The Sebastian Vail Blog

Imagine a weekend where the world's elite tastemakers gather to rub elbows, trade secrets and discuss trends all while enjoying cocktail parties, breathtaking beach front views and luxury shopping trips.

Fantasy? Or reality?

For experts in luxury goods and services this "too good to be true" gathering is a yearly event: the American Express Luxury Summit. Now in its 14th year, the summit gathers senior level executives from the world's leading luxury brands to examine and reassess the needs of the affluent customer.

Timbers Resorts has been a part of this annual gathering for several years, sending marketing executives to join as delegates.
is year's summit takes place April 21-23 at the beautiful St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California. The who's who of luxury living left no stone unturned.  Speakers range from CNBC reporter and editor Robert Frank to President and CEO of The Corcoran Group, Pamela Liebman.

Panels included topics like "What Do Travelers Want Now?" a discussion on how to deliver high end services in a high tech world, "The Return of High Dollar Real Estate," an examination of where the multi-million dollar housing market is headed and "A Special Report: Africa...The Next New Hot Spot" a conversation with Sophy Roberts, editor of Departures on future travel trends.

There are even a few celebrities in the mix. Actor Kyle MacLachlan will be there to discuss the wine business on behalf of his label Pursued by Bear & Baby Bear. And Sir Richard Branson will provide the audience with a dose of his world renown business expertise while in conversation with CNBC reporter Jane Wells on "Building the Consumer Experience."

Don't be mistaken though, the American Express Luxury Summit is hardly all work and no play. Attendees get the opportunity to do a little indulging of their own.

The summit kicks off with a golf tournament on the the lush Monarch Beach Golf Course, followed by a champagne brunch and luxury shopping experience at South Coast Plaza -- Southern California's mecca for high end goods. Surfing, bicycle tours and riding on a vintage schooner are also on the docket. While those executives looking for a little more R&R in between cocktail parties and panels, can take time out for a soothing antioxidant wrap or a wellness massage.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts and the luxurious life, contact us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Thanks to all who participated in our Timbers Resorts/5Point Sweepstakes! In anticipation of the annual spring film festival held in Timbers Resorts' hometown of Carbondale, Colorado, we joined forces with 5Point, Patagonia and Polartec to present the ten-day contest on Facebook.

Participants were invited to submit their names every day for a chance at winning daily prizes. And, every entry was automatically entered in the pool for a chance at winning the Grand Prize! Derek Allison of Broomfield, Colorado, was the fortunate winner and will be our guest at the April 25 - 28, 2013, fest! Please see below for the exciting items including in this action-packed package:

•  Two 5Point Film Festival Passes, April 25 – 28
• $500 travel Visa Card from Polartec
• A 3-night stay at The Days Inn in Carbondale, April 25 - 28
• Roundtrip transportation from Denver to the festival on Colorado Mountain Express
• 5Point Patagonia R2 tops + Polartec 5Point Cap4 tops
• A 3-night stay at Timbers Resorts’ slopeside property, One Steamboat Place

Visit 5Point’s website for more information on the 2013 festival and the 5Point Dream Project page for details on this program presented by Timbers Resorts for our Roaring Fork Valley youth.

When you’re on a family vacation, you want to play together and bond as a family. But sometimes you also want a little “me” time (or couple time). Here’s the good news: When you’re staying at The Sebastian - Vail, you can have it all.

The Battle Mountain Kids' Camp offers your school-age kids opportunities for fantastic fun in a safe and nurturing environment. While you head to the slopes, shopping or for a treatment at Bloom Spa for some R &R, you can enjoy your adult-only time guilt-free, confident that your kids are having a blast just like you.

Every day is different so kids are never bored. And the specially trained counselors  (known as Sherpas) have as much energy as the Hikers (kids 7 to 10) and Mountaineers (ages 11 and 12) that they’re in charge of. Here’s a week in the life of a Battle Mountain kids camper.

Monday: Magnificent Manuels

Art is a fundamental part of The Sebastian - Vail experience, and we believe that art appreciation starts young. So on Mondays, campers channel their inner-Matisse by drawing, painting, sketching, sculpting and more! Some of these creations are sure to become lasting keepsakes once you get home, a permanent reminder of the fun you had at your Vail Vacation Home.

