As winter settles in, discerning high-net-worth travelers face an enviable choice: Retreat to the snow-blanketed charm of the world’s premier ski destinations or escape to the sun-drenched serenity of tropical shores. This season’s trends offer something for everyone, from the thrill of Alpine slopes framed by majestic mountain vistas to the tranquility of private beachfront villas.
We’re also thrilled to announce the addition of five distinguished leaders to our editorial advisory board. Each brings a wealth of expertise and vision that will help shape our publication’s strategic direction. We look forward to their invaluable insights and contributions in the months ahead.
If you’d like to nominate someone for our board in 2025, please reach out to me at [email protected].
As always, we appreciate any comments, ideas and insights that would make this newsletter more useful. I look forward to growing this family office community with your help. Please email me at [email protected].
HANDPICKED: Ski or sea: The best winter destinations for luxury travelers
By KRISTEN OLIVERI
As winter approaches, luxury travelers face an enticing choice: Embrace the snow-draped splendor of premier ski destinations or seek warmth in exotic locales. Whether drawn to the rush of Alpine sports with mountain vistas or the calm of secluded beachfront villas, this season offers unforgettable experiences for the discerning traveler.
Experienced travelers are increasingly looking beyond U.S. borders for their ski getaways, said Jessica Parker, a luxury-travel adviser and founder of Trip Whisperer. “With U.S. ski resorts becoming more expensive, well-heeled travelers are heading to more far-flung slopes, like the renowned French Alps and Zermatt [Switzerland],” she said. “I also recommend the Dolomites and Andorra, a hidden gem nestled between Spain and France. It’s often overlooked but has been gaining popularity for years.”
Another coveted destination for luxury travelers is Japan, famous not just for its sake and sushi but also for its unique skiing opportunities.
“Japan’s Alps attract skiers seeking novelty and prestige,” Parker said. “With the country’s efficient train system, travelers can visit Kyoto and Tokyo before heading to Mount Naeba for a week on the slopes. The Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola, offers a scenic 25-minute ride with stunning views.”
From the powdery slopes of Aspen to the pristine sands of St. Barths, here’s how to make the most of winter in style, wherever your travels take you.
Ski
For those seeking international charm but looking for a destination closer than Japan, Zermatt remains a timeless favorite. This classic resort features the country’s largest heli-skiing operation and the iconic Gornergrat Railway, one of Europe’s highest cogwheel railways, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
The Essentialist, a membership-based travel service, recommends Chalet Zermatt Peak, an exclusive property perched above the village — with five deluxe double bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, a sky observatory roof and an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi. For alternative luxury stays, Cervo Mountain Resort or The Omnia both offer fine dining and premium accommodations.
For travelers looking to elevate their ski holiday, R Collection Hotels offers a “fly the Alps package” — a blend of luxury, adventure and scenic beauty. Guests can take in sweeping views of the Mont Blanc range and enjoy a helicopter ride between the Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc in Courmayeur, France, and the Montana Lodge & Spa in La Thuile, Italy.
For those preferring to stay stateside, classic ski hubs like Aspen, Telluride and Deer Valley continue to top the list. Santa Fe, New Mexico, however, might surprise even seasoned skiers. Its rich culture, fine arts scene and culinary offerings make it one of the most distinctive ski destinations in the country. The historic Bishop’s Lodge, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, crafts bespoke ski experiences, including heli-ski trips to the Santa Fe Mountain.
Colorado, known for its dependable snow and luxury amenities, continues to impress. Aspen’s Hotel Jerome offers access to four mountains on a single lift ticket: Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. This storied property features classic après-ski activities like “curling and cocktails” in the winter garden and exclusive caviar and Champagne tastings with Petrossian’s “Hotel Jerome selection” Ossetra caviar.
For ski-in, ski-out convenience, top properties such as the Goldener Hirsch in Deer Valley and the Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride deliver seamless luxury experiences.
Sea and sand
For warmer temperatures at sea, island-hopping in the Caribbean on a yacht has never been more appealing and approachable with the likes of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Emerald Yacht Cruises, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas, said Parker.
“These aren’t your average cruises and dining experiences,” she said. “I’ve found lately that most of the cruise lines have made an exceptional effort to bring Michelin quality to sea. The top suites can rival any luxury hotels in the world, with dedicated butlers, private whirlpools, sweeping terraces and more. It's been very impressive to see the luxury range out there now and be able to match clients with the right style, age demographic and experience.”
One location that has become quite popular for those looking to stay on land is Costa Rica. Two properties — The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, a family-owned and locally run boutique beachfront hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica; and the Four Seasons Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo — are excellent options for those seeking sun and adventure.
The Gilded Iguana is designed by and for surfers and outdoor lovers. The hotel is in one of Earth’s five Blue Zones, offering fresh, locally sourced foods and some of the cleanest air on the planet.
