MAgellan Vacations Blog - the Luxury Life

New York City, April 18 – 29, 2012

Located in the fashionable downtown Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca, this festival is the spring event of choice for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Each year since its modest inception in 2002 it has grown and bloomed into a premier event with celebrities from the worlds of art, film and music appearing at its screenings and other programs. The Tribeca Film Festival draws over 3 million people to lower Manhattan, where film buffs view a variety of narrative and documentary features as well as short films, and attend its star-studded parties and informed lectures.

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in the aftermath of 9/11. The tragedy sapped Tribeca of vitality, and the festival founders hoped to spur its economic and cultural revitalization through an annual celebration of film, music and culture. It has since showcased an eclectic variety of independent films, documentaries, narrative features, shorts, family-friendly films, panel discussions, and talks with stars of the film world.

Tribeca has recovered since the 9/11 attacks, as hip and prosperous as ever, and as the Tribeca Film Festival’s reputation has soared the quality and variety of films have improved each year. At the 2012 Festival, expect more of the same potent cocktail of celebrities in art, film, and music.

The Festival’s stated mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enable the film community and general public to experience the power of cinema, and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. Tribeca Film Festival supports emerging and established directors. Since its founding, it has screened over 1200 films from over 80 countries, and has attracted an international audience of more than 3.5 million attendees and generated an estimated $725 million in economic activity for New York City.

WHERE TO STAY: The Trump SoHo New York is surrounded by quirky galleries, upscale boutiques and fanciful restaurants, and is only a few blocks away from the Tribeca Film Festival. This 5 star hotel boasts spacious rooms, expansive city views, and book with us for complimentary upgrades until March 31st, 2012.

The Hotel Gansevoort is widely credited with transforming the Meatpacking District from gritty to fabulous. Whether to dine at Tanuki Tavern, swim in the Plunge rooftop pool, or spend a blissful day shopping the cobblestoned streets of the Meatpacking District, guests continue to flock to Gansevoort New York. Book with us for complimentary upgrades and special amenities for suite reservations.

The SoHo Grand Hotel offers an atmosphere of SoHo-chic meets 19th century elegance, and is only a few blocks from the Festival. The lobby recalls a grand train station of a bygone era with its striking metal staircase, soaring ceilings, and mosaic tiles patterning the floor. Tantalize your tastebuds with gustatory delights from The Gallery or their outdoor eatery, The Yard.

April 19–May 3, 2012

Few festivals better suit their city than the San Francisco International Film Festival. The vibe is decidedly West Coast, laid back, low key, and remarkably intimate. It’s a festival programmed by film-lovers for people who love film. Renowned as a showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation, in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, the San Francisco International Film Festival offers a wide range of marquee premieres, international competitions, documentaries, new digital media work, live music performances and gala events.

Founded in 1957, SFIFF is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Held each spring for two weeks, it features some 150 films and live events, with more than 100 filmmakers and nearly two dozen awards presented for cinematic excellence. The Festival attracts an annual audience of more than 80,000. Keenly anticipated by film buffs, championed by civic leaders, respected by filmmakers and closely watched by industry professionals, SFIFF is a key event in the Bay Area’s cultural calendar and a crucial stop on the international festival circuit.

Filmmaking is and always has been a powerful medium and will continue to be in all its mutating forms, be it television, or online media. SFIFF is deeply rooted in the finest traditions of film appreciation, both as an art form and as an agent for social change.

This season SFIFF will again feature full-length films, live action and animated shorts, television and theatrical documentaries, experimental work and new digital media, as well as panels and seminars, awards events, and retrospectives. Its acclaimed Schools at the Festival program draws 4,200 students from grades 1–12 into the festivities.

Established in 1957 to augment the Festival’s tradition of recognizing excellence, the Golden Gate Awards continue honoring filmmakers. For decades the competition has introduced Bay Area audiences to filmmakers who have transformed the medium.

WHERE TO STAY: The Clift: The Festival is hosting their Centerpiece Party here, which you won’t want to miss. This 4 star hotel’s contemporary design incorporates beautiful art pieces all around. The Redroom a cherished San Francisco landmark, features original redwood paneling and an enormous bar which legend says was carved from a single redwood tree. Book with us for a complimentary upgrade.

Campton Place: This 4.5 star Taj hotel is conveniently located by Union Square, is home to the Michelin Star Campton Place Restaurant known for its Mediterranean-influenced modern Californian cuisine. Complimentary upgrades are available until April 30th, 2012.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins: Perched atop Nob Hill overlooking San Francisco, The Mark Hopkins Hotel is one of the city’s most historic and grand landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking views o the city and its famous 1000 Martinis menu atop the aptly named, Top of the Mark sky lounge. Stay with us for fantastic rates during the festival.

The only prize that used to be awarded to the winner of the Boston Marathon was a wreath woven from olive branches. These days the winner of one of the world’s great road racing events gets a fat cheque from corporate sponsors and nice chunk of change from endorsements. Of course, you’ll have to run the 26.22 miles in two hours and a bit to contend for victory, but that’s another story.

Begun in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, and attracts 500,000 spectators each year. Originally a local race, its current fame and status draws runners from all over the world and has become a rite of passage for serious and recreational runners alike. Whether you intend to shoot for the wreath or merely push yourself to complete the race without keeling, the Boston Marathon offers a unique and challenging course with the beautiful city of Boston as a backdrop.

The Boston Marathon also ranks as one of the best races in the world to spectate. Viewing along the course is on a  first-come basis. On-street parking in Boston’s Back Bay is limited, but the Charles River (north) side of Boylston Street is open to the general public. Many fans arrive before dawn to secure choice spots. The corner of Hereford and Boylston Streets, adjacent to the Boston EMS Medical Tent and the fire station, has been designated for people with disabilities. A Family Meeting Area is located on St. James Avenue and Stuart Street.

Families, friends and athletes should plan prior to race day on where to reunite. It may take your athlete some time after crossing the finish line to meet you, so be patient.

WHERE TO STAY: Taj Boston, only 1 mile away from the finish line, this 4 star historic hotel built beside the beautiful Boston Gardens and famous for their Afternoon Tea in The French Room, also a pet friendly hotel.

Back Bay Hotel is also only 1 mile away from the race’s finish line. This downtown boutique hotel was once a police department building this historical hotel offers 2 on-site restaurants and free wifi.

The Nine Zero Hotel is located in the heart of downtown steps from the Financial District, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and directly across from the Boston Common and only 2 miles from the finish line. Complimentary wine receptions are held every evening.

2012 RACE DAY SCHEDULE
9:00 a.m. Mobility Impaired Start
9:17 a.m. Push-Rim Wheelchair Division Start
9:22 a.m. Hand cycle Start
9:32 a.m. Elite Women’s Start
10:00 a.m. Elite Men’s Start & Wave One
10:20 a.m Wave Two
10:40 a.m. Wave Three
5:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony Fairmont Copley Plaza,138 St. James Ave.
7:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Post-Race Party: House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St.

The Boston Marathon
Sunday, April 15, 2012
8:00 a.m.EDT
Starts and finishes near Copley Square Park in Boston’s Back Bay.

March 17th, 2012

Besides Dublin itself, you couldn’t pick a better city than Boston to observe St. Patrick’s Day. With its deep Irish roots and resonant Irish mythos, Boston remains one of the top destinations around the world for St. Patrick’s Day. From the South Boston parade to pub crawls, Irish music, the Irish Heritage Trail, no Celtic stone is left unturned in Beantown’s full-blooded St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.

