FALL 2024
2024 LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO EV Taken To The Extreme
DISCOVERED A Quiet Drive Through History
FIRST DRIVE 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe
RIDER'S SEAT 2024 Honda Goldwing vs Mazda MX-5
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CONTENTS
PIN HIGH Golf As Life 36
Tobbaco Road
56 FEATURED CAR
10 Editor In Chief 12 Editor At Large 13 Contributors
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto
60 DISCOVERED
14 DISCOVERED
Un Jour At The Races
2024 BMW i4 xDrive40
66 DRIVER'S SEAT Driving A Classic 300SL Gullwing
20 RIDER'S SEAT
2024 Honda Transalp
72 GAME CHANGERS
28 ROADSIDE CHIC 32 CORKSCREW 34 PIN HIGH Golf As Life
Before It’s Lights Out!
“At the heart of this Cayenne is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.” – 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, 84
76 DISCOVERED British Icons
84 FEATURED SUV
42 FIRST DRIVE
2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
88 FIRST DRIVE
50 DISCOVERED
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe
Family Road Trips
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OUR TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF JEFF VOTH jvoth@vicariousmag.com EDITOR AT LARGE MATTHEW NEUNDORF mneundorf@vicariousmag.com SENIOR EDITOR DAN HEYMAN dheyman@vicariousmag.com TRAVEL EDITOR JESSICA JEAN MARTIN jmartin@vicariousmag.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER KRISTIN PITMAN kpitman@vicariousmag.com CONTRIBUTORS BRIAN MAKSE CAROLYN MEREY EMILY ATKINS IAIN CRAWFORD JEFF WILSON KUNAL D’SOUZA MARK HACKING MATTHEW KEITH MICHAEL LORÉ PETER BLEAKNEY RANDY WELLS SCOTT PATRICK COWAN STEVEN BOCHENEK WILLIAM CLAVEY DESIGN & LAYOUT JENNIFER ELIA jelia@vicariousmag.com NEWSSTAND DIRECTOR CRAIG SWEETMAN ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@trqmedia.com PUBLISHER TRQ MEDIA INC. St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada COVER PHOTO 2024 LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO
FIRST DRIVE 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 88
94 RIDER'S SEAT
Imagination Toys
100 FIRST DRIVE
2025 McLaren Artura Spider
106 A LOOK AT CIGAR LIFE A Journey Into The World Of Cigars
“The Goldwing can hustle harder than such a sizable luxo-ride has any right doing.” – 2024 Honda Goldwing, 94
110 GEAR UP! 112 TIME ZONE 116 NOW AND THEN
25 Years Of R Gruppe
122 TRAVEL EDITOR'S LETTER 123 NEXT TIME IN VICARIOUS
9
EDITOR IN CHIEF
JEFF VOTH
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell
I AM NOT A PERSON WHO LIKES to stand still. But I am also a fan of what has been in the past and I am happy to live within the juxtaposition this creates. As I write this, parked in my driveway for what is probably the very last time is a new 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 convertible. Recent announcements have highlighted the fact change is coming for Jaguar with plans to cancel every vehicle they currently build except for the F-Pace. As a driving enthusiast, I am both happy to drive the F-Type one more time and sad for I know this is the end of an era. Glistening in Portofino Blue with Light Oyster Windsor leather performance seats, it is not a perfect sports car by today’s standard with its dated, but still functional, infotainment screen and a few less niceties compared to Porsche, BMW and Chevrolet to name a few. But what it might be missing from the spec sheet, it more than makes up for with head-turning good looks, driveability and a truly visceral engine exhaust note. Fast enough to keep up with the competition, the F-Type R75 coupe and convertible still have, in my judgement at least, the best sound experience for the dollar. With the top down, it is a feeling of open air freedom that I am going to deeply miss when it’s gone. But it’s not the only sports car I am going to miss when the time comes to wave goodbye, and the same goes for some of the mechanical features we sports car lovers have enjoyed for decades.
Jeff Wilson covers some of that technology in this issue as he takes us for a ride on the new Honda Goldwing while comparing it to the new Mazda MX-5 with a manual transmission. The day will come when driving stick, and probably what is lovingly referred to by most as the Mazda Miata, is a thing of the past. But for now, I hold on for the ride and enjoy every push of the clutch pedal and throw of the gear lever, knowing it could very soon be my last. The fun never stops at VICARIOUS and our pages are packed once again with stories, advice and insight sure to entertain and enlighten you. Mark Hacking is back at it taking the new McLaren Artura Spider (electric) on a fast-paced drive through the backroads of Monte Carlo. Dan Heyman, Senior Editor of this publication and Executive Editor of our sister publication EMOTION, ups the electrons and powers over perfect asphalt two-lanes in the 810 hp Lamborghini Revuelto (also electric). Of course, what would any issue of our magazine be without a little humour and Steven Bochenek covers that with his take on riding shotgun at a Nissan Sentra Cup race. Prayers answered, he arrived back at the pits safe and sound. Well, at least safe. New to our magazine, we are pleased to introduce Michael LoRé, an award- winning journalist based in NYC who specializes in golf coverage as we launch Pin High- Golf As Life. He takes us to unforgettable Tobacco Road Golf Club and Oitavos Dunes Golf Course for some on course fun! And this is just the start of what you will find inside our fall issue of VICARIOUS . For all who love automobiles, motorcycles and travel, welcome back. Enjoy the drive!
