The Jewel - 2023

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER CHANDELIER EARRINGS

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER CHANDELIER EARRINGS

A classic cluster design of Harry Winston, this magnificent pair of chandelier onthe-ear clips feature the iconic spray of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds. The configuration and placement of the gemstones are cleverly angled to capture and reflect light from all directions. A truly brilliant design and an important piece for American heritage jewels

A classic cluster design of Harry Winston, this magnificent pair of chandelier onthe-ear clips feature the iconic spray of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds. The configuration and placement of the gemstones are cleverly angled to capture and reflect light from all directions. A truly brilliant design and an important piece for American heritage jewels

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER NECKLACE

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER NECKLACE

With 157 carats of diamonds, this 1960’s Harry Winston necklace is another prime example of the “Winston Cluster”

With 157 carats of diamonds, this 1960’s Harry Winston necklace is another prime example of the “Winston Cluster”

YAFA Signed Jewels

“Where you find the unfindable”

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER BRACELET

HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER BRACELET

An exceptionally crafted 1980’s Harry Winston Platinum Cluster bracelet, set with an array of pear-shaped diamonds, exuding a timeless glamour. Measures 7” in length with diamonds weighing approximately 70 carats. The signature ‘Winston Cluster’ design was created in the 1960s, a method that features various shaped diamonds at various angles to capture their light and radiance from all directions.

An exceptionally crafted 1980’s Harry Winston Platinum Cluster bracelet, set with an array of pear-shaped diamonds, exuding a timeless glamour. Measures 7” in length with diamonds weighing approximately 70 carats. The signature ‘Winston Cluster’ design was created in the 1960s, a method that features various shaped diamonds at various angles to capture their light and radiance from all directions.

CARTIER “TORTEAU” DIAMOND WATCH

CARTIER “TORTEAU” DIAMOND WATCH

18k white gold set with approximately 8 carats of baguette diamonds is what helps this one-of-a-kind watch to truly be show stopping. New

yafasignedjewels.com

18k white gold set with approximately 8 carats of baguette diamonds is what helps this one-of-a-kind watch to truly be show stopping.

York Palm Beach

“Where you find the unfindable”

Jewels yafasignedjewels.com

The Jewel of Palm Beach

WELCOME

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to The Mar-a-Lago Club. We are looking forward to the new season and everything it brings into our lives, especially the fond memories.

This year’s issue of The Jewel will include a very special section — a pictorial tribute to Mr. Trump. It will include historic photos of Mr. Trump with celebrities while at Mar-a-Lago, as well as photos of his time as the 45th president of the United States.

Articles will highlight the club’s numerous aspects, including the Beach Club, exciting events from last season, gorgeous culinary creations, and the Mar-a-Lago Junior Tennis Academy, and of course, the Posh Paparazzi section will round out the magazine.

Two nice stories have evolved that are close to home. The wine article will feature our member Gudrun Cuillo, who, along with her husband, Bob, recently deceased, owns two wineries in the Tuscany region of Italy. The Livernano estate and the Casalvento winery are both in the Chianti Classico area. Gudrun will be presenting a Tuscan wine dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Italian Night on the evening of March 14.

It was while Tammy Fender, now a leader of the natural plant-based skin care movement, was an aesthetician many years ago that she began blending her own botanical formulas to treat clients.

It is gratifying to share with you that Tammy had practiced her craft as an aesthetician with us at the Trump Spa before launching her eponymous line of luxury products. The wheel makes a full circle in this issue as Tammy is interviewed for the 2023 issue of The Jewel.

New Year’s Eve at the club was definitely a night to remember. It was an enhancement of last year’s fabulous array of surprise headliners and special appearances. The evening showcased the same great band for the fourth year, Live 61, and streamed closed-circuit — while a complimentary professional photographer was in attendance to capture all the magic moments.

I look forward to greeting each and every one of you at Mar-a-Lago. Best wishes for a wonderful season, good health, and a prosperous 2023.

Live well,

Swing Kids

Inside Mar-a-Lago’s new junior tennis academy

Last summer, The Mar-a-Lago Club officially launched a junior tennis academy for its members’ progeny. The academy — in session during the season and from June to August — is the brainchild of Tennis Director Max Meade, 27, and his older brother, Rich, 31, a former Division I college player with ATP Tour experience who coached Florida Atlantic University’s women’s tennis team. In his spare time, Rich coaches at his Boca Raton-based facility, Trademark Tennis.

Today, the northeast Kentucky natives are teaching the world-beloved sport with loads of essential life lessons included to a fresh crop of budding racket enthusiasts.

Here, the court-savvy siblings talk everything tennis for kids.

Clay courts are watered twice a day and brushed regularly to redistribute the top dressing that comes loose from wind or during play.

Congratulations on the new academy! Why did you start it?

Max: We started holding clinics in June after seeing a need for kids’ tennis in Palm Beach. It made sense since the club’s closed through mid-October, and our clay courts are empty.

