North America, Travel
America's Cup, Bay Bridge, Coqueta, Louis Vuitton, Oracle, Sailing, San Francisco, St Regis, Water Bar, Yachts
(Images courtesy of Google)
Be on the lookout… sailors everywhere!
As Journey sings, “When the lights go down in the City and the sun shines on the Bay, do I want to be there…” ABSOLUTELY!
With San Francisco hosting the 34th America’s Cup July 4th – Sept 21st, and starting preparation for the fall social season, (we are) this city is the ONLY place to be right now. For the first time in America’s Cup history, the race is confined to the Bay, close to shore so it’s all about up close and personal. Not a bad seat in the house. Where to start…
The America’s Cup Village on Marina Green, two locations, free access on Marina Green w/ 6,500 bleacher seats & the Yacht Club Peninsula. Offering live viewing of the races from of 1.400 seats. Also cool for kids is the Fan Zone & Digital boathouse where fans can interact in real time all over the world.
Pier 27/29 is the America’s Cup Park. Inside is the AC Pavilion. You can shop – Louis Vuitton store, Puma Yard (shopping), and the AC Shop . You can play (the adult kind) from the Puma Bar. Fantasize about being on one of 13 super yachts docked there. You can rock out in the Amphitheater. This 9,000 seat theater will host major concerts, shows and on race days a video screen. Also a Fun Zone for the kids.
WHAT2WEAR TO AMERICA’S CUP – CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO PURCHASE
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M)). Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
St. Regis Hotel – Official hotel of the America’s Cup. Ideal location, great bar. Perfect set up to meet the superstars of the sailing world. (MS)
Hotel Zetta – Owned by uber chic Viceroy, this new kid on the block offers the perfect urban retreat. Modern decor, oversized rooms, special playroom (shuffleboard anyone?) located in the heart of Downtown. Perfect for (S)
Argonaut Hotel – Boutique hotel in refurbished warehouse, w/ exposed brick, Frette linens, free wine, WiFi & yoga on the TV. In-room Starbucks. Perfect location with Fisherman’s Wharf right outside your door. Perfect for families (kids love that sourdough bread). (M)
Where2Dine
For sea dogs & landlubbers alike, the shipwrecked-boat-turned America’s Cup Sports Bar on Pier 27 is the perfect place for drinks between races. The world’s largest pop-up bar also serves brunch. Another pop-up is the anticipated Waiheke Island Yacht Club straight from Auckland. Huge airy warehouse, a bit of Kiwi hospitality. As day turns to night, try the new Roka Akor in FiDi for the freshest sushi (flown in from Japan) and coolest whiskey lounge.
What2See
In addition to sailing, eating & drinking don’t miss the new Exploratorium on Pier 15/17. Interactive exhibits of science, arts and perception. Great for grownups too. Experience the new fog bridge!
Bay Lights – A light sculpture’s dream – a 1.8 mile installation. Running the length of the Bay bridge artist Leo Villareal, w/the aid of computer software has created the ability to control 25,000 white LED lights into twinkling, shimmering patterns. Attached by cables, it’s another way SF lights up the Bay!
Save the date! Prepare for Fall! Symphony Gala September 3rd and Opera Gala September 6th. What is better than dining in City Hall?
City Hall in all its Glory
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do
North America, Travel
BBQ, Cowboys, Eddie V's, Energy City, Galleria, Hotel Zaza, Houston, Houston Space Center, Rodeos, St Regis, Texas
WhyGoNow? Because everything is “over the top” in Houston, Texas. Think steak, rodeos, BBQ, bourbon & ride m cowboys. Southern hospitality that never quits. Slick oil men to divert your attention. The largest city in Texas has 3 separate skylines & multiple personalities (just like us.) No matter your transportation mode – metro, cowboy boots, space ship or a hot GTO car,”touch down” in Houston.
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay
St Regis – Southern charm & hospitality at its best!. How can you go wrong w/personalized butler service & fabulous spa? Floor to ceiling windows offer views of skyline or parks. Conveniently close to the Houston Galleria. Ideal for business and weddings (MS)
Hotel Zaza – hip, colorful & glamorous Hotel Zaza redefines modern. Located in the museum district, book a “concept suite” which transports guests to theme inspired rooms from Paris or outer space. Lounge poolside, drink at Monarch Bar. Will be hard to leave. (S)
Houstonian Club & Spa– one of the finest hotels in Houston, located in an 18 acre wooded oasis in the middle of downtown. Staying here means you have access to one of the top 10 fitness centers & private clubs in the US. Luxurious and serene. (M)
Where2Dine
Tony’s, where the “important” people dine for “Italian” Texas style, Armandos for Tex- Mex,( insiders local place), Uchi, one of top 10 sushi restaurants in US, Underbelly for all things meat, Eddie V’s & Pappas Bros.for steak, the brand new hot Corner Table for a be scene vibe, De Marco – romantic Italian, Philip’s Wine Lounge & Okra Charity Salon where all proceeds go to charity.
