Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Hotels, Interviews

Express Check-In: Laurent Ebzant, Park Hyatt New York’s Area Vice President And General Manager

Ebzant leads the way at Park Hyatt New York. Credit: Park Hyatt New York

The Summer Olympics may be winding down in Laurent Ebzant’s native Paris, but that hasn’t stopped the Park Hyatt New York area vice president, general manager and avid runner from thinking about the next workout. “The beauty about New York,” Ebzant says, “is that you can walk around and do 20,000 steps sometimes, and you don’t even realize it.”

As the pace-setting leader of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Manhattan property since October 2022, Ebzant says it’s his job to ensure every step of a guest’s visit goes smoothly at his hotel, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It’s a tough ask, but he has trained for it for more than 20 years in various roles with Hyatt.

We don’t know how much time the former Ironman triathlete has for doing marathons these days, but we do know Ebzant gets the gold medal for answering our rapid-fire questions about New York, global travel and the hotel industry.

The Park Hyatt sits only a few blocks from Central Park. Credit: iStock-Olga Kaya

What are New York’s must-visit attractions?

Central Park, definitely. The Statue of Liberty sounds like a cliché, but it’s not. And definitely Times Square.

What are some underrated places you wish more people knew about?

[My wife and I] just found out about the Bushwick graffiti. Living and working in Manhattan and being in Bushwick [Brooklyn] is a big contrast.

What’s one dish everyone should try in New York City?

The bagels from Russ & Daughters.

What is a can’t-miss New York restaurant?

The first time I went to Katz’s Deli was like 15 years ago. The famous pastrami sandwich was a hit then and still is.

Have a Five-Star Manhattan stay. Credit: Park Hyatt New York

Where do you relax in New York?

I like nature. Finding nature in New York can be a challenge, but I really like the High Line.

What are some of the best ways to experience New York culture?

I really like going to Little Italy but not in Manhattan. I like the Little Italy in the Bronx. That’s where you see what Little Italy was actually like 20 years ago in New York.

What’s a good souvenir visitors should bring home from New York?

The “I Heart New York” tee shirt sounds cliché, but it’s a classic.

What’s a good insider tip for New York City?

I would say to get “lost” within the city because you cannot really get lost.

What borough outside of Manhattan deserves more attention?

Staten Island. It’s very residential, but it’s very remote.

What fun activity is within walking distance of Park Hyatt New York?

Strolling in Central Park. You can run and bike, too.

What hospitality trend do you want to see more of?

The eco-friendliness initiatives.

What’s an overrated culinary fad?

The gold leaf on the steaks. This is so ridiculous. Having a steak that’s nearly $1,000 because it’s wrapped with some gold leaves?

What does hospitality mean to you?

Turning the expression “I’m just visiting” to “I’d like to live here.”

A classic Negroni is Ebzant’s go-to cocktail. Credit: iStock-Nirian

What’s the most underrated trait in a good leader?

Empathy. It has always been important, but even more so in the world we live in post-COVID.

What’s a destination that you could visit over and over again?

Kyoto for the serenity.

What’s your favorite cocktail?

The Negroni.

What’s your favorite room service order?

The club sandwich at 11 p.m. is always good with french fries.

Favorite room view — beach, city or nature?

City for the noise and the vibes.

If you could change one thing about the travel industry, what would it be?

More transparency when it comes to pricing.

What are some essential things that you always pack?

Noise-canceling headphones.

Window seat or aisle?

I would say aisle for the facility reasons. But long hauls? I’ll go for windows.

What’s your go-to airport outfit?

Nice jeans and a tee shirt. No tie.

Ebzant loves Scotland’s greenery. Credit: iStock-ewg3D

Which movie could you watch on repeat on an airplane?

Casino. I’m going to watch it probably when I go to Vegas in three weeks.

What city has pleasantly surprised you the most?

An underrated destination is Scotland. This is really nature, nature, nature. Cold weather and very remote. The landscape looks like the moon. Beautiful, beautiful landscapes.

What’s been your proudest accomplishment?

Being able to have started as a room service waiter working overnight in an airport hotel to becoming general manager of a landmark property in New York.

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Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

Ultimate Guide To A Luxury Trip To Cleveland

It’s time to explore this Northeast Ohio gem. Credit: iStock-drnadig

There’s a lot for sports fans in Cleveland to cheer about. At press time, the Guardians had the best record in Major League Baseball. The Cavaliers are one of the premier young teams in the NBA. The Browns’ Myles Garrett is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Local pole vaulter Katie Moon is reaching for gold in the Paris Summer Olympics.

But the buzz extends far beyond the stadium these days. For tourists to Northeast Ohio, the excitement stretches to lavish hotels, great restaurants and a thriving cultural scene, too. As Forbes Travel Guide noticed during a recent visit, a city that’s probably best known for its rabid football followers seems ready to win in the elevated tourism game as well.

The city’s chic overnight address. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland

Top Luxury Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland almost hides in plain sight. Connected to the Tower City Center and relying only on subtle signage from its interior entrance, the hotel is easy to bypass if you aren’t actively looking for it. But do that and you’ll miss a 206-room property stretching from the sixth to the 14th floors that has established itself as the city’s top luxury hotel with lavish floral arrangements, glass-enclosed fireplaces and a Peloton-filled fitness center.

Rooms are decidedly chic without being overly dramatic. Muted grays and blues set a sophisticated tone while Diptyque bath products fill the air with hints of fig and black pepper. But by balancing it all with unexpected touches of fun — during the total eclipse excitement back in April, the hotel handed out glasses and astronomy books — it comes together in a package of approachable elegance. The property’s Be A Rockstar promotion speaks to this duality by providing overnight accommodations, cocktails at Turn Bar + Kitchen and two adult tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum, a beloved attraction sitting just one mile from the hotel.

But Marriott doesn’t just hang its luxurious hat at The Ritz-Carlton. The brand’s Metropolitan Hotel at the 9, Autograph Collection is another gem for visitors insistent on an elevated overnight experience. The 9 (as it’s affectionately referred to around town) sits in the former Cleveland Trust complex, so it’s understandable that its design aesthetic would call for restored architectural details, metal embellishments and a jaw-dropping basement lounge in an abandoned bank vault. The 156-room property is filled with character and just a few minutes from most downtown Cleveland happenings.

Zanzibar Soul Fusion. Credit: DeMarco Williams

Great Food and Drinks

When the topic of America’s culinary hotbeds comes up, Cleveland is rarely a part of the conversation. After a few days of noshing around the city, though, you realize how half-baked those discussions prove to be.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland’s Turn Bar + Kitchen, you’ll find proteins, pasta and sausage-stuffed peppers — all done deliciously with a local touch. There’s Amish chicken breast piccata and, as a nod to the city’s German heritage, plenty of schnitzel on the menu, too. The establishment also honors the city’s blue-collar population with its drinks, namely at the 6 p.m. “Off The Clock” ceremony, when a bartender literally pulls a steam whistle and starts pouring specialty libations to signal the end of the workday.

Crack the Vault’s code. Credit: DeMarco Williams

Speaking of brilliant pours, the 9’s aforementioned Vault has some of the city’s most inventive cocktails. Order the Smoked Manhattan — have your phone ready because this production involves big flames and a little hammer that cracks the ice ball — and take your spot in a dimly lit nook that feels like it could have been in a Michael Mann heist movie scene. The vibe is effortlessly cool and cosmopolitan. And once the jumbo shrimp, beef sliders and other small bites hit the table, you’ll call the place delicious as well.

Not two minutes away from the hotel is bustling Prospect Avenue, a street where you’ll find restaurants serving corned beef sandwiches and bars pouring Great Lakes Brewing Co. beers. Zanzibar Soul Fusion stands out from the crowd with its R&B soundtrack, Kool-Aid drinks and menu of down-home dishes. It’ll be tough choosing between the soul rolls (a chicken- and black bean-filled egg roll) and jerk wings, so order both. The honey-glazed fried chicken may seem like too safe of a call, but the moment the golden half chicken and generous sides of candied yams and mac and cheese arrive, you’ll be pleased with the decision.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Credit: DeMarco Williams

Exclusive Activities and Attractions

Marriott Bonvoy Moments are carefully curated experiences that offer people premier seats and behind-the-scenes access to some of the top sporting events and concerts that are redeemed with loyalty points. We got a front-row look at how the program worked this past spring when Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four. If the electrifying atmosphere from that weekend is replicated when Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo (September 19 through 22) and the Simone Biles-starring Gold Over America gymnastics tour (October 27) come to the arena, you are in for some memorable nights.

On October 19, the venue will also host the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where music legends such as Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band and Cher will be honored. Of course, if you can’t make it for that historic night, the fully immersive attraction is open every day for fans eager to learn more about the new inductees, see Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket and create their own band stickers.

Another area attraction that’s no one’s opening act is Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. This beautiful building famously avoids having permanent exhibits; instead, the roster of works regularly changes throughout the year. The digital art-focused “Message from our Planet” and Ruben Ulises Rodriguez Montoya’s “Skinchangers: Begotten of my Flesh” are both showing through December 29, earning the city even more points in a category that has nothing to do with sports.

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Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

4 Reasons To Visit Astana, Kazakhstan

A look at Astana’s astounding architecture. Credit: iStock-Max Zolotukhin

Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, is a gleaming city of extremes in the middle of the Central Asian steppes. Futuristic buildings from the space age surround the old Soviet and imperial Russian architecture. Glitzy Astana is home to some of the finest luxury shops, local bazaars and outstanding restaurants and bars — no city corner is off limits.

Here are four great reasons Astana should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Credit: iStock-lolik

See extraordinary architecture

Design buffs will appreciate Astana’s unique structures. Unlike other Central Asian cities, the Kazakhstan capital is best known for its modern buildings. Still, you can spot many well-preserved treasures, such as the mansion of the Merchant Kubrin, dating from 1910. This opulent home has an English garden in the courtyard and an ornate roof. Soviet-era gems such as vivid mosaics and beautiful mosques can also be spotted all over the city.

But people come to see the modernist monoliths, like the iconic, pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Designed by Norman Foster, it contains a theater, museum and library. The structure promotes faith and human equality, recognizing the world’s major religions and the religious freedom enjoyed by the people of Kazakhstan. The pyramid lights up by night and is encircled by the stunning Presidential Park.

The St. Regis’ terrace. Credit: The St. Regis Astana

Stay at The St. Regis Astana

An exclusive address celebrating Kazakh architecture and culture, The St. Regis Astana is furnished locally and luxuriously with the best of modern comforts. The hotel sits on the banks of the Ishim River and is enveloped by trees and parks. A nod to the local surroundings can be seen in the yurt-inspired porte cochère designed to represent the traditional dwellings of Kazakhstan.

The standard rooms are a generous 731 square feet, the largest in Astana. St Regis Suites are the size of a family home (more than 1,600 square feet) and make for an indulgent experience that’s capped with butler service for your every need and a gourmet meal available in the privacy of your dining area. Luxuriate in the opulent, 24,000-square-foot Iridium Spa. Feast on Japanese flavors at Asakusa Izakaya and have a taste of Italy at the all-day restaurant La Rivière.  

The river-shaped Ozen lobby lounge. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Astana

Have a drink at Ozen

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana’s Ozen (meaning “river”) is a beautiful lounge that represents the Ishim River that runs through the heart of the city. Highlighted by a curved wooden bar with a rippled ceiling dripping with sparkling lights and golden metallic details, the drinking den is a chic, cozy space with stylish accent chairs and a beautiful terrace.

But the design isn’t the only draw. Ozen has extensive wine, whiskey and gin menus, and its mixologists serve the best cocktails in town. For proof, try the Honey Bee, made with local honey, or the fruity Pavlova, done with vanilla and cream. Complement the cocktails with bar bites such as fresh sushi rolls and Asian fusion delicacies.

Astana Opera. Credit: iStock-zoom-zoom

Experience world-class art

Astana offers Kazakhstan locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a performance at the Astana Opera for a fraction of the price of other major cities. The enormous chamber hall known for its fine acoustics regularly hosts international theatrical groups (Cinderella, August 16), orchestral productions (Autumn with the Viennese Classics, September 15), ballets (The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, October 2 and 3) and more. The opera house is also open for tours and is just a short walk from the beautiful Lovers Park. Pre- or post-show food and drinks can be enjoyed at the nearby restaurants.

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Attractions and Landmarks, Food and Wine

How To Experience Macau’s Unique Culture 

Try Vida Rica Bar’s cool cocktail concepts. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Macau

Macau is often associated with glamorous resorts and lively casinos. And we won’t argue with that — throwing some dice, luxuriating in a lavish suite and waking up to room service sounds like a great escape. 

But there’s much more to discover while you’re there. Macau is brimming with gorgeous Eastern and European architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, modern restaurants, cocktail bars and independent boutiques that celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage. 

In the 1500s, the Portuguese settled in the territory where Chinese villagers had lived since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and developed an international trade hub. Over time, their traditions intermingled alongside influences from other overseas Portuguese territories, creating the rich cultural tapestry you see today. 

From pastel-painted churches to fusion dishes that tantalize the taste buds, the East-meets-West legacy remains alive. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience it.

The beautiful Senado Square. Credit: iStock-hoigs

Explore 

Most travelers make a beeline to Senado Square, which is understandable. This beautiful (albeit busy) cultural and retail hub is part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau and is encircled by grand Portuguese buildings, mosaic-tiled pavement, Chinese temples and shophouses, offering a great first peek at the city’s fascinating heritage. 

After surveying this must-visit destination, head to Barra Square along the Inner Harbour. In this scenic square, the ancient A-Ma Temple is hard to miss. Sprawling across the forested hillside, the UNESCO-listed complex honors the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, believed to protect fishermen and sailors, and is one of the oldest temples in Macau, dating to 1488. 

The square is also home to many remnants of Portuguese culture, such as the distinctive mosaic pavement and Maritime Museum. The latter chronicles the city’s long relationship with the sea, with exhibitions on everything from fishing equipment to structures, tools and ship models.

Find great food at Barra Square. Credit: iStock-sjpark

Dine 

Nothing captures Macau’s multicultural history quite like Macanese cuisine. The food tradition combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with ingredients from former Portuguese colonies in parts of Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa. It is considered one of the world’s first fusion cuisines. 

While you’re in Barra Square, stop into Restaurant Litoral for a traditional lunch. Opened in 1995, the family-run eatery crafts Macanese dishes using recipes passed down from the owner’s grandfather, Macanese chef Americo Angelo, who’s often credited with inventing one of the city’s most famous dishes: galinha à Africana (African chicken). In addition to this must-try signature, don’t miss the duck rice, minchi (stir-fried minced or ground meat and vegetables) and Macanese stew — all washed down with sangria. 

For contemporary Portuguese with a side of glamour, reserve a table at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Mesa, the only restaurant in the world designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld. Hidden away inside Five-Star The Karl Lagerfeld, this ornate epicurean address celebrates the city’s East-meets-West history in the décor — with details like Chinese-style birdcage lanterns, arched ceilings and bold geometric patterns — while the menu offers refined takes on dishes like piri piri chicken and octopus à lagareiro. 

Mandarin Oriental, Macau has stellar drinking and dining options. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Macau

Drink

After dinner, make your way to the Four-Star Vida Rica Bar, the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s elegant cocktail lounge. This posh place boasts lofty ceilings, epic sunset views and ultra-creative tipples. 

To see for yourself, slip onto a plush stool at The Counter (the speakeasy within the main bar), where an affable mixologist will explain the cocktail concepts. We’d recommend a drink from the “Sensing the Multiverse” menu, which reimagines the city’s various UNESCO-listed landmarks as multi-sensory cocktails with alluring aromas, aesthetics and flavors. 

For example, The Foundation (an effervescent mix of sparkling wine, aperitif wine, banana and coffee) channels Macau’s 17th-century Guia Fortress to display a blend of Chinese and Western motifs. Meanwhile, The Reflection (a potent combination of tequila, an Italian liqueur, five-spice powder, pomelo, agave and olives) transports you to the A-Ma Temple, a center of worship and tradition for centuries. 

Shop 

São Lázaro, one of Macau’s most charming neighborhoods, is the place to go for indie boutiques and creative finds that borrow inspiration from the city’s unique culture. 

