm with a tea party with food products produced on the estate: bread, apple juice, jam, etc. “Hosting the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 is a privilege. It gave us the opportunity to unite the Château Cheval Blanc teams around a festive, convivial and unforgettable moment, by allowing five of our employees to be bearers of the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024. As part of our commitment to passing on our heritage, we were delighted to invite 150 pupils from the Saint Émilion school to discover the estate and the importance of preserving their local territory, through various ateliers and activities focusing on the estate’s agroforestry techniques.“ Pierre-Olivier Clouet, General Manager at Château Cheval Blanc. A journey to the core of the site’s environmental approach Château Cheval Blanc’s overall agroecological approach is based on three fundamental pillars: plant cover, agroforestry, mixed farming and livestock rearing. To preserve its soils, Château Cheval Blanc has stopped ploughing in favour of growing wine on living soil, i.e. soil that is always covered with plants, sown at the end of the harvest. This naturally prevents the proliferation of weeds, prevents the soil from drying out, limits the effects of the summer heat and facilitates the absorption of rainwater into the soil. These techniques are inspired by the COP 21’s “4 for 1000” approach to combating greenhouse gases and enhancing the fertility of the vineyard. One of the aims of the château’s teams is to reconcile nature and culture by stimulating the natural fertility of the land through agroforestry on the estate itself. Thousands of fruit and forest trees have already been planted on the 40-hectare estate, along with a 4km linear border of hedgerows. The last major axis of Château Cheval Blanc’s approach is mixed farming, a method that brings animals back to the heart of the vineyard to help the winegrowers. Ewes graze the plots to stimulate the plants and fertilise the soil, chickens and hens roam the land to get rid of harmful insects, and around fifteen beehives pollinate the gardens, and so on. The impact of these initiatives is being monitored by researchers from the National Museum of Natural History and university staff from Bordeaux University involved in the programme. Sephora, Official Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays of Paris 2024 Wednesday, May 23rd also marked the start of pop-up events at Sephora, which welcomed the general public to the Celebration Zone of Paris 2024 in Bordeaux for the first time. In this experiential space, Sephora is inviting the public to celebrate the link between beauty and sport with areas for discovering the Maison, artistic co-creation events and make-up services. These pop-ups can be found in Nice on June 18th, Lille on July 2nd and Paris on July 14th. In their shop on Rue Sainte Catherine, Sephora has also activated its “soufflerie”, a system enabling customers to try and win tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 and other beauty gifts. This “soufflerie” will be available in Sephora shops in 46 cities where the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays of Paris 2024 will be passing through. Furthermore, the Olympic Torch Relay of Paris 2024 will also pass by sites linked to the Group: – May 31st near Christian Dior Museum in Grandville – June 30th near Moët & Chandon in Epernay LVMH and Hennessy welcome Olympic Torch in Cognac during Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay On May 24 two members of Hennessy, Louis Colin and Guillaume Lammertyn, carried the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch when the Torch Relay passed by the Visites Hennessy in Cognac. Five employees were selected to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, recognizing their social, environmental, sports or community engagement. Four members of the LVMH Group, including Antonio Belloni, President of LVMH Italy, and Laura Clair, a customer advisor at Sephora, carry the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch in Antibes On June 18 Antonio Belloni, President of LVMH Italy and former LVMH Group Managing Director, carried the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch and passed the torch on to Laura Clair, a customer advisor at Sephora and also a firefighter, who was among the Torch Relay participants selected by the Group. Four members of LVMH had a chance to carry the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch in Antibes. ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Of what surrounds me presents three artists whose creative process is profoundly influenced by nature, serving as both a significant element in their work and a conduit for exploring self and others. Taking its title from the poem by Mary Oliver (1935–2019) of the same name, this exhibition positions each artist as instigators of close contemplation. Looking to their surroundings, Amanda Bradley, Cristina Lei Rodriguez and Mette Tommerup think of the natural world as both an immersive state and a vehicle for making meaning. In Amanda Bradley’s work, themes of identity and belonging manifest through environmental imagery. While creating, Bradley considers what is invisible, ephemeral, and hard to quantify. Heavily influenced by writing, Bradley incorporates embossed lettering as a way to complicate the legibility of both the final image and the superimposed text. While not documentary, her photography documents lushness, abundance, and density, with her home country of Belize as a common subject. Abundant flora and complex terrain inform Cristina Lei Rodriguez’s practice, which includes sculpture, painting, and mixed media work. Born and raised in Miami, Rodriguez has an intimate familiarity with the region’s vibrant vegetation as well as the light, humidity, and ferocity of this environment. While Rodriguez’s work is often maximalist, it is not rooted in living nature so much as the passage of time, the changing of the seasons, the process of decay, and the nature of resiliency. Rodriguez’s work