A trip to Florida is all about the sun, sand and surf, and W Fort Lauderdale makes sure you indulge in all three in style and sophistication. Staking its claim on 315 feet of South Florida beachfront, the W not only brings guests close to the Atlantic Ocean, but also to the city’s best dining, shopping and entertainment.... Read More
Most exclusive, member-only social clubs are known for being where the biggest money and power players gather to discuss the day’s events, close business deals or swap stories of summers in the Hamptons. But San Francisco’s The Battery, is not your ordinary private club.... Read More
The historic Chicago Athletic Association’s days as a men-only, members club is no more, now that it has been completely transformed into a boutique hotel with 241 rooms. With roots tracing back to the 1890s, the Venetian Gothic building saw the crème de le crème of Chicago’s elite before it was shut down in 1997. Instead of allowing the landmark structure to be destroyed, Commune Hotels & Resorts and AJ Capital Partners bought the property in 2012 and set out to reopen the 11-story building as a luxury hotel. ... Read More
If you’re familiar with San Diego’s Little Italy section, you’re likely to notice a new addition to the bustling neighborhood: Civico 1845 restaurant. This quaint, rustic-chic eatery is a breath of fresh air relative to the plethora of Italian dining options surrounding it. ... Read More
Summertime is the most popular season for most jet setters to get out of town. But while most head to tropical, beach locales, I head to the desert. Why? Because a true spa-aholic knows that the best time to visit a desert facility is in the heat of the season, when most are heading to cooler places. The atmosphere offers a sense of peace, tranquility and a serene feeling of exclusivity. Best of all there are summer specials from some of the most extravagant and award winning-spas in the area.... Read More
As lovely as custom furnishings and imported tile work are, one should never forget the ceiling. You may not want something as dramatic as The Creation of Adam greeting you when you look up, but what about some flashy gold leaf? This $1.1 million Fontainebleau Mansion in New Orleans is bringing some serious attitude to the real estate market with its blinged-out gold ceiling—which, of course, anchors a chandelier. ... Read More
Normally talk of manors in the English countryside leave us dreaming of 18th century buildings, white picket fences and rose gardens worthy of having a proper tea party. This Kent mansion, however, is not that kind of house—it’s so much cooler than that.... Read More
If you’re a sports fanatic, now is a good time to be in Atlanta. Not only has Comcast struck a deal with the Braves for a new stadium, the Falcons’ upcoming arena now finally has a name: the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AMB Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE) announced yesterday that Mercedes-Benz is their new naming partner in an agreement that continues through 2042. ... Read More
Fans of the U.S. Open have a great selection of places to stay when the championships hit New York at the end of the month, but a good hotel just won’t cut it. Not when so many properties are offering packages exclusively for the event.... Read More
San Diego boasts its fair share of philanthropic events. On an impressively-regular basis both residents and businesses throughout the county attend, or otherwise support, the litany of galas, dinner receptions, auctions and other high-end affairs to benefit the greater good. ... Read More
A longtime celebrity haunt and home to the Golden Globes since 1961, The Beverly Hilton’s name is synonymous with Hollywood and red-carpet glamour. On Friday, August 21, the iconic hotel threw a retro-themed pool party to celebrate its 60th diamond anniversary. We joined a slew of invitees for the night and enjoyed an evening of food, drinks, live music and celebration.... Read More
As an example of something that probably looks much scarier than it actually is, London’s Nine Elms neighborhood will soon have a glass-bottomed Sky Pool that will sit 10 stories off the ground, stretched between two luxury Embassy Gardens residential buildings. Though the structures—which are being built near Battersea Power Station—won’t be finished until 2017, we know that the stunning aquarium-like pool will be 25 meters long (around 82 feet), five meters wide (16 feet) and three meters deep (which is nearly ten feet). It goes without saying, but this pool definitely isn’t for anyone who is afraid of heights!... Read More
Homeownership rates have been steadily declining since the housing market collapse in the late aughts, but since then the number of rental households has increased annually with the strongest period of growth since the ‘80s.... Read More
