The Runway Afternoon Tea, Inspired By The Exhibition “Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows,” Launches At Four Seasons Hotel London At Ten Trinity Square
The Exhibition Offers An Access All Areas Experience Of Karl Lagerfeld’s Most Influential And Monumental Fashion Shows Will Exhibit For The First Time In The Uk At The Forbes 5-Star Hotel
Widely regarded as one of the most outstanding photographers of his generation, Simon Procter’s exhibition features images captured backstage at Lagerfeld’s shows, providing a glimpse through his lens into the inner world of Chanel and the celebrated designer.
Following the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 shows at Paris Fashion Week, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square and Art Photo Expo will present the UK debut of Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows– an exhibition of photographs by renowned British artist Simon Procter, celebrating the work of the late Karl Lagerfeld. The exhibition will launch on March 18, 2020, and will be on display in the Rotunda Bar and Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.
Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows – an exhibition of photographs by renowned British artist Simon Procter, celebrating the work of the late Karl Lagerfeld will launch on March 18, 2020, and will be on display in the Rotunda Bar and Lounge (seen above) at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.
Widely respected in today’s contemporary art scene and acclaimed as one of the most outstanding photographers of his generation, Procter was also one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most trusted documentary photographers, having been granted unprecedented backstage access at the Chanel shows. For more than a decade, Procter’s daring camerawork captured the energy and essence of the Chanel shows, visually recreating the epic sets. From a luscious forest scene to a rocket launch, Procter combines multiple photographs to illustrate in a single image the many perspectives of the intense but fleeting spectacle. Procter also captured images of Lagerfeld preparing models backstage, a privilege afforded to few, offering a unique glimpse into the inner sanctum of the fashion house.
Following Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, Rizzoli devoted a book comprising Procter’s photographs and candid never-before-seen images of Lagerfeld backstage entitledLagerfeld: The Chanel Shows.
The Rotunda Bar and Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.
Bringing the book to life, the large-scale photographs will line the circular perimeter of the Hotel’s Rotunda Bar and Lounge, and the exhibition will include some never-before-seen artworks. Guests will be offered an unparalleled look into the wide-ranging creativity of one of history’s most respected and iconic designers, making it essential viewing for all lovers of fashion and admirers of Chanel and Lagerfeld’s incomparable legacy.
In addition to the works showcased in Rotunda, limited edition artworks will be available to view and purchase in an adjacent gallery for the duration of the exhibition, with prices starting from GBP 5,500. The Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows books will also be available for purchase in the gallery, including a limited number of copies signed by Procter himself.
Running until June 30, 2020, visitors can also enjoy The Runway Afternoon Tea inspired by Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows by Simon Procter and a cocktail crafted by Director of Mixology Harry Nikolaou in celebration of the exhibition.
Opening Night features a new Aida, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and starring Anna Netrebko, Anita Rachvelishvili, and Piotr Beczała, in a new staging by Michael Mayer.
Maestro Nézet-Séguin, in his third season as Music Director, will conduct six operas, including new stagings of Aida, Don Giovanni, and Dead Man Walking, as well as three classic revivals and two Met Orchestra concerts at Carnegie Hall.
The six operas conducted by Maestro Nézet-Séguin will all be featured in The Met: Live in HD series—the most transmissions ever led by a single conductor in an HD season.
Renowned directors Barrie Kosky (The Fiery Angel), Ivo van Hove (Don Giovanni and Dead Man Walking), and Simon McBurney (Die Zauberflöte) make notable Met debuts with new productions.
For the first time in recent decades, the Met season will extend into June and will include no performances in February.
There will be more weekend opera than ever before, with 22 Sunday matinee performances, plus onstage post-performance discussions with the stars of each Sunday matinee.
Notable debuts include conductors Hartmut Haenchen, Jakub Hrůša, Giacomo Sagripanti, Speranza Scappucci, and Lorenzo Viotti and singers Varduhi Abrahamyan, Benjamin Bernheim, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, Lucia Lucas, Thomas Oliemans, Svetlana Sozdateleva, and Okka von der Damerau.
Other notable conducting engagements include Harry Bicket (Giulio Cesare), Gustavo Dudamel (Die Zauberflöte), and Simone Young (Billy Budd), among others.
The 2020–21 season will be General Manager Peter Gelb’s 15th as the Met’s General Manager.
The Metropolitan Opera announced its 2020–21 season, the first in which Yannick Nézet-Séguin assumes his full breadth of musical duties as the company’s Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer Music Director, conducting six productions. His schedule includes the Met premiere of Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, the first contemporary opera conducted by the maestro on the Met stage, as part of his ongoing commitment to opera of our time at the Met, which will expand in the seasons to come.