The Four Seasons is on the Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre resort community with 15 miles of coast and 31 expansive beaches. The area is known for its adventure experiences, including tree-climbing, zip-lining, biking trails and opportunities to get close to wildlife like iguanas and monkeys.
The St. Barths movement
St. Barths is emerging as a hot spot for the “hotcation” trend, where travelers seek warm-weather getaways during fall and winter. According to Virtuoso’s 2024 Trend Report, travel to St. Barths is up 155%, with the island benefiting from expanded airline routes and increased wellness tourism — which has grown 52% annually across the Caribbean islands.
Le Carl Gustaf is a luxury boutique property nestled on a hillside of Gustavia overlooking St. Barths and is home to 21 suites, a loft and five-bedroom villa. From the hotel, guests can take in the sights of the luxurious yachts and boats parked in the harbor.
The property is home to two exceptional dining options: Beefbar, an international food and beverage brand created by Riccardo Giraudi; and the Shellona Beach Club, which showcases beachside Mediterranean cuisine. Not to miss is an intimate spa experience at the Spa Diane Barrière, which is famous for its innovative facials and skin care brands.
For a secluded, family-friendly experience, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is positioned right on one of the island's top beaches, Flamands Bay. The maison, as it is fondly known, is part of the LVMH portfolio. It is home to 61 rooms, suites and villas — including its five-bedroom residence, Villa de France; a spa; and two restaurants, including its signature fine-dining experience, La Case, by Executive Chef Jean Imbert.
And for travelers who prefer a private villa to a hotel experience, Le Barth Villa rental offers a family retreat collection with charming and lively villas, featuring 24/7 concierge services, private round-trip transfers, daily delivered breakfasts and luxury welcome amenities.
Crain Currency expands editorial advisory board
By KRISTEN OLIVERI
We are excited to announce the addition of five distinguished leaders to our editorial advisory board, each bringing a wealth of expertise and vision to enhance our publication’s strategic direction. The full list of our board can be found here.
Wendy Craft is CEO of the Elle Family Office in Atlanta, managing the Lazarian family's diverse holdings. Previously chief of staff at Fulcrum Equities, Craft brings deep expertise in governance and family office structure. She holds degrees from Kalamazoo College and the Thomas Cooley Law School and earned an LL.M. in tax from Georgetown University.
Christina Lewis is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist as well as the founder of Beatrice Advisors, an independent multi-family office headquartered in New York City. She is an executive producer of a biopic on her father, Reginald Lewis, and has founded Giving Gap and All Star Code, initiatives championing underrepresented communities. A former journalist at The Wall Street Journal, Lewis graduated from Harvard College and lives in New York City with her family.
Princess Jahnavi Mewari is the CEO and senior portfolio manager at Auctus Fora. With over a decade leading family and multi-family office investment firms, she has a robust background in asset management, investment banking and corporate advisory. A graduate in economics, international trade and business, Princess Jahnavi’s career began at Ord Minett/JP Morgan before founding JPM Capital.
Vanessa Reniers leads a multi-generational single-family office, overseeing key aspects of risk management, legacy planning and financial education for the next generation. Formerly at Microsoft, she brings over a decade of strategic leadership, holding a management degree from Purdue University and a Family Office Governance Certification from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Isaac Richard III is the CEO of Mavros Capital, a premier multi-family office and strategic adviser to global entrepreneurs, visionaries and ultra-high-net-worth families. With a strong background from Morgan Stanley, First Republic and J.P. Morgan, Richard leads Mavros' bespoke asset management strategies and chairs its investment committee. He holds a bachelor of arts in economics from Pitzer College and actively supports financial literacy through the Richard Mejia Foundation.
We look forward to their insights and contributions as we continue to shape the future of our publication. To learn more about the editorial advisory board, please contact Editor Kristen Oliveri at [email protected].
LOOSE CHANGE
Why family offices are investing in Cyrannus: The Witter Family Office and Sampoerna Family Office are among a group of investors backing a prediction market app that funds startups using its proprietary rating system. The platform aims to enhance liquidity for venture capital investors.
Are you ready for GivingTuesday? GivingTuesday falls on Dec. 3. Enlightened Philanthropy founder Deborah Goldstein thinks this is a great opportunity to talk with clients about their charitable giving. Are their families ready? If not, here are some ideas to get started.
Sentient Jet launches 25th anniversary card, new benefits: Holders of the limited-edition 25th Anniversary Jet Card who send at least two referrals who become Sentient Jet members will be entered into a drawing to win a 25-night Exclusive Resorts vacation valued at $230,000.
Help us with a story: We’re working on a story about trust and estate planning for wealth preservation. If you have any comments on the topic, reach out to [email protected].