OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD ON GOVERNORS ISLAND

We always love an immersive culinary experience where we enjoy great dishes as well as getting to know about an event or focus that will allow us to see the impact of our attendance long after a great meal is enjoyed. We’re excited to share that you have the opportunity to enjoy Outstanding in the Field on Governors Island on Aug 29th at 3pm. Executive Chef Andrew Ayala and Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone from Midtown’s Michelin-starred French Restaurant, Le Jardinier by the Bastion Collection will have a one-of-a-kind meal that is not to be missed! This dinner’s guest oyster farm is Fishers Island Oyster Farm, the guest winery is Hermann J. Weimer Vineyard, and the guest beverage producer is Mountain Valley Spring Water.

We love that there are various components that bring this event together and as you can still get tickets to this event, here is some background. Outstanding in the Field is known as a roving restaurant that takes place in a designated city on a certain date where there are no walls. Many restaurants that we have interviewed within our issues are so proud of how they source their ingredients from purveyors, farmer’s markets etc. Since 1999, this organization arrives with their long tables in fields, orchards, and seashores - this is because this is where the harvested ingredients come from that will be part of your meal. They have done this in 50 US States as well as 24 countries in the world. The ability to truly connect farm to table and to showcase and celebrate those who labor to feed us is important.

PHOTO CREDIT | Adrian Blackwell

PHOTO CREDIT | Adrian Blackwell

In their effort to connect with local chefs, farmers, and artisans to create these unique experiences, it’s no wonder that the chefs of French restaurant, Le Jardinier will be participating this year! Executive Chef Andrew Ayala participated in the Miami ideation this past winter to showcase Florida’s produce and we’re sure that he will find inspiration for what the Northeast provides in the summer and sourcing seafood off the coast and experimenting with peak season ingredients.

The event will kick off with a cocktail hour and then will have a multi-course meal and the Manhattan skyline will serve as a backdrop on Governors Island which is only accessible via ferry. Tickets are still available for $425/pp.

This event is also in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project, an organization that engages local students and youth volunteers to restore New York Harbor’s lost oyster reefs. 

We’re looking forward to attending this event and will have details on it as well as interview with in our AUG ISSUE #104 which drops on Aug 30th.

Read the lastest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GOLF PACKAGE | PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA - SUMMER ESCAPE PLAY UNLIMITED GOLF

The PGA National Resort & Spa, the home of the PGA TOUR's Honda Classic and former Ryder cup venue has just announced their “Summer Escape and Play Unlimited Golf Package” in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This package includes accommodations, full breakfast daily at the Palm Terrace restaurant, 1 round of golf daily on the Fazio, Squire or Estate course ($25 surcharge for play on the newly redesigned Palmer Course - which was originally designed by legendary Arnold Palmer), 50% off daily golf clinics, complimentary range balls (prior to play), daily bag storage and an additional $35 cart fee per person, per day

PGA National offers the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and David Pelz Scoring Game School for individual instruction and group clinics; Every Ball Counts – the world’s first science-based, statistics-driven training system for golf improvement offered at its off-site Estates Course; and state-of-the-art club fitting at the PGA National Club Fitting Lab. Located in South Florida, this world class vacation and meetings destination offers 90 holes of championship golf on 5 courses including the Champion Course, home to the popular TOUR Honda Classic and legendary "Bear Trap three-hole stretch.
 
Resort guests can also enjoy the new high-tech 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club featuring a wide array of fitness activities and classes including pickle ball and tennis on the 18 Har Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). Not to be missed is the striking zero-entry pool, chef-driven Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant, and chic iBAR in its glamorous lobby.

SPRING AWAKENING WITH ASHLEY BUSCH

It's been quite a winter! Thankfully, March reminds us that our dreams of sunny days and rising temperatures is closer to being a reality. This month's covergirl is one of our new faves, Ashley Busch - US Polo player, Global Brand Ambassador of U.S. Polo Assn, Wilhelmina model and wife of NASCAR's Kurt Busch! Our shoot incorporates Spring's must haves and we get the scoop on playing polo, hanging out with Ashley and seeing what she's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it take to be a polo player?