“As a driving enthusiast, I am both happy to drive the F-Type one more time and sad for I know this is the end of an era. ”
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“Happiness isn’t around the corner. Happiness is the corner!” ~ Unknown
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11
EDITOR AT LARGE MATTHEW NEUNDORF
“Speed has never killed anyone - suddenly becoming stationary, that's what gets you.” – Jeremy Clarkson
WHEN “ THE GRAND TOUR: One For The Road ” aired on Amazon Prime, on September 13th, 2024, the Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May era of automotive tomfoolery officially ended. For some of us, it was seen as something long overdue – the trio had been at it since 2003 – but for others it felt like saying goodbye to some of your best friends, for the last time. I was twenty-five when the trio first got together to film episodes of Top Gear . A friend from across the pond had quickly let me know about it and, as soon as I had found a way to watch, I was hooked. The bickering, differing opinions and overall camaraderie of Clarkson, Hammond and May were the obvious sell in terms of appeal but more than that, they brought the entire automotive world of an enthusiast into your living room in a way that even a non-enthusiast could appreciate. Cars were reviewed, sure, but more importantly they, and all of the incredible things they allowed us to do with them, were celebrated. This was a far cry from what had previously been available in the automotive world, regardless of medium. Content was largely focussed on providing consumers with information so that they could make an “educated” or “informed” choice in car buying. The three co-hosts didn’t care about consumers or car shopping, they cared about the cars, warts and all. And that made us care about them. Like most enthusiasts of a certain age, I haven’t missed a single episode of a single show that the trio has hosted in their two-plus decades of work. Most programs have been enjoyed multiple times and,
despite the fact that things eventually became overly scripted and predictably over-the-top, I’d still tune in, give them my attention as well as some laughs and an eye roll or two. Take a quick survey of our automotive landscape today and you can’t swing a digital cat without hitting a YouTube channel, website, blog or magazine that hasn’t been influenced by the trio – VICARIOUS included. Clarkson, Hammond and May are the reason I started writing about cars back in 2006 and are – or I guess were – a large part of why I continue to do so today. They certainly brought me quite a “little bit of happiness” over the years and laid a foundation for folks like me to try and do the same. If you are at all a fan of the trio (which I’m sure most of you are), keep them in mind as you thumb through the pages of this fall issue of VICARIOUS . Their embrace of the experiential and celebration of the automobile is what we’ve always tried to capture and put on these pages. We know we can never replace them, but we’ll endeavour to never “suddenly become stationary” in our pursuits.
“A friend from across the pond had quickly let me know about it and, as soon as I had found a way to watch, I was hooked.”
12
CONTRIBUTORS
JEFF WILSON Jeff Wilson is a producer with Emmy-nominated production company Echo Bay Media, known for travel productions like Departures , Descending , Into The Rising Sun , and Over the Horizon , enjoyed around the world on Travel Channel, National Geographic, Netflix and Discovery to name a few. The team’s adventures have enabled Jeff to experience Sudan, Djibouti, remote islands in Papua, and motorcycling across the Jordanian desert, although producing a culinary series in a 12th century French chateau was decidedly more comfortable. Jeff’s passion for travel is only surpassed by his love of machines and he’s spent the past dozen years sharing his award-winning photography and writing about cars, trucks and motorcycles in several notable online and print publications. When not behind the camera or keyboard, Jeff’s happiest behind the handlebars of a motorcycle, or the wheel of a sports car, exploring places he’s never been before, checking out the local culture and cuisine.
MARK HACKING
Mark Hacking is an award- winning editor/writer/ photographer with over 25 years’ experience working with leading publications around the world. His byline has appeared in Architectural Digest, Azure, Departures, enRoute, Forza, The Globe and Mail, Intersection, Luxury Magazine, Montecristo, NUVO, Robb Report and the Toronto Star. Mark has also competed in a range of motorsports over the past 20 years. He finished on the class podium at Targa Newfoundland three consecutive times from 2004-06. In 2011, he raced at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the factory Aston Martin team. In 2013, he became the first journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge, finishing third in class in both outings. In 2019, he was the first journalist in the world to race in the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy, the first-ever all-electric production car race series.
JESSICA JEAN MARTIN Jessica Jean Martin is a seasoned writer and photographer whose love for travel began in childhood, exploring diverse destinations throughout Europe and as far as Venezuela, and Morocco with her family. This early exposure to different cultures ignited a lifelong passion for globetrotting, which she now combines with her interior design background, drawing inspiration from every corner of the world. Her experience includes writing and photography for national newspapers and magazines, with assignments taking her across the globe. She has a particular talent for capturing the essence of places and people through her lens, bringing the stories of her adventures to life for her readers. Always eager for the next adventure, whether by plane, train, or automobile, she has made unforgettable memories in places like China and Vietnam. With a growing bucket list and a love for animating the locations she visits through vivid storytelling and photography, she continues to explore new horizons, eager to share new experiences with her family and readers alike.
