New Jersey’s push to bring back summertime tourists has made national headlines — from Jersey Shore cast reunions to President Obama and Governor Chris Christie bonding sessions. With rebuilds still in progress in many seaside towns, some prospective vacationers seem to be in “wait and see” mode. But if the first week of summer was any indication, this famously scrappy state isn’t waiting nervously for maximum-occupancy crowds to return. No matter what the weather, the Jersey Shore is ready to show all beach-goers a good time.... Read More
Having recently opened in Holborn, Wabi London is a calculated endeavor. It’s a Japanese restaurant, with ex-Nobu Australian Chef Scott Hallsworth at the helm, promising to take diners on a “culinary journey that goes beyond sushi and sashimi.” Intriguing.... Read More
Whether you're in the mood for a romantic rendezvous at a luxurious, boutique inn or in the market for a stylish special event venue for the wedding of your dreams, you'll want to check out the Inn at Park Winters, about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. George Washington Scott, one of the founders of Scottsdale, AZ, originally built the magnificent Inn at Park Winters as a private residence in the 1800s.... Read More
The sixth annual Restaurant Week returns May 31 - June 16, 2013 with its signature “Eat. See. Stay.” experience, featuring exclusive dining deals, hotels packages, and even a chance to win an ultimate desert oasis getaway for two. Produced by the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week Association, the tasty 17-day “week” provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore meals in Palm Springs and its neighboring communities at an exceptional value.... Read More
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa is located by southern Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach, only a few blocks from the famous and old-fashioned wooden Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. This is where you will find “street food” concessions like Dolle’s famous salt water taffy, live concerts on the beach, thrill rides, and a charming carousel.... Read More
As if you ever need an excuse for a Vegas trip, The Palazzo Las Vegas and The Venetian give you even more reason to buy that plane ticket. Masquerades, oversized banners, colorful parades and a little bit of magic bring this year’s three-month Carnevale spectacular to Sin City. The partnering hotels will celebrate the fantasy of Carnevale in true Vegas fashion with a plethora of classic Italian festivities, music and even some new experiences, beginning June 2.... Read More
It was the first London venue in which Jimi Hendrix played a live performance and has regularly attracted A-list celebrities into its doors. Now, having been a casino and a private members’ venue since that time, 3 Cromwell Road is reopening its doors as a restaurant, bar and club for all.... Read More
Prior to discovering The Spa at Conrad Miami, it was hard to imagine a genuinely peaceful retreat nestled among Miami's busy Brickell Avenue. Luckily, The Spa, which is located amidst a stunning skyline with views from Level 24 of the hotel, offers its guests a calming taste of serenity dusted with the perfect bayside breeze for which Miami is known.... Read More
The Hilton name has long been synonymous with excellence, as is the case with the Hilton owned Conrad Miami in the city's bustling and sophisticated financial district. But it is more than the name that brings satisfaction. Located on the 25th floor lobby level (yes, the lobby is on the 25th floor), is the property’s main restaurant called Atrio Restaurant and Wine Room. Just as the name suggests, there is wine, and lots of it. The restaurant's wine attic features over 200 vintages and can accommodate up to ten guests.... Read More
If you are looking for a top-of-the line fitness center in Los Angeles, check out the newly opened Studio K Training in Pacific Palisades. This new luxury concept of fitness and wellness married to technology and exercise innovation faces the Pacific Ocean inside the Rockwell building, just minutes from the Sunset Strip. The architectural and interior designs are unmatched. The facilities are designed around the core principles of functional movement, training efficiency, and elegant aesthetics.... Read More
On May 9 New Yorkers gathered to view designer Amy Newton of Fro-Nationale's latest anticipated collection at midtown’s The Stellan Lounge, while sipping cocktails and enjoying the ambiance. The F/W 13 Africana collection featured an exotic variety of ready-to-wear pieces that highlighted femininity, style and class.... Read More
Recently, Victor and I have found ourselves overjoyed by the elevating trend of hotels relinquishing dining duties, opting instead for third party restaurants to take the reins. Nothing against the factions of corporately run hotel eateries (after all consistency is often undervalued), but in Los Angeles, hotel restaurants are increasingly drawing in non-guests as well as guests looking to experience a unique gourmet escape. Caulfield’s Bar and Dining Room happens to be one of these places.... Read More