ASHLEY BUSCH: It takes a few things to be a good polo player. Of course, previous riding experience is always an advantage. To me, the most important skill is to have good hand-eye coordination. Also, the skill of the pony is just as important as the skill of the player.

AM: Are there things that people don't realize in terms of coordinating the mallet and riding?

AB: Most people do not realize that when we are riding we are standing up in the stirrups 90% of the time. In order to hit the ball it takes hand eye coordination. How far it goes has a lot to do with timing of where your horse is and where your mallet is in relation to the ball.

AM: What are your favorite plays?

AB: There are not really any set plays or off sides in polo. Any player can go anywhere on the field. Typically, I play number 1 or number 2 and those positions are the ones that do most of the scoring which are my favorite plays of course!

AM: What has been your favorite match that you have played in?

AB: My favorite match was the 12 Goal tournament I won with my dad at the International Polo Club.

AM: How has the Polo season been and what races are you looking forward to this year?

AB: Polo season has been great so far. I played my first tournament in January and we got to the finals where we only lost by one goal. The second tournament I played in February, we won
by 2 goals. So, I would say this season has been a success!

I look forward to all of the races whether I'm there or watching on TV. I get really into each race because each track is different and it’s fun to see how everything transpires. One of my favorite
trips is the west coast swing that we are on right now. From Vegas to Phoenix to LA. Some other tracks that I love are Bristol in Tennessee, Talladega, and Sonoma.

AM: As this month's cover girl of Athleisure Mag for the kickoff to our Spring Issue, what is it about this time of year that you find exciting?

AB: I am someone that has always gravitated towards warm weather. I love that the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is warming up. I look at springtime as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning and really hone in on my goals for the year. It’s a reboot in my opinion!

AM: The Spring is definitely a great time to add new pieces to your closet - what are some of your favorite spring must-haves that you love in your closet or will be adding to soon?

AB: With all the fashion weeks coming to an end, a lot of designers start putting out their spring lines, which I am always excited to see what new prints and styles are featured. I especially enjoy it because I am a designer myself and look forward to seeing what they come up with and what is trending. As far as new pieces, I am a sucker for a good pair of jeans that can be worn from day to night and I am always looking for fun shoes to mix it up!

AM: You do a lot of traveling and with NASCAR season starting back up, how do you juggle your calendar versus your days on the track to support your husband?

AB: The key for us is basically just looking ahead and scheduling everything accordingly. Some races I inevitably miss because I am playing polo. Regardless, though, we are both very supportive of each other and we make it work! 

AM: With such a busy schedule, great skincare is essential to ensure that you always look like you have a well-rested glow - what beauty products do you swear by?

AB: I typically do not wear much makeup, mainly because I am always on the go. Some of my go-to products are the La Mer oil-infused lotion to hydrate and smooth my skin. I also love Drunk Elephant's day and night serums to help balance out my skin tone. I use the Elta MD tinted moisturizer almost every day, especially when I have a polo match. It provides nice, even coverage, but more importantly has SPF to prevent wrinkles. When traveling, I always carry the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist! I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost of hydration.

AM: The last time we chatted with you, you were working on your swim line, how is that going and what can you tell us about it?

AB: We are still in the creative process of my swim line and ironing out all of the details. What I can tell you is that 10% of the proceeds will go to charity, as philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I will be posting updates on my social media as we progress and am shooting to launch this summer!

AM: When you're not training for your next polo match, designing your line, in a photoshoot or hanging out with Kurt, what can we find you doing when you're taking time for yourself?

AB: In my spare time, I am most likely spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy being at home just relaxing with my dogs.

AM: When you're home, where can we find you shopping, grabbing cocktails and a drink and do you have a workout studio that you enjoy going to?

AB: My go-to store to shop is Intermix. I also love to check out local boutiques in the area. In Charlotte, Kurt and I enjoy going to Sushi at the Lake for dinner and drinks. In Florida, HMF is a super cool spot. Most of the time, Kurt and I will cook dinner together at the house though.

When I am in Florida, I train at the International Polo Club with polo trainers. In Charlotte, we have a personal trainer who comes to our house to workout. I also like to take aerial silk classes at Air-fit Charlotte.

AM: What charities or philanthropies do you give your time to?