There are few things as internationally loved as opera—except maybe parties. To celebrate the opening night of the 93rd season of the San Francisco Opera, the company’s Bravo! Club will be hosting the annual Opening Night Gala on September 11.... Read More
The Palace of Versailles is without a doubt one of the most popular and stunning places to visit in France. Since the 17th century, the King Louis XIV-built château (and to a larger extent, its surrounding city) has been the epicenter of not only political power and royalty, but also of art and culture—this is where you can find the Royal Opera, after all.... Read More
After a four-month shut down, Mosaic Hotel in Beverly Hills re-opened in early August, boasting a top-to-toe revamp. The luxury boutique hotel might be in the same vicinity as the far more imposing Peninsula and Beverly Wilshire hotels, but is distinctive for its intimate, almost-residential sensibility, set on a quiet street off busy Wilshire Boulevard.... Read More
The French Quarter needs no introduction. The vibrant New Orleans neighborhood is the oldest in the state and is a cultural melting pot of stunning architecture, live music and plenty of Voodoo mystery. Sitting in the middle of this bustling and historic district is the W New Orleans – French Quarter, a hotel that itself has a reputation of being spirited, stylish and chic.... Read More
The Garland is celebrating their recent $20 million renovation by offering the Let the Good Times Roll package, which will add some much-needed Hollywood-style treatment to your stay. Starting at $4,950, the offer is good for two people and includes two nights in the Los Angeles hotel’s James Suite, VIP passes to Universal Studios and a Deluxe Warner Brothers Studio tour.... Read More
With hotel balconies overlooking the cobble-stoned, tree-lined Avenue Frochot in the south Pigalle district where Toulouse-Lautrec once lived, you almost feel like you’ve been transported into Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. Located on a corner at the junction of Rue Victor Masse and Rue Henry Monnier in the 9th arrondissement, the 37-room Grand Pigalle Hotel encapsulates the romance of the belle époque era.... Read More
It’s safe to say that St. Regis properties know how to do luxury. Not only do their hotels gain recognition year-after-year, but they also reside in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Among its standout properties is The St. Regis Bal Harbour in Miami Beach. No stranger to accolades, the hotel is a celebrity in its own right.... Read More
Impressively located in a much-favored area of central London, the Langham Hotel this year celebrates its 150th birthday, making it one of the world’s most venerable purpose-built grand hotels. When it opened in 1865 it was the city’s largest and most modern hotel and featured the first hydraulic elevators in England. Determined to show that old does not mean unfashionable, the owners have completed a refurbishment that cements its place in London’s best.... Read More
There’s nothing funny about the Sunset Strip nightspot, Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails, or Executive Chef Chris Crary’s elevated new menu. And it’s definitely no laughing matter that the Who’s Who of Hollywood fills the club-like spaces for date nights and private awards season parties.... Read More
Arizona’s high desert has a unique magic and mystique all its own, and when it comes to the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, guests can also expect the unexpected—starting with its Sonoran Desert locale. For one, lush and desert aren't normally two words one would associate together, but in the high Sonoran Desert you'll find iconic saguaro cacti standing tall amid bright desert marigolds, delicate summer poppies and vibrant green velvet mesquite all strewn about the rocky mountainous landscape.... Read More
In the last few years we’ve seen craft beer explode in popularity and artisanal breweries have popped up from coast to coast. According to the Brewers Association in the first half of 2015, craft brewers sold 12.2 million barrels of beer in the US, up from the 10.6 million that were sold this same time last year.... Read More
Atlantic City has pledged to bring us more non-casino-based attractions and we are happy to see that that involves Adam Levine on a beach. Joined by Nick Jonas and Matt McAndrew, Levine will be taking the stage with Maroon 5 on August 16 for one heck of a show. Though regular tickets are still available, the two VIP packages are really the only way to go if you want to see Levine up close and personal. You may even be close enough to pretend he is still single. ... Read More
