Manhattan, New York

The headlines read:

Privacy in the most public place in the world.

You have to scratch your head and ask yourself how this could be possible. Evelynne says they’re an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple and many times it isn’t an overstatement. However, to be steps from Times Square and the neon buzz of this city’s tourist hub, one might find themselves pondering how on Earth this is possible. Enter stage right, the WestHouse New York. The sanctuary for business and leisure travelers alike. The dimly lit lobby with tufted elements, quickly soften your mood from what was only steps away on the sidewalks of west 55^th street. After taking a bight out of the city that never sleeps, the hotel is a welcome resting place for a weary soul.

This doesn’t mean that the party stops, it is simply elevated. Throughout the day there are offerings in the private living room atop the hotel. During various parts of the day, guests are offered complimentary breakfast, snacks, happy hour and non-alcoholic beverages. When I say snacks, do not consider a bag of chips an option. On a rotating menu, there can be anything from sliders to Fettuccini Alfredo. The ambiance is casual and the guests have an opportunity to mix and mingle over bubbles or any variety of cocktails. If stepping out on to the terrace on this level doesn’t curb your appetite for being out in the elements, then pop back to your room and get dressed for time out on the town, if your elegantly appointed accommodations don’t lure you to stay in if even for just one night. The hotel is purposefully designed to have a fluid, residential feel. As subtly as it can, it tugs on you to make yourself at home. The very next time you find yourself in the city, try to find yourself at this hotel. The headline of being able to find privacy in the most public place in the world will all make sense once you check in.

www.westhousehotelnewyork.com

The W Fort Lauderdale – Does W Stand for Wow?

By Ava Rosales

Knowing that I was about to leave the toils of the week behind and fall into a carefree weekend at the W Fort Lauderdale, Friday could not arrive quickly enough. Eagerly anticipating the reveal of $55 million in upgrades, how much sleeker and trendier could this renowned brand reimagine itself?

I drove up to valet and pulled my overnighter out of the car – well, you know how we ladies pack, even for a weekend – good thing it was on wheels. Next stop was the “Living Room” for check-in. As the elevator door was closing, another guest hopped on and exclaimed that this lift was far less bright than the one he was on. It was a subtly lit elevator with a neon pink glow exuding from recessed fixtures. Quite soothing. Then the doors opened to a vivacious, pulsating scene where I deduced from the young lady behind the desk was registration. In keeping with the hotel’s newly added theme nights, the DJ was spinning some of the hottest tunes in the “Living Room”. Nice. I finished up my business, turned and headed towards the elevator, curious to see if it would be the brightly lit one that I was alerted to earlier, but it was my familiar subtle pink hue. It could not have gotten any better than when the doors opened on the 20^th floor to a splendid view of the sunset.

A few doors down was my room with its own magnificent city and ocean views. I could have slept right there on the balcony setae, watching the sunset to reveal the moon above and the city lights at my feet. I tore myself away and opted for the uber comfy king-sized bed and sumptuously soft pillows, while keeping the curtains open to that splendid view. I floated into a deep sleep.

Awakened by sunrise, as was my goal, I decided to tour the property in quiet solitude and take a brisk walk along the ocean shore. I’ve been told by a seasoned traveler that a great way to get exercise in is to do so on vacation. It makes it feel somewhat novel and less tedious. The early morning also brings an appreciation of the natural surroundings. There were turtle nesting areas and the seagulls were doing their thing. As I picked up seashells along the way, I noticed one lone gull stood staring at the ocean. I could only imagine it was wondering why the ships in the distance were encroaching on its habitat or maybe it was just taking a rest. Either way, nothing seemed to distract its contemplative few minutes.

So, down the stretch I continued and landed in the nearby convenience store to satisfy my Junk food craving. I calculated that a brisk walk down and back would make up for whatever calories.