Rich: We also wanted to bring back the development side of the sport. Many coaches place emphasis on getting lots of students and making money. We’re here to facilitate the dream, not sell it. We think kids should have buy-in and be able to make their own decisions about what they want to accomplish.

When do students play?

Max: During the season, there are two sessions three days a week from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a group lunch in between. In summer, we bump it to five days.

Rich: Having the opportunity to play nearly five hours a day is unique. There aren’t many places you can get that.

Does everyone play together?

Rich: Kids play in one of three levels — beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Once we’ve determined what they know and how much they’ve played, they’re placed in a group where they’ll thrive.

Max: With experienced players, we find out if they’re training, actively playing in tournaments, or have a USTA [U.S. Tennis Association] ranking so we can create a plan that’s geared towards enhancing their abilities.

What happens on the first day or week?

Rich: We begin by getting to know each individual, and they learn about us and how we operate. Then, everyone’s assigned to a group and court to play on. Sessions kick off with a

10-minute warmup to prepare muscles for play. A lot of time is devoted to the developmental aspects of the game. This includes practicing forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves. We only focus on one or two strokes a day so kids aren’t paralyzed with too much information.

What else will students learn?

Rich: Beginner groups are very straightforward. There’s nothing that’s going to overwhelm kids or make them feel they shouldn’t be out there. In addition to basic techniques like grips, stances, and swings, we teach match formatting and keeping score.

Max: With intermediate and advanced players, we work a lot on directional control, court coverage, developing a game plan, and other tactics that win matches. Depending on what players need to improve, we might focus on doubles-related drills or match play for singles.

Will you get more from a private or group session?

Rich: You’ll get more one-on-one time with a pro during a private, but I take an individual approach to groups. For instance, if someone keeps struggling with the same issue, I’ll work

with him or her separately for a while. Unfortunately, you can’t apply a cookie-cutter approach to problem-solving because everybody’s problems are different. I can guarantee that kids will have a great experience and learn more quickly than they would in a traditional tennis program.

How long before students see improvements in their game?

Rich: Typically, it takes one to two weeks to see results, but I can give everyone something to take away on their first day — and that doesn’t mean if you’ve been wrestling with your backhand, it’s suddenly going to be better. I’m really good at identifying where the problem is, then sorting it out.

Why is tennis a good sport for young people to play?

Rich: In tennis, we’re all on our own island, which means what you put in coincides with what you get out. Being a good player requires discipline, hard work, and the ability to overcome roadblocks. These are important lessons you can apply on the court as well as in life.

What aspects of coaching do you most enjoy?

Rich: When I see my students’ goals come to fruition. I also enjoy working with a mixed bag of people who might be playing for the first time or are participating in tournaments every weekend. I like not being in one kind of mode as a coach.

How’s playing on red clay different from other court surfaces?

Rich: From a coaching perspective, we like teaching on red clay because the ball moves slightly slower. Playing on grass and hard court can be very discouraging because they’re so fast. Having those extra seconds to focus on the technical aspects of the game can be critical.

Is there a dress code for players?

Max: The club has a “90 percent white” policy that applies to shorts, shirts, and socks. Everything else can have colors and prints. I recommend clay court shoes because they help you slide and won’t tear up the court. I also advocate that kids bring their own rackets, but the pro shop has demos in case they don’t have one.

Beach Club Renewal

Barefoot elegance meets Mar-a-Lago sophistication at the Beach Club in sunny Palm Beach

Arrayed in yellow hues nearly as bright as the overhead semitropical sun and with the azure blue Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, the Mar-a-Lago Beach Club is a favorite gathering spot for many club members. Infused with the sounds of children’s laughter, gentle ocean waves lapping onto the shore, and friends greeting one another, it is a happy place — as all of Mar-a-Lago has been since 1927, when it was constructed as the estate of cereal company heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post.

“I would compare it to private European beach clubs, but it is also very relaxed and comfortable,” says Gabor Veres, banquet and Beach Club director.

Never satisfied with anything short of an exceptional experience, staff members start the day early, laying out the cushions, opening the umbrellas, and refreshing the tables and chairs to be certain everything is exactly as it should be. That same top-drawer service continues until the pleasant staff wishes the last guest a good evening.

One comfort guests continually seek is shade. To ensure that wish is met, the pool deck is awash in a sea of relaxing canary yellow chaise lounges and traditional white Adirondack chairs, all topped with large sun umbrellas sheathed in Trump properties’ signature yellow and white stripes. For additional comfort, 2,000 square feet of additional pool decking was added to the north end of the sandstone pool deck this year. New speakers will further enhance the area’s relaxed vibe.

Attired in a fresh and youthful look of dark blue shorts and light blue polo shirts, the friendly and helpful local staff attends to all of their guests’ needs. On holidays and weekends, 200 to 300 people take advantage of the heated pool and beach as well as the large selection of meals and snacks and the assortment of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks served upon request.

“It’s a very casual and cheerful environment. On weekends and holidays, we walk 8 to 10 miles taking care of our club members,” Veres notes. Should club members wonder, the Beach staff is treated very well and enjoys perks themselves, such as the complimentary lunch and dinner they receive every day.