13
DISCOVERED
2024 BMW I4 XDRIVE40 A QUIET DRIVE THROUGH HISTORY
Story Jeff Voth
|
Photography Iain Crawford
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15
DISCOVERED
THERE WAS A TIME NOT SO long ago when Canada and the USA were at war. That might seem like an impossible situation these days given the differences in military capability and population between the two countries, but it was very real in 1812. Back then, wooden ships armed with cannons plied the waters between what was known as Upper Canada and the United States. The British ruled much of the known world and the Americans were once again in search of independence, having first achieved it in 1776. But the Brits didn’t want to abandon their rule without a second fight. In the end, complete freedom from Britian was secured and today we simply refer to this area as Southern Ontario and Western New York. Thankfully, it remains peaceful and a region high on the list of any traveller looking to see some of the best scenery Canada has to offer. The drive into living antiquity from either Toronto to the north; Buffalo or Niagara Falls to the south, is filled with glimpses of vineyards and multi-million- dollar homes. Together with roadside plaques celebrating the history of this area, it provides an intoxicating blend of the old and new. The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 is the perfect companion for a weekend drive like this. A fully electric four-door sport sedan, it presents the perfect balance between driving efficiency and performance. But for the lack of any serious engine noise; there are different engineered sounds based on your drive mode selection, it delivers a driving experience similar to any 4 Series BMW. Steering is progressive, the interior is supremely comfortable and the ride quality handles most road surfaces with complete confidence. A must-see route to follow is the Niagara Parkway stretching all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls before finally reaching the shores of Lake
Ontario. It is recorded that Sir Winston Churchill once stated the Parkway is “the prettiest Sunday drive in the world.” Vineyards stretch away from the road, row after row are laden with white and red wine grapes nearly ready to be harvested as we leave the historic town of Queenston behind. Rising high up on the escarpment behind us, a walkable tower dedicated to the memory of Sir Issac Brock appears to gaze down in our direction. I do my best to maintain a steady pace on the Parkway and keep to the speed limit of 60 km/h. It is a challenge as the two-lane road is perfectly paved and traffic is light on this day. But with scenery this beautiful, it should be savoured, so speed is not my friend at the moment. To my right is the mighty Niagara River and just beyond that America. It feels so close you can almost touch it, but in reality, the two countries are separated by a wide, fast-moving waterway. Of course, Niagara Falls in all of its splendour, a mere 16 kilometres to the south, may have something to do with creating the current. Power boats and yachts ply the shared boundary these days in a scene unlike any other in the world. Thirty minutes later we arrive at our destination. The Pillar and Post is a mainstay in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, or NOTL as
“A must-see route to follow is the Niagara Parkway stretching all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls before finally reaching the shores of Lake Ontario. ”
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Peller Estates
17
DISCOVERED
Piller and Post
it is referred to by the locales. Situated off the main street, it is a short fifteen-minute walk from the many stores and restaurants lined up to greet the daily onslaught of visitors from all parts of the globe. It has been 212 years since the War of 1812, but the town still feels connected to its vibrant past. At the entrance to Fort George, cannons are polished and gleaming as tour buses pull up and eager visitors arrive. Throughout the hotel, floors creak and history oozes around every corner. Constructed in the 1890’s, the building first housed a canning factory manufacturing some of Niagara’s finest produce. The upper floors of the building were converted to a storeroom for Polish forces training in the area in 1914, but it remained an active cannery until finally closing its doors in 1957.
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A total of 35 rooms re-opened the building as a hotel in 1975 with an additional 122 rooms added in 1994. Today, evidence of the once proud canning factory can be seen throughout the red brick structure and homage is paid at the Vintage Hotels property by dining at Cannery Restaurant or grabbing a drink and casual fare at Vintages Wine Bar & Lounge. Niagara is celebrated throughout the world for its fruit growing and wine- producing terroir and the choices of where to taste the latest offerings is diverse and always growing. We take the short five to ten-minute walk from the hotel, depending on your pace, to two of Niagara’s most renowned wineries; Two Sisters Vineyard and Peller Estates. Being so close together, they seem to share the same real estate,
but each offers its own unique take on the artistry that is winemaking and the varietals presented are exceptional. Wine tastings are not to be missed on this day. Hidden behind the endless number of family produce stands and extravagant wineries in this region are the lesser known, but equally compelling, craft beer breweries. A short taxi ride away, Silversmith Brewing Company is located in a what was once the town of Virgil’s central church. Pews have been replaced with tables for four or a larger party ready to enjoy an afternoon or evening beer flight. The 2017 World Beer Awards Canada Gold winner Black Lager is a must, so too the Dam Buster English Pale Ale. New flavours seem to arrive with each passing season, so a visit each new year is required. Close by, we also stop at Niagara Oust House Brewers, located in what was once a big red barn. You can’t miss it; it is still bright red and white and a short three- minute drive from Silversmith on your way back to NOTL. This local favourite beer stop is famous for their Farmhouse Ale Collection, as well as a new Dark ‘Ass Ale and the very seasonal Watermelon Gose. Growler in hand, it is time to get a ride back to town. As impossible as it may seem, this centuries old setting is even more spectacular at night with lights twinkling all down Queen Street. The brilliant Sunset Orange Metallic of the 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 glistens in the night, drawing attention from people walking the streets. It’s not the only show in town as the summer weather seems to bring out many of Niagara’s finest and most exotic sports cars each night. But it fits right in with the gathering of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens and more than a few classic Corvettes and Jaguar convertibles. It appears Sir Winston Churchill was right when he stated the drive along the Canadian shores of the Niagara River is “the prettiest Sunday drive in the world”.
