When a new desire appears, most people wait to see if a door opens. I’ve learned to build the door. It takes time, and it’s what I’ve spent the last six months doing.
What started as a desire to own a beautiful oceanfront property where I could live and host my bliss retreats has quietly evolved into something far more elevated.
My experiences over the last two years - operating Hamakua Hotel and Waterfalling Estate in Hawaii, transforming my health in Miami, and studying at the #1 cooking school in the world, École Ducasse in Paris - have led to a profound discovery.
The environments we choose play a major role in the quality of our lives. The right environment doesn’t just impress us - it raises our standards. And when we raise our standards, we elevate our lives.
Here are some of the standards I’ve learned while operating inside a few very intentional hospitality environments:
• Shared experiences that create goosebumps with the people we love are worth more than almost anything else.
• Awe-inspiring views remind us why we came and affirm that we chose well.
• When staff genuinely care about guests, it’s noticed - because it’s rare.
• Creative, chef-led culinary experiences are remembered long after the last bite.
• Investing in quality renovations pays dividends that justify the short-term sacrifice.
• Pride of ownership elevates even the simplest details.
When my team and I pull these elements together successfully, it creates a superior experience for our guests and co-owners. The feedback has been consistent:
“We typically stay at five-star luxury resorts, so we were honestly surprised by how much more peaceful and relaxing this is. We prefer it.”
“We’ve dined at some of the best luxury hotels in the world, but this entire experience - the imaginative cocktails, the setting, and the creativity of the tasting menu - was truly in a league of its own.”
“You can tell everyone that works here genuinely cares. I feel appreciated, and for that, I am very grateful.”
That last one means the most to me.
Because perfection isn’t the goal.
Caring more is.
Every day I count my blessings that I have colleagues in Hawaii who care more than any team I’ve ever assembled.
Large luxury resorts can outspend us, outbuild us, out-location us with prime city addresses and sometimes even out-weather us. We’ll compete at a high level in every category. But when it comes to how much we care about our guests when they experience the environments we curate, that is within our control.
For months now, I’ve been inspired to build something truly unique in the arena that inspires me most - building elevated environments where people can flourish.
What’s emerged is a curated collection of awe-driven, chef-led luxury properties in extraordinary destinations around the world, all connected by a brand built on the standards I reference above. It’s meant to be experienced and shared with those in my circle who value the same things.
Not random acquisitions.
Not ego projects.
Not more for the sake of more.
A disciplined collection built around very specific standards.
Some of you will surely want to experience these places.
Some of you will want to own them with me.
Some of you will simply enjoy reading about them and become inspired by the journey.
Either way, you’ll be the first to hear what unfolds next and the many opportunities they will undoubtedly create.
But know this, my life is better because I get to share it with you. I am deeply grateful to have this group of inspired friends to share my life with and to raise our standards right alongside one another.