Another new addition to the Beach Club is the private outdoor dining area behind the Bistro. It’s perfect for birthday parties and celebrations or for anyone wishing for some privacy, and members utilizing the area enjoy all Beach Club amenities with the added bonus of private, personal space.

After experiencing some water damage, the Bistro was given a huge facelift. Exuding a charming European ambiance, the fashionable, welcoming space belies the workhorse area it is. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the Beach Club is at its busiest, the unflappable staff makes it look easy as they provide each club member with warm, white-glove, personalized service. Outside, the recently completed fun, beachside Bistro seating area holds up to 40 people.

“We will have a great season,” Veres says. “All of the members have traveled to wherever they return to, and when they come back, they compare Mar-a-Lago and the Beach Club to where they traveled. They always say they missed it so much and how happy they are to be back.”

Some prefer to relax on the lush greens with a quieter atmosphere.

PATIO & GRILL: WHAT’S NEW

A selection of tongue-tantalizing experiences await the gastronomy crowd this season

Basque AROUND

Move over, Bobby Flay. The Mar-a-Lago Club is raising the bar on barbecue. Inspired by the Basque culture’s timehonored tradition of cooking with fire, the patio restaurant has recently welcomed a Josper double Basque grill — the world’s most technologically advanced professional barbecue — for preparing succulent specialties like melt-on-the-tongue Wagyu Delmonico steak and Mr. Trump’s special lamb and for live gastronomy demonstrations.

Nestled at the northern end of the patio fountain, this state-ofthe-art, open charcoal parrilla has the combined capability of smoking, roasting, grilling, and resting multitudinous amounts of meat simultaneously and in a single cooking cycle. Adjustable temperature controls and a revolutionary hydraulic height regulation system that allows each grill to be raised and lowered independently are additional features.

“Now, guests don’t have to wait for their meals to emerge from the kitchen,” says general manager Bernd Lembcke. “They can watch them smoked and flame-kissed to perfection a few steps from their table instead.”

Presidential PLAYLIST

Does music have the ability to enhance the taste, smell, and texture of our favorite foods? According to a University of Oxford study, the answer is yes. Nicknamed “sonic seasoning” by researchers, low-frequency melodies have the ability to augment the flavor of bitter foods like citrus and leafy greens, while songs with higher pitches can ramp up the sweetness in desserts.

Members visiting the patio between 6 and 10 p.m. will be treated to a multisensory dining experience of their own. An extensive, 15-hour playlist curated by Mr. Trump mixes flavor-amplifying tracks like Sarah Brightman’s “Time to Say Goodbye” with palate-pleasing genres ranging from classic rock to the Great American Songbook. So the next time your meal tastes extraordinarily ambrosial, you may have a former president to praise

ON THE MENU

THESE FRESHLY ADDED GEMS WERE INSPIRED BY FOOD-CENTRIC DESTINATIONS LIKE THE GREEK ISLANDS AND FRENCH RIVIERA

DOVER SOLE A LA ROYALE

In this lip-smacking dish, Dover sole’s given the royal treatment with braised mussels and clams and scampi-style shrimp, creamy Champagne sauce, and an edible floral garnish.

MEZZE PLATTER

What menu is complete without a salubrious mezze platter? Here, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and pickled cauliflower share the spotlight with scratch-made essentials like baba ghanoush, hummus, falafel, tzatziki sauce, and puffy pita bread.

GRILLED OCTOPUS

In Lisbon, Portugal, octopus is a piscatorial staple that appears in chilled appetizers, comforting stews, and more. Cooked sous vide overnight to make it fork-tender, this Portuguese octopus is then grilled and plated with zesty tomato-chorizo chutney and crunchy yucca chips.

FOIE GRAS TERRINE

Once enjoyed by ancient Egyptian pharaohs, foie gras has become a symbol of the good life. Executive Chef Bogdan Boerean prepares the French delicacy in a terrine with melted goose fat spooned on top. It’s served with nutcake, pistachio butter, dollops of pureed plums and agar-agar, and micro-flowers flown in from The Chef’s Garden.

GRILLED BRANZINO

Known as branzino in the United States and nicknamed loup de mer, or wolf of the sea, by the French, this grilled sea bass rests on a bed of braised fennel, garlic, onions, and tomatoes with red and black pepper emulsions and fragrant basil oil. “It’s something they would serve in the French Riviera,” Boerean says.

MISO SEA BASS

Miso, a salty soybean paste used by Buddhist monks to preserve food, is a benchmark of Asian cuisine. For the Chilean sea bass, it’s used in a glaze dulcified with honey and mirin, a sweet and tangy rice wine. From there, the sea bass is broiled, oven-roasted, then drizzled with verjuice sauce and accompanied with coconut rice topped in a tropical mango-papaya slaw.

UPSIDE-DOWN APPLE TART

Get ready for a fork fight! Made from caramel mousse and green apple gelatin spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, the chilled tiers of this whimsical upside-down apple tart are built on a brown butter cookie. To complete this Instagram-worthy dessert, pastry chef Chelsea Braswell adds homemade vanilla ice cream, crushed graham crackers, and dollops of green apple gel.

