We are in the midst of award show season, and the red carpet has been hot and fabulous, and that trend continued two days ago on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The Grammys took place this year at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the first time since 2003 that these awards took place on the east coast instead of Los Angeles. The Grammy Awards are presented by The Recording Academy to recognize and acknowledge success in the music industry and is hosted by James Corden.
Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruno Mars were just a few from the long list of talented artists who went home with one (or more) Grammy awards. You can check out the complete list of winners of the 2018 Grammy here.
It’s music’s biggest night as well as fashion’s most extra red-carpet. The difference between the Grammy Awards and other award show red carpets is distinctly different, as the Grammy red carpet is full of glamorous, more “casual” outfits compared to other red carpets that stress elegance and formality. The Grammy Awards fashion has a mix of everything – short dresses, long gowns, jumpsuits, sequins, leather, sexy slits, and so on. You never know what to expect each year, and that makes the Grammy’s red carpet so thrilling for the world of fashion. This year, in particular, to Time’s Up movement has taken over fashion by the black dresses at the Golden Globes (recap here) and a white rose as an accessory to signify solidarity for the movement at the Grammy’s. Several stars showed up looking absolutely stunning head to toe – and there’s no doubt about that.
Our #1 best dressed was a tough choice, but it goes to Hailee Steinfeld, looking effortlessly sexy and confident in her simple white gown and glamorous accessories/ makeup to go along with it. Two words: Slay. Girl. Here are some of Downtown’s favorite looks, just to name a few, from Sunday night’s Grammy Awards red carpet.
BTS — short for the Bangtan Boys — is a seven-member boy band from South Korea. The group debuted in 2013, going on to win awards within a year’s time from the MelOn Music Awards, Golden Disk Awards and the Seoul Music Awards. BTS also made history with its second full-length album Wings charting at #1 on iTunes in nearly 30 countries and debuting at #26 on the Billboard 200; previously a K-pop album had never charted so high in the U.S. Forbes recognized BTS as the most retweeted artist on Twitter in March 2016, while Billboard placed BTS in the #1 spot on its Social 50 chart in October 2016. Earlier this year, BTS ranked at #5 on the Power Celebrity list of Forbes Korea.
2017 has not only brought the release of a new BTS album, You Never Walk Alone, but also a world tour. 117,000 tickets have been reportedly sold for this tour, which includes New York area stops at the Prudential Center on Mar. 23 and 24. Following the pair of sold-out concerts in Newark, BTS has sold-out arena shows in Chicago and Anaheim. In celebration of these major events, Downtown conducted Q&A with all of the BTS members — Rap Monster (Kim Namjun/Team Leader, Rapper), JIN (Kim Seokjin/Vocalist), SUGA (Min Yoonki/Rapper), J-HOPE (Jung Hoseok/Choreographer & Rapper), JIMIN (Park Jimin/Choreographer & Vocalist), V (Kim Taehyung/Vocalist) and JUNG KOOK (Jeon Jungkook/Vocalist, Rapper, Choreographer) — via e-mail.
Jung Kook: Yes, it was our first time in the city. We were very excited to go back with even bigger shows packed with new songs and performances.
Did you try any restaurants while in New York? Any sightseeing experiences that were especially memorable?
Rap Monster: I loved Shake Shack last time I was in New York. Best burger yet! Thank god we have Shake Shack in Seoul now. I was enchanted by the scene at Times Square because it was my first time as a tourist.
J-Hope: I tried a Korean restaurant in New York back then and the meal was some of the best Korean food in the world. I also loved walking around Midtown area and Times Square. Awesome!
V: I had the best Korean food at Korea Town in New York!
Will you have any time to explore New York during your tour dates?
Jung Kook: Our tour schedule is very tight this time since we have other shows coming up in Chicago and the L.A area. We hope we can find some time to explore New York during the stay to check out the beautiful night skyline and everything else.
Suga: “Spring Day,” the lead single. I wrote the lyrics based on my very personal story that involves my old friends.
Jung Kook: “Not Today.” It has very intense lyrics that excite people and I especially love choreography of the song. It is one of the best and coolest of BTS.
Aside from your upcoming tour, what is coming up for you and BTS?