Tuesday:  Mighty Mountaineers

Kids hit the slopes (no skis required!) for a behind-the-scenes look at how Vail keeps its mountain guests safe. Your Hikers and Mountaineers may have wondered: What happens if someone gets lost? They’ll feel reassured that someone is always on hand to help once they meet the Ski Patrol crew.

Wednesday: Make a splash!

It’s time to mix things up — and hit the pool! Kids will love the novelty of swimming  amidst mountain views and a fire pit that keeps things toasty even when it’s cold outside. Those energetic counselors are ever-present to entertain (Marco Polo anyone?) and keep your child safe. After they’ve splashed to their heart’s content, kids head inside for a little bowling action. By mid-afternoon, they’ll have had quite a workout, so a little relaxing in front of the big-screen for a movie is in order.

Thursday: Snow Day

Where does snow come from? Science comes alive in this fun hand-on learning session. Campers find out how Vail keeps snow on the mountain when the weather is not cooperating. Be prepared: Once your child gets home, he may want to take matters into his own hands and order up a snow day.

Friday: Culinary Kids

Budding chefs, don your aprons! It’s time to whip up some yummy recipes. Exploring the tastes and textures of different foods means kids are more likely to eat what they make — even the pickiest of eaters. Lunch never tasted so good.

Saturday: Colorado Critters

Kids become wildlife investigators as they follow the tracks of deer, elk, foxes, raccoon, coyotes, mice — and who knows what else.

Sunday: Icy Cold

It’s another science lesson, as kids learn all about water and ice. They’ll never take these basics for granted again. And guess who has a head start in chemistry come high school?

Friday and Saturday Nights: Date Nights!

The good times continue on Friday and Saturday night. For moms and dads, Friday and Saturday evenings can be date night. For kids, they’re a chance to hang out with all the friends they’ve made during the day.

Friday night:

While you’re checking out the night life in Vail, your kids are partying as they munch on white chocolate popcorn and sip some sparkling apple cider. After the kid-version of Happy Hour, the gang heads to Market for pizza, movies, and games.

Saturday Night:

It’s dinner at Market for the kids, followed by S’Mores. Board games, movies, and some video game action.

For more information or to register, please call The Sebastian concierge desk at 970.331.0016 or ext. 8020 in-house.

In anticipation of the sixth annual 5Point Film Festival at the end of the month, we're thrilled to announce an exciting Timbers Resorts/5Point Sweepstakes open to one and all!

5Point and Timbers Resorts have partnered with Patagonia and Polartec to present a ten-day contest held from Thursday, April 4 - Saturday, April 13, on Facebook.

Enter daily for a chance at winning daily prizes. And, every daily entry is automatically entered for a chance at winning the Grand Prize! So, enter every day to have your name in the running ten times.

The Grand Prize:

•  Two 5Point Film Festival Passes, April 25 - 28
• $500 travel Visa Card from Polartec
• 5Point Patagonia R2 tops + Polartec 5Point Cap4 tops
• A 3-night stay at Timbers Resorts' slopeside property, One Steamboat Place

Visit 5Point's website for more information on the 2013 festival and the 5Point Dream Project page for details on this program presented by Timbers Resorts for our Roaring Fork Valley youth.

Dale DeSimone, Executive Pastry Chef at The Sebastian - Vail, got his start in restaurants at an early age. First as a pot-washer, at age 14, and then as a line cook. At first it was a job to earn some extra money, he noted. "Basically to buy video games.” When he was 24, Dale had developed an interest in the kitchen, became more serious, and enrolled at a small culinary school in Philadelphia, where he grew up.

At first he started on the “hot side” (as they say in restaurant lingo) but then shifted into pastry. “I find desserts more interesting," he says. "Pastry is more complicated, and there’s a lot of variety.”

There’s certainly a lot of variety at The Sebastian.  The morning starts with making the baked goods for Market (casual fare), then in the afternoon, it’s mini-pastries for the Owners' Lounge (a different selection every day), snacks for the lobby, and the fresh-baked cookies or biscotti that are left for guests each night at turn down. In the evening, he shifts his focus to the hotel’s signature restaurant Leonora, which has a broad dessert menu that changes seasonally.

DeSimone says he doesn’t really have a favorite dish to make, he enjoys every area of pastry, but admits that chocolate is one of his strengths. His melting chocolate sphere is always a crowd pleaser at Leonora. “We pour chocolate sauce on a chocolate ball and the ball melts away and there are various textures of chocolates and cherries. It’s a show, and people love it!”