CARROT CAKE

“I really like having fun and doing whatever comes to mind,” says Braswell, whose mouthwatering mini carrot cake makes for a happy apres-dinner ending. Decadent cream cheese buttercream frosting covers and swirls between slices of naked cake infused with autumnal spices like cinnamon and a tropical blend of coconut, pineapple, and carrot.

STRAWBERRY TART

We’re swooning over this lovely strawberry tart covered in custardy strawberry mousse, rows of Chantilly cream, and fanned strawberries layered with apricot glaze. A bold swirl of mixed-berry sauce injects a patriotic touch alongside bright blue and white blossoms.

CLASSIC TIRAMISU

Tiramisu, a name meaning “pick me up” bestowed because of the added coffee and espresso, was conceived at Le Beccherie in Treviso, Italy, less than a century ago. Braswell’s version utilizes layers of creamy mascarpone dusted with Cacao Barry cocoa powder and ladyfingers soaked in coffee, Kahlúa, and amaretto. Dark chocolate sauce and velvety mascarpone ice cream give it a sweet send-off.

Turn of Events

Take a sneak peek into three fabulous events and discover how the Club uses its style and swagger to infuse every soiree with personality.

A successful celebration depends on both form and function. For Mar-a-Lago, the basics of the form come easy. Exquisite ballrooms and gorgeously landscaped grounds are at the ready for those who choose the club for their event. But it is the function or execution of memorable celebrations where the venue truly shines. Every fete is distinct in its vibe, customized details, and unexpected moments that make it truly memorable. For those who haven’t experienced the magic, prepare to step inside three (of the countless) occasions when Mar-a-Lago delivered on its promise of an exquisite event with attitude.

The Wedding of Taylor Stavitsky

&

Jeremy Moskow

An expansive guest list of nearly 300 meant Taylor and Jeremy wouldn’t be able to do the small wedding at home that they originally envisioned. Luckily, Event guru Sara Renee Lowell knew just the place that would allow them to preserve that elevated home dinner party feeling while creating a romantic, sexy and comfortable vibe for guests.

“We never want to compete with what is already there,” says Sara about Mar-a-Lago. “We just make sure we have amazing lighting and some focal points and a few “wow” moments. But with all weddings we plan at Mar-a-Lago, we let the space speak for itself.”

Above: A huge, inviting dance floor, amazing band, and the groom swapping out his Louboutins for stylish sneakers were precursors for a celebration where wedding guests would dance until the early morning hours.

Left: Reception tables were filled with white and blush florals of varying heights, myriad candles, and bold black accents to create a sophisticated and alluring vibe for the evening.

Floating hurricane candles lined the aisle of the ornate room where the couple, who first met at the age of 12 in Hebrew school class and then didn’t reconnect again until they were 23, exchanged vows. Post-nuptials, guests proceeded to a cocktail hour that featured personalized bars and plenty of opportunity to sip and socialize before the reception.

Taylor’s favorite flower, panda anemones, were infused throughout the reception space, along with a carefully curated array of white, black, and blush florals, abundant candles, and mirrored accents to create a chic feel and sparkling visual aesthetic. Additional touches of black and gold added to the glitz and glam.

Those who looked closely at the expansive dancefloor might have spotted a cardinal (which has special significance to Jeremy’s

family heritage) hidden amongst its burgeoning floral design. The band kept guests moving between courses of exquisite food and trips to the whimsical candy bar (featuring the couple’s favorite sweets) that accompanied the traditional wedding cake.

And for those waiting for the “wow” moment, passed espresso martinis announced not the end of the evening but the beginning of a hip afterparty where guests would continue to get their groove on into the wee hours of the night thanks to DJ-selected tracks.

“Our ceremony was breathtaking and ethereal — it was so dramatic you could hear a pin drop,” says Taylor. “This added so many beautiful emotions as we shared our vows. And the reception was the most fun we’ve ever had, with all our family and friends joining us on the dance floor to celebrate our love.”

The Details

Photography: LuvRocks Photography

Planner: Sara Renee Events

Floral Production: Renny and Reed

Bridal Gown: Galia Lahav

Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bridal Jewelry: Wedding band and earrings from Diamonds Direct Boca Raton

Groom’s Tux: Mark Russell

Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Cake: Sweet Guilt by Angelica

Band: Paradigm Party Band

DJ: RockWithU

Lighting: Frost Florida

Hair: Lisa Marie Owens

Makeup: Joanne Marchevsky with Tashy Marie Beauty

Palm Beach Fashion Week

“Evening of Gratitude”

Founded in 2003 by Olympia Devine and her late son Troy Devine, The Palm Beach Fashion Week stitches together style and the multi-faceted community it resides in. That couldn’t be more evident than at the Italianthemed “Evening of Gratitude” they hosted poolside at Mar-a-Lago last year to kick off the fashion-filled week. For this evening, the grassy area next to the pool was transformed into a beautiful Italian pergola with hanging lemons and trees above scattered tables. A carpeted runway with special lighting ran along the pool and through the tables from the spa. Highlights of the Italian-themed menu included inspired bites featuring homemade duck prosciutto, truffle and wild mushroom arancini, and wild boar Bolognese rigatoni. And, in a nod to Southern Italian tradition, limoncello shots were passed for those inclined to partake. Designed to honor a curated list of deserving local community leaders who have made a difference, the invitation-only cocktail event also offered its share of

exciting treats. Renowned violinist Gareth Johnson provided the Italian music for the celebration — along with an exceptional performance by The Palm Beach Elementary Public School Orchestral Strings, who the event benefitted, and Ballet Florida performers.

