THE PICK ME UP

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

GOLF HOST | RESERVA CONCHAL BEACH RESORT, GOLF & SPA

On July 22nd, Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa will host the final round of the 2018 Guanacaste Classic on July 22 on its famed Robert Trent Jones II golf course in Costa Rica. The 16th edition of the tournament offers four flights based on official United States Golf Association handicaps and occurs on Costa Rica's top golf courses. Audubon International bestowed this certification to Reserva Conchal which is the first course to have this in Costa Rica. It boasts a world-class practice facility and learning center with four green complexes, bunkers, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee.

“We are pleased to once again host the final round of the Guanacaste Classic, as it is one of the premier tournaments in the region,” says Carlos Rojas Soto, Director of Golf of Reserva Conchal. “The tournament boasts a full field and a wonderful roster of golf courses that will provide myriad challenges.”

Earlier this May, Reserva Conchal was the site of the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica’s Essential Costa Rica Classic. Reserva Conchal hosted the inaugural tournament in 2017, which was Costa Rica’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 30 years. Many players in the field raved about the golf course for its playability, scenery and conditions.

IN OUR BAG | ATTENDING A SIP & SEE

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | Attending a Sip & See in mag.

HAIR INFLUENCE WITH JEN ATKIN

Known as "The Most Influential Hairstylist in the World," via New York Times, Jen Atkin has styled the tresses and has the most loyal clientele of some of the influential people including Kourtney Kardashian, Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid. In addition to being a Celebrity Hairstylist, she launched OUAI haircare line in 2016, a range of Beauty Works hair extensions, her line of Chloe + Isabel hair accessories and works closely with Dyson to bring their innovative Supersonic blowdryer to market.

With a passion to unite the hair industry and to create a community for hairstylists, she created ManeAddicts.com  in 2014 and provides access to top hairstylists as well as featuring products and instructional videos. Due to its success, she expanded to Mane University, a global education resource that brings top stylists to major cities around the world to inspire hairdressers.

We took a moment to chat with Jen about her career, her favorite summer hair looks as well as a new pop, OUAISPACE that is being held at Gurney's in Montauk.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the ah ha moment that drew you to being a hairstylist? Tell us what your journey has been as you have built your name in the industry to being one of the most sought after hairstylists?

JEN ATKIN: I’ve always loved doing hair and was obsessed with Natalie Imbruglia’s short haircut in her ’Torn’ music video when I was a teenager in Utah. No one could give me the cut I wanted, so I went to the store, bought a pack of shaving razors, and started cutting my own hair. Soon I was cutting all my friends’ hair in my parent’s garage. After high school, I drove to California with literally only $300 and my Honda Civic hatchback. I called al the salons in Allure's beauty directory until finally someone returned my call and I started working as a receptionist at Estilo Salon in Beverly Hills. I remember running out to feed meters for Bette Midler and I was so excited and thought “I could move back home that was enough for me” lol.

I’ve just really worked hard and tried to be an honest good person.  I’m so lucky I’ve had such support from my clients and friends.

AM: In 2016, you created OUAI - why did you want to add a haircare line to your ecosystem?

JA: It felt very odd to me that there were a lot of men in boardrooms making decisions about what women want for our hair. I wanted to create the first product line a community helped create, promoting a realistic lifestyle that feels inclusive. It was important for me to have a group of women talking to other women about their haircare needs.  I think that more brands are trying to empower women. I want to change the conversation in business and beauty! I wanted to stop making the conversation only about women being pretty and start celebrating the spirit and power of being a woman in business.

AM: Why and how did the partnership between Gurney's Resorts come about?

JA: We’ve had pop-ups in NY & LA before so it only felt natural to partner w/ Gurney’s in Montauk.

AM: Will there be future integrations of OUAISPACE of this nature like this and if so why did you start at Gurney's first?

JA: Yes! The look and feel of Gurney’s is so relaxing and just feels easy. Which goes hand-in-hand with what OUAI’s aesthetic is.

AM: With summer hair dreams in our minds what are 3 products that are a must to give you perfect beach hair?

JA: OUAI Rose Hair & Body Oil – Rosehip Oil reduces the appearances of scars and redness and is known to lock in moisture, so it’s great for both skin and hair.

OUAI Sun of a Beach Ombré Spray – In the summer people want to spend more time outdoors and less time sitting at their salon. There are new trending ingredients (like the coconut water in our Sun of a Beach) that help keep hair hydrated and give this fun throwback product a modern update.

OUAI Wave Spray – Give your hair natural wave & body without the crunchiness and it’s made with rice protein instead of salt so it won’t dry out your hair.

Christophe Robin Prickly Pear Balm - This is a non-sticky, multipurpose balm infused with all butter and oils to nourish the hair and skin so you can use it all over. Rub some together in your hands and rub it on your ends for a more textured look. To tame frizz, rub a little on your hair and smooth down those flyaway. And for curls, it can be used to redefine and add shine/hold.

AM: What are your favorite products from your line?

JA: My favorites would definitely be the OUAI Treatment Masque because I love the individual packettes that are perfect for throwing in my purse or gym bag and doing a treatment while I work out. I’m also obsessed with the OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam because it’s unlike any other hair products on the market. You can extend between washes 3-4 days. It’s dry shampoo on steroids. You need it in your purse, your gym bag and your hair right now.

AM: What classic updo hairstyle do you suggest should become our go to look this summer? Let us know how we can achieve it and what products we need to have on hand to make it happen.

JA: I suggest the Textured High Pony

1. Pull hair in back into half pony

2. Add the rest of hair and secure with  an elastic at the crown of the head

3. Use OUAI Dry Texture Foam to pony for added volume and fullness

4. Finish with a toothbrush and OUAI Medium Hair Spray to smooth flyaways

AM: When you're not working, where do you go for a cocktails and a great meal, where do you work out and where can we find you shopping?

JA: I love Jon & Vinny's, Alfred Coffee, Barneys New York, Soho House Malibu.

Read more from the June Issue and see Hair Influence with Jen Atkin in mag.

TANNING JUST GOT EASIER

One of the most annoying things about wearing swimwear is that it can really mess up your tan. We all want to avoid embarrassing tanlines, but sometimes it’s not possible to bare all in order to get that all-over tan. So when we heard about CoolTan® , a company that created tan through swimwear and shirts which let you get a natural, all-over tan without having to deal with messy lotions or damaging tanning beds, we were absolutely blown away!