L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles recently underwent a $20-million room renovation project that was completed this month with an announcement at a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony unveiled 754 newly upgraded rooms, including new suites and amenities in the first phase of the project. Phase two will commence in September to complete the remaining 246 rooms and suites.... Read More
Fancy a round (or two) of shopping followed by a workout at the gym, or how about relaxing in a sauna before a tasty lunch? For film buffs, how about a choice of movie on one of 18 indoor screens in an attractive suburban Paris setting? Then look no further than Bercy Village, an outdoor shopping complex in Cour St. Emilion, Paris. Strolling along its central, tulip-lined cobblestone streets past terraced restaurants and retail stores makes for a delightful day out.... Read More
Why did the vegan cross Melrose Avenue? To get to Crossroads Kitchen! In fact, a lot of people seem to be crossing over to get a table at Crossroads. One bite from their 100 percent vegan lasagna layered with creamy almond milk ricotta and you’ll understand the buzz. The newly opened Melrose restaurant resets and recalibrates plant-based cuisine, furthering the upward trend of meatless living.... Read More
If you don’t have a yacht or a grand estate but want to experience the Boca lifestyle, the Boca Raton Resort & Club will deliver. This 1926 architectural tour de force by founder, Addison Mizner, offers something for everyone. Built as an homage to the Alhambra Palace in Spain, the grandeur and design detail are a feast for the eyes. The public spaces, like the Palm Court, crochet courts, golf courses, pools, and yacht transit to the Beach Club (with half a mile of private beach), will make you feel like the rich and famous who inhabit this city.... Read More
So much glamorous Manhattan history still lives, breathes and whispers around the legendary corners of The New York Palace, it feels as if you’ve walked into a movie set when you enter. And for those who have always wanted to stay in such a place and feel that sort of glamour enfold them, this is THE summer to do it. The Palace is under renovations and as such, various discounts are offered throughout the hotel as well as room rates for the Towers reduced to 50 percent of what they’d usually be. It’s the best deal to be found in Manhattan this summer at one of the city’s most iconic addresses.... Read More
Keswick Hall at Monticello is a gem fit for royalty. The Tuscan-style luxury hotel is situated in the midst of rolling green hills and thoroughbred horse farms with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a scenic backdrop. It really doesn’t get any prettier than this. Not too far from the property are celebrated landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia, Montpelier (estate of President James Madison), and Ash Lawn-Highland (home of President James Monroe).... Read More
Vegas Uncork’d presented by bon appétit pulled off its 7th year in grand style. It was a long weekend of glorious excess, showcasing some of the world’s most famous chefs and the Strip’s most glittering venues.... Read More
Traveling to Orlando, Florida on family vacations inevitably means one thing: theme parks, theme parks and, yes, more theme parks. So, it’s often nice to have other options, and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers that in abundance.... Read More
For the past 13 years, Chef David Becker has been having fun—you can tell from the huge grin on his face that he loves doing what he does. This also goes for his entire staff at Sweet Basil. Located in Needham Center, Becker has been churning out Italian homestyle dishes for years to his guests' delight.... Read More
While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge await the arrival of their first baby, a prestigious London hotel unveils its luxury nursery suite—one fit for royalty. Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London’s West End has transformed one of its high-end Premium Park View Suites into a quintessential British nursery.... Read More
When doing anything in the nation’s capital, it’s best to do it on a grand scale, to make some noise and grab attention. Washington D.C.’s, The Graham Georgetown did just that by investing in a multi-million dollar renovation that is sure to get people talking.... Read More
Recently, food trends in Scottsdale have gone back to simpler times, where greens ruled the dinner tables and portion sizes were small enough for just one person. Food trendsetters in the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest” are transforming the market with healthy alternatives mixed with the city’s cultural influences and flavors. Compared with national trends, Scottsdale is making their way among the ranks of other well-known foodie cities like New York, San Francisco and Portland.... Read More
Let the unusual name of this Midtown newcomer clue you in: for business meetings or spontaneous meetups, cross-country rendezvous or a midweek shopping spree, the Eventi — a Kimpton Hotel is a great home base for a social stay in Manhattan. It’s a friendly, casually chic, centrally located and versatile boutique hotel. Like most of its Kimpton sister properties, it excels at making the business-class traveler feel at home. Since the public spaces are spread across many floors, the hotel never feels congested, or like one particular group has overtaken the entire property.... Read More
According to F. Scott Fitzgerald, life begins in the summer.
