On a coastal hillside in the Costa Rican rainforest, Casa Torcida proves that luxury and eco-friendly living can coexist. by Jillian Blume // photographs by Charles Lindsay

View of the home in its arboreal setting.

Rising above the rainforest on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, radiant Casa Torcida overlooks the blue water of the Golfo Dulce. The modern, stacked geometric shapes of the residence offer a calm oasis amid the lush growth in one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. In the pristine rainforest teeming with an extraordinary variety of wild animals and plants, conservation is a way of life.

Construction had been halted and the rainforest was slowly reclaiming the steel frame and concrete slab structure when New York-based SPG Architects’ project team of Coty Sidnam, Eric Gartner, and Andres Cova came onboard. Though a reconfiguration of the layout would be necessary to meet the client’s needs, they decided to recycle the existing work. Preservation of the natural environment is at the heart of their design.

“We added some and carved some away in an effort to make more sense of the space,” says Sidnam. “We decided the water cistern, housed in an enclosed area on the first floor, should go underground so we could recapture that space as a bodega. A lot of changes happened organically.” They dug underneath the foundation to build a music studio, added an infinity pool, and configured the living spaces vertically to provide natural cooling and take advantage of the views.

Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, the house only uses air conditioning in its music studio. Passive solar controls, free of mechanical or electrical assistance, keep the home cool. For shade, southern and eastern exposures utilize deep overhangs created by exterior walkways. The steep slope of the site and the dense trees around the structure provide a sun shield, while the rainforest canopy protects the lower levels. Areas that are exposed are rendered in sun-reflective white.

Primary living spaces and bedrooms are raised above the trees to catch the breezes flowing up the hill from the water. Glass walls open fully to provide cross ventilation, creating an integrated indoor/outdoor living area. Casement windows around the home’s perimeter can be adjusted to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. Responsibly harvested custom teak louver panels on the bedroom windows incorporate screens for defense against insects and can be adjusted for privacy, ventilation, and wind protection.

Rainwater runs across an impermeable, microbe-free roof membrane into a series of drains and is collected in an underground cistern. A solar water heating system greatly reduces the toxic gases produced by electric and gas water heaters while maintaining the home’s sustainable energy. After rainwater reaches the temperature necessary to kill bacteria, a slow-flow pump circulates it.

SANYO solar panels on the roof.

Unlike a typical black roof, the white membrane doesn’t absorb or transfer solar heat to the home or the environment, avoiding the “heat island” effect and saving energy. “It was as organic as we could make it while still providing a really good seal,” says Sidnam. “It also had to be free of any chemical sloughing that would get into the water.” Impermeable to rain, saltwater, and UV exposure, the material is durable and needs little maintenance.

Eighty-four SANYO solar panels on the roof are designed to produce dependable, high-power output despite the intense heat, which usually decreases performance and voltage. The system reliably provides the home with all electricity, including the power needs of computer equipment and appliances; therefore, it wasn’t necessary to bring in electricity from far away or disturb the environment with unsightly power service wiring.

No eco-friendly house is complete without energy-efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances, which must meet energy-saving and low greenhouse gas specifications set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Eco-friendly, high-tech options abound in the luxury appliances the architects chose, which included Sun Frost refrigerators, a Bosch washer and dryer, and a “Swan-labeled” Asko, one of the most energy- and water-efficient dishwashers on the market. Energy-efficient lighting throughout the home uses less power, lasts longer, and produces significantly less heat.

To reduce transportation pollution, the plumbing fixtures and fittings were purchased locally. Designed to reduce water usage without diminishing function, family and friends can still enjoy a good Jacuzzi.

You can’t really have a chef kitchen unless you’re cooking with gas. Used here for cooking and drying clothes, eco-friendly propane is the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. It’s not harmful to soil or water, and it doesn’t contribute the contaminants that cause acid rain.

Interiors are modern, sleek, and indigenous. “We tried to use Central and South American products for the surfaces, and all the cabinetry came from wood that was cleared from the site,” says Sidnam. Native hardwood includes Cenizaro, Ron-ron, and Cristobal, which produced the dramatic cabinets and worktable in the kitchen, the custom bookshelves in the library, the dressing room woodwork, and the custom bed and dining room tables.

The kitchen, whose cabinets and work table were created using native hardwoods.

In contrast to the wild tangle of the rainforest, the interiors are grounded in a neutral palette. Bright pops of tropical colors—echoing native plants and animals— are seen in sleek yet soft modern furniture raised off the floor to prevent snake and insect surprises. Indoor/outdoor furniture features waterproof and colorfast fabrics. The living room’s Simplice Sofa and Poltrona armchair, designed by Antonio Citterio, juxtaposes clean lines and a saturated red with the calm mottling of the polished concrete floor, while the curves and bright scarlet of Paola Lenti’s Aqua Collection soften the straight lines and concrete of the pool terrace.

Set in the concrete like an oblong jewel, an infinity pool stretches to the edge of the cliff. “You don’t need rails at the edge. The pool becomes your protection,” says Sidnam. “Anytime you’re sitting out on the pool deck, there’s nothing between you and the view. And there’s the sense that the pool water runs into the water beyond.”

Around the pool, light-reflecting white tiles, sourced from South American quartzite, ensure that the floor never gets too hot. Rather than toxic chemicals or the necessary upkeep of corrosive saltwater, the Carefree Clearwater mineral ionizer system uses copper, silver, and zinc ions to purify the pool water. Underwater benches and energy-efficient LED lights beckon family and friends to linger long after the blazing sun sets.

Palms trees rise from a recessed floor in the entryway, the trunks mirroring the straight lines of concrete and steel. On the second level, the fanned leaves of the palm trees bring the forest inside. Circles cut into a concrete wall resonate with the blue curves and balance the green angles of the terrace furniture and straight lines of the overall design. The spine of a central corridor unites all the levels and acts as counterpoint to the concrete finishes with an open wood staircase and the rough, stacked-stone texture of quartzite tiles on the opposite wall. The replanting of native trees that have no need for artificial irrigation negated any disturbance previously inflicted upon the landscape, although a buffer zone remains around the perimeter to keep snakes away.

Modern and minimalistic, Casa Torcida seems to rise toward the future, yet it still harmonizes perfectly with the ancient rainforest. View more of SPG Architects’ work at spgarchitects.com.

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Kari Whitman

Kari Whitman was green before anyone even knew what being “green” was. The Boulder, CO-raised and Los Angeles-based owner of Kari Whitman Interiors, who has designed the homes of celebs like Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, Emilio Estevez, Don Johnson, and Virginia Madsen, says, “My parents led kind of a hippie lifestyle. I never realized how much waste and indulgence was going on in the world around me until I left my Boulder bubble.” Even in college, Whitman was decorating her dorm room with the environment in mind. “Whether or not my client is ‘green,’ I’ll always spend my own time researching the greenest way to go. In every project I do—whether it’s a cozy studio apartment or a huge mansion—I always bring in the highest-quality, eco-friendly products available.” Ready to remodel that kitchen or bath? Whitman reveals that it’s easier than you think to reduce your environmental impact while maintaining a chic look in these essential rooms.