CoolTan shirts and swimwear harness the power of the sun to get you the best overall tan while wearing a cooling and comfortable swimsuit or shirt. The secret is Microsol®, a unique lightweight, high quality, and attractive fabric which allows sunlight through your shirt and swimsuit like a medium level sunscreen. This eliminates the need for messy sprays and lotions and allows you to get an even, overall tan while going about your day- whether you’re at the beach, boating, on vacation, or even just relaxing in your backyard. You’ll get a tan about as fast as you would with a medium SPF sunscreen, but without that sticky residue that we all know about too well.

The best part is that CoolTan makes a variety of tan-through products including: polos, henleys, men’s racers and shorts, women’s one-piece and two-piece suits, and t-shirts and tanks. Plus, Cooltan items are fully machine washable and fast-drying, plus are resistant against chlorine and salt water.

CoolTan tan through shirts and swimwear finally eliminate those dreaded tanlines and allow you to look stylish and keep cool all summer long.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISLAND OF ANGUILLA

The Caribbean is a place many people dream of visiting. It has white sandy beaches, tranquil waters, friendly locals and that unique Afro-Caribbean feel famous the world over through its music of reggae and famous people such as Bob Marley. When you think of this part of the world, one thing comes to mind, relaxation. You can find beach homes in anguilla, or private villas on the British Virgin Islands, you can swim with sharks or dive into caves. This part of the world has a lot to offer both the thrill seeker and those who simply love the ocean. Each of the many islands, archipelagos and reefs have different things to offer different people, it all depends on what you want from your trip. Some islands are quite famous such as Jamaica and Barbados, while others are lesser well-known such as those which make up the US Virgin Islands or the already mentioned Anguilla.

This is both due to their relatively small size and the large competition that they are up against, but these islands have just as much to offer as the big ones. A unique culture, beautiful weather and landscapes and a well-developed tourist industry. Here I have compiled several facts about the island of Anguilla to show you what else there is on offer in just one of the Caribbean’s numerous islands.

History:

The history of the island dates back over 4000 years to the first Amerindian who inhabited the island. It’s possible to see some of their early petroglyphs in underground caves on the island, a perfect day trip for a history buff.

The original settlers farmed and fished on the island until the arrival of British colonisers in the 1600’s. For the next 400 years, the island went through stages of colonisation briefly by the French but mainly by the British. The British introduced plantation farming, slavery and other facets of colonisation of the time.

Modern-day Anguilla is now an independent territory of the United Kingdom with some independent governance.

Language:

Due to the influence of Britain, most of the island's population speak standard English although it is hugely influenced by both African languages descended from slaves and immigrant populations. You can also find French, Spanish and different versions of Creole on the island. English should be fine on the island though and you will have no issues getting around.

The second major language as a version of creole native to Anguilla. Creole is a mixture of native English and African languages which have fused to become their own unique language. You can find other versions of Creole throughout the different island in the Caribbean.

Population:

The population of the island is in the region of 15,000 people with most of the population being African, late descendants of slaves to the island. In the minority are both white and Asian populations. You can also find a large population of immigrants from neighbouring islands and Mexico. This large population of immigrants is and was due to a shortage of manual labour to help support the building of tourist infrastructure on the island as the native population wasn’t large enough to support the growth of tourism on the island. This is one of the main reasons for the large variety of languages infused in such a small population.

Economy:

Due to the mass plantations and arid soil of Anguilla, most of the land was or has become unsuitable for farming. This lead to a huge import economy of the island as they must import, food, oil and almost all other items necessary for a functioning and healthy economy, for this reason, the island has had to come up with some unique but not uncommon ways of generating income.

It has become a tax haven as it has no capital gains tax on individuals or corporations meaning many companies have shifted their tax base to the island. Other monetary forms the island incorporates to generate income include offshore incorporation and management, offshore banking and captive insurance. In this way, the island has made itself a popular destination for large companies and wealthy individuals.

The offset of this has been the huge increase in tourism to the island, primarily luxury travel. This added benefit has made the island the go-to destination that it has become. You can find beachfront villas, world-class resorts and all the amenities to go with this.

Having hosted the world travel awards in 2014 and being voted the leading luxury island destination of that year didn’t hurt its reputation especially going up against places such as Mauritius and the Maldives.

Transportation:

Being a relatively small and secluded island getting to and from the island can be a little difficult especially as the airport is not serviced by direct flights from Europe or the United States. But there are other ways around this.

There is a regular ferry service from Saint Martin island which takes around 20 minutes. This is the most common service and the port at Blowing point also serves Anguilla airport to make travel a little easier if you do need to catch a flight.

The airport on Anguilla has regular flights to other islands within the Caribbean, its closest major airport connection is to Puerto Rico which is where many visitors begin and end their journey.

This list was to show you that even the smaller Caribbean islands can still act as your go-to destination.

IT'S ABOUT SOUL WITH CHEF TODD RICHARDS

We're always excited to be introduced to a number of creatives across verticals here at Athleisure Mag. A few weeks ago, we got an advanced copy of Soul: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes and from the selected dishes, colorful imagery and the voice of Chef Todd Richards, we had to interview him for this month's issue. He brings to life what soul food means as a genre and how it can be interpreted within its classic dishes as well as being utilized in other dishes that are not commonly thought to align with this category. Chef Richards is self-taught, passionate about educating others about the food and bringing the love and community that surrounds it.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you know that you wanted to be a chef and what was your journey to getting there?

TODD RICHARDS: I really knew that I wanted to be a chef when my first job was being a butcher at Kroger in Atlanta and people at the meat counter would ask me questions about how to prepare things. I figured that I needed to know how to prepare those items that I was serving so I started studying and I thought, "this is really cool." There was someone across the street that needed someone to grill so I thought, if I can cut the meat, then I should be able to grill. So I started working there and then I never really looked back. The creative process of learning how to butcher and preparing meat satisfied that creative need that I had.

AM: You've been on Iron Chef and have 2 James Beard Nominations for Best Chef in the Southeast, what do these accolades mean to you and what was it like being on the show and receiving these honors?

TR: It's such a great honor to be on Iron Chef and to be a James Beard Award Nominee but it doesn't just stop there it really fuels me to be even better, and I think that that has always been the catalyst that I got from my parents. What happens right now is great, but you always have to keep striving regardless of how many awards that you may win.

AM: Tell us about Richards' Southern Fried at Krog Street Market in Atlanta.