Although DeSimone went to culinary school, like most chefs, he picked up most of his expertise at the various jobs he’s held. He's worked abroad - first in London (at Four Seasons and then at the Savoy during the 2012 London Olympics) and in the Middle East.

“I went to open a hotel in Dubai as an executive assistant pastry chef. Four months into the job, the head pastry chef quit, so I took over the top position. It was definitely a concentrated experience," he says. "In the Middle East, you learn how to make something happen out of nothing. A customer comes in at noon, and wants a three-tiered wedding cake by the next morning. You don’t say 'no' - you find a way to do it.”

In London, he learned to focus on the details. “The English are very selective and have discriminating taste. They enjoy things a certain way and this taught me to notice little details that I wouldn’t otherwise see.”

What do Americans like? DeSimone says that in general, Americans like novelty, to see things they haven’t seen before. “They’re a little more into trends, and are open to different takes on classic dishes. Cake pops as a twist on cupcakes are a good example. It’s a lot of fun.”

When he’s not in the kitchen, DeSimone likes to ski (“They’d kick me out if I didn’t!"), is studying French and Russian, and has an interest in photography. “I also like to cook, for a change of pace from baking.” In fact, when asked to dinner, he never brings dessert — instead, he’s known for a killer lasagna!

For information on desserts, dining and accommodations at The Sebastian – Vail, contact us at 866.597.5973 or via email,  reservations@thesebastianvail.com.

For information about ownership opportunities at Residences at The Sebastian, contact us at 866.992.8743 or via email, info@residencesatthesebastian.com.

Work hard, play hard. Or as they say in snow country, ski hard, play hard. And what better place to kick back after a long day hitting the slopes than one of these stellar après-ski hot spots?

If you're visiting...

The Timbers Club in Snowmass

Ski-in/ski-out at Timbers Resorts' first property is what makes this Snowmass resort the finest at the foot of the slopes. Daily après-ski drinks and appetizers are served in the Owners' Lounge, which also serves at the social center of the property. Another option in Base Village is Base Camp Bar and Grill located across the pedestrian mall from the Elk Camp Gondola. This laid back, hot spot is tricked out in simple decor, making it the prime place to grab unfussy grub like burgers, dogs and sandwiches, as well as classic cocktails like a Bloody Mary or an Old Fashioned.

If you're looking for a little south of the border in the snow, try Venga Venga on the Snowmass Mall. This cantina and tequila bar features authentic Mexican cuisine by Chef Richard Sandoval. Warm yourself by one of the fire pits while you enjoy panoramic views. From 3- 6 p.m. the restaurant features an après-ski special that includes a DJ and happy hour drinks and bites.

Dancing Bear Aspen

Aspen is home to some of the sleekest settings for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and none fits the bill more than the resort's Rooftop Lounge. There you can catch the sunset over downtown Aspen as you soothe sore muscles in one of the hot tubs, or enjoy a martini by the fire pits.

39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel is a sleek spot with enticing mood lighting and cozy couches -- the perfect setting for an après-ski rendezvous. Enjoy creative cocktails from mixologist Denis Côté while sharing small plates from their menu.

For premier outdoor dining, try Ajax Tavern. This ski-in/ski-out bistro located at the base of Aspen Mountain is known for its sun-drenched patio where you can nosh on one of their innovative twists on an old favorite, like the Soft Shell Crab "BLT" or indulge in their après-ski Pristine Raw Bar selections. Pair with a microbrew or one of their signature martinis for the perfect wind down.

One Steamboat Place

Located at the base of Mt. Werner - aka Steamboat Mountain - the Truffle Pig offers casually elegant dining, beautiful views and both interior and exterior fire pits to thaw out frozen limbs. Enjoy an après-ski menu filled with nibbles made from fresh ingredients and a wide selection of wines, specialty cocktails and Colorado brews.

Owners at One Steamboat Place cherish the property's daily après-ski fare served in the Owners' Lounge with an expanded evening on Fridays for the popular Wine Down.

For family-friendly atmosphere, hit Slopeside Grill, located just above the Steamboat Ski Base Area. Ski right up to their Ice Bar for a cocktail or give your legs a rest and relax on their super casual outside patio. The menu features items even picky kids will enjoy like pizza and calzones, as well as gluten-free options for those with allergies.

The Sebastian - Vail

Frost at The Sebastian redefines cool. From the chic, moody interior to the hip guests who gather there, this is the spot to see and be seen after hitting the slopes. Order several small bites to share and pair with an après-ski microbrew or a selection from their signature Scotch collection.

