By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
The job of a genealogist is to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the distinct, frequently remarkable, often unpredictable history of a family. Using family lore, genetic analysis, redacted files, historical documents and medical records, genealogists connect the dots to create a more rounded picture of how their clients have come to exist. They give individuals and their families a unique historical framework to understand how and why their ancestors made the decisions, entered into the marriages, moved to the countries or even committed the crimes that they did. Beginning your journey into genealogy is much like sitting for a portrait without the generous artistic license many painters afford to their subjects. A genealogist will present you with new data, strange new narratives and sometimes grim realisations, warts and all, that can change not only your self-perception but that of your entire family, living or dead. In the ultimate endeavour in separating fact from fiction, a great genealogist will conjure real voices from the past, scratching the very human itch that we each harbour to understand where (and who…) we come from.
Using the Past to Inform the Future
Genealogica is a unique firm that its clients instruct to undertake extensive ancestral research, delivering extraordinary findings by working with intentional government agencies and a global network of the most notable historians. Once a client’s family history has been unearthed to its fullest extent, Genealogica’s Emmy award-winning storytellers, published authors and academic historians craft a narrative to bring this unique history to life. The fun doesn’t stop there, though: Genealogica also commissions skilled artisans to design and bind these stories into future heirlooms, creating priceless works of art in the form of Ancestral Encyclopedias. The team can also plan and guide ancestral journeys, produce documentary-quality films of each project, locate and acquire lost family heirlooms, and build legacy collections.
The company’s co-Founder and CEO, Al Edgington, is no stranger to the intricacies of family history or the level of research that goes into unearthing such stories. He was nominated for Primetime Emmys in 2012 and 2014 for his work as the Executive Producer on NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, producing 35 episodes of the celebrity-led genealogical travel series over a five-year period. Since co-Founding Genealogica in 2013, Edgington has reunited families, shed light on the personal connections we bear to our pasts, and delivered exquisite works of art to express his researchers’ findings.
“All we have is human,” says Edgington, “and the information we’re able to uncover is valuable only for families. It’s human capital.” The work that the Genealogica team carries out goes beyond the performance of a service that its clients pay for. It abstracts itself from anything transactional when one considers the way it can help families understand one another, their pasts and their futures more clearly. “Clients who have all the luxuries in the world have told me that the best money they’ve ever spent is with Genealogica,” he says. So with this in mind, here are some of the top tips I took away from my conversation with Edgington, perfect for anyone about to embark on a journey into the past…
Prepare to Question the Perceived Identity of Your Family
During the filming of a 2012 episode of Who Do You Think You Are with Rita Wilson, the American Actress known for her appearances in Volunteers and Sleepless in Seattle, Edgington recalls her observation that “you can’t explain it. There’s something a little bit different about your life afterwards.” The existential quality that new, poignant information can carry is something you should absolutely prepare yourself for. For many families, enduring narratives about their cultural, religious or geographical history go unquestioned, and histories are fabricated for survival or out of shame. When the real story is uncovered, it can trigger feelings of loss of these very familiar stories and can cause families to reassess their sense of collective identity. “One client approached us for a 50th birthday present for a loved one,” Edgington tells me, “believing that the giftee’s family had always been Catholic. She grew up Catholic and felt a strong connection to her heritage in the religion. However, we discovered that her family, having suffered many losses in the Holocaust, were Jewish refugees. Even just this very objective information can completely change the identity of a family.”
History is Messy Business and Context is King
“History is mucky,” says Edgington, “and the past is complicated.” Genealogica’s clients and anyone approaching ancestral research should expect to shoulder the burden of objectivity as they begin to discover their family’s past, some of which could be unsavoury. “The truth is,” he says, “I have yet to meet a family without something hidden up its sleeve,” so it makes sense to manage your expectations. As Edgington advises, “don’t expect you’ll be from a bunch of heroes!”
“The important thing to remember is that there are so many reasons people choose to do the things they do,” says Edgington. Even if you disagree or are morally opposed to the actions of your ancestors, the likelihood is that they were only trying to do their best in the context in which they were surviving. The key is to keep a level head and understand that although your ancestors’ actions feel inextricably linked with your own, they do not define you. “Although we work with our clients to tell their stories in the context of historic world events,” says Edgington, “they appreciate that some of this stuff will be ugly, but also that the process is incredibly grounding.”