With fashion at its foundation, the evening also featured exciting glimpses into the designer creations of St. John, Pucci, J’Da Boutique, and Fashionista boutique for Dior and Chanel, Anne Fontaine, Jennifer Tattanelli, and Kim Renk. Each look was a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that shapes the world of fashion and colors Palm Beach with personality.

“The continued success of this event is based on an understanding of the Palm Beach community, as well as the fashion industry,” says Olympia. “The event platforms the Town’s philanthropic leaders, its charities, as well as the fashion designers.”

A delight to all the senses, including the sense of style, this evening marked a dazzling return from a pandemicinduced hiatus.

The Details

Photography: Davidoff Studios Photography

Planner: Olympia Devine of The Palm Beach Fashion Week

Floral Production and Décor: Bruce Sutka

Entertainment: The Palm Beach Elementary Public School Orchestral Strings and renowned violinist Gareth Johnson

Lighting/Sound: Bruce Sutka

Food: Mar-a-Lago

Cocktails:

The Palm Event

One weekend every March, a dazzling array of luxury cars from around the world roars into Palm Beach for the annual Palm Event. A car enthusiast’s dream come true, the Palm Event spans three days and culminates on Sunday with a historical display of more than 100 world-class vintage sporting cars from the 1920s through the 1980s on the Mar-a-Lago lawn surrounding the pool.

The eighth annual Palm Event, held in 2022, was no exception. The cast of automotive standouts included everything from Formula One racing cars to vintage Ferraris to fun cars like the Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit. In addition to gaining unprecedented access to world-class automobiles, attendees of the Palm are treated to exceptional cuisine, wine, and fashion. This isn’t merely a car show; it’s the celebration of a lifestyle.

To impart excitement and steer away from conventional methods, event producers Scott Shrader and Tara Meredith decided not to group by classes when showing the cars. Instead of seeing Jaguar after

Jaguar in one row, the Palm’s artistic display positions brand-new cars immediately next to the older vintage cars.

“The idea is that people get to enjoy all of the cars, not just the old or new,” says Tara. “For example, a father and son could enjoy both old and new and share their passions if they happen to be from different eras.”

An impressive racecar topiary was parked beside the pool, where two mermaids lounged in the crystal waters. Models walked the red carpet runway that encircled the pool, and guests were invited to visit the cigar lounge by Vallorani Cigars and see select Bvlgari jewelry pieces on display. With five-star food and fine wine and cocktails plentiful, the end result was America’s Ultimate Garden Party.

Notable attendees included Palm Beach elite Jackie Siegel, Vanilla Ice, and former President Donald Trump, who took home an award for his Mercedes McLaren. But this day wasn’t about recognition. All proceeds from the Palm Event benefit The Place of Hope, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, stable, and loving environment for children and families in need.

Top left: The poolside fashion show included gifted designers Odalys Marino and Marina St. Barth. Top right: The vehicles assembled spanned multiple decades, styles, and continents of origin to provide every attendee with an experience that transcends generations. Middle left: The Palm Event celebrates the Palm Beach lifestyle by bringing together cars, couture, and epicurean delights in one invigorating day. Middle right: Swan sculptures from Gallery Biba and a live mermaid added to the event’s dynamic pool backdrop. Right: Guests celebrated the engagement of event producers Scott Shrader and Tara Meredith after the unveiling of his 1988 Lamborghini Countach.

The Details

Videography: HammerSport Films by George Hammerbeck

Photography: Schreiterer Studio & Beauty by Matt Media

Event Planner: Tara Meredith

Floral Production: Proparazzi Photos

Fashion Show Production: One Joli Girl

Entertainment: Uki Productions

Sculptures: Gallery Biba

Lighting/Sound: Frost & Uki Productions

Chief Judge: Larry Printz

Weekend MC: Alex Berry

Models: Palm Beach Models

Cigar Lounge: Vallorani Cigars

INSIDE THE SPA AT MAR-A-LAGO

A look at some of the spa’s greatest offerings and the remarkable women who create them

The Mar-a-Lago Club, known as The Jewel of Palm Beach, has some precious gems of its own, especially at the spa. Two notable women who catered to the Mar-a-Lago clientele early in their careers are getting attention from the entertainment industry and celebrity accolades.

La Costa Organic Jewelry, the exclusive jeweler to the club, will begin selling private label lines to Hard Rock hotels worldwide. Meanwhile, Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care, started by a former club aesthetician, is now endorsed by Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Great company to keep. And both businesses became successful when they set about to enhance the beauty of their Mar-a-Lago customers.