It was a half mile there and back, so I figured it would all cancel out, no? As I neared the hotel, I noticed some bodies stretching on the beach. As I got closer, it was two W staff members and some guests. I was quickly encouraged to join the group. Was this a sunrise yoga session? The thought had barely floated through my mind when it was quickly answered. Nope!  I had sauntered into the hotel’s morning Beach Cross Bootcamp. The instructor had us doing pull-ups, squats, lunges, push-ups, ladder runs and resistance band chest presses. What I found totally enjoyable was that he was as attentive to our needs to hydrate and cool down as he was to our leaving our sweat on the sand. After cool-down stretching, we were invited to stay for the Vinyasa Yoga Flow. One guest jokingly said that he’d head back to the room and do yoga in his shower. I followed up with reminding him that the guest services channel had a yoga session, and some of the poses were done without leaving the bed. We casual exercisers are just full of excuses. In all seriousness, I wished that I was staying for the week to get my body on track with the hotel’s daily fitness classes.

The day’s agenda, however, had more of the hotel’s amenities to explore. The Bliss Spa should certainly be a pitstop. No time this go around. So, I opted for a quick shower with the in-room Bliss products, and it was off to WET East for a private bed poolside and some adult SIPS that included an array of frozen and specialty cocktails. This was the place to soak up a little sunshine. There was quite a selection of lounge chairs with umbrellas, enough for everyone, as the expansive deck wrapped around for gorgeous views of the ocean.

All the planning and lounging took us into lunchtime and it was time to sample something savory from the newest addition to the property, El Vez, for Mexican cuisine, with Baja-style cooking, local style.  James Beard Award Winner, Stephen Starr, has done it again and brought his vibrant, eclectic décor and cuisine southeast of the border. With Frida Kahlo painted on the wall and skulls strategically positioned throughout the restaurant, I knew that the menu promised to be equally sensational. At the top was a selection of guacamoles – followed by ceviches, nachos, enchiladas, burritos and so much more to choose from – this was serious business.

After the morning bootcamp session, I was famished. I started with a simple chips and salsa. The tortilla was crisp and hot and the pico de gallo was snappy with an added kick – yum. The tortilla soup followed and was a delicious surprise. I was delighted by the amount and crispiness of the tortillas and the lack of overwhelming flavor of cumin that typically keeps me away from making that selection. Filled with chicken, avocado, tortilla strips and just the right amount of crema fresca and chunks of queso fresca, the flavors came together perfectly. The ginger and toasted morita chile added to the Snapper Aguachile ceviche and became a third (unexpected) salsa for my chips. Then came the ensalada (salad) where the pumpkin seeds created a savory and crunchy complement to the greens. Which brings me to the tacos. Of course, I had to sample the shrimp which came with a charred pineapple slaw and wrapped in a flour tortilla; whereas, the marinated skirt steak sat open faced on a corn tortilla. Just when I thought that I was stuffed, came dessert. Now, in my world, there’s always room for dessert, especially when there’s chocolate involved. Starr has even found a way to spice up a brownie sundae with a dash of chili and praline-like peanuts. Prices were extremely reasonable, and the flavors are fantastically fresh.

I absolutely needed to hit the gym after that smorgasbord, but instead opted to take in the view from my room’s balcony and a quick siesta until dinner at Steak 954. We decided on a late meal and to dine al fresco. As tempting as it was to dine indoors and marvel at the undulating aquarium wall of jellyfish, the ocean breeze and quiet atmosphere was the ideal way to wind down the day. Although the menu featured a varied selection of fresh seafood, we came for the steak!  As with all dining establishments, meals are accompanied by bread. However, here, it was in the elegant form of a “popover” stuffed with gruyere. Giving a nod to the seafood, we started with the Jumbo Lump Crab.  One word – Wow! It was all crab with “barely there” filler – just enough to hold it together. Our entrees consisted of a 22 oz Prime 40 Day Dry Aged Bone-in Ribeye and the Bone-in Beef Shortrib. Let’s start with the ribeye. It was seasoned to perfection. I’m sure the chef cringed when he heard that I wanted it well done, but he did not disappoint, and the cut was “melt in your mouth” tender. The shortrib was rich with flavor and cooked to fall off the bone. There was little room for conversation, as the meal consumed every spare moment of our mouths. The portions were beyond satisfying and easily shared, but better to have variety. I can only imagine how many visits we would need to sample half of the menu offerings. For sure, our next meal would include an American Wagyu cut, accompanied with fish, shrimp, scallops, lobster, or oysters on the half shell, and paired with some of the impressive selection of wines and champagnes.