1. CLUED-IN COUNTERTOPS When designing a kitchen or bath, countertops set the stage for the look and feel of the space. Now more than ever before, there are absolutely gorgeous materials for your surfaces that would otherwise have ended up being dumped into landfills. Consider glass, sustainable stone, and even architectural metal salvages. “EnviroGLAS’s Enviroslab countertops look like gorgeous granite, and you’d never believe they’re actually made from recycled mirrors, windows, and even soda bottles,” Whitman says. If you prefer a stone-counter look, check out beauties from Eco by Cosentino, which are made from 75-percent recycled materials and 25-percent natural stones. And PaperStone offers sustainable countertops made out of 100-percent recycled paper, which “look like stone and they’re actually really strong, so they’re perfect for kitchens,” Whitman explains. Another option is architectural salvage. “Metal grates look great on top of countertops or used as a backsplash. Pounded metals are especially interesting and hip,” Whitman advises. This type of “trash to treasure” is the ultimate way to go green. Before you rip out your old stuff, ask yourself, “Can I repaint this? Restain it? Resurface it?”

Reuse: This vintage hood, in the kitchen of West Hollywood bachelor, was found in an antique store. “To reuse is to recycle, and buying vintage or antique is the ultimate green,” says Whitman. The cabinets were constructed from sustainable wood and the faucet is low flow.

2. FLOOR STORY Bamboo, palm wood, and cork are all eco-friendly flooring options. Some companies, like Kirei Board, make beautiful, sustainable flooring from a combination of materials, like bamboo and wheat board with low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Added bonus: If you choose cork floors, not only does it look really cool, it’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s great for people with asthma and allergies. “Cork is a naturally renewable resource, and Nova Flooring kicks it up a notch in the green department and recycles all byproducts from manufacturing,” Whitman says.

Evolving Door: The pivoting glass door between the cabinets and refrigerator in the kitchen of a hip, young prince’s Beverly Hills home is made from recycled glass from pulp, with pressed rice paper in between. This stunning feature opens from the kitchen to the dining room. Kangen Water filters and sustainable wood cabinets also were installed.

3. TILE FILE Look for tiles and slabs made from natural stone and environmentally conscious materials. You can find everything from travertine to hand-painted tiles to recycled products. Two options Whitman recommends are Stone Age Tile and Eco-Terr Tiles.

4. APPLIANCE MART Definitely scout out Energy Star-rated appliances, which use less energy and help prevent greenhouse emissions. “The best companies also restrict the use of hazardous substances and chemicals in the production of their products,” Whitman notes. She recommends using Green Building Advisor as a fantastic resource to make sure you’re buying from companies that are truly green.

The home’s “love tub” (which accommodates up to eight guests) has low-flow faucets, as does the toilet.

5. NEED A FILTER Save the Earth from your bottled-water habit by installing a water filtration system in your kitchen. “Kangen Water machines transform your tap water, balance its pH levels, and can even work wonders on your skin,” Whitman says.

6. BATH PRODUCTS Luxury toilets, faucets, and bathtubs can be “green,” too. “TOTO’s products are so incredibly elegant and they really think of the big picture when it comes to manufacturing. They even use soybean-based hydraulic oil to fuel their factory forklifts,” Whitman raves.

The cabinets in this luxe bathroom in Beverly Hills are made from recycled wood, as is the bathtub surround. The faucets, tub, and toilet are all from eco-conscious TOTO. Whitman installed solar energy to run the sauna.

7. PAINTERLY WAYS White, gray, and black with hints of metallic are very cool right now—think modernized Venetian plasters, shimmering with flecks of metal. Whitman advises to look for zero-VOC, lime-based plasters. “Eco-friendly paint is not only important for people; it’s important for your pets, too. Paints with zero-VOCs reduce emissions, meet LEED standards, and eliminate all those nasty toxins,” she says.

8. ETHICAL ACCESSORIES You can find all sorts of cool kitchen and bathroom accessories made from recycled and upcycled goods. Choosing items made in the USA is a great way to cut down on emissions caused by long-distance shipping (and to fuel American jobs). You can go even more local and choose unique art, furniture, and accessories handcrafted by artisans in your hometown or region.

Whitman had antique cabinets installed in this Asian-inspired West Hollywood home’s bathroom to accommodate its fixtures.

9. WALL WEAR “I love going outside the box and covering kitchen stools, dining chairs—even walls—with pleather,” Whitman says. Available in everything from rich chocolate browns to faux ostrich, pleather is a cruelty-free alternative to leather that’s also green. “Animal production leaves a huge eco-footprint with its carbon emissions and major use of fossil fuels, water, and land … Even better, if you spill a glass of red wine or your pets slobber all over it, just wipe it clean with a sponge,” Whitman says.

10. BE RADIANT Radiant heat takes up less energy, as it warms water to also heat your home. “Plus, who doesn’t love a warm bathroom floor underfoot on a cold morning?” Whitman asks.

Friendly Finds: It’s easy to be green in other areas of your home

1. Billboard Beauty Doreen Catena “I C U,” $600. This 43-by-30-inch work of art is handmade in the U.S. from old billboards.

2. Sitting Pretty Sifas lounge chair, $4,850. A cute seat is made by using electro polishing to reduce the effects of air pollution, while the low-carbon footprint materials are durable and recyclable.

3. Eco Pups Greener Pup large round bed in “Earth,” $89.99. Kari Whitman’s eco-friendly designer pet bed is custom made in the USA.

4. Hit Snooze Pluunk bunk bed, $4,400. Your kids will pass this bed down to their little ones with its high-quality hardwood and ply with environmentally sound whey-based finishes.

5. Hot Spot Sunlighten infrared sauna, starting at $3,999. Made from eco-friendly woods and assembled with magnets to avoid VOC-heavy glues, this sauna uses no more electricity than a hair dryer.

6. All Fired Up John T. Unger sculptural firebowl, $3,000. This outdoor decorative gem is made from 100-percent recycled steel and designed to last for generations.

Contact Kari Whitman Interiors P.O. Box 2357, Beverly Hills, CA 90213 310-652-8684, kwinteriors@aol.com, kariwhitmaninteriors.com

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Put your outdoor spaces on display with a show-stopping piece of art. by Katrina Timmel

Think of your entire property as a blank canvas, and it will open your eyes to a whole new world of décor possibilities. Artwork doesn’t have to stay contained within the walls of your home—place a stunning piece close by to admire from both indoors and out, or tuck it away down a footpath as a surprising complement to the outside area. Whichever direction you decide to go, have fun with the exploration. Here are some of our favorite modern pieces—from earthy limestone to Pop Art-esque steel sculptures—to inspire your foray into alfresco art.

Flora Metal Wall Art

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Mellow Yellow Christopher Georgesco “Camber Centrifuge Yellow,” $18,000, michaelhlordgallery.com

Organic Origins Gayle Burbank “Sculpture No. 22,” $1,600, gayleburbank.com

Color Blocks Luis Torruella “Ave de Paraíso,” $28,000, alanaveryartcompany.com

Pop Art Jennifer Gilbert Asher & Mario Lopez “Verita,” $2,925, terrasculpture.com

Paint The Town Kimber Berry “Liquid Landscape,” $18,000, elisacontemporaryart.com

Out Of This World Bruce Gray “Suspension,” $4,000, brucegray.com

Hourglass Figure Pablo Solomon “St. Tropez,” $5,350, pablosolomon.com

Major Medley Betsy Halford “Sofie,” $350, decaturgallery.com

Scale The Wall Artecnica “Flora Metal Wall Art,” $7,250, opad.com

It took a collaborative effort between an inventive interior designer and an expert architect to transform an ordinary gray Shingle-style cottage into a modern retreat. by Jillian Blume  //  photos by Scott Fisher

The Shingle-style Sag Harbor home sits at the water’s edge.