Why Now Is The Time To Explore The Cayman Islands
By Amira Hashish
With year round average temperatures of 28 degrees, crystal clear waters and intricate coral reefs the Cayman Islands are brimming with natural beauty. However, the destination has remained more under the radar than many of its Caribbean cousins…until now.
The jet-set in the know are flocking to the hottest new hotel opening in Grand Cayman and putting the dazzling beach retreat on the map. Palm Heights is introducing a contemporary travel crowd who have a deep appreciation for design to the picturesque island. Here is the lowdown on what to expect from the buzzy boutique hotel. Plus, ideas for experiences to factor into your itinerary.
Stay at Palm Heights
Paying homage to the glory days of Caribbean understated glamour, Palm Heights is making waves for all the right reasons. The hotel, perfectly positioned on Seven Mile Beach, has put the spotlight on the Cayman Islands amongst a cool crowd.
Gabriella Khalil, its creative director and founder, worked with designers Sarita Posada and Courtney Applebaum to develop the 1970s-era mansion aesthetic. The trio sourced pieces from Paris, Los Angeles and Mexico to decorate the property. Sandy yellows and bold blue tones, reminiscent of the beach, run throughout each of the 52 bedroom suites, all with ocean views.
Tillies, the hotel restaurant, is right on the sand and offers a culinary voyage through the Greater Antilles. The Coconut Club has a contemporary approach to food and drink; think healthy bowls and tacos. Meanwhile, wellness is celebrated as a social activity at The Garden Club. Modelled on a labyrinth garden, it is a botanical stage for an outdoor athletic club and spa. Leading trainers from around the world regularly take up residency. Straddling something between a hotel and a members space, Palm Heights is a reason alone to visit Grand Cayman.
Try Wellness With a Twist
There is a focus on wellness across the Cayman Islands with plenty of pampering alongside more hardcore fitness options. Vitamin Sea is all about water based fitness. Owner Kiristen Cousins offers paddleboard yoga classes which challenge your body and mind. Another popular activity is kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay. The bay takes its name from the Bioluminescent phytoplankton that live in the water which emit incredible flashes of light. Take a leisurely paddle from Rum Point to Grand Cayman under a blanket of stars for a workout you won’t forget, caymankayaks.com.
Go Horseback Riding in the Sea
Stretches of white, sandy beaches lend themselves to a dramatic horseback riding location in West Bay, George Town and North Side of Grand Cayman. You can go for a refreshing bareback riding dip in the sea or take a trail via Barker’s National Park. Families are welcome as there is riding suitable for all levels while couples might opt for the moonlight ride with a magical ambience, ponies.ky.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure
The Cayman Islands is not short of delicious cuisine. There are more than 200 restaurants across the three main islands ranging from beach vibes to fine dining. For an introduction to the local food scene, Chef Dylan Benoit has created Prime Food Tours which is ideal for groups looking to get to grips with what is on offer. He will tailor the experience to your taste and location, foodtours.ky.
Swim With Stingrays
Snorkel, wade or swim with the resident Southern Atlantic Stingrays which are in abundance at Stingray City; a group of sandbars nestled a short boat journey from Seven Mile Beach. The ‘City’ came to be several decades ago when local fisherman would throw the remains of their catch into the shallow waters, attracting rays who would gather for their feed. These days the majestic creatures will give you a warm welcome into their habitat.
Climb The Buff
Grand Cayman’s rugged sister island Cayman Brac is about a 30-minute flight away. With a population of less than 1500 it feels a world away from anywhere. The island is dominated by a cliff that rises with vertical walls to nearly 150 feet. Its craggy limestone ridge is a must for rock climbers and more seasoned hikers. There are around 110 routes with breathtaking ocean panoramas, climb.ky.
Dive 300M Into the Ocean
Little Cayman, close to the deepest point of the Caribbean called the Cayman Trench, is home to Bloody Bay Marine Park and a coveted diving destination. Plunging 300m, its coral and sea life is a sight to behold. Below the mustard-yellow tube sponges, deep red corals and purple-veined trees you will discover a deep void teaming with marine life, southerncrossclub.com/diving.
For more information head to visitcaymanislands.com.
