World News | forimmediaterelease.net

... press releases & Breaking World News

Courtyard Burlington, Ontario: Innovative design and flexible space

by

In Canada Courtyard by Marriott Hotel has opened its doors in Burlington, Ontario and ready to serve you. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard’s latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1110 Burloak Drive, the 135-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Burlington Hotels Group Inc. and managed by Burloak Hospitality Management Ltd. Both of Burlington, Ontario.

Adjacent to the Burlington Convention Centre, the Courtyard Burlington is located 40 minutes from downtown Toronto and offers guests convenient access Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, Burlington Botanical Gardens and the scenic waterfalls of Hamilton. Rates begin at $169 per night.


eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us)

Courtyard constantly researches trends and evolves to meet the changing needs of its guests. The latest room design offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing and getting ready. Indirect lighting and a neutral, tone-on-tone color palette makes for a soothing and calm environment.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to business travelers,” said Janis Milham, senior vice president and global brand leader, Classic Select Brands. “Today’s technology has changed how people travel. Our guests want a room that has purpose and flexibility that enables a seamless transition between relaxing and working. Courtyard is designed to offer them a relaxing and functional space to work the way they want to, when they want to.”

The new room design is intuitive and thoughtful, offering flexible yet comfortable spaces that enable technology. Upon arrival, guests can store bags on the “Luggage Drop” and plug personal devices into the “Tech Drop” ledge for seamless technology integration.

Signature furniture and architectural elements replace traditional art in the new guestroom. The “LoungeAround” sofa offers a pop of color and a comfortable area for relaxing or for working. The new design also features a light desk on wheels, allowing guests to work from anywhere in the room.

An upgraded, more spacious layout creates an enhanced bathroom experience. A “Shower Nook” housing shampoos and towels, makes amenities accessible without having to leave the shower.

The Courtyard Burlington features the brand’s latest lobby design, where guests can enjoy an open and modern environment outside of their rooms. The newly designed Bistro is the epicenter of the lobby, which fosters social connections and collaboration with more flexible and informal seating options. The Bistro offers guests a wide variety of “made to order” breakfast, lunch and dinner items, “grab and go” options, and also features an array of specialty cocktails, beer and wine for guests to unwind at the end of the day.

Frank Vismeg, Managing Director for Burlington Hotels Group and Burloak Hospitality Management Ltd., who is overseeing the hotel operations, has extensive international experience with Hilton Hotels, Sheraton and InterContinental Hotels Group, and a strong network of relationships with government, industry and service organizations. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will bring new jobs and guests to our city, which is good for our local economy and good for Burlington.”

The construction of the hotel was developed by TriAxis Construction Limited, a well-respected construction management firm with over 25 years of experience and expertise in the industry.

“As Development and Construction Manager for the hotel, our professional and committed team has ensured that every aspect of the hotel was built to the highest quality and with utmost attention to detail, to meet or exceed the highest standards set by Marriott,” said Domenic Fuda, President of TriAxis Construction Limited and an equity partner in Burlington Hotels Group Inc.

“With this exciting Courtyard by Marriott project, we will be offering one of the world’s leading hotel brands to the Burlington, Oakville and QEW corridor, consisting of upscale facilities, impeccable accommodations, excellent culinary experiences, and professional and friendly service with a European flair,” said Sandra Stewart-Fearnside, General Manager.

“We are very proud to be the first to bring the very successful Courtyard by Marriott brand to the Burlington/Oakville area and to finally meet the extraordinary demand for a first-rate hotel next to the Burlington Convention Centre,” said Jack Moreira, Owner of Burlington Convention Centre.

Throughout the hotel, guests can connect with ample electrical outlets. The business library features a separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

Green has been Courtyard’s signature color since Marriott launched the brand 30 years ago. Now it is even greener with the introduction of a guest recycling program for the environment. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal are conveniently located by side exits.