for the exhibition will include a rarely seen, monumental installation titled Endless Autumn, from the collection of the Perez Art Museum as well as a new, large-scale painting. Mette Tommerup’s practice, which includes public art projects, reflects the artist’s longstanding inquiry into nature. A native of Denmark, Tommerup grew up near the ocean. Her large-scale paintings, which often include a performative component, evoke underwater seascapes, grassy expanses, and complex topographies. Tommerup considers her physical self and the viewer’s physical response as integral to her work. Rooted in languages of abstraction and the intersection of painting and sculpture, Tommerup’s monumental installations encompass the viewer, evoking a sense of awe. Deeply inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver, Tommerup will premiere a new installation created for Of what surrounds me. On View: On display now until Sunday, September 15, 2024 Works By: Amanda Bradley, Cristina Lei Rodriguez, and Mette Tommerup By ML Staff. Courtesy of Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

MUVE is excited to work alongside our community in partnership with Miami-Dade County’s Miami EcoAdventures to care for our critical coastal habitats through nature-based volunteerism. On Saturday, July 20, 2024, we will plant native sea oats to enhance beach dunes and conduct a citizen science-based beach cleanup. All tools and materials will be provided. We recommend a reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, sun and bug protection, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Directions to check-in Check-in will be located at the picnic tables next the Crandon Park Open Seas Cafe concession building, located at the south end of Crandon Park at the address 6747 Crandon Blvd on Key Biscayne. To get to the meeting location, enter Crandon Park on the Oceanside using the “South Beach” entrance, which is the third left-hand turn into the Park. Proceed past the old Park Headquarters building and information booth until you reach the sidewalk, then turn right and continue along the parking lot until you reach the south end. Park in the last few rows of the lot near the yellow Park Office building. After securing your vehicle, head east toward the beach where you will see the Open Seas Café, a yellow building with a covered patio and picnic tables located just beyond the “Amusement Area”. Parking Parking is complimentary for registered volunteers and passes will be provided upon check-in. Community Service Hours We offer community service hours at all MUVE events. Please find us after the event to sign forms. Safety The completion of Frost Science and Miami-Dade County liability waivers are required for participation. This waiver is included in the online registration process. LOCATION Crandon Park Open Seas Café 6747 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, Fl 33149 TIME AND DATE July 20, 2024 at 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Louis Vuitton introduces the second act of its “New Formal” menswear collection, designed by the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme. Following the elegant men’s wardrobe of Fall-Winter 2024, this trans-seasonal Spring sequel focuses on timeless businesswear, modern tailoring, and elevated evening staples. The collection features slim suiting in noble fabrics, including single-breasted jackets and fitted cigarette trousers in shades of black, navy, and white. The iconic Damier motif, introduced by Pharrell Williams, the Maison’s Men’s Creative Director, is elegantly transposed onto formal wear and footwear, complemented by a wavy motif or pinstripes cut on the bias. These pieces pair seamlessly with refined Oxford shirts with beveled collars and cuffs, or a double-faced, reversible bomber jacket in solid black and gray Monogram. Tonal accessories, such as the sleek LV Aerogram Pilot Briefcase, are accompanied by footwear styles like the Voltaire modern fashion derby in glazed calf leather with a gradient Damier finish, Sorbonne loafers in tobacco and black, and Varenne classic leather Chelsea boots and Richelieus. The collection also includes complementary accessories like the ergonomic Fastline Messenger in black LV Aerogram, tonal neckties, and leather-handled key fobs. Essential tailored outerwear for the season includes an elegant blouson in soft navy suede leather, a beige peacoat with a shearling collar, and a versatile mid-season parka that functions as a three-in-one. Iconic bag styles such as the Keepall Travel bag, the Aerogram Lock It tote, and the new Georges Statement tote in Millésime grained leather complete the lineup. For further information, visit www.louisvuitton.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

In 2024, Gucci unveils its Labirinti Gucci High Jewelry collection, drawing inspiration from the enchanting and intricate pathways of Italian gardens. This new collection embodies themes of symmetry, geometric splendor, and blooming nature, guiding admirers through a maze of majestic beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship. Highlighted by exquisite colored gemstones, each piece frames nature’s elegance in a refined balance, revealing unexpected elements like dragonfly motifs and reinterpretations of the House’s iconic G motif, all adorned in pavé diamonds. The collection, featuring 140 unique masterpieces, celebrates a blend of rational and emotional creativity. It showcases a statement cuff with a 5.93ct Colombian emerald and a necklace centered around a 56.37ct oval-cut green tourmaline. The geometric splendor theme includes pieces like a necklace with a 53.25ct lagoon tourmaline and a 19.68ct Ethiopian opal. The blooming nature theme introduces dragonfly brooches and a 113.35ct green tourmaline necklace, symbolizing rebirth and freedom. Labirinti Gucci masterfully combines aesthetic clarity and the exuberant spirit of creativity, channeling the timeless elegance and sophistication of Gucci High Jewelry. Discover more at www.gucci.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gucci.

