SEA Island LIFE STORIES of the SOUTH EXPLORING REGIONAL LITERATURE FALL/WINTER 2016/17 CELEBRATING A CENTURY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TURNS 100 SEASONAL SHRIMP FRESH FROM THE GEORGIA COAST FASHION EVOLUTION GOLF STYLE THROUGH THE DECADES
The Cloister
4 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 the fall and winter seasons bring favorite traditions and memories to the forefront. With the holiday festivities in full swing and the transition into the New Year, it’s only natural to think back as we move forward, and that’s what we did in several articles in this issue of Sea Island Life. In “A Century of Stewardship” (page 42), we celebrated the National Park Service’s centennial by exploring the organization’s past, present and future role in caring for the country’s most iconic sites. To honor a local milestone, The Spa at Sea Island’s 10th anniversary, we spoke with wellness industry experts about how spa treatments and trends have changed during the past decade in “Treatments Over Time” (page 20). We looked even further back in “Swing Style Through the Decades” (page 32), which details how golf fashion has evolved from tailored tweed inspired by the Scottish links to high-tech fabrics and looks that emphasize individual style. And in “At Your Service” (page 54), we delved into the role of the butler, from the origins of the profession to the increasing popularity of butler service today, like that offered by our butlers at The Lodge. The New Year is also a time for self-reflection. In the “In Living Color” feature (page 48), we spoke with hue experts to discover how we interpret color, and the ways it influences us in different areas of our lives. We also turned to another psychology professional, Michelle Gielan, in “Happy Travels” (page 74), where she provided research-backed advice for making the most of any vacation. When it comes to making the most of your visit to the Island, this issue is packed with inspiration. We featured both the latest additions to the resort, like the delicious new s’mmorier menu (page 36), as well as our exciting events, such as the Geopolitical and Creativity Conferences (page 80). At this special, sentimental time of year, we encourage you to enjoy both the new and the nostalgic here at Sea Island. Sincerely, Scott Steilen President & CEO, Sea Island WELCOME TO SEA ISLAND! WELCOME
MARI MAX 1624 Frederica Road | Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 | 912.634.9999 www.houseacct.com/shops/mari-max | www.marimaxssi | @marimaxssi JACQUIE FINE JEWELRY THE WOODS FINE JEWELRY SUSAN KALAN FINE JEWELRY SPINELLI KILCOLLIN RINGS Mari Max Shopping at Mari Max is like entering the closet of your dreams. JOIE • WILT • PAM AND GELA • ELIZABETH AND JAMES • VINCE • COCLICO • ANNA SUI • • ROBERTA FREYMANN • MIH JEANS • K. JACQUES • PEDRO GARCIA • JOIE • WILT • VINCE REBECCA TAYLOR • VERONICA BEARD • CYNTHIA ROWLEY • LOEFFLER RANDALL
6 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 32. 36. 42. 48. 54. 58. 64. 68. 74. features SWING STYLE THROUGH THE DECADES We look back at how golf fashion has evolved since the sport’s introduction to the U.S. By Chris Chaney SENTIMENTAL SWEETS Favorite childhood confections are reinvented with innovative twists. By Nancy Dorman-Hickson and Sea Island Life staff A CENTURY OF STEWARDSHIP The National Park Service celebrates 100 years of caring for the country’s most iconic sites. By Joe Yogerst IN LIVING COLOR From design and fashion to marketing and beyond, different hues shape how we perceive the world. By Tiffanie Wen AT YOUR SERVICE Butlers represent the pinnacle of guest care. By Matt Villano and Sea Island Life staff CHEERS TO CHAMPAGNE Sweet, dry, rich or creamy, the flavors of sparkling wine are as complex as its history and creation. By Rebecca Cahilly-Taranto STORIES OF THE SOUTH The southeastern states are steeped in a rich literary history that continues today. By Ashley Burnett MASTERING THE MINI-MOON Today more newlyweds are opting for little trips after the big day. By Kristin Devoto and Sea Island Life staff HAPPY TRAVELS Make the most of vacation time with expert advice for reducing stress and experiencing joyful journeys. By Amber Lanier Nagle 42 36 58 FALL/WINTER 2016/17 SEA Island LIFE
8 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 departments WELCOME LETTER SEASONAL FLAVORS: THE FRUIT OF THE SEA Georgia’s white shrimp are among the most coveted varieties in the world. LIBATIONS: LOCALLY MADE Craft distillers are on the rise in Georgia, creating artisan spirits with homegrown ingredients. SOUTHERN STYLE: BLACK-TIE AFFAIR Expert advice and online resources simplify the art of formal attire. OUTWARD BOUND: LEADING LADIES Olympians like Corey Cogdell and Morgan Craft are changing the world of competitive shooting. MIND + BODY: TREATMENTS OVER TIME In honor of The Spa at Sea Island’s 10th anniversary, we look back at how the spa industry has evolved. GET FIT: FIT FOR LIFE Functional fitness improves quality of life by strengthening muscles needed for everyday activities. SEA Island LIFE STORIES of the SOUTH EXPLORING REGIONAL LITERATURE FALL/WINTER 2016/17 CELEBRATING A CENTURY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TURNS 100 SEASONAL SHRIMP FRESH FROM THE GEORGIA COAST FASHION EVOLUTION GOLF STYLE THROUGH THE DECADES FC_SI8_NEW2.indd 1 9/14/16 7:48 AM DISCOVER SOUTHERN LITERATURE ON PAGE 64. 4. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22. FALL/WINTER 2016/17 SEA Island LIFE FAMILY FIRST: ART FOR ALL AGES Coloring books aren’t just for children anymore— new options abound for adults, encouraging all members of the family to reap the benefits of this creative pastime. IN THE SWING: SHOOTING FOR PERFECTION Parsons Xtreme Golf is changing the world of golf equipment. ON THE ISLE: DID YOU KNOW? Whether through postcard or email, Sea Island stories are meant to be shared. FAVORITE THINGS: SPECIAL EVENTS From educational lectures to notable personalities, Sea Island’s special events offer unforgettable experiences for guests. TRADITIONS: TRYING TIMES Thanks to ingenuity, and a little frugality, Sea Island’s scrip helped the company and its employees survive the Great Depression. SEA ISLAND STYLE Find the latest looks from your favorite brands, plus sporting gear, gourmet goods and more at the wide variety of shops. EXPERIENCE SEA ISLAND This guide includes what’s new, dates to save and other Island notes. EXPERIENCE THE BROADMOOR Learn about our sister property, The Broadmoor, and discover its news and latest events. THEN AND NOW: LAVISH LOCKER ROOM Now an iconic lounge space for guests and members, the modern Men’s Locker Room in The Lodge had unexpected beginnings. 24. 26. 28. 29. 30. 78. 80. 84. 98. 16
