BITS & BAILEY

The Who, What & Wow Of The Luxe Scene

By Bailey Beckett

A nxiety, dears. That’s the current mood of late, but let Bailey tend those wounds with some TLC (tender luxury care). Times may be uncertain, but Bailey’s certainty is not. We will get through this, and life will return anew to the city we love. In the meantime, here are some guilty pleasures to soak into to escape.

INHALE
Are you feeling stressed? Join the club! We’re all a little on edge, but we don’t have to look it! Bailey was blown away by Repêchage, a new part of The Spa by Equinox Hotels at Hudson Yards. Founded by skincare visionary Lydia Sarfati, this modern oasis is quickly becoming the place to pamper for Manhattan’s elite. Especially with its new 90-minute Signature Restore & Renew treatment, which features a four-level, seaweed-based facial accentuated with an Ultrasonic Skin Spatula, LED Radio Frequency, EMS Skin Tightening Machine, and Kansa Wand. Ideal for all skin types, the treatment begins with cleansing and toning, followed with a hybrid glycolic acid peel and clay mask to improve the appearance of the skin.

Then, the real fun begins: C-Serum® Seaweed Filtrate, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, is massaged into the skin to help prevent dehydration. The third layer includes a cooling Seaweed Mask, topped off by a mineral-rich, thermal mask that heats to 101 degrees, allowing for total penetration of all four layers. Bonus: The treatment also includes a soothing scalp massage and Peppermint Sea Twist Leg Treatment. Savvy spa-goers might also consider Repêchage’s Red-Out Facial (for sensitive skin), Biolight Luminex Mask (all skin types), Opti-Firm Eye Contour Treatment (all skin types), Peppermint Sea Twist (body contouring), Thalassotherapy Seaweed Body Contouring Mask (body contouring) or the Cryotherapy Slimming Treatment (body contouring). Repêchage has been a leader in seaweed-based skincare products since 1980, and its products are available in the finest salons and spas around the globe. Info: equinox-hotels.com/nyc/wellness/spa.

EXHALE
One of my favorite pastimes is a staycation in an upscale New York hotel, and a perfect place to do it is the Loews Regency on the Upper East Side. I’ve written about this palace before and am obsessed with its signature suites, which sit atop the hotel and range up to 1,500 square feet with varying views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. I savored its Nate Berkus Suite, designed by its namesake (yes, Oprah’s favorite decorator), which features one large bedroom, living and dining rooms, and bird’s-eye vantage of Park Avenue. The décor is impeccable: sand-blasted oak flooring, patinated metals, and layered furnishings, all reimagined by Berkus. Accents like seagrass wallpaper, black and white tiles in the hallway, handwoven photo by Fernando Bengoechea in the living room, and a curated gallery wall in the dining room featuring art and unique pieces. Berkus is a tastemaker supreme, and here he did not disappoint. Other signature suites at the Loews Regency include the Bohemian Suite, inspired by the eclectic aesthetic of SoHo and the clean lines of Chelsea; Bespoke Suite, which draws its inspiration from New York City’s vibrant fashion industry; The Grand Suites, inspired by cultural icon Marilyn Monroe; and the Pop Art Suite, immortalizes Andy Warhol. Info: loewshotels.com/regency-hotel/accommodations/signature-residences.

RELAX
If you’re socially distancing and prefer to stay indoors, consider listening to something tranquil and romantic: music by Charlie Siem, the violin virtuosos/style muse who took the classical music world by storm several years ago, and the fashion world thereafter. Classically trained with an impeccable ear and sophisticated stage performance, Siem’s matinee-idol looks have also made him a “must” for brands like Dior, Armani, Dunhill, and BOSS eager to associate themselves with someone so striking. And did I mention supremely talented? Siem’s album Under the Stars is a mesmerizing delight that is indeed music to your ears. It includes his masterpiece recording of “Canopy,” the first composition he’s ever written, which he performed with the English Chamber Orchestra. “A lot of happiness is related to the violin,” says Siem, who performs on the 1735 Guarneri del Gesù violin once owned by the King of Prussia and worth $15 million. “When it goes well during a performance when it feels like it’s falling into place, that is a state of pure joy. At those moments, when it all comes together, it feels like my life is relevant and has some meaning. That’s why I keep playing.” And we keep listening! Info: charliesiem.com.

TAKE
Homebound New Yorkers can at least still savor some fine cuisine. Bailey may have been late to tech, but he’s made up for it with furious ordering on his eclectic collection of Apps like Seamless (his favorite!), Uber Eats (perfect for the woozy morning after), Grubhub, Door Dash, Postmates and Caviar (fancy!) These magic little buttons get food to your doorstep in just minutes. Bailey has been known to order his rare Burger Royale from the Smith (American cheese, apple smoked bacon, pickles, shredded lettuce, red onion, 50/50 sauce, potato bun) on Seamless. Or how about that delicious Fusilli al Ferretto (artisanal fusilli, San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy burrata cheese, basil) from Felice on GrubHub. The food comes hot and fresh. So, in these times, don’t resort to whatever is left in your refrigerator!

SHARE
As much as I love my creature comforts, I do like a surprise. Especially when it’s a pop-up restaurant within a restaurant. TriBeCa’s favorite Tutto il Giorno invited the owners of Florence’s famous Cantinetta Antinori to join them in creating a four-day menu and wine experience that combined their Southern and Central Italian roots and cuisines. Chef Duccio Pistolesi from Cantinetta Antinori and Tutto il Giorno’s Executive Chef Agostino Petrosino created an inspired menu including entrees like Gnudi Con Ferduta (Florentine ricotta and spinach dumpling on cheese fondue), and Branzino Alla Livornese (poached in livornese sauce, tomatoes, olives, and capers) to name a few. The three-course prix fixe menu also included Marchesi Antinori wines, which has been making wine for 635 years.

Of course, we all know Tutto il Giorno, an East Hampton favorite started by Gianpaolo de Felice and David Mayer, who dreamed of authentic Italian pasta bathed in Southern Italian influences. They opened the Tribeca location in 2014. Together, these two icons put on quite an evening, and I’m told there will be more. “Our collaboration with Marchesi Antinori has been a natural one,” says Tutto il Giorno’s Gabby Karan De Felice. “We take pride in our restaurant’s commitment to excellence and have enjoyed collaborating with such a storied, classic Florentine restaurant.” I’m told there will be more, so stay tuned! Info: tuttoilgiorno.com.