Follow Elite Traveler around the globe at luxury events, including our exclusive events, held for our VIP readers and industry insiders.
Elite Traveler and Health Nucleus event at Mélisse restaurant, Santa Monica, CA.
Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
Elite Traveler November/December Elite Collection: Ultimate Gift Guide Cover Party at Bonhams
Image Credit: A! Photography
On Thursday, November 30, Elite Traveler and renowned auction house Bonhams hosted an evening of cocktails with the Mexico Tourism Board to celebrate the Elite Collection: Ultimate Gift Guide. Jewelry and watch collectors, influencers, industry leaders and our readers joined Elite Traveler in celebrating the November/December issue at Bonhams New York on Madison Avenue.
The party was hosted by Matthew Girling, Global CEO of Bonhams, Alfonso Sumano Lazcano, Managing Director of Mexico Tourism, and Kristen Shirley, Luxury Editorial Director of Elite Traveler. Shirley, who curated the luxurious Ultimate Gift Guide featured in the November/December issue, introduced Girling and Lazcano to speak on the upcoming ‘The Art of Time’ auction and Mexico as a travel destination, respectively.
Bonhams displayed exquisite jewelry and timepieces in vitrines, including a diamond rivière necklace once owned by actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. Guests were afforded the opportunity to try on pieces and inquire about the forthcoming auction.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Those in attendance enjoyed canapes alongside cocktails from Clase Azul and champagne from Villa Sandi. Hennessy led guests through an intimate, guided tasting of Paradis Impérial and spoke about the rare cognac.
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Watch a video recap of the event here, and click through our gallery for more from the Elite Traveler November/December cover party.
Image Credit: A! Photography
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Matthew Girling, Global CEO of Bonhams, speaks about ‘The Art of Time’ auction.
Image Credit: A! Photography
The party is hosted by Alfonso Sumano Lazcano, Managing Director of Mexico Tourism, Kristen Shirley, Luxury Editorial Director of Elite Traveler, and Matthew Girling, Global CEO of Bonhams.
Image Credit: A! Photography
The Harry Winston diamond rivière necklace once owned by actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is displayed on site.
Image Credit: A! Photography
A guest tries on a diamond tiara ahead of the Bonhams auction.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Hennessy leads guests through a guided tasting of Hennessy Paradis Impérial cognac.
Image Credit: A! Photography
The evening celebrates the Elite Collection: Ultimate Gift Guide featured in the November/December issue of Elite Traveler.
Image Credit: A! Photography
The valuable diamond tiara set to be auctioned off by Bonhams.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Hennessy speaks about the rare Hennessy Paradis Impérial cognac.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Villa Sandi pours champagne.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Corey Zaretsky, event host
The Elite Traveler team toasts to the November/December issue. From left to right: Kristen Shirley, Luxury Editorial Director, Corey Zaretsky, Travel and Spirits Director, Lindsey Sole, Marketing Services Coordinator, Olivia Cuccaro, Web Editor, Casey Zenick, Account Director, and Greg Licciardi, CRO, NA.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Bonhams displays fine jewelry in vitrines.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Clase Azul serves tequila cocktails.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Olivia Cuccaro and Lindsey Sole of Elite Traveler try on rings up for auction.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Crystal decanters of Hennessy Paradis Impérial complement the exquisite jewelry and timepieces on view.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests have the opportunity to try on fine jewelry from the Bonhams collection
Image Credit: A! Photography
Heather Hanson (far left), Executive Director, NA, Multimedia, of Elite Traveler and guests.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Alfonso Sumano Lazcano, Managing Director of Mexico Tourism, speaks about Mexico as a travel destination.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests enjoy champagne from Villa Sandi.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests try on the Harry Winston diamond rivière necklace formerly worn by Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests sip cocktails provided by Clase Azul.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Elite Traveler Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Yacht Party
On Thursday, November 2, Elite Traveler hosted a cocktail event during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on board the 115ft M/Y Brunello from B&B Yacht Charters. Set in the beautiful Las Olas Marina, the evening was attended by 60 high-net-worth individuals celebrating the annual boat show among fellow readers and yachting enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Elite Traveler CRO, NA Greg Licciardi welcomed guests to the three-level yacht alongside Jennifer Saia of event co-host B&B Yacht Charters. A guitarist performed live music on the sun deck while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres as well as gourmet chocolates by Viveré. Sponsor USVI Economic Development Authority shared updates and information on the territory, with assistant CEO/COO Wayne Biggs educating guests on the unique tax benefits and financial incentive packages of the USVI.