Peller Estates
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RIDER'S SEAT
2024 HONDA TRANSALP GO ANYWHERE ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
Story
|
Matthew Neundorf
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IF YOU GIVE PEOPLE SOMETHING to complain about, they will. And if you don't, they'll likely find something anyway. Take the 2024 Honda Transalp, for example. Honda’s newest middleweight adventure motorcycle is right-sized (750 cc) and right-priced at $13,506 (including freight, PDI and fees). It’s got a goodly amount of tech and a decent enough catalogue of accessories right from Honda, to tackle nearly anything with confidence. So, what’s to whine about? Despite being the first time that the storied Transalp model has landed on our shores (save a brief gap-year trip back in 1989), the North American model has been detuned to make the EPA happy. Specifically, the engine management unit has neutered overall performance to ensure that noise regulations are satisfied. The cost of sonic compliance rings in at around seven-to-ten-horsepower – a sin great enough to damn any praises, right? Not so fast… Weaving my way from the confines of the GTA’s rich tapestry of traffic, the Transalp is much nimbler than I expected it to be. Typically, when an adventure motorcycle wears a 21-inch front wheel
and an 18-inch rear, responsiveness slows down a touch. It's a concession riders allow in the name of off-road abilities, as there is little that a hoop that big can’t clamber over, but it doesn't feel like the trade-off has been made here. Part of the reason behind this is that Honda has engineered the Transalp to be a 50/50 bike, so its off-road prowess has been dulled in order to boost its overall on-road manners. As such, the suspension sits a little lower than what its closest competitors offer -- Yamaha's T700, Aprilia's Tuareg 660 – with travel being limited to 190mm in the rear and 200mm up front. Both the 43mm fork and Pro-link shock in the rear allow for adjustment but the stock set-up seemed to suit my 85kg’s just fine and the low-for-its-class 850mm seat height made for easy flat-footing at stops. Honda claims that chassis engineers were able to shave over 18 kgs of mass from the Transalp during development. The frame uses 2.6mm steel downtubes and plated engine hangers and couples with a steel diamond integrated subframe to achieve this. The toil of development means the Transalp weighs in at 208
“Honda claims that chassis engineers were able to shave over 18 kgs of mass from the Transalp during development. ”
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kgs, which is pretty much on par with its competitors despite having a larger displacement engine. Powering the Transalp is a 755 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin with four- valves per cylinder and a 270-degree crank. In Canadian showrooms, that motor spools up 83 horsepower and puts down 55 pound-feet of torque. That may be down from its European cousin, but it never really feels like a hindrance. The engine revs up quickly and boasts a much gruntier soundtrack than I had anticipated. It sounds and feels a lot like the bigger, beefier Africa Twin – which is a good thing – and will easily outhustle the traffic around you. Peak torque doesn’t hit until fairly high in the rev range (7,270 rpm) but nearly 80% of that is available right off of idle, so it certainly doesn’t dawdle when you’re not wringing its neck. There is a small but noticeable torque dip around 3,500 rpm but I wouldn’t say it's any real cause for concern. The six-speed transmission is smooth and the slick-shifting bi-directional quickshifter works extremely well, especially when you’ve got the engine on boil. Of all of the new features that modern motos boast, the quickshifter is easily my favourite – punching through the gears is extremely addictive. The ergonomics of this bike are also surprisingly accommodating. I expected things to feel a bit compact, given the slightly smaller dimensions that the Transalp has but the reach to the bars was spot on, and I had plenty of comfort in my legs too – even more so than the Africa Twin Adventure Sports affords (review incoming). I also found that on this fully- farkled model (that boasted additional engine guards, panniers, top box, heated grips, wind deflectors and ADV pegs), I could reposition myself in a myriad of ways to relieve any pressure points and extend time in the saddle between stops. The Transalp also packs five different riding modes that can be toggled between while on the roll: Sport, Standard, Rain,
23
RIDER'S SEAT
Gravel and User. Each mode features modifications to the power level, traction control, engine braking and ABS intervention. On most other bikes these days Sport mode – which maximises power and performance – tends to be a little too twitchy, but on the Transalp it felt like the de facto program for ultimate enjoyment. Despite the neutered ECU tune, Honda’s Transalp combines responsive power delivery, an angry soundtrack and tight handling package that makes for an extremely fun and boisterous mount on pavement. Braking is handled by a twin set of 310 mm discs up front and a single 256 mm unit in the rear. Initial bite is good with decent feedback through the lever. The softness of the suspension will show itself with a bit of nose-dive under hard braking, but the weight transfer never felt like it caused the front to push. The ABS unit overseeing things can be toggled to off-road mode, which cancels the pulsations at the rear so induced lock-ups to tighten a turning radius in the dirt is easy work. Speaking of, the Transalp won’t baulk when the pavement ends. The fine folks at “Ride the Highlands” (see sidebar) recently pulled the wraps off of their new Timber Trail Loop which combines a decent amount of gravel and forest access roads to deliver a fun adventure ride. I tackled a sizable chunk of the dirty bits from its southern portions and the Transalp didn’t falter at all. In Gravel mode the power was chopped enough to keep roosting to a minimum, but the traction control and ABS settings were optimised to allow for slippin’ and slidin’ when you wanted to. The Transalp I was on was also outfitted with the larger ADV pegs, and that made the feel from a standing position extremely communicative to help steering from the pegs – I’d definitely recommend the upgrade even if dirt riding isn’t your main
attraction to this bike. The lower ground clearance never became an issue, but none of the dirt on this portion of the loop was all that gnarly. If I were looking to focus on honing my enduro skills, the Transalp wouldn’t be my first choice as the Yamaha T7 and Aprilia Tuareg are both ADV bikes engineered to excel in those situations. But if the riding you’re aiming to do is a healthy mix of road and fire road/cottage trail adventuring, the Transalp presents a convincing argument. I really grew to appreciate the honesty of this bike over my two weeks with it. From its looks to its dimensions to its power delivery and ergonomics, it doesn’t promise to be a “big dirt bike” that can tackle off-piste insanity. This is an adventure touring mount that rewards as much on pavement and long distance rides as it does when the asphalt ends. And, with regard to those lost ponies, Honda’s warranty ends after one year so a reflash to match its European cousin can solve that without too much worry, so there’s no complaints here.