La Costa Organic Jewelry founder Soraya Thornton’s designs are geared toward Palm Beach women and their specific tastes. “My best-selling line at Mar-a-Lago represents Palm Beach style,” Thornton explains. “It’s sophisticated, colorful, happy, and bright.”

Very affordable, La Costa pieces range in cost from $200 to $800. “The perfect price point has a lot to do with my line’s success,” she adds. “This isn’t fad costume jewelry, and it’s not expensive diamond jewelry. Our jewelry pairs semiprecious gemstones with illuminating crystals and precious metals with a sterling silver solid core that match a price point reasonable to the discerning customer looking for unmatched quality, uniqueness, and brilliance that say, ‘Hello, world, this is me!’

“Often, customers will buy more than one piece, feel great about how they look and feel, and get hooked. Mar-a-Lago customers are very fashionable and quality- and value-conscious.”

Popular items include white quartz, Persian turquoise, and emeralds. Thornton notes that many of her pieces, all of which she sketches herself, have a design that is modern, functional, and easy to wear during the day and in the evening, making them the perfect travel jewelry.

While Thornton’s jewelry is sold at many luxury resorts throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii) and the Caribbean, the Hard Rock international hotel chain just commissioned her to create a private label collection to be sold in many of its 40 locations globally.

Previously, Thornton, who was born in Colombia, was constantly on the road marketing computer systems — leveraging her George Washington University degree in computer science. After seizing an additional opportunity to be closer to her children by teaching algebra and computer classes at Jupiter Christian School, Thornton followed her ever-present passion for design.

That’s when she began creating “organic” jewelry — with gemstones untreated by coloring, chemicals, or heat — and La Costa Organic Jewelry was born. Thornton started her company 10 years ago and was introduced on the craft show circuit. Positively impacting customers and giving back to community charities are cornerstones of Thornton’s mission.

Top Left: Versatile & Reversible Flower Loops & Lariat

Top Right: Glamorous Raw Emerald Set with Exotic Python Cuff

Bottom Left: Chic Leaf Loops & Necklace in Persian Turquoise

Bottom Right: Tiara Set in Crystals & 24K Gold over Sterling

“Colorful, happy, and bright”

A pioneer in holistic wellness

Tammy Fender makes purity and organic ingredients her lodestar. When she couldn’t find the luxurious botanicals she wanted for skin treatments for her Mar-aLago customers, she started mixing custom-blended formulas in her kitchen.

“When I began in 1988, my focus on the healing power of plants and insistence that lifestyle directly affects the skin were considered ‘alternative medicine,’” Fender says.

Today, she is feted as a pioneer in holistic wellness. American Spa magazine honored her as a Brand Founder Award winner in 2020. “Using the most exquisite and pure natural remedies — from herbs and plant butters to refined marine clays and precious floral essences — her uniquely active, proprietary blends have had a remarkable effect,” the magazine announced when it selected her.

Fender sees this recognition as a vindication of her beliefs. “Because I worked with such exquisite ingredients, the results I obtained confirmed my beliefs of the healing and beneficial power of plants.”

She relies on word of mouth to promote her concept of “slow beauty.” That means glowing skin comes not from just applying cream but from “reconnecting to life’s natural rhythm.”

Fender notes that while her Mar-a-Lago Spa clients may not worry about money, they still deal with stress, which can dull complexions.

“Stress is still stress,” Fender says. “There is a difference in the financial realm, but women in Palm Beach likely have huge demands on their time. They are out and about a lot. They tend not to sleep enough. Especially the jet set — they are in a constant state of movement and moving in many directions. That stress is bad for the skin.”

“A lot of clients say, ‘I want glowing skin.’ But they are overwhelmed with stress and having too many balls in the air. They do not have time for themselves. It is not sustainable,” Fender says.

She follows a “slow beauty” skin care regimen instead of making rash claims that her products can immediately transform someone’s appearance.

“Our skin care reflects what is going on inside. Holistic means looking at the person as a whole — psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s not only about what you put on your skin. It’s about rest, food, and lifestyle choice. If those are imbalanced, it reflects on skin.

“We stay true. We’re not a brand that jumps on trends. Cosmetic companies constantly pump out new products. No. I’ll create a new one when I see a void.

“Clients who have stayed the course with me have major changes. I feel they look younger than when they first came to see me years ago, with amazing results,” Fender says.

Fender’s obsession with purity and integrity can be seen in her clothing. She only wears white. As for her products and packaging: no plastic. Ever. Her creams are sold in recyclable glass jars with no exterior packaging.

Fender’s “exquisite” ingredients include Bulgarian rose, Moroccan rosemary, manuka honey, lavender, lotus, frankincense, and spearmint from Asia. One of her newest products is a bath milk, which isn’t a scrub but a soak, leading to silky skin, she says.

“We source ingredients meticulously and produce small batches. We are not part of a manufacturing chain.

“Our focus is on purity and integrity. We don’t cut corners. That’s why we’ve built a very, very strong, devoted clientele based on the quality of product and level of service.”

