Life + Culture

Fredericksburg-born Cortney Lebens: Transforming Belize

As Muy ‘Ono CEO, the Austin-area native is making Belize better with Travel with a Purpose programs, philanthropic initiatives, sustainability efforts and more Article by Jennifer Birn If you’ve been to Belize you’ve probably been to a property covered in Cortney’s fingerprints. As CEO of Muy ‘Ono, she is responsible for much of what guests experience and programs to make the properties and Belize better behind-the-scenes. She’s also the founder and CEO of Delicious Digital, a female-led...

June 2024

Travel

Explore Italian in Austin

The new, returned and coming soon Article by Jennifer Birn Poeta This cozy Italian restaurant tucked inside The Frances Modern Inn is helmed by the husband-and-wife team behind Intero, Executive Chef Ian Thurwachter and GM & Pastry Chef Krystal Craig. Serving salads and paninis as well as pastas and heavier entrees, it’s a cute place to pop in for lunch or dinner. 1123 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702   Casa Bianca American-Italian restaurant and cocktail bar co-founded by Texans, friends...

June 2024

Health + Wellness

Inside Kuya Wellness

Article and Photography by Kuya is a unique tranquil space that cultivates community while offering services including an IV lounge (with happy hour pricing), a large dry sauna, cold plunges, sensory deprivation float tanks and red light therapy. It's intended to augment personal healing journeys, anchored by their ketamine therapy, led by Medical Director Dr. Sheila Grace. “With this psychedelic, we have learned much in the last several years,” she says, “We have created a potent therapy...

June 2024

Style + Beauty

Summer Staples You Need Now

As the temperatures rise, ensure your wardrobe has these summer essentials. Article by Stephanie Coultress O'Neill Sundress An easy breezy sundress is perfect for hot summer days. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable. This effortless piece can transition from beach outings to casual dinners with ease.   Colorful Midi Skirt A colorful midi skirt adds a playful touch to your summer wardrobe. Opt for bold patterns or vibrant hues to make a...

June 2024

Life + Culture

5 Favorite Things

Article by Jennifer Birn Moskito Island: A treasure in BVI populated with luxury estates that each sleep 20-24, come with a private chef and bespoke experiences. Learn more at https://moskito.com Wine & Food Foundation: An amazing community that celebrates the art, culture, and enjoyment of wine and food through educational programs and events like their annual Taste of Texas. https://winefoodfoundation.org/   Sushi Bar: A 17-course omakase served in a speakeasy where each bite is a...

June 2024

Arts + Culture

Texas Country Roadtrip

24-Hour Adventure: BBQ, Horses, and Texas Country Views Article by Dominique Bejarano Three cities, 24 hours. Start your day with a pilgrimage to the renowned Snow's BBQ in Lexington, TX, just an hour from Austin. Open only on Saturday’s, this spot draws travelers from all over to savor Tootsie's famous brisket that slides right off the bone with bark that tastes like candy. People often wait in line not just for the food, but also to take a photo with the almost 90-year-old Ms. Tootsie! Don’t...

June 2024

Home Services

Meet ResiBrand's Steven Montgomery

The founder/CEO share his journey from painter to buildng a franchise empire rooted in Austin Article by Jennifer Birn ResiBrands is on a mission to lead what founder Steven Montgomery calls a “home-service revolution," doing work so well they lift the entire trade. Resibrands, started in 2011 with That 1 Painter, an interior and exterior painting company (and more!). But, Steven’s entrepreneurial ambition was evident long before that. Steven, who moved to Austin in 2009, grew up helping his...

June 2024

Travel

An UnBelizable Adventure

Austin-owned Muy ‘Ono Resorts’ 10 properties in Belize provide beach-to-jungle experiences that give back Article by Jennifer Birn Ten years ago Muy ‘Ono acquired its first property in Belize. Today the company, owned by Austin’s Cortney Lebens and Bill Poston, have 10 properties across the country, from private islands and jungle lodges to beach resorts as well as a robust social impact program.   The ultimate Belize vacation is spending time in the jungle and at the beach and Muy ‘Ono...

June 2024

Travel

Staycation in Round Rock

24 hours of fun & relaxation in the Austin suburb Article by Jennifer Birn Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a day - to clear your head and refresh with a change of scenery or for spark a little bit of romance apart from the responsibilities of every day. While Round Rock, a suburb 20 miles and about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, may not be top of mind for such an adventure, here’s a way to spend 24 hours in Round Rock to show you maybe it should be.   Start by checking into the Ruby...

June 2024

Life + Culture

Jeremy Piven Taps Into “The Performance”

The actor/comedian/musician finds his footing in timely drama…and talks Austin, Entourage and where he thinks Ari Gold would be today… Article by Jennifer Birn | Photography by Rick Kern/Getty Images for alice + olivia Jeremy Piven may or may not have a home in Austin. When Austin Lifestyle caught up with him prior to a preview sizzle of his latest film “The Performance’ being screened at Soho House, he evaded the question, saying, “I didn’t officially move here. I live in LA because my mom...

June 2024