If only I could escape reality for the week, to get started on that ambitious undertaking. Each day of the week, I would also be greeted by the new themed programming in the “Living Room”. Had I planned better, I would have started the week with the hotel’s Mondays are a B@#&%! that offers free hand and arm massages by Bliss Spa technicians, where guests create their own body scrub. Or should it have been Tuesday’s Bollywood Night which includes complimentary henna designs, or Wednesday’s The Studio featuring live art demonstrations. Then again, Thursdays are Off the Wall with the DJ taking requests. Complimentary cigars headline Heat Wave on Friday nights. Then it’s a throwback to the 80’s on Saturdays during Neon Nights, then sail into Saxxxy Sundays with live jazz.

The W Fort Lauderdale is definitely the ultimate staycation or vacation for Whatever/Whenever ®. After all, that is their trademark because, if you can’t find it on premise, they’re happy to get it for you 24/7. www.WFortLauderdaleHotel.com

Semliki Safari Lodge, Uganda

The Great Rift Valley is one of those iconic destinations which has inspired generations of explorers. The Blue Mountains rise majestically above the savannah, dense forests, and river valleys, all of which are still rich in game. Today’s travelers can experience the same excitement as those early pioneers whilst discovering the wilds of Uganda, but thankfully with all the comforts of modern life.

Semliki Safari Lodge is within the Semliki Valley, a sweep of tropical rainforest within a national park. Each canvas suite is erected beneath a thatched roof and has an extensive private veranda where you can sit out and admire the mountain views, exotic birds providing the soundtrack from the trees. With an extensive use of natural materials, the buildings melt into their surroundings, conserving the beauty of the landscape.

Inside, however, the wilderness gives way to undisputed luxury. Silk Persian carpets lie upon the polished wooden floors, and you will sleep each night in a four poster bed draped with elegant white nets. Each piece of furniture or curio in the rooms has been carefully chosen to enhance the space.

Returning to the lodge after an early morning safari drive, nothing beats cooling off in the outdoor pool with the mountains as your backdrop. Later in the day, the pool bar springs to life, and it’s also a wonderfully romantic spot for a candlelit dinner for two. At Semliki, the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest are all about you, but you are cocooned within a bubble of palatial, manmade pleasures. In short, you have the very best of both worlds.

www.bit.ly/Semliki

Mr. C

Beverly Hills, CA

Unassuming Beverly Hills? That sentence doesn’t seem to flow off the tongue. We think we found a spot that might fit the bill. Sandwiched between Olympic Blvd. and Pico Blvd. (frequent LA visitors will know) on Beverlywil Drive sits Mr. C Beverly Hills. Founded in 2011 by fourth generation Cipriani brothers, this hotel combines the glamour of its Italian heritage with the modernity of Los Angeles to create a luxurious new world-meets-old world experience. Couple that with the fact that you are still in Beverly Hills nad in the midst of all the action, and you start to understand this secret hideaway. Mr. C offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the City of Angels where guests can lounge on daybeds on the yacht-inspired pool deck and indulge in traditional Venetian dishes at The Restaurant at Mr. C.  They serve up classic favorites like Beef Carpaccio alla Cipriani, and other traditional Cipriani favorites like the Baked Tagliolini and Vanilla Meringue Cake. Each one more delicious than the other, so pack in a few trips to the gym, or a hike up Runyon Canyon (another very LA thing) during your stay.  The hotel’s accommodations feature high-tech gel mattresses with pillow top and Casa Rovea linens, wet bar with bottled craft cocktails from BTL SVC. These premium quality, hand crafted and ready-to-serve cocktails are on hand for guests. With gorgeous views of the city, your 42-inch HDTV might barely have a chance to be turned on. The hardwood flooring, and handcrafted Italian furnishings act as frames for what’s just outside your window. In true Italian style, marble adorns every bathroom, which also includes a rain shower. If you’d like accommodations with a bath tub, be sure to put in that request. As added luxury perks, every guest who checks in to the hotel is immediately greeted with a complimentary Bellini (invented by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy in the 1940s) at the lobby lounge bar, while the front desk handles their check-in process. To continue embracing the hotel’s Italian heritage, a Ferrari California T is available for guests to rent, as well as complimentary top-of-the-line Italian Colnago cycling bikes for travelers to explore the city. Unassuming, unpretentious and yet, every bit a part of Beverly Hills. We like it! Check this hotel out next time you’re in the LA area.