The six-story hotel features a heated indoor saltwater pool, a fitness centre and guest laundry, and offers 1,800 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 120 people. The hotel is adjacent by a heated and covered walkway to the Burlington Convention Centre that features an additional 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space accommodating up to 1,200 guests.

www.marriott.com/yhmbu or Call: 1.888.236.2427

About Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 1,100 locations in over 50 countries and territories, Courtyard is proud to participate in the company’s award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The programs, operating under one set of unparalleled benefits, enable members to earn points toward free hotel stays, achieve Elite status faster than ever, and seamlessly book or redeem points for stays throughout our loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 129 countries & territories. To enroll for free or for more information about the programs, visit members.marriott.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or folloourtyardHotels on Twitter and Instagram

In Paris another Courtyard by Marriott opened bringing new design to the French Capital.

Americans Gain Easier & Expanded Access to Premium Dutch Cheeses

by

Cheese-loving turophiles and wine-loving oenophiles can rejoice amid the recent announcement that global dairy giant Dutch Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., among the largest dairy companies in the world, has acquired U.S. based importer and marketer Jana Foods. While this development is certainly a boon for both companies and represents forward momentum of FrieslandCampina’s reported investment growth strategy, Americans, themselves, will also realize a tasty gain. This as the deal allows FrieslandCampina to avail a greater breadth of its cheese products to consumers in the region.

American’s will realize great benefits from the deal, vis a vis enhanced access to FrieslandCampina’s portfolio of products that cover a wide range of specialty imported Dutch cheeses. This includes mild, aged and smoked Gouda, Edam, Maasdam, Emmental and Goat Cheese. Its array of offerings are available in a variety of formats from wheels, loaves and wedges to slices, snacks and shaved. Courtesy of Jana Foods, FrieslandCampina specialty cheeses can be found across the United States in the deli section of supermarkets, club stores and mass merchandisers.

Amid the excitement of the acquisition, FrieslandCampina also aptly announced the debut of its new product line Frico Cheese—a suite of four imported Dutch varieties. This includes a Gouda Snack in convenient 20 gram portions packed eight to a bag; a shaved Goat Cheese in a 5-ounce cup; a line of Cheese Slices in easy peel and re-seal packaging (also featured in display-ready cases for easy merchandising); a line of Cheese Loaves featuring Gouda, Maasdam, Emmental, and Goat Cheese for behind-the-counter slicing; and a line of Cracker Cuts featuring cracker-sized Gouda, Mediterranean Herb and Goat Cheese.

This Frico Cheese product launch could not be more well timed amid the holidays—a period when demand for cheese products soar.  But, holidays aside, this new line represents FrieslandCampina’s publicly-stated intentions “to meet the growing consumer demand in cheeses” as well as the “needs of today’s consumer with superior products that cheese enthusiasts have called for.”

These eagerly anticipated new introductions join the existing line of Frico products, both in their traditional wheel-and-ball formats. No newcomer, Frico is a global brand in its own right with a rich history dating back to 1898. It’s long been revered for its top-quality, mouthwatering cheeses in over 90 countries around the globe. The company imparts that its unique Dutch cheeses originate in the open landscapes of Holland, all naturally ripened and crafted by experienced cheese-makers to provide the most authentic natural flavors.