For a little après-ski entertainment, visit the Red Lion, located at the top of Bridge Street. Every day from 4 - 6 p.m. you can catch co-owner Phil Long cover classic songs by well-loved artists like Elton John and Billy Joel. Red Lion is also known for their award winning cuisine and an extensive list of "Winter Warmers," inventive cocktails that are sure to cure that post-slopes chill.

If you have a favorite après-ski gem that we didn't mention here, share it with us in the comments section!

Learn more about Timbers Resorts and the best spots for every activity at our properties by contacting us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.

It's a perfect pairing: The Sebastian - Vail and BMW. And it's coming together March 16 - 24, 2013.

Striking a perfect balance between exterior and interior is one hallmark of The Sebastian, when it comes to the slopes beckoning outside and the luxury residence amenities within— from the spa to fine dining and cocktails, to its significant collection of art.

That experience of exterior/interior balance is expressed equally as well by BMW's ultimate driving machines — sleek and powerful in appearance on the outside, richly appointed with careful attention to detail and cutting-edge technology inside.

And now, The Sebastian - Vail hosts BMW xDrive Week, providing the opportunity to explore the automaker's 6 and 7 Series vehicles firsthand. Drive specialists will be on property to guide enthusiasts through ride-and-drive sessions, featuring the 2013 fleet of 6 & 7 Series models. Take one out, experience on-road handling, and enjoy the following schedule of special events built around this week of car-envy inspiring access.

— Cocktail Receptions: Compare post-drive notes with your fellow Owners and BMW aficionados from 4:30–6 p.m. on March 16, 17, 19, 20, and 21 in the Owners' Lounge.

— Art Walk: With superior aesthetics on one's mind, take a tour of Vail's public art collection, which ends at The Sebastian to see its collection of works (and, of course, the BMWs on site for your driving enjoyment). Time and date: 3:30–5 p.m., Wednesday, March 19.

— A Taste of Timbers: Owners and guests are invited for an apres-ski event at the sales gallery, followed by a poolside pig roast presented by Leonora Restaurant at The Sebastian. Time and date: 3:30–5 p.m., Thursday, March 20.

— Sparkle and Pop: Cap off your driving week with a champagne reception in The Library, hosted by The Sebastian's general manager and director of operations. Time and date: 5–6:30 p.m., Friday, March 21.

- Ride-and-Drives: Register to take one these ultimate driving machines on the road through Sunday, March 24, and feel the finesse only experienced with BMW.

To learn more, please contact The Sebastian concierge via email at concierge@thesebastianvail.com or directly at 970.331.0015 or at x8020 in house.

In an age of mass production, there’s something very special about products still made by hand with craftsmanship as their core value. Matt Cudmore began creating skis in his garage in 2009, and it wasn’t long before Meier Skis was born. The quality spoke for itself.

Cudmore continued holding down his day job as an engineer until 2012 when he finally quit and was joined by wife Rosie in running Meier Skis full-time. The Glenwood Springs, Colorado-based duo continues to keep everything about their skis local and eco-friendly.

It all begins with the wood, shown off by the skis’ clear topsheet, which is a combination of local Aspen trees and recycled pine known as "beetle kill" due to the onslaught of the forest by the Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle. Then, metal, ink, glue and other supplies are purchased from local vendors and the entire product is held together by resin made from pine oil and recycled vegetable oil instead of petrochemicals.

The added perk of Meier Skis’ local presence and hand manufacturing is that if one of the company’s six models ($590 and up) doesn’t do it for you, they’ll customize a one-of-a-kind ski to your specific needs. Either way, riding a pair of Meier Skis makes you part of a special club. The company currently sells fewer than 100 pairs per year, with distribution limited enough that you’re likely to be the only one on the mountain rocking a pair.

Timbers Resorts enjoys a partnership with Meier Skis, having created skis for One Steamboat Place and The Sebastian - Vail with custom designs to expand into a Dancing Bear Aspen ski next. Through our Owner Referral Program, Owners at each of these properties are eligible to receive skis for the whole family when referring friends or family who close on ownership.

Learn more about Timbers Resorts and our Owner Referral Programs at each property, by contacting us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Timbers Resorts flew South to Miami last month for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. The annual winter extravaganza brings many values together Timbers Resorts appreciates and stands for: fine food and wine, beautiful destinations, and time spent with friends and family. The star-studded series of events encompassed seminars, wine tastings, parties, brunches and concerts.

