Sindalah, where the indescribable comes alive. In October of 2024, Nancy Gale and her husband Michael Vander were honored to be among the first visitors to this enchanting island—a destination that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. It has taken until now to process the magnitude of this spectacular adventure. Only Robb Report could curate an experience that not only eclipses the epitome of luxury but also stays true to what makes RR1 membership so special: the people.
Nancy and Michael flew into Heathrow, spent a gorgeous fall day in Hyde Park and were chauffeured to Stansted Airport. There, they forged their first connection with the affable and always entertaining Michael Steinger, who welcomed them with warm conversation and introduced them to his fellow RR1 Floridians, the magical Marta and Mark Izydore.
There was an immediate bond as the attendees embarked on a seven-hour flight to Neom, in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. Upon landing, the RR1 group was shuttled to a ferry, and an hour-and-a-half later, they pulled up to the jaw-dropping island of Sindalah.
From the moment they glimpsed the island rising out of the sea on the distant horizon, the guests were wowed by its opulence. A one-of-a-kind retreat featuring Michelin-backed dining experiences, exclusive retail boutiques and nonstop entertainment and activities, Sindalah is a yachter’s dream.
Upon arrival, the RR1 group was shepherded to their accommodations. From the second they stepped foot on the Orient Star, Nancy and Michael were enthralled by their home-away-from-home. At 154 feet in length, the yacht features a 10-person crew and endless delights such as jet skis, scuba sets, windsurfing, waterskis, inflatable toys and much more! They were lucky to share the Orient Star’s accommodation with fellow Californians Sommer Chanady and Taylor Pham and Robb Report powerhouses Cristina Cheever and Luke Bahrenburg. As they luxuriated in the Orient Star’s breathtaking deck spaces, the RR1 group enjoyed the attentive care of the crew, led by Captain Onur Ergün.
Nancy and Michael instantly connected with Sommer and Taylor, a bond that grew even stronger over a first-night feast of Turkish delights prepared by Chef Can Muhurdaroglu. Sommer is the epitome of warmth, love, humor and charm, while Taylor’s ever-present twinkle in his eye hints at his playful spirit.
On Wednesday morning, the official start to the trip, Nancy and Michael headed to their scheduled helicopter ride, which was sadly blown away by strong winds. Enter the silver lining: it was there that they met the dynamic duo, Caroline and Jorge De Pablo. The four then journeyed to the beautifully-designed yacht club for cocktails, followed by a leisurely lunch at the divine Marisol.
Caroline and Jorge were the first of many ‘Friends of Jay’ they would meet on this trip. Jay Penske, the formidable and impassioned Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, Robb Report’s parent company, walks through the world collecting amazing friends and brings them together for special occasions such as Sindalah’s opening weekend. There were many ‘Friends of Jay’ in attendance, including fellow Californians Will and Chloe Lee; Archie Drury, the king of a good story; the wonderfully coy and endearing Alexander Yulish, an artist extraordinaire; and the vivacious Marianna Lominsko, co-founder of the exclusive Atlas-Bespoke.
Wednesday night, the RR1 group enjoyed the magical Sindalah Nights Festival at the yacht club. The champagne was flowing, the water glittered, and they gazed out over the Red Sea at a floating stage where renowned opera singer Katherine Jenkins treated them to a life-changing performance. As her finale, Jenkins belted a heart-shattering rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” in Italian; it was an utterly spectacular moment. The night continued with a hilarious comedy show put on by the one and only Chris Tucker.
Thursday morning, with only one heli-seat available, Michael took advantage of the opportunity to gain a bird's-eye-view of the beauty of Sindalah. While waiting at the helipad, he and Nancy shared a spirited conversation with the intriguing Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser World Live Yachts. She was fascinated to pick his brain and compare notes on their shared experience in the world of supreme luxury.
Later that day, Nancy, Michael and Sommer discovered a private beach where the sand felt like velvet and the sun warmed their skin. They then met up with Taylor and as a foursome enjoyed a peaceful cruise on the tender. As they sailed across the shimmering waters of the Red Sea, they luxuriated in Sindalah’s beauty.
Thursday afternoon, Diego Sabino treated the RR1 group to a rare indulgence: a sumptuous tasting of The Only Caviar. Nancy met Diego and his business partner, Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul, at Car Week 2024, but it was on Sindalah that she truly fell in love with Diego’s magic–and his caviar. Thursday night, Nancy and Michael dined with the enthralling Denis Hickey, Chief Development Officer of The Line, and enjoyed delicacies at the yacht club from Michelin star chef Stefano Ricci. They were then treated to a concert by an amazing Ukrainian orchestra that warmed up the crowd for pop sensation Alicia Keys, whose energy and enthusiasm made for the perfect closing night entertainment. But the party wasn’t over yet; after dinner, Nancy and Michael retreated to the Sindalah Beach Club, where they started chatting with none other than the world renowned former professional boxer Evander Holyfield. It turned into a beautiful 90-minute-long conversation about his life, family, forgiveness, and what it feels like to be called a legend.
Friday morning, Nancy and Michael made the most of their waning time on Sindalah with another beautiful cruise on the tender. Even in the final hours, Red Sea Week was the trip that kept on giving–on the ferry ride back to the mainland, Nancy and Michael formed a bond with the captivating Texans, Pamela Zaragoza Cowan and Jeffrey Cowan, rounding out the unforgettable ‘Friends of Jay’ cohort. There could be no better grand finale than to spend the very last moments with the accomplished and warmhearted Gerry Byrne, Vice Chairman and Board Member at Penske Media and recent recipient of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, and his exquisite wife Liz.
Nancy can’t talk about this trip without talking about the thrill of finally meeting the famed Paul Croughton, Director at Robb Report’s newest feature, The Vault. And you can’t talk about Paul without talking about his luxurious mane! Charming, dashing and rich in witticism, this long-time supporter of JAMAH’s strong reputation has long made Nancy eager to connect with him in person. Paul and his partner-in-crime, the esteemed and resolute Luke Bahrenburg, President of Robb Report, made Nancy’s dreams come true when they mentioned featuring JAMAH in The Vault.
During her time in Sindalah, Nancy discovered yet again the beauty of RR1 friendships, the countless professional connections and that she is absolutely cut out to hang out on a superyacht on a luxury island in the Red Sea!!
As always, the beauty of this experience can be traced directly to the amazing RR1 team, led by the unparalleled Cristina Cheever. True to form, the humble and big-hearted Cristina reminded the group that it was all thanks to Robb Report’s incredible people. Whether on the island or not, Arpi Corbett, Caroline Barry, Darin Greenblatt, Ari Deprey, Moorea Eldon-Evertsnand Leah Hanchard worked tirelessly to make this week so memorable. And, of course, no RR1 trip would be complete without the charismatic Luke Bahrenburg roaming the deck.
This superyacht was a super experience thanks to the most gracious and stellar Orient Star crew, which included Captain Onur Ergün, 1st Mate Ugur Yildiz, Chief Engineer Isa Besikci, Chef Can Muhurdaroğlu, Chief Stewardess Joanna Wroblewska, 2nd Stew Angela Bilanović, 3rd Stew Yaprak Ersin, 4th Stew Jordan Botha, Deckhand Mehmet Ali Balci and Deckhand Alican Okumuş.