Roger Clemens

Rocket Pad
At home with Roger and Debbie Clemens
by Sharon Brier

When he’s not setting records and striking out opposing batters, Roger Clemens unwinds with his family at his Houston-area home.

New York Yankees’ ace pitcher Roger Clemens is a household name not only in Houston, but throughout the world of baseball. Known by his fans as “The Rocket,” Roger is a six-time Cy Young award winner for best pitcher in his league, the only baseball player to hold that distinction.

The winding road that leads to his family’s cul-de-sac home is worth all the turns it takes to get there. Their 15,000-square-foot home is a testament to their lives and reflects the love they have for baseball and each other. Beyond the size and beauty of the home in the Piney Point-area, a touch of the front doorbell informs you that you have reached the big leagues as a recorded voice booms over the intercom, “Welcome to the Clemenses’ residence.” This is just one of the many unexpected and original items in the home that 10 years ago took three years to build. The view of the grounds is spectacular, if not amazing. The guesthouse is tucked behind a cave-like pool where a waterfall gushes down gigantic boulders. A padded jogging trail winds around the property, passing by Roger’s outdoor batting cage, which is complete with a regulation pitcher’s mound. The house and grounds are so beautifully manicured that it takes seven people to run the compound and keep it in good condition.

Tonya Borisov

Tonya Borisov
Wardrobe stylist, entrepreneur
by Todd Ramos

Sexy and smart Tonya Borisov is hip in the Heights and setting trends. Borisov has lead an interesting and fashionable life. Born in Mexico to a Russian father and Italian mother, she was raised in Mexico City and moved to Houston in 1981. Her sense of style started before she was born. “My mother used to dress ‘to the T.’ She had great taste and really cool shoes.”

This fashionista landed on the scene and immediately began making her mark. Borisov’s boutique, Edin, has put the Heights on the fashion map, with some of the hippest finds for young women. “Houston can be very conservative; and now, with downtown growing, people are starving for something different, and I offer that.”

Enjoy most about styling?
Being creative and making the individual look fantastic – I get really excited making someone feel good.

Best styling quality?
I have a really good eye and am able to look at a person’s body type and create a look that works for that individual.

Favorite getaway?
Going to Mexico City and driving into the little villages, taking road trips through New Mexico and driving up the west coast to Vancouver, British Columbia

Your favorite look?
I am most comfortable being casual, wearing my Miss Sixty jeans and a T-shirt.

Celebrity that has visited your shop?
Lyle Lovett

Classic movie?
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Who rules in your closet?
It’s all about Miss Sixty: everything from jeans, blouses and skirts to dresses and shoes. In addition, unique vintage pieces and lots of boots and hats

Other designers you like?
I like a little bit of everyone from Sigal Dekel and Betty’s Blue to Juicy Couture T-shirts and Christian Lacroix

Prized possession?
A Barcelona chair and a collection of pre-Colombian art

Style icon?
Audrey Hepburn, I love her style. The way she dressed was classic and chic.

Top shop?
Tootsie Plohound in New York. I love them because they have all the really good brands and labels from Europe.

It bag?
A Bottega Veneta bag Words of wisdom? Live life to the fullest. Live in the moment, and be happy.

Punta Mita

Four Ways to Paradise

Growing up in the ’70s, the friendly loudspeaker message, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Puerta Vallarta,” from Captain Stubing on “The Love Boat” was my only connection to Puerta Vallarta. Just hearing the town’s name conjures up thoughts of a cheesy, Mexican tourist-trap town.

Puerta Vallarta may be a fairly typical town, but the Four Seasons at Punta Mita, about 30 minutes away, is another world all together. Staying at the Four Seasons affords access to world-class golf, dining and spa treatments for the Mexican tourist in all of us. So grab your wicker bag, slip on your best shades and pony up to paradise.

Define Paradise
Your hotel can help you make plans to have a car or shuttle waiting for you. If you seek privacy and quiet coupled with luxury, you’ll find it at the Four Seasons at Punta Mita. The stark white entrance seems lonely at first, but is greatly contrasted by the breathtaking view of the ocean that invites you into the open-air lobby. The hotel itself dons sparkling adobe walls and tile roofs and is built into a hillside that sensuously slopes into the pounding Pacific below. This tropical paradise is nestled on an unspoiled coastline of white sand beaches framed with soaring palm trees.

The Suite Life
The resort is a perfect getaway for couples, with its romantic sunsets and extravagant rooms. The setting is superlative, offering polished service, luxurious amenities, abundant recreational opportunities, fine dining and spacious suites. Why settle for a standard room when upgrades are available? Upgrading to a suite is definitely worth it, as most come with a private plunge pool in a tropical setting. When you’re ready to retire, the down comforter and plush bed make this tile-floored casita a room you won’t want to leave.

Everybody Knows: It’s All About Golf
For many, it’s exclusively about golf. Naturally, the Four Seasons doesn’t take a back seat with the 18-hole Nicklaus course that has resort areas such as Palm Springs and Scottsdale foaming at the mouth. The signature 194-yard par-3, has the pin located on a natural island in the ocean. It’s called the whale’s tail and is only accessible at low tide. That’s right; your tee shot is taken right into the ocean toward an island green. During low tide, you can ride your cart out to look for your ball, but during high tide, you either make a hole-in-one or start swimming. There are eight ocean holes that let you play right along the Pacific. Not bad for a day’s work.

Spa-Tacular
Punta Mita is Spanish for “resting place,” and the spa staff makes sure that you do just that. You might overexert yourself with all of the decisions facing you: Should you have your massage by the sea, in your suite or in the spa? The Punta Mita massage includes sage oil and tequila, and a couple’s massage room is available. Treatments combine European products and Mexican healing techniques, resulting in the ultimate relaxation.

Dining
After a day of snorkeling, windsurfing, shopping or indulging in spa treatments, you’ll be ready for dinner. Main courses at dinner include seafood quesadillas, tortilla soup and chicken enchiladas. The outdoor restaurant features a Mexican buffet with not only four kinds of tamales, but three soups and a grill manned by three chefs. Yes, you can drink the water, and it’s advisable to watch your wallet at this resort. The food is top-notch, but the $70 U.S. per person sticker price is a lot to shake your maraca at.

For a special occasion dinner, a private meal can be organized on The Rock. This rock is no ordinary rock – it juts out over the ocean. The dinner is reserved for one couple per evening and is a set meal from the chef. (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge if you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday on this trip.)

This is Mexico the way it should be. No loud spring breakers knocking on your door to borrow ice. No poolside tequila shots. Just a good, old-fashioned, upscale Mexican getaway. ¡Ole!

Get there today. Continental Airlines offers direct flights to Puerta Vallarta daily, www.continental.com, or visit Aero Mexico at www.aeromexico.com. Book a suite at the Four Seasons Punta Mita using www.fourseasons.com