Los Angeles, synonymous with glittering celebrities, sprawling movie studios, and an endless supply of sunshine, holds countless opportunities for exploration. With curiosity and a sense of adventure, you can go deeper into the City of Angels to uncover a tapestry of experiences that showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity. Here’s a guide to some quieter corners to help you discover your version of LA. -- Worth Magazine, April 2024

Punk rock meets the posh life in London.

The first time I visited Kings Road in London, I was 16 and in pursuit of its counterculture reputation and the bands that embodied it: Lords of the New Church, specifically. I was in high school and, with a friend, ditched my class field trip to find Kings Road, the notorious street where Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood held court among London’s punk rock elite. Hoping to run into one of the bands we loved, we found ourselves at the Chelsea Potter, a traditional pub established in 1760 that had become the epicenter of the anti-establishment movement by the time we showed up in the mid-80s. We did indeed meet a rockstar at the bar that evening—Mars Williams, the saxophonist for The Psychedelic Furs. 

From William Blake to Damien Hirst, Banksy to The Rolling Stones, London has long been the birthplace and home of influential artistic movements and cultural revolutions. London’s richness lies in its diversity, with each neighborhood offering a unique slice of the city’s history while layering an appropriate amount of modernity into the experience. And so it was with the aforementioned friend that I recently spent a long weekend with in London in the fresh pursuit of art, culture, and great food. Kings Road may have changed since my last visit, but the city is as interesting as ever. -- Worth Magazine, April 2024

As our plane descended towards the landing strip, the first thing I noticed about the island of Lanai was the lack of lush, jungle-like greenery and broad sandy beaches typical of Hawaii. Instead, my view held rugged, dramatic cliffs and a vast landscape dotted with dark green pine trees and dusty clay terrain dropping into the deep blue Pacific. A hidden gem in the Hawaiian archipelago, Lanai starkly contrasts with the bustling tourist destinations of Hawaii. This secluded island, once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, has evolved into a serene and exclusive getaway for those seeking respite from the fast-paced world.

For years, I’ve dreamt of taking a vacation that would give me the time and space to focus solely on my well-being. In an age when wellness and self-care have become the cornerstones of a fulfilling life, many resorts have developed wellness programs, from sleep-focused retreats to day-long immersions in nature. Finding the right blend of personalization and guidance is key. It’s easy to slip into a wellness program when surrounded by experts to help you along the way, but it’s much more complicated when you’re back in New York City trying to do breathwork on the subway. — Worth Magazine, December 2023

Imagine stepping into a home where the story is told through scent. From the moment you cross the threshold, you’re greeted by a bespoke aroma that harmonizes with the environment and enhances the personality of the homeowner, whether it’s an opulent penthouse overlooking Central Park or a cozy cabin nestled in the Rockies. Home fragrance is a subtle yet powerful art, and in the realm of luxury living, where every detail matters, people are increasingly turning to custom fragrances to elevate their living spaces.

No longer content with off-the-shelf scents, this olfactory trend is about curating an immersive sensory experience for the people who live in the home and those who visit. For centuries, fragrance has been an essential part of the environment. Cire Trudon, established in 1643, was the candle maker for Louis XIV, who featured the candles prominently in the grand châteaux, including the Palace of Versailles. Today, a Cire Trudon scent is the mark of luxury. Fragrances are developed with renowned perfumers, and each glass surrounding the candle is made in Tuscany, their shape inspired by champagne buckets. Trudon works with hotels and restaurants worldwide to develop distinctive scents for hotel lobbies, guest rooms, and spas. — Worth Magazine, December 2023

In a city where history whispers through cobblestone streets and innovation thrives in world-class institutions, Boston is an exceptional tapestry of old and new. Because of its manageable size, you might forget that Boston is, in fact, America’s oldest big city. Time has enriched this New England gem with an exceptional culinary scene and abundant cultural experiences. The new MGM Music Hall at Fenway is a 5,000-seat concert venue that hosts world-class performances from artists like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Boyz II Men, and Mitski, all on the calendar this season. Boston is also arguably America’s largest college town, with over 50 higher-education institutions and countless storied pubs where students and teachers have swapped world-changing ideas for centuries. And with the opening of several new hotels, including the first Raffles property in North America, there’s never been a better time to uncover the treasures of Boston, past and present. — Worth Magazine, December 2023

When headed to Hawaii, many people fly into Honolulu and stay just long enough to board another flight or ferry to a different island. Its reputation as a crowded, touristy destination full of hi-rise hotels precedes this capital city. And it’s true—hotel towers, condos, and many visitors from all over the world are definitely in the mix. But if you know where to go, a few days in Honolulu can be the urban beach adventure you didn’t know you needed.