The shimmer of the water reflects on the walls of the sea-colored living room, and light pools in the white and sand-colored coffers of the ceiling. Through the geometric latticework of two divider screens, an oasis of comfort beckons. Beyond, floor-to-ceiling mullioned windows frame French doors leading to the deck overlooking the water of Upper Sag Harbor Cove.

But it wasn’t always like this. For a client who wanted something a little more edgy and modern than a typical beach house on the water, it took the teamwork of interior designer John Willey of Willey Design, Inc. and Scott Fisher of Mitchell Wilk Architects to transform a decade-old gray cedar Shingle into a showcase Coastal Colonial reminiscent of the grand summer cottages stretching along the coastline from Rhode Island to Maine.

The original structure didn’t have a layout conducive to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle the family envisioned, as the deck and pool area couldn’t be accessed from inside the house. “The task was to look at the entire first floor and reconfigure spaces to maximize the ability for them to live in it as a summer home,” Fisher says.

After gutting the first floor, they relocated the kitchen and created a media room, a breakfast room, and a living/dining room that flow seamlessly from the airy inside to the natural beauty of the outside site. Along the way, every detail was examined, dissected, and discussed.

“It was a good collaboration with the clients,” says Willey. The images they brought to some of the early meetings offered a sneak peek of the general look they were going for. “How we do our job best is we take those images and read between the lines. And then we like to step it up to the next level and show them what the bigger possibilities are.”

A modern entryway gives way to a light-filled living room with coffered ceilings.

The designer also offers a little creative guidance. Willey felt strongly that there needed to be a division between the front foyer and the living area, but the client was afraid it would obstruct the view. “The divider screen design went through about 10 different iterations,” says Willey. “Finally, we came up with a kind of peek-a-boo screen effect that gives a suggestion of the water beyond.”

In the living and dining room, the bland, sheetrock ceiling was transformed with the construction of nine coffers on top of a beadboard ceiling designed to add layers and depth. “The beadboard actually changes direction in each coffer, forming a basketweave pattern,” says Willey. “It creates a subliminal beach basket motif when you look up at the ceiling.”

The lighting throughout the house is dramatic and unique. Not a fan of what he calls the “Swiss cheese” effect of recessed lighting, Willey used suspended globe lanterns in polished nickel and smoked glass in the living room to add an ethereal suggestion of lights at sea. To brighten the mudroom at the side of the house, pendants made from resin cylinders and wrapped rattan act as a beacon, while the bold light fixture anchoring the breakfast area is based on actual fishing traps from the Caribbean.

The living room sofas, designed to provide as much seating as an unwieldy sectional, were customized with rustic platform wood bases meant to invoke driftwood. The play of materials is seen in the contrasting white bone inlay cocktail table, while the geometric shapes of the Willey-designed “Moroccan” area rug, the hand-carved wood side tables, and the lacy design of the antique brass-and-wood table lamps all resonate with the white crosshatching of the divider screens.

The attention to detail can be seen in the design of the fireplace wall. “Instead of just having a featureless wall, I used ribbed plaster with a little reveal,” says Willey. He found the blue-gray travertine of the surround at the stone yard. “It hit that right moment of casual elegance. The lines are very simple, but it was meant to become a subtle, classic, and clean element in this room.”

Stone is also an element of the main dining area. The custom Datcha rectangular table by David Sutherland has teak legs and an X-cross-base design in polished aluminum. “The top is rough granite with a texture like a stone pulled out of a quarry,” says Willey. It’s meant to be seen from the side, where the play of the stone’s shimmer echoes the metallic gleam of the base. The first piece of furniture purchased for the house, it set the organic tone for the rest of the rooms. It’s paired with Palecek rattan-and-leather dining chairs customized with blue iridescent leather.

Bright and airy kitchen.

Relocating the kitchen allowed the design team to create it from the ground up. Willey designed a storage unit based on a freestanding bookcase with enough transparency to act as a pass-through. “The see-through hutch on the top was painted a pale blue on the inside, so it feels watery and clean,” Willey explains.

For countertops, he chose durable, pebble-colored polished Caesarstone, a quartz composite with a velvety quality. The backsplash is constructed from Artistic Tile’s glistening Jazz Glass. “It’s timeless and elegant, and it has a watery effect that echoes what’s going on outside the door.” To offset the paleness of the palette, Willey threw in a wildcard: playful cowhide barstools that are also comfortable and kid friendly. He paired them with black overscaled pendants above the island.

The breakfast nook continues the casual comfort of the interior, with an 18-foot custom-made banquette and driftwood dining table that provides an intimate place for a meal in a room backed by boats and the bay outside a wall of windows. Classic Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner in bright blue mirror the interiors of the cubbyholes that flank retractable patio doors. The banquette and adjacent sitting area are upholstered in indoor/outdoor fabric so that wet bathing suits are never a problem.

In the large media room, Willey designed the carpet in a chevron pattern and the blue lacquer cabinet with gray wash veneer dividers. To add a whimsical element, some of the cubbyholes have little collages done in shades of blue. The Willey-designed sectional is tufted in a wave pattern that echoes the wave pattern on the rug and provides generous group seating.

Newly created media room, which allows access to the outdoors.

Even the hallways were put under a microscope. Upstairs, a very long corridor leading to the bedrooms had a dark, claustrophobic feel. To open it up, Fisher suggested creating a pitched roof to create drama in the windowless space. Lined with large antique brass globe pendants, the light reflects against the angled white ceiling and illuminates the blue, shimmery grass cloth. “It has a summery, timeless feel to it,” says Willey. Working with Beauvais Carpets, Willey designed a colorful, 30-foot striped wool runner that provides contrast with the interlocking circles of the modern art on the walls.

When it was finally complete, the clients showed up at sunset. “They said it was beyond what they ever thought was possible for this house. When you’re looking at plans on paper, it’s not the same as walking through and discovering the materials and finishes and all the final touches that we like to do beyond the main components,” says Willey. Enlivened by it all, the family walked through the house to the deck and went for a sunset swim.

Top interior designers share their favorite coastal vacation spots—and how to recreate the resort look in your own home. by Jenna Birch

Ever take a look around your house and think it needs a pinch more zest to complement its lively waterfront setting? If so, then you might not be looking far enough for inspiration. From Bali to France, Crete and beyond, six top interior designers reveal their most beloved travel destinations. Looking to each location for inspiration, they share how to pull ideas from the world’s most beautiful oceanfront resorts and villas to decorate back home. Sometimes, you have to venture a little farther than your own backyard for the best design. Here’s how to step up your place, and take it from ho-hum to heavenly.

Inspiration from El Minzah Hotel, Tangiers

Peter Dunham, Peter Dunham Design, Los Angeles, CA

DESTINATION: El Minzah Hotel, Tangiers

Tapping into an aesthetic that’s one part timelessly sophisticated, one part modern twist, interior designer Peter Dunham has turned bland houses into chic homes for clientele in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Aspen, and Ojai. Adding elements from his British heritage and infusing splashes of rich color into his work, he’s managed to add warmth and depth to contemporary style. His resort of choice? The equally imaginative North African escape of El Minzah. Situated right next to the Bay of Tangiers—with features like an incredible Andalusian patio and regal, super-luxe Moroccan suites—this old-world Oriental resort is brimming with life, just like Dunham’s designs.