Where2Shop
Lucho for made-to-order women’s shoes, Tootsies – 35,000 ft of designer fashions, Gregory’s for unique innovative designs, More Than You Can Imagine designer consignment shop, Tejas for custom cowboy boots & The Galleria Simon Mall w/ swimming pools, ice skating rink and over 400 stores! That will keep you busy!
What2Do
Visit the Space Center Houston, the museum district w/18 museums, see a rodeo, for local flavor visit Goode Company, a BBQ stand w/honky tonk music, salsa dance at Club Tropicana & if it’s too hot…use the 7.5 underground tunnel system to get around. Head for vacation on Southwest Airlines for its July 4th Freedom Over Texas concert & fireworks featuring Sheryl Crow.
Designer Bibhu Mohapatra and ” The Boys.” Always good to be surrounded by great looking men!
North America, Travel
Be Tulum Margaritas, Le Zebra, Mediate, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Virgin America, Yoga
Why Go Now -Because it is THE place to go. The Riveria Maya (including Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba & ending 40 miles down the road at the bohemian ultra-cool Tulum) is paradise. Think turquoise water, open air restaurants, Mayan ruins, jungle, holistic spas & lots of tequila makes this truly heaven. Fly Virgin America to experience their new “airline dating” system! Send a drink or meal to any passenger via their digital seat map. Chances are you won’t be deplaning alone. Takes dating to an all new “high.”
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel
Where2Stay –
Amansala – Think echo chic. The ultimate yoga retreat to detox, d-stress, meditate & recharge during the day, cocktails & dancing at night (or sleep, your choice.) Rustic rooms (girls, leave hairdryers at home, minimal electricity), organic food, spa services & miles of beach. A perfect girlfriend’s getaway. (S,M,MS)
Be Tulum – A boutique hotel w/ private Jacuzzis and pools. Meandering gardens, a cocktail lounge overlooking the ocean. Quietly super cool. (S,SM,M)
The Beach -Tulum – Think modern deluxe rooms with rooftop terraces complete w/hammock, Jacuzzi and ocean views that go on forever. One of the few upscale boutique hotels offering air conditioning and a meandering swimming pool. Fabulous bar with swings (enhances that tequila rush) and special dance nights at Ziggys. ((S,SM,M)
Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Free standing villas, w/all amenities (named one of the top resorts in Mexico.) For all you men, golf at nearby El Camaleon Golf Course. Have a “drifting dinner” for two at their Ixchel Restaurant where a personal chef prepares your meal floating on the water. (S,SM,M)
Royal Hideaway Playacar – A member of Leading Hotels of the World this all inclusive resort is for adults only. The perk? Within walking distance of Quinta Avenida (5th Ave) the pedestrian only street in downtown Playa del Carmen (M)
Where2Dine
In downtown Playa del Carmen try La Casa del Agua, Alux (dining in a cave, very romantic) and Il Pescatore. In Tulum prepare to wait at Hartwood (#1 restaurant,) don’t miss dining at El Tabano, Mateos & Posada Margarita. Have cocktails at Casa del Jaguar, Luna Maya & Tres Estrellas. Lunch at Ziggys & dance at La Zebra on the beach
What2Do
Yoga, meditate, visit the Mayan ruins of Coba & Chichen Itza, swim in Cenotes (Mexican underground rivers), yoga again, bike ride, tacos, lay on the beach, did I mention do yoga?
Where2Shop
In Tulum don’t miss Coqui Coqui Perfumes for unique fragrances (think tobacco) Josa for cool casual dresses & Shalom for great costume jewelry. Stroll down Fifth Ave (in Maya)
Bay Area – Sausalito Spotlight
Walk, run or better yet hire TideLine SF water taxi service (how cool to arrive by boat, ask for Capt. Taylor) to the newly reopened Trident Restaurant in Sausalito. Known for its positive energy, musician hangout, the best water views & great food. The Trident is back in full force w/a fabulous menu crafted by chef James Montejano in the kitchen. Supporting local farmers, serving sustainable produce & seafood, a full bar, outside fireplace, deck and live music on weekends it’s the Wear Girls new hangout! Reserve now to watch the Americas Cup. What a great perch!
Whether in the city or on the beach we are at peace!