Buenos Aires – steak dinners that cost $40.00, an incredible bottle of Malbec & a the city doesn’t sleep (be prepared, neither will you.) Cabs are plentiful, inexpensive and it’s summertime! Leave your down jacket at home. Called the “Paris” of South America, the exchange rate makes it one of the few affordable places in the world. Eat late, take tango lessons, shop for bargains, eat dulce de leche in any form & visit the awesome cemetery (yes, really.) Get into the passionate spirit that defines the people of Buenos Aires.
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern or do you prefer a quiet and romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. You will see an M (married), S (single), or an MS, (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay :
Hotel Pulitzer – Located in “Little Paris”, the micro center of BA, this modern hotel is a find. Lounge around the pool, relax in your cool black tiled bathroom & enjoy the view from the lounge. Value (S)
Algodon Mansion – The first & only Relais et Chateau Hotel in BA & on Conde Nast 2011 Hot List. An incredible mansion that comes w/personal butlers, rooftop pool, sky bar and to die for suites. You may not leave. But the “Madison Ave” of BA is outside your door. (MS)
Mio Buenos Aires Hotel– the first “Wine Themed” hotel located in upscale Recoleta owned by the Catena wine producing family. Luxurious beds & thick doors made out of wine barrels & bathtubs carved out of wood makes this hotel a hip addition to the BA scene. (MS)
Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau – Do you dream of sleeping in a palace? Dreams can come true! Consisting of two buildings, one the original palace resplendent with gold, chandeliers, and period decorated rooms (with fabulous bathrooms) & its modern hotel counterpart connecting thru underground walkways or gardens. Underground, view their modern art collection, jambon & cheese bar, flower shop & spa. Comprising a city block, the garden consists of waterfalls, white leather lounges & outdoor dining area. Love the look! Service is unparalleled! (SM)
Home Boutique Hotel– Birds chirping, grass, a backyard in a city! Stay at Home and feel like you are in the country. Located in trendy Palermo (the SoHo of BA) the owner created a boutique hotel, an oasis for friends w/out forfeiting the necessities, like a bar, pool and spa. The first “green” hotel” in BA. (SM)
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – Conde Nast Gold Winner. Think St. Tropez sizzle, dine in their white dining room, be seen poolside & don’t miss their Rioja Tango show. Best in town! (SM)
Where2Dine
Cabana Las Lilas – Sit outside w/views of the port. Packed, busy & noisy . Crizia – So chic. Serving Mediterranean food – modern, romantic, hip & cool. Chila – French fine dining on the water with a lovely atmosphere. Fervor – Steaks, fries & extensive wine list, noisy and fun. Tegui– global cuisine, spicy, sexy & stunning. Open kitchen, food as art. L’Abeille- Small, dark, sleek & romantic. For the night owls, cocktails and oysters! Faena Hotel Library Lounge– Post tango show with live music. If you’re really lucky you might be asked to sing with the band. Stop by Gran Bar Dazon for that martini & mingle w/the elite. Best steak head to La Cabrera in Palermo.
Where2Shop – Recoleta – the “Fifth Ave” of BA. Visit Tramando for local hip fashion, Breeder’s, (Nancy Gonzales type purses) & designer mall Patio Bullrich. Stroll Calle Florida for its leather & furs (be creative, design your own) Special find – shop owner Bettina Rizza will make you anything and deliver it to your hotel! Now that’s service! Lunch in cool cafes in Palermo Soho and shop the boutiques.
What2Do
Plan a day in each area – La Boca, Palermo Viejo, Puerto Madero, San Telmo (Sunday St Fair) & upscale Recoleto. The Cementerio de la Recoleta is a must see & for the Evita fans, visit her famous balcony. Drink espresso at the famous Cafe Tortoni. DO NOT MISS a tango show – our top secret- hire a tango instructor so at least you can pretend to look good.
Trying to keep up! The professional!