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10 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sonia Chung MANAGING EDITOR Katherine Duncan ASSOCIATE EDITORS Ashley Burnett, Elizabeth Nutt, Sharon Stello, Briana Verdugo MARKETING DESIGN DIRECTOR/ART DIRECTOR Paul Graff JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION ARTIST Shaylene Brooks CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jackie Adams, Jessica Leigh Brown, Rebecca Cahilly-Taranto, Chris Chaney, Kristin Devoto, Nancy Dorman-Hickson, Laura Janelle Downey, Sarah Gleim, Vicki Hogue-Davies, Dale Leatherman, Michelle Franzen Martin, Amber Lanier Nagle, Davina van Buren, Matt Villano, Tiffanie Wen, Joe Yogerst PHOTOGRAPHER/PHOTO EDITOR Jody Tiongco DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Kim Zepezauer SALES ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Carrie Robles [email protected] 305-431-5409 NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Maryellen Case [email protected] 914-953-3202 PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Megan Shelhamer FINANCE ACCOUNTING MANAGER Cyndy Mendaros CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steve Zepezauer CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Scott Sanchez CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER & SPECIAL PROJECTS Donald Nosek PRESIDENT & CEO Scott Steilen CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Parra Vaughan MANAGER, MARKETING & CRM Jessica DiVincent STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Eliot VanOtteren ©2016 BY FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PERIODICAL MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM SEA ISLAND LIFE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND ADVERTISERS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE OWNERSHIP OR MANAGEMENT OF THE MAGAZINE OR SEA ISLAND. TO OUR READERS: Sea Island Life invites you to share with us your reactions to our magazine. Send your correspondence to Editor, Sea Island Life, 385 Second St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or to [email protected]. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Sea Island Life accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Carrie Robles at [email protected]. Sea Island Life, 385 Second St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651; 949-715-4100. SEA Island LIFE
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12 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 SEASONAL FLAVORS the white shrimp caught off the coast of Georgia are considered some of the best tasting on the planet, with chefs worldwide prizing them for their texture and flavor. Shrimpers have fished around the coast of Georgia in search of these crustaceans for years. The industry runs deep and encompasses whole generations of families, like Native Seafood owner and shrimper Timmy Stubbs’ clan. His grandfather, Capt. Darcy Elton Stubbs, was the harbormaster in Brunswick, Ga., until he passed away in 1995 at age 75. Southern Tide Fried shrimp from Southern Tide THE FRUIT OF THE SEA GEORGIA’S WHITE SHRIMP ARE AMONG THE MOST COVETED VARIETIES IN THE WORLD. BY SARAH GLEIM
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 13 WHITE SHRIMP Flavor: Mild with a natural sweetness Texture: Tender and crunchy Color: Light gray body with dark coloration on the tail, and yellow band on part of the abdomen Harvest: Spring and fall Best dishes: Paired with grits, used in a low-country boil BROWN SHRIMP Flavor: Strong and somewhat salty Texture: Firm, never stringy or mushy Color: Tail usually has a reddish band, and body has a slightly red hue Harvest: July and August Best dishes: Stuffing, shrimp étouffée and thick stews SHRIMP SQUARE OFF White and brown shrimp are both common in Georgia, but the two have distinctly different characteristics. Sea Island’s bread and butter pickled shrimp SHRIMP ILLUSTRATIONS BY SHAYLENE BROOKS His five sons and two daughters are all shrimp and tug boat captains, and now his grandson, Timmy Stubbs, provides chefs and restaurants in Atlanta and Georgia’s Golden Isles with fresh shrimp. But the legacy of the Stubbs family extends past the harbor. Some speculate that Stubbs’ uncle, Bobby, created the first mongoose fishing net, featuring an improved design that allowed fishermen to bring in bigger hauls. National Fisherman even took a picture of him for its magazine. “Commercial shrimping … started here in Brunswick,” Stubbs explains. “But it really kicked off when the fisherman made changes to the nets that allowed them to catch a ton more shrimp. Legend says my uncle Bobby made the new custom net, but the net builder got the credit.” By the mid-1970s, a modified net system had changed the shrimping industry completely. White shrimp are still being harvested the same way today from the waters of Georgia’s barrier islands, thanks in large part to the appeal of their sweet flavor. In fact, sweetness is one of the qualities that make them so unique. “Two things stand out about white shrimp: their sweetness and texture,” says Jason Russell, executive chef at Sea Island’s Beach Club. “That’s why they lend themselves to so many different foods, especially dishes like shrimp and grits, where you have creamy grits and crispy bacon.” Frying is another classic way to prepare them. Russell’s are lightly breaded and flash fried at several Sea Island restaurants. And of course, shrimp and grits are always on the menu. “Both are so abundant in this area—we focus on eating local and organic, and texturally and flavor-wise, shrimp and grits just go together,” Russell says. Russell also says he loves pairing white shrimp with salty foods. “Because they are so sweet, they go great when prepared with things like bacon,” he says. But he also experiments with more unusual flavor combinations, like his bread and butter pickled shrimp, which is a favorite among guests at Sea Island. “You lightly cook the shrimp in water first, and then toss it in pickling liquid,” he explains. “I use leftover bread and butter pickling juice. It’s a delicious way to prepare them in the heat of the summer.” While summer is a popular season for enjoying this particular seafood, both Russell and Stubbs say the best time of the year for Georgia’s white shrimp is actually in the autumn months. “Wild Georgia white shrimp hasn’t been successfully pond raised,” Stubbs explains. “… So in spring we will get a decent crop, but it depends on the weather. The fall crop is more plentiful and … the best.” Russell says he enjoys cooking the white shrimp in the fall the most because the season is the ideal time for firing up the grill and cooking the seafood delicacies outside at the resort in true Southern fashion. Sea Island guests can enjoy the low-country boil out in the fresh air. “We use the shrimp in our low-country boil, and do the dinner outside where we can just dump everything out on the table,” he says. “I just peel and eat the shrimp—that’s what I love the most.” m