On Thursday, February 21, Timbers Resorts hosted a Taste of Timbers reception at the new Design District establishment, MC Kitchen, with Chef Dena Marino at the helm preparing savory appetizers, flatbreads and decadent desserts. On Friday, February 22, Timbers Resorts took part as the silent auction sponsor and an official photographer for the Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau Hotel where 1800 guests dressed to the nines to enjoy wines rated ninety points and higher on Wine Spectator's list along with delicious dishes. On Saturday, February 23, Timbers Resorts participated in the Tribute Dinner for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Christophe Navarre of Moët Hennessy with Martha Stewart as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, the live auction with a deluxe trip to Castello di Casole in Tuscany among the coveted items and an awards presentation to Chef Matsuhisa.

See below for several photos from our few days in Florida or click on the event links above to view galleries from each evening. To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Timbers Resorts is honored to be included among the nominees with Castello di Casole and The Sebastian - Vail in two esteemed contests - the  2013 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Survey and the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

• For info and instructions on The 2013 Travel + Leisure Awards Survey, simply click here.

• For info and instructions on The 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Survey, simply click here.

Thanks for voting! To learn more about Timbers Resorts and its travel award-worthy lifestyle, please contact us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.

When you return to The Sebastian after a day skiing Vail's slopes, you'll no doubt be ready for a delicious dinner and a fantastic bottle of wine. Luckily, with the opening of Leonora - The Sebastian's Bistro, Wine and Tapas Bar - in December 2012, you won't have to go further than right downstairs.

Leonora, named after the late Leonora Carrington whose artwork is on display throughout the property, serves up creative Alpine Bistro fare influenced by the Alps, Pyranees and the Rocky Mountains.

Start your meal by sampling Executive Chef Sergio Howland's ever-changing array of crudo and ceviche at the raw bar. Then launch into the easy-to-share tapas and flatbreads, which also make for great après-ski snacks. Finally, move onto a nice, hearty entree like wood-roasted mussels or slow roasted leg of lamb.

Don't get too attached to the current menu though. Director of Food & Beverage Paul Wade's focus on organic, sustainable and small farm sources for ingredients means that the menu will evolve and change with the seasons.

The centerpiece of Leonora's decor is a massive, glass wine silo housing 1,000 bottles (with another 9,000 in reserve), which tips you off that there is bound to be a killer wine list.  The sprawling selection has 300 to 500 labels at any given time with a heavy focus on California and France and a lighter focus on Spain and Italy. For the adventurous, be sure to ask the sommelier about a handful of unusual selections right from small, Colorado vineyards.

While enjoying your food, don't forget to appreciate the art of Leonora's namesake. This contemporary of Picasso and Dali who passed away in 2011 produced spectacular statues and sculptures featuring women and humanoid animals in dreamlike images referencing myths, folklore, religion and the occult.

Roam the rest of the property for a treasure trove of her sculptures, all identified with placards showing the name and year of the piece. Because who better than a surrealist to complement a surreally delicious meal?

Leonora is open daily for a Breakfast Buffet (7 to 10:30 am), Lunch (11 am to 2 pm), Dinner (5:30  to 10 pm) and a Tapas Bar (2 to 10 pm).

Please call the concierge at 970.331.0015 for reservations or book on OpenTable.com

Every year, Condé Nast Traveler showcases the world’s best travel experiences— thanks to the readers' votes. A record 46,476 readers voted in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, the annual ranking of the world's best hotels, resorts, airlines, cruises, islands and cities. It's time once again to take this opportunity to rate your favorite cities, resorts, cruise ships and more in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The results of the survey then become the basis of a variety of awards published throughout the year including Readers’ Choice (November issue), the Gold List (January issue), the Cruise Poll (February issue), the Golf Poll (April issue), and the Spa Poll (June issue).

Timbers Resorts is honored to be included with The Sebastian - Vail and Castello di Casole among the nominees! We sincerely appreciate support from all of our valued Owners and guests and invite you to share your insights.

To take the 2013 survey, simply follow the steps below and you’ll be on your way!  Limit one vote per person. Voting ends April 30, 2013.

THE STEPS TO VOTE:

1. Click on the survey link and fill out the form with your contact details.

Thanks for voting! To learn more about Timbers Resorts and its travel award-worthy lifestyle, please contact us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.