Where to Stay: Halekulani Hotel

In the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii, nestled among swaying palm trees and facing the crystal-clear Pacific waters, lies the Halekulani Hotel. Its name, translating to “House Befitting Heaven,” is a promise that this hotel does not take lightly. From the moment you step into the grand open-air lobby, tranquility arrives through soft ocean breezes and a view of the Pacific.

A staff member described the hotel to me as a retreat amid Waikiki Beach’s hustle and bustle, and it’s true. Once inside Halekulani, the outside world disappears.

Read on to find the coolest, under-the-radar places to visit in Honolulu.

— Worth Magazine, September 2023

The first time I logged onto The Real Real (TRR), an online marketplace for the consignment of authenticated luxury goods, I was astonished at the inventory size. My idea of luxury fashion had been tied to the idea of scarcity—only a certain number of garments are produced, demand exceeds supply, and so prices are high. That’s certainly the case in Couture, but in reality, the only “scarcity” was in my wallet. Scrolling through TRR inventory opened my eyes to the level of excess that exists—the amount of clothing, accessories, and personal goods available for sale and resale at any time, and the environmental cost required to produce and maintain it all.

For decades, the fashion industry has been marred by unsustainable practices that wreak havoc on the environment and exploit the labor force. Fast fashion, the epitome of mass production and consumerism, has pushed the limits of the earth’s resources. But as the consequences of climate change continue to manifest, the fashion industry has been challenged to transform its practices. Fortunately, an increasing number of designers and consumers have begun to embrace sustainable fashion, recognizing the need for a more ethical and eco-friendly approach to style. But changing the fashion industry does not come without its challenges. Resisting the allure of cheap, fast fashion requires a significant cultural shift. People must unlearn their impulse to accumulate possessions and reevaluate their relationship with clothing.

Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi, is helping her customers reimagine their relationship with their wardrobes and how they shop. Through her book, The Creative Pragmatist, and the Style Classes she gives with her team on Instagram, Smilovic encourages her customers to “shop their own closets” and truly evaluate the merits of buying a new item. She asks customers to consider how a new item fits into their personal style and how it will integrate with the items already in their closets. It’s proven to be an effective way to move customers towards a more sustainable way of life.

— Worth Magazine, September 2023

Visiting New York City in the summer may not seem as appealing as the Cape or the coast of Maine, but consider this—many city dwellers are out of town for most of the summer months, and—except for Times Square—New York is quieter. In some ways, it feels like a different city or, perhaps, a more authentic version of itself as those who hustle take their busyness to the Hamptons or upstate. Suddenly, you can get a reservation at that restaurant that books 30 days out, and you don’t have to see the latest exhibit at The Whitney with crowds of other people.

Summer is the best time to explore neighborhoods. Even if you live in New York, you’ll never see everything in this city. To walk it, especially when it’s quiet, is a way to surprise. There are gardens on the Lower East Side to explore, tiny neighborhood dives to drop into for a cold drink, and rooftop dance parties.

Here are a few ways to stay cool while enjoying a hot summer in NYC.

— Worth Magazine, June 2023

I’ll never forget the first time I set foot on the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia. Turquoise waters, palm trees swaying in balmy breezes, and dark green volcanic mountains set against a clear blue sky—it was a travel magazine story brought to life. I was in Tahiti on a work trip, and whenever I had a free afternoon, I hopped on the ferry for the short ride from Papeete to Mo’orea to explore on bike or foot, relishing in the laid-back atmosphere that was a quiet alternative to the main island. I couldn’t believe such places really existed, and the technicolor dream that is Mo’orea lives happily in my memory.

Beach vacations are something we all dream of, yet the type of beach experience we want can vary wildly. In Mo’orea, I was not content to lie on the beach all day sipping Piña Coladas. I wanted to explore the island’s wilds so I could take in as much as possible, knowing that it was unlikely I would return. The list of great beaches to visit is long—we are lucky to live in a world with extraordinarily beautiful places and could spend our lives on a quest to find the best beach in the world.

To make this list, we found beaches that offer something unique, whether you want to relax under an umbrella with a book and a drink in your hand or spend all of your time in the water learning about marine life.

- Worth Magazine, June 2023

Wellness vacations have become one of the fastest-growing trends in travel, and it’s no wonder—the pandemic fundamentally changed how we think about our health. Plus, the solitude of the lockdown caused anxiety and depression to spike worldwide. Hotels and resorts have responded with innovative new programs that address clients’ physical and mental needs, whether it’s a mindfulness treatment to relieve stress or diagnostic tests that help build a plan for lifelong longevity.

Worth has identified the best places to reboot your health, wellness, fitness, and even your palate in 2023. The choices for setting, treatment options, and activities are vast—from a secluded desert oasis to a Japanese-inspired wellness center. These resorts offer packages that promise to transform your health, your well-being, and your approach to life.