The season—which includes five new productions and 18 revivals—kicks off on September 21 with the first new staging of Verdi’s Aida in more than 30 years, directed by Michael Mayer, conducted by Nézet-Séguin, and starring Anna Netrebko, Anita Rachvelishvili, and Piotr Beczała. Australian director Barrie Kosky makes his company debut with the Met-premiere production of Prokofiev’s The Fiery Angel, with Michail Jurowski leading an extraordinary cast in his Met debut. Two Mozart operas will also be seen in new stagings: an acclaimed production of Die Zauberflöte directed by Simon McBurney and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, and a sophisticated new take on Don Giovanni,Ivo van Hove’s highly anticipated Met-debut production, conducted by Nézet-Séguin and starring Peter Mattei, Gerald Finley, Ailyn Pérez, and Isabel Leonard in the leading roles. And in April, Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met premiere of Jake Heggie’s 21st-century masterpiece Dead Man Walking, with a new staging by van Hove featuring Joyce DiDonato, Susan Graham, Latonia Moore, and Etienne Dupuis.
Following the successful addition of 16 new Sunday matinee performances last season, the Met will offer even more weekend options in 2020–21, with 22 Sunday matinee performances. Each Sunday matinee will be followed by an onstage post-performance discussion with the stars.
For the first time, the Met season will include no performances in February, with the company instead extending its performance calendar into the month of June.
In his third season as Music Director, in addition to the three new stagings, Nézet-Séguin conducts revivals of Fidelio, Roméo et Juliette, and Die Frau ohne Schatten, as well as two of three Met Orchestra concerts at Carnegie Hall in June. (Semyon Bychkov will conduct the first concert in the Carnegie Hall series, on June 10.)
“This is the season in which the Yannick era hits its stride,” said General Manager Peter Gelb. “In conducting six operas, he will be present throughout the entire season, raising the artistic bar for the orchestra, the chorus, and the entire company.”
“The artistic excellence we achieve each season is due to the invaluable contributions in the pit and on stage by the great Met Orchestra and Chorus,” Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin said. “This is an exciting time for opera, and I’m thrilled to be sharing my passion for it with the Met’s discerning and loyal audience, while deepening my relationship with this great institution. As we look forward to future seasons, we will not only continue to expand our repertoire with new commissions by living composers but will also be adding to our artistic ranks with more women on the podium and a greater emphasis on artistic diversity.”
Dozens of the world’s leading opera stars bring their artistry to 18 repertory revivals throughout the season, including Marcelo Álvarez, Jamie Barton, Piotr Beczała, Angel Blue, Stephanie Blythe, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Javier Camarena, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Stephen Costello, Diana Damrau, Joyce DiDonato, Gerald Finley, Angela Gheorghiu, Christine Goerke, Susan Graham, Greer Grimsley, Günther Groissböck, Ekaterina Gubanova, Anita Hartig, Evelyn Herlitzius, Quinn Kelsey, Tomasz Konieczny, Isabel Leonard, Peter Mattei, Angela Meade, Latonia Moore, Erin Morley, Anna Netrebko, Lisette Oropesa, Eric Owens, Ailyn Pérez, Susanna Phillips, Matthew Polenzani, Anita Rachvelishvili, Brenda Rae, Golda Schultz, Nadine Sierra, Stuart Skelton, Nina Stemme, Krassimira Stoyanova, Elza van den Heever, Christian Van Horn, Klaus Florian Vogt, Michael Volle, Pretty Yende, and Sonya Yoncheva. They perform alongside a number of significant newcomers to the Met stage, including Benjamin Bernheim, Okka von der Damerau, and Varduhi Abrahamyan. This is also a remarkable season for new conductors, with Hartmut Haenchen, Jakub Hrůša, Michail Jurowski, Nimrod David Pfeffer, Giacomo Sagripanti, Speranza Scappucci, Lorenzo Viotti, and Kensho Watanabe all appearing for the first time on the podium.
New Productions
OPENING NIGHT: Aida — Giuseppe Verdi
A set model by Christine Jones for the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Verdi’s “Aida.”
Opening: September 21, 2020
Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Production: Michael Mayer
Set Designer: Christine Jones
Costume Designer: Susan Hilferty
Lighting Designer: Kevin Adams
Projection Designer: 59 Productions
Choreographer: Oleg Glushkov
Live in HD: October 10, 2020
Verdi’s opera receives its first new staging at the Met in more than three decades, with a season-opening premiere production directed by Michael Mayer, whose dazzling vision of ancient Egypt comes alive with intricate projections and eye-catching animations. Anna Netrebko and Anita Rachvelishvili portray archrivals Aida and Amneris on Opening Night—reprising their acclaimed partnership in the same roles from the 2018–19 season—and Piotr Beczała completes the triumvirate as Radamès. Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads a benchmark cast that also includes Ludovic Tézier as Aida’s father, Amonasro, and Krzysztof Bączyk in his Met debut as the King of Egypt. A co-production with the Bolshoi Theatre, this Aida also features Latonia Moore and Hibla Gerzmava in later performances of the title role, as well as Ekaterina Semenchuk and Marcelo Álvarez as Amneris and Radamès.