“This is an adventure touring mount that rewards as much on pavement and long distance rides as it does when the asphalt ends.”
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Long winding roads cresting over gently rolling hills. Lakes and rivers peek between the lush
for years. Their loops and recommended roads cover everything from short day trips (from the GTA or Ottawa) to multi- day sojourns through Ontario’s past, complete with a fair smattering of dirt, trail and adventure action, should you be so inclined. The roads this collective highlights and the loops they create celebrate the long lost art of road building – not just a construction project that links two points on a map, but proper road building – that turns the journey itself into a destination. Should you feel so bold as to take on all of the Routes – Adventure Routes included – you can even collect a series of patches along the way. See you out there!
foliage flanking your sides. The tarmac is smooth and, more importantly, near empty of traffic. For any motorcycle riders out there, this describes a chunk of paradise. Even more so, when
you have a collection of these gems all mapped and routed together, laid out in detail, complete with delectable coffee and lunch stops highlighted along the way. I’ve been consulting the various routes and (free) paper maps that Ride The Highlands have been putting together
ridethehighlands.ca
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ElEvatE your gamE
The firsT-ever Genesis Gv80 Coupe
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† The Genesis Seasonal Care Plan includes the following products and services: a set of 20" x 9.5" Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV winter tires; premium Genesis branded gloss black mounted alloy wheels; five years of tire storage; five years of mounted tire installations; and five years of valet for seasonal tire changes. There is a $50 transfer fee for an owner of a qualified vehicle to transfer the plan and a $100 fee for exceeding the tire storage service period under the plan. Terms and conditions apply, visit genesis.ca or contact your Genesis distributor for complete details. ™ / ®The Genesis names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trademarks owned or licensed by Genesis Motors Canada, a division of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. All other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Visit genesis.ca or contact your Genesis distributor for complete details.
27
ROADSIDE CHIC
WHERE TO STAY
Genesis is one of the fastest growing luxury auto brands and behind that growth is the Korean concept of the ma-joong – the greeting. Everyone, no matter the setting, should be treated like a welcome guest in your home. Every step of the Genesis journey is Centred Around You and customers can expect to be welcomed warmly as son-nim – honoured guests. Genesis is proud to sponsor ROADSIDE CHIC, a tour of luxury accommodations from around the world driven to treat you as an honoured guest.
ROADSIDE CHIC IS ALL ABOUT finding those hidden gems, the places that provide a perfect balance of comfort, luxury, exceptional service and the opportunity to do as much or as little as you want. As the weather starts to change and the days grow shorter, thoughts turn to getting away and capturing every last moment of sunshine and the beauty of the fall season before the cold of winter arrives. Here are several unique destinations VICARIOUS has visited that guarantee an exclusive stay.
Story | Jeff Voth
The Charles Hotel Munich The city of Munich, Germany is one of my favourite places to visit, no matter what time of year it is. In the spring, the city is alive with blue skies, new foliage and green grass; it is a place designed for enjoying the outdoors. In the summer, open-air shopping malls are bustling as people gather in the main squares, throw down a picnic blanket and just enjoy being together. When fall rolls around, it’s time for Oktoberfest and no place does it like Munich. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Christmas markets take over the winter landscape and the magic of the season wraps the city in celebration.
At the centre of it all is The Charles Hotel Munich, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Located near the Old Botanical Garden, the hotel offers easy access to popular attractions like Marienplatz, the English Garden, and Munich’s many exceptional museums. A leisurely stroll through the garden is as easy as stepping off the curb at the front door, it’s right across the one-way street that fronts the hotel. Munich is an excellent walking city and The Charles is the best place to call home. Designed by Olga Polizzi, the sister of Sir Rocco Forte, The Charles Hotel Munich combines modern elegance with
“The setting is tranquil and stunning with tall, framed windows allowing light to flow into the room.”