All told, this FrieslandCampina-Jana Foods acquisition and Frico product line rollout will indubitably make this gal’s holidays “grate.”

~~~

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.


***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Photo Courtesy Royal FrieslandCampina

Garden Lites Celebrates Fresh Culinary Approach with Revamped Look and New Line

by

Amid the imminent New Year as throngs will collectively commit to eating more nutritiously, whether as part of a weight-loss resolution endeavor or to enjoy a healthier lifestyle overall, one company—Garden Lites—has set its sights on helping folks achieve those goals—one tasty veggie at a time. This decidedly plant-forward firm is downright braggadocios about its brand purpose: “to make surprisingly delicious veggie-rich foods so people can incorporate more veggies into their diet.”

As a means toward this end, Garden Lites recently debuted its new breakfast category frittata line helping consumers easily add vegetables to their morning diet via low calorie, high protein, and highly flavorful prepared food options. The timely new line launch coincides with a brand refresh bolstering its unequivocal positioning on plant-based food preparation: overtly eschewing food science in favor of a culinary approach utilizing produce in its natural form to proffer “surprisingly delicious and nutritionally smart, vegetable-oriented foods.”

Sharon Palmer, an award-winning Registered Dietician Nutritionist and well-reputed expert on plant-powered food and nutrition, applauds Garden Lites’ focus on fitting vegetables into a range of products, highlighting that “the vegetables are identifiable and recognizable.”

“You can see carrots, broccoli and spinach, for example, in the products, and they fit into healthful categories of the diet,” Palmer said. “They provide ways to fit vegetables into all meal occasions, and they are vegetarian. [Garden Lites] have been open and honest from the beginning that their mission is to help people fit in more vegetables into their diets …”

Garden Lites’ vegetarian frittatas, available in Spinach Egg White and Veggie Bacon & Potato Frittata varieties (with the “bacon” made from Pinto Beans), are a noteworthy complement to the award-winning company’s other sweet and savory products, including their popular Superfood Veggie Cakes and Superfood Mac and Cheese. In fact, while the brand was already established in the breakfast space with items like veggie-packed muffins and waffle varieties, the frittata line launch is helping reinforce the company’s standing as an innovative leader in the frozen food category. Additionally to this newly introduced line being packed with non-altered veggies like spinach, red bell peppers and cauliflower, the frittatas are gluten, soy, peanut and tree nut free; non-GMO and kosher.

So certain are they of their vegetable-driven victuals resonating in today’s health-minded marketplace, Garden Lites’ new tag line “Veggies Made Great” is now prominently emblazoned in bright green on its product packaging. Plus, the new design also boldly highlights and asserts veggies as the No. 1 ingredient, furthering the company’s mandate of making scrumptious, veggie-laden frozen food something grocery consumers regularly seek out.

“This dynamic new Garden Lites packaging is a radical change sure to scream from the frozen food aisle as to why to purchase,” says Andy Reichgut, Garden Lites’ Executive Vice President.

Palmer also advocated Garden Lites brand refresh and approach to fitting into consumers’ daily lives, noting, “I like the clean packaging and that they focus on delicious, comfort food recipes, but in a more healthful version. So, basically, they are meeting consumers’ needs in a healthful way. They are good for the whole family, too. I appreciate that they use the slogan, ‘Veggies Made Great,’ which resonates with people. And it’s important to point out the prominence of ingredients and clean lists.”

Overall, the strong new branding undertaken by Garden Lites has given the company a fresher face and clear-cut mission, and the new frittata products—now available in Stop & Shop, Giant Landover, Publix and select Costco stores—are further energizing the lauded lineup.

When asked her opinion on what’s needed to help the food industry and consumer marketplace at large become more vegetable-centric, Palmer recommends creativity and transparency. “I think one strategy is to make food products that include a variety of whole plants, but in a global, interesting, delicious format,” she said. “Keep it real, where you can see all of those delicious plant foods right there in the open.” Recommendations that indubitably mesh with Garden Lites’ own efforts.

“Finding new ways to provide healthful whole plant foods in attractive formats will be successful,” Palmer added. “People want healthy, interesting, global, delicious, but they also want to be satisfied.”

Satisfied and satiated indeed.

~~~

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.


***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or sponsored at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Photo Courtesy of Garden Lites

Last-minute holiday gifts, gets & getaways

by

As much as holiday shopping is a thrill-filled function, it can also overwhelm amid the glut of retail marketing messages asserting deals, steals and grand gifting opportunities galore. With so much to choose from, here’s a short list of a few tried-and-true gifts, gets and getaways that are well-suited for a holiday spending spree.