Petrossian, the 95-year-old caviar house from Paris with locations in New York and Las Vegas, now offers brunch seven days a week at their West Hollywood home. The mid-morning menu features a variety of egg dishes, salads, sandwiches, toasts and of course, plenty of caviar. Beloved chef and budding local celebrity, Giselle Wellman conceptualizes and executes the brunch offerings.... Read More
It’s no secret that Disney World’s Golden Oak community offers some of most luxurious homes and properties for the ultimate Disney fan, but it’s about to get even better. Last week, Disney began sales for the Four Seasons Private Residences Orlando.... Read More
New York City has a brand new dinner show in town. Located inside The Tuscany Hotel, SUSHI ROXX is set to provide a new take on the classic dinner theater experience. Diners are welcomed by the intimate bar area, complete with teak tables, rich chocolate bar stools and hand-blocked wallpaper donning beautiful dragons. ... Read More
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has just upped its WOW factor on its iconic bungalow suites, thanks to the sunny Midas touch of LA interior designer Michael Berman. Inspired by the Fairmont’s newly-renovated Bungalow One, a three-bedroom suite and Berman’s first hotel project...... Read More
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has just about anything you could need for a great getaway, including activities for the kids like watermelon eating contests, zipline adventures and catch-and-release fishing derbies. For adults, they offer winery dinners, relaxing cabana rentals and a golf course. The expansive southwestern oasis sprawls across 65 acres in the Sonoran Desert overlooking the McDowell Mountains.... Read More
On July 30, The Mandarin Oriental opened its newest hotel in Milan’s fashion district, only steps from the luxurious shopping streets of Via Manzoni, Via Della Spiga and Montenapoleone. The property offers convenient access to the city’s best fashion, dining and cultural destinations.... Read More
A babymoon can be the perfect getaway for a pregnant woman and her significant other before the hectic schedule of late night feedings and diaper-changing begins. But finding the perfect place that caters to an expectant mom's unique needs while still making Dad happy can be tricky. Mom is oftentimes limited by dietary and activity restrictions, while he can travel as he normally does (sorry, ladies, we know it’s not fair!).... Read More
Oh, Las Vegas. Where else can you visit Lake Bellagio, the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower within the same day? Adhering to its founding principle, “spare no expense,” this is a town where over-the-top glitter and beyond-the-imagination glamour are unabashedly applauded. ... Read More
Earlier this year, Le Méridien New Orleans officially showed off its new digs following a $29 million renovation. And the results are pretty impressive. Creating a culturally refined and contemporary space, the four-star hotel pays tribute to its locations while still honoring its European heritage.... Read More
Few places are as classic as New York City. A picnic on a summer's day in Central Park, a crisp Manhattan poured by the legendary Norman Bukofzer, or a stroll through MoMA's latest exhibitions are all timeless Big Apple experiences. ... Read More
Hyatt Hotels and property developers M+S are planning to open an Andaz Hotel in the hip Ophi- Rochor district of Singapore. The hotel, which is not slated to open until 2017, will be a part of the upcoming Duo Development and will be home to over 340 guest rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, a lounge area, meeting and event spaces, spa services, a fitness center, a gift shop and outdoor pool and venue.... Read More
It's difficult to imagine a warm oasis with a lush outcropping of palm trees, cascading pools, and bountiful blooming flora, without thinking of Southern California. If you’re from here or familiar with the region, it’s easy to picture Palm Springs as that desert retreat. Palm Springs spans 45 verdant acres and its diamond hotel is La Quinta Resort & Club.... Read More
On August 3, 1975, the Louisiana Superdome opened, making today its 40th birthday. Having seen an epic run of events the stadium now known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome has given New Orleans four decades of memories. Seven Super Bowls, Muhammad Ali victories, a visit from Pope John Paul II, Rolling Stones concerts and NCAA games have all been held within its walls. It even served as a refuge for 3,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (which sees its 10th anniversary on August 29). ... Read More
Philadelphia is known for its wealth of history and culture, so it’s no wonder that affluent home buyers are looking to call the City of Brotherly Love home. In the last year, home values have risen 4.9 percent with a city median of only $118,900—it’s a buyer’s market.... Read More