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
art deco elements. The timeless white stone facade has an award-winning elegant design. Brass detailing encompasses the main entrance adding to the elegance. It stands out from the classic red roof architecture found throughout much of the city. The sounds of Munich are everywhere, but the surrounding trees and unique placement of the building within the city centre seem to create a cocoon of peace and quiet. Rooms and suites have undergone a recent rebirth and offer the best of accommodations and amenities. Sizes range from the Classic Room to the Deluxe Park View Room and Deluxe Panoramic View Room. All showcase the contemporary art of Hubertus von Hohenlohe with Rocco Forte touches. Design features include French balconies, limestone and marble bathrooms, wicker accents Forte Organics toiletries and classic Bavarian porcelain artwork. Dining takes place at Florio restaurant on the main floor of the hotel. Breakfast is served buffet style while lunch and dinner can be enjoyed inside or out on the terrace depending on the time of year. The setting is tranquil and stunning with tall, framed windows allowing light to flow into the room. Onsite activities are plenty with a full menu of services available at The Charles Spa, pool, Finnish sauna and workout facilities. If you are staying in Munich for a day or a week, The Charles Hotel is your best place to call home.
Sophienstraße 28, 80333 München, Germany
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ROADSIDE CHIC | in partnership with Genesis
much more. The Spa offers a full menu of services, including side-by-side massage. Dining takes place in the award-winning Stephanie Inn Dining Room. Under the watchful eye of Chef Aaron Bedard, guests of the hotel and daily visitors enjoy locally-sourced ingredients in a five-course dining experience or available à la carte menu. Paired with Oregon wines, deserts prepared by Pastry Chef Chelsea Archibald complete the experience.
Stephanie Inn Oregon is revered for its stunning beaches and burgeoning wine producing terroirs. This is the place to relax and get rejuvenated for many North Americans and visitors from around the world. And there are few places more beautiful than the US Coastal Mountain Range. A short, but spectacular 1.5 hour drive from Portland on Highway 26, the road ends on paradise shores at the Stephanie Inn. Exceptional rooms and suites offer the added warmth and charm of a gas fireplace, Jacuzzi bathtub, luxurious bathrobes and lanterns for an evening stroll to the beach. Twenty-eight steps is all it takes to reach the water; the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean are your 24 hr playlist. For those looking to experience a magical drive rather than an ocean stroll, the nearby Ecola Toll Road is sure to inspire with its 111 hair-pin turns. Activities include long walks on the beach, hikes in the mountains, ocean fishing, beer and wine trail excursions and
2740 South Pacific, Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110, USA
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offer expansive views of the surrounding tropical mountains. The warmth of a fireplace and oversized couch or bed wrap you in ultimate comfort. A romantic dinner for two under the canopy of a palapa roof is not your everyday experience, but it is here. Ambar restaurant features farm to fork artful interpretations of local Costa Rican food expertly prepared by the chef. Casual dining takes place at El Bistro, or go all out at El Grill and enjoy a traditional parrillada Latin-inspired grill experience with live music. Two pools, one for the family (El Mantantial) and a second adults-only infinity pool (Vistaverde) provide the perfect amount of fun and relaxation. Those seeking grand adventure can take a helicopter ride over the Chirripo Volcano, explore the three-tiered Namu Waterfalls, ride horseback or tackle mountain bike trails, white water raft on the Savagre River or my favourite, zipline through a canopied cloud forest in the Talamanca Mountains and the Cerro de la Muerte. Finish it all off with a Forest Stretching Ritual at the onsite spa.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection Costa Rica is not a destination that first comes to mind when debating great driving roads. A conversation such as this typically involves the French Riviera, California, Australia and, of course, Canada’s east and west coastal areas. The drive in from Juan Santamaria International Airport takes approximately 3.5 hours, but this doesn’t consider getting lost in the mountains or finding your way on roads that Google maps is unaware of. For the adventure seeker, it’s the perfect start to a Talamanca Mountains getaway. Two and one-bedroom casitas and luxurious suites offer a unique take on the Costa Rican good life at Hacienda AltaGracia. Neutral tones and natural wood floors, ceilings and accents are designed to blend in with the countryside. Comfy is the code word here and it shows in every detail. Large windows
“Two and one-bedroom casitas and luxurious suites offer a unique take on the Costa Rican good life
at Hacienda AltaGracia.”
Contiguo al Escuela de Santa Teresa de Cajon Santa Teresa Perez Zeledon
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CORKSCREW
Wine and Spirits
Story I
Scott Patrick Cowan
TO ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES the finer points of taking corners at speed on a race track, the word ‘Corkscrew’ means only one thing; turns 7, 8 and 8a at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. It’s iconic. Get it right and you will be smiling for a least the next 1:25.44 seconds as your work your way back for another go around should you happen to be driving a Czinger 21C Hypercar, the current record holder. Of course, there is an equally compelling use of the word corkscrew that evokes a sense of surprise and delight as you anticipate the simple joy found in a fine glass of wine or spirits. While it may be a different pleasure than deftly making it through the famous set of turns located just east of Monterey, California, the pleasure is no less intoxicating. In fact, it is certain to last longer than a perfect lap of the race track. Scott Patrick Cowan takes us inside the world of wine and spirits with insider knowledge only an expert can share.
Photo to the above: Traditional sandpit vineyard
ABOUT SOMMELIER SCOTT PATRICK COWAN A Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier for ten years, Scottie Cowan considers hospitality more of a lifestyle than an occupation. He has stepped foot on many restaurant floors across the country, ranging from the mountains to the Atlantic, where he now lays his head in a Chartreuse coloured salt box house. Scottie is the current beverage manager at the Fogo Island Inn, consults for restaurants and hotels nationally and abroad, and has held the title of Best Sommelier of Atlantic Canada from 2021 to 2023 by The Association de Sommeliere Internationale. He will be fusing Newfoundland dialect and raw French in the coming years in order to compete for the title of Best Sommelier of Canada. He aspires to someday start an importing business and has a zestful interest in food and wine journalism.