TR: Well Richards' Southern Fried is a chicken walkup. I really wanted to do Fried Chicken because mainly at the Ritz Carlton, it was one of the most popular dishes that we served - imagine that you're at the Ritz, one of the most luxurious hotels and that's what people are eating! We put that on the menu and people went crazy!

We also entered that recipe into a couple of Fried Chicken competitions and we won those as well. I knew that we had something really good going on, and it was like, we need to do this because people always ask about it. That's how Southern Fried started.

AM: How do you define Soul food and why is that an area you decided to focus on as a chef?

TR: Well the first thing is that soul food is only defined by 1950's/1960's just in that genre of food. It was only in that time period that there was an African American contribution in that area not before and then not after. Really it's a misnomer of the technically driven cuisine that soul food is. Most people do not understand it that way, but if you think about it, how in the hell do you make chitlins taste good - you have to have skill to make them good and to make something like collard greens taste good. Those things are all technically skilled recipes and I believe that soul food has the same place as French cuisine or Japanese cuisine.

AM: With your cookbook being available, what was the thought behind creating Soul?

TR: I wanted readers to know that soul food is always progressing. Soul food, especially in African American culture, is not just one straight society and there are a lot of different variations in our culture and in our food that we're known for. If you take the ingredients and explore them, in different manners and in understanding the technique, there are different ways that we are talking about in true American cuisine that have techniques from all around the world, but is distinctly, African American cooking in taste.

AM: When we flipped through your cookbook, we were struck with the Collard Green Pesto as we're fans of pesto - looking through the offered recipes there are classics, twists on a classic as it pertains to soul food as well as taking dishes that are not in this area of food and adding soul to it - how do you go about doing that?

TR: When you think about collard greens that our grandmothers put on the stove - the way that they approached it with the onions and braising the pork and things like that - it was always a technical cuisine. So when you look at other cuisines around the world, it's always starting with the simplest of ingredients and how we just do them correctly without destroying the integrity of them.

When you look at collard greens and why it makes sense for a pesto, it stands up well to oil, it loves vinegar, creams and stuff like that. So it makes sense that as a leafy vegetable that it would work in a dish like that.

AM: If you had to choose 3 meals that you would cook over a weekend, what would they be that are in your book?

TR: Well, fortunately, we grow a lot of food in our home so right now we're growing a lot of tomatoes - so definitely tomatoes! Sliced tomatoes with a little vinaigrette and all the flowers that we still have held over from the winter - like brussel sprout flowers. The next thing would be my mom's Fried Catfish because I don't think that there is anything better than dipping it in your own hot sauce. The way that she always prepared the catfish, it was crispy and you just dipped the catfish in the hot sauce and all this vinegar, pepper and using garlic and onions in there as well which has really great sensibility. And because I love to have a cocktail, strawberries are in season right now - the Strawberry Rum Cooler is a great way to use strawberries. Don't get those really pretty ones, get the ugly ones that are kind of soft and when you bite into them the juice just runs down your chin. Those are the strawberries that you want for a Strawberry Rum Cooler!

AM: What are your 3 favorite meals that are in this book?

TR: It is so hard because the book is divided by ingredients. In this period of time right now, onions, spring lamb is available - I use that as a reference because my answers today will be different then when it is in the fall when there are collard greens. Seafood is universal so you can enjoy that any time. But just to understand that we are at the end of collard green season so having the Collard Green Pesto with Poached Oysters might be at the end of that season but pairing it with tomatoes - it will make it make more sense.

AM: What's on your playlist when you're cooking?

TR: The great thing is that in the back of the book, there actually is a playlist and on Spotify there is a soul food playlist as well that we put up. And growing up with my parents, we were the hospitality center of our entire family - every birthday, holiday, Christmas party - I think that we even had a bah mitzvah at our house. It didn't matter we loved any reason to celebrate and food and music were intertwined together. They had the same exact place. When we were talking about soul as a cultural reference, that's one thing that African Americans - that we do. We want everything to look good visually, to taste good and to hear our passion in cooking. That to me is why I put the soundtrack in the back of the book.

AM: We love the trend where cookbooks have transcended to being lifestyle cookbooks. It feels like we're literally hearing you share your personal life as you talk about mentors and your method - was that a conscious choice?

TR: As a chef who probably has hundreds of cookbooks - I know where they all are. I still read Larousse Gastronomique - one of the bibles of cookbooks that has over 10,000 recipes. But for a consumer, we have to make cookbooks relevant so that people can continue cooking and do it with their kids. Today they are so phone sensitive and are connected to their devices. I wanted to make sure that people can always connect to the cookbook. It's as easy as when you put that song on and someone says, "man remember when you came to the house and we started smoking some ribs and we played that song from the book," or visually, you see some ugly tomatoes at the store and everyone is walking past and I know that I can make the best dish with those tomatoes. Those are the reasons why I wanted to put all those things in the book.

This is the gift that my parents gave me - being prideful and our culture which is the other sense that they gave me. Reading is so important to understanding us as a people and we have to produce things that people visually want to understand so that they can get out of their own stereotypical kind of minds and to just indulge themselves into delicious food.

AM: When you're not cooking in Atlanta, where can we find you grabbing drinks/dinner, where do you shop and what do you do in your personal time?

TR: People ask me that question all the time and it is a really difficult question to answer in the sense that I work so damn much - I like to go home! But there are a lot of good chefs that I just gravitate to and a number of them are good friends of mine. In Athens, Jerry Slater just opened The Expat. Jerry and I have had a long history in working together off and on. I look at Guy Wong who's another great friend of mine who has Ton Ton and Miso Izakaya. I look at Hector Santiago with El Super Pan. Anne Quatrano who is the matriarch of Atlanta dining scene. Every time I go to Bacchanalia I'm blown away and I feel like I just sat in my own living room having the most delicious meal. Then I go to the godfather of fine dining in Atlanta with Gerry Klaskala's Aria who everytime I see him he gives me the biggest damn hug ever! And he's only like 5'2" haha.

AM: Are you involved in any charities or how do you give of your time?

TR: Yes I am on the board of Wholesome Wave which is really important to me because we support Snap Benefits which means that dollar for dollar we match with EBT so people can go to Farmer's Markets and to get fresh food. That one is always dear to me and Lupus Foundation. Lupus affects African Americans especially African American women more then any other people in the country. It is an under served disease that affects a lot of people.

AM: Is there anything that you want to share with our readers that we can keep an eye out for?