Jung Kook: The upcoming tour is the most important event for us in 2017. We’re trying to go to as many cities as possible this year. We’re also planning to write more music on our own.
What is your favorite part of touring?
Jimin: Favorite part of touring is that we get to meet thousands of fans from around the world. Wherever we go, fans are passionate and they show us lot of unconditional love. It is very special experience for all of us to sing and perform in front of people who are singing the song in Korean together.
When not busy with BTS, how do you like to spend your free time?
Jin: When not practicing, I’d stay home and take rest. I like playing games with other members and watching TV.
J-Hope: I write lyrics or play around with tracks I’ve made. I also try to study foreign languages during my free time.
Jung Kook: I work out from time to time and play games with my BTS brothers at home.
Rap Monster: I usually read books in my free time. I go out and meet my friends sometimes. But most of the time, I wander around the city listening to music.
Rap Monster: dvsn’s dvsn, J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only, Chainsmokers’ Collage EP, Justin Bieber’s Purpose, and Flume’s Skin.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Jung Kook: Hey, BTS is coming to New York! We’ve been waiting for this tour for a long time. We’ve got so much prepared for the shows, so expect the unexpected of K-pop!
The Addison Hospitality Group’s founder Ric Addison
Addison Hospitality Group owner Ric Addison began a career in hospitality well over two decades ago. Originally from Ireland, Ric got his start in New York hospitality working alongside nightlife legends like Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. The first notable establishment of his own was the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel, which he opened in 2002; New York Magazine would go on to name it “Best After Work Drink” spot in a Best Of New York issue. Further acclaim would come quickly from other establishments of Ric’s, like the Inc Lounge at The Time Hotel — which once hosted Lady Gaga and Madonna in its VIP “Pool Room” — and THE BAR at the Dream Hotel.
Four years ago in 2013, Ric opened the Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge. Located 18 floors above Herald Square, the beautifully-decorated Monarch was designed by Natalie Todorova of Gene Kaufman Architects. Beyond its signature cocktails, Monarch offers an immaculate view of the Empire State Building and other parts of Midtown. Not just ideal for a summer visit, Monarch uses heat lamps when necessary, welcoming evening visitors to experience its Scandinavian-style décor throughout the year.
Downtown spoke with Ric in December 2016 to learn more about Monarch and other Addison Hospitality Group establishments. More info can be found at www.addisongroupnyc.com, while Monarch itself can be followed on social media via accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
You are the owner of the Addison Hospitality Group. What inspired you to start your own hospitality group?
Ric Addison: My background in hospitality dates back from my roots in Ireland. My entire family has been in the hospitality business in some way or another. My father was the manager at an Executive social club in Ireland. When I came to the United States, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. I worked my way up all the way from a barback, learning from the likes of the venerable Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. I knew from then on that I wanted to bring a level of hospitality that the New York elites expect, but make it available to everyone.
RA: There is no typical day and never a humdrum moment. Everything is constantly changing at a rapid pace, and that is part of the reason why I love it. From finding and transforming new spaces into nightlife destinations, working with my team to develop ideas, and just meeting new customers, I consider myself fortunate to enjoy going to work every day.
RA: I think I truly found my niche with rooftop bars when I opened the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel. I noticed that Midtown professionals wanted a respite from the bustling city after a hard day’s work and AVA was a getaway in the middle of Manhattan.
RA: Gerber Group bars with Randy Gerber, Ian Schrager at The Paramount Hotel, and every major nightclub in the 80s and 90s. I started as a manager at the Whiskey Bar and rose to Director of Operations for the Gerber Group.
What can you tell me about your two newest venues, Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge?
RA: I am proud to be opening Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge in 2017. Magnolia will be the first restaurant addition to the Addison Hospitality Group portfolio. It was designed to be elegant, but comfortable; a place that you want to visit because of its quality food at an affordable price. Lovage is a continuation of our beloved AVA Lounge, which recently closed. Loyal patrons of AVA will notice a lot of the same design elements in Lovage. We invite guests of all ages to visit, from ages 21 to 91. We think there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you have a favorite item served by Magnolia? What about Lovage?
