The Okura Tokyo Hotel
Hotel Okura , once home to Yoko Ono and John Lennon
The Okura Tokyo has recently unveiled its doors to usher in a new era of traditional Japanese elegance. This splendid establishment, reborn from the former Hotel Okura Tokyo, which originally opened its doors in 1962, now stands as an exquisite retreat for Tokyo's visitors, ensconced within lush gardens and verdant surroundings.
Guests at The Okura Tokyo can opt for their preferred experience within the two distinctive wings: The Okura Heritage Wing, exuding an elegant Japanese aesthetic, or The Okura Prestige Tower, a contemporary skyscraper offering a modern twist. The possibilities within this property are boundless. You can savor the finest Japanese, French, or Chinese cuisine, unwind in a spa that presents breathtaking city vistas, revitalize yourself in The Okura Garden – an expansive urban sanctuary that captures the beauty of each season while embracing the Japanese garden karesansui tradition. Moreover, for group events, The Okura Tokyo provides extensive banquet facilities, including one of the largest ballrooms in Tokyo.
This hotel is among the finest we've ever had the pleasure of visiting. The dedicated staff, despite some language barriers, went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. The room was exceptional, boasting a modern and immaculate design, with well-thought-out amenities. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the bathroom reached a level of luxury that exceeded all expectations.
The hotel's dining options were exceptional, with the Teppanyaki Restaurant standing out as a particularly outstanding culinary experience.
Yoko ono and John Lennon at hotel okura taken august 1979
Yoko ono and John Lennon at hotel okura taken august 1979
MADE in Manhattan - NYC
No it's not about the book by Lauren Layne or the movie starring Jennifer Lopez. This is about a modern and welcoming Manhattan hotel MADE which integrates local musical expression and panoramic views of New York City with luxury accommodating rooms. Located in Nomad with an access to most of the popular spots within 30 minutes of walk this boutique hotel has the friendliest, helpful and very attentive staff.
Wether you are her to work or vacation, the downstairs coffee area and rooftop bar are great areas to relax or have meetings.
There is no room service unless you ask for it. While some of you may argue that this is not the best approach to hotels, we think it's a smart and sustainable way. Don't waste water, reuse your towels and keep your room neat, as you would at home.
The rooms are not that big, but the interior is cozy and warm. The beds are super comfortable allowing you to get the good night sleep after a long travel.
Design over function seems to be the theme of the hotel. There are no closets in the room, yet the wall fixture perfectly serves as a clothing rack, keeping your wardrobe organized and visible.
The price of your room conveniently includes unlimited coffee and 1 glass of house wine per guest. Cheers to MADE! Book your stay today!
Pendry Hotel West Hollywood
Photo: Christian Horan
Pendry West Hollywood is a pure luxury from the moment you arrive. Excellent service, modern atmosphere, beautiful art, that and more can be said about Pendry West Hollywood, designed by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, and executed by Cuningham with interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The hotel is located on one of Los Angeles’ most famed streets, The Sunset Strip. The rooms are luxurious and clean, the bathroom offers signature MIN amenities. The art collection, curated by Lendrum Fine Art, features the talent of L.A. artists from the global art community. As you walk into Penndry you are not to miss an impressive illuminated, geometric sculpture by Anthony James. The buildinng itself presents as a work of art.
Photo: Christian Horan
Photo: Christian Horan
Great Secret Hideaway Once Owned by Pablo Escobar - Tulum, Mexico
One word...Incredible! Extravagant hotel that used to be a house. Not just a house, but one owned by Pablo Escobar.
New York -based Lio Malca bought and renovated this beach resort of Tulum, Casa Malca.
Lio, who deals works by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kaws, bought the property that once belonged to Pablo Escobar, the world's most powerful drug trafficker of 1980s and early '90s.
Escobar died in 1993 and property was abandoned. Escobar's story is told in the current Netflix series Narcos.
After Malca bought the mansion in 2012 he turned it into a five-star hotel. Casa Malca opened with nine bedrooms in 2014 and today includes 41 rooms and 3 restaurants.
When you travel to Tulum, leave all your pre- conceived notions of Mexico behind. As you pull to Casa Malca hotel, pretty much take of your shoes off and forget about them until it's time to leave. Your experience starts when you approach sandy entrance to the hotel. Massive wooden wall with double doors and front court covered with Persian rugs greet you first. Wedding dresses serve as 20 foot hanging curtains on both sides, accompanied by couch and two sofa chairs in the form of a swing, held by massive chains. One of the major attractions of the resort. At dawn you see ladies all dressed up, trying to take that perfect photo with on that swing.