AB: Children's National Medical Center in DC. Capital Hospice Care. Cancer Research and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local Humane Societies.

We shot Ashley Busch in Brooklyn at the 1 

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge which has great views of Manhattan and is in a neighborhood with a number of options to enjoy. We chatted with General Manager, Cornelia Samara to find out why this property is one that you should get to know as we continue into the Spring and Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about 1 Hotels in terms of the family of properties within this group and what one can expect when staying here generally?

CORNELIA SAMARA: We currently have 1 Hotels open in South Beach, Manhattan, and most recently, here in Brooklyn. Soon guests will be able to get closer to nature in Cabo; Sanya, China; West Hollywood and Sunnyvale. While every property is unique in its design and offerings, you can always expect a home away from home, with thoughtful service and personal touches. Every 1 Hotel is designed to celebrate nature and bring touches of the outdoors inside.

AM: Are there different personalities that 1 Hotels represents depending on the city/community?

CS: Definitely. Each 1 Hotels property is directly influenced and inspired by their local surroundings – the natural landmarks it sits on or beside, as well as the community it is part of. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for example, is inspired by the industrial history of the Brooklyn waterfront, and its design takes cues from the park it sits upon.

AM: Specifically, tell us about 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge - when did it open, what is the atmosphere?

CS: We opened our doors to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in February 2017, making us just recently 1 Tree Ring year old. The atmosphere at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is first and foremost welcoming, and it has a special balance of energy, liveliness in the midst of tranquility.

AM: What makes the Brooklyn location one that is great for business travel, business meetings, vacations and staycations?

CS: Much like Brooklyn itself, what you can experience at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is very diverse in its offerings. We operate 6 different outlets that can cater to just about every traveler, with a spa providing treatments to relax and re-energize, a rooftop pool & bar that
is calm by day and energetic by night, a lobby lounge and café that are both great for settling in with a good book or hunkering down to get work done, visit The Osprey for an elevated dining experience, or Brooklyn Heights Social club for unparalleled views and an unmatched cocktail list.

AM: What amenities are offered by the hotel and what are the touches that are specific to this hotel?

CS: -Bamford Haybarn Spa

-24 hour Field House fitness center

-Seasonal rooftop bar and pool

-Full Service Restaurant, The Osprey, with seasonal outdoor seating

-Brooklyn Heights Social Club, a bar on the 10th floor with stunning views of NYC skyline

-Neighbors café located in the lobby

-24 hour in-room dining

-Complimentary Tesla electric house car

-Filtered water taps in guest rooms

-Location on Brooklyn Bridge Park

We put a great deal of effort into bringing nature into our public spaces and guest rooms. It’s important that people feel at one with nature even when they aren’t able to actually get outside.

For example, each guest room will have green elements like living green moss, small trees or even hanging gardens.

AM: The public areas are so welcoming, who designed this hotel and what was the thought process behind the design?

CS: The hotel was thoughtfully designed by INC Architecture & Design, guided by a specific vision from our founder, Barry Sternlicht, and our design team. From the beginning, we knew we wanted our guests, community and visitors to feel at home and close to nature. We like
to think of our lobby a place to gather, where you can find locals and guests busy at work or socializing with friends.

AM: We saw that you offer car services to the area - why is this an amenity that was added and tell us more about it?

CS: We do offer a complimentary Tesla house car for our guests, to whisk them away to destinations within 3 miles of the hotel with low-impact (it’s electric!) We chose an electric car to be our house car because it minimizes our contribution to air pollution and also gives our
guests the chance to see that electric vehicles can be true replacements for gasoline powered vehicles. We hope it encourages them to take measure to reduce their own carbon footprints when they head home.

AM: What can we look forward to for the Spring and the Summer that is offered at the Brooklyn Bridge location?

CS: -New seasonal menus items made with market-fresh ingredients throughout our food and beverage outlets and our in-room dining menu

-Our seasonal rooftop bar and pool will reopen in the spring

-Exciting outdoor programming from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?

CS: -They can always expect warm and welcoming greeting from our team

-They can always expect amazing cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from their own communities

-Unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge

-Locals are always welcome to get comfortable and work from our lobby lounge

-Special offers from the hotel and our outlets, extended specifically to our neighbors and local community

AM: Tell us about your commitment to wellness as we saw the yoga mats in the room and we know you have a gym as well.