Get into the mood with The Chieftains on Wednesday, Mar 14 8:00 p.m. at Boston Symphony Hall. The six-time Grammy winners have garnered world fame playing traditional Irish music. Paddy Moloney and band return for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day bash and a prelude to the Guinness tsunami.

Speaking of which, this year the World’s Largest Pub Crawls hopes to make history yet again in Boston. Up to the challenge? Join the Luck of the Irish St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, enlisting some of Boston’s best bars, and offering great drink specials. With its surfeit of pubs, cocktail lounges, and hotels, Boston’s bar scene is considered one of the liveliest in the U.S. and exploring it on your own is an option. Compact, walkable, culturally rich, metropolitan Boston offers an A-Z of quality drinking establishments.

Start with ALIBI, a smooth lounge bar housed in the stylish Liberty Hotel (215 Charles Street). The hotel was once the Charles Street Jail, and Alibi retains remnants of its earlier incarnation with prison bars and floor outlines of old cells. And, as the name suggests, DRINK (348 Congress Street) is a bar that celebrates the wet stuff in all its variations, and tops the list for creative cocktails in Boston. Want to dress up? Try the elegant Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons (200 Boylston Street), or the low-lit Vox Populi (755 Boylston), appointed with with inviting banquettes. Later, walk on the wild side to The Franklin Café (278 Shawmut Avenue), a cultish late-night neighbourhood café bar where local chefs and waiters wind down—so it has quality grub too.

And what would St. Patrick’s Day be without a parade? The City of Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Sunday March 18 1:00 p.m. at Broadway MBTA Station. Bring your shamrocks and shillelaghs. And if you’re in town for the week don’t miss the 13th Annual Irish Film Festival, taking place March 22 – March 25, 2012 at the Somerville Theater, Somerville and the Brattle Theater, Cambridge.

WHERE TO STAY: The Back Bay Hotel is a historical landmark in the city of Boston. Once a former Police Station, the Back Bay Hotel is a one-of-a-kind 4 star boutique property in Back Bay, one of the most sought after locations in all of Boston with nearby attractions including Newbury Street, Boston Common and the Public Gardens.

The Onyx Hotel offers contemporary style, complimentary wine receptions every evening and is a pet-friendly hotel. Only minutes from Faneuil Hall and the North Station, the luxury Onyx Hotel Downtown Boston has been awarded with the coveted Green Seal Silver Certification. Book with us for incredible rates during the month of March.

Enjoy a 5 star stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel. An architectural masterpiece, The Boston Harbor Hotel is conveniently located on the historic Rowes Wharf, one of the most scenic locations in the city. Inspiration from its surroundings and of the area’s colonial past, filters seamlessly in to the hotel and is visible in both the public spaces and spacious guestrooms.

LAKE MICHIGAN HAS GONE GREEN

Sláinte! No city in the world does St. Patrick’s Day quite like Chicago. With its green river, green beer, and week long schedule of festivities, you won’t find a richer, greener celebration of St. Patrick’s Day this side of Ireland. Chicago’s St. Paddy’s Week kicks off Friday, March 11th, 7:00 p.m. at the Chicago Irish American Heritage Center with Irish Dance Chicago. Over 150 local step dancers will hoof it Riverdance-style. Or check out Gaelic Storm Friday & Saturday, March 11th & 13th at the House of Blues. Made famous as the Celtic party band in the film Titanic, Gaelic Storm returns to Chicago with their lively medley of Irish drinking songs.

In a singular tradition, the Chicago River will be dyed Kelly Green Saturday, March 12th, 10:45 a.m. before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (traditionally held a week before St. Patrick’s Day proper). The Parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 12th. Head to the Buckingham Fountain Viewing Stand to see floats, bands, bagpipers, dancers and this year’s Irish Queen and her court. Post-parade, the Irish American Heritage Center puts on a family-oriented festival featuring Irish dance, music and food, as well as children’s activities. This year’s lineup includes Ireland’s Tim O’Shea & Patrick Buckley. And later that day don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Fireworks,a 10-minute pyrotechnic show on theChicagolakefront, synchronized to traditional Celtic tunes and modern Irish music.

On Wednesday, March 16th, 7:30 p.m. Chicago’s Symphony Center hosts “Make Them Hear You,” Celtic entertainment with a narration by actor, Martin Sheen, and stirring performances by Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Old St. Patrick’s Concert Choir and Trinity Irish Dancers & Vocalists.

Of course, when St. Patrick’s Day finally arrives you’ll want to check out Chicago’s brilliant pubs. You’re likely to find a legit Irish pub on just about any corner. But for the best in corned beef, cabbage and beer, try one of these:

Avondale: Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant, 3471 N. Elston.

Beverly: Keegan’s Pub, 10618 S. Western.

Gold Coast: Butch McGuires Tavern, 20 W. Division.

Lincoln Park: Halsted Harp, 2138 N. Halsted.

River North: Celtic Crossings, 751 N. Clark.

River North: Fado Irish Pub,100 W. Grand.

Streeterville: Lizzie McNeill’s 400 N. McClurg.

And to nurse your hangover next morning, Chicago has a superabundance of superb breakfast and brunch joints, coffee shops and quiet, dimly lit cafés. So let ‘er rip.

WHERE TO STAY: Towering above the Chicago skyline lies the Trump International Chicago Hotel. As North America’s 2nd tallest building, the 5 star hotel will make you feel luxurious during any stay. With floor to ceiling windows, many of which face Michigan River, it is the only hotel with unprecendented views of the St. Patrick’s Day river event! Book with us now for complimentary upgrades.

The Hotel Palomar, a Kimpton Hotel is only a few blocks from the River event and is a favorite among our clients. Enjoy creative cocktails on-site at Sable Bar and Restaurant, made famous by their in-house mixologists. This 4.5 star hotel includes a heated indoor pool and sundeck and fitness center, and is eco and pet-friendly.

Hotel Sax Chicago is a 4 star hotel is located on State Street and the Chicago River, one block from the Chicago Loop and next to the world-famous House of Blues. Visit their Crimson Lounge for enchanting nightlife offering bottle service, DJ-driven music beats, and a diverse cocktail menu.

March 17th, 2012

On St. Patrick’s Day the streets of Manhattan fill up with green-clad revelers from near and far. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and a visit to the nearest Irish pub works for most traditionalists. Others know that St. Patrick’s Day in New York means more than parades and green beer. But first, the parade. This yearly tradition of bagpipes, clan tartans and green hats began on the streets of Manhattan in 1762 and has not relented since. The 2012 parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue.

After the parade, stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a traditional mass, or scope out the architecture before hitting one of New York’s fine pubs. For an old-school experience, start with McSorley’s (15 E 7th Street), New York’s longest running saloon. Take in the history, the sawdust-covered floors, and the ghosts of Prohibition. Choose from two kinds of beer—McSorley’s Light or McSorley’s Dark—and belly up. There are no stools.

For a cozier experience, try Molly’s Pub & Restaurant (287 3rd Avenue), a traditional Irish pub with plush chairs and a log-burning fireplace, famous for its Shepherd’s Pie and well-foamed pints of Guinness. The Swift Bar (34 East 4th Street) offers one of the city’s finest draft selections. Named after Irish author Jonathan Swift, the pub has church-pew booths and a mural that pays homage to its namesake. Paddy Maguire’s Ale House (237 3rd Avenue) boasts the largest pint of Guinness below 20th Street. Original doors from Ireland authenticate the experience.