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Our first stop was at Ramilo Wines, a newer vineyard, but with deep roots in the region’s history. The view included another mist-shrouded castle, the Palácio da Pena, in the background. I could die here and not be surprised if I woke up in the same spot, still dead, still in heaven. They showed us a concrete lagar, where the grapes get stomped by foot, and temperature-controlled tanks, and medieval grape-stuff contraptions, too. Jorge Mata, the winemaker and enologist, poured us juice straight from the tank, cloudy and fizzing on our tongues. We were all sharing a stolen moment, waiting for the yeast to die and the wine to be born. We were led to a stone picnic table with bottles. All bright wax tops, stenciled lettering, nothing more needed. Jorge, scientist and ambassador, then lectured on soil, weather, and the political landscape. They had to argue with authorities to clear out a forest for the vineyard, claiming the vineyard existed first. Eventually the authorities subsisted: these vineyards must be protected. Wild cherry bubble gum
Hiding in the Sand THERE IS A PLACE IN PORTUGAL where the grapevines grow in massive sandboxes, tucked beneath behemoth trees. You can smell the ocean from the vineyards and wild hibiscus. It’s called Colares, less than an hour from the beehive of Lisbon. In the vineyards there is often a dopey haze drifting past. The fog loiters at hill sites near grapevines, and its presence assures that each grape is buzzing with mouth-watering natural acids. Colares is facing a different kind of problem. It’s too beautiful. People want to mow down vineyards and plant apartment complexes. Many of the most storied vineyards are extinct. There is capital venture, condos—with micro farming pulling on a sling and a handful of winemakers with stones pointed at almost every direction. I had to see it. And the Inn wanted to secure it. There’s a Portuguese word, "saudade," meaning a yearning for something that may have passed—or might not have happened yet. One winery, Casal Santa Maria, could not exist without it. Baron Bruemmer planted his vineyard at the age of 96. He planted 5000 roses to commemorate his wife. He used a pendulum to dictate most decisions within the winery, leaving the fate of it all within the hands of the old gods. He lived to see his grandson assemble the first vintages. He’s gone now. One of the six wineries is owned by a casino in Macau, the Grand Lisboa. Somebody I know, believe it or not, claims to have had the best wine of their lives in that casino. I need it. Heck, I yearn for it.
"They showed us a concrete lagar, where the grapes
get stomped by foot, and temperature- controlled tanks,
and medieval grape-stuff contraptions, too. "
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CORKSCREW
and spruce sap emanated from my glass. I glanced at my co-sommelier, Allison Strom, and we both nodded, slowly, silently, communicating: “This is good, really freaking good.” I didn’t spit it out, leading to inevitable lightheadedness. This led to boiling over with praise, and that led to an overuse of the f-word. Still, they hosted us gracefully. I didn’t die, and we had to move on. And so, we got lost, scraped the rental car on a cliff road, and finally found Viúva Gomes, one of the oldest wineries in Colares, recommended by a writer from the World’s 50 Best. The owner, José Baeta, greeted us, laid out cheese, and walked us through this legendary warehouse. His tone was soft. He pointed to a small iron-grid cell, loaded with dusty bottles, calling it his insurance policy. They still rent a grape de-stemmer. I was charmed. To plant a vine here, a deep pit must be dug in the sand to reach the underlying clay. I have heard that planting one vine can cost thousands of dollars. Why bother to buy a de-stemmer when this is all one needs. There were gigantic barrels made by familial ghosts from lifetime’s ago. José spoke with pride about his son’s wines—those labeled "Pirata" and "Tutti Frutti," more bright wax-topped
"To plant a vine here, a deep pit must be dug in the sand to reach the underlying clay. I have heard that planting one
vine can cost thousands of dollars."
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Photo to the right: National Palace of Sintra in the region of Adega
natural bottles sprouting amongst the library wines. When he poured the 1969 Colares, Allison exclaimed, “What’s going on? I’m literally freaking out.” It cost 80 Euros. We left with blackened teeth and lips from the ramisco grape and the flavour of honey and sea breeze from the malvasia grape lingering. Then we went to Adega Regional de Colares. Despite our late arrival, they kindly greeted us, ensuring the winemaker, Francisco Figueiredo, was there. Francisco crafts wine from a tapestry of fruit, honours the grape growers and the extreme farming they practice. They live within a hall of barrels that can no longer be filled, due to the nature of the times. All delicious. I always appreciate a glass when I can imagine the face behind it, a creased handshake, and grapevines drooping over pure sand. This is hero farming in the civilized world. To get back, soon couldn’t be soon enough—glass in hand, sand beneath my boots. The sea breeze drifting warmly through the leaves. Saudade. If any winemakers in Colares are reading, I’m still thinking about it. And thank you for not saying anything about my cussing.