***** GADGETS *****

Funcl Earbuds
Funcl is a hardware startup devoted to making true wireless headphones accessible to everyone with price points starting at $19. The company recently launched two models: the Funcl W1 and Funcl AI. The Funcl W1 feature touch buttons on the headphones, which let you control the music and easily answer or reject calls. The Funcl W1 boasts integrated, sophisticated audio engineering to support AAC and provide good sound quality and bass performance for both calls and music. Designed by the company’s award-winning industrial design team, these earbuds also have a unique design for a comfortable fit and attractive aesthetic. Qualcomm chip powered, Funcl’s other model, the AI, provides Hi-Fi sound quality and extremely low latency. Also power friendly, a single charge provides six hours of battery life and, with three extra charges from the case, total battery life is a full 24 hours.  Ranked with a waterproof level of IPX5, Funcl AI is well-suited for use during workouts and exercising, whether at the gym or outdoors. A free Funcl AI App also makes the AI voice assistant feature easier and more intuitive to access.

Anova Precision Cooker Nano
The Anova Precision Cooker Nano is an appliance innovation allowing you to cook delicious, restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own home. Paired with the Anova App, which features the world’s largest collection of sous vide recipes, this device makes it easy to cook, control and keep track of your recipe from your mobile phone. Simply choose a recipe, press start, and the Nano does the rest. Used by professional chefs for decades, sous vide is a simple and approachable technique that eliminates overcooked, dried out food and ensures edge-to-edge perfection every time. Whether it’s steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, or even crème brûlée, with the Anova Precision Cooker Nano anyone can cook like a pro!

***** STYLE *****

Lamo Footwear
Lamo is a Southern California-based company known for creating comfortable, high quality sheepskin boots, slippers and moccasins for men, women and children. Lamo footwear is extremely high quality, offered at a value price. With a SoCal fashion-forward feel, Lamo’s stylish and comfortable footwear ensures you’ll walk in style, whether you’re traversing snowy peaks, snagging a few rays at the beach, or even cozying up at home. For at-home coziness I particularly love the Ladies Scuff design, which features a luxurious 100% Australian sheepskin lining for $80. Or choose the ultra-affordable premium faux fur option for just $40—the western print is super cute!

Wallet Buckle
Buckle up for a truly unique gift idea that fuses belts and wallets into one super stylish, extremely efficient wearable. As seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, Wallet Buckle changes the way men and women carry valuable credit cards and cash while out and about. This clever creation keeps these essentials secure and on hand in the most stylish, fun, convenient belt buckle that combines fashion with function. Wallet Buckle stores up to four credit cards and ID’s, so it’s a great way to keep these itmes accessible and prevent them from getting lost or stolen.

***** SELF-CARE *****

Eterno Red LED Light Device
Beauty gifts are a burgeoning category and here’s a fantastic idea in kind: The Eterno Device—a four-week face lift you can use at home instead of those creams and masks that just don’t work.  This brand new, time-saving device is clinically-proven to use NASA’s red and infrared LED Light Therapy, the most innovative, age-defying technology on the planet. Its patented glass head is powerful and gentle, and and the device effectively reduces wrinkles, softens fine lines, increases collagen and elastin production, lifts and tightens skin, and improves complexion through its technology. Eterno is a must-have for anyone who wants a fresh glow achieved in the comfort of their own home.

Shiseido Beauty

If there’s one company who knows cosmetics and self-care, it’s Shiseido. From the many fabulous things they offer, there are a few standouts this season that I particularly like. First is their ModernMatte Powder Lipstick Expressive Deluxe Mini Set—a limited-edition wardrobe of five mini ModernMatte Powder Lipsticks. They’re all housed in a deluxe acrylic container for the holidays, and the outer package features festive RIBBONESIA art. The shades range from soft neutrals to bold berries to festive reds, ensuring there’s something for every occasion.  This creamy, non-drying formula transforms into a weightless powder and wraps lips in a velvety, matte pigment. Now what gal wouldn’t love that? Also from Shiseido is the Ult-Immune Power-Infusing Concentrate. This is Shiseido’s best-selling serum, actually having relaunched in a stronger formula powered by Imu-Generation Technology. It has anti-oxidant rich reishi mushroom and iris root extracts that strengthen skin, restore firmness and defend against daily damage. It’s made to produce fast results, with skin growing 28 percent stronger in just one week.