More serious imbibers might enjoy Saint Paddy’s Pub Crawl Saturday, March 17, when thousands of sudsers hit more than 100 pubs across five miles in three days. Tickets: $15 per day of crawling. For a brief reprieve from drinking, an evening with The Pogues, that most Irish of groups, is the ticket. The Pogues return to New York for an all-ages show that will include drunken sing-a-longs and non-traditional Irish dancing. Terminal 5, 610 West 56th Street. 7 p.m.

If you’re seeking a more refined St. Patrick’s Day celebration visit the Irish Arts Center on Sunday March 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a free, family-friendly afternoon of authentic Irish music, dance, song, language and crafts. Join the workshops or take in the performances and activities. Reserve through irishartscenter.org.

And if you want to forgo the green beer and Celtic arts for good Irish cooking, Gourmet St. Patrick’s Day at 9 (800 9th Avenue) features reinterpreted Irish classics like corned beef & potato ravioli with corned beef consommé, and green potato risotto with asparagus.

WHERE TO STAY: The 4 star Waldorf-Astoria hotel is near the parade route, and is known as one of the quintessential New York hotels. World-renowned for over a century, Waldorf Astoria’s grace and elegance is enhanced by its deep-rooted history. From Waldorf Salad to countless depictions in film, engulf yourself in Old World New York atmosphere. Book with us for a complimentary upgrade before March 31st, 2012.

For a more luxurious experience, located on the top floors of Waldorf Astoria, Waldorf Towers are the crème de la crème of the Waldorf experience. This 4.5 star hotel within a hotel offers guests unsurpassed service, dedicated staff, and a truly gracious New York experience. Enjoy an upgrade on us during select dates this spring.

The 4.5 star Loews Regency Hotel is located on the cusp of both Midtown East and the Upper East Side, guests have access to two of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods. Both new and returning guests feel that they are coming home to Park Avenue and appreciate the consistency they experience at this 4.5 star Upper East Side/Midtown East hotel.

March 16-25, 2012

Miami’s Winter Music Conference,
one of the most buzzed about yearly music events, returns for its 27th consecutive year. The hippest electronic music connoisseurs from around the globe will descend upon South Beach to experience more than 400 events, parties, seminars and work shops. A pivotal platform for the advancement of the industry,WMC attracts thousands of artists and music industry delegates from 70 countries and over 100,000 event attendees in what might best be described as the Olympics for DJs and clubbers alike.

If you’ve never attended this annual event, and consider yourself a trendsetter, the Winter Music Conference is a
 must experience. Over its long history WMC has been flagged by industry insiders and fans as THE event for new music, technology and trends in the music business. A favourite with underground artists, the conference also draws a host of electronic companies unveiling new developments.

Sun, sea, sand and sex in the air: excitement builds, and in this fecund climate, new movements, ideas and synergies materialize. After 26 years of radical musical and technological innovations, theWMC’s import has burgeoned. It boasts one of the most sought after aggregations of legendary and emerging artists anywhere. And nowhere on the planet will you find more DJs and parties to attend in a single week.

Year after year WMC has assembled innovative music professionals and kicked off global campaigns of career-launching performances and new releases by a roster of artists that has included Lady Gaga (WMC 2008), Rihanna (WMC 2006), The Black Eyed Peas (WMC 2009) and featured appearances in 2010 by Deadmau5 and Grammy winner David Guetta.

 New York’s dance halls may feel desolate this week as many of the world’s best DJs bring the party to Miami. The weeklong orgy of sound begins Tuesday March 16, 2012.

WHERE TO STAY: The Perry South Beach is a great fit for attendees! For an extraordinary experience, ascend 18 stories to the rooftop. A pool by day and a trendy lounge by night, the adult-only Roof Top Bar is a favorite for both travelers and locals alike. Enjoy an upgrade and waived extra adult fees on us!

An unparalleled social vibe and ultra-trendy atmosphere combined with a prime beachfront location on Collins Avenue make Shore Club South Beach the ultimate South Beach getaway.

An art deco treasure to South Beach, The National Hotel will be hosting events on-site outside their 205-foot infinity pool, the longest in South Beach. We offer a waived resort fee which includes wireless high speed internet, use of fitness center, two lounge chairs and one umbrella at the National’s beach and pool areas, and more!

Winter Music Conference
The Beachplex 
21st Street & Collins Park
South Beach, Florida

Anyone with a pet knows how joyful that relationship can be, but scientific studies show that the unique bond we share with our pets tangibly benefits our physical health and emotional well-being. Pets help reduce stress, relieve loneliness and depression, prevent heart disease, and lower health-care costs. Did you know that simply being near an animal can lower your blood pressure? Maybe it’s time to return the favour.

How about treating this friend and family member to a luxury spa visit? Sounds odd? Decadent? Decadent or not, a thriving niche market has opened for folks wishing to pamper themselves and their beloved pets. The Epic, Kimpton’s Miami hotel, has raised the bar high for pet-friendly service, pulling out all stops to be the perfect destination for patrons and their four-legged VIPs. Comfort, care, style, flavor, and fun: these five brand pillars of the Kimpton line of boutique hotels do not apply to humans only. 

With its striking architecture, bold design and five-star services, the Epic has excited a buzz while redefining the Miami skyline. But it’s also gaining esteem as a prime venue for pet lovers and their pets. The Epic Hotel accepts pets without size or weight limits, for no extra charge. The Kimpton Pets program, hosPETality includes amenities and services to ensure that pet guests, along with humans, enjoy a relaxing, luxurious stay. Pet lovers can spoil their four-legged friends with designer bowls and dog beds, and the latest in canine couture: custom collars and leashes, puppy T-shirts with rhinestone logos, and designer carrier bags.

It’s no exaggeration to say that pet guests at the Epic get the royal treatment. Other amenities and services include dog leashes and plastic bags for dog walks, pet sitting, pet grooming, pet walking, pet massage, and a Dog Bar that stocks only the finest pet treats and foods.

EPIC Hotel – a Kimpton Hotel
270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Miami, FL  33131
Reservations: 866.760.3742

A trip to the theatre can be magical, and one too rarely experienced these days. Unlike in movies, television or any electronic media, in theatre the actors perform right in front of you, in the same room. The experience is tactile, intimate, human. That much can be said about Chicago Children’s Theatre production of The Houdini Box, a musical based on Brian Selznick’s children’s book. Actors, musicians, and puppets bring this magical and very human story to life on the stage.

As famed escape artist Harry Houdini circles the globe performing one amazing stunt after another, Victor, a young devotee, goes through his own rigorous training—locking himself in closets, holding his breath under water and walking into walls.  After a chance encounter with his hero, Victor receives a special box that might contain the secrets of Houdini’s success, the blueprints for the greatest magic tricks ever performed. But will opening it unleash a Pandora’s box of troubles?

Perhaps the most famous magician of all time, Harry Houdini perfected implausible escape acts and performed at the biggest theatres in theUSA. His amazing stunts included suspended straightjacket escapes, and the harrowing Chinese Water Torture Cell escape. He also achieved notoriety as a debunker of self-proclaimed psychics and mediums. He is still highly regarded by contemporary magicians, many who have modeled their acts and personas after his.

Before he wrote the children’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret (the source for the hit movie “Hugo”) Brian Selznick penned his delicate tale, The Houdini Box, “a curious story of magic and escapology,” and illustrated it with quirky, brilliant drawings. The Chicago Children’s Theatre production successfully captures the tone and style of the book while giving it theatrical flash and intimacy.

