If you had to pick out the wealthiest couple in Sarasota in the 1920s, you’d probably point to John and Mable Ringling, who were busy building their art collection and their grand Italianate palazzo, Cà d’Zan. But just down the Trail a few miles, on a five-acre bayfront peninsula lined with roses, another wealthy husband [...]

Making It Yours   Weddings today are more than the joining of two individuals into one couple. They’re the party of a lifetime, and more than ever, the expression of individual personalities and dreams. For many, the perfect wedding means a tropical setting, with balmy weather, a beautiful beach and guests who are in the [...]

What’s Haute Whether a celebrated piece of modern furniture, a travel adventure orthe latest designs from legendary names like Van Cleef and Arpels or Lamborghini, these aren’t just today’s top trends.Consider them investments that will hold their value and enrich your life for years to come. The Art of Lighting Bold and brilliant, this is [...]

Bacon and eggs. Paris and champagne. Gable and Lombard. Some matches are made in heaven, and few perfect unions are more heavenly than the culinary marriage of brilliantly complementary flavors. We asked some of our city’s top chefs to throw their inhibitions to the wind and create the most sensual, sensational combination of different foods [...]

What defines luxury today? Not a stratospheric price tag, or even the stamp of a famous designer’s name. The greatest luxury is something that was creatively crafted just for you, to fit your tastes and the way you live. Custom-made goods speak volumes when it comes to quality, but they don’t scream excess. Custom is [...]

Sleek and simple, black is making a powerful statement this season. The new black is never somber—it’s strong and sexy, especially in styles with cut-outs that reveal toned shoulders and a flash of décolletage. Look for clean, structured lines and fabrics with a bit of shine or sparkle, and choose simple, graphic accessories. Then go [...]

The romantic notion of the Dark Continent as expressed through the hauntingly beautiful images of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford’s Out of Africa prompted a 20-year explosion of luxury safaris and camp resorts. Now the siren song of Africa has us swaying to a different beat: that of Precious Ramotswe, owner of Botswana’s No. 1 [...]

Lovers of arts festivals may be accustomed to jetting to Charleston’s Spoleto in May, or crossing the pond to Edinburgh in August. Now cultural connoisseurs will have a new destination, as Sarasota joins the ranks of the world’s eclectic arts celebrations with the Ringling International Arts Festival, Oct. 7-11.   The inaugural festival, the result [...]