Everyone longs for a vacation AFTER the holidays! December – present buying, gift wrapping, baking (well, some of us) kids screaming me, me, me! If single you’re exhausted by the very thought of planning what to do, why not a vacation BEFORE the holidays? Las Vegas! A quick trip, an indulgent time & a bit of fantasy. Where time has no meaning, literally! Whether you’re with your husband before the onslaught of the holidays or with girlfriends to share secrets (don’t ask, don’t tell) everything is golden and perfect in Las Vegas. At least until you fly home!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern or do you prefer a quiet and romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. You will see an M (married), S (single), or an MS, (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay – Thousands of rooms to choose from, pick your skyscraper in the sky. Choose from ultra cool Cosmopolitan or Aria at City Center (MS) Want the largest rooms in LV? Choose from the Palazzo, Venetian (MS) or the new Hotel 32 in the Monte Carlo offering private check in, personal assistant for every room & complimentary limo service! (MS) For a quiet refuge stay at The Signature at the MGM, w/ modern kitchens, no gambling & breathtaking views. (MS) Or snuggle into the secluded Mandarin Oriental w/ your favorite spouse (M) For Value – The D Las Vegas revitalizes downtown Freemont St. (S) & the ultimate LV? Artisan Boutique Hotel, just 64 rooms, non gambling, gothic art filled lobby & a partying “Naked Pool,” topless optional!!! (S)
Where2Eat & Drink – Are you a true gourmet? Reserve Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy & the new very private E by Jose Andres. Reservations a must. Best Thai in US? Lotus of Siam. Meat lover? Carvevino & SW Steak will stick to your ribs. Yearn for steak tartar at 5AM? Head to Central the new “foodie” diner open 24 hours. The buffet of all time – Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan. Is a liquid diet more your thing? Visit DOCG an Italian Wine Bar, Minus 5 Ice Bar where everything is made of ice & the Chandelier Bar (don’t we look good surrounded by crystal?) Diet & detox upon return to reality!
Where2Shop You can shop until you drop. Visit the Fashion Show Mall, Wynn Esplanade (the Ferrari/Maserati Showroom would be a great man magnet) Crystals at City Center & don’t forget the fashion Outlets of LV (Primm) where there is a Neiman Marcus Last Call. Think of how much money we save!
We love to dress up!
Fall into Fall… no need to fly back east. Head to Napa Valley! Less crowds, crisp air, world class restaurants and of course wine. Made in barns, garages, caves and castles. Choose an area – Napa, Oakville, Rutherford, St Helena or Calistoga. Plan on visiting 3-4 wineries a day. Any more & you are over your limit. And speaking of limits, consider www.designateddrivernapa-sonoma.com/ to do the driving for you. A black and white car should not be part of your color scheme!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern or do you prefer a quiet and romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. You will see an M (married), S (single), or an MS, (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay – From Bed & Breakfast to five star hotels, the Valley has it covered. Here are a few different choices.
Milliken Creek Inn and Spa– drive slowly or you will miss this hidden romantic retreat. This 12 room B & B located riverside in Napa along the Silverado Trail serves breakfast in bed, offers candlelit turn down service, couples massages & a “magic” hour for complimentary wine & cheese. As the website suggests, they will even provide sensual oils and a feather! What more do you need? (M)
Andaz Napa – recently renovated, this Hyatt brand puts you in the center of Napa’s new restaurant row. Cozy up to the outdoor fire pit for a drink before dinner. (MS)
North Block Hotel – This modern “Restoration Hardware” look fits perfectly into Yountville. Brick outside, supreme comfort inside. Slip into luxurious Italian sheets and a great meal at the new Reddwood restaurant next door. (MS)
Solage Calistoga– nestled in the mountains outside of Calistoga, Solange offers the #1 spa in the Americans and # 10 Spa in the world. Add complimentary bicycles, adult pool & hot tub, the Michelin rated Solbar, an art collection, individual studio rooms… why leave? Oh yes, the wine tasting! (S)
Where2Dine
The Thomas at Fagionie – once a liquor store & bar, AvroKO Hospitality Group (of Saxon & Parole in NY) restored this 5,500 sq.ft. space. Newest hot spot to hit Napa Riverfront offering a bar, 2nd floor dining room & rooftop dining w/ bar & fireplace
What else ? Mediterranean cuisine at Tarla Grill, sushi at Eiko’s, (order the special nitrogen drink made table side), chicken at Bounty Hunter, all American at Cook, and for a local hangout visit Fridas Mexican Grill for potent margaritas!
Where2Wine
An all consuming passion & labor of love drives every winemaker in the Napa Valley. Every winery is special. W2W special favorites: Michael Polenske of Blackbird Vineyards in Napa, Jason Pahlmeyer (& family) in Oakville and Norman Kiken at Reverie in Calistoga.
What2Do – Judds Hill Wine Camp – How about wine camp for adults? Measure, bottle, seal & name your wine. How does “Silver Fox & Barbie Doll” sound? Located in Napa and family owned.
What’s better than a Wine, Women & Shoe event benefiting Family House held at the St Regis? Having the city’s finest serving shoes and purses on a silver platter!
Who said shopping and drinking were not good for your health!