The Houdini Box
January 24-March 4, 2012
The Mercury Theatre
3745 N. Southport Avenue,Chicago

 WHERE TO STAY: Affinia Chicago, this 4 star hotel just steps from the Magnificent Mile of top shopping, restaurants, entertainment and more. Book with us and we’ll give you a free upgrade until March 31, 2012.

 The Drake Hotel is an excellent accommodation option and has stood tall since its opening in 1920.  Former guests have included Royal Family, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, just to name a few.

 The Park Hyatt Chicago offers a modern and sophisticated atmosphere from their exceptional spa NoMI to their coveted art collection and breathtaking views. Book with us for heavily discounted rates.

Art, in all its varied forms, can inspire, tranquilize, provoke, excite, or quietly move. More and more hotels understand this, embracing art and aesthetics into their overall design and decor, dropping the amateur sunsets and tepid watercolors of yore for more serious works of art. The results provide an impressive and eye-pleasing array of choices for art connoisseurs and hotel-lovers alike.

One can start with a sublime stay at New York’s Gramercy Park Hotel represents the creme of New York Art Hotels, with a lobby laden with 20th century masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, and Julian Schnabel. Gramercy offers patrons a chance to experience museum-quality art in an intimate, relaxed environment.
Gramercy Park Hotel |2 Lexington Avenue, New York NY 10010

The James Chicago has fostered local artistic talent since it opened, with works like the wall installation by Demarcus Purham in the lobby, and the installation “Room 28” by Joel Ross in the permanent collection. It also collaborates with the Monique Meloche Gallery and its artist-in-residence program finding work to rotate through the hotel’s other public spaces.
The James Chicago | 55 East  Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Santa Monica’s Shutters On The Beach boasts an impressive collection of lithographs, objets d’art, and original works by masters such as Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney, as well as easy access to the beach and the pier, and an award-winning restaurant serving fresh California fare.
Shutters On The Beach | One Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica CA 90405

On the shores of Miami Beach, stands The National—a singular art deco masterpiece, designed by Roy France, one of the period’s foremost architects. Totally restored in 1997, art deco oozes from the National’s pores. The hotel’s restaurant ceiling, a intricate mosaic comprised of thousands of tiny tiles, was patterned after a painting by art deco artist Tamara de Lempicka.
The National |1677 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

Relaunched by Morgans Hotel Group in 2003, Shore Club resort also graces Miami Beach. Designed by British architect David Chipperfield with landscaping inspired by the rich Matisse colours of the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, Shore Club looks and feels like art. Touches like tufted floor cushions, hand-woven tribal rugs and patterned throw pillows add a warm and textured gallery of textiles to the experience. Shore Club |1901 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Located in a neighborhood known worldwide for its mansions and superb restaurants, Montage Beverly Hills defines hotel luxury in Los Angeles with its balanced blend of Spanish, Italian and Moroccan aesthetics. And its restaurant, Scarpetta, defines exquisite dining, with modern takes on soulful Italian cuisine. Acclaimed Chef Scott Conant has assembled a menu that brings together adaptions of classical Italian dishes with the finest seasonal ingredients.

A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Conant (who cut his teeth at L’Impero in New York) has appeared on The Today Show, Martha, and Bravo’s Top Chef. Under his guidance, Scarpetta has garnered glowing reviews, named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire magazine and nominated for “Best New Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation. Los Angeles Magazine also listed it as one of the “Best New Restaurants” of 2010.

Adjacent to the picturesque Beverly Canon Gardens, and facing the Bouchon Bistro across a pocket park, Scarpetta’s al fresco setting augments the Mediterranean-inspired dining experience. Featuring specialities like duck & foie gras ravioli in marsala reduction, creamy polenta with fricassee of truffled mushrooms, and branzino with leeks & manila clams, Scarpetta strikes a perfect balance between earthy and refined. And, as you’d expect with any Italian kitchen, Scarpetta excels at pasta, offering elegant takes on regional classics.

Brunch at Scarpetta—which includes a shellfish station, cured meats, a pasta station, an egg station, waffles and pancakes from the griddle, a carving station, and a fruit station—is an eating experience not be missed. The ricotta lemon pancakes deserve to be memorialized. The compulsion to overindulge will test you. Award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Richard Ruskell (of Last Cake Standing fame) adds a dessert buffet presentation nothing short of genius—yuzu meringue tarts, coconut panna cotta, blueberry rice pudding, vanilla caramel budino . . .

The Montage •  Beverly Hills 225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

February 11, 2012 marks the grand opening of the Empire State Building’s 102nd floor Observatory. After a lengthy renovation, visitors will again be able to view the Big Apple from its most iconic height. If you haven’t visited this American landmark for some time or have never been, it is the best it has looked since 1931, when it was first completed. After a $550 million modernization initiative, the Empire State Building sparkles again.

Much of the shine comes from the restoration of original Art Deco design elements. The lobby has been recreated, while adding a state-of-the-art visitor processing system. Experts worked for two years to revive the 1930s aesthetic, which over time had been degraded. In the 1960s, for instance, the installation of a dropped ceiling hid a beautiful mural and chilled the lobby with fluorescent lighting; bland acrylic inlays replaced intricate glasswork lining elevator banks and side corridors. Artisans used photographs and sketches of originals at the Corning Museum of Glass to recreate over 12,000 linear feet of the historic glasswork.

Other touches impress. In the lobby, fresh marble replaces pieces lost or damaged over the years. A new Visitor Reception Desk glitters in the 34th Street lobby corridor; behind its marble slabs gleams a glass installation, featuring an illuminated wall mural. And working from original drawings, Rambusch Studios fabricated the ornate chandeliers once planned for the second floor pedestrian bridges along the 33rd and 34th Street lobby corridors, but never installed.

On the wall mural within the Fifth Avenue main lobby entrance, the anemometer, part of the original design, has been restored, with its weather station on the 86th floor equipped with modern technology.

Of course there’s always, and foremost, the unprecedented view. Take time to absorb the dazzle and glow of New York City. Or try the self-guided Tony’s Audio Tour for entertaining stories and trivia. Its seven, three-minute segments correspond to seven numbered views from the Empire State Building Observatory. Tickets for the audio tour available at the Observatory ticket office on the 2nd Floor.

Empire State Building • 350 Fifth Avenue New York City, NY.

Open daily 365 days a year. 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15 a.m. Adults $22 – Children $16 – Children under 5 free.

WHERE TO STAY: The five star Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, which stands almost 60 stories high and is mere blocks from the iconic Empire State building and book with us for great rates, complimentary upgrades on select dates and a 30% discount for spa treatments if staying by April 30th, 2012.

The Gansevoort Park Avenue, a hotspot for celebrity stays is also a short walk away from the Empire State Building. Book with us and enjoy waived Adult Fees ($75 value) and every room category booked you will receive delicious rewards from a bottle of wine, handmade chocolates, to your own monogrammed robe.

The Eventi Hotel, a 4.5 star property close to the skyscraper, is ideal choice for a guest who wants something modern, hip and fun, something a little unusual that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy a complimentary hosted wine reception each night of your stay.

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What could be more romantic than a midnight carriage ride through Central Park, snuggling with your sweetheart? Maybe a moonlit boat ride below Bow Bridge, to Belvedere Castle and the Conservatory Garden. Or a luminescent stroll by the Lincoln Center Fountain. Truth is, for the starry-eyed, the Big Apple is the ultimate romantic destination, with its endless variety of historic landmarks, world class dining and drinking venues, and a cornucopia of entertainments.