TR: Well, the Soul Tour is traveing from NYC to the West Coast with many stops in between. Over the next month we will hit Nashville, Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte and then back to NYC and of course many many places in Atlanta. Anyone can find me on Social Media - if you're in Atlanta, I want to know where you are and if you buy the book, I'm glad that people are posting but I want used cookbook posted - get into the kitchen and utilize it. I want to see wine stains, hot sauce stain - some boil that popped over on the book! It's great to be on the coffee table, but it's better to be in the kitchen!

PHOTO COURTESY | Excerpted from Soul by Todd Richards. Copyright © 2018 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Meredith Corporation. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Read more from the May Issue and see It's About Soul with Chef Todd Richards in Athleisure Mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | THE BOTANICAL BLEND

Read more from the May Issue and see The Art of the Snack | The Botanical Bland in mag.

THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the May Issue and see The Eight Best in mag.

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD LET YOUR BUDGET DETERMINE YOUR DESTINATION

Seventy-five percent of Americans go into debt for vacations they can’t afford but according to USA Today, letting the budget determine the holiday destination instead of the other way around can help travellers avoid debt and even make their money last throughout their holiday. Over 60% of the American population went on holiday in 2017 and air travel statistics showed that 80 million travelled abroad the year before. With these numbers, it is safe to say that travel is now more accessible. However, accessibility comes with a price and it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

Covering All Major Expenses

Finance adviser Elyssa Kirkham says that travellers need to match their destination to their budget to ensure that they can cover major expenses such as airfare, accommodation, sightseeing, and food and still have some money left over for other travel costs. Whether the budget comes from a personal loan or money saved specifically for splurging, Forbes says that it is important to stick to the budget to avoid financial regrets. If you are thinking of getting a personal loan to pay for your holiday this year, it is important to borrow responsibly. Computing for how much you can afford to pay per month based on a specific loan term at a certain interest rate can give you a clear answer. This budget will also determine where you will spend your vacation.

Destination Options

To determine the right destination for your budget, you would need to find out which destinations are the cheapest places for travellers. Travelling to any Southeast Asian country is fairly cheap. You can also opt for any eastern European country or go to South America. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you’d be able to start your research. It is important for you to take into consideration the things you would love to do so that your destination can provide you with the activities you enjoy without adding more money to your travel budget.

Cost Structures

Determining your destination based on a specific budget can be challenging but you can get an idea about general costs by taking a look at daily cost averages. However, it is important to keep in mind that each destination country has a different cost structure. If you start planning for a trip to Norway, for example, you’d find that major travel expenses such as accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment are quite expensive. If you compare those costs to a place like the Maldives, you will see that accommodation is expensive too but transportation and food are incredibly cheap while entertainment costs are not as expensive.  Different countries have different cost structures and it is up to you to adjust those costs to make your money last the whole duration of your trip.

Budgeting Based on Cost Structure

The spending average of Americans for a two-week trip overseas is $3,251 according to ValuePenguin.  If you are working with this amount, you can take a look at the average daily cost of your destination to see if it fits in your budget. Take into account major expenses such as airfare, food, sightseeing, and accommodation but don’t forget to include the average cost of local transportation, alcohol, tips, and bottled water. The total cost will give you a better picture of how much you will be spending on your vacation.

Practical Advice

While doing your research, you will find that certain destinations have expensive food while others have hotels and hostels with expensive nightly rates like the example above. Information like this will help you adjust certain travel costs to fit your budget. If you are going to a place where accommodation is costly, you can take advantage of the sharing economy to bring down your costs. Hostels for backpackers or couch surfing are some of your options. If entertainment in your destination is a bit on the pricey side, you can minimize your entertainment expenses and search for free sightseeing opportunities. You can also look for cheap airfare or use rewards points to save on other travel expenses. Travel need not be expensive. You only need to be patient while doing your research to find the right destination for your budget.

Read the May Issue with our cover girl Lala Kent

WE WENT OFF ROADING WITH CHEVY COLORADO ZR2

Earlier this month, we had the chance to head about an hour or so outside of the NYC to the Monticello Motor Club, an automotive country club for race cars and those who love to drive them! We had the opportunity to go off roading with the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and we literally had a day of driving through a Jurassic Park-like setting which included muddy trails, bumpy terrain and so much more!

While driving up, we enjoyed utilizing Apple CarPlay (Android Auto also available) via 4GLTE Wifi which allowed us to connect up to 7 devices to it, 4 USB ports, and a 12V charging port. We also loved that there was a lot of room so that you could store your must have items as you head to wherever your travels take you. In addition, since it is a truck - there was ample space to hold whatever shopping runs you have. 

Interestingly enough the smooth ride that we enjoyed while driving to and from the raceway was an interesting contrast to still having a smooth experience when we went offroading. The ability of this midsize pickup to showcase its abilities in off-road technology is something that lends itself to weekend fun. Some of the highlights include a lifted suspension that is 2 inches higher and front and track widths widened by 3.5 inches. There are also segment first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damper technology and functional rock sliders to ensure better performance over rocks and obstacles.

An interesting feature involved Surround Vision which is a first Chevy that uses 4 strategically placed cameras that create a virtual bird's eye view of the truck when driving at a low speed. The camera seamlessly merges the vantage points to see what is behind as well as around you!

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Check out our Spring trip to Woodstock, Vermont with Buick

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On this trip, we had the pleasure of talking with and riding caravan style with Anita M. Burke, Vehicle Chief Engineer for North American and Global midsize pickup trucks at General Motors. In this role, she oversees all engineering aspects of midsize pickup truck development at GM. In her role, she covers Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the all-new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in the US. 

Pickups that have been developed by her team have won major industry awards, including back-to-back years for 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Colorado models as Motor Trend "Truck of the Year." Globally she covers Chevrolet Colorado/S10 pickup and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV. Collectively, she leads the engineering development of trucks sold in more than 90 countries. She even reignited the dormant midsize truck program at General Motors and since the launch of the Colorado and Canyon in 2014, GM has sold more than 400,000 midsize trucks - in the US alone.

“I feel like a proud parent of the revitalized midsize truck program at GM, and take a great deal of pride in enriching our customers’ lives throughout the world. I also love presiding over a team of some of the smartest and most passionate engineers in the business. This is my dream job, and it’s been a career highlight to both nurture and be challenged by some of the top talent in the automotive world as we help to make GM the most complete truck company in the industry,” said GM 26 year veteran Burke. 

