Top Ratings Chic new-millennium style juxtaposed with classical comfort is the name of the game at The James Chicago. A bona fide boutique hotel a block away from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, The James picks up where other vogue accommodations falter. It’s simple: the main focus at The James is you—your preferences, your peacefulness, your private life. And if the hotel’s at-your-beck-and-call service and comfort doesn’t suit your fancy, the design of The James is reason enough to make a visit. The expansive lobby, which boasts a steel staircase and lightened wood accentuated by stone, welcomes you to the J Bar and lounge area as well as David Burke’s Primehouse, The James’s modern interpretation of the classic Chicago steakhouse. The Primehouse has become a legend in its own right thanks to memorable steaks from The James’s own farm in Kentucky.
While all of The James’s guestrooms, lofts, studios, apartments, and penthouses are strikingly artistic, they retain the sense of private domestication with plush beds, plasma televisions, and inviting furniture that begs you to relax. Throw in a cutting-edge gym complete with personal trainers and spa suites, and you’re staying at the coolest address in the heart of the Windy City. For more information about The James Chicago please call 877.JAMES.55 (877.526.3755) or visit jameshotels.com. —John Crow
Fore! Tucker’s Point Club, Bermuda’s first luxury resort, private club, and residential community, arguably rates as the best place to tee off on the island. The golf course offers views of Castle Harbour’s aqua water, the Atlantic Ocean, and lush Bermudian landscape. Crafted by Roger Rulewich, a former senior designer with the Robert Trent Jones company, the 6,381-yard, par-70, 18-hole course has new holes and greens with recontoured fairways and bunkers. A new practice facility includes a driving range, a 10,000 square-foot putting green, and a short-game area. In addition all of the greens have been rebuilt with TifEagle, an imported hybrid Bermuda grass that provides a faster, truer putting surface. When you’re ready to cool off take shelter in the brand-new 20,000-square-foot clubhouse—it features a grillroom and bar, a pro shop, and locker rooms.
The property, which is situated on 200 acres of stunning waterfront land neighboring the glamorous estates of Tucker’s Town, also offers pink-sand beaches, horizon swimming pools, and tennis courts. If you’re interested in purchasing one of the property’s residences, you can choose from waterfront homes, hilltop estate homes, townhomes, and villas. And stay tuned—a luxury hotel and spa are coming soon. For more information please visit tuckerspoint.com or call 441.298.6915. —KT
Sporting Life Whether you’re a golf-aholic who simply cannot get enough of the game or a novice honing your skills to unleash on the unsuspecting, you can stimulate your golf game while preparing for this spring’s playing season in the comfort of your home with AboutGolf’s Indoor Golf Simulator. AboutGolf has the best in graphics, design, plug-and-play ease, and of course—the ultimate in golf course layouts and software. It is simply more accurate and advanced than other simulators on the market, and it gives a feel of play seamless to the real deal.
AboutGolf professionals will work with architects and homeowners to customize the fit—all you need to provide is a space roughly 30 by 15 feet dedicated to your simulator and optional lounge space. What you get is your own window into golf heaven that comes standard with 25 courses including Pebble Beach and Spy Glass Hill as well as reproductions of classic courses such as Harbor Town at Hilton Head, South Carolina. AboutGolf also includes “the most imaginative 18 holes in golf” from the mind of renowned artist Loyal H. Chapman. These challenging adventures take you on a golfing journey through caverns, across New York City’s skyline, and deep down into the Grand Canyon.
The base price starts at $40,000. For more information about the AboutGolf Indoor Golf Simulator please visit Aboutgolf.com or call 419.868.6091 ext. 46. —JC
On the Radar When you walk into a golf shop or browse online, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the wide spectrum of golfing apparel . . . even in the luxury market. Too bad the shops don’t offer a scorecard rating clothing and equipment for you. But no need . . . one of the top golfing clothiers, Fairway & Greene provides golfers with some of the highest quality shirts while retaining the traditional bounds of golf apparel and respecting the historic tradition of the game—and all at a reasonable price. Fairway & Greene asks, “Why pay $125 for an Italian spun yarn golf shirt when you can get the same style, quality, and feel for $85 from an American brand?” You don’t have to! For more information about Fairway & Greene apparel please visit fairwayandgreene.com or call 800.926.8010. —JC
Hands Off You can walk the course while giving your shoulder a break with Stewart Golf’s X1R golf caddie, which you can remotely control from up to 50 feet away. The electric caddie runs on 27 holes-at-a-time battery power and has a collapsible frame for trunk storage; space for balls, tees, a scorecard, and a bag; and easy steering and maneuverability. This top-of-the-line golf cart provides the ideal way to keep in shape this year—hassle free. Price: $1,995. For more information on the X1R or any other of the Stewart Golf products, please visit Stewartgolf.com. —JC