Word of Mouth
A renowned photographer, a designer, a wine enthusiast, an art expert, and two chefs share their favorite destinations, how they like to unwind, and what inspires them while traveling.
As originally published in CURATED Magazine.
Gray Malin
Fine Art Photographer | Traveling with The Club Since 2023
With a CV that includes fine-art photographer, best-selling author, interior design enthusiast, and CEO of his namesake brand, Gray Malin lives the life of a jetsetter. One of his latest swoon-worthy Club destinations is Los Cabos, Mexico, where he and his family bliss out in a capacious residence at Esperanza Resort and Spa.
ESPERANZA EATS | I love dining and watching the afterglow of the sunset at Cocina del Mar, perched above the ocean on the rocky cliffside. I am a big fan of the fresh fish and use corn tortillas to make mini tacos.
NEVER LEAVE ESPERANZA WITHOUT | A few new items from the resort’s boutique. We love the kids’ clothes and the custom-embroidered sun hats.
WHAT I’M SIPPING | I am currently obsessed with the “Mezcalita” — a margarita made with mezcal. I usually order a skinny one!
THE CLUB FAVORITES | We love the kids’ camp at Esperanza. They can play while we hit the newly renovated gym across the street.
LATEST INSPO | All things tennis! I can’t seem to get enough of the sport, whether playing or watching it.
MY HAPPY PLACE | We spend our summers on Lake Michigan in a special family community — it’s our slice of paradise. We also recently visited the Exclusive Resorts Costa Rica property and fell in love with the area. We hope to go back for Christmas.
CURRENT PROJECT | We just launched a very special rental home named The Gray Malin Getaway House in Montecito. We renovated a four-bedroom home and transformed it with my fine-art photography.
Aimee Song
Fashion Designer & Influencer | Traveling with The Club Since 2022
The fashion designer, style influencer, and all-around cool girl hails from Los Angeles, but Aimee Song’s heart belongs to Italy. Alongside her partner, the Italian photographer Jacopo Moschin, and their growing family, Song has become an expert on the art of living la dolce vita. Frequently found road-tripping through Veneto — where her handmade knitwear collection is crafted — or unwinding at Exclusive Resorts’ elegant residences in Tuscany and Puglia, she knows exactly where to eat, sip, and savor the very best of Italy.
MY HAPPY PLACE | The Italian town of Casole D’Elsa. The peace and quiet you experience there is unmatched.
TUSCANY EATS | I absolutely love Monteverdi and the restaurants at Castello di Casole. Making pizza in our villa at Casali di Casole with the fam was one of my favorite days.
PUGLIA HIGHLIGHTS | Eating fresh-made cheese every single day and visiting Polignano a Mare and Matera. Our son counting to 10 in Italian and swimming with Papa in our villa’s private pool. Jacopo cooking every night in our villa with fresh produce from our yard.
WHAT I’M SIPPING | Wild rosemary lemonade and, of course, lots of espresso.
NEVER LEAVE ITALY WITHOUT | A few bottles of olive oil.
CURRENT PROJECT | I’m working on the Fall/Winter 2025 collection for AMIYA, our luxury knitwear brand. We also just welcomed our second baby into the world!
LATEST INSPO | All the changes in luxury fashion. There’s a return to true craftsmanship and niche luxury, which is refreshing. AMIYA was born out of this inspiration.
NEXT UP | A winter vacation in Switzerland or the Dolomites to go skiing.
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Brittany Fantozzi
Senior Director of Events & Brand Partnerships at Exclusive Resorts
A typical day in the life of Brittany Fantozzi includes scouting out the latest hotspots, meeting with renowned chefs, and dreaming up incredible experiences for Exclusive Resorts Members. Lately, she’s been in Napa, planning a culinary event with The French Laundry, visiting vineyards, and relaxing at Carneros Resort and Spa.
CURRENT PROJECT | I’m working on launching the second part of Exclusive Resorts’ culinary series, which includes private events at some of the most renowned dining establishments. I love creating collective experiences for guests because it allows me to craft moments of connection, joy, and inspiration.
MY HAPPY PLACE | Staying at Carneros Resort and Spa is a true escape. Nestled in the heart of wine country, the rustic charm and luxurious amenities create an unmatched serene experience. It’s the perfect place to end a day in Napa with a nice Cabernet and s’mores by the firepit.
NAPA EATS | The Spaghetti alla Sophia Loren at Bottega in Yountville. It’s cooked in tomato water infused with tomato leaves, with tomato sauce and blistered cherry tomatoes. For a quick lunch, I love grabbing a Caprese sandwich from Oakville Grocery.
NEVER LEAVE NAPA WITHOUT | Stopping into Tay & Grace, a charming women’s boutique. Kris Ruffino, the owner, is incredibly sweet and has a wonderful eye for curating beautiful pieces.
LATEST INSPO | Living in New York, traveling to culturally rich destinations, immersing myself in nature, exploring art and design, and indulging in wine and culinary experiences.
WHAT I’M POURING | I have a particular fondness for The Donum Estate and Three Sticks. I recently completed my WSET Level 2 award in wine, which has deepened my appreciation and understanding of these beautiful varietals.
NEXT UP | I’m heading to Miraval to relax and unwind. It’s a beautiful way to retreat, reset, and recharge — with a focus on mindfulness and well-being.