***** STOCKING STUFFERS *****

STICK-AMIS Hands-Free Phone Stickers
STICK-AMIS are nifty phone stickers that allow complete hands-free usage of any type of phone or tablet without the need for special case sizes or bulky contraptions. It’s ideal for the perfect selfie or group shot…often on the first click! Patent pending, STICK-AMIS is a super-handy phone accessory that instantly solves the problem of having to fumble with your phone while taking selfies, group photos, watching videos or even video conferencing. In addition, STICK-AMIS doubles as an instant stand and can eliminate the need for oft cumbersome accessories like pop-sockets, selfie-sticks and tripods! Use STICK-AMIS to also avoid awkward angles, shadows and limited range of your phone or tablet camera.

Shhhtop Door Dampener
For the home improvement and child safety-minded is Shhhtop, which is better than conventional door dampers and stoppers for ensuring doors don’t slam shut–even when other doors and windows are open to let in fresh air. Beyond the annoyance and stress from slamming doors, they’re also a safety hazard to children, the elderly and pets. Shhhtop installs easily with no drilling or damage to door components. It’s also discreet and invisible once installed.

***** TRAVEL *****

Holidays at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa  
Whether as a holiday getaway for yourself or an experiential gift for another, the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a splendid desert home-away-from-home for the holidays courtesy of a range of events and activities inspired by holiday storybooks and tales. This December, there are some super special offerings at this Palm Springs-area destination, including: a giant walk-in snow globe for family photo ops; kids’ craft classes with Nutcracker, Grinch and other themes; nightly free holiday movies; a gingerbread house decorating contest; oversized storybook characters; an Elf-on-the-Shelf hunt; desert Santa in flip-flops; as well as holiday tree-lighting and entertainment. Then there’s the ultimate New Year’s Eve Glow-in-the-Dark family dance party, which is a huge hit with kids. Their Storybook Holiday package includes $50 per night resort credit as well as milk cookies and a children’s holiday storybook upon check-in.

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
Another fabulous holiday or travel gift is Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed Southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff. Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, and exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails to ensure every craving and necessity is met. The hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a 2nd floor outdoor mezzanine and rooftop that provides incredible 360-degree views of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. The rooftop also has a Fitness Center and hosts “Cinema Under the Stars” events on the weekend. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is a premier choice for an immersive Beverly Hills holiday.

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online, on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Instagram.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

 

5 must-visit southwest vacation destinations

by

Whether for a stress-relieving holiday getaway or vacation in the New Year, or for experiential gift-giving targeted to those on your “nice list,” travel is top of mind for many this time of year. With that in mind, I wanted to share a collection of my top travel picks of late in the American southwest that are all tried-and-true…by yours truly. I can personally attest that these are five locales you’re sure to love.

Kona Kai Resort & Spa
First, I hope you can make it over to San Diego, as America’s Finest City boasts some extraordinary properties. This most certainly includes the recently-expanded Kona Kai Resort and Spa, a Noble House resort that I recently experienced. Located on the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island, it offers a range of amenities and experiences unique to its beautiful waterfront location and rich history. The property has 170 luxurious guest rooms, including 41 brand new suites that feature contemporary island-inspired decor, deep soaking tubs and oversized balconies. The new suite I stayed in had an elegant and dramatic glass fireplace with lighting that can be set to the color of your choice. I love Kona Kai because it’s intimate, especially with décor touches like this, yet all-encompassing.

The resort boasts its very own private beach replete with multiple cozy gas fire pits where you can make s’mores each evening (with kits the hotel offers) as well as multiple swimming pools, waterfront restaurants, an award-winning spa, a superbly picturesque 500-slip marina and the renowned private Kona Kai club. For groups, there’s 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space.

You can sip and savor at the Paloma pool and bar, Kona Kai’s new and exclusive adults-only pool area allowing guests to enjoy poolside craft cocktails and California coastal cuisine while overlooking the marina and some of the region’s most breathtaking sunsets just beyond. Take advantage of their bicycle program and take a refreshing cruise along the sparkling bay in front of the resort, which is replete with impressive sea craft.

The property is also extremely well-situated in the city, located just minutes away from San Diego International Airport, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter and all of the area’s top attractions. In all, Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a prime destination for both locals and visitors, and a perfect choice for families and couples looking for a convenient getaway.

