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!
Australia, Travel
Australia, Great Ocean Road, King Salmon, Koala's Beaches, Melbourne, MoVida, Park Hyatt, St. Kilda
Why Go Now?
The many faces of Melbourne – If you like Chicago you will love Australia’s second city. Stroll down broad boulevards of high end shops with ancient trams running down the center. Graffiti mural lined alleyways filled with discovery worthy bistros, coffee houses, bars & boutiques. Take a boat ride on the Yarra River, venture down the Great Ocean Road for “Big Sur.” like vistas, stop & marvel at the koala’s. From sun drenched beaches to the Crown Casino complex (think mini Vegas), to tennis, cricket & beer – Melbourne offers a great experience city down under.
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
Park Hyatt Melbourne – The largest luxury rooms in Melbourne w/ huge marble bathrooms. The perfect location overlooking St. Patrick Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens & surrounded by great dining & the best shopping. Literally an eat, pray, shop experience! Excellent staff. Have martinis in their garden. (MS)
Adelphi – Cool boutique hotel right near Federation Square. With 34 rooms, modern hip vibe & a rooftop pool rooftop. No restaurant but with places like Meatballs & Wine and the always packed Chin Chin down the street you won’t starve! (S)
The Langham Melbourne – Elegant, discreet, a bit old fashion sums up this expensive but worth every penny hotel. Know for the service, lux rooms, world class spa & its central location near the Yarra River. (M)
Where2Dine
So many restaurants – MoVida for Spanish tapas, Chin Chin for Fusion & Donovans in St. Kilda (sample Ora Brand Salmon, thanks Shane & Anna). For Italian, Becco, Cutler & Co. for modern Australian, Taxi for Japanese & for Thai try Longrain. Head to Crown Casino Complex for be seen dining at Nobu (yes that Nobu), famous Rockpool for streak and Spice Bar for Asian.
Where2Shop
Collins St – The usual suspects -Boss, Gucci, Lauren, Channel… The unusual. Search out Australian designers Collette Dinnigan, Alannah Hill & Jan Logan for jewelry. Shop at Cose Ipanema & Et Al. Visit Block Arcade. Head to Brunswick St for Dizingof. Venture out to Swanton St, Burke St. Mall (home to David Jones the Bloomingdale’s of Melbourne) Queen Victoria Market & Flinders Lane for the unexpected. Cab or tram it to Chapel St for unique Aussie designers
What2Do
Day to night Melbourne will keep you hopping. Stroll the banks of the Yarra River & the esplanade in beach side St. Kilda, Wander to discover art institutions. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens & Federation Square. More importantly leave room for day trips. Drive the Great Ocean Road for stunning scenery & famous 12 apostles. Stay overnight, it’s a long way. The Penguin Parade has thousands of penguins making a nightly visit crossing beaches to feed their young. Reserve their exclusive platform. Arrange to get up close & personal with the Koalas & head to the Yarra Valley for world class Australian wines.
Reminder
Seasons are reversed. The beginning of fall & winter is May, June & July. A respite from the heat of summer Melbourne is a “cool” alternative.
Art and Fashion- the perfect fit!