Perfectly secluded by a tropical jungle and perched above a breathtaking 60-foot cliffside beach, Amanera offers an unforgettable luxury experience along the Dominican Republic’s North Coast. Enveloped by sounds of crashing waves and birds chirping, the serene setting showcases premier privacy, service, and a celebration of natural and man-made beauty. The resort itself is a testament to the superior design of Aman properties, seamlessly floating above the lush natural landscape with panoramic views, expertly positioned to ensure every angle of the property is breathtaking. Amanera is the ultimate way to experience the Dominican Republic’s vast beauty, with accommodations perfect for a 3 day getaway or several-week stay. The meticulous staff makes your visit warm and highly personalized, accommodating your every desire and making you feel as if you are the only person on property. ACCOMMODATIONS Amanera’s 25 Casitas are tucked away within the cliffs along the Western end of Playa Grande beach. Each Casita offers ocean views, with a selection showcasing private heated infinity pools. The intimately private Casistas feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that blur the line between indoor and outdoor, with expansive terraces and outdoor lounging areas that maximize views of the water. Interiors feature lofty ceilings and are designed with natural materials like wood and stone that are masterfully intertwined to create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature. Each Casita is fully stocked with everything you could need to make your stay comfortable. Food With a dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, both dining venues on property serve extraordinary food amidst stunning views. Menu options include seasonal and sustainable ingredients from the Dominican Republic combined with international techniques led by celebrated executive chef Cesar Landeo. The main lobby restaurant, Casa Grande, overlooks the cliffside infinity pool while a more casual Beach Club offers dining along the sand. All dishes and beverages are made from scratch. Casa Grande opens early in the morning for guests who like to get an early start and is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can eat inside or outside, and experience beautiful sunrises and sunsets while enjoying a first-class fusion of local and international favorites including Dominican sancocho soup, Peruvian-style skirt steak, truffle cacio e pepe, and pan seared salmon with roasted peppers puree. There is also an incredibly picturesque Lounge Bar atop the restaurant, with a selection of Latin-infused rums, tequilas, signature cocktails and cigars–plus complimentary afternoon tea every day. The beachside restaurant and bar features fresh fish, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and drinks served directly from a coconut. Private candlelit dining can also be booked in the library, on the beach, or in your Casita. Activities Amanera has endless options for tranquil and active exploration, from holistic wellness journeys to off-property island experiences where you can immerse in the area’s rich culture. The staff can build a tailored itinerary that includes time relaxing along the golden sands of Playa Grande with daily complimentary beachside massages, learning to kite surf, tennis or pickleball with a pro, and a round of golf at the immaculate, Rees Jones-designed golf course with 18 holes directly along the ocean. You can also indulge in a chef-led ceviche making class at the Beach Club or cigar-rolling masterclass in the Cigar Room. For a truly unique experience, book the Jungle Breakfast that starts with a guided hike through the jungle to the top of a mountain where a delicious breakfast is served while you catch your breath and enjoy a birds-eye view of the lush tree canopy and ocean below. During the winter months, the lobby offers an ideal viewpoint to spot the incredible humpback whale migration. You can also kayak through the mangroves of Laguna Gri Gri, wreck and reef dive, horseback ride along the shore, and explore Santo Domingo’s historic centre. Amanera’s younger guests have dedicated programming designed for kids 5 to 12 years old, with nature-based activities and excursions including bird watching and jungle expeditions. Wellness In true Aman fashion, the spa and fitness services are extensive, with a fully equipped gym and wellness activities including private guided meditation, yoga, kickboxing, beach circuit training and Bachata dance sessions. Visiting and resident wellness specialists like hypnotherapists, nutritionists and even professional surfers ensure there is an expert and experience for everyone. The world-class spa, or Wellness Casa, offers a heavenly environment along the ocean with treatments and lunar rituals influenced by ancient Dominican shamanic healing traditions. Ingredients used for massages, facials, scrubs and wraps are made using locally cultivated plants, fruits, and herbs, as well as Aman Skincare organic products. For a fascinating introduction to the herbal medicine traditions of the area, guests can immerse in a curated Taino medicine walk with an expert spa guide and learn how to harvest and prepare natural healing blends from the island’s flora. For more information about Amanera, visit: www.aman.com/resorts/amanera By Miami Living Magazine, Words by Gaby Fleischman. Images courtesy of Amanera.