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.

BEYOND THE ROPES WITH DANIELLE MOINET

We always love our covers and it's always fun to have the opportunity to work with someone that we have previously worked with before. We're excited to have Danielle Moinet as this month's celebrity cover and our first person to grace two covers for Athleisure Mag! We enjoyed our photoshoot with Danielle and we sat down to catch up on what she's up to since we last spoke to her. We talked about her life as an athlete, about her road to the WWE, new projects that she's excited to be apart of, running the Chicago Bears out of Soldier Field, the importance of empowering women and girls in and out of sports and her love for the fans that she continues to see on her many trips as she is always on the go!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your athletic journey as we know you have played a number of sports!

DANIELLE MOINET: For me I always played sports. I was an athlete growing up - I ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. In college and when I got out of it and moved to Chicago, that's when I joined the Lingerie Football League, the LFL, and I played for the Chicago Bliss and I played Corner Back and I loved it. I played 3 years and it's full contact 7 on 7 football - very aggressive.

Then I went on to wrestle and a lot of the girls that hadn't wrestled before in WWE had some form of an athletic background. Health and fitness has always been a big thing for me and getting to the gym, so I think that people that work out a lot too are athletic as well and being in a women's sport is very important.

AM: Specifically, tell us about your journey into wrestling, WWE and what you are currently doing.

DM: I was working a Comic Con in Chicago, and WWE was there and it was a dream of mine to get in. There was not an application process setup like there is now when I first started, so I ran over to their booth and told them that I was interested and that I had been wanting to do this for years. I decided to play football for another year and then that's when I went down to WWE to have my tryout and 6 weeks later I was down there training and working out and I got my contract. So it was really a great place in time. There were only 6 girls training at the time. I was the 6th girl and now there is something like 20 or 30 girls training. WWE was amazing - I wrestled there for 6 years and I was on the main roster on Mon. Night RAW, Tues. Night Smackdown for 4.5 years and got to live out my dream.

As of Nov, I left WWE to spread my wings to other avenues and to be able to enjoy life and live it through new eyes. It's bittersweet as I miss my fans and the people I worked with, but I see my fans more often because I do so many appearances where I get to travel the world to meet them.

AM: We caught up with you when you were in the midst of a media tour - can you tell us what you were promoting?

DM: During my time in NY when I did my photoshoot, I was doing a lot of things! I was taking meetings, doing photoshoots with a number of modeling agencies and then I was also there for my first non WWE appearance that was in Manhattan and so I was able to go onto CBS Radio and talk to them about women in sports and the importance of women having a presence in athletics and for young girls to have role models to look up to - being athletic and knowing that strong is beautiful. Body positivity is something that is very import ant to me and I think it's great to be able to speak out to that! It was so much fun and I love everyone in NY!

AM: On set, everyone loved your hair, what products do you use and what tips do you have for healthy hair?

DM: My hair! I'm very fortunate that my mom is a hairdresser and growing up, she never let me dye it crazy purple or orange and crazy colors. I had actually never even dyed it until my mid twenties. I am super blonde naturally and I was always in the sun as a kid by the pool. I always used great products like Biolage or Matrix. One thing that was really amazing that I started to use the last couple of years is a wet brush. The wet brush helps with the breakage in your hair and having bangs, I have really noticed the difference using the wet brush because my hair doesn't break as much and it's able to stay long and healthy - that is something I absolutely swear by and love. And also, good Moroccan Oil and having good oil everytime you blow dry your hair - it's very important.

AM: We know from your IG that you're constantly on the go, what are 3 beauty products that keep you looking fresh and dewy and are a must in your routine?

DM: I am always on the go so beauty products that I love - I always have a spray tan, I do not go in the sun a lot so I always try to protect my skin as far as sun exposure goes, so it's all about wearing SPF. I do not go into the tanning bed so I can keep a wrinkle free life. I love love love and swear by Skin Medica - they're TMS Serum is something that I really do love. I completely see a difference in my skin when I use that. Their eye cream - amazing - it's expensive and I have tried alternate routes and dfferent things and I just see such a difference with them and that's something that's just great. Another thing I love - my lips don't get too chapped too much because I'm always on the go in airplanes - I love the Lip Slip by Sara Happ. It's a lip balm and it's so thick and potent and it lasts you forever - I got it from Nordstrom and I love it. My lips never crack, never peel and I love it.

AM: What's your personal style - what do you work out in, what do you go out in for a night out and what is your beach style?

DM: My personal style is super super different - I look very girly, but I am actually super tomboy! I love my Jordans, I love my Jays, I've become a big sneaker person since living in LA so really ideally, if I could live my life I'd do it in workout clothes and athleisure vibe and tennis shoes. That's how you could catch me everyday wearing. If you catch me in jeans or everyday pants it's because I have to because I am going somewhere. What I actually work out in is - I'm very cute on Instagram with matching outfits, but that is not how I am. In real life, I'm not like that I don't think. I get a lot of workout clothes sent to me from different brands and people that I work with so I can never find anything that matches when it is time to work out. I am not that girl who matches in the gym - I'm getting in there with a hat the majorty of the time with no makeup. I hate wearing makeup - I love getting glammed up, but I don't like makeup. I am usually in a hat, with it pulled down super low and getting my workout done because I don't want anyone talking to me and workout time is not playtime for me.

For going out, now that I live in LA, I have a very different west coast vibe. I love everything that is oversized and I love a great Tor Merch long sleeve shirt 2 sizes 2 big with baggy pants and a cute heel. If I'm going out, you can catch me in jeans, boots, a body suit or tank top. That's my vibe and I rarely wear a dress - again unless I have to or if I'm in Vegas or a place that's dressy. LA is just not that dressy and NY isn't really either. I have very different vibes - sometimes it's Bohemian or Urban - I like to change up my style.

Style and music are very all over the place for me as there are tons of genres of music I like and tons of styles that I like to dress in.

Beach style is bikini, flip flops and a cover up. Nothing special - no makeup maybe a little chapstick - that's all - very low maintenance.

AM: What are 3 of your favorite foods that are your go to for energy to assist in working out and do you have splurge foods that you enjoy as a treat every now and then?