Throughout the evening, exclusive watch sponsor Panerai displayed the Luminor Due Collection in vitrines, featuring the 40-percent thinner watches available in limited-edition steel, titanium and rose gold. Guests also had the opportunity to try on the luxury timepieces with brand experts on site to field inquiries.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
As the exclusive spirits partner of the event, Hennessy led a guided tasting of Paradis Impérial, an expression created by former master blender Yann Fillioux in 2011, resulting from the contributions of seven generations of master blenders. Showcasing the ornate decanter, Hennessy took guests through the ultra-precise process of selecting the 10 out of 10,000 eaux-de-vie used in the blend. After sunset, those in attendance toasted to the evening with stemmed crystal glasses of the luxury cognac.
On board the M/Y Brunello from event co-host B&B Yacht Charters.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
The control room of M/Y Brunello.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Live music is performed by an acoustic guitarist.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Guests enjoy cocktails on the deck of the three-level yacht.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
The yacht’s captain joins guests for hors d’oeuvres.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Hennessy leads guests through a tasting of Paradis Imperial.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Elite Traveler director of travel & spirits, Corey Zaretsky, poses with a decanter of Paradis Imperial.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
All smiles aboard the M/Y Brunello yacht.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
The second level of the yacht welcomes guests to network.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Corey Zaretsky, event host
Elite Traveler director of travel & spirits, Corey Zaretsky, tries on a timepiece from Panerai.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Chocolates are provided by Robert Bowden, founder of Viveré.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Panerai displays the Luminor Due Collection.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Panerai showcases select watches in vitrines.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Hors d’oeuvres are served on board the yacht.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Hennessy takes guests through the precise blending process of Paradis Imperial.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Elite Traveler CRO, NA, Greg Licciardi, samples the luxury cognac from Hennessy.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Elite Traveler, Hennessy and guests toast to a wonderful evening.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Guests receive gift bags with the latest edition of Elite Traveler and current Panerai catalog.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Elite Traveler September/October Elite Collection: Top 50 Watches Cover Party at Wempe
On Thursday, September 28, Elite Traveler hosted an evening of cocktails with renowned New York watch retailer Wempe to celebrate the Elite Collection Top 50 Watches. Watch collectors, influencers, industry leaders and our readers joined Elite Traveler in toasting the September/October issue at the Fifth Avenue flagship.
The party was hosted by Ruediger Albers, President of Wempe USA, and Kristen Shirley, Luxury Editorial Director of Elite Traveler. Both Wempe and Elite Traveler share a deep commitment to continue to celebrate and promote high horology, and both Albers and Shirley spoke of their passion for timepieces.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Shirley introduced Top 50 Watches author and watch expert Roberta Naas to speak on the project. Naas discussed the monumental task of distilling all of the year’s releases into just 50 watches. Several of the watches named to the Elite Collection were showcased at the store, including Breguet Marine Équation Marchante 5887, A Lange & Söhne 1815 Annual Calendar, Patek Philippe Ref. 5320G and Greubel Forsey Art Piece 2 Edition 2.
Those in attendance enjoyed canapes, cocktails and gifts from sponsors D’Ussé, Clase Azul, The Macallan and Notorious Pink rosé, Diptyque and Glashütte.
The intricacies of a watch showcased at Wempe.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests arriving at the Wempe flagship in New York.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Guests try on timepieces at Wempe.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Clase Azul serves tequila cocktails to those in attendance.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Hublot watches on display.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Image Credit: A! Photography
A watchmaker demonstrates his craft as guests mingle.