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PIN HIGH
Golf As Life
Story I
Michael LoRé
Tobacco Road Photos | BrianOar
GOLF ISN’T JUST A GAME. Nor is it solely a sport. It’s a lifestyle. It’s an obsession. It’s a way of life. From its earliest roots in Scotland to today’s technology-backed iterations, golf represents something unique to each person who has ever picked up a club. Golf can offer a much-needed reprieve from the modern-day rat race. It can provide valuable quality time among family and friends. It can scratch a competitive itch, especially for former athletes. It can be a never-ending quest for perfection. Ultimately, golf is the great equalizer. Whether your annual salary is $3 million or $30,000, you’re a famous actor or Kindergarten teacher, or are from Toronto or Timbuktu, golf doesn’t discriminate. Golf is man vs. nature. Nothing more. Nothing less. I first started playing in high school, not only because I wasn’t good at baseball, but because I knew golf would be a valuable tool later in life, regardless of what profession I got into. Hardly a new
or unique perspective, I’m glad I picked up that old set of Spalding Executives from my friend’s father and began my life-long relationship with golf. Like many, the game has periodically come in and out of my life, but it’s always there in the background. Golf triumphantly returned to the forefront for me personally and professionally over recent years. Golf granted us an escape from so much uncertainty during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and we haven’t looked back. As we approach 2025, golf is more popular than ever. Not only is the game growing, but it’s evolving and changing. Your stereotypical golfer of yesteryear is now the minority, with influences injected into the sport, culture and fashion from far beyond the clubhouse. Golf is cool. Golf is young. Golf is diverse. Sure some still believe golf should be played at a country club with tucked in collared shirts and stiff khakis, but opportunities created by venues including Topgolf, Five Iron
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and PopStroke are introducing millions of non-golfers to the sport in once- unimaginable ways. One side isn’t right, nor is the other wrong. Your relationship to golf is just that—yours—and it may differ from someone else’s. At the end of the day, we’re all trying our hardest to conquer the unconquerable, one stroke at a time. Tobacco Road Golf Club Sanford, North Carolina Standing on the first tee box already in awe of the uniqueness that is Tobacco
ABOUT MICHAEL LORÉ Michael LoRé is an award-winning journalist based in New York City. With more than 15 years of experience as a writer and editor, Michael has worked for daily newspapers, pro sports teams/leagues and online media startups. Having covered anything and everything from the World Series to surfing in Bali, Michael has honed his focus to covering and promoting the two sports he played growing up and is most passionate about: soccer and golf. A better writer than athlete, Road Golf Club—the Mike Strantz masterpiece set in the sandhills of Sanford, N.C.—I’m flooded with contradictory emotions. I’m excited, nervous, grateful, intimidated, anxious and happy. Hardly the world’s best golfer, I remind myself that I’m about to embark on one of the most distinct golf experiences in North America and need to soak in all of the Strantz splendor, regardless of how I score. But there’s a lot of pressure on an opening tee shot. It can set the tone for the rest of your round. It can also give your playing partners a small sample of
"Golf is a target- oriented game regardless of course, but especially at Tobacco Road because if you miss your target, you’re more than likely sunk in the sand somewhere."
Michael’s work can be seen in publications including: The Guardian, PGATOUR. com, GOLF.com, Forbes SportsMoney, MyGolfSpy, Robb Report, Kingdom Magazine, Essential Golf, AZ Golf Insider, and Travel + Leisure. During his time covering golf, Michael has interviewed some of the game’s biggest stars including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Michelle Wie West, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Annika Sorenstam, Collin Morikawa, Lydia Ko and Bryson DeChambeau. Even more fortunate to travel the world to play some of the best courses on the planet, Michael has hacked it up at St. Andrews, Pinehurst, TPC Sawgrass, Cabot Cape Breton, Bay Hill and Kapalua.
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PIN HIGH
what they’re in store for over the next 4+ hours. Maybe I’m building it up too much, especially since it’s just one shot in a round that can conclude drastically differently than it began. My initial tee shot on the par-5, 558-yard first hole was certainly one to forget, and yet, here I am writing about it months later. Slicing my drive onto a massive, man-made fescue-filled sandhill on the right side of the fairway, I worried I was in for a long day after this early misfire. As I stood on the hill trying to find an anchored stance that would prevent me from falling down on my follow through, I realized the tone this shot set wasn’t one of regardless of course, but especially at Tobacco Road because if you miss your target, you’re more than likely sunk in the sand somewhere. But with no out of bounds and sand areas played like waste areas throughout the entire course, Tobacco Road put me in predicaments I had never faced before on a golf course. negativity, but of appreciation. Golf is a target-oriented game
And I loved every second of it! I’m not sure I’d be singing the same tune if I was trapped in the expansive 30-foot bunker on the 11th hole, but I avoided that obstacle. A rare win on the day. Tobacco Road is how golf should be played: man vs. nature. The course doesn’t boast gimmicky holes or a super fancy clubhouse, just Strantz’s creativity crafted into the North Carolina sandhills. Sure, it might not be for everyone, but if you appreciate the course for what it is, then you’ll enjoy it a lot more. I know I certainly did. Oitavos Dunes Golf Course Cascais, Portugal Awaiting the arrival of our seafood lunch before an early afternoon round, we can’t help but soak in the scenery. Situated on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, Oitavos Dunes Golf Course is the gem golf course of Cascais, a popular seaside municipality once favored by King Luís I of Portugal and other European nobility in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
"With sweeping views of the Sintra Mountains, Atlantic Ocean and Cabo da Roca, you can’t blame him [Cristiano Ronaldo] for building here. "
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