CS: It’s important to us to encourage our guests to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We can only put our best foot forward in taking care of the planet when we also take care of ourselves. We hope the yoga mats remind guests the importance of taking a moment each day to get centered and focused in their mind and spirit. We offer Mind & Movement programming to help create experiences that allow guests to do this.

AM: Two of our favorite places are rooftops and spas and we know you have both, tell us about this.

CS: You are definitely not alone in that! There are few things better than an amazing view or being pampered. While our service definitely sets us apart, there’s no question that our views are taken to the next level on our rooftop. At Bamford Haybarn Spa, the commitment to holistic treatments and organic ingredients is a major differentiator.

Read more from the March Issue and see Spring Awakening with Ashley Busch in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY

There are all kinds of vacations that one can take and without question, the all-inclusive is one where you can book your trip and go to your designated destination without worrying about paying for additional add-ons or wondering if you can access amenities that are offered. Recently, we headed to Club Med Sandpiper Bay, located in Port St. Lucie, Florida (the only Club Med in the US) about an hour outside of West Palm Beach International Airport. Club Med specializes in premium all-inclusive vacations. They are known for the active traveler who wants to be able to brush up on their skills, have access to a variety of sports and fitness methods and still have the option to do nothing at all if the mood strikes them. With 68 award-winning resorts in the world, guests have the ability to choose diverse locations that include tropical island oasis, ski retreats, exotic adventures and even luxurious cruising on a ship providing unique experiences and access to areas around them.

We arrived during the resort's Body & Mind Weeks program which runs from April 29th – June 3rd at this property. During these weeks, the resort becomes the ultimate destination for rejuvenation from the inside out. While there, we experienced professional coaches that are able to instruct and enhance your performance in golf, tennis and beach volleyball, enjoyed fitness training, had access to speakers who can talk about positive mental health and nutrition and booked a phenomenal experience at the L’Occitane Spa at Club Med (the only L’Occitane Spa in the US) which has a relaxing outdoor garden to continue your transformation before and after your treatment.

This program specifically (although this is also true outside of the weeks) focuses on Sports, Nutrition and Wellness. We opted for tennis as we were able to hone our skills by breaking down the sport from various serves, interval training and mastering coordination.

Any apprehension or questions that are felt prior to the session are replaced with an understanding of how to play the game better as well as to what can be worked on upon returning home. Those who are really keen on upping their game can book more time where they are videotaped and can see the instruction on how they advance and what they need to keep in mind as they work. This same focus was also rolled out for golf and beach volleyball.

It’s also worth noting that in addition to Club Med being a vacation spot for those that spend downtime there, it’s also a place where kids who are focused on learning the sport professionally live on site year around and are trained by the very same professional that guests are trained by. These kids study on campus, compete and are able to obtain scholarships as they move up the ranks and continue on their road to being professional players. The commitment to sport and excellence is clearly seen in this area of the community and as a guest, it’s interesting to see and feel the living community that exists here as there are varying groups of people who stay here longer than a vacation period which gives it a feel of a community with constant energy.

Beyond sports that are offered, guests have access to the gym as well as fitness instructors. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet Leslee Bender (founder of the Bender Ball and the Bender Academy as well as the Co-Creator of Barre Above) and took one of her classes. 

The flying trapeze is an activity that a number of guests couldn't stop talking about. Participants are able to learn how to make catches, swing and more with instructors that have circus, gymnast, and for some, Cirque de Soleil backgrounds. Whether you're doing it or simply watching - each person is trained in the practice area on the ground and then they are able to apply what they have learned in the air. Another fitness focused activity takes place on the soccer field where you can do interval training. These drills got the body moving, align the core and build strength when prepping to play a given sport.

Club Med is known as a place for families with activities that children can enjoy while parents are relaxing or being instructed. For those without families, this property sits on 200+ acres which includes the golf course, areas for a number of activities, meeting spaces, a variety of pools (one for adults only with a bar).

Relaxation can be found at the L’Occitane Spa where products can be purchased. For treatments, a form lets the masseuse know about targeted areas and places to avoid. We highly suggest enjoying the rose tea that they have as it was such a great way to get into the treatment. The spa's relaxation area before and after your treatment is an open air enclosed space that embodies the spirit of wellness. 