DM: I'm a big fan of black coffee before working out. I try to stay lately from pre-workouts that have artificial sugars in them and I am trying to go back to that coffee route or just getting enough sleep as that is very good. Protein is a must for my diets and if I don't have a protein shake, I see a huge difference in my legs and body as far as my abs and cellulite go. I can see a negative difference without them and I need my protein high up. I also need some nuts before the gym - healthy fats are good. I don't like to be super full when I go to the gym because when I am full, I want to take a nap. Cheat foods that I love, pizza! I am obsessed with pizza, Mexican food, I love Queso and chips. My friends make fun of me because I eat a whole tub of queso - it's just really ridiculous as I need to be nowhere near that and then cookie dough. Cookie dough is my downfall! I went through a phase where I was obsessed with cookie dough for like 4 months and my friends and I joke that that’s where my butt came from the four months that I ate it. So we call it my cookie dough butt! I still have it but now I am just training it in the gym!

AM: We saw that you did something pretty amazing with the Chicago Bears last fall, can you share with our readers?

DM: Chicago Bears – so in the fall, ran the Bears out of the tunnel and was the first women to ever run them out of the tunnel! They said it had something to do with the fact that the flag is really heavy and then at Soldier Field, the lake wind effect off of the lake is so strong that it just moves the pole around and it’s crazy heavy! They usually don’t have guests running people out of the tunnel BUT I knew someone that knew someone and they reached out to me and asked if I wanted to do it. I was kind of unsure if I could and then they said that a woman had never done it before and that’s when I said, “well of course then – I have to be the first at everything that I do”. Don’t put me up to a challenge and I will never say no, especially if it is the first woman. It was amazing and fun. The players were super confused as to why I was down there haha! I’m a huge Bears fan so I loved it!

AM: What travel plans are you looking forward to this summer?

DM: This summer I am very fortunate that I am traveling all over. I have so many bookings for appearances to see so many of my wrestling fans. I’m a little west coast, a little east coast. I may have a few things that are Canada and then I am really really really excited about something that we haven’t announced yet which we can’t announce yet but it’s overseas and it is taking me to one of my places on my bucketlist – so I’m very excited about that!
As far as trips go, I look forward to taking my girls trip which we are going to Mykonos, Greece and I have never been there. We are just going to have a great time and I am looking forward to that because I have a great group of girlfriends.

AM: In LA what is your favorite place to shop, a workout studio that you attend as well as where you love to grab cocktails and a meal?

DM: Living in LA, obviously we have great killer stores. All the stores on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Grove the Mall – that’s really good and we have large stores with all the name brands. Some of the places that I really love to shop and that are fun that I tell my friends to go to when they’re in town – hidden gems on Melrose that are kind of really trendy and inexpensive and I love them – one is called Eden Sky and the other one is Style Delivered and I get really cute fun sunglasses, earrings and bandanas. I got my stuff from Coachella there and it’s good finds that are inexpensive so when you pair them with other really good pieces, that’s great. And of course, we have things like Revolve out here and Pretty Little Things and House of CB, Mistress Rocks – LA’s great we have some really good shopping. As far as food goes, I love Urth Café, it’s one of my favorites. I’m pretty sure that I brought my mom and dad there, friends from back home in North Carolina. You just sit outside and have bubble tea – which is amazing and all different kinds of food which is really good. We actually just got a Joe & the Juice which they have in NY and I’m obsessed with so I am really happy about that being there. I love all the healthy food options we have out here the salad places and everything like that which is really good. And then we have great trendy workouts. I love SoulCycle – I swear by SoulCycle as it’s fun and it makes me feel amazing to just get out there and sweat – so I really love that. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with an ankle injury for the past 3 months so I have kind of been having to deal with that and it’s driving me nuts. But I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things soon.

AM: Are there any projects that you're working on that you want to let our readers know about?

DM: I’m just really excited to be working with so many brands right now! I have two clothing companies that I am working with and I will be able to get my own line out and then I have one kind of beauty thing I am working on. I’m taking meetings with other people as far as my appearances go and doing things overseas so it’s all in the beginning baby stages. I have only just started to be able to do this stuff as I wasn’t able to do this with WWE and am looking forward to spreading my wings. My sister’s charity is back home in North Carolina – The Dean Thomas Moinet Foundation - love working with them when I go back home and am looking forward to doing a special project with them when I am back home to raise money in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area for the charity!

We shot Danielle Moinet in Manhattan's Lower East Side at Hotel Indigo LES which is filled with a number of great hitoric sites. Christopher White, the properties' Director of Sales and Marketing talked with us about the hotel and how it connects with the community.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Are there different personalities that Hotel Indigo represents on the city/community?

CHRISTOPHER WHITE: Hotel Indigo’s ethos is design, art, music and embracing the neighborhood that we are in - so every hotel will represent those qualities in different way depending on the location.

AM: Specifically, tell us about Hotel Indigo LES - when did it open, what is the atmosphere and the amenities that are offered for guests.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES opened in the heart of the Lower East Side in November 2015. Reflecting the community, the hotel is an urban oasis that features spacious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. Hotel Indigo LES is equipped with everything needed for the modern traveler - think a rooftop bar and pool, a gym, package handling, parking and we even provide amenities for your furry friends because we know kittens and pups are important too.

AM: Tell us about the lounges and pool.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is the perfect spot to visit day or night - with stunning views of Manhattan from every place you look, the view is unbeatable - especially now that Summer is right around the corner! The 14th-floor lobby is decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around almost the entire room, spacious L-shaped couches, coffee tables and a cafe. Not to mention the ceiling is covered in a mural by the famous Lower East Side graffiti artist, Lee Quiñones.

Beyond the lobby, guests are invited to checkout the heated plunge pool and bar, Mr. Purple, both located on the 15th floor rooftop. The space offers summer drink menus for guests to enjoy, while taking in amazing views of Lower Manhattan.

AM: Is the pool for guests only?

CW: We prefer to keep the pool exclusive to hotel guests – if locals are looking for a pool break we recommend booking a staycation at the hotel.

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

CW:The lobby, cafe, and of course Mr. Purple - come relax, get some work done, or have a drink - locals and guests can do it all at Hotel Indigo LES!

AM: What Spring/Summer packages do you guys have coming up?

CW: Yes! Our Mother’s Day and Royal Wedding packages are can’t miss. Check them out and more on the Hotel Indigo LES website.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that surrounds Hotel Indigo LES.

CW: Located right in the heart of the Lower East Side, there is nothing you can’t find around Hotel Indigo LES! Tons of art galleries of all different styles, music halls, bars and restaurants all surround the hotel. Think hotspots like the famous Beauty & Essex and Katz Delicatessen, Rockwood Music Hall and more.