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, situated approximately four hours from Miami, is the only St. Regis opening in the U.S. this year and represents the island's largest development in over five decades. The resort has appointed Melih Eker as Food & Beverage Director and Alberto Taboada as Executive Chef to lead its seven distinctive dining venues. Together, they will helm the resort's seven distinctive dining venues, including: The St. Regis Bar: The resort’s living room, an inviting space where guests can gather for drinks and enjoy live piano music and other performances. CW Prime: The hotel’s signature restaurant, featuring expertly prepared steakhouse classics artistically crafted in our Jasper charcoal grill. In The Spirit Room, a private cocktail speakeasy experience with exclusive on demand service to CW Prime’s mixologist via a secret call button will be available by reservation only. Riva: Coastal Italian dining with an interactive and exclusive pasta bar where Chef will prepare fresh pasta counter side. Aura: A sophisticated interpretation of an open-air pool grill with Latin American fare. Oshen: The rooftop lounge with picturesque views of the water, will be exclusively open to hotel guests serving elevated cocktails and seafood-focused small plates and dishes with a Japanese and Peruvian influence. Monkey Bar: An ode to a beloved local destination, the Monkey Bar serves elevated tiki drinks, crafted to perfection, and culinary creations. Its signature offering is the “Murf & Turf”, a Wagyu Sausage and lobster sandwich inspired by the “Murf Dog”. Caroline’s: For breakfast or all-day refreshments, the hotel’s cafe will offer a mix of health forward specialty drinks and dishes as well as coffee, espresso, tea and homemade pastry indulgences. "As we gear up for the grand opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort this summer, our mission is clear: to curate an unparalleled food and beverage experience that embodies the essence of St. Regis craftsmanship and introduces new exquisite offerings to not only guests but also the Sarasota community," stated Winfred van Workum, General Manager. "With culinary leaders like Chef Alberto Taboada and Melih Eker at the helm, we pledge to deliver unforgettable moments, epicurean innovations, and top-notch service to ensure our guests an extraordinary journey." Alberto Taboada, Executive Chef Executive Chef Alberto Taboada brings extensive experience and a distinguished culinary career to The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort team. His journey began as Restaurant Chef at the Marriott Seaview Resort & Spa and includes leadership roles at Marriott Louisville Downtown and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Notably, at JW Marriott Orlando, Chef Taboada oversaw culinary operations for a 900-room luxury resort, emphasizing concept development, leadership, and guest service excellence. His dynamic leadership and adept team-building skills consistently deliver remarkable dining experiences, reflecting his passion for culinary innovation and commitment to excellence. Melih Eker, Food & Beverage Director Food & Beverage Director Melih Eker brings a robust background in overseeing expansive restaurant and event operations to the team. Eker most recently excelled as Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, where he managed outlet operations, orchestrated special events, and consistently achieved substantial revenue goals. His extensive experience in enhancing profitability and ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction perfectly complements the resort's dedication to providing unparalleled dining experiences and innovative culinary offerings. Together, Executive Chef Alberto Taboada and Food & Beverage Director Melih Eker will lead the resort's culinary program, positioning St. Regis Longboat Key as the premier dining destination in the region. For further information and bookings, please visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/srqls-the-st-regis-longboat-key-resort/overview/ Website: The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort By ML Staff. Courtesy of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort