Tag Archives: luxury

San Miguel de Allende

Memories of Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

Leave a comment

By Charles Woollett—

Remember Robin Leach’s iconic 1980s television series, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, with its signature farewell, “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams”? A recent Caribbean voyage aboard a SeaDream yacht brought those words back to me. It was a week of epicurean delights, casual perfection, and the rare pleasure of doing absolutely nothing.

The anticipation of the unknown has always been my key motivation for traveling. What lured me to SeaDream was the promise of an intimate yacht carrying just 112 guests, attended by a crew of 98, with an emphasis on extraordinary French-inspired gastronomy.

Our itinerary included Virgin Gorda, Nevis, St. Kitts, Anguilla, St. Barts, and Jost Van Dyke. On St. Barts, the Caribbean’s French Riviera, lunch at Le Toiny meant toes in the sand, a cold Chardonnay, and truffle French fries smothered in foie gras and Parmesan cheese. Ooh la la!

Then there was the decadent caviar and Champagne beach barbecue at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, followed by the obligatory Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar.

You sail by night and explore by day. I knew we would be surrounded by azure-blue water, ideal for unwinding the mind and dining in food heaven. What I hadn’t anticipated was just how completely I would disconnect.

Several years ago, we discovered the pleasure of going unplugged at our favorite Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres. It has since become our preferred way to vacation. No cell phone, computer, television, or newspapers. Just your partner, a good book, and pampered service.

It brings a different kind of awareness to what we call “where nothingness begins.”

A Grand Beginning

We arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a day before sailing and stayed at the majestic Condado Vanderbilt, where old-world elegance meets modern luxury.

Opened in 1919, the hotel has welcomed European nobility and Hollywood stars and remains one of San Juan’s grand dames. Dinner at its restaurant, 1919, under the direction of Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas, was a fitting introduction to the culinary pleasures ahead.

Lifestyle and Cuisine

For all the five-star venues we’ve been privileged to enjoy around the world, this onboard experience exceeded our expectations.

Executive Chef Ali’s approach was simple: cater to your every culinary wish. His creative offerings, which he describes as Confluence Cuisine, included Veal Wellington, sole meunière, perfectly steamed mussels with garlic toast, fork-tender osso buco, artichoke and sun-dried tomato salad, trout amandine, fresh lobster salad, tuna tartare, and, of course, a Grand Marnier soufflé.

Why not?

Pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were another pleasure. We could choose between dining in the main salon or al fresco, with excellent wines selected by our French sommelier, Eric.

But it wasn’t only the food that made the experience memorable. The crew seemed to remember our names from the first day. Pool attendants appeared with cool water mist and offered to clean our sunglasses. These are small gestures, but they’re precisely the details that distinguish a memorable holiday from an ordinary one.

Food, wine, spirits, gratuities, and an impressive selection of recreational equipment were included. Our stateroom, number 406, came with monogrammed pajamas, Bvlgari bath amenities, and nightly pillow gifts.

Do I dare say it? It felt rather like being a guest aboard a wealthy friend’s yacht.

Yachting, Not Cruising

There is a difference.

We’ve given up the big cruise ships in favor of smaller, more intimate vessels. We’ve logged 49 days aboard Windstar’s motor yachts and sailing ships, and SeaDream offered another compelling reason to continue traveling this way.

Instead of sharing a ship with 5,000 passengers, you’re among a small group of guests from around the world. There’s no sense of being herded from one activity to the next. You can explore at your leisure, return to the yacht for an exceptional meal, or simply settle into a comfortable chair and watch the sea.

The atmosphere is one of discreet sophistication without the formality that sometimes accompanies luxury travel. Everyone seems united by a common purpose: to relax, explore, and want for nothing.

All you need to do is give yourself permission.
And perhaps that’s what I remember most. Not simply the Champagne, the caviar, or even the remarkable meals, although I certainly wouldn’t turn down another Grand Marnier soufflé.

It’s the sensation of sailing through the Caribbean with nowhere else I needed to be. No messages to answer. No news to catch up on. No schedule beyond deciding whether to go ashore or stay aboard.

Just the sea, the company, and that wonderful feeling of arriving at the place we call “where nothingness begins.”

Charles Woollett has been writing about film, food, and travel for more than thirty years. http://www.cpbwinternational.base44.app

Huatulco

The ALMA experience, chapter 3: Elevated Living

Leave a comment

An interview with the creators of ALMA,
Frédéric Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert—

We continue our sit-down with the founders of ALMA to talk about architecture, landscape, and the experience of living in a place designed with care and intention.

I’m curious, who are your clients ?

Frédéric: You know, that’s funny, but we don’t really have “a type” of client at ALMA. We have seven nationalities, ages ranging from 28 to 78, and all kinds of professions from doctors or bankers to retirees. What they all share is the desire to own and enjoy a place of timeless elegance, hidden in nature, and yet close to everyday comforts. That’s when you can tell a design is truly timeless: when it resonates with people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds.

What is the motivation to purchase in ALMA ?

Noémie: First and foremost, they purchase in ALMA because they genuinely love the architecture. We have even welcomed into the community people who had never heard of Huatulco before discovering ALMA. They seek comfort, privacy, a deep integration into the landscape and a place that is climate-resilient, yet adapted to the way we live in the 21st century.

Of course, they are also buying an address. In real estate, we often say the three most important factors are location, location, and location. So naturally, oceanfront properties remain a strong and reassuring investment, and something that owners, their families, and their guests will always enjoy. With pristine ocean views and an existing fisherman’s trail leading to the beach, the setting speaks for itself.

There is also a great sense of peace of mind in investing in a safe city, in a neighborhood that cannot become over-densified, thanks to the 2023 extension of the National Park

that completely surrounded the property, and the presence of unspoiled beaches. It reassures buyers who seek both emotional value and long-term appreciation.

It finally comes down to rarity. This type of architecture, this level of quality in this landscape, with this low density and at this price point, is extremely uncommon in Oaxaca and in all of Mexico.

What is it exactly that you call “the ALMA experience” ?

Frédéric: The ALMA experience starts very early. We like to think it begins with the discovery of the project. For example during a site visit, we always introduce potential buyers to a number of new birds and tree species, show them the whales or observe the milky way when coming back at night. When new to Huatulco, we take the time to show them the town, its neighborhoods, and some of its hidden gems. We love taking them to your village-to-table dinner in Zimatán, for example, because it reflects the passion behind some of the most inspiring local initiatives.

Now of course, the most meaningful experience will begin once their property is delivered. Noemie and I are both deeply inspired by unique hotel experiences, and ALMA was designed as a private, residential interpretation of that spirit.

Our clients are never numbers; they are people we get to know personally. Our relationship often goes beyond an investment, and that is the beauty of building a small community. In short, the ALMA experience is a journey we designed from discovery to delivery, and the care we put into every detail to make it both simple and beautiful.

Alright, so tell me, what will it feel like, once you live in ALMA?

Noémie: That’s an excellent question, and not always easy to describe because it is mostly sensorial.

Entering ALMA feels like entering a refined, low-density resort. The access gate is spacious and surrounded by trees and gardens. You hear insects and birds, you are in the shade, and everything feels calm. Unhurried. And instantly, you feel welcomed, not controlled. From that point on, all that you see, hear, and smell has been carefully considered.

You reach your home with your own car, driving sometimes at trunk height, sometimes at foliage height. You park under or next to your property, always in the shade. No golf carts, no valet, no waiting, and no long walks necessary. You simply drive home, easily and privately.

Entering your home, you step into a sophisticated place that combines high-end materials and a strong architectural signature. Steel structures bring a modern touch, while wooden ceilings add warmth and a tropical character. The natural scent of the wood immediately creates a feeling of comfort and belonging. And whether it is a two-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom Villa, the only difference is in the size. The exact same attention to detail and the same materials are used throughout.

The properties open widely to nature, with green buffers on each side and ocean views framed by native trees, which gives the feeling of living in a nest among branches and birds. Protected, yet open. And you feel like it, just close it all and turn on the A/C to watch a movie.

When using the amenities you choose how social you want to be. You can meet people by one of the large lap pools, or enjoy complete privacy at the spa, which is privatized upon reservation and dedicated only to you and your guests.

When night comes, the lighting is kept to a minimum to respect the fauna and flora. So, you hear cicadas, see fireflies, and you can admire the stars. It is a rare privilege today, and one that quietly reminds you where you are.

To design this experience, we drew inspiration from the most refined hotel environments we know. For example, a concierge is available to arrange anything from a private chef to transportation or cultural experiences, so owners feel supported without ever losing their independence and privacy.

And finally, it is also about knowing us personally and trusting the level of care and standards we bring to every detail. We safeguard each moment of the experience and never rush it. Because just like good food never comes from a microwave, a truly meaningful place can only be created with time, care, and intention.

It is a philosophy that has naturally been recognized, with ALMA being nominated and awarded six times in 2025, including in the Residential Luxury category, alongside some of the most prestigious branded residences and resort properties in the world.

For more information: http://www.alma-huatulco.com

 

 

Huatulco

Inside ALMA: Craftsmanship, Sustainability, and Signature Design

1 Comment

In this interview, we speak with Frederic Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert, the developers behind ALMA, an architectural project in Huatulco that blends design, sustainability, and community. They share the story behind the name, the philosophy that shaped the residence, and the details that set ALMA apart in Mexico’s coastal real estate landscape.

Where does the name ALMA come from ?

Noemie: ALMA means “soul” in Spanish. We chose it because it captured exactly what we had in mind: to create not just a development, but a community with a soul. A residence with a positive impact and a clear purpose—to promote Mexican modern architecture and sustainability within the real estate development sector and create a unique user experience. It also resonated deeply with a book that transformed both our lives: About the Soul, by Francois Cheng.

What’s the differentiator of ALMA as a residence?

Frederic: I’d say the key differentiator of ALMA is that it was never about simply selling properties. It’s always been about bringing a genuine piece of architecture to the market—crafted by incredible architects down to the smallest detail and set in an extraordinary oceanfront environment—literally surrounded by National Parks. In a word, it’s a place where you want to live, not just invest.