Casa Malca is full of exclusive art pieces that makes it very unique, including Brian Donnelly's Kaws sculpture. Rooms are spacious, clean and decorated with art. Great roof top terrace where you can enjoy the views of the jungle and sea or take yoga class.
Casa Malca restaurant caters to the health conscious , whether you want to start your morning with fresh green juice, gluten free breads, and fresh fruit or decadent pastries Casa Malca has you covered.
Outstanding service throughout the hotel and the most comfortable beach cabanas. The property lies at the end of a long road which has several fantastic restaurants, bars, and stores. So when you feel like exploring a bit you can borrow a bike from the property and explore.
Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán peninsula, known as the Riviera Maya. The area has become a trendy getaway destination in recent years and subsequently seen a boom in hotel development.
It's a different Mexico. The hipster town with perfect zen atmosphere for those who are looking to clean their chakras.
Casa Malca has been Lio's personal property. He has meticulously restored it and passionately curated it’s phenomenal works of contemporary art from his personal collection.
No matter what your travel style is, eco-friendly and art inspired Casa Malca will prove to be a rare combination of unmatched luxury and ultimate privacy in an intimate seaside setting. It provides perfect & private accommodation for individuals, couples & families.
CUISINART GOLD RESORT & SPA - ANGUILLA
Discovering Anguilla
Inspired by the white washed architecture of the Mediterranean, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is an award-winning oasis of luxury nestled in the gentle curve of Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay.
RESORT
Never having been to Anguilla or the BWI's before, we couldn't have chosen a better place - both the island and the resort. Beautiful landscape, amazing white sand beaches, fantastic rooms all facing the beach.
STAFF
Friendly. The towel and bottle service at the beach quiet attentive.
FOOD
The food is excellent! Every restaurant at the CuisinArt was 5-stars, everything from the atmosphere to the wine pairings. One place highlights them all, Tokyo Bay. Simply put, this is the best sushi ever ! Chef Joe is a sushi rockstar. The edamamne was crazy good, the rolls and sushi were absolute delicious, and get this, chocolate sushi for dessert. Off the hook!
ISLAND
We traveled the island and visited most of the beaches, but found the Rendezvous Bay and beach to be the best beach on the island.
by Terri Moreno
NOW YOU CAN STAY AT VERSACE HOUSE - MIAMI
Infamous Miami Mansion is Now a Luxury Hotel
Gianni Versace was murdered by serial killer Andrew Cunanan on the front steps of the fashion designer's Miami Beach mansion in 1997. To this day tourist visit the home and stone steps of the famous mansion to take photos. That is until now. Luxury Hotel Villa Casa Casuarina is now open for tourists to book a stay at one of the rooms of the famous Gianni Versace mansion.
The three-story building was originally built as an apartment complex by Mayflower descendant and Standard Oil heir Alden Freeman in 1930
Versace turned the 24 apartments into 10 large suites in the original house
He lined the pool with 24-karat gold tiles
The Victor Hotels group paid $41.5 million for the property at a 2013 auction (Donald Trump reportedly put in a bid, too)
Reservations are required for dinner, but guests can walk into the bar for drinks
American Crime Story was filmed over the course of about a month at the hotel
A resident artist maintains the artwork that Versace commissioned for the property
They include this mosaic of Versace's signature Medusa head
The Villa Suite is the designer's former room
The hotel is on Ocean Drive, a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean
The blue-and-cream-colored Azure Suite includes a king bed and two full-sized beds/sitting alcoves
Rates for a Superior Suite, like this one, start at $749 a night.
Trip to Rome this Summer? - ITALY
Think again!
For those you planning a travel to Rome, think twice before going for that Roman vacation, a la Audrey Hepburn. The once free spirited place where nudity at the beaches is normal and noone stares at you for smoking a cigarette after dinner is about to change. Who dared? The Italian city's mayor, Virgina Raggi enforcing some not so cool rules.
We'll start by saying, no you may not eat or drink near Rome's historic fountains no more. And yes, you may not sit on it either. Get your bootie off the history. The Trevi Fountain is for looking, not sitting and eating an ice-cream. And that is not it. The city now prohibits public drinking after 10 pm - all the way through the end of October. The ban also prohibits stores from selling alcohol after 10, and bars and clubs from serving after 2 am.
"We don't want the Roman summer evenings to be ruined by episodes linked to excessive consumption of alcohol," the mayor said in a statement. No more vino under the stars, Grazi!