14 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 Richland Rum is crafted from local ingredients. Sugar cane found on the Richland Estate LOCALLY MADE CRAFT DISTILLERS ARE ON THE RISE IN GEORGIA, CREATING ARTISAN SPIRITS WITH HOMEGROWN INGREDIENTS. BY JESSICA LEIGH BROWN as the popularity of craft brewing continues to skyrocket throughout the nation, craft distilleries are also gaining traction—and in Georgia, Richland Rum is leading the charge. The company’s careful approach to distilling reflects the public’s appreciation for natural, locally sourced ingredients. There are no artificial flavors, colors or additives in Richland Rum’s products; its rum is crafted from water and sugar cane grown on-site. “We’re the only rum distillery in America that grows its own sugar cane,” says owner Erik Vonk. Field-to-Glass Vonk learned the value of rum from his grandfather, a connoisseur who made a hobby of exploring the libation during his travels as a merchant mariner. “I grew up in Holland and my mom’s dad traveled around the world in search of good rums,” Vonk says. It turned out that the varieties made from unrefined sugar cane held the taste and quality that Vonk’s grandfather sought. Decades later, Vonk was living in Atlanta when he discovered that the Richland area, an approximately three-hour drive south of the city, was historically used to grow sugar cane. “I had a ‘eureka’ moment,” he says. “We were within arm’s reach of starting our own rum distillery, so as soon as there was an opportunity to acquire land here, we did.” Vonk and his wife, Karin, moved to Richland in 1999 and began growing sugar cane in a small area of the farm. “The whole objective was to bring back LIBATIONS
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 15 Richland Rum is aged in oak barrels for three to four years. authentic rum-making by growing our own base product, fermenting, distilling, aging, bottling and selling it,” he says. “It’s really a field-to-glass operation here.” After years of experimentation with the growing process, the Vonks obtained one of the few distillery licenses issued by the state of Georgia since Prohibition ended. Carefully Processed Every autumn, Vonk and his team plant a new crop of sugar cane at the Richland farm, setting in motion the lengthy process of rum production. “Sugar cane is planted by taking pieces of stalks and burying [them] horizontally,” Vonk says. “We plant in late fall, nurture it until the next fall and wait as long as we can before the first frost to harvest.” Harvesting the cane involves stripping leaves, cutting stalks and crushing them to squeeze out the juice, which is evaporated and condensed to create syrup. Vonk then adds yeast and allows the mixture to ferment for five to six days. “The yeast converts the sugar into alcohol and our end product is sugar cane wine,” he says. “We send that wine to an old fashioned pot still, which separates the alcohol from the wine.” Distilling takes about 15 hours. The resulting rum is stored in American white oak barrels for three to four years. “While it’s aging in the barrels, the rum interacts with the tannins in the oak wood, giving it color and a much broader, deeper aroma and flavor profile,” Vonk says. After years of investment and hard work, Richland Rum is now available in 14 states and several countries. This spring or summer, the company will establish a location in Brunswick, Ga., ensuring that they’ll be able to keep up with growing demand. m OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHLAND RUM; THIS PAGE: LEFT COURTESY OF RICHLAND RUM; RIGHT COURTESY OF GOLDENISLES.COM WELCOME TO BRUNSWICK Richland Rum is expanding to historic downtown Brunswick, Ga. Richland Rum’s second distillery is scheduled to open in late spring or early summer 2017. Just a short drive from Sea Island, the new location in Brunswick will produce only silver rum and offer visitors a chance to see the distilling process in action, just as they can at the original Richland estate. In addition to tours of the distillery, the coastal city, settled in 1738, offers a variety of activities and sights for a half- or full-day excursion. Located downtown, the historic Ritz Theatre hosts concerts and art exhibits. Art lovers can also check out Art Downtown SoGlo Gallery, which features regional and local artists, or Brunswick Stewdio, a co-op of artists, craftspeople and other creatives from the community. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the monument of James Oglethorpe, the founder of the British colony of Georgia. Historic Tours Downtown also offers walking excursions of the downtown area, covering many of the most significant properties. For those seeking a less scheduled experience, guidebooks are also available at the Old City Hall, pinpointing all of the notable historical sites. The Ritz Theatre ON THE RISE Fellow Georgia craft operation Old 4th Distillery opened its doors in Atlanta in 2014 and currently offers bottles of vodka and gin. “We’re the only distillery in the city of Atlanta ... the last one operating was in 1906, before Prohibition,” explains owner and master distiller Jeff Moore, who owns the company with his brother Craig Moore and business partner Gabe Plato. “We use cane sugar grown on a small farm in southern Louisiana. For our gin, we pick all our juniper berries at Oakland Cemetery here in Atlanta.” Visitors can also learn about the history of distilling in Atlanta while touring the Old 4th Distillery. “We currently have the world’s largest collection of [Atlanta] distilling antiques in our tasting room,” Moore says. Other Georgia-based craft operations include Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery, which uses family recipes from 150 years ago to create an authentic moonshine, and Thirteenth Colony, which creates small batches of whiskey, vodka and gin with locally sourced ingredients.