Richard Blais
Renowned Chef | Member since 2019
His list goes like this: winner of the inaugural season of Top Chef: All-Stars, famed chef, restaurateur, James Beard-nominated cookbook author, co-host of Next Level Chef. The multi-hyphenate Richard Blais indeed has a full plate, which is why the Club Member loves to escape to Lake Tahoe with his family for some much-needed R&R.
CURRENT PROJECT | I’m developing six distinct restaurant concepts at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch. I’m also working on a restaurant concept with public country club vibes at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
THE CLUB FAVORITES | The residences in Tahoe are one of our family’s favorite locations. It’s a woodsy, mountain retreat with a great pool, fitness center, and lots of nearby trails. The kids love the downstairs game room and the shuffleboard table in the rec room.
MY HAPPY PLACE | Cooking in Tahoe while family and friends hang out. We live for Thanksgiving — it’s my wife Jazmin’s favorite holiday so we go big. Last Thanksgiving, we did three birds, 16 different sides, three types of bread, and five pies. It was indulgent, but we love leftovers, so nothing went to waste.
NEVER LEAVE TAHOE WITHOUT | A glimpse of the crystal blue lake. It’s a stunning place!
WHAT I’M SIPPING | Jazmin makes a homemade Baileys that’s pretty legendary over the holidays. I usually stick to cold brew coffee — yes, even in the snow.
LATEST INSPO | I just returned from London and was very inspired by the Brick Lane and Shoreditch areas — kind of reminiscent of Manhattan’s Lower East Side with lots of cool restaurants, vintage clothing shops, and graffiti. Visiting creative places like this has always helped me tap into different parts of my own creativity.
NEXT UP | We're looking into a Caribbean trip — can't wait to eat curry goat and drink rum punch!
Joey Lico
Executive Director at The Cultivist
Celebrated as the only global arts club, The Cultivist creates incredible access and curated experiences in the art world. And as its Executive Director, Joey Lico has her pulse on all of it. She regularly attends Art Basel in Miami Beach, where she hosts events, meets with artists, and finds time to check out the newest hotspots.
MY GALLERY STOPS | My first visit is usually to Nina Johnson. They always showcase innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art. Then I like to see whatever exhibition Gean Moreno has curated at ICA Miami. I really respect his point of view.
WHERE I STAY IN MIAMI BEACH | Either the 1 Hotel South Beach or The Palms. Both offer great access to the ocean, stunning design, and a commitment to sustainability. The atmospheres at both properties are serene yet vibrant, providing the perfect retreat amidst the bustling Miami Art Week activities.
MIAMI BEACH EATS | Mandolin Aegean Bistro is the perfect spot for intimate dinners with friends and colleagues. Their Greek and Turkish cuisine is outstanding, and the atmosphere is charming and laid-back.
LATEST INSPO | There’s a resurgence of attention toward craft and artisanal techniques in contemporary art. Artists who incorporate traditional methods with contemporary perspectives are creating works that are timeless and innovative. This blend of old and new keeps the cultural conversation dynamic and rich.
CURRENT PROJECT | I’m working on a really exciting project with artist Hassan Hajjaj. But The Cultivist hosts hundreds of experiences every year, so I’ve got a few balls in the air, including a conversation with Josh Sperling and a studio visit with Shinique Smith that I’m really thrilled to host.
NEXT UP | I’m headed to Seoul and Jeju Island in South Korea. I tend to plan my personal travel around food and nature.
Member Perk: Club Members receive preferred access and rates for Cultivist memberships. Enjoy unrivaled access to the world's leading museum, exhibition events, and expert art talks.
Edgar Panchernikov
Executive Chef of Caviar Russe
As a native New Yorker, Executive Chef of one of Manhattan’s buzziest restaurants, and an expert in all things caviar, Edgar Panchernikov is well-versed in the life of luxury. His family’s Caviar Russe flagship on Madison Avenue has received a Michelin star for 10 years in a row, making it a Midtown destination for locals and travelers in the know.
CURRENT PROJECT | We are working on our first series of New York holiday parties — a cocktail party at our bar and lounge with passed bites, drinks, and a live band playing all the holiday classics, and then a formal holiday dinner with a special over-the-top menu of truffles, classic beef wellington, and, of course, caviar.
CAVIAR DREAMS | My favorite is Osetra, no matter the type. It’s very mild on the palate with sweet and rich, buttery tones. All of our caviar is single-sourced from our exclusive farm in Germany — we’ve been working with them for almost 20 years. In terms of flavor and appearance, it is reminiscent of the caviar that was once available in the wild.
WHAT I'M POURING | I’m always a fan of champagne. My go-to is Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
MY HAPPY PLACE | Taking a time out for a nice cigar after work at the Carnegie Club.
LOCATION, LOCATION | For me, New York’s Midtown is really the beating heart of the city. We’ve been here since 1997 so really, it’s the neighborhood I grew up in — first coming to our restaurant as a child and now as an adult. Also, there’s nowhere that does the holiday season quite like Midtown when it comes to all the festivities, shopping, and decorations.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME | With family and so many friends living there, Miami feels a bit like New York but with sun all year round.
NEXT UP | Japan. The casual dining, the fine dining, and the culture are worth the long flight.
Member Perk: Club Members enjoy a discount off their online purchase at Caviar Russe, including discounted shipping as well as a one-time credit for their first visit to Caviar Russe in New York.
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