Roundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.
The Vintage Twin Summer Trunk Show, Anantara Phuket Villas, and Badass Body Scanners

Hotel. Anantara Phuket Villas.
On the grounds of a former coconut plantation on the Thai island’s still-secluded northwest coast, the 83 over-the-top villas of Anantara Phuket are draped in bougainvillea and have pools, daybeds, rain showers and — thanks to wood fences — an intensely private vibe. With an infinity pool and a spot on quiet Mai Khao Beach, it’s no wonder this sexy resort made Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List (thanks BB!)

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oundup of my favorite things this week…. follow it, don’t judge it.

Eat. Chefs Cook for Japan.
I’ll take any excuse to splurge on sushi… Next Wednesday, some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs will take to the kitchen to benefit Japan. The evening will include a dine-around tasting featuring over 10 chefs including Marcus Samuelsson of The Red Rooser Harlem, Anita Lo of Annisa, Jose Garces of Amada and more, specialty cocktails from Julie Reiner of Clover Club, Lani Kai, Daniel Boloud and Masaharu Morimoto. 100% of net proceeds will be donated to the Japan Society…. so chew on that for charity at Chefs Cook for Japan. 

Hotel. Anantara Seminyak — Bali.
From yoga retreats in Ubud to point breaks in Kuta, Southeast Asia’s island gem, Bali, is a land devoted to escapism. On the southwest coast, the upscale resort area of Seminyak fulfills the niche for world-class dining and nightlife, fashion boutiques and vanguard hotels. On prime beachfront in the heart of Seminyak, the Anantara Seminyak Resort is a celebration of Balinese understated luxury and western trend setting, with 59 modern suites, one penthouse, a renowned rooftop lounge and two infinity swimming pools (one is only available for Penthouse guests) at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Check in, and check (yourself) out on Jetsetter.

Photography. National Geographic’s Best for 2011.
There’s no introduction needed here. National Geographic is simply the best… at making me want to pack my bag, throw in the towel, and live life on the road capturing spectacular people and places. This year’s best are as inspiring as the rest - I’m specifically obsessed with their pick for Best Pro “Arts & Culture” Picture (below) of a man enthralled during an open-air cinema show in India. Administered by the World Photography Organisation and sponsored by Sony, the awards are chosen by a panel of 12 judges. The 2011 winners were chosen from more than 51,000 submissions from 148 countries. Killer. 

 
Note: Linked photos, rights of National Geographic - see more winning shots here. 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it. 

Photographer. Ryan Holden Singer.
This week has been all about family, and as I sat in my Uncle’s library last night, I was fascinated by a new piece of art he had acquired at a charity event in NYC. So the story goes “We we’re outbid at the auction, but Uncle Kevin was persistent. He went right to the photographer, and he schmoozed. Next thing I knew, the photo was ours.” 

Photographer Ryan Holden Singer has a very personal approach to photography, one that was clear to my Aunt and Uncle immediately after meeting him. Through portraiture mixed with an anthropological quality to his work, Singer creates images that not only explore the honesty in his subjects but also presents a very real and personal perspective. Singer landed on the continent of Africa where he documented the San Bushmen tribes in Namibia. These powerful images resulted in the Ryan Holden Singer collection consisting of 52 images contained in the Smithsonian Institutes National Museum Of African Art in Washington DC. He gets the good stuff by making it personal, the results are uncompromising and direct… and from our side of the lens, he is one to watch, closely. 

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