RA: At Magnolia, the Deviled Duck Eggs with maple horseradish, mustard, a touch of cayenne pepper, and crispy bacon bits. At Lovage, I love to sip on our Hell’s Kitchen take on a Bloody Mary. We call it the Mahola Cocktail, with Smoky Mezcal, Roasted Tomatillos, Wasabi, Fresh Lemon and a Sweet Paprika and Sesame Salt Rim that will wake you right up.
Any special events coming up at any of your establishments? Holiday specials?
RA: Yes, Magnolia and Lovage are booking up quickly for Fashion Week in February, along with a Valentine’s Day party at Lovage. Things will really heat up at Lovage when the warm weather arrives this spring and patrons can take advantage of the warm temperatures in New York City.
It’s been said that the Addison Hospitality Group aims to provide “white glove service without the white gloves.” Is there a particular entrepreneur that inspired that philosophy?
RA: I wanted to show people elegant service without being confined to the parameters of the Meatpacking District. Every guest is equally important to me. No particular entrepreneur inspired that philosophy in me, but myself. However, I do view Richard Branson as an inspiration of business.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
RA: I always enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, sailing and golfing.
Other than your own, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Originally from Cincinnati, Steven Reineke is not only an in-demand conductor, composer and arranger, but also the Music Director of The New York Pops. Steven joined The New York Pops as Music Director during the 2009-2010 season, conducting the Pops’ annual concert series at Carnegie Hall in addition to Pops tours, recordings and television appearances. Those responsibilities would be enough for most artists, yet Steven also makes time to serve as the Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Houston Symphony; he also frequently guest conducts with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Boston Pops.
On Dec. 16 and 17, Steven will be leading the Pops for the holiday-themed Make The Season Bright. The Carnegie Hall’s event will feature four guest artists, sisters Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway and brothers Anthony and Will Nunziata. Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA will also be on-stage at the Stern Auditorium for Make The Season Bright. The Pops’ 34th season continues on Mar. 10 with another Carnegie Hall event, Life Is A Cabaret: The Songs Of Kander And Ebb, which coincides with John Kander’s 90th birthday.
Downtown spoke with Steven about his work with the Pops and what life is like as a conductor. The New York Pops can be visited online at www.newyorkpops.org and followed on Twitter via @NewYorkPops.
What led to you becoming a conductor instead of a musician? I understand you had also majored in trumpet performance in college.
Steven Reineke: Conductors are musicians, too! My fondest childhood memories are ones that involve making music. Whether it was playing my trumpet, playing the piano, or acting in plays and musicals, I knew from an early age that music would become my livelihood somehow. I loved playing in bands and orchestras through high school and college, but I really found my passion in conducting. There’s something magical about standing in front of an orchestra and shaping the sound of a group of musicians.
SR: Conductors have a lot of say in how a piece of music is performed. Conductors make decisions about the tempo of the music, how loud or soft particular players should be, and which portions of the orchestra should be highlighted at any given moment. It’s very much the same as a director being presented with a Shakespeare play. You could see two completely different productions of Romeo and Juliet — the words and story are the same, but the performances are completely different. In music, it’s about how interpret the score.
Do you hang out with other conductors?
SR: I have a lot of good friends who are in the music business; many are conductors, but most are singers and instrumentalists. It’s a soloistic field, so we almost never get to work together with other conductors!
Do you ever play music for fun?
SR: Absolutely. I’ve been known to tickle the ivories at parties around town!
Steven Reineke / Photo: Richard Termine
Outside of the classical realm, who are some of the artists and musicians that you regularly listen to?
SR: I’m a huge fan of Ella Fitzgerald but I also love listening to other great singers of that era, including Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra to name a few. People that know me understand my huge love of Dolly Parton as well. I’m also blown away by recent solo albums by my friends Megan Hilty and Carrie Manolakos.
When it comes to the New York Pops, do you have any responsibilities beyond your work as a conductor? Do you help book any of the talent?
SR: A lot of my work at The New York Pops is behind the scenes! I work with our office staff to set the direction for the orchestra, which includes planning concerts and building programs as well as booking talent. I feel lucky to be the Music Director and Conductor at The New York Pops because that comes with the perk of seeing my vision for the organization come to life. It’s been amazing to watch programs I dreamed up become reality at Carnegie Hall!