But before we hit the jingle and twinkle of the New York night, let’s start Valentine’s Day with a morning climb to that old standby, the Empire State Building, and a view that always gets the blood rising. Or pretend you’re Holly Golightly and beau, grab yourself a pastry and a latte, and window shop at Tiffany’s. And if you’re feeling fearless, head inside. If you emerge with your wallet too lightened, try ice skating at Rockefeller Center for an inexpensive blast of fun. An hour or two holding hands and twirling around on the ice is sure to stir the passions. And art is an aphrodisiac, did you know? If so, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its bevy of masterpieces will bring a flush to the coolest cheeks. And if things get too hot with the Picassos and Van Goghs, cool off with cocktails at the Balcony Bar, overlooking the Great Hall.

For a lunch that defines romance, go no further than the upstairs dining room in New York’s landmark ‘21’ Club on 21 West 52nd Street, the site of numerous wedding proposals. After lunch, a jaunt out to Brooklyn might be the ticket. New York City looks even more beautiful from a distance. The Brooklyn Promenade offers visitors a splendid view of lower Manhattan, as well as delicious nearby options like the famed River Cafe, Grimaldi’s and Jacque Torres chocolate shop.

 A dinner reservation at one of New York’s most romantic restaurants is in order. Housed in a former carriage house, One if By Land, Two If By Sea (17 Barrow Street) features nightly live piano music, exposed brick, candlelight, and roaring fireplaces.

What could be more New York than after-dinner cocktails at one of the city’s famous bars? Bemelmans (35 East 76th Street) a classic piano bar, clad in gold leaf and black granite, is named after Ludwig Bemelmans, who created the Madeline books and painted the bar’s famous murals. Perhaps after a few Manhattans you’ll be ready for that carriage ride through Central Park. For info call 347-868-7692.

WHERE TO STAY: A place to spice up the romance is the 5 star Surrey Hotel. This Upper East Side property is New York City’s only Relais & Chateaux affliated hotel and  is steps away from Central Park.

Towering over Central Park lies The Pierre, a historic 5 star hotel on the famed 5th Avenue. Experience their elegant Afternoon Tea at Two E or enjoy a romantic meal for two in the property’s fine dining restaurant, Le Caprice.

For the stylish and sophisticated, have a SoHo stay at the Trump SoHo New York. This 46 storey building towers over the SoHo neighborhood surrounded by quirky galleries and upscale boutiques. Stay by March 31st and the upgrade is on us.

February 16-20, 2012

Attention boaters and sailors, yachtsmen and sea dogs, the 27th annual Miami Boat Show sets sail Feb. 16-20, 2012. Known as the premier show of its kind in the world, this year’s edition will span three locations and feature more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from around the globe. The latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines, marine electronics, nautical gifts, services and apparel will be on full display.

Beyond the boats and booths, a series of special events, attractions and activities will celebrate the boating life style. For seasoned sport fishermen The Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo offers everything from state-of-the-art boats and gear to advanced seminars and clinics. For the novice, Discover Boating Resource Center will conduct clinics, seminars and on-the-water activities. Don’t miss this year’s induction of accomplished angler John Brownlee into the Big Game Room Hall of Fame (Friday, February 17 at 6 p.m.).

For sailors both salty and wet behind the ears, Strictly Sail Miami offers interactive exhibits to hone the skills and gain confidence at the helm. This five-day event promises the latest and the greatest that the sailing industry has to offer, with a full line up of sailing vessels, gear, accessories and hardware displays from the industry’s top suppliers, and the latest charter information.

And don’t miss the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, a dazzling billion-dollar presentation of the world’s most extraordinary yachts and super-yachts from the world’s foremost boat-builders. The in-water-only display of some 500 vessels will cover more than 1.2 million square feet of space over a mile-long strip of Indian Creek Waterway, in the heart of beautiful Miami Beach.

MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

SEA ISLE MARINA & YACHTING CENTER 
1635 N. Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33132  

STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI AT MIAMARINA AT BAYSIDE
400 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL  33132

One ticket good for all three sites (including free access to shuttle bus & water taxi).

WHERE TO STAY: Our hotel experts recommend the Epic Hotel, a 4.5 star stay close to the Sea Isle Marina where many of the events are held.

The 4.5 star Delano is also a short walk away from the Convention Center. After a long day of vessel viewings, satisfy your hunger in their brand new fine dining restaurant, Bianca.

A fantastic Bay side option is the 5 star Mandarin Oriental Miami. Known for their world-renowned spa, and 20,000 sq ft private beach, it is only steps away from the Sea Isle Marina.

Friday February 10, 2012 at 5:30pm

They say that chocolate is love in edible form. If this is true, then this event has a whole lot of love to give. By popular demand Chicago Chocolate Tours  have brought back their Chocolate and Champagne Tour, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Tantalize your tastebuds with the Windy City’s best cocoa confectionary and sips of some bubbly. This guided two and a half hour walking tour will carry you to carefully chosen chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes including famous favorites. Sinfully delicious stops include the famous Teuscher Chocolates, a Swiss treasure known for their delectable champagne truffles and Gianduja, a type of bitter chocolate mixed with finely ground nuts to produce a pronounced nutty flavor.

The tour goes beyond tasting rich chocolate bites and includes a visit to More Cupcakes, found in the heart of Chicago’s elite Gold Coast neighborhood. Owner Patty Rothman and self-proclaimed cupcake curator will showcase his creations from salted caramel to marshmallow brûlée to mimosa flavors. For those who indulge in high cocoa content, try signature more cupcake: a dark, valrhona chocolate cake, laden with an ethereal cream, and topped with a pristine chocolate ganache.

Sweet tooth lovers will enjoy Candyality. This candy shop boasts its chocolate and truffles, licorice and M&M’s in 21 colors. For those who are feeling nostalgic, the store’s retro line includes Pop Rocks, Baby Ruth bars, and Candy Cigarettes for the tasting.

Capping off the evening attendees will experience a surprise Grand Finale. Of course this tour does more than tasting and trying but offers an educational side. Your Chocolate Expert Tour Guide will provide a world history of chocolate and how Chicago played its part, not to mention some history about its beautiful architecture.

Tours run rain, snow, or shine, as chocolate tastes great in all weather and tickets can be purchased online or by phone for $40 each. So whether you want to take your loved one as a Valentine’s Day treat or friend or family member, this tour will have something delicious for everyone.

WHERE TO STAY: Indulge in The Peninsula Chicago’s Chocolate Bar in The Lobby for further indulgement. This 5 star stay is known for their ultra luxe amenities and provide some of the best views of Chicago. After only a year since its opening, the hotel has been crowned with a plethora of accolades from AAA to Conde Nast Traveler, to Travel + Leisure’s top hotel lists.

February 13^th -19^th 2012

In its most recent issue, Scientific American reports that the cacao tree, the source of cocoa, chocolate’s defining ingredient, is under threat. Pests, climate change, and farmers’ limited access to fertilizers have put the cocoa tree in peril. If this continues, the demand for chocolate may soon outstrip supply.

Is it possible that this “food of the gods,” as the ancient Mayans called it, will eventually become a luxury item reserved for the fabulously rich, or even a mere memory? Well, despair not. Scientists are working hard to fix the problem. And if no one knows what the future holds for chocolate, supplies will at least last for this Valentine’s Day, when most folks go on a chocolate bender, and for Chocolate Week in New York City, where true chocoholics can and will find nirvana.