Designed by world-renowned architects José Juan Rivera Río and Modica-Ledezma, each ALMA property carries the qualities you usually only see in magazine homes. In short, ALMA aims to make signature architecture and sustainability the standard, so the end-user experience is elevated. With that in mind, it’s no coincidence that ALMA has recently received several distinctions: shortlisted for its masterplan by one of the most prestigious international architecture competitions, the Architecture Hunter Awards; nominated at the Americas Property Awards in the category of Luxury Project of the Year; and awarded the title of Most Sustainable Project in Mexico at the Americas Property Awards—now advancing to compete for the title of Most Sustainable Project in the Americas.

What inspired ALMA ?

Noemie: A large part of ALMA was inspired by extensive past architectural and hospitality experiences—from museums to hotels, from shacks to palaces. We both love lines, light, shadows, textures, shadow gaps, lush gardens, and generally speaking, unique experiences. We’ve always felt that the level of architecture you see in magazine homes, galleries, or high-end hotels should also exist in residential developments. Yet it rarely does.

Architecture is a major art—the only art we can actually inhabit—and that gives it the power to transform our lives. Think about it: we’ve all felt instantly right or totally off in a place because of its brightness, volumes, materials, warmth, etc. And this is precisely what sparked our desire to create a truly architectural project that elevates our daily lives, not just our holidays.

At the end of the day, ALMA wasn’t born out of ambition but out of our shared commitment towards architecture and sustainability and the desire to achieve it at a price per square meter or square foot that remains completely within market standards.

Interesting! Now, in practice, what can ALMA clients expect in terms of design and finishes?

Frederic : When it comes to design, Charles Eames said it perfectly: “The details are not the details; they make the design.”

At ALMA, the number of details that actually shape the design is endless. I can name just a few that stand out in order to illustrate the level of finishes we offer:

1- Fan-coil air conditioning: Goodbye mini-splits! Of course they work, but it’s no secret that they kill the design. Instead, we use inverter fan-coil units with subtle grids integrated into walls and ceilings. Almost invisible, they perfectly preserve the purity of the architectural lines and consume less energy.

2- Swimming pools: We all love cooling off around these latitudes, but plastic or steel drains often ruin the look. At ALMA, every pool is infinity and integrated into the ground with drains hidden under the travertine floor, creating a true water mirror. Plus, all pools use salt water and overflow tanks.

3- Green roofs: Besides reducing upper-floor temperatures by up to 4°C / 7°F and enhancing pollination, green roofs are beautiful and blend the residence into the native landscape. So instead of seeing concrete and A/C condensers, our upper villas look at the ocean ahead and roof gardens below. A great spot for butterfly-watching!

4- Windows: ALMA’s sliders are fully custom, imported, made of thick tempered glass for safety and slim frames for the design—a rare feature in real estate developments. They’re the type you can open with just a finger, lock properly and that keeps out torrential rains. With views as exceptional as these, this choice made itself obvious. That being said, because of the heavy impact of their cost on profitability, it is very uncommon to see them featured outside of architect designed standalone villas.

5- Built-in appliances: Very common in architect-design properties, built-in fridges, freezers, or other appliances allow to reduce the “centerpiece” effect of appliances and let the design and the views be the protagonists of a room.

6- Toilets: Hanging toilets are already the norm in countries known for hygiene and minimalism, like Japan, Singapore or Sweden, but they’re not common here. At ALMA, all bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms with minimalist hanging toilets—always behind doors and separate from showers for more privacy.

And in addition to many other indoor and outdoor details, ALMA offers high-level amenities, such as a wellness center, a fully equipped gym, generous common pools, an all-day concierge service, a forest path to a virgin beach, and a beach-hopping shuttle.

Beside the experience ALMA offers, are there other advantages to being part of the community?

Noemie: Absolutely. Several, actually. Since the experience our owners live at ALMA is our main focus, the chances for them to meet like-minded neighbors and build meaningful friendships based on a shared appreciation for architecture and nature are really high. It’s not a coincidence that buyers planning to live in ALMA outnumber pure investors, by far!

Another major advantage is the controlled environment. Many of our owners previously bought in oceanfront neighborhoods only to see them drastically change or become overbuilt. The fact that the National Park has expanded and now fully surrounds ALMA ensures this cannot happen here. Low density—the lowest of any neighborhood in Huatulco—is a secured long-term advantage.

Property appreciation is another key benefit for our owners. Around the world, experience shows that sustainable, award-winning properties designed by renowned architects offer stronger capital gains.

Finally, something our owners repeatedly highlight is our dedication and our accessibility as developers. Being genuinely reachable, being onsite daily, constantly sharing professional construction photos, having lived in the community for over five years, and being part of both the local and expat communities are things that really matter to them. In return, we truly value the relationship we have with each of them, and our conversations—sometimes over casual diners or drinks— have often helped us refine the ALMA experience even further.

For more information:
http://www.alma-huatulco.com