16 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 or many, formal events are rare occasions. This makes the opportunities that much more exciting—but can also lead to uncertainty. “Most people get intimidated by formal wear because it is something that we don’t do every day,” says stylist Jabe Mabrey. “I have clients that never show their shoulders, or put on heels, much less wear an updo. And most men hate wearing ties—let alone a bow tie and cummerbund. That has to be uncomfortable if you are not used to dressing … [formally].” For those who want a little guidance when preparing for their next soirée, stylists at department stores and designer boutiques can assist with garment selection and provide personalized tips. Online companies like Rent the Runway and The Black Tux can also lend a hand, putting clients at ease by offering designer apparel for rent (including black-tie attire and formal dresses), styling appointments and advice, as well as free shipping on returns. “Rent the Runway allows women to rent a gown that would normally cost thousands of dollars for only a couple hundred,” Mabrey says. “And men can do the same thing at The Black Tux … these websites are so fashion-forward that you can build your tux in a matter of minutes.” Whether you’re investing in a garment for life or renting it for one night, Mabrey says that proper fit is essential. The Black Tux allows clients to tailor their suits, even providing detailed instructions that can be printed out and taken to a local tailor. And while formal events may require attire that isn’t worn every day, personal style still comes into play. For example, for men, a bow tie to a formal event might be the expected choice, while a necktie feels more relaxed. Dressing your best is part of the experience. Before your next formal occasion, open a bottle of Champagne, practice dancing with your partner and make getting ready a part of the big event. m BLACK-TIE AFFAIR EXPERT ADVICE AND ONLINE RESOURCES SIMPLIFY THE ART OF FORMAL ATTIRE. BY LAURA JANELLE DOWNEY SOUTHERN STYLE 1. ABBEY GLASS INGE TOP, $154, AND ROSE SKIRT, $352 (ABBEY-GLASS.COM) f
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 17 8. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. ZAC POSEN PLEATED OFF-THE-SHOULDER GOWN IN MIDNIGHT, $5,990 (NEIMANMARCUS.COM); 3. ESCADA SILK GOWN, $3,950 (ESCADA LENOX SQUARE, 404-816-9671); 4. ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET JERI EMBELLISHED T-BACK SLIM LEG JUMP SUIT, $695 (ALICEANDOLIVIA.COM); 5. SELF PORTRAIT LONG-SLEEVE PLEATED LACE-TRIM GOWN IN OFF-WHITE, $1,350 (NEIMANMARCUS.COM); 6. SID MASHBURN DARK NAVY WOOL MOHAIR TUXEDO WITH MOHAIR/SILK GROSGRAIN TRIM, $1,750 (SIDMASHBURN.COM); 7. CANALI CURVED STAINLESS STEEL CUFF LINK WITH RAISED MOTIF, $255 (CANALI.COM); 8. BRACKISH BOW TIES MANTIS 2.0, $195 (SEA ISLAND SHOP, 912-638-5172); 9. BRUNELLO CUCINELLI CLASSIC DERBY SHOE, $1,275 (BRUNELLOCUCINELLI.COM); 10. BROOKS BROTHERS 1818 ONE-BUTTON FITZGERALD NAVY TUXEDO, $1,198 (BROOKSBROTHERS.COM) 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ALICE + OLIVIA, CANALI AND BRUNELLO CUCINELLI PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE STORES AT THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA
18 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 LEADING LADIES OLYMPIANS LIKE COREY COGDELL AND MORGAN CRAFT ARE CHANGING THE WORLD OF COMPETITIVE SHOOTING. BY JACKIE ADAMS Olympians Morgan Craft (top left) and Corey Cogdell (bottom right) when the first modern-day Olympic Games were held in Athens in the summer of 1896, there were only nine sports. These included shooting, and only 241 athletes participated, all of whom were men. Today the Olympics have evolved into a vast, multiday event with 28 contested sports and a diverse mix of thousands of athletes, including women who have joined the ranks of competitive shooters. Olympians Corey Cogdell, 30, and Morgan Craft, 23, are two of the women who are excelling in the world of shooting. Both athletes grew up exposed to guns from a young age and participated in their local 4-H shooting sports programs, where they fell in love with the sport. But it wasn’t until they were older that they realized they could pursue their passion at an Olympic level. “Growing up, I never would have even known about our Olympic sport were it not for a coach who worked at our local shooting club,” Craft says. “I grew up hunting with my family. We were always involved in the outdoors and hunting, but ... we never knew that shooting was an actual Olympic sport.” Thanks to a spreading awareness of the sport and a shift in societal norms, more women than ever are trying their skill with a gun. Research by the National Sporting Goods Association shows female participation in target shooting grew by 46.5 percent between 2001 and 2010, and an October 2011 OUTWARD BOUND TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF USA SHOOTING
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 19 Gallup poll found that 23 percent of women own a gun in the United States. “Over the past 10 years there has been a big influx of women joining the shooting sports, as well as becoming ... outdoors enthusiasts in regards to hunting and fishing,” Cogdell says. “I think as our society changes, it’s ... more socially acceptable for girls to be involved in a more … [male-dominated] sport. I think women are becoming more empowered and … [have] the courage to try something that maybe before had the connotation that it was something that guys go out and do on the weekends.” Cogdell took up competitive shooting very early in life and participated in her first Olympic Games in 2008, where she earned a bronze medal for trap shooting (in which clay targets fly away from the shooter). She also represented the U.S. in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and earned a second bronze medal for women’s trap in the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Craft qualified for the 2016 Olympics after winning a gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation World Championships, becoming the 2015 world champion in women’s skeet (in which clay targets cross in front of the shooter). For those who are new to the sport, Craft recommends trying out all the different types of shooting, such as trap, skeet or sporting clays, to figure out which type is the best personal fit. “There are several different disciplines in shotgun shooting, and one may not be for a certain person, but they may really enjoy the other,” Craft says. She also stresses the importance of using the correct equipment. “Gun fit is a very big deal in shooting. It’s hard to be extremely successful without a gun that fits you and is customized for you.” In addition to getting the right fit, learning how to shoot from a professional is one of the best things new participants can do. “Go to your local gun club and find someone to give you a lesson,” Cogdell says. “With the shooting sports technique … starting out and not developing bad habits is one of the most crucial things .... [to avoid] becoming frustrated and … [to achieve] success in the sport.” m FEMININE FIREPOWER The Sea Island Shooting School offers expert guidance for women who are interested in sport shooting. Jon Kent, director of outdoor pursuits at the resort, runs the Sea Island Shooting School and has prepared a one-hour ladies-only shooting clinic, entitled the Annie Oakley Hour, to teach fundamentals to beginners. The course begins by fitting the participants with the proper gun, followed by a safety rundown before an hour of practice on a skeet field. “It’s a great place to start as a beginner and learn the fundamentals,” Kent says. “We’re trying to make sure that they learn it the right way and [that] they are having a comfortable, fun experience for the first time. That’s the key: Keep it nice, simple and easy and make sure that they hit some targets—that’s what brings them back.” Over the past 10 years there has been a big influx of women joining the shooting sports ...” —COREY COGDELL “
20 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 the global spa industry has changed radically over the past decade. While trends are often short-lived, other movements seem poised to have a lasting impact. For instance, the one-size-fitsall treatments of the past are now giving way to more customized care, and exotic ingredients are being replaced with locally sourced alternatives that provide a sense of place. “Things were … more generic 10 years ago,” says Beth McGroarty, director of research for the Global Wellness Institute and Spafinder Wellness. She compares the increasing popularity of incorporating local ingredients in spa treatments to the farmto-table movement that has transformed the restaurant business. “People are obsessed with authenticity and what is local all over the world … [things] such as ingredients in treatments, or indigenous experiences, are one of the megatrends. If you are in Canada, you might have a maple sugar scrub, or if you are in California, they might do sea salts. It is about trying to be more authentic to the place [where] you are.” This move toward individualization and localization can also be seen at Sea Island. Botanical Gomage and Gifts from the Sea were just a couple of the colorful treatments listed on The Spa at Sea Island’s menu 10 years ago. Today, the spa emphasizes effectiveness and personalization. “Back then, there were a lot of body polishes, dry brushing and body treatments,” says Ella Stimpson, director of spa, fitness and racquet sports at Sea Island. “Half the collection was focused on something in addition to massage, so you had massage and some kind of body treatment whipped in. It became very complicated. What we have MIND + BODY Tailored treatments, such as the customized massages at Sea Island, continue to become more popular. found through the years is most people just want a really good, customized massage.” Stimpson is especially fond of the spa’s new All the Right Moves massage. “… [It] combines Thai massage, which feels good, with beautiful, long Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes that mimic the waves on the ocean, and then a Swedish or deep tissue [massage] depending on what your body needs.” Advancements in technology and modern insight into skin health have also led to more effective approaches. At The Spa at Sea Island, the new HydraFacial MD® uses a patented Vortex Fusion system to perform corrective treatments on all complexion types. The process uses hyaluronic acid and peptides to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and extract via a hydradermabrasion service, combating concerns such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Other enhancements such as LED light therapy can also be added to the treatment, depending on the individual’s specific skin needs. Spa-goer demographics are also shifting; as a result, treatments that are specifically tailored to men, teens and even children are now readily available due to the increased popularity of spa treatments among those groups. The Spa at Sea Island offers a Swedish massage for teenagers and the Heavy Hitter massage for men, among other options. Other changes that both Stimpson and McGroarty note are the addition of other types of health and wellness programming, such as cooking classes, outdoor activities and alternative therapies. For instance, The Spa at Sea Island now offers cryotherapy; Stimpson says it is the first resort spa in the country to do so. The practice is similar to taking a short, intense ice bath after physical activity, and can offer benefits such as faster muscle recovery. Ultimately, today’s spa visit is about relaxing and enjoying the experience. “People want to have fun on vacation,” Stimpson says. “We play upbeat music and offer a bellini on arrival. We want people to come here to have fun with friends, to hang out and laugh.” m TREATMENTS OVER TIME IN HONOR OF THE SPA AT SEA ISLAND’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY, WE LOOK BACK AT HOW THE SPA INDUSTRY HAS EVOLVED. BY VICKI HOGUE-DAVIES
INDEPENDENT, ADVENTUROUS, GRACIOUS AND GLORIOUS. JUST LIKE YOU.