AM: Tell us about Mr Purple!

CW: Located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, the space completely captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the LES. Boasting a 360 degree view of downtown Manhattan from the two outdoor terraces and a beautiful interior, the venue recreates a hip, artist-loft ambiance. The larger terrace includes its own swimming pool (enough said) and outdoor bar, a perfect setting for yummy bites and signature sips against the backdrop of NYC.

AM: Does the Hotel Indigo LES have activities that they participate within that are local to the community?

CW: We sure do! Our goal is to hire all of our line staff from the community which is part of our ethos and culture. We participate in LESSEN which is part of the Henry Street Settlement in the Lower East Side and 30% of our line staff from pre-opening was hired from there. We also volunteer quarterly for Manny Cantor Center, Bowery Mission and am always working to always give back to the community that we are in.

AM: Please feel free to share anything that we may not have asked you but that you would like to share?

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is all about the art. From the moment you walk, to the sleeping rooms and lobby area, the spaces all reflect the art that can be seen all over the LES. With artwork featured from the likes of Mr. Brainwash and Lee Quiñones, guests can see the spirit of the LES at every turn.

Read more from Athleisure Mag and see Beyond the Ropes with Danielle Moinet in mag.

LUXURY ISRAEL HOTELS

Holidaying in style

When planning your vacation to Israel treat yourself to a luxury hotel. Israel really is a country of wonder and diversity: from incomparable beaches to dizzying mountains, mysterious deserts to the wonder of the Dead Sea and one of the most archaeologically-rich places in the world, as well as a hub of innovative technology. Choose your Israel hotel to match its magical surroundings and you will discover world-class hotels living up to these expectations.

Royal David's City

In Jerusalem you can find three incomparable luxury hotels; the world-famous King David Hotel is the crown jewel of Jerusalem hotels and has been for over 50 years. This 5 Star Israel hotel has that British colonial feel, coupled with its award-winning service and unrivaled convenience for those doing business.

The Dan Jerusalem Hotel and the Dan Boutique Hotel complete your choice of exceptional Jerusalem hotels. The Dan Jerusalem, situated on the slopes of Mount Scopus, gives unparalleled views of the Old City's skyline, and has the service and extravagance to match. The Dan Boutique is perfectly situated to take in all of Jerusalem's tourist attractions, while providing dedicated, personalized hospitality, all within cozy, old world surroundings.

Relax and unwind

Moving onto to the modern city of Tel Aviv, there is a vast contrast with the more pious and historical Jerusalem. Little over a century old it is the epitome of modernity in Israel and is not only a big commercial and technological hub but also a prime location for those who want a beach holiday and an activity-fueled stay. Tel Aviv hotels don't come any better than the Dan Tel Aviv and the LINK Hotel.

The Dan Tel Aviv is a perfect beachfront hotel, with views of the Mediterranean. This hotel is perfectly situated, being a leisurely stroll away from the port of Tel Aviv with its myriad attractions: boutiques, restaurants, shops and art galleries. Experience a VIP stay on par with A-list celebrities by spending your Israel vacation at a hotel that has hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones to Lady Gaga.

If you are looking for cutting-edge and ultra modern, at affordable rates, the newly-opened LINK hotel is for you. This hotel comprises comfort and technology while giving guests access to the LinkApp, which can allow you to do everything from checking-in to making free calls to anywhere in Israel. The LINK's amenities are almost endless, with a gym and spa, various meetings rooms, video games, massage therapists and much more. The LINK one of the most idyllically situated Tel Aviv hotels, so it makes the most of everything this modern city has to offer.

Dip a foot in the Red Sea

The waves of the biblical Red Sea lap up against Eilat, the Israeli city on the country's southernmost point. Eilat is all about beach fun, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving in the Red Sea's coral reefs, a few among its many attractions. The Dan Eilat hotel provides every family amenity imaginable, from a heated swimming pool in winter to a children's playground. There are also plenty of services and activities for adults, with a spa, disco, conference facilities, squash courts and much more.

Have a VIP stay in Israel

No matter where you are staying in Israel: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Eilat, make sure you reserve an opulent, convenient and unbeatable world-class hotel, where Middle Eastern tradition and culture meets Western luxury.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: TOP THREE US NATIONAL PARKS FOR WILDLIFE SPOTTING

The National Park Service states that the United States parklands are 52 million acres of land holding about 5,399 species of vertebrates. With so many animals living in the borders of the United States, there’s no need to travel to Africa for a safari or swim with the animals in the Galapagos Islands. You can find everything you need right at home. However, you have to know where to go and what you’re looking for. If you’re ready for your next wildlife spotting trip, check out one of these national parks, where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the nation’s most beautiful animals.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Although most people know Yellowstone for Old Faithful and many of its other geysers, the park is also known as the American Serengeti. This name was bestowed upon the park because of its extremely rich wildlife and gorgeous landscape. Yellowstone is 2.2 million acres and contains about 67 different mammal species – the largest of any national park. On a trip here, you can easily spot animals such as bison, elk, coyotes, wolverines, gray wolves, mountain lions, and black and grizzly bears. If you’re looking for some of the big animals, check out Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley for the best view of the park’s infamous wolves.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The southern part of Florida is home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire country. At about 1.5 million acres, the Everglades combines freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial ecosystems to provide you with an immense variety of animals. It is the particularly known as the only place in the country where you can spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. You will also see alligators, ibises, flamingos, bobcats, manatees, and the Florida panther. To make the best out of your trip, you should get closer to the wildlife on a riverboat, canoe, or kayak through the Everglades.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Encompassing five islands and their adjoining ocean, Channel Islands National Park is full of natural resources and beautiful views that you won’t find anywhere else. The park’s land has been isolated for thousands of years and therefore is home to many unique animals and plants that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet. Visitors here often spot common dolphins and the rare Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins. During the winter, gray whales migrate and pass through the park’s channel and you can see them among humpbacks, blue, orca, and fin whales. You will also see sea lions, the Island Fox, Island Deer Mice, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Island Night Lizard. If you’re interested in animals of the past, check out some of the archeological digs on the islands. There is an incredible collection of pygmy mammoth fossils, which represent an extinct animal that hasn’t been found anywhere else in the world.

If you're looking to get up close and personal with the animals, these locations and tips will help you find the best spot. You'll become introduced to some animals you'll never see anywhere else and become exposed to some of the most amazing views in the United States. 