mrcbeverlyhills.com

Hotel Lamée

Vienna, Austria

Nestled on a bustling corner in the heart of Vienna’s historic First District, Hotel Lamée transports travelers into Austria’s elegant past. Caught in the beautiful midst of Austria’s cultural hub, this boutique hotel is just a short stroll away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the city’s holiest building, Hofburg, the former palace of Habsburg royalty, Café Central, once frequented by Trotsky, and other historic, quintessential landmarks.

Inspired by twentieth century, Austrian-American actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, Hotel Lamée’s interior design reincarnates her spirit– combining innovation and ‘Old Hollywood’ glamour in a classic Viennese way. To create such ambiance, Art Deco wood cabinets and wall panelings, velvet fuschia couches, and spherical tasseled lamps–each remincient of Europe’s Orient Express train– embellish all thirty-two rooms. Cloud-like mattresses, plush pillows, sheer gold curtains, brown marble baths, and Molton Brown body products emulate Hedy Lamarr’s chic Viennese repertoire. While all of Lamée’s guest rooms are supremely swanky, number 83 –a deluxe suite– is coveted for its unobstructed, dignified view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The swank does not end with Lamée’s interior design. Situated on the main floor, Café Bar Bloom fuses Hedy Lamarr-inspired elegance with quintessentially quaint café charm. Once again, colorful patterned upholstery and gold finishing complement Art Deco wood paneling and brown marble floors. The bistro’s intimate size is expanded by floor to ceiling windows, which open to the street, immersing guests into the effervescent city centre.

Located on the eighth floor is Lamée Rooftop. This eclectically colorful terrace is beloved by travelers and locals alike for its bold, geometric style and panoramic city views. Black and white zigzag floors–echoing Viennese painter Gustav Klimt’s artistic style– clash pleasantly against baby blue and white striped walls; seasonally changing umbrella designs help set the mood; and varying shades of pink, yellow, and blue prism tables further dynamicize the eye-catching space. Standing out amongst the terrace’s lively facade is its scenic visibility. With views of Vienna City Hall’s gothic architecture, St. Peter’s Church’s seafoam green dome, and St. Stephen Cathedral’s vivid roof tiles, a sunset atop Lamée Rooftop should not be missed.

https://www.hotellamee.com/

Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, Waikiki Beach

Say aloha to aloha swank. Named after Hawaii’s treasured leader Queen Kapi’olani, the Queen Kapi’olani Hotel pays tribute to her lasting legacy and grace. During Waikiki’s Golden Age, this beloved hotel acted as a cultural hub for locals and travelers alike. Following a recent $35 million dollar reimagining, the property returns to its former glory. Fusing quintessential “Hawaiian lifestyle” vibes with contemporary design elements, the recently unveiled Queen Kapiolani Hotel captures the best of both modern and retro Waikiki.