Why do you love this resort? “It’s one of the greatest seaside places in the world. Because of the geographic location, you can drive half an hour in one direction to beautiful Mediterranean coves, or half an hour the other way to be on several hundred miles of white sandy beach. It’s never too hot because of the breezes, the food is delicious, and the incomparable mixture of mid-century European colonial architecture and ancient Islamic medinas make it one of the most interesting places—and that is without the über-chic blend of London-Paris-Milan tastemakers who have gorgeous houses there.”

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “Nothing says seaside like wicker, and this chair is a re-edition of a great simple ’60s design.” Tangier mid-century wicker chair, price upon request, hollywoodathome.com

2. “This vintage-style mirror with a great mid-century vibe gives an oceanfront room an ethnic twist.” Moorish mirror, price upon request, hollywoodathome.com

3. “Samarkand adds that casual ‘hippie de luxe’ layered element to informal beach decor.” Samarkand textile (shown on wall), price upon request,
peterdunhamtextiles.com

4. “Allegra’s über-chic rugs feature organic geometrics, so they look great in a beach place. This design reminds me of waves.” Allegra Hicks Rug, price upon request, therugcompany.com

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Inspiration from Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

Tim Clarke, Tim Clarke Interior Design, Santa Monica, CA

DESTINATION: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

Santa Monica-based interior designer Tim Clarke is known for his timeless and elegant aesthetic, which captures the unique charm of seaside living. But when it comes to an escape to paradise, he favors the luxe look of this tropical Four Seasons resort. The bungalow-style retreat evokes the feel of Hawaii’s Golden Age with native décor and an open-air set-up, allowing guests to revel in the breathtaking white sand shoreline and exotic blue waters. 

Why do you love this resort? “I love the way the hotel is designed to feel like each guest has his own personal little house. This is not the typical Hawaiian resort, [with its] grand, giant entrance and long hallways of door after door.” 

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “I like Donghia’s espadrille fabric—all colorways, but particularly ‘Isoletta,’ which is a wonderful bright, fresh, multicolor-stripe heavyweight cotton fabric. This just screams ‘beach,’ and the colors remind me of the colors of the ocean view at the resort.” Espadrille textile, price upon request, donghia.com 

2. “Many of the walls in the resort are covered in this. It provides a beautiful, warm textured background that gives you the island feel without being too Hawaiian. [It’s] great as background to any art.” Phillip Jeffries woven raffia wallcovering in “Portofino,” price upon request, phillipjeffries.com 

3. “My candles for Makana were designed with scents to remind me of my time there. ‘Coastal Dawn’ is the fresh, light, clean scent of the morning air. ‘Coastal Day’ is the coconut smell that reminds me of suntan lotion and a day at the beach. ‘Coastal Dusk’ has the scents of the night-blooming flowers of Hawaii—the scents you only get after the sun goes down.” Tim Clarke
by Makana candles, $30, derringhall.com 

4. “This is an earthy, reclaimed slice of wood. An entire tree trunk sliced through the middle with a ‘live edge’ and some voids in the center resting on a Lucite stand.” Lawson-
Fenning “Redlands” table, price upon request, lawsonfenning.com

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Inspiration from Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Kristin Nugent, Kristin Nugent Interior Design, Santa Monica, CA

DESTINATION: Alila Villas, Uluwatu, Bali

California-based Kristin Nugent has infused exotic flare into completed oceanfront projects in areas like Laguna Beach and Maui, drawing ideas from her favorite Balinese resort, the Alila Villas in Uluwatu. True to the interior designer’s fresh, innovative eye for what’s next, the villas’ contemporary simplicity allows the resort to meld directly into the lush greens and vivid blue sea that surround it. For anyone who appreciates how integral natural and man-made elements are to a full living experience at home or abroad, this resort’s sleek architecture leads to a daily immersion into serenity. alilahotels.com/uluwatu

Why do you love this resort? “It was an absolute pleasure to stay at this luxurious resort. The views from my villa were gorgeous, the service was impeccable, and there was such a lovely feeling to each suite, with the option to open it up completely to the outdoors, an indoor-outdoor shower and your own pool. I am continually inspired by the villa’s textures and muted color palette. A must-stay for anyone considering visiting Bali.” 

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “[Use] hand-blown Italian-glass lighting. I had an opportunity to visit Murano and watch the technique being used firsthand. They are true masters.” LU Murano chandelier, price upon request, lu-murano.it 

2. “This is a beautiful, soft fragrance that gives the ambiance of being at a beachside resort. [It’s the] perfect scent to recreate that feeling in your home. I suggest the use of their diffuser to create the optimal ambiance.” Frederic Malle “Cafe Society” scent, $145, shop.fredericmalle.com

3. “[Kettal is] a very innovative Spanish outdoor furniture company with fantastic designers; one of my favorites is Patricia Urquiola. Her pieces lend themselves to an oceanfront home with their clean styling and innovative design.” Kettal Cottage, price upon request, www.kettal.es

4. “These outdoor planters have incredible texture and style. One of my favorites is the BRF Series. It is a perfect transition to the residential exterior and gives a feeling of warmth, a very ‘Bali feel’ with overscaled proportions.” Planters, price upon request, ateliervierkant.be

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Inspiration from Emirates Palace, Abu Dabi

Perla Lichi, Lichi-Zelman Style Interiors, Pompano Beach, FL, and New York, NY

DESTINATION: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

As one half of Lichi-Zelman Style Interiors, Perla Lichi is known for her opulent work in designing incredible interiors in private homes, villas, and palaces on multiple continents. With her background in art history and penchant for fine architectural detail, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is a fitting favorite retreat, with its amazing mosaic glass dome, tall columns, and gold-and-silver leaf finishes. The combination historic grandeur and a state-of-the-art touch is just to Lichi’s tastes.

Why do you love this resort? “It’s right on the ocean and totally my style. It feels like a palace I am currently designing. People see pictures of the place and think: ‘Perla designed this!’ The mosaics, the finishes, the columns and walls—the hotel has different links. You really feel like you’re in an old palace, there is so much detail. You are in a fantasy world. But besides the opulence, it is totally state of the art. Everything is automated. You push a button and lights dim, curtains open. It’s above a five-star [resort].” 

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “They have this mosaic dome made of glass—incredible.” Pearl and Gold round mirror, $180, pier1.com 

2. “For the chandeliers, they use gold iron. Very Mediterranean. It looks like jewelry.” Imperial gold crystal chandelier, $1,308, bellacor.com 

3. “In general, throughout, they focus on rich velvets, like in a palace, [which] makes it unique.” Velveteen in “Cottontail,” price upon request, donghia.com

4. “Lots of finishes are a gold and silver leaf.” Phillip Jeffries Antique Istanbul antiqued gold leaf, price upon request, phillipjeffries.com 

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Inspiration from Blue Palace Resort and Spa, Crete

Katia Bates, Innovative Creations Interior Design, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

DESTINATION: Blue Palace Resort and Spa, Crete

Given her Venetian background, Katia Bates often melds traditional European touches seamlessly with contemporary interiors, so it wasn’t surprising that she fell head-over-heels in love with the Blue Palace Resort on the island of Crete. Here, less is definitely more. The clean, modern lines of the rooms don’t distract from the gorgeous sea views that surround the resort, and pools nestled in between stunning stone architecture evoke classic Greece.