At Stardust Journey, local designer and pattern enthusiast Joviania António uses a “paper marbling” technique to create kaleidoscopic scarves, shirts, eye masks, cushion covers and more. You might spot a vibrant rendering of the Ruins of St Paul’s on a scarf or the city’s distinctive tiles reimagined as a pillow cover. 

After perusing António’s maximalist textiles, pop into minimalist En Masse. The owners of this sleek lifestyle boutique have a luxury vegan leather bag label called O.N.E. that features subtle nods to Macau’s heritage. In the Rococo collection, for instance, the bags’ sinuous shape, Chinese-inspired clasps and patchwork reflect architectural elements across the city. In addition to feeling chic and versatile, these bags are made with eco-friendly materials such as corn leather, recycled canvas and recycled plastic.  

The lush and lovely Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. Credit: iStock-Denis Kabanov

Unwind 

With its abundant gardens and shady parks, Macau has no shortage of serene corners. One of the most beautiful is Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, where you can glimpse Eastern and Western details while you watch residents doing tai chi or performing Cantonese opera. 

In this atmospheric garden, elegant Chinese-style archways and bridges find harmony with European-style buildings, such as a sunny-yellow Iong Sam Tong pavilion and the Macao Tea Culture House.

Book a treatment at Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau if you’re looking for a more indulgent way to unwind. Inside this urban retreat, mosaic-like metal wall décor and cozy leather lounge chairs reminiscent of bird cages echo the city’s past. Meanwhile, the services lean toward traditional Chinese remedies using jade, bamboo and herbal concoctions to restore your qi. 

For an utterly divine afternoon, the Caviar and Pearl Experience works wonders. The 120-minute ritual begins with a facial that employs pearl powder, caviar and a chilled jade roller to revitalize the complexion and make you feel like royalty. After your facial comes a body scrub and massage, leaving you feeling rested and ready to explore even more.

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Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

How To Spend Two Days In San Diego

Ready for a weekend of SoCal sun and sophistication? Credit: iStock-Art Wager

Ah, San Diego. The glorious Southern California city is an excellent travel destination any time of year, but it shines during the warmer months. The beaches are pristine. The Pacific Ocean is warm enough for swimming. The rooftop restaurants have an electric vibe every night of the week. And since there’s a patriotic spirit thanks to San Diego’s strong naval presence, firework shows are a regular occurrence — long after Independence Day has ended. So, if you’re planning a fun weekend in San Diego, here’s where to stay and play to make the most of your time.

Park Hyatt Aviara’s stylish accommodations. Credit: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Cub & Spa

Where to Stay

Although it’s not in San Diego proper, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is an excellent place to book a room. The expansive 327-room property is family- and dog-friendly. Guest rooms are spacious and minimally chic with a gray color palette and large bathrooms with his-and-her sinks, tubs and showers.

The grounds are gorgeous, with access to nearby trails that attract a variety of flora and fauna. There are two pools for adults and another for children (the latter has a splash pad and two-story waterslide), Topgolf Swing Suites, five tennis and four pickleball courts, and a 24-hour fitness center. There are also daily classes, from aerial yoga to craft cocktail making, and the Aviara has the country’s only Miraval-branded spa outside of the company’s own hotels.

The grass is greener at Aviara Golf Club. Credit: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Day One

With more than 70 courses, San Diego is a golf lover’s paradise, so make a tee time. The Torrey Pines Golf Course at Four-Star The Lodge at Torrey Pines, which hosted the US Open in 2021, is a superb place to play with ocean views. There’s also an excellent Arnold Palmer-designed course at Aviara Golf Club. A shuttle will bring you from the hotel to the club, which is a short drive down the hill. The flower-lined fairways are immaculate, with a bubbling brook on the third hole and a picturesque lake on the eighth. But watch out: the bunkers are sometimes hard to avoid, and the greens require some reading with slight slopes in unexpected places.

If golf isn’t your thing, head to nearby Del Mar, home to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, an 87-year-old race track that Bing Crosby founded. The season runs through September 8, with races every Thursday through Sunday. There’s also One Paseo in Del Mar, an outdoor shopping oasis with surf-centric boutiques, coffee shops and a brewery.