Tell me more about the upcoming 2016-2017 season. What are some of the highlights?
SR: To be honest, I’m really excited about the whole season. We’ve had two fantastic concerts already, and the rest of the season is going to be incredible. December is always a lot of fun — we do three shows at Carnegie Hall. On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, we will do a concert called Make The Season Bright. I’m particularly excited to invite my friends Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, and Anthony and Will Nunziata to sing some really fantastic holiday quartets with the orchestra. Then we’ll do our annual Family Concert, this year: Twas The Night Before Christmas. In April we’ll celebrate Kander and Ebb, another legendary composer and lyricist team. Finally, in April, we’ll explore singer/songwriters throughout history. It’s going to be an awesome season.
Steven Reineke / Photo: Richard Termine
Are there any special events coming up that are off-site or in a unique venue?
SR: Our summer series is already in the works — we are the resident orchestra at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The venue is absolutely legendary. It seats 13,000 fans, and bands like The Beatles and The Who have played there. Barbra Streisand did a huge solo show there in the 60s. 2017 will be our third summer out there, and it’s really going to be spectacular.
What was the first big event you ever conducted for the New York Pops?
SR: Oh wow. It was a big one. My first concert with The New York Pops was like a conductor audition, without them even telling me that’s what it was. It was our 25th Birthday Gala in 2008, and it was my Carnegie Hall debut. Talk about a lot riding on the show! I guess it went pretty well, since they hired me that summer, and I became the second Music Director of The New York Pops in 2008!
Do you have a “bucket list” when it comes to pieces or performers that you’d like to conduct?
Do you presently have any orchestrations or compositions in the works?
SR: Nothing on my plate at this exact moment, since I’m gearing up to do all of my holiday concerts around the country. December is my busiest month of the year. I’ll be doing Christmas concerts with all four of my orchestras — The New York Pops, National Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Houston Symphony.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
SR: My husband and I love to travel. A lot of times that will be getting away to a sunny beach for a few days of R&R. Other than that, we like to cook and spend time with friends.
What is your favorite restaurant in New York?
SR: Oh, that’s so hard to say because there are so many! I typically don’t need super fancy places. For barbecue, we love Blue Smoke, great Italian at Cafe Fiorello, Mexican at Rosa Mexicano, or Asian at Tao.
Finally, Steven, any last words for the kids?
SR: The single most important thing that made my dreams become a reality were the incredible teachers that nurtured and influenced me along the way, the ones that saw a special spark inside of me and fanned that flame with their knowledge and inspiration. Whether one chooses to make a career out of the arts, or simply spend a lifetime enjoying them, an early cultural education is an invaluable part of childhood development. I want every young person to have that opportunity. Don’t give up!
When the average person hears “BMI,” they likely cringe because they start thinking about their “body mass index” and the need to get into better shape. When the average songwriter hears “BMI,” they likely smile, thinking of the royalty checks that the Broadcast Music, Inc. sends them a few times each year. One of three major performing rights organizations — or “PROs,” for short — BMI collects performance royalties of songs on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. It has been doing that since 1939 and some of the major artists that it currently represents are Adele, Taylor Swift, Pitbull, twenty one pilots, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Maroon 5.
Samantha Cox joined BMI in 1996 as an intern. 20 years later, she is the Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI’s New York office. Beyond maintaining relationships with BMI affiliates worldwide and coordinating songwriter nights, showcases and seminars, Samantha is the day-to-day contact for thousands of BMI-affiliated writers. As part of her BMI responsibilities, she has worked directly with Lady Gaga, My Chemical Romance, Bebe Rexha, Ke$ha, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to name only a few major artists. BMI had a stage at this year’s Lollapalooza, which Samantha was involved with, as featuring Flatbush Zombies, PVRIS, SoMo and LANco. Upcoming BMI-related events she is involved with include the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the recurring BMI Acoustic Lounge in New York, and LouFest in St. Louis.
Downtown caught up Samantha, a long-time resident of lower Manhattan, for some Q&A. Her employer, BMI, can be tracked on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, in addition to keeping a comprehensive website at www.bmi.com.