Final preparations are underway for Chocolate Week, being staged at twelve New York City restaurants from February 13 through 19. Created in 2011, Chocolate Week is the first NYC event dedicated to the art of cooking chocolate. Modern cuisine has embraced chocolate as an elemental ingredient. Chefs will showcase its dynamic nature through food and wine pairings, and offer complementary desserts to patrons. Participating restaurants include Opia, DBGB Kitchen & Bar, DB Bistro Moderne, Orsay, Cercle Rouge, Serge Bistro, Gascogne, Bistro Vendôme, Jean-Louis and both locations of the Ayza Chocolate & Wine Bar.

City Bakery also announced its lineup of flavors for its 20th annual Hot Chocolate Festival taking place throughout February. Highlights include an ambrosial “Love Potion” on Valentine’s Day. City Bakery is located at 3 W. 18th St. One, 7th Avenue South, New York.

Conceived by the MPB Agency, Chocolate Week’s sponsors include Cacao Noel. Action Against Hunger is the charitable partner. Prices vary at each restaurant; some require reservation in advance. The Chocolate Week special is not available on Valentine’s Day.

Our hotel experts recommend The New York Palace, a midtown jewel and a customer favorite for exceptional service and great rates, along with their GILT restaurant and bar for notable cocktails and desserts. For chocolate lovers, stay at the City Club, for their DB Bistro Moderne is participating in the event and the room upgrade is on us.

February 29 – March 5, 2012

At a time when most of the continent jacks up the thermostat and fluffs up the Snuggies to keep warm, the South Beach Winter Party Festival welcomes thousands of LGBT visitors to the sun-drenched shores of South Beach. For one glorious week, area hotels, restaurants and bars will host over 10,000 participants from the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and Australia.

The Winter Party Festival is an all-encompassing celebration of social and cultural events, including art, dance, music, food and wine, highlighted by dance parties and receptions that raise funds for a variety of gay causes.

Beach dance parties, pool bashes at premier resorts, all-night dancing at swanky nightclubs, and recovery brunches at the best sidewalk cafés: everything you’d expect at a Winter Party. But in addition organizers have thoughtfully planned a far-reaching variety of events, including art gallery nights, shopping parties on Lincoln Road Mall, Art Deco walking tours along scenic Ocean Drive, a marathon film festival at Miami Beach Cinematheque, and the South Beach Comedy Festival at the Fillmore Miami Beach.

With so many parties happening around Miami Beach and Miami proper, and the annual Winter Music Conference scheduled at The Beachplex from March 16 – 25, expect DJs from all over the world to be in town for the week, providing the techno, trance and tribal beats. The dance party at Club Space in downtown Miami promise to be mad.

Not to be forgotten is beautiful South Beach itself: the sparkling Atlantic, sun-washed sand, Tropical Deco, world-class dining, the hottest club scene in America, chic boutiques, unique shops, and easygoing vibes.

The week of events culminates with The Beach Party, a dance extravaganza attended by over 4,500 visitors.

South Beach Winter Party Festival, at various locations in Miami and Miami Beach.

WHERE TO STAY: Our Hotel Experts recommend staying at the chic and TAG Approved Dream South Beach, where Saturday’s Cocktail reception will be held. Another TAG Approved hotel in the heart of the Art Deco District is Z Ocean, known for their spacious suites, (balconies included) along with their always active Lanai Deck, will make for a memorable stay during the festivities.

February 17-26, 2012

Anyone who knows Chicago already knows it’s a major player on the culinary scene. With its unsurpassed quality, variety, and reputation for toothsome cuisine, Chicago is a foodie paradise. And Chicago Restaurant Week is a foodie’s apotheosis.

Created in 2008 to boost restaurant business during a slow time of year, Chicago Restaurant Week was so successful it became an annual event. Now in its fifth year, it has earned the status of a gastronomic Super Bowl. Fare created by some of the city’s—and the world’s—best chefs will be offered at over 200 restaurants, with affordable 3-course prix-fixe meals. Get a taste of Chicago fine dining without breaking the bank.

United Airlines and Stephanie Izard (Top Chef winner and chef/co-owner of Girl & the Goat) will host the Official Kick-Off Event—First Bites Bash—on Thursday, February 2, 2012 6-9 p.m. inside the magnificent Great Hall of Chicago Union Station. Enjoy savory and sweet tastings from over 50 of Chicago’s best chefs and restaurants.

Choosing from 130 excellent restaurants may be daunting, but you’ll doubtless eat superbly wherever you land. Headliners on the docket include,

PERENNIAL VIRANT (1800 N. Lincoln Avenue), awarded three stars by the Chicago Tribune. Executive Chef Paul Virant, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs: 2007, creates dishes fusing foreign techniques with local domestic products.

BOKA (1729 N. Halsted Street), “the hottest ticket in town,” boasts a star from the Michelin Dining Guide, and three stars awarded by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine. The menu for 2012 features such mains as an herb-crusted whitefish with black truffle, and desserts like a chocolate praline terrine, topped with hazelnut ice cream, coffee foam and candied hazelnuts.

SABLE KITCHEN & BAR (505 N. State Street). Adjacent to the chic Hotel Palomar Chicago, this American gastro lounge offers an eclectic, jazzy menu of good eats. The lounge rivals the kitchen with a complex cocktail program.

You can’t eat in Chicago without trying some meat.

CHICAGO Q (1160 N. Dearborn Street) offers southern home cooking with artisanal house-made rubs and modern ambiance. Try the BBQ flight—Kobe brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken—for an appetizer. Add a slab of ribs, peach cobbler for dessert, and loosen your belt a notch.

Menus and details at www.eatitupchicago.com

February 8 -February 12, 2012

The blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau comes to Chicago this February with Quidam, an intense journey of the imagination. Cirque has grown into a well-oiled machine since its humble beginnings as a troupe of street buskers. Quidam, a classic in the Cirque repertoire, appeals to young and old alike, with both mature and youthful themes. It tells the story of young Zoe (Letitia Forbes), lost in a world without meaning, who is swept up in the imaginary realm of Quidam—where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul, and where alienation is transformed into hope and connection. 

The show opens with Ringmaster John of the cowlick hairdo, and characters in white coveralls, and follows with a parade of circus clowns, beautiful athletes and wild feats of artistry, sensuality and balance. The sheer virtuosity of these performers is worth the price of admission. Add an evocative minimalist set and brilliant costuming, and we witness an aesthetic triumph. The colours of the costumes—from blue to pink tones—add to the show’s flexible pageant: linen, leather, jute, linen crepe, wool, velvet and 42 types of cotton on 250 costumes, along with 20 wigs and 30 hats including the bowler of the Quidam character with whom Zoe breaches the magical world.

Evoking a train station or airport, a giant arch dominates the set. Built from perforated metal tiles, the floor is lit from above and below and variably glows and throbs. Five aluminum rails make up the arch (or téléphérique) for an overall length of 120 feet. Each rail houses two trolleys, one used to move performers and acrobatic equipment and the other to raise or lower them to the appropriate height and position for the scene.

The highlight of the show may be the Skipping Ropes scene, a combo of double-dutch and boxer skipping that redefines playground rope skipping.

Like everything from Cirque du Soleil, Quidam dazzles and delights. 