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.

ON THE ROAD WITH BUICK

It seems like snow has been an interesting challenge over the past few weeks and this month, Athleisure Mag editors decided to take a roadtrip to Vermont courtesy of our friends at BUICK to try out the BUICK Regal TourX, a crossover that has the dynamics of a car while having the versatility of a SUV.

The 5 hour drive to Woodstock, Vermont allowed us to enjoy a number of luxury amenities that included OnStar access, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (essential for doing laptop work and
keeping our phones connected when we started to get into spotty coverage areas), plenty of USB ports, SiriusXM Radio (we loved Lithium, the Pearl Jam and Beatles channels), and navigation that kept us aware of accident areas and re-routing us as needed.

We're all about storage as we had a bit of equipment with us from camera gear, outfits for the slopes, snacks and more. The cargo space was quite substantial and as we drove into the night,
the illumination of key areas on the dashboard was a great way to keep areas lit.

While in Vermont, we stayed at the Woodstock Inn + Resort, which was a quaint resort that provides easy access to Woodstock Inn Nordic Center (we took the opportunity to go Snowshoeing), as well as a number of other mountain resorts such as Killington Ski Resort. Our room had a fireplace, as well which was a homey touch and there were attendants available to
start the fire if needed. In our downtime, we took advantage of our stay at the Woodstock Inn enjoying fine dining at the properties' Red Rooster and Richardson's Tavern, which had a
number of savory comfort foods and well-made cocktails. We also enjoyed our fill of basketball games as we're in the midst of March Madness!

There were a number of common areas with fireplaces that continued the woodsy vibe of this resort from the lobby, cozy nooks as well as a library that gave guests a number of places to connect with friends, family and other guests. We dove into chapters of Re-Engineering Humanity over hot toddies.

We explored the town of Woodstock, which had a number of churches, historical sites and covered bridges that highlighted the New England town.

When we added the trip to our calendar, we knew that we wanted to explore a few areas and decided to make a pit stop on our way home. Interestingly enough when we crossed Vermont's state line into Massachusetts, we saw the exit for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. With March being the month of one of college's biggest tournament's, NCAA March Madness we decided that we had to make a stop here.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is in honor of Dr. James Naismith, a physical educator who invented the game at the age of 30 in 1891. He wrote the original basketball rule book and founded the University of Kansas basketball program. He was the first Kansas Jayhawks' Coach (1898 - 1907) as well as the school's Athletic Director (1919 - 1937). Prior to his death, he saw the game become an official Olympic event in the summer games of 1936, the birth of the National Invitation Tournament (1938) and the NCAA Tournament (1939). At his tenure at Kansas, he would coach Phog Allen who later became the coach for Kansas for 39 seasons. He would also coach Adolph Rupp and Dean Smith.

This building is home to more than 300 inductees and has over 40,000 square feet of basketball history from NCAA teams, NBA, interactive exhibits and live clinics. Visitors can see signed memorabilia, sneakers, plaques, uniforms and more that have a place in Hardwood History.

It was a great weekend checking out the car, snow sports and paying homage to the inception and heritage of basketball.

Read more from the Mar Issue and On the Road with Buick in mag.

RIDING WITH HUSQVARNA NYC LAUNCH PARTY

We enjoyed Husqvarna Motorcycles' launch of their highly anticipated new range of “real street” motorcycles to the North American market in NYC. The VITPILEN 401, VITPILEN 701, and SVARTPILEN 401 feature new advanced technology for the world of motorcycling. Inspired by the minimal simplicity of classic Swedish design, Husqvarna's new urban motorcycles combine high quality, state-of-the-art technology and progressive technology to redefine the modern riding experience.

Guests enjoyed previewing the three sophisticated, urban-styled models to celebrate Husqvarna's return to street motorcycling. Hasselblad X1D camera demos were on hand for motorcycle photography amidst the backdrop of Husqvarna's VR experience, its 2018 fashion accessories preview and a cocktail party atmosphere at the Skylight Modern event space in Chelsea Gallery District, NYC.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Riding with Husqvarna NYC Launch Party in mag.

MCM X WIZPAK

L-R | Killer Mike of Run the Jewels, 2018 Grammys nominee Rapsody, 6LACK, TI and Jamie Foxx

The Grammys made their way back to NYC for its 60th anniversary. Artists were gifted and have been seen rocking MCM's collab - MCM x WizPak. The exclusive wearable music smart backpack boasts a  breakthrough market technology and fabulous sound quality and made its debut this past weekend. The tech-savvy accessory includes high-quality sound from a 40w 2.1 stereo speaker system with 3D surround-sound technology built inside the backpack and is removable and can connect to any media player through a wireless Bluetooth connection. It has 3-charging ports for up to 14-hours of charge to any smartphone or tablet. In addition to its technology forward abilities, the bag itself embraces the luxury brand's heritage Stark Visetos backpack.

As seen above on Jamie Foxx, Grammy’s Breakout Star Rapsody (only the fifth female nominee for Best Rap Album ever in the 23-year history of the category),  two time nominee  6LACK. Others included  Killer Mike of Run the Jewels, and TI.

Read more from the Jan Issue.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | THE TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

We believe that the more you travel, the more you want to see. We're not alone in this line of thinking. All you have to do is to scroll through your Instagram to see people tagging their
favorite locations with #wanderlust, #bucketlist and more. Whether you're planning your next trip or simply want to take a mental escape, we suggest that you pick up National Geographic's
TIMELESS JOURNEYS: Travels to the World's Legendary Places, which is perfect to add to your library, coffee table or to gift someone on your list.

As we flipped through our copy we found destinations that were known to us and others that we want to discover! Ford Cochran, Director of Proramming, National Geographic Expeditions
(he has worked with them for 20 years and wrote the foreward for this book) believes that, "In these expeditions to the wonders of our world—supreme achievements of nature and the human spirit—you’ll find endless inspiration, riches to fill your imagination, and, just maybe, insights into that destination you call home. Don’t take my word for it. Just turn the page.”

50 stunning destinations that everyone should see at least once in your lifetime are included in this book. In addition to the stunning pictures there is historical information, innovative travel
tips and secrets that are shared that will assist you when you travel there or to add a conversational note when you're out amongst friends. You'll find landmarks from lesser known areas; however, they will draw you in to learn more about them.

DESTINATION | JAIPUR, INDIA