The Macallan pours whisky while guests browse the store.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Elite Traveler luxury editorial director, Kristen Shirley, Wempe USA president, Ruediger Albers, and Top 50 Watches author, Roberta Naas speak at the event.
Image Credit: A! Photography
D’Ussé provides cognac to Elite Traveler readers and watch industry leaders.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Wempe in New York is the setting for the evening’s event.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Elite Traveler celebrates the September/October issue, featuring the Top 50 Watches story.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
Corey Zaretsky, event host
Elite Traveler travel & spirits director, Corey Zaretsky, and CRO, NA, Greg Licciardi.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
An ambassador for The Macallan pours whisky neat.
Image Credit: Jason Rosenthal
An array of timepieces on view at Wempe.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Notorious Pink rosé chills wine for guests to enjoy in the store.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Guests are able to handle watches from top luxury brands.
Image Credit: A! Photography
Elite Traveler at Design Miami
Elite Traveler CRO North America, Greg Licciardi, with Richard Fitzburgh of RBC and Nikki Zahl of Health Nucleus
On Friday, December 2nd, Elite Traveler and The Royal Bank of Canada hosted an afternoon event for more than 60 guests at Design Miami.
Design Miami is a global marketplace and presentation space for design, assembling influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world. Design Miami occurs biannually, taking place alongside the Art Basel Miami Beach fairs each December and alongside the fairs in Basel, Switzerland each June.
Design Miami’s Design Talks program introduces current topics related to design as a discourse among the creatives, collectors and critics of the design world.
Those in attendance enjoyed a brunch while listening to a discussion by New York-based interior designer, Patrick Mele, and CCO of ASH NYC, Will Cooper.
Nikki Zahl, Head of Marketing for event sponsor Health Nucleus, spoke with guests about the company’s state-of-the-art technology and prevention-focused health care.
Following the event, guests were invited to tour the Design Miami exhibits.
For more information on event sponsor Health Nucleus, visit healthnucleus.com.
Design Talks with Patrick Mele and Will Cooper
Nikki Zahl and Patricia Roca from Health Nucleus
Greg Licciardi and Richard Fitzburgh with speakers
Nikki Zahl, Head of Marketing for Health Nucleus, speaks to guests
Elite Traveler at Art Basel Miami Beach
The 2017 Panamera Turbo showcased outside the venue
On Thursday, December 1st, Elite Traveler and The Royal Bank of Canada hosted an exclusive cocktail reception and dinner to celebrate the opening night of Art Basel. The venue for the evening was The Villa Casa Casuarina in Miami Beach, formerly the Versace Mansion.
Attended by more than 130 high-net-worth individuals, the event commenced with hors d’oeuvres accompanied by Grey Goose signature Le Fizz cocktails. Guests then enjoyed a 3-course dinner before CRO, North America Greg Licciardi introduced headline sponsor, Porsche, and thanked participating co-sponsors Grey Goose and Crystal Cruises.
“This dinner event represented Elite Traveler’s core DNA of celebrating the private jet traveler’s lifestyle in a real-life, beautiful and historic setting,” said Licciardi. “Events are increasingly playing a part in our experiential engagement with marketing partners.”
Dave Kurtz, Vice President, Area South Porsche Cars North America spoke to guests during the dinner about the 2017 Panamera Turbo which was showcased onsite.
Guests were also invited to preview art by gemstone painter Fareen Butt throughout the evening as well as try on watches from Porsche Design.
Dave Kurtz speaks to guests
Art by Fareen Butt
Elite Traveler SVP/Associate Publisher, Lorraine Cousland, with CRO, North America, Greg Licciardi
Grey Goose serve signature cocktails
Elite Traveler with Crystal Cruises
The Villa Casa Casuarina in Miami Beach
Watches by Porsche Design
Guests enjoy a 3-course dinner
Dave Kurtz, Ayesha Coker and Amanda Jensen of Porsche
The Grey Goose bar
Elite Traveler and Health Nucleus at Mélisse
Tiffany Carey, Patricia Roca, Dr. Pam Brar, Nikki Zahl, Kristen Shirley
Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
On October 24, Elite Traveler hosted an intimate dinner with Health Nucleus at two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Mélisse, in Santa Monica, California. A select group of readers joined Elite Traveler’s luxury editor Kristen Shirley and Health Nucleus’s Medical Director Dr. Pam Brar, who introduced Health Nucleus’s state-of-the-art technology and prevention-focused health care. Located in San Diego, Health Nucleus invites patients for a full day of health research, including human-genome sequencing, scanning in world-class MRI machines and advanced blood-testing. Health Nucleus empowers its patients to take charge of their health; here, knowledge truly is power.