From February 08 to February 12, 2012 Sears Centre Arena 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway,  Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

(January 7-April 28, 2012)

It’s not an urban myth. It’s not a communicable delusion. It’s not a rumour propagated by Big Chocolate to drive chocoholics mad. It may not be a Chocolate Factory, complete with a chocolate river and Oompa Loompas, but it’s real. The Boston Chocolate Trolley Tour is real, as real as the orange Chocolate Trolley. As real as Boston.

Yes, get to Boston. Fly, drive, hike. You won’t regret it. Bostonians know their chocolate. Chocolate runs deep in Boston’s soul. Boston apothecaries began selling chocolate in the mid 1700‘s. They believed it salubrious for the brain, lungs and blood, and an effective anti-oxident agent. Dorchester, MA boasts the U.S.’s first chocolate factory. Ruth Wakefield invented Tollhouse Cookies at Whitman’s Tollhouse Restaurant, in Whitman, MA. The chocolate used for Oreo’s is manufactured in Mansfield, MA.

The Chocolate Tour Conductor volubly proffers chocolate factoids like these for Trolley patrons. He comes with the price of the Tour and can’t hide his passion for chocolate. The first stop on the three-hour Chocolate Trolley Tour elevates you 52 floors to the Top of the Hub in the Prudential Center for a chocolate surprise dessert and sweeping views of the city. 1100 BC? Chocolate’s earliest documented use. No, not in Boston, quips the Tour Conductor. In Puerto Escondido, Honduras. 

Next stop, the Omni Parker House Hotel, the oldest continually operating hotel in the U.S., and home of the Boston cream pie. After enough pie, chocoholics can strap up at the next stop: the surreal Chocolate Bar buffet at the Langham Hotel. Executive Pastry Chef Alex Luna has concocted more than 125 electrifying chocolate delicacies. Take a deep breath: Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding, Five Spice Chocolate Soup, Chocolate Maple Pecan Tartlets . . .

How does the Tour Conductor keep his figure? Only he knows. Additional sweets, surprises and trivia provided by Taza Chocolates, Necco Candy Factory and Beacon Hill Chocolates. Tour runs Saturday only from January 7 to April 28, 2012. Times: 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Departs from The Trolley Shop Store. $80 a pop, regardless of age.

Love is in the air in South Beach, Florida. And we’re not just talking about the impending college spring break and its hordes of partying students. South Beach is much more than a mecca for frisky 20 year-olds. Its 12 mile stretch of golden shoreline is a thing of beauty, and with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, and chic oceanfront hotels, South Beach has claimed the title as the hippest spot on the East Coast, drawing its share of beautiful people year round. But along with the hustle and bustle, glitz and glam, South Beach offers a host of romantic retreats and getaways for more discreet romantics.

For quiet cocktails and intimate asides, try any of South Beach’s splendid Hotel Bars. The Setai, for one, on 2001 Collins Avenue, is a meticulously restored art deco landmark, originally built in 1930. Relax with your sweetheart in suede chairs and take in the tranquil, glowing ambience with a glass or two of champagne.

 Or escape to one of South Beach’s world famous spas. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach (One Lincoln Road) topped Allure magazine’s A-List as the Best Day Spa in Miami. Enjoy an elite menu of La Maison de Beauté Carita treatments alongside extensive European wellness and beauty rituals. Experience a sensuous couple’s massage with chocolate-scented oils, then luxuriate in a frothy bubble bath for two. Top off the session with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne.

After the rigors of the spa, a refreshment pause at The Delano (1685 Collins Avenue) is in order. This famous art deco hotel features chic, sophisticated rooms with exciting skyline or ocean views. The Rose Bar at the Delano Hotel, which gets its name from the rose-colored upholstered walls, is ideal for sparkling conversation. You’ll feel like a vacationing celebrity.

And a must stop for diehard romantics is Baleen, a seafood emporium in Coconut Grove, hailed by Gourmet magazine as Miami’s “most romantic restaurant.” Indeed, the lobster bisque with lobster & crème fraiche may unite your souls in a state of divine bliss. After dinner, a romantic late night stroll along the beach comes gratis.

Is there a more essential New York winter experience than ice skating at Rockefeller Center? Perhaps ice skating in Central Park. In any event, if you haven’t enjoyed gliding across the ice with the wind in your hair and the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop you haven’t fully experienced New York.

Since 1936, millions of New Yorkers and visitors have skated at Rockefeller Center in the shadow of the city’s most famous Christmas tree, an iconic rink mythologized in literature and film. A $75 premium pass (includes admission and skates) will quickly get you on the ice through the rink’s newly designed Igloo. Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Avenue. Until April 2012.

Among the great ice skating venues in Manhattan, the brand-new Citi Pond 170′ x 100′ state-of-the-art rink in Bryant Park is a gem. Rockefeller Center may be more famous, but Citi Pond offers a topnotch skating experience, and it’s free. You can enjoy a hot toddy overlooking the rink in the “Canadian Bar” Celsius. Open until February 26, 2012.

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers ice skating in New York City year-round. The rink welcomes skaters of all stripes for general skating, figure skating, hockey training and league play. Chelsea Piers, Pier 61. Or check out The Standard Hotel, offering a beautiful ice skating rink in the Meatpacking District during winter months. The outdoor Kaffeehaus serves hot drinks. Standard Hotel, 848 Washington Street.

Of course nothing “trumps” skating in Central Park for a quintessential hit of New York. The Trump Wollman Rink, located near the east side of the Park, is steps away from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. The rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, and party facilities. Open until April 2012. The Lasker Pool & Rink in Central Park converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months. Central Park, between 106th and 108th Streets. Open until early April.

So pack up your skates if you’re heading to the Big Apple this winter, or specifically go to experience New York on its wonderful ice skating rinks.

While Los Angeles may be better known for its traffic jams than for romance, the truth is, it can be one of the most romantic places on the planet. Whether you want to splurge or are looking for more budget-friendly options, Los Angeles offers everything from serene beach getaways to mountain retreats; from urban gardens to private sunset flights over the city; from champagne spa baths for two to sexy nightlife.  If you can’t find something romantic to do in Los Angeles, you may not have it in you.

Take an air tour over Los Angeles in a Zeppelin in Airship Ventures’ Eureka and enjoy the amazing views from the large picture windows. The sunset flight defines romantic. And if the budget forbids a Zeppelin flight, a private Sunset Champagne Helicopter Flight is another option. Fly to a romantic dinner.

Disneyland? Why not. Embrace your inner Mickey or Minnie Mouse and romance will bloom at the “happiest place on earth.” The Los Angeles area also boasts an abundance of beautiful public gardens perfect for romantic strolls, from botanical mazes to meditative Japanese gardens. And what’s not to love about 80 miles of Los Angeles coastline for long, soul-sharing walks on the beach. If you’re really adventurous, book a charter complete with skipper, or if you’re a skilled sailor, rent a boat and pack a picnic for a day out on the water, or sail to Catalina for lunch.

For a full dose of romance, try one of Beverly Hills’ classic establishments. Nestled on a lush Malibu hillside, Geoffrey’s Malibu (27400 Pacific Coast Highway), has fantastic views of the Pacific coastline. Voted one of LA’s best proposal spots, you may want to pop the question here. Good for celebrity sighting too. Or be Fred Astaire to her Ginger Rogers when you dine and dance at the Art Deco Sky Room on top of the historic Breakers building in Long Beach (40 S Locust Avenue). From this height, you get a magical view of the LA basin with a snow-capped mountain backdrop.