22 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 there’s a new workout trend, and it doesn’t require heavy weights or protein shakes. Functional fitness training focuses on building muscles that assist with regular motions like climbing stairs. The exercises are intended to make daily activities easier and may also help prevent common injuries. Functional workouts that address balance in older people, for example, can help them avoid falls, reducing the possibility of broken bones. “Exercises within a functional fitness program account for everyday life movements, such as getting out of bed [and] getting up and down from a chair,” says Bill Gabriel, a doctor of physical therapy and fitness expert at Performance Chiropractic in Irvine, Calif. “It involves the coordinated effort of a bunch of different joints and a bunch of different muscles at once.” Gabriel also adds that, in comparison with workouts like leg extensions or curls that only work on certain isolated muscles, functional fitness exercises such as lunges and squats are more relevant to day-to-day life. Randy Myers, director of golf fitness for Sea Island, agrees with the benefits of this approach to health. “Many people wait until it is too late and [they] are injured or have a specific problem with their hips, knees or back,” Myers says. “Getting involved [in a functional fitness program] today is beneficial for the long run. And it doesn’t exclude anyone—you can be 8 to 88.” GET FIT FIT FOR LIFE FUNCTIONAL FITNESS IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE BY STRENGTHENING MUSCLES NEEDED FOR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES. BY VICKI HOGUE-DAVIES The varied activities in functional fitness also make it more entertaining than following the same old workout routine. “It’s an exercise that doesn’t involve the same machine every time you get into the gym—it’ll keep you on your toes,” says Tom Hemmings, fitness operations and training supervisor at Sea Island. The Sea Island Spa and Fitness Center offers more than 50 classes a week, focusing on different functional-type movement lessons, in addition to one-on-one training, in which experts develop individualized programs for specific needs. “It is an educational training that will teach you about the way your body moves,” Myers says. “Does one side of the body have a deficiency or limited balance? Is your range of motion better on one side than the other? It will give you an important understanding from a kinesiology standpoint.” Myers also says that functional training can help golfers, tennis players, squash players and participants of other longevity sports elevate their game by conditioning the right muscles according to each activity. It’s important to consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new fitness program. It is also critical to be selective when choosing a trainer. Gabriel recommends looking for trainers with certifications from credible organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association or the Titleist Performance Institute. But above all, remember that embracing a new approach to fitness can impact so much more than muscle tone. “Not a lot of people like change,” Hemmings says, “but we’re trying to prove that change can improve some aspects of life.” m A cycling class at Sea Island Functional fitness workouts emphasize practical strength over developing isolated muscles.
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24 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 Johanna Basford’s “Secret Garden” was a best-seller. Color in Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story. the family that plays together stays together, and the family that colors together stays together, too—especially now with a plethora of coloring books available for kids and grown-ups alike. Numerous adult coloring books have appeared on store shelves in recent years, making the activity as much of a pastime for mom and dad as it always has been for kids. The numbers are overwhelming: Data released in January 2016 from Nielsen BookScan, which covers approximately 85 percent of the general retail sales for physical books in the United States, shows sales surged to 12 million copies of adult coloring books in 2015, up from 1 million in 2014. Adults who partake often find the experience comparable to meditation, while for children the beloved playtime ritual offers a creative outlet, as well as the potential to improve fine motor skills and handwriting. The benefits are even greater when families enjoy the activity together. According to Jennifer Schwartz, chair and field placement coordinator for the undergraduate art therapy department at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, coloring provides bonding time, relaxation and is a great way to spend an afternoon. “Art-making in general is a healthy human activity that has been a survival skill for humans over … thousands of years,” says Schwartz, who—prior to teaching—was the executive director of the Art Therapy Studio, a Cleveland facility that practices healing through art. “Just as our bodies need exercise, our brains do, too, and creative activity is … good exercise for your brain, because it engages the brain on multiple levels. Another major benefit is the ‘flow’ state of consciousness we can achieve when we are coloring, where our sense of time falls away and we get absorbed in the process.” For writer Donna Hull, this flow is exactly why she got into creating adult coloring books. Hull is a travel writer by trade, but has authored two coloring books and has more on the way. She says she began coloring as a way to relax before bedtime in the hopes that her quality of sleep would improve. When it worked, she was hooked. “I have a busy brain,” Hull says. “When I color, my mind doesn’t have room to pay attention to the thoughts that are flitting around. The simple act of choosing colors, then spreading them across a design, is all-encompassing. Coloring actually gives my busy brain a rest.” Compared with those created for children, adult coloring books typically feature more intricate imagery; subjects can range from those similar to kids’ versions, like fairy tales, to wanderlust-inspiring landscapes. There is something to meet nearly every interest. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Colouring Book” by Lewis Carroll is a popular option, featuring black-line illustrations by Sir John Tenniel that were taken from the original “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” The book also adds decoration and imagery from modern interpretations of these two classics. The book fits in perfectly with the Alice in Wonderland theme of Sea Island’s Christmas celebration at the Beach Club this year. For those seeking a coloring book with a more realistic theme, “Coloring the West” by Hull, with help from designer Carey Ruhl, offers 35 pages recreated from actual photos, some of which were taken by the author of popular destinations in the American West. The book includes scenic landscapes, historical buildings and wildlife close-ups. In addition to the detailed illustrations, some coloring books offer additional entertaining elements, such as “Secret Garden” by Johanna Basford. It includes a “Where’s Waldo”-like feature that encourages you to find characters and treasures hidden on each page. But whether you’re coloring an illustration of a famous national park or filling in your favorite Disney character, the hobby offers benefits for all. So gather the family, grab some refreshments and get started on a coloring book. Not only will you produce some beautiful pictures, you’ll create great family memories, too. ❍ ART FOR ALL AGES COLORING BOOKS AREN’T JUST FOR CHILDREN ANYMORE— NEW OPTIONS ABOUND FOR ADULTS, ENCOURAGING ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF THIS CREATIVE PASTIME. BY MATT VILLANO FAMILY FIRST “SECRET GARDEN”: COURTESY OF LAURENCE KING; “ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN IN WONDERLAND”: MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS
FALL/WINTER 2016/17| SEA ISLAND LIFE 25 COLOR IN THESE SEA ISLAND FRIENDS
26 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 arsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) aims to revolutionize the way the game is played. Its innovative clubs were developed with with no time or cost constraints, and 50 patents later, they have found fans worldwide—from PGA players to casual golfers looking to improve their performance, such as founder Bob Parsons. A self-described “golf nut,” serial entrepreneur Parsons spends hours on the course and practice range, in addition to the extra time spent in his “golf room” with launch monitors such as those from TrackMan Golf and Foresight Sports. In late 2014 he combined his passion for the sport with his entrepreneurial experience (he founded website domain hosting company GoDaddy, among others) and started PXG with the goal of creating the world’s best golf equipment. “I’m just an average golfer looking for an edge,” Parsons says. “Before launching PXG ... I [tried] the latest equipment. I knew, with help from the best club designers and engineers, I could make a better golf club. “Every venture I’ve launched has started as a passion project,” he continues. “PXG clubs are made first and foremost for me, but don’t let that fool you. ... We set out to create the world’s finest golf equipment and I believe we have done just that. Our sales are growing and the feedback has shattered my wildest expectations.” A Club is Born Parsons recruited two of the most experienced designers in the business for his project: Mike Nicolette, a former PGA TOUR player and former senior product designer for golf equipment manufacturer Ping, and Brad Schweigert, Ping’s former director of engineering, who both found the opportunity irresistible. “Bob wanted to create the best golf equipment on the planet, forgetting about pricing and focusing on performance,” Nicolette says. “As a designer and former touring professional, that intrigued me. It’s very freeing, because we can be creative and innovative. We can search into all sorts of materials, geometry, manufacturing techniques—anything that will improve club performance.” The PXG 0811 driver features 16 movable weights and an adjustable hosel for fine-tuning. SHOOTING FOR PERFECTION PARSONS XTREME GOLF IS CHANGING THE WORLD OF GOLF EQUIPMENT. BY DALE LEATHERMAN IN THE SWING p PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD COURTESY OF PARSONS XTREME GOLF
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 27 Zach Johnson, 2015 Champion Golfer of the Year PGA TOUR player Chris Kirk But Parsons had a daunting wish list, starting with irons that look like a blade, but were forgiving like a cavity back (a club that has a cavity dug in the back, rather than being solid). The clubs also had to hit the ball farther and feel better than any he had ever used. And, Parsons adds, the clubs had to “look different from anything on the market, because I … [didn’t] want it to be mistaken for any other brand.” To make the club forgiving, Nicolette and Schweigert displaced the mass from the center of the club so it was similar to a cavity back, but with the cavity hidden inside the club. To increase ball speed, they tooled the club face to have half the thickness of other brands. Dissatisfied with the feel and sound of the typical hollow club, the engineers “filled the club head with a thermoplastic elastomer that dampens vibrations and gives the sensation on impact we were looking for,” Nicolette explains. “It’s a solid feeling and a muted sound. We’ve brought that into our new putter, too.” Nicolette says they went through many prototypes and extensive testing before they got a call from Parsons saying, “I think we did it. I think we have the best club in the world.” “Bob considers himself the consumer— the average guy who’s going to buy clubs,” Nicolette says. “If it’s not better for him, it’s not going to be better for that [person]. The proof in the pudding is that, even at the price point where we are, the clubs are an easy sell. When people compare performance stats with their equipment and PXG clubs, they see their dispersion patterns are much less with PXG, which means they’re going to shoot lower scores. And everyone says the PXG clubs feel better than any club they’ve ever hit.” Famous Fans Better distance, forgiveness and feel—all met Parson’s expectations. And the look? The irons are like a blade with a wider body, but that wasn’t the clincher. Tungsten weights screwed into the irons were originally used to experiment with balance on prototypes, but Parsons liked the look and they ended up in the final product. The weights on the irons are fixed, but the 16 on the driver allow a club fitter to tailor it to the individual player. The tungsten weights cost more than the entire clubhead of some other brands, Nicolette points out. That and expensive tooling makes the clubs pricey—about $5,000 a set—but competitive pricing was never an objective. Despite the cost, sales are booming, and pros appreciate the innovative designs. PXG has already had wins on the LPGA Tour (Cristie Kerr and Gerina Piller), the Champions Tour (Rocco Mediate) and the PGA TOUR (James Hahn). Chris Kirk, Billy Horschel, Charles Howell III and Zach Johnson are also playing with PXG clubs. Craig Allan, manager of the Sea Island Golf Performance Center, helped Horschel and Johnson transition from their old sponsored clubs into PXG. “My first time hitting PXGs was with the driver,” Johnson says. “I immediately saw a significant increase in my ball speed. Working through the set, I was impressed with the performance and consistency of the clubs. My numbers on TrackMan were incredibly tight. ... There is cutting-edge technology in every club, and fine-tuning on the woods like I’ve never seen before.” “I can’t say enough positive things about PXG and my experience ... with them,” Kirk adds. “I know this is just the beginning for PXG and there is no limit to what they can accomplish on the PGA TOUR. …” Parsons agrees—this is only the beginning. “So far I’m very happy with the results,” he says, “but there is a lot more to do.” m … There is cutting-edge technology in every club, and fine-tuning on the woods like I’ve never seen before.” —ZACH JOHNSON, PROFESSIONAL GOLFER “