Samantha Cox with Halsey at Lollapalooza 2015
Growing up, was it always your goal to work in the music industry? Or did you have artistic aspirations?
Samantha Cox: I always loved music and child education. My mother ran a daycare, and I thought about becoming an elementary school teacher. If I had two lives, that’s what the other one would be doing now. But in the end, my love of music swept me up into the industry. I think of it as another way to reach kids.
Has BMI really been your only employer since college?
SC: Yes. I came to New York City right out of college and BMI gave me my start.
How did you wind up with an internship at BMI? I mean, most young people interested in the music industry seemed to be more interested in a job with a label, management company, or concert promoter, rather than something related to publishing…
SC: I grew up in Texas and went to SXSW every year. You make a lot of contacts there. So when I came to New York City, I networked, sent out resumes and ended up with two job offers — one from a publisher in the creative side, and one from BMI in the administration department. You can guess which one I chose!
I would have loved to work at the publishing company, but my gut told me BMI was the place to go. I felt like it was a place where I could grow and have the opportunity to learn about a part of the business most people do not understand. So I started in the Performing Rights department before eventually transferring to Writer/Publisher Relations. Looking back, I still believe I made the right decision.
What is a typical day like for you at BMI? Are you always in the office? At a gig or event a few nights a week?
SC: It’s pretty crazy. There is no typical day. Some days I’m in the office all day and out at night seeing live shows. Other days, I’m in the studio or taking meetings with people in the industry. I try to increase BMI’s market share, meaning I want to find the next Eminem and the next Lady Gaga, and I do that through my relationships with producers, labels, attorneys, managers, agents, songwriters, and musicians. We all turn each other on to new music.
When I start working with a songwriter, I try to grow with them. That means something different for each creative person that I work with. For some, it means listening to early demos, giving constructive feedback, and then setting up co-writing sessions and meetings when I know they’re ready. For others, I’m giving business advice and just looking out for their best interests, including consulting as they make decisions throughout their careers. I like to say it’s like I manage thousands of individual artists on a day-to-day basis.
Ultimately, I serve as the songwriters’ connector and a confidant. The songwriters I work with trust me to give honest, unbiased advice, and I work hard to maintain that level of real trust. The only bias I ever have is on their behalf—I always look out for what’s best for them in any given situation.
Samantha Cox and Lady Gaga at a 2007 BMI showcase
What is the most challenging part of your job?
SC: Technology has made my job more challenging! You no longer need access to a recording studio to make music –anyone can get on their laptop, write a song, and want to sign up with BMI. I would say that over the past 10 years, this has dramatically increased the volume of songwriters who affiliate with BMI and want my help with launching their careers. Also, the music industry as a whole is changing fast. Traditional ways of buying and listening to music have been replaced in the digital age, and that’s a huge challenge, but we are also in a very exciting time. We’re being asked to see into the future and to predict how the changes will affect songwriters, and that’s virtually-impossible.
Is there something that you wish more people knew about BMI?
SC: A lot of things, actually. We operate on a not-for-profit making basis, which means that our primary responsibility is to collect and distribute performance royalties for the benefit of the songwriter, not us. It’s a very complicated business that threatens to get more and more so, but we never lose sight of what we’re here to do. We’re here for the songwriter.
For someone looking to join BMI, is it still the same easy process of signing up online?
SC: Absolutely! All you have to do is visit www.bmi.com. We’ve made the process simple and streamlined. And if for any reason something isn’t self-explanatory, there’s always someone available to help.
In recent years, BMI has begun putting on more events, showcases and conferences. Are you involved with booking these events?
SC: Yes. Everyone on our Writer/Publisher Relations teams work together to make each event a success. I work on all kinds of events on the local side such as our monthly Acoustic Lounge, Speed Dating For Songwriters and songwriting camps, to national conferences like SXSW and CMJ, our yearly POP Awards in Los Angeles, and stages at major music festivals including Lollapalooza. You can read more about all of them at http://www.bmi.com/events/calendar.
What can you tell me about BMI’s stage at this year’s Lollapalooza? How did that opportunity come about?