Parq Restaurant & Nightclub
Next, for fun-loving gastro travelers heading to San Diego, consider planning a night full of dinner and dancing at Parq, a venue offering an unparalleled nightlife experience in the city’s famed Gaslamp district. Its restaurant offers superb chef-driven cuisine and delectable craft cocktails in a chic and trendy dining space. After dinner, hit the adjacent Parq nightclub boasting the latest technologies and advances in entertainment, premium VIP services, and ongoing live shows featuring top artists. Plus, live DJs will have you dancing all night long!

Parq is definitely a venue like none other in San Diego, making it a stellar venue for an exciting night out on the town. It’s also the perfect locale for celebratory occasions like milestone birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as large guest events like receptions and other private group events seeking a customizable menu and kinetic atmosphere.

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
Head north a bit and land at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel—the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff.

Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment even just steps from the front door. You’ll also enjoy partaking in the hotel’s exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the hotel’s Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails. The happy hour in particular is a fun, lively and communal atmosphere among guests, and there’s plenty of affable staffers on hand to ensure every craving and necessity is met.

This hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a second floor outdoor mezzanine and a 360-degree rooftop view that provides incredible sights of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. That fresh outdoor space also hosts the fitness center and weekend “cinema under the stars” events. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is certainly a premier choice for an immersive visit to Beverly Hills.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
For those who love a southwest desert-chic ambiance is the legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Nestled on 125 acres, this AAA Four Diamond resort’s tranquil setting, private hiking trails, world-class amenities and dynamic interior and exterior architecture offer an authentic Arizona getaway.

It features 453 pet-friendly casita-style accommodations and suites with private patios, seven restaurants, a 32,000 square foot award-winning spa, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and sparkling pools. It even offers a myriad of outdoor hiking and biking adventures.  It’s only minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, and just a 20-minute drive to both           downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

If you’re a gastro-traveler like myself, food and beverage is a downright essential part of a vacation experience and, fortunately, Camelback Inn delivers on this front as well with seven eateries at your disposal. Their signature on-site restaurant—Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse—is unequivocally one to not be missed. It offers a traditional steakhouse concept with modern touches, including decadent dishes and processes that exemplify culinary ingenuity. The resort also houses Rita’s Kitchen for fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner either indoors or al fresco, as well as Sprouts at the Spa and the pool-side Hoppin’ Jacks, which offers casual options such as pizza and sandwiches. In addition to the dining options on the main property, Acacia at Camelback Golf Club has an open-air lounge with an outdoor fireplace where patrons can partake in American style fare.

In addition to its unique setting and fabulous amenities, the resort is known for its impeccable customer service, which workers credit to the company’s philosophy that taking care of its employees will result in an enhanced ability to best care for customers. The satisfaction among staffers is exuded in every touch-point throughout a guest’s experience, throughout which smiles and “above and beyond” service abound.

For more than 82 years, this destination has maintained a legacy and standard of excellence by welcoming generations of guests, Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its opening in 1936. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the Marriott family, and myself, to this day!

iPic Theaters Scottsdale
For a fun night out while in Scottsdale or Phoenix check out iPic Theaters. This premier luxury restaurant-and-theater brand, with locations throughout the U.S., is a pioneer of the dine-in theater concept. iPic Scottsdale provides chef-driven culinary and mixology offerings inside premium movie theaters as well as an artisanal Italian on-site bar and restaurant called Tanzy. Be sure to order the mozzarella appetizer prepared tableside!

At iPic, guests enjoy an elevated entertainment experience with plush, fully reclining leather chairs encapsulated within their own private viewing pod, which also come furnished with courtesy pillows, blankets and unlimited popcorn. Premium plus seating pods harness revolutionary acoustic technology for superior sound. Each pod has a swivel dining table and seat-side service call button. Relax and enjoy a movie while savoring cuisine from a signature menu designed by a three-time James Beard award-winning chef. Now that’s entertainment!

Photo Courtesy of ResortKonaKai.com