MET PREMIERE: The Fiery Angel — Sergei Prokofiev
Evgeny Nikitin as Ruprecht and Svetlana Sozdateleva as Renata in Prokofiev’s “The Fiery Angel.” Photo: Alfons Altman / Munich’s Bavarian State Opera
Opening: November 12, 2020
Conductor: Michail Jurowski
Production: Barrie Kosky
Set Designer: Rebecca Ringst
Costume Designer: Klaus Bruns
Lighting Designer: Joachim Klein
Choreographer: Otto Pichler
Australian director Barrie Kosky, a bright and bold force in the opera world, makes his long-awaited company debut with the Met premiere production of Prokofiev’s devilish masterwork, conducted by Michail Jurowski, also in his Met debut. Portraying the vagabond knight Ruprecht, Evgeny Nikitin stars opposite Svetlana Sozdateleva, who makes her Met debut in the role of Renata, the pious young woman obsessed with a mysterious angelic lover. Kosky’s visually stunning production was hailed by the Financial Times as “a gripping evening” when it premiered in Munich in 2015.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with the ultimate city and mountain getaway filled with winter fun, including skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, snowshoeing, a spa retreat and the finest gastronomy the city has to offer
Guests can take advantage of a Third Night Free offer when booking two consecutive nights to extend the fun
Montreal is the seductive Paris of North America sitting at the edge of the Canadian wilderness. So, as such, the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal has crafted the quintessential winter experience to treat travellers and locals to the perfect Montreal winter escape. The luxurious package features a two-night stay with a complimentary third night to enjoy seasonal activities from intense to utterly relaxing.
On arrival, guests will settle in at MARCUS Lounge + Bar inside the Hotel’s bustling Social Square, where the city’s who’s who and global travellers mingle. They will challenge the resident mixologist to craft a bespoke cocktail just for them and follow their libation with dinner at MARCUS Restaurant, the first Canadian outpost by internationally-acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Their senses will be awakened with an innovative feast of seafood and farm-to-table vegetables at this lively contemporary brasserie.
On the second day, guests will head for a rugged snow adventure at Mont-Tremblant, North America’s #1 ski resort in the East. They will ride a chauffeured SUV or private helicopter to exhilarating mountain slopes and sharpen their skiing and snowboarding skills with elite instructors. Alternatively, they may explore invigorating forest trails on a snowmobile, snowshoe or skate on a majestic frozen lake, and warm up with a hot chocolate at a luxurious mountain chalet. At nightfall, they will stroll under the twinkling lights of Mont-Tremblant’s European-style pedestrian village and enjoy dinner before returning downtown to the enveloping comfort of their Four Seasons room.
On the last day, their winter adventure will continue on Mount Royal Park, a mountain in the heart of the city, minutes away from the Hotel. They will venture through its winding paths on snowshoes or cross-country skis, skate on Beaver Lake, or snow-tube down the hills with their whole family. As the sun sets, they will relax and restore their body and mind at Four Seasons Spa, where they may explore the sensations of Kneipp hydrotherapy, solo or couple massages, steam sauna, and a glass of champagne poolside before drifting to dreamland on a Spa daybed.
Advance booking is required with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Inclusions cannot be modified or substituted. This experience is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract, and does not apply to groups. Rates are per room, per night, may vary by arrival date, and do not include taxes, service charges, gratuities or surcharges, unless otherwise noted. Early departure fees may apply, and rates and availability are subject to change, with some blackout dates in place.
All Images provided by the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.
Valentino Longo Of Four Seasons Hotel At The Surf Club Crowned North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender
The creative genius behind Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar won the 13th Annual Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender Competition. From New Orleans to Texas, and all the way north of the border in Ontario, Canada, twelve finalists made the trip to Chicago to participate in the competition.
Prior to the final round, Longo participated in a series of competitions across the United States, including in Nashville and his current home, Miami. His undeniable talent and creativity brought him to the grand finale where he participated in three challenges. Continuing to push boundaries and think outside of the box, Valentino mastered each stage of the competition, the Botanical Stage, the Canvas Challenge and of course, the Final Cocktail Challenge.
The Decisive Moment used Bombay Sapphire Gin, fortified bergamot and sherry lactic blend, garnished with two drops of coconut