The Best Winter Sun Cocktails
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
‘Tis the season to book your flights for a Christmas break under a golden sun, basking in the rays, paddling in the sea and enjoying a cocktail (or two) in a fabulous hotel bar. The pacing of a ‘winter sun’ holiday spent in one of the world’s finest winter sun destinations is one of life’s greatest balms; rising with the sun, enjoying a long, lazy morning with fresh fruit and coffee for breakfast, and wiling by the pool or the sea with a page-turner without even a glance at your inbox, and venturing to the spa or a local restaurant for lunch. As evening approaches, perhaps you don something special, silky or colourful, and wander down to the bar for a cocktail in the warm breeze before your dinner reservation. In fact, it is this very cocktail that will set the tone for the evening – the bite of the spirit, the twist of the citrus and the unexpected yet welcome sweetness from mango or passionfruit, characteristic of your chosen winter sun holiday destination.
This month, we have rallied the troops of some of the very best hotels and restaurants in top winter sun holiday destinations to share their favourite cocktail recipes for summoning the splendour of the sunshine over your forthcoming Christmas break. So, here’s a snapshot of what to look out for, and look forward to, as you saunter down to the hotel bar or the beachside restaurant…
The Gagaito
Tall and refreshing, the Gagaito cocktail has been developed by Dalibor Mujovic, the Mixologist and Bar Manager at Parrot Bay by COMO in Turks and Caicos. Mujovic has managed exquisite bars all over the world, and before joining the West Indies COMO outpost, he worked in Montenegro and Phuket, Thailand with the AMAN group. His recipe for the Gagaito combines the fresh, light flavours of basil and cucumber with the clean astringency of Sake, and the spicy kick of Bombay Saphire gun. For length and mellowness, the ingredients are topped up with club soda and garnished with cucumber and basil, a nod to the flavours the Majovic shakes over ice.
Gagaito
2 oz Bombay Saphire gin
1 oz Dassai 45 Sake
½ oz Agave Syrup
Basil & Cucumber
Club Soda (top up)
Method: Build all ingredients in a shaker with ice & shake vigorously. Strain cocktail into high ball glass with ice.
Garnish: Cucumber slice & Basil leaf
The Amazonia
Visitors to the luxurious, exclusive and decadent island of Ibiza will find the Amazonia cocktail amongst the self-proclaimed laid-back, barefoot-chic ambience of Aiyanna, a restaurant on the fashionable east coast of the island. Last year, Aiyanna was listed and recommended by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the best beach clubs in the world, and it’s not a stretch to see why. This year, its cocktail menu is inspired by the fifth centenary of global travel, drawing on the flavours we associate with different cities and countries to inform the palette of each delectable drink. For example, Aiyanna’s Hanami cocktail is named for the Japanese word meaning, ‘the pleasure of looking at a flower.’ The Amazonia represents Africa in the sprawling list of geographical influences with flavours including mango, coconut, and amaretto.
The Amazonia
Add ice to a blender and then add the following ingredients:
5 cl. of cahaça
3 cl. coconut milk
2 cl. lemon juice
3 cl. amaretto liqueur
10 cl. mango juice
Blend well and serve in a glass with fruit to decorate and finish with cocoa powder on top
The Parrot Cay Smoker
Back to Mujovic at Parrot Bay with an eponymous cocktail that combines some of the most archetypal Caribbean flavours to bring hotel guests a punchy, indulgent, spiced beverage that will forever remind them of their stay. The Parrot Cay Smoker is a vanilla-infused rum cocktail with ginger wine, lime juice and homemade island coconut syrup served with a dried orange wheel and smoked with a smoke gun. The adventurous, theatrical cocktail is a feast for the eyes, unforgettably fragrant and light but substantial on the tongue.
Parrot Cay Smoker
1 ½ oz Bambarra reserve rum infused with Vanilla sticks
¾ oz Ginger wine
¾ oz Lime juice
¼ oz Homemade island coconut syrup
Build all ingredients in a shaker with ice & shake vigorously. Strain cocktail into rock glass with ice
Garnish with dried orange wheel and vanilla stick
Use a smoke gun to smoke the cocktail
Ibiza Affair
Amante Ibiza is perched, rather idyllically, on a dramatic cliff overlooking the stunning Sol D’en Serra Bay on Ibiza’s untouched north-eastern coast. Arrive for sunset and browse the extensive cocktail menu, keeping a special eye out for the Ibiza Affair, which comes recommended by the bar team for its nuanced palette. The tongue-tingling tartness of passionfruit is fused with the innocent sweetness of strawberry, which is then cut through with pungent ginger juice and a kick of Bombay Sapphire gin.
Ibiza Affair
Add ice to a blender and then add the following ingredients:
50ml Bombay sapphire
20ml passion fruit
70 ml fresh strawberry
20 ml ginger juice
Blend well and serve in a glass with fruit to decorate