This full-service, 315-room hidden gem is uniquely positioned in-between Diamond Head’s volcanic peaks, Waikiki’s celebrated shores, and overlooks 300 acres of preserved parkland. Packing breathtaking views of Hawaii’s surrounding scenic beauty, Queen Kapi’olani’s interior motif brings the outside in—blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Blue and sandy hues reminiscent of Waikiki’s shores adorn the lobby, corridors, and guest rooms; large windows and the third-floor lanai showcase unparalleled panoramic views; and the lobby’s tropical-chic, laid- back aesthetic echoes a tranquil “island time” energy.

Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel further reflects Waikiki’s intrepid, infatuating spirit through its native art programming. Like a beautifully detailed narrative, Queen Kapiolani’s walls come alive, telling Waikiki’s glorious story though mid-century modern inspired artwork. True to its “retro-chic” aura, vintage Hawaiian prints and commissioned murals add playful elements to the hotel’s lobby; while the second floor Royal Gallery showcases decades of Hawaiian history— including a portrait  of the Queen herself.

Reminiscent of the catchphrase “location, location, location,” Queen Kapi’olani’s in-suite mantra is “views, views, views!” Inside guest rooms, retro-chic ambiance is met with unobstructed views of Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki’s white sandy shores, and Honolulu’s picturesque cityscape. Private balconies, lanai’s, and expansive windows, immerse you into Hawaii’s beauty and adventure—without ever having to stray from the comfort of your personal oasis.

www.queenkapiolani.com

Rome, Italy

At Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, guests can elevate the senses with aristocratic suites and a private art collection, enjoy the luxury spa and dine in Rome’s only three-Michelin star restaurant, La Pergola. The hotel has gained an enviable reputation as one of the Eternal City’s leading hotels since opening its doors in 1963 and has hosted the “who’s who” of international royalty, politicians, celebrities and the jet set. We think it’s time you hopped on the guest list. Situated on a 15-acre private Mediterranean park, the hotel boasts panoramic views of Rome and Vatican City, making it the ideal destination for those seeking luxury, art, and culture. The Waldorf Astoria level of service is amazing yet, there’s a pull to get guests out into the city itself. The Vatican, The Coliseum, Trevi Fountain…just to name a few.

The hotel is home to one of the greatest private art collections in the world, with over a thousand treasures displayed throughout the hotel ranging from 16^th century masters to contemporary art; from Nureyev’s ballet costumes to Galle glass. Suites are decorated with unique pieces of artwork and furnishings, including original Karl Lagerfeld sofas, rare 18^th century antiques, and Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana paintings. With all of this at your fingertips, maybe all 370 luxurious guestrooms and suites each having their own private balcony with breathtaking views of Rome is only to have the city at your feet. You’ll decide once you arrive.

Since November 2005 the Michelin^® Guide has honored Rome Cavalieri’s La Pergola, helmed by acclaimed chef Heinz Beck, with the coveted third star, the guide’s most prestigious rating. Imagine, you’ll truly be sleeping under the stars. The restaurant, set on the top floor of the hotel, with “gasp-worthy” views of the Eternal City, was Italy’s first five-star hotel restaurant to receive the award and the only Michelin-rated three-star restaurant in Rome today. We realized this was a very special place from the moment we entered.

At every turn, we found one more reason to keep to the confines of the hotel. The award-winning Cavalieri Grand Spa Club consists of nearly 27,000 square feet of absolute well-being. How can we leave that? After enjoying the spa’s many fabulous amenities, guests can relax near the stunningly impressive wood burning fireplace within the glass-domed indoor pool, while also viewing a cascading waterfall, hydro-massage pool, and Japanese stone walk, all of which display the many extraordinarily opulent qualities within this award-winning spa. Sorry Rome, we will have to come back again, and again to share some more timewith the city itself and of course, we will be staying here. From Rome Cavalieri’s dream location in the heart of Rome to its luxurious amenities, décor, cuisine, and more, staying at Rome Cavalieri will certainly be an unforgettable experience for you as well.

www.romecavalieri.com