Why do you love this resort? “My husband and I have a special tie to Greece, as we chartered a yacht for one week during our honeymoon. We fell in love with the Islands and always wanted to go back. A few years ago, we decided to take our teenage son and daughter, and this time, the four of us fell in love with the island of Crete. The Blue Palace is just wonderful in every way. The views from our room were beautiful, and it gave us a sense of peace and wanting to be together.” 

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “A natural material would be a wonderful wall treatment to complement the color of the sea on a beautiful summer day.” Cowtan and Tout seagrass wallpaper in “Blue,” price upon request, cowtan.com 

2. “A sophisticated yet almost-casual drapery treatment for wall-to-wall windows, so you can enjoy spectacular views.” Colefax and Fowler “Brockham” embroideries in “Old Blue,” price upon request, colefax.com

3. “For an outdoor spacious balcony or poolside and for romantic sea-watching, they are fashion forward and minimalist. I’d pick up two of them, because I would want to share these special moments with my husband.” Caribe chaise lounge, price upon request, robertirattan.com

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Inspiration from Hotel Royal-Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Lindsay Hair, Lindsay Hair Interiors, New York, NY

DESTINATION: Hotel Royal-Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Her resume includes design work in the Hamptons, Palm Beach, and Vail, but interior designer Lindsay Hair also tries to stamp her passport as often as possible. One of her favorite seaside destinations is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, near Nice, where she often spends time at the Hotel Royal-Riviera dreaming and drawing inspiration. Built in 1904, this amazing Mediterranean getaway taps into rich culture in the South of France with Art Deco influences, Neo Hellenic style, and sunny terraces overlooking the water.

Why do you love this destination? “When heading to the South of France, before I make the journey into Provence, I always spend a night outside of Nice in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Nestled on one side of a bay opposite the small town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the casual sophistication of the Hotel Royal-Riviera allows you to momentarily escape the hustle of tourists going from Nice to Monte Carlo. What’s more enchanting? At this hotel, one has the best view of the legendary coastal mansion, Villa Kerylos.”

RECREATE THE STYLE

1. “I like these chairs, as they offer a more streamlined look to a woven chair.” Deauville dining chairs from JANUS et Cie, price upon request, janusetcie.com

2. “Black iron outdoor sconces with fretwork detail are a nice way to add a touch of sophistication while maintaining a casual atmosphere.” Collier Webb Steppe wall lantern, price upon request, collierwebb.com

3. “Pieces from the André Arbus Collection from Baker Furniture have streamlined silhouettes of wood and metal paired with linen, and they exude a sense of casual elegance.” “Du Roi” chaise lounge and “Château” table, prices upon request, bakerfurniture.com

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Jonathan Adler

Spring forward with design guru Jonathan Adler’s top tips and trends for decorating your oceanside home. by Karina Timmel

If you’re not familiar with Jonathan Adler, you must have been trapped under something heavy for the last 19 years. The iconic New York-based potter, celebrity designer, and author, who launched his first ceramic collection in 1994 to critical acclaim, is now the force behind an internationally recognized design brand. Today, Jonathan Adler offers myriad decorative objects, furniture, handbags, interior design services, and much more. What makes Adler such a design maverick is his incredible knack for mixing and matching vibrant colors, quirky patterns, intriguing textures, and out-of-the-ordinary objects. He encourages homeowners to turn off autopilot and trash the seen-everywhere-catalog looks to find the interior design that really makes their hearts go pitter-patter. When it comes to your ocean home, Adler recommends swimming in the sea of possibilities. Here, he lets us in on his stash of style secrets for 2013.

Nautical by Nature
Perhaps the most important lesson of the day is that for an oceanfront home, decorating doesn’t need to be all about seashells and scrimshaw. Instead, look for fresh, nautical themes, and don’t be shy about repurposing items. “I like to reuse and repurpose,” says Adler. “For example, at my Shelter Island [New York] home, I swapped nautical brass cleats for drawer pulls. Incorporate nods to nautical in unexpected places, like on your dinner table.” Look for items with graphic waves, anchors, ropes, sharks, funky-looking fish, seahorses, whales, and even mermaids. The key is to keep it playful and cool, and to steer clear of stuffy decor.

Sun, Sea, and Sky
Bypass floor-to-ceiling neutrals for bold shades that play up nature’s beauty. Adler’s current favorite palate pleasers for an ocean home are the turquoise blue of the sea and the sky, the fluffy white of the occasional cloud, and the blazing orange of the sun. “If I could live in a world of turquoise and orange only, I’d be very happy,” Adler admits.

Tricky Textures
You’ve worked hard for your gorgeous oceanfront home, and now you are looking to make everything picture perfect. But your ideal design doesn’t have to equal expensive. Adler advises homeowners to not be afraid of using more humble resources. “I like to mix high and low,” he says. “The burlap drapes in our bedroom on Shelter Island let the light shine through, but still give privacy.” Sometimes, depending on the room, it’s the least luxurious solution that’s best.

Inside and Outside
Craft special touches around your home to enjoy and enhance the view of each room. Naturally, you’ll want to do things inside, like play up floor-to-ceiling windows with light-as-air drapes so as to bring the outside in. The bathroom is often a room that is neglected as far as interior design is concerned, but just think about how many hours you clock in there getting ready or simply relaxing in the shower or tub. If the bathroom has a great view and bright, natural light, you’ll most likely be there even more. “Treat the bathroom as a real room; use art, furniture, and lighting to fashion a space to spend time in,” Adler says.

Adler advises homeowners to get creative with their outside space, too. The designer suggests: “Build an outdoor shower and install a window to frame the view for the ultimate in beach house chic. Or, design an outdoor living room with a bunch of seating options. As long as it’s waterproof, put it out there.” Just like you wouldn’t have all of your furniture matched perfectly inside your home, go for the eclectic look in your external living spaces as well.

Door Stop
Adler’s top tip? Paint your front door an orange hue so that it’s the first thing your guests see when they arrive. It creates excitement before you even get inside. “Every [ocean home] should have [an orange door],” Adler says.

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Special Edition KOHLER colors

It’s So Hue!

A love of color and timeless, bold design is something both Kohler and Jonathan Adler have in common. Which is why the company, which coined the tagline “The Bold Look of Kohler” and introduced color to American kitchens in the 1920s, is collaborating with color-master Adler on its KOHLER Colors collection. The four special-edition colors—Greenwich Green, Piccadilly Yellow, Palermo Blue, and Annapolis Navy—are available only in a selection of six enameled cast iron kitchen and bathroom sinks. Here’s what Adler has to say about the four hues, all of which beautifully complement an ocean home. (Added bonus: They are made in the U.S.)

• Piccadilly Yellow “There’s a very mod quality to Piccadilly yellow, especially when paired with white. It’s unexpected and will always feel fresh.”
• Greenwich Green “This is not dull avocado green. It’s bolder, yet timeless. So crisp and refreshing you can taste it.”
• Palermo Blue “A nice, crisp light blue is cool and refreshing. Like taking a dip in the Mediterranean itself.”
• Annapolis Navy “[This blue] epitomizes nautical chic. It’s such a classic color because it pairs so well with other bold colors.”

100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life

Good Read In his latest book, Jonathan Adler 100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life ($24.95, barnesandnoble.com), Adler provides 100 bold ideas for updating your home spaces—oceanfront and otherwise—over gorgeous, colorful spreads. “Most of the tips are illustrated with photos from my house on Shelter Island. It’s my dream house,” Adler says. The self-help style guide also invites readers to create their own happy-chic handicrafts, and shows that the possibilities are endless. Macramé owl, anyone?