And check out the California stars at Café at the End of the Universe (2800 East Observatory Road). This Wolfgang Puck café at the Griffith Observatory may have an industrial feel with exposed ceiling pipes and plastic tables and chairs, but the panoramic view from the Hollywood Sign to Downtown LA makes the soul glad. A nice prelude to holding hands later and star-gazing through the Observatory’s Zeiss telescope.

Where would one stay during this romantic getaway? Our hotel experts recommend newly renovated Hotel Bel-Air (breakfast is on us until Dec. 31st, 2012) or the ultra-chic Mr. C Beverly Hills (enjoy a complimentary upgrade).

With the New Year under way and winter in full swing, nothing makes me happier than attending the annual star-studded culinary event that is the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. This year will mark the 11th year for the event in South Beach and is quickly becoming one of the largest food and wine festivals in North America with over 50,000 attendees.
The four-day extravaganza of food and wine draws some of the top chefs and Food Network personalities and with over 50 events planned this year it is a daunting task just to know what to attend, here are some of the top events:

On Thursday the whole festival really kicks off with the “Moet and Hennessy’s
The Q” hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri. Now what could be better than BarbeQue and Champagne?

Friday Night has one of the favorite events of the weekend “Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best”. It is a mix of the top new chefs and wine that scored 90 Points from Wine Spectator.

Saturday night’s event to attend is the “Tribute Dinner for Charlie Trotter and Piero Antinori”. The Who’s Who of Chefs will show off dishes that pay tribute to the renowned Chef and master wine maker.

Sunday is the “Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village with Culinary demonstrations and wine and spirits tasting”. Everything leads up to this event and is not to be missed.

For more information click on www.sobefest.com

Christopher Sprague

Our hotel experts recommend The Gansevoort Miami Beach, Delano, and The Dream South Beach.

Treat the most important person in your life to the time of their life with one of our five romantic five star stays.

1. The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie, features 6 treatment rooms, separate steam rooms and saunas.
2. The Plaza Hotel, New York City. The Plaza Hotel is synonymous with pure, over-the-top glamour. The Plaza is one of the most romantic places in New York.
3. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago. The Elysian combines the classic glamour of the 1920’s and 1930’s to create a modern, sophisticated romantic retreat. 
4. The Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, San Francisco.  Views of the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridges and across the San Francisco Bay make Mandarin Oriental San Francisco one of the city’s most striking romantic experiences. 
5. ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, Miami South Beach. Being bordered by Baker’s Haulover Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, makes this luxurious five-acre property a beautiful romantic escape. 

This January Santa Monica welcomes back Cirque de Soleil. The critically acclaimed and family-friendly production of OVO opens at the Santa Monica Pier on January 20, 2012 for a limited engagement under Cirque de Soleil’s trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau. Since its 2009 world premiere in Montreal, OVO has delighted over 2 million spectators in North America. Santa Monica will be the only Southern California stop for a Grand Chapiteau production in 2012.

Better known for its beaches and designer boutiques, Santa Monica has become something of a cultural mecca in recent years, boasting over 75 museums and art galleries, a dazzling array of public art and street sculpture, and a spirit uniquely suited to Cirque de Soleil’s carnivalesque and sunny brand of entertainment.

Written, directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, OVO has been described as “non-stop riot of energy and movement.” What else would you except from an insect-themed show set to Brazilian vibes? Signature Cirque elements—acrobatics, dexterity, grace—are revisited in this whimsical tale about dancing fleas and scarabs. Blending elements of samba, Rio funk, samba-reggae, and other Brazilian rhythms, the bouncy tribal score weaves in the buzz and chirr of real insects. The resulting mix whips OVO’s airy characters into joyful anarchy. Small children will cheer the antics of Flippo the Foreigner and the Ladybug, two of Cirque de Soleil’s more charming creations.

The venue itself couldn’t be better. In addition to plenty of California sunshine and sea air, the world-famous Santa Monica Pier offers shopping, restaurants, and a variety of entertainments such as Pacific Park amusement park, Heal The Bay Aquarium, an historic 1922 Merry-Go-Round, and an old-fashioned soda fountain.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Our hotel experts recommend Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Oceana, and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

March 8-11, 2012

Manhattan Piers 92 & 94

New York City in March? Is it ever a bad time to visit New York? In the city that never sleeps March means, among other things, Art. And not just masterpieces hung on walls and perplexing postmodern installations, but the buzz and flash of a spring festival, and a celebration not only of art but of life, New York style. Not a bad way to shake off any lingering winter blahs.

In what has become an essential yearly rite, art-lovers, artists, collectors, critics and curators from all over the world descend on the Big Apple for Armory Arts Week. Anchoring this cultural jamboree is The Armory Show, called the “most dynamic contemporary art fair in New York.” Founded in 1994 as The Gramercy International Art Fair, a modest, hotel-based event, The Armory Show has evolved into a keystone New York cultural event and a world-renowned contemporary art fair.

The 2012 edition boasts an international roster of leading galleries, the acclaimed Armory Show VIP program, an opening night bash at MoMA, and, for the intrepid, the Open Forum program with major art-world figures. In addition, Armory Film presents a series of cutting-edge video and experimental films. Other highlights include architectural firm Bade Stageberg Cox’s luxurious redesign of The Armory Show, and its “spatially contextualized” lounges and café areas. The 2012 Commissioned Artist for the fair, provocative Theaster Gates spices up the proceedings with a piquant dash of his visual jazz.

Located at Pier 92 and 94 on Manhattan’s west side (Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street in the Passenger Ship Terminal complex) and easily reachable by car or public transit, The Armory Show is a March must if you’re in town or passing through.

Pier 92 & 94

Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street

New York City

Thursday, March 8 – Saturday, March 10 Noon to 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 11 Noon to 7 p.m.

Our hotel experts recommend The Trump International Hotel, The New York Palace, and The London NYC. 

February 9th-16th, 2012

New York City is the place to be in February for fashion fans and celebrity-seekers alike. Internationally recognized as the premier showcase for cutting-edge fashion in North America, and at the forefront of fashion events globally, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off a global calendar of Fashion Weeks. Each September and February industry leaders of the fashion world make their way to Lincoln Center to preview designs for the upcoming season. With this year’s lineup as robust as ever—Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Badgley Mischka, to name a few—expectations are as high as ever.

What will designers, iconic and wunderkind alike, blaze the runways with this season? Will the Calvin Klein Collection offer any surprises? Will Venexiana continue to be the go-to designer for rock-n-roll haute couture? Are we wrong to expect a banner year, with lots of glitz and swirl? Or has global economic gloom and doom irrevocably darkened the mood? Well, this is New York. And Mercedes Benz is the sponsor. A glittering cast of elite and up-and-coming designers promises not to disappoint. True fashionistas would never let the economic weather keep them from catching glimpses of their favourite editors, designers, celebrities, stylists and leggy models as they rush through the streets of Manhattan to by-invitation-only shows.

Dozens of other fashion shows and related events will also take place around the city during New York Fashion Week, including Couture Fashion Week NY at the Waldorf-Astoria (Friday, February 17, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. – Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 10:00 p.m.), and iFashion Week by iFashion Network.

The Mercedes-Benz Fall 2012 Collections will be shown February 9 to 16, 2012 at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park.

Official schedule available at http://www.mbfashionweek.com/schedule

Our hotel experts recommend  The Mandarin Oriental New York, Gansevoort Park Avenue, and The Surrey.