When you get back to the hotel, you will have earned some downtime. You can find plenty of it on a lounger at the adult pool or with a rejuvenating service at the spa. The 15,000-square-foot sanctuary offers everything from body renewal rituals and custom mediation sessions to deep-tissue foot massages and nutrition courses.

False Idol is a fun place to close out the night. Credit: Zack Benson

Speaking of food, if you take it light for lunch, lobby bar Pacific Point’s Ponto Roll is a delicious blend of albacore, spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, blood orange, yuzu aioli and soy citrus that hits the spot — you’ll be ready for something a bit heartier come dinnertime. And that’s where Ember & Rye, celebrity chef Richard Blais’ steakhouse at the Aviara Golf Club, comes into action. Here, the buttery garlic croissants are divine, the steaks get cooked on the grill outside, and the sherry-glazed mushrooms with black truffle butter are the best steakhouse side we’ve had in a while.

If you feel like leaving the property, head to San Diego proper for dinner at Mexican hot spot Quixote. The dark and moody space sits in a 110-year-old decommissioned church, so it makes sense that all of the serving ware and many of the design elements would be sourced from Oaxaca. Chef Jose Cepeda’s menu is thoughtful and creative, with dishes inspired by his mother’s home cooking. Standouts from the kitchen include the crab corn doughnut — it might sound like it shouldn’t work, but it proves a sensational bite of flaky crab, corn filling and burnt chili emulsion — grilled fish and flan with mezcal caramel.

End your evening with a cocktail at tiki sensation False Idol. This hidden bar inside the Craft & Commerce restaurant offers an immersive experience with an indoor waterfall, decorative buoys and plenty of skulls and totem poles. Martin Cate of San Francisco’s famed tiki bar Smuggler’s Cove is behind the mixology magic, which includes superb versions of mai tais, Singapore Slings and other classics that are perfect for toasting to a first night in the city.

Day Two

After starting off your day with huevos rancheros, concha French toast and other regionally inspired dishes at Park Hyatt Aviara’s Four-Star Ponto Lago, it’ll be time to head to the beach. From La Jolla Shores to Mission Beach, there are 70 miles of sun-soaking coastline to enjoy. However, Coronado Island is home to our favorite waterfront. This beach is hardly ever crowded, and its white sandy shores seemingly stretch forever to the Pacific Ocean.

A few blocks from the beach is Garage Buona Forchetta, an all-day Italian eatery with excellent pizza and pasta. It also provides a selection of vegan dishes, including a Caprese salad with vegan mozzarella and rigatoni bolognese made with seitan. After you’ve had a bite, venture over to Coronado Cays for a Venetian-style gondola ride or go boutique shopping along Orange Avenue.

Another way to spend the afternoon is by getting lost in the San Diego Botanic Garden’s lushness. Established in 1970, the Encinitas attraction offers 37 verdant acres with more than 5,000 plant species. It’s home to the most extensive public bamboo collection in North America, 15 gardens representing different international regions and 12 demonstration gardens. Depending on when you come in the week, the calendar flutters with bird walks and open-air yoga classes, too.

A sampling of Cellar Hand’s dishes. Credit: Kimberly Motos

Come dinner, head 30 minutes south of the garden to the recently opened Cellar Hand. Coming from the team behind Pali Wine Co., Cellar Hand delivers a hearty menu of seasonal California and Mediterranean cuisine that can be enjoyed in an airy, inviting space. The whipped tahini is an elegant, rich variation of hummus served with house-made pita bread. The succulent pork chop comes with brown butter, cherry, rosemary and smoked almond. The pillowy artichoke ravioli with corn and tomatoes is a must as well.

For late-night revelry, you can’t beat Part-Time Lover, a spot sitting about a mile from Cellar Hand. Inspired by popular listening bars in Japan, the buzzy room that’s open nightly until 2 a.m. is decorated like a mid-century modern mansion with unique architectural features, a record shop and a listening lounge in the back.