Escape to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for Art + Fashion - Cancun, Mexico
Renowned Mexican fashion designer Raquel Orozco introduced her Resort 2017 collection at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
The one fit for the A-List
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a leading hotel of the world hosted the runway show for Raquel Orozco Resort 2017 Collection on June 10th, 2017 in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. As one of the guests of the show we were invited to stay at the AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort. Stepping out of our private transfer from the airport, we were met by a doorman dressed head to toe in white linens, who handed us a cold towel. Seconds after giving our names, our luggage was whisked off by the bellboys, ready to be taken straight to our rooms. To welcome us, each guest received a glass of champagne along with a complimentary shoulder and neck massage while waiting to check in at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit reception. We instantly felt relaxed into the tranquil surroundings. Perfect beginning of our stay after a long flight.
Butler
Next it was time to meet our butler (yes, butler). Butler service comes as a standard at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and is included in the price of the stay. Our butler was waiting to meet us at the lobby, and personally escorted us up to our room on the 4th floor. He gave us a tour of the room and pointed out all the little details.
Room
We were given a beautifully spacious room with king bed and a dreamy ocean view. Every detail was luxurious. A complimentary bottle of tequila and a plate of cheese and fresh fruits sat waiting for us on the table, and we were later surprised by our butler with champagne! And if that wasn’t enough, the fully stocked mini-bar and full sized spirit bottles are all inclusive in the price of the stay! For coffee lovers every room features Nespresso machines and bathrooms are filled with L'Occitane amenities. Rooms include a personal training session and massage in-suite in addition to other fitness amenities, such as a Lifecycle Exercise Bike, organic soaps, an Alchimia Apothecary Aromatherapy Kit, a Nikken Kenko pillow and comforter, and LED lamp with a clock and timer.
The Pool
A three-tiered infinity pool is a perfect spot for catching the legendary sunsets. It is the centerpiece of the gardens of Grand Velas Nayarit. No stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is complete without sitting at the pool bar and sampling some of the bar staff’s expert frozen margaritas!
Restaurants
Of the resort’s five restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. The hotel is an all-inclusive. Just to get this straight, that means that absolutely all restaurants and drinks are included in the price of the stay. Each restaurant has its own menu, décor, style and identity, which we absolutely loved.
Spa
An oasis of wellbeing, the resort’s Leading Spa of the World offers 20 treatment suites, more than 30 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey. The spa-facilities are truly world class. We were amazed at the personalised service you get, even when you’re not booked in for a treatment. Cucumbers and a cold towel are placed over your eyes in the sauna, and you’re offered a hair mask and a face mask in the steam room. Along with candle-lit relaxation areas, a jaccuzi and plunge pools, this spa is reason to stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit alone. During our stay we got to experience a 50 minute full body Serenity massage. We’ve been lucky to have lots of massages on our travels, but this was one of the best. The essential oils, room temperature, music and pressure was all entirely tailored to our tastes, and we left feeling detoxified and utterly relaxed. Thank you to our therapists for working the magic!
Some of the other features include a fitness center, 24/7 in-suite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids Club, and teen lounge during holidays. Oh and if you feel like going places outside of the hotel, Puerto Vallarta is just a 15-minute drive away.
Final Verdict
It’s not often we leave somewhere with the feeling that we know we will return. We fell in love with Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and due to our short time there, we left feeling as if we had only just scratched the surface of this gorgeous hotel. We can imagine that a week here would leave you feeling completely destressed and ultimately pampered. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a gorgeous boutique hotel with an effortlessly cool vibe and incredibly luxurious details.
Text by Juliet Belkin.
Images courtesy Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Instagram-famous travel blogging couple with Six-figure salaries.
Jack Morris, 26, and his girlfriend Lauren Bullen, 24, met in March, 2016, while both traveling in Fiji.
How does one become an Instagram sensation at the age of 26 and 24? A perfect question for Jack Morris and Lauren Bullen, a young couple who live an incredible life traveling the world, while earning six-figure salaries promoting brands and locations through the lense of their camera.
Between the two they have 3 million Instagram followers. Morris blogs on the blog Do You Travel, and Bullen writes for Gypsea Lust. Couple lives in Bali, Indonesia and celebrated their first anniversary two weeks ago.
Morris told Cosmopolitan he once earned $9,000 (£7,200) for a single post on Instagram, while Bullen has received $7,500 (£6,000) for one photo. And in case you want them to post a promo photo for you, get ready to pay no less than $3,000 (£2,400).