Read on to find the perfect spa for your wellness journey in 2023.

- Worth Magazine, March 2023

In 2008, Michael Dorf was getting ready to launch a new business. The founder and former owner of The Knitting Factory was about to introduce an elevated entertainment experience to New York City—a luxury concert environment built around wine and winemaking. Customers would be able to have the whole winemaking experience in his new venue alongside his Chief Winemaker David Lecomte and create their own unique barrel of wine. It was an experience that Dorf had had himself with rockstar winemaker David Tate in Napa several years before and one that he wanted others to enjoy. The day that the first shipment of grapes arrived at City Winery, Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, and everything changed. Customers who had signed up were no longer interested in paying $13,000 to make their own barrel of wine.

By the Spring of 2009, the wine they’d made from the world-class Pinot Noir and Cabernet grapes they’d purchased started aging beautifully in the barrels. While doing a barrel tasting, Dorf knew they had to sell the wine because it was ready (and it was so good!), but there were more challenges—bottle approval, getting a bottle line in the winery, corking, and labeling. At Chief Winemaker David Lecomte’s suggestion, they decided to put the wine from the barrels into stainless steel kegs and set up a tap system. From necessity came invention; somewhat accidentally, they’d found a green solution to winemaking.

- Worth Magazine, September 2022

A few years ago, I ordered a martini at a restaurant in Paris. The drink arrived in a pretty, delicate glass, along with a slice of lemon, and I prepared myself for the cool, clean sip that would awaken my senses on that steamy summer evening. What I tasted instead was a dry, floral …vermouth? Not the bracing cocktail I was expecting. It turns out that a martini in France is a very different drink than what we consume in the U.S.—and there are guides on how to order an American-style martini in France, which would have been helpful to me before that evening—but what I learned from the experience is that I enjoy the vermouth-forward cocktail. It was light, refreshing, and easy to drink, with the added benefit of lower alcohol.

The low/no-alcohol sector has grown tremendously in the past decade, driven by people seeking healthier alternatives to traditional drinks. Fortunately, the quality of the products has also improved—gone are the days of alcohol-free wine that tastes like watered-down grape juice. But can social drinking be just as enjoyable without alcohol? Beverage companies are responding to that question by creating products that respect the elements we appreciate in our well-crafted cocktails—complex, sophisticated flavor profiles and attention to detail demonstrated by proper garnishes and beautiful glassware.

- Worth Magazine, March 2023

Every year at Worth Magazine, we celebrate women from across every business sector who are making an impact, whether it’s an industry-specific innovation, moving the needle forward for other women, or addressing a difficult challenge that affects the world around us. You may know some women on our list this year, but you may not be familiar with all the ways she makes a difference. And others you may not recognize yet, but we assure you they are worth knowing about. In a world where women continue to face discrimination and inequality, it’s important to recognize those who have broken through barriers and achieved great success.

- Worth Magazine, April 2023

After two years of lockdown, everyone seems ready to return to traveling, shopping, and gathering up all the beauty life offers. This gift guide is meant to reflect our reemergence into real-world experiences. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf and have decided that now’s the time—well, we have a gift for that. Or, you’ve always wanted to take your partner to the Antarctic but weren’t sure how to plan the excursion. We’ve got you covered! You’ll also find some of the most beautiful gifts for the home, immersive wellness splurges, rare spirits from around the world to enjoy with your closest friends, and much more.

Here, you’ll find the perfect gift for your family, friends—and even yourself—this holiday season.

- Worth Magazine, December 2022

At SXSW, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Hank Shocklee tackle artistry in the post-"Blurred Lines" era.

AUSTIN, TEXAS—The opening question for the panel gathered together to discuss the new music economy here at South by Southwest was, "What did you think about the decision on 'Blurred Lines'?"

No one on the panel—which included Anthony Ray, aka Sir Mix-a-Lot, legendary producer Hank Shocklee, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CEA, and moderator Maura Corbett, founder and CEO of the Glen Echo Group—was surprised at the verdict, but they all thought it was significant.

And not in a good way.

"I think that it was one of the worst decisions to happen to artists," Shocklee said of this month's jury decision(Opens in a new window) finding "Blurred Lines" writers Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams liable for copyright infringement.

Sir Mix-a-Lot (pictured above) pressed the importance of transparency when creating music that may appear derivative, citing Nicki Minaj's track "Anaconda," which heavily relies on a sample of his own song, "Baby Got Back."

Minaj "hit me on the phone and let me hear the track," he said. Apparently, the song had a different name at the time, but Minaj changed it, according to Mix, and satisfied any concerns he had.

With regards to "Blurred Lines," he opined, the decision was horrible.

— PCMag, March 2015