SC: If you want to know what artists will be playing on the main stages next year, you’ll want to come to the BMI stage this year! Our stage showcases the best new artists before they become some of the biggest stars in the world. Whether it’s Lady Gaga, Neon Trees, Ke$ha, Halsey, Vic Mensa, Bebe Rexha, or Cage The Elephant, BMI brings the best new musical talent to the Lollapalooza audience first. This year is no exception with incredible artists like Secret Weapons, LANco, Sunflower Bean, and Flatbush Zombies further cementing BMI’s reputation for presenting artists today that everyone will be talking about tomorrow.
Are there any upcoming BMI events otherwise that are open to the public?
SC: Yes. One great event that BMI offers to the public is our BMI 101 workshop. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a one-hour introductory workshop for writers and publishers, covering the role that BMI plays in the music industry, basics of performing rights, and becoming a BMI affiliate. We also host a monthly Acoustic Lounge at the Rockwood on the Lower East Side that’s free and open to the public. It’s a fun event where we showcase some of BMI’s up-and-coming songwriters and people have the opportunity to discover new music.
You personally are a resident of Downtown Manhattan. When did you first move downtown?
SC: I’ve lived downtown since I came to New York City a little over 20 years ago, first in Chelsea and then in Tribeca. My daughter was born right around the time BMI moved its offices to 7 WTC, so it made sense to move closer to work so I could be nearer to her when she went to school.
What do you like most about living downtown?
SC: The energy. The people. And now that I’m a mom, it’s a great place for kids. It’s also a super easy commute to the East Village or Brooklyn where so much is happening in music.
Are there any upcoming downtown events or developments that have you particularly excited?
SC: I’m excited about City Vineyard officially opening up at Pier 26. I stopped by with a few friends for their soft opening in early July and had a great time.
Do you have a favorite downtown music venue?
SC: I spend most of my time on the lower east side at venues like Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Pianos and Rockwood Music Hall. They are all like my second homes.
When not busy with your work, how do you like to spend your free time?
SC: Free time? What’s that? In all seriousness, I like to spend time in the park with my family and have dinner with friends. I love Bar Cyrk in Tribeca and Pala on the Lower East Side.
Finally, Samantha, any last words for the kids?
SC: Like any business, you should take your relationships seriously, have a great work ethic, and learn from others. I always say, if you can just outlast everyone, you will eventually be successful in one way or another, whether it be as a songwriter, an artist or working in the business. Surround yourself with music, those who love music and don’t give up!
ALL-STAR ACCOMMODATION, FIVE-STAR FOOD AND UNPARALLELED NATURAL BEAUTY ARE JUST A SHORT FLIGHT AWAY IN THIS UNDERSTATED JEWEL OF THE CARIBBEAN
BY KATIE MCELVEEN
Nobody will confirm it, but there’s a rumor that Lady Gaga recently stayed in the house—the aptly named Ultimacy Villa—where we’re currently having lunch. It’s easy to see why. Located off an unmarked road near Shoal Bay East, the excruciatingly private, star-worthy villa has eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, three kitchens, a gym with two treadmills and a full-time staff that includes a butler, a security team and a housekeeper. Although there’s no beach—the home is perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the endless blue sea (and Michael Dell’s manse)—the stunning pool and tiled pavilion more than make up for it.
Lady Gaga isn’t the only celebrity who’s been spotted on Anguilla, a diminutive isle located just a few miles, yet a world away, from bustling St. Maarten. Islanders report regular sightings of A-listers like Uma Thurman, Paul McCartney, Michael Jordan and Beyoncé. “They come because they know no one will bother them,” says our boat captain as he takes us past a villa where Denzel Washington may or may not have stayed. “We’re pretty laid back.”
And why shouldn’t they be? Rimmed with billowy pale-pink sand lapped by evanescent turquoise water, Anguilla is a star in its own right, as beautiful as any island and as tranquil as a daydream. You could spend all your island time listening to the waves, snorkeling, sailing or just walking along the beach. Or you could do as we did and eat your way through the island. Continues…
Anguilla is the highlighted Passport location of DOWNTOWN’s Spring 2014. You can find more on what Anguilla has to offer in our latest issue on newsstands now!