The home’s entrance

Over the course of three-plus years, a Maine architecture firm collaborated with a savvy client to create a stunning summer escape where details reign supreme. by Anna Kasabian // photos by Brian Vanden Brink

It took the Knickerbocker Group of Boothbay, ME, three and a half years to create this remarkable summer getaway on tiny Pratts Island. With breathtaking water views and a surprise interior that recalls aspects of the Gilded Age, the Shingle-style exterior keeps the splendor under wraps.

As architect Rick Nelson of the firm explains, the concept and design evolved over time with the owner and team sharing ideas along the way. Like a precious work of art, this came without creative constraints. “It was mostly a free-flow creative process where we had weekly meetings to review every detail,” he says. While so many of the design details come from the hands of talented craftsmen, technology-driven 3-D computer modeling helped determine if certain aspects, like the ultra-complex ceiling forms, would actually work in the space.

The house, built in Shingle style with Gilded Age interiors, overlooks Sheepscot Bay from a promontory on Pratts Island.

The project started off set on a 2.4-acre site, but the owner then bought an adjacent property on which to construct a guesthouse; another property on the southern end of the island was later purchased. Nelson’s team partnered with interior designer Tracy Davis of Urban Dwellings (urban-dwell.com) in Portland, ME, from the start to conceptualize as well as to execute.
Today, there are five buildings on the property, with a collective total of 17,000 square feet. These include the 8,770-square-foot main house with an attached garage, exercise room, and guest apartment; a barn/game room complete with a pinball machine and pool table for rainy-day activities; a three-bedroom guesthouse; and a caretaker’s cottage.

“The property has remarkable ledge outcropping,” Nelso says. “It sits 25 feet above water and then rolls down to the water. The idea was to create a home that walks right out to the ledges.”

From the inside, the rooms are laid out so each frames an interesting water view. Various first-floor rooms also have access to a 17-foot-wide terrace that leads to outdoor living space, as well as the pool. With the terrace flush with the ledges, a stunning view out to the ocean is uninterrupted. Poolside, a freestanding porch enclosure, cabana, and outdoor grill and bar provide a mix of components that make entertaining easy.

“In Acadia National Park, there is a natural formation called Thunder Hole where, when the tide comes in, there is a huge crashing sound. Here, we sited the living room to take in a similar view where waves also come thundering inward; we call it our Thunder Hole,” Nelson says.

While the exterior design of the home recalls a more modern version of the classic Shingle style that is so familiar in New England, the interior leaves the casualness of this style literally at the shingles. Swing open the front door and suddenly you are in space that feels rather regal. “[The design] calls upon the age of craftsmanship, the era of JP Morgan, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts, when things were intentionally designed and crafted, and when there was scrupulous attention to detail,” Davis says. “This is what makes this house so amazing. There was a person behind every detail.”

There are handcrafted mahogany banisters, walls with gold-leaf details, custom fabrication of silk draperies and carpets—the list goes on. The architectural team and Davis spent countless hours researching and traveling here and abroad for materials and design accents, as well as locating artisans who could execute their concepts. One of those specialty craftsmen was a faux-finish painter who can expertly replicate leather and suede. The owner’s office ceiling was painted to look as though it were wrapped in leather, while other walls in the living room appear to be covered in suede.

The inspiration for the head-turning foyer design came once the team observed the newly constructed staircase. The high, domed ceiling and the staircase suggested that more might just be better.  “As the building was being erected, it became very clear we had an opportunity to enhance the space,” Davis says. “When it’s on paper, you don’t fully understand. When it starts to go up, you see its potential.”

So, in came snow white, hand-picked (slab by slab) marble floors, a colorful, embedded medallion—just as you would expect in the entry of a palace—and a custom 24-karat-gold lantern measuring four feet by six feet hanging above. “The sweeping staircase draws your eye up, and as you look up, you see the chandelier and then the hand-finished ceiling dome—and you see this amazing glow off the lantern,” Davis says.

The living room and entry walls are also faux finished, with portions created from many colors combined, but remain soft in hue and echo the cream tones of the marble; the kitchen is painted soft gray, and the master suite is bathed in a warm golden tone.

Most furnishings were custom made on the mainland, while others were imported from European manufacturers; the majority of lighting fixtures came from England and France. “The owner and I went to a lot of custom fabricators,” Davis says. “The living room sofas, for example, are custom designed for the space.

The palette was chosen to enhance the space, not overwhelm it. “We didn’t want anything in [the living room] to conflict with the sea and sky, but instead wanted to pull it in gently,” Davis explains. “We wanted a neutral palette so the sunsets of pink and orange would not compete with fabrics.” Davis even kept the seven-foot-wide, 16-foot-tall living room fireplace in pale cream limestone.

“The limestone was hand selected in Portugal by our vendor, Morningstar, who traveled there and fabricated it based on drawings Rick and I generated. We later hung a late-19th-century hand-gilded mirror from France above the mantel,” Davis notes.

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Many of the rugs are custom-designed patterns with custom-fabricated yarns. “We used a lot of silk in the rugs because of the reflective property,” Davis says. “With light changing, we could get that bounce of light. But silk also lifts the furniture off the floor.”

The kitchen and dining rooms were designed as open spaces so that guests could mingle as well as be a part of the kitchen activity. “[The homeowner] has a chef who works here, so it’s a wonderful experience to come to dinner and be brought into the preparation,” Davis says. The kitchen cabinetry was also custom designed, and as Davis puts it, the mantra was “the more detail, the better.”

Stone is a focal point in the kitchen. “[The owner] loves thick stone, and we got to use it in unusual ways,” she adds, explaining its placement as a thick band across the kitchen island. “We expressed the stone on the apron, and that carries right through to the to bar area. For paint, we used two colors for the island and coffee bar—both are warm gray tones with slight glazing to highlight the trimmings and show off the lines of the moldings,” Davis says.

Owner’s bedroom

When it came to designing the owner’s study, the idea was to create a warm, woody, masculine space. Davis originally wanted part of the ceiling wrapped in leather, but because of the dampness that is inherent to a seaside location, it was replaced with the faux-paint technique. Exotic wood veneer accents behind the desk and above the fireplace add an unmistakable richness to the room. Marble surrounding the fireplace was imported from Italy, and the team worked with stone excavators to locate slabs that would form mirror duplicate columns. Even the volumes of books on the shelves were chosen for their uniform color tones.

The master bedroom, with its domed ceiling, high detail moldings, and tufted fabric-backed wall, continues the elegant feeling that abounds throughout the house. The fabric behind the bed came from New York, and Frank Gagnon’s Upholstery, Inc. of Maine executed the design. Raw silk surrounds the panels, trims, and piping, with covered buttons from Houlès of Paris centered in the tufts.

Deciding on the final golden fabrics of silk and satin took a dozen fabric samplings and testing out the tones in the changing light of day. “The idea was that we wanted the color to reflect the outside environment in both the morning and late-day light, so we needed a color not too green or red and one that worked with the gold leafing,” Davis says. An arctic white marble bath suite accented with lighting and platinum and porcelain fixtures from Paris completes the master suite.

Today, the owner has a home that celebrates his successes in business with a glorious getaway he can share with family, friends, and clients year-round.