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Golf, Interviews

Talking Long Drives And Short Breaks With Golfer Dustin Johnson

DJ has been one of the world’s top golfers for 15-plus years. Credit: Paul Wilmot Communications

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 is a stunning place for a round of golf. The famed North Carolina layout is punctuated by intimidating pines, native shrubs and unforgiving sand traps. If you don’t pack your A game in your golf bag, the course will eat you alive. Dustin Johnson knows this. A two-time major champion and fourth on PGA’s all-time money list, Johnson missed the cut when Pinehurst hosted the U.S. Open this past June.

“Pinehurst is a fair but demanding golf course,” Johnson says. “You must be in total control of your game to succeed there, as the margin of error is very slim. Great shots are fairly rewarded, but even the slightest misses are punished — often severely.”

While that particular scorecard was unkind, Johnson’s overall play has been stellar in the two-plus years since he joined LIV Golf, the controversial new league competing with the PGA for fans’ attention. DJ took the individual championship in 2022 and has won events in all three of his LIV seasons, amassing more than $50 million along the way.

And we haven’t even begun calculating endorsements in the equation, which add several zeroes to the golfer’s coffer. Among them, Johnson is partnered with esteemed timepiece maker Hublot. In the following Forbes Travel Guide interview, DJ reveals what it’s like working with the beloved watch brand, why more golf fans should be watching LIV and what travelers should consider when picking a proper golf getaway.

Golf and family are what drive Johnson most. Credit: Paul Wilmot Communications

If you could wake up to perfect conditions at any golf course around the globe tomorrow, which course would it be?

I have always loved Riviera in Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful setting and one of the best tests of golf in the world. Needless to say, I also love Augusta National and Pebble Beach. I could play those three courses for the rest of my life and be very happy. I suppose it helps that I have experienced success on all of them.

For the golf fans who haven’t given LIV Golf a try yet, what are they missing? 

I think people need to give it a chance if they’re ever near an event and decide for themselves. It’s certainly a different vibe and energy than you’d experience at a PGA Tour event, but it’s still very high-level competition. If you look at our fields, we have numerous major champions who are still amongst the best players in the world. Sure, there’s music on the course and we’re playing in shorts, but I see those things as being progressive and a way to bring younger eyeballs to our sport. Golf is evolving, just like everything else in life.

The tour’s calendar includes stops in Nashville, Spain and the U.K. How are fans different from Tennessee to England?

I think it’s hard to compare cultures, but they do all share a passion for our sport and enjoy seeing us compete. That’s the common thread that brings golf fans together around the globe.

The 2020 Masters champ wearing the Hublot Ambassador. Credit: Paul Wilmot Communications

Besides your TaylorMade clubs, what are a few things that you always travel with?

I always have my laptop/iPad, headphones, lots of sneakers, my Full Swing launch monitor and, of course, my Hublot watches. I dress more casually these days but enjoy expressing my sense of style with my watches.

Hublot’s Carbon watch is amazing.

The Hublot Carbon watches are very unique and definitely make a statement. They are another example of Hublot’s willingness to push the boundaries of design and innovation while being an industry leader. It’s a privilege to partner with them and showcase their brilliant designs.

Any exciting collaborations coming up with Hublot?

There are always exciting things in the works, but I can’t give away our secrets!

When you do take a break from the golf course, where do you like to vacation?

Honestly, given my intense travel schedule, I crave more time at home with Paulina [Gretzky, Johnson’s wife] and the boys. However, we do visit the Bahamas quite often, as it’s a short cruise from my home in South Florida. In terms of bucket list destinations, I would like to visit Italy someday soon, especially some of the beautiful coastal regions.

The Johnsons love escaping to the Bahamas. Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

Besides having a memorable 18 holes, what are some things that people should consider when planning a perfect golf resort getaway?

I think it all starts with the destination itself. Nice, warm weather with plenty of sunshine and good courses are a must. Accommodations and amenities are also critically important, as you want to be comfortable and well-rested during your trip. Lastly, it’s always nice to have some great dinner options, as there’s no better way to end the day than sharing a great meal and some nice wine with friends.

Off the course, what is your proudest accomplishment?

Without question, being a husband and father to Paulina and my two boys. Nothing I do on the course will ever compare to the family we have built together. I am very fortunate.

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