In the private dining room at Mélisse, one of Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants, Chef Ken Takayama personally introduced each of the four courses. Guests dined on Butternut Squash Soup with Whipped Black Truffle, Caramelized Chatham Bay Cod with Parsnip Veloute, Prime Beef Rib Eye Cap and 21-Day Aged Liberty Duck.
For more information on Health Nucleus, please click here.
To make a reservation at Mélisse, please call +1 310 395 0881
Pam Brar introduces Health Nucleus
Photo courtesey of Lensology.net
Elite Traveler and Health Nucleus event at Mélisse restaurant, Santa Monica, CA. Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
Elite Traveler and Health Nucleus event at Mélisse restaurant, Santa Monica, CA. Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
Elite Traveler and Health Nucleus event at Mélisse restaurant, Santa Monica, CA. Photo courtesy of Lensology.net
Elite Traveler and Los Cabos Tourism Board
On October 19, Elite Traveler attended an exclusive cocktail event hosted by Los Cabos Tourism Board and Sabor a Cabo at Dos Caminos in New York’s Soho neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of Blake Martin/Los Cabos Tourism
The evening featured Baja-inspired cocktails by mixologist Osvaldo Vazquez and a live cooking demonstration by the desination’s top chefs, including Chef Enrique Silva, Chef Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca, Chef Jesús Castro and Chef Ángel Carbajal. Tourism board representatives and hotel partners were in attendance to introduce guests to the newest developments and destinations in Los Cabos.
A preview to the annual food and wine festival Sabor a Cabo, the event celebrated the flavors of the region. This year’s Sabor a Cabo will be held from December 4-10 at Club Campestre San Jose in Los Cabos.
Mixologist Osvaldo Vazquez. Photo courtesy of Blake Martin/Los Cabos Tourism
Chef Enrique Silva, Chef Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca, Chef Jesús Castro and Chef Ángel Carbajal. Photo courtesy of Blake Martin/Los Cabos Tourism
Greg Licciardi and Lorraine Cousland of Elite Traveler with mixologist Osvaldo Vazquez. Photo courtesy of Blake Martin/Los Cabos Tourism
Elite Traveler Hunt & Fish Club Luncheon
In October 2016, Elite Traveler hosted a VIP luncheon for executives from diverse luxury companies including Hublot, Dior, Grey Goose, The Pierre Hotel, Monaco Tourism and La Prairie. Greg Licciardi, CRO, and Kristen Shirley, Luxury Editor, hosted a discussion on experiential engagement with the luxury consumer. Guests agreed that connecting with customers is more difficult than ever, but shared best practices and ideas for future collaboration.
Elite Traveler at the Baccarat Hotel
On Tuesday, September 13th, Elite Traveler hosted an intimate cocktail reception at the luxurious Baccarat hotel. Located in midtown Manhattan, the Baccarat was the perfect venue for celebrating the launch of the magazine’s September/October “Style Guide” edition, which features a New York fashion shoot.
More than 60 high-net-worth guests gathered for the “Paris in New York” themed event, co-hosted by partner M Level Concierge. Jazz band La Vie en Rose entertained guests during the reception. Sponsor company Jacob & Co. showcased their latest jewelry and timepieces onsite, with sponsors Rosan Diamond displaying their custom gold and diamond Visa credit cards, and Husic Vineyards also in attendance. Ovando adorned the venue with trees made of multi-colored roses, adding to the event’s elegant feel.
M Level Concierge offers high-net-worth clients specialized curated experiences and exclusive perks to the world’s most prestigious events creating unique and memorable experiences. Contact info@mlevelconcierge.com
