CONNOISSEUR: GIFTS, TRAVEL & TOYS
IN THE BAG
Erase the images you have of vinyl golf bags. The Sun Mountain V-Tec bag
($238) is for cart golfers who like to take everything with them on the
course. The attractive bag, made of weather-resistant vinyl, has a six-way
top, graphite shaft protection, and a tilted design to properly present
clubs from short irons up to woods. Among the 11 roomy pockets is a
velour-lined valuables pocket, a golfer’s aid pocket (complete with extra
laces, spare cleat, cleat wrench, and more), three dry pockets with
waterproof zippers, and a hidden shoe compartment within the bag. Umbrella
sleeves on each side of the bag ensure access on either side of the cart.
For information on other golf bags, visit www.sunmountain.com.
SCOTLAND BY SEA
Cruise across Scotland this year as part of PerryGolf’s updated Grand
Touring program. The cruises include “Scottish Highlands by Sea” onboard the
Lord of the Glens May 30-June 7,
and “Scotland by Sea and the British Open” onboard the
M/S Clipper Adventurer July 10-18.
Both itineraries allow golfers to play championship courses, such as
Machrihanish Golf Club and Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Non-golfers enjoy a full
sightseeing schedule. For details of the cruises, visit www.perrygolf.com.
UNLOCK THE SEASON
Here’s a key to enjoying the winter season — Ocean Key Resort in Florida.
Nestled between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, Ocean Key is a great
home base for a Key West experience. Just 31⁄2 miles from Key West
International Airport, the resort is an exceptional city hotel of 100 rooms
and suites, surrounded by lush, tropical foliage and cobblestone walkways.
The resort offers business travelers everything needed for a successful
meeting or retreat. The Mallory Meeting Room accommodates up to 50 people.
For more information, visit www.oceankey.com.
EATING SMART
Andrew Weil, M.D., and Rosie Daley, two of America’s authorities on cooking
and healthy eating have joined forces in the inspiring and lively new
cookbook, The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a
Better Body, Life, and Spirit (Knopf, 2002). The book includes
more than 125 recipes — appetizers, breakfasts, soups, salads, pastas,
entrées, and desserts — and a complete nutritional analysis for every
recipe. And for those who have to squint to read recipes, there’s also a
“large print” version and an AudioBook.
SHOP PINEHURST
It’s time to prepare for golf season with apparel, accessories, and gift
items from Pinehurst in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Just click on www.pinehurstshoppes.com for preferred offerings for Associate
members. Be sure to have your member number handy when ordering.
MIDNIGHT SUN
TCS Expeditions offers a new private jet itinerary called “Lands of the
Midnight Sun” that features eight captivating Far North and Arctic
destinations. The 17-day trip in June offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the
exquisite beauty of the arctic summer and to explore the timeless
architectural and artistic treasures of the Far North. For complete
itinerary and details, visit www.tcs-expeditions.com.
DEFINITELY DIOR
The Diorific timepieces combine sophisticated charm and sensual stylishness.
The gold-plated cuff bracelet ($950) perfectly encompasses the curves of the
wrist. And the dial spells out the name of its creator. The collection also
includes black patent leather, sporty rubber, and steel bracelets. Perfect
harmony between Christian Dior elegance and technical excellence. For more
information, visit www.dior.com.
PARIS CHIC
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée, located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne in
Paris, has unveiled a new design for the Relais Plaza bistro and the hotel’s
famous Bar. The hotel, which was entirely refurbished in 1999, combines a
respect for French traditions with modern comfort. For business or pleasure,
take a look: www.plaza-athenee-paris.com.
A TIMELESS ADVENTURE
Considered the world’s most exclusive train, the
Royal Scotsman offers the utmost in luxury and style to 36
passengers while taking them through the breathtaking and unspoiled Scottish
countryside. Through fall 2003, the Royal
Scotsman takes its guests on distinctive two- and four-night
tours, visiting castles, private estates, and distilleries. For the 2003
season, a two-night “Highland” golf tour will stop at three Scotland golf
courses, including the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the King’s Course at
Gleneagles. In addition, the four-night “Classic” tour will stop at many of
Scotland’s most scenic landmarks. Visit www.royalscotsman.com for more
information.
FRENCH COLLECTION
Something to Declare, an entertaining collection of essays on
France, comes from Julian Barnes, whose long and passionate relationship
with La Belle France began more than 40 years ago. In these essays about the
country and its culture, he combines a lively appreciation, a seemingly
infinite sphere of reference, and prose as stylish as classic haute couture.
For lovers of France — and of the work of this keen and witty observer —
Something to Declare (Random House,
2002) provides a “good read” for a cozy winter afternoon in front of a fire.
ON A WING AND A SAFARI
Big Five Tours & Expeditions’ “Running Wild” program is an ultimate private
charter safari in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The custom-tailored
safari is an all-inclusive, 17-day itinerary featuring select game preserves
and exclusive bush properties in southern Africa. Monthly and bimonthly
departures are available from New York and Atlanta. Group size is limited to
10 guests. For more information, visit www.bigfive.com.