Now, we are not talking photos, we are talking incredible photos! Photos that will take your breath away. Scroll down and see for yourself.
Amazing places Barack Obama traveled during his presidency
TRAVEL LIKE POTUS 44
Being a President of the United States comes with a lot of perks: private planes, access to some of the world’s most guarded places, warm welcomes at every trip.
It’s safe to say President Barack Obama has done more traveling in his eight years in office than most of us will in our lifetimes.
On Air Force One, Obama has taken 445 trips to 56 different countries, over his entire presidential career. That’s 2,799 hours and 6 minutes of air time, or about 116 days. In other words, as POTUS 44 he was a serious globetrotter.
While a handful of those trips may have been for family relaxation time, most of them were done with work in mind. One of Obama’s most storied travels was when he visited Cuba, making him the first sitting United States president to visit the country in 88 years. Another highlight was Obama’s trip to Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Parks on Father’s Day weekend. (He brought the family along on that one.)
We sure are going to miss living vicariously through Obama’s Instagram posts and tweets, but here’s to hoping he and the rest of the Obama family gets to spend more time relaxing and less time working while on vacation in the years to come. And if you want to channel a little bit of Obama on your next trip, book your next trip with Plush Voyage today.
Great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt. Obama paid Egypt a one-day visit back in Summer 2009, but took some time to take in the incredible sights in Giza.
Centre Pompidou, Paris
Obama strolled the halls of Paris’s modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, before heading back to Washington, D.C. in June 2009. The rest of the family spent a few days in France’s capital city.
National September 11 Memorial, New York City
Obama takes a moment of reflection at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
The entire First Family toured the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, before Obama gave a few remarks on the history of the centuries-old site.
Forbidden City in Beijing, China
Obama embarked on a tour of China’s Forbidden City in the summer of 2009.
Christ the Redeemer Stature in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The First Family took a trip to Rio de Janeiro in March 2011, where they took in the most iconic sights (including the Christ the Redeemer statue) and spent some time relaxing with locals.
Esperanza Resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Obama takes a stroll with fellow presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.
Montana
Obama tries his hand at fly fishing.
The Great Wall of China
Obama takes in the Chinese countryside in a rare quiet moment on The Great Wall of China.
Holocaust Museum, Jerusalem
Obama addressed a crowd on the importance of “never again” when it comes to the treacherous moments of our world’s history. You can read the entire speech on the White House website.
Los Angeles Airport
Obama disembarks Air Force One in Los Angeles.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Obama hikes along Cadillac Mountain with his family at Acadia National Park in Maine.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Obama hits The Great Outdoors, taking some time to kayak while visiting Massachusetts.
Seneca Falls, New York
Obama indulges in a photo opp at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York.
Seoul, Korea
During a trip to Korea, Obama pays a visit to The Blue House official residence and executive office the South Korean head of state while in Seoul.
Stonehenge, England
The best presidential perk may be taking in the world’s most mysterious places minus the crowdslike the time Obama got to admire Stonehenge without the buzz of onlookers.
Newport, Rhode Island
Obama spent some time at Brenton Point in Newport, Rhode Island. White House Photographer Pete Souza named this as one of his favorite presidential photos of 2014.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Obama admires a lesser-seen angle of the Golden Gate Bridge from afar.
Krun, Germany
Angela Merkel joins Obama in what appears to be an intense conversation with the most scenic of views.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Obama not only took in the sights of Kenai National Park by boat, but he also climbed a glacier during his visit.
Hiroshima Memorial, Japan
On a visit in May 2016, Obama laid a wreath and took a moment of silence at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.
Havana, Cuba
Obama takes some time to talk with locals on his historic trip to Cuba.
Pensacola, Florida
Even presidents like long walks on the beach.
New Delhi, India
Obama pays a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the President of India, while on a trip in New Delhi.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal as viewed from the cockpit of Marine One, the name they give to any United StatesMarine Corps aircraft carrying the president at any given time.
Argentina
Obama partakes in a Tango lesson while visiting Argentina.
Globe Theater, London
Obama had the rare chance of experiencing the Globe Theater from the stage on a trip to London.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Obama escapes the rain with Anthony Bourdain after meeting for lunch in Hanoi.
Manila Bay, Philippines
Obama takes a moment to appreciate the stunning scene that is a sunset in Manila Bay.
Kingston, Jamaica
A rainbow appears as Obama waves to nearby well-wishers.