Though the famous author of The Great Gatsby was actually referring to the Long Island scene, it's easy to imagine him cavorting among high society during the Wimbledon Championships as well. For the annual event that could rival any West Egg party, head to London June 24-July 7 to the aptly named Gatsby Club and experience the annual prestigious sporting event, Wimbledon 2013.... Read More
Miami-based lifestyle brand Peace Love World recently debuted its Spring/Summer 2013 collection at Nikki Beach in South Beach. More than 1,400 fans of the warm-hearted, homegrown brand gathered among the sandy landscape, which was a great backdrop for Peace Love World's creator Alina Villasante to debut her new line.... Read More
If you have ever wondered about the art of brewing beer then it’s time to book a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, one of the biggest in Boston, to learn about the city’s beer culture.... Read More
Modern and quirky sums up The James Hotel in downtown Chicago. So quirky that the television in our room was not a normal screen, but a projection onto a corner wall with a flat lean-back seat as wide as the bed in front of it.... Read More
It’s more like a quaint, family-run trattoria that, as a tourist, you’d stumble upon while meandering through the tiny cobbled streets in Italy; rather than a restaurant found on the busy St Paul’s Road in Highbury, London. But that’s all part of Trullo’s appeal.... Read More
W New York - Times Square in Manhattan recently debuted a new $2 million Extreme WOW suite, transforming it into one of the city’s most exclusive places to stay and entertain. Befitting its location, the suite’s design is inspired by the excitement and allure of New York City after dark. There are also references to Times Square’s past as a mecca for “peep shows” and the voyeurism the city inspires in general.... Read More
With the smoky Blue Ridge Mountains as a scenic backdrop and rolling verdant hills as a hallmark, it really doesn't get any prettier than the countryside around Charlottesville, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson knew that well when he decided to build and locate Monticello, his beloved neoclassical estate, in the area.... Read More
Sprinkling fountains; statues of muscular, half-clad Roman centurions; an ornate piazza; an open balcony high above from which two opera singers sang a delightful duet—ah, pure Italian passion and romance! Except it’s not Italy.... Read More
Regardless of how high the mercury rises, NYC will be even hotter this summer thanks to the addition of two new rooftop bars. The Pod 39 Hotel on East 39th St. and the Refinery Hotel in the Garment District are both opening exclusive bars perched high above the steaming streets. The Pod’s rooftop lounge, 17 floors up, features incredible views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler building and East River.... Read More
“I feel as though we’re on a vintage train in France in the 30s,” my dining companion remarks as we walk into Brasserie Blanc on the South Bank of London. The branch is owned by renowned celebrity Chef Raymond Blanc and is incredibly different to his Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons—his two Michelin-star restaurant in Oxfordshire.... Read More
Sunday Funday is about to get a little bit classier with the addition of a new concert series hosted by the 4-star Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The Bay-Atlantic Symphony will be setting up shop at The Music Box to bring the beautiful sounds of Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Mozart, Beethoven and Prokofiev to concert-goers’ ears from July 7 through August 18.... Read More
Clients frequent Cornelia Spa at The Surrey Hotel to experience some of the best treatments one can get in New York. And now, thanks to their newly launched Experts in Residence program, guests have the unique opportunity to experience exclusive treatments from celebrated skincare authorities from around the world.... Read More
With warmer weather creeping around the corner, relaxing and rejuvenating trips to the spa are high on my list. So I choose Carlsbad, California — a quaint and charming coastal city that exudes boutique sophistication yet easily embraces West Coast casual luxury. Only 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and 87 miles south of Los Angeles, Carlsbad is a haven for wellness resorts and spas.... Read More
The exclusive Old Palm Golf Club, billed as the premier private residential community in the Palm Beaches, has announced the offering of opulent new Custom Estates priced from $4 million to more than $12 million. The luxurious residences on full acre sites ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 square feet offer buyers a number of bespoke options for creating the estate of their dreams.... Read More