Fender lives what she preaches. Her “restore yourself in nature” business philosophy is also her personal way of life. She and her family live on 2 acres in south Palm Beach County with 150,000plus bees in three hives. She also has 35 fruit trees and specialty gardens with vegetables, butterflies, and medicinal herbs.

Academy Award-winning actress Paltrow, who created Goop, a $250 million wellness empire, knows beauty gurus. And she has declared that Fender is “legendary.”

Perfect company for the Spa at Mar-a-Lago.

Happy Hours

Winemaker, writer, and world traveler

Gudrun Cuillo has a definite zest for life

There are not enough hours in the day for Mar-a-Lago Club member Gudrun Cuillo. In addition to running Casalvento, an Italian winery in the Chianti region of Tuscany, and the nearby Livernano, a medieval village restored to its former beauty complete with a boutique hotel and restaurant, Cuillo is debuting her romance novel, Casalvento House of the Wind (Greenleaf Book Group), later this year.

She is the widow of Bob Cuillo, who owned automobile dealerships and the former Cuillo Centre of the Arts in downtown West Palm Beach and also produced Broadway musicals. She was born and raised in Leibnitz, Austria, and now divides her time among three homes: one in Palm Beach; another near Salzburg, Austria; and a third in Tuscany, where she heads the Italian winemaking and hospitality businesses.

Gudrun learned about winemaking during her years with Bob, whose parents were immigrants from southern Italy. In 1997, a realtor alerted Bob about a thousand-year-old farmhouse located atop a hill in Tuscany. Since the entrepreneur wanted to create a legacy for his parents, he bought the property. Not long after, he met Gudrun, who had moved from New York — where she was working and studying — to Palm

Beach after traveling throughout the U.S. and exploring new cities. When the couple visited Casalvento and the hilltop farmhouse, Gudrun liked its charm but knew some renovation was needed. “I loved the house and its potential yet was also excited about the nearly 19 acres of Chianti Classico and the idea of producing wine from the grapes,” Gudrun says of the opportunities available in Radda in Chianti, Italy. “In Austria, my grandparents built wine cellars, and my dad had a hobby of brewing beer. So it is in my blood.”

For Gudrun and Bob, learning the wine-producing business was a labor of love that became an all-encompassing passion. In the beginning, they weren’t going to make the wine themselves — they would have people from a neighboring estate do that. But things changed as they became more familiar with the region. “Since I was so intrigued with doing the whole process and with the selection of wines, Bob told me I should become a farmer and winemaker!” she says.

About two and a half years into planting Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, and Alicante grapes, it became a reality, although “people laughed at us in the beginning,” she admits. “But I loved all of it and learned so much from a variety of experts, including how to speak the Italian language.”

During this time, they discovered the village of Livernano, which they could see from their farmhouse. The couple learned that a Swiss man was making wine as a hobby on an estate there. They were fascinated with the property and agreed to buy the village in 2002, the same year they were married.

They researched the history and then re-created the village (which

dates back to 500 B.C., according to Palm Beach Illustrated) to resemble the original plan, adding modern touches where needed.

They planted the acres with Cabernet, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer and also expanded into other farming areas, like growing vegetables. They rehabilitated and added trees, including olive trees, and even introduced beehives to make honey.

As winemakers, the couple’s first vintage was a tasty 2004 Janus made in their Casalvento garage. From there, the winery dream grew into a professional operation that is now capable of producing about 15 wines, such as Janus; Livernano Purosangue; Livernano L’Anima, a Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc blend; Chianti Classico from Livernano; and Livernano Jupiter.

“It took us nearly a decade to complete the winery and cellar built into the mountainside beneath our home,” Gudrun says of her holdings, which include 540 acres of hills that comprise Livernano and Casalvento,

plus the land in between.

Now Gudrun employs 18 full-time staffers in both wine and hospitality and has implemented a reduced production schedule that has made her business more of a boutique winery, creating only the best of the best vintages.

“We are insistent on quality wine and only make what is best in a single year,” she explains. “Each wine is different, and each year is different. We do express ourselves best through Tuscan wines. And I am 100 percent involved. I even have an import company where I sell wine in the U.S.”

Thoroughly enjoying her work, Gudrun believes that owning a winery is exciting because each day is different. There is nothing routine. As a wine connoisseur, Gudrun loves the tasting after fermentation because she gets a charge out of seeing how the grape juice turns into wine.

“It all comes together in a bouquet of smell with a wonderful taste in my mouth,” says Gudrun, who quips that she has red wine in her veins. “I also love to cook, so I invite friends to come visit me in Italy. I couldn’t boil an egg when I met Bob, but I got interested because I prepared what was in the garden. Now one of my favorite dishes to cook is lemon pasta.”

Another nice touch in Gudrun’s life is that she wants her staff members to feel like family. To keep that fresh, she arranges regular dinners with them when she is in Italy. “We really are like a family,” she says. “We discuss many things while dining together. It promotes goodwill among all of us.”