28 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL/WINTER 2016/17 DID YOU KNOW? WHETHER THROUGH POSTCARD OR EMAIL, SEA ISLAND STORIES ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED. ON THE ISLE Top and middle left: Vintage postcards from Sea Island Middle right and bottom: Digital postcards from Sea Island’s Notes from the Coast Travelers have always shared stories of their journeys. After all, the unique experiences we have when far from home deserve to be documented and spread far and wide. The only thing that’s changed is how we share them. Letters and postcards are being replaced with digital forms of communication. In recognition of the shift, Sea Island created an ad campaign, entitled Notes from the Coast, which pays homage to the past by using today’s technology. Options like email and social media allow travelers to connect with people back home like never before: Photos and messages can be sent instantly, bringing those moments to life in real time for viewers and readers. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you choose to write, type or post. Sharing stories will always be a cherished part of the travel experience. website seaisland.com | twitter @SeaIslandResort | youtube youtube.com/user/seaisland | instagram @sea_island pinterest pinterest.com/seaislandresort | facebook Sea Island Resorts SHARE YOUR #SEAISLAND STORY
FALL/WINTER 2016/17 | SEA ISLAND LIFE 29 SPECIAL EVENTS FROM EDUCATIONAL LECTURES TO NOTABLE PERSONALITIES, SEA ISLAND’S SPECIAL EVENTS OFFER UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES FOR GUESTS. BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN FAVORITE THINGS MEMBERS SUSAN AND TOMMY LAWHORNE The highlight of the Lawhornes’ year is their family’s tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Island with their now adult children and four grandchildren. The tradition holds many wonderful memories for the family, who has been coming to the resort for nearly 40 years. Nowadays the couple lives in a home nearby that their firstborn grandchild nicknamed the “Happy House”—a fitting moniker, Susan says. She and Tommy regularly attend special events at Sea Island, where they have had an opportunity to enjoy dinner with cartoonist Roz Chast from The New Yorker, as well as world-renowned illusionist Apollo Robbins and others. FAVORITE HOLIDAY EVENT? There are several, including viewing the gingerbread house at The Cloister, the Christmas Eve service at the chapel and the annual children’s Christmas party at the hotel. “All of these meld into our memory bank of good times together with our loved ones,” Susan says. FAVORITE EVENT TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR? Sea Island’s annual Creativity Conference. “It has become a not-to-miss part of our winter months,” Susan explains. MEMBER BRUCE BERRYHILL Thanks to Berryhill, his 11-year-old grandson, Britton Busbee—an aspiring oceanographer—was able to meet and talk with a National Geographic explorer. Busbee and Berryhill attended the “Exploring Unknown America” lecture with Dr. Robert Ballard, an underwater explorer who discovered the RMS Titanic shipwreck in 1985. Young Britton and Ballard hit it off, and the trio even had dinner together. Berryhill has also attended a variety of other Sea Island events, including a book presentation with Brian Kilmeade. FAVORITE MOMENT WITH DR. ROBERT BALLARD? “My grandson and … [Ballard] chatted about veterinary things [as well as] underwater exploration and undersea life forms.” FAVORITE STAR-STUDDED EVENT AT SEA ISLAND? “Downton Abbey” weekend BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THAT WEEKEND? “It was very interesting how much detail they put into costumes to make sure everything was appropriate for the period.” GUESTS MELISSA WELLS AND MARK MOFFETT Wells and Moffett first visited Sea Island about four years ago when Moffett, a renowned ecologist, was invited to be a National Geographic Live speaker. “We immediately fell in love with Sea Island,” Wells recalls. “Sea Island is everything I love about being a kid and an adult, all put together.” The couple visits Sea Island frequently—not only every February when they produce the popular Creativity Conference, but also throughout the year. Recent visits have taken them to Sea Island during Easter when they attended the launch for Robert Sabuda’s Sea Island pop-up book, and in August to watch sea turtles leave their nests. They’re also planning a special trip for 2018. “A year from January is our 10-year anniversary,” Wells says. “We are already making plans to celebrate it at Sea Island.” FAVORITE MEMORY OF BEING AT SEA ISLAND? The launch of the pop-up book. “It was so beautiful and specific to Sea Island,” Wells explains. ANY OTHER FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE RESORT? The sugar cookies available at the Solarium when the two were there during Easter. FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE ANNUAL CREATIVITY CONFERENCE? Seeing the members who come back each year. “They truly enjoy it,” Wells says. m Sea Island has welcomed innovators from around the world to its Creativity Conferences, played host to the cast of the popular PBS television series “Downton Abbey” and brought to life favorite childhood characters from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This holiday season, the resort will celebrate with an “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” event. With so many unique opportunities, both during the holiday season and throughout the year, it’s no wonder many guests and members count special events among their favorite things about Sea Island. Mark Moffett and Melissa Wells at Sea Island Apollo Robbins with Susan Lawhorne at the Island The “Downton Abbey” event
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