The first new private development on Kauai in 20 years offers more than just sweeping views of the Pacific and top-notch amenities. Come discover the legendary aloha spirit that abounds at Kukui’ula, home to luxurious living on the island of Kauai. by Melissa Gillespie

Aloha from Kukui’ula

The island of Kauai is the oldest and northernmost of the eight major islands in the archipelago. Graced with timeworn cliffs and lush rainforests, the “Garden Island” is full of diverse terrains to explore. To visit Kauai is to experience a peaceful respite amidst this tapestry of tropical settings. To know Kauai is to feel a sense of excitement as you approach a place that promises comfort and sanctuary. And to live Kauai is to never want to leave it.

Some of these intense feelings come from the land itself: tranquil waterfalls, majestic peaks, and enchanting flora. Meld the natural serenity with the vision of a team that has a passion for the land and a strong commitment to family (ohana), and you have Kukui’ula. 

Shoreline of Kauai

Shore Thing The south shore of Kauai is a tranquil area of sunshine and beaches, with expansive mountains and ocean views. It is home to Poipu Beach Park, one of the best known and most popular in Hawaii, as well as to Koloa, a plantation town exuding history and charm. The state’s most comprehensive botanical garden is here, as is the geyser of seawater known as Spouting Horn on Kukui’ula Bay. And now, the south shore is also home to the first new development on Kauai in more than two decades, Kukui’ula.

Developed by Kukui’ula Development Company, an affiliate of A&B Properties and DMB Associates, Kukui’ula is the first and only private club community on Kauai. It also happens to be debt free. As recent history has shown, when times are good, people become excited about real estate and may not put as much thought into the financial health of the developer behind a community. However, when the market declines and development projects start running into trouble, people learn that having the right developer really matters.

According to Brent Harrington, president of Kukui’ula Development Company, Kukui’ula is unusual, in that the land is held free and clear. All of the development’s major amenities and infrastructure have been built using capital invested by A&B and DMB. This puts Kukui’ula on strong financial footing.

Beyond the red and the black is a commitment by the Kukui’ula team to developing a strong sense of community, respecting the local culture, and delivering on promises. As Herrington describes it, “Our team feels a deep reverence for the majestic beauty and caring people of Kauai. We chose to stand apart from formulaic resort-style developments that somehow make every island location feel the same. Instead, we are creating an island community that could exist only on Kauai and reflects the relaxed, low-key style of the island itself.”

Herrington adds, “Today’s luxury homebuyers want reality, not promises. They want something that is truly special and ready to enjoy today.” And Kukui’ula is ready and waiting.

Join the Ohana Kukui’ula is a community that embraces family. From the Plantation House to the fire pit to the community farm, the design of the shared amenities invites togetherness.

The private Kukui’ula community opened in June 2011, when it unveiled a $100 million club facility, which includes a clubhouse, a championship Tom-Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course, a golf clubhouse, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and a collection of Makai pools. Even better is that all these facilities were finished by the time the first homes were ready for their owners.

People come to Kauai to relax. At Kukui’ula, they are choosing to extend a vacation into a lifestyle and become part of the ohana (“family”).

Home with a View The 1,010-acre residential community comprises a collection of custom ocean view homesites, Hawaiian plantation-style cottages, and luxury residences. At the end of 2012, Kukui’ula had sold 58 custom homesites and 30 cottages for a total of 88 properties. The plan is to sensibly and sensitively develop hundreds of more residences and a select number of guest accommodations across the private oceanfront development.

Kukui’ula’s 3,670-square-foot single-story Makai Cottages showcase authentic local style with double-pitch roofs, generous lanais, board and batten siding, and raised post and beam construction. The fully furnished three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bathroom floor plans also feature great rooms, saltwater pools and spas, outdoor garden showers, and freestanding guest cottages. The Makai Cottages range in size from approximately 1,500 to 3,800 square feet and are located on a mix of quarter-acre to one-third-acre homesites bordering the fairways and greens on the first four holes of the golf course.

Rear view of the McMahons’ home

The Mauka neighborhood consists of estate lots and custom homes that are individually designed for the owners, with homesites starting at $1 million. Members Terry and Cindie McMahon were among the first to move into the Mauka neighborhood. The McMahon home, which was built by custom builder Linthicum, is a stunning masterpiece perched atop the highest point in the community. The 6,500-square-foot home features two master suites with full-size baths and a detached guesthouse. Designed to take full advantage of the tropical climate and natural breezes, the home is defined by a casual and comfortable yet sophisticated style that draws on the historical Plantation Cottage flavor of the island.

Outdoors, there is a strong connection with the surrounding landscape, thanks to outdoor shower gardens, screened master suite sleeping lanais, and covered living lanais with bi-fold shutters. An upper-floor family living area provides 360-degree views through wraparound windows, not to mention the amazing views from the infinity pool, which appears to empty into the ocean.

The couple spends several weeks a year in their second home, which is “a gorgeous, peaceful refuge from the hectic pace of the mainland.” Adds the McMahons, “Our view is spectacular and the lot the house is located on takes advantage of the trade winds and ocean and mountain views.”

The McMahons recommend that anyone interested in building on Kauai should take the time to come for a visit—perhaps multiple visits—and stay on property at Kukui’ula. “Spend time on the lot you are considering at different times of the day. Experience a sunrise, enjoy a picnic, and have a glass of wine at sunset on your property. It would be hard to appreciate all that is available to owners in this community without experiencing it firsthand.”

Those interested in visiting Kauai are in luck, as the development recently opened a select number of Club Cottages to visitors starting at $1,000 per night, which includes access to all of the facilities. These cottages are the first phase of the planned Lodge at Kukui’ula. Each cottage has two master suites, both featuring indoor and outdoor showers, a kitchen, a lanai, and outdoor fire-pits. Guests also receive full access to The Club at Kukui’ula and its amenities.

Home on the Plantation

The Club at Kukui’ula serves as the social and recreational centerpiece of the community. Here, there is an open elegance that blends Southern charm with tropical escape. Upon arrival at the main clubhouse, which is known as The Plantation House, visitors immediately become family. This is where families and friends gather for socializing in the many game rooms, which are fully stocked with enough candy and treats to tantalize even the sweetest of sweet tooths, or the casual, inviting sitting areas of the porch or lanai.

In addition, members enjoy the many amenities of the adjacent private golf clubhouse, complete with an indoor putting green, a well-equipped pro shop, and exquisite men’s and women’s locker rooms. There is also an inviting collection of swimming pools and spas, featuring a man-made beach and numerous inviting hammocks, perfect for relaxing from a day of golf or after indulging in another culinary creation from the Club’s extraordinary chef, Ben Takahashi.

Kukui’ula organic community farm.

Just steps away from the main clubhouse, tucked away down a discrete path, the stunning 20,000-square-foot Spa at Kukui’ula delivers a space of peace and well-being. The thoughtfully designed area is complete with indoor-outdoor treatment rooms that open to a private, tropical garden, plenty of poolside lounge chairs, numerous hydrotherapy areas, a yoga studio, and a fitness center. The spa menu includes a variety of modern and traditional Hawaiian treatments.

Ask just about anyone at Kukui’ula what the favorite area of the property is and most often it is the organic farm situated alongside a tranquil lake. In fact, it is often the first place members find themselves upon their return to Kukui’ula. They come to gather their fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for their stay, as well as the larger-than-life tropical flowers that bring even more beauty into their homes.