At Sandpiper Bay, The Marketplace is a buffet where you can eat all meals. Guests can eat inside (there is an adult only section) and outside. The buffet offers a number of options for those with various dietary needs, healthy or splurge options and there is always rosé, red and white wine, and beer available to go with your meals. You can also enjoy your standard restaurant as well at the Riverside BBQ & Grill. Grab cocktails at Slice Bar and enjoy them at the bar, patio or head back to the pool.

Club Med provides a number of options that allow you to balance your day filled with activities or just completely chill near the closest palm tree. For more information on Club Med Sandpiper Bay or additional locations, visit www.ClubMed.us.

Read more from the May Issue and see Something Your Should Know | Club Med Sandpiper Bay in mag

5 THINGS TO NOTE | CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY

Next week (to the day) we're off to Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida, an all-inclusive active resort (there are a number of properties for you to select from Mexico, The Alps, Carribean, Mediterranean, Asia, Brazil and Africa - it's all about your preferred destination!). When it's time to get away from the hustle and bustle, it doesn't always mean that you have to lounge around all day under the sun - of course, you can do this here as well! In our next issue, we will share a number of things about this destination. Our primary purpose is to take in their Body and Mind Weeks which kicked off April 29th and continues through June 3rd. It's all about working out, perfecting your golf/tennis game and more! Until then, we have 5 things that we're excited about that can assist you when you begin thinking about booking your next vaca!

1. THE VIEW

Get Mindful

You can't beat the chance to just sit back and enjoy the rippling river as well as taking in copious palm trees! Pair that with warm weather and you can see why we've been mentally packing our bags to make our way here. This view can be enjoyed whether lounging, working out, waking up, etc. Just seeing it makes us think about recallibrating and being present.

2. MIND BODY

Get Your Game On

This is the time of year (unless you're lucky ducks who have amazing weather year around) where you begin to think about your tennis golf and beach volleyball leagues. If you're just starting up for the first time, getting back into it or are simply looking to perfect certain things - Body and Mind Weeks allows you to work one on one with instructors that can work with you to improve your technique and to evaluate you! From watching professional demonstrations to being able to talk to those who can get you on your game - to being able to play with some of the latest and greatest so that you can decide what you'll be bringing into your personal collection when you're back home - this is so exciting and a major on our list! Definitely check out the website as there are a number of packages that you can select that include nutritionists, spa packages (more on that in a moment), fitness trainers and more. 

You'll find us on the golf course, tennis court and in the studio for yoga obvi!

3. Ahhhh

Club Med Spa @ L'Occitane

We've been a fan of L'Occitane for years and it is the epitome of luxurious relaxing products that literally take you away to another place! When we saw that they had a spa at this all-inclusive active resort, it was a no brainer that the fitness X relaxation integration that is offered here is definitely in keeping with athleisure culture!

4. After Sunset

Sun's Down, Party On

First, we love a good Floridian sunset! It will be the first time that we will be on a river in Florida but the idea of finishing fun sessions and thinking about what we will have for dinner while catching the view - priceless! But when the sun goes down, it's time to check out the nightlife presented by the staff of Club Med (known as G.O.s) and of course to catch up some amazing beverages. We're always pumped to see what type of activities go on at all-inclusives and of course, we'll look you in as we'll be sharing across @AthleisureMag (Twitter and IG) social handles and via our Co-Founder/Style Director, Kimmie Smith (@ShesKimmie - Twitter and @Shes.Kimmie IG).

5. #TribeGoals

Work Hard, Play Hard, Rest Hard!

At the core of every vacation is the fundamental right to kick back and just take a moment! We are looking forward to nabbing a chair, enjoying beverages and taking in the environment. Club Med has all the bases covered from a variety of foods which are inclusive of dietary needs, a place for adults hang out, even the munchkins have a place to hang out as well as staying active! 

Join us May 17th - 20th as we share our adventures and what you need to know about Club Med and then in the May issue (out later this month) we'll seriously give you the details on what you need to know in order to make your solo retreat, girlfriend's weekend, etc truly epic!