Her winery and hospitality businesses also offer many other options to guests and visitors. In addition to the extraordinary views, which combine romance with scenes from Italian cinema, there are overnight stays at the charming inn for wine tasting, tours of the area, and lazy holiday respites. The property also includes a chapel for weddings and other special events. Gudrun employs a chef so the ceremony and reception can be held without driving elsewhere.

To get to the winery and inn, Gudrun suggests flying to Florence because the property is about 45 minutes south of the city and 50 minutes north of Siena. Once in Florence, travelers need to hire or rent a car for the remainder of the trip, which lands them smack-dab in the middle of the Chianti region.

With Gudrun’s busy schedule, travel is a way of life. A normal year is a whirlwind of packing, planes, and people. Since she runs the wine operations and the inn and restaurant, she is always on the go.

In March, she opens the hotel for the season and stays for two weeks. “I do the wine blending for the season, concentrating on what is good that year,” she explains. “In June and July, I am very hands-on in the Italian wine cellars and with grapes where I am involved in the long organic process.”

In August, she goes back to her home in

Austria to see family; in September and October, she returns to Italy for harvest. For Christmas, she heads to Austria for a traditional family holiday before landing in Palm Beach by Jan. 15, where she frequents The Mar-a-Lago Club, her favorite home away from homes.

“I love Mar-a-Lago,” she says. “It was my idea to join when Bob was alive. I like the atmosphere and have friends who belong. The staff is friendly and knows my name. When I walk through the gates, I leave any problems outside.”

On March 14, Gudrun plans to host Italian Night, a wine dinner at Mar-a-Lago. The club already serves three of her Italian wines: Chianti Classico, Purosangue, and Janus. But the wine dinner gives her the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of her labor and happily share with others.

During the day, she maintains a healthy lifestyle, keeping fit and energetic by exercising for an hour. She favors a combination of bike riding, beach walking, Pilates, and yoga, all “good for the mood,” she says.

Her future goals are to keep hosting at Livernano, making fine wine for people around the world at Casalvento, and writing about her life in both fiction and nonfiction.

“Wherever I am, I write four to five hours a day,” Gudrun says. “I stay up late at night, and in addition to fiction, I write poetry and describe sunsets, gardens, and other things that I love and see in my travels. My life is focused on writing and making the best wine and hospitality experience possible for my guests in Italy.”

“Before

-Dr.

Juan

To the 45th President of The United States of America

DONALD J. TRUMP

Scott & Mia DeMatteis

Posh

PAPARAZZI

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2023 AT THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB

A distinguished crowd of 700 comprising club members and their lucky guests rang in 2023 in style at Mar-a-Lago’s sold-out New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Attendees of the much-anticipated annual event enjoyed delicious cuisine and spectacular cocktails while reveling in the soiree’s elegant and festive ambiance.

The evening was highlighted by a star-studded entertainment lineup, including Belinda Davids, performer of The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston; Eddie Holman; Jason Aldean; the Live 61 dance band; 18-year-old YouTube star and U.K. sensation Lucy Thomas; Matt Mauser and the Pete Jacobs Big Band; Milan Ivey, with a tribute to his father, Coolio; Michael Cavanaugh, handpicked by Billy Joel to play the lead role in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out; and world-renowned guitarist Orianthi.

On Feb. 3, 2022, Mar-a-Lago proudly hosted the Curetivity Palm Beach Gala: Maison du Bourbon. The New Orleans-themed event benefited the Curetivity Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to create hope and cure kids in the fight against pediatric cancer by supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Guests were treated to the taste and feel of being by the Blue Bayou with poolside cocktails, bourbon tastings, and jazz. A New Orleans-style marching brass band led guests into the Grand Ballroom — beautifully transformed into the Maison du Bourbon, bringing a touch of French Quarter romance to Palm Beach.

The Mar-a-Lago Club

DINING HOURS

• Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday through Sunday

• Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

• Sunday à la carte brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Dinner: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

THE BEACH CLUB

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

• Dining: Poolside and The Bistro, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THE TENNIS CLUB

• Rules of the court: Proper attire is strictly enforced. Members and guests are required to wear all-white attire, collared shirts, and appropriate soft-court tennis sneakers. Running shoes damage the court surface and are not permitted. Please utilize the gates on the north and south side of each court when entering and exiting. This will prevent players from having to stop play to allow people to walk across the court.

• Guest policy: Guests (maximum of 10 visits a season) must register at the Pro Shop. Fee is $25 per person.

FITNESS CENTER AND LOCKER ROOMS

• Daily: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Holidays: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SPA AND SALON APPOINTMENTS

• Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday and holidays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.

SPA STORE

• Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday and holidays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Wednesday evenings: Seafood Buffet

• Thursday evenings: Prime Rib Night

• Thursdays and Sundays: Croquet Clinics

• Select weekends: Live entertainment at The Beach Club

A beautifully renovated Henry Harding Regency style home on a coveted high elevation street. The residence provides gracious li ving spaces, Four ensuite bedrooms, fireplace in living room opening to a family room. Also includes two covered areas for outdoor e ntertaining around the pool and a manicured landscape providing privacy.