No matter how wonderful the facilities are, without a doubt it is the people of Kukui’ula who make this exclusive and private club feel inclusive. From the person who greets you when you drive up to the clubhouse to the golf attendant who offers you a cool lavender-scented towel after a round of golf, they all exude a warm and genuine sense of ohana.

“We have been coming to Kauai for over 30 years,” the MacMahons say. This island is a spiritual experience. It either speaks to you or it doesn’t. It sang to us.”

Custom homesites start at just under $1 million, Makai Cottages at $2.2 million, and Club Cottages at $2.7 million, completely furnished and with a guesthouse. Kukui’ula has a Resource Guild that endorses architects, builders, landscape architects, and interior designers with backgrounds in Plantation-style architecture and island living.

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What to do
Venture outside Kukui’ula to experience Kauai’s natural beauty, charming towns, boutique shops, and epicurean delights.

Hanalei Town Located on Kauai’s north shore, locals and visitors come to Hanalei for ukulele concerts at the Hanalei Community Center.  Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls Kauai is also known for its breathtaking waterfalls. Opaekaa Falls on the east side of the island is one of Kauai’s most accessible waterfalls, while Wailua Falls is known for being in the opening credits of the TV show “Fantasy Island.” Wailua River Take in the views of the waterfalls via kayak or outrigger on the tranquil Wailua River. Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, and the Wailua River is one of the most popular. Waimea Canyon On the west side of Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as Hawaii’s Grand Canyon. A prime spot for amazing views, the lookout measures 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. Whale Watching From December to May, experience the majesty of the humpback whale off Kauai’s shorelines. These gentle giants come to the warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Schedule a whale watching tour via Kukui’ula’s Island Pursuits team. Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau Whether it is performed to the rhythmic beat of the drum, to the rich tones of the chant, or to the strumming of the ukulele, the beauty of the hula is at the heart of Hawaii. Fantastic luau venues can be found throughout Kauai, including the exceptional ones held at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. RumFire Poipu Beach Located in the recently renovated Sheraton Kauai Resort, RumFire Poipu Beach is the island’s newest hot spot with a killer view. Spectacular unobstructed 180-degree views of the Pacific flood the 240-seat restaurant and lounge.  Shops at Kukui’ula Along with the varied shops and dining opportunities, the Shops at Kukui’ula serves up fresh culinary fun at the weekly Kauai Culinary Market, where islanders and visitors can sample and buy locally grown produce and homemade pies. Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill Located within the heart of the Shops at Kukui’ula, Josselin’s is a tapas-lover’s paradise. Do not leave the island without trying the Kabocha Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette.

How to get there

Kauai’s main airport is Lihue Airport (LIH) in southeastern Lihue. Many airlines now offer non-stop service to Kauai from the mainland’s west coast. There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first before heading to Kauai. Once on the island, Kukui’ula is just a 20-minute scenic drive from the airport. If arriving before dark, driving through the Tunnel of Trees is an unforgettable sight.

The 411 on destination-specific immunizations for a healthy, happy journey. By Stacey Marcus

Congratulations! You’ve booked your dream vacation and are busily creating checklists of must-dos, like unearthing your passport and locating your luggage. In the midst of shopping for a new resort wardrobe and getting your body ready for the beach, don’t forget that travel to far-flung destinations often requires certain immunizations as well. Whether you’re ziplining in Zanzibar or surfing in Sydney, be sure to place immunization exploration at the top of your trip to-do list.

Roadmap to Research
A good place to begin your research is to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, cdc.gov/travel, to find out which immunizations are required for travel to your chosen destination. Dr. Jeffrey Band, an expert on infectious diseases and travel medicine at Beaumont Health System in Royal Oak, MI, notes that you can find a wealth of information about requirements and recommendations for the use of vaccines, but they are very general, so you need to understand your own individual needs. He advises that you should ensure all your routine immunizations are up to date, review your personal medical history, and visit a local travel doctor who can expertly guide you through the process.

When to Begin
“The most efficient way to get immunizations is to start early, says Dr. Michael Zimring, a Baltimore-based travel medicine expert and co-author of Healthy Travel: Don’t Travel Without It! (Basic Health Publications). “You should see a travel doctor at least six weeks before the start of the trip, but six months [in advance is best] if you want [immunization against] hepatitis B.” He notes that the most common travel diseases are hepatitis A, malaria, traveler’s diarrhea, and dengue fever, adding that most are prevented by or treated with pills.

Coastal Considerations
Dr. Band notes that coastal areas do not differ, in general, from interior settings. “If you are going to a destination in Mexico, Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, or India, recommendations, whether visiting coastal or interior areas, are the same—take precautions with food and water, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, get required immunizations, and update routine shots.”

Finding a Travel Doctor
You can ask your primary care doctor or local public health department for a recommendation. Some questions Dr. Band suggests asking are:

• Is the staff available 24/7?
• How long has the center been in existence? What are the credentials of the doctors and nurses?
• How does the center stay up to date?
• Does the clinic provide a medical handbook?
• Is the clinic approved to give the vaccine for yellow fever?
• Does the clinic specialize in infectious disease and tropical medicine?

As a footnote, the CDC states that the only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is the yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. (Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.)

According to Band, only two of the 70,000 patients he has counseled throughout the years have canceled their travels because of medical-related fears. He notes that most common maladies are mere nuisances like jet lag, sunburn, insect bites, and insomnia. In terms of contracting an infectious disease, Band says that the risk is slight and that they are very amenable to intervention. Happy (and healthy) travels!

DeBordieu Residence

Commanding what is considered one of the most breathtaking views on the Atlantic Seaboard, this magnificent home is located in DeBordieu, a very private, ocean front community just north of Charleston, South Carolina.

Anchoring the small marsh and creek front enclave of Colony Pointe within DeBordieu, the property has been painstakingly renovated by its owners over an 18 month period. Every facet of this residence reflects the care and thought that went into the restoration.

The main living and entertaining level supports a wonderful flowing floor plan, with form and function being beautifully married throughout. The modern kitchen opens onto the large outside deck and patio via retracting glass walls with the bar and media areas immediately adjacent.

The Master suite occupies the top level of the home, again with retractable walls so the owners may have totally unobstructed views for several miles.

There are four additional bedrooms, baths, an office, and laundry on the two upper levels, while the lower level of the home has a completely self sufficient apartment for friends, family members, or staff. That level also has an additional full laundry, an exercise room, ample storage, as well as an enormous screened entertainment area designed for grilling and cocktail parties.

The floating dock accommodates two boats for use within the creeks or directly accessing the Atlantic. For those who demand the very best, the availability of this home represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an absolutely spectacular property in one of the East Coast’s premier oceanfront communities.

Conveniently located about an hour north of Charleston, and about 45 minutes from the Myrtle Beach airport, DeBordieu is quietly tucked away, yet convenient to shopping, dining and medical facilities in the small town of Pawleys Island, and the historic port city of Georgetown, SC.

For more information about this property, or about DeBordieu, contact Troi Kaz, 843-455-4523, or via email, TroiKaz@DeBordieu.com.  More DeBordieu homes can be found at www.CoastalSCHomes.com.

As we wrap up 2012, we are taking a look back at the year’s eye-catching cover images. It has become a fun tradition for the Ocean Home staff to vote on their favorite cover, knowing that the winner will make its way to an office wall. We have named our top pick of the year, and now we want to know which cover impressed you most. Comment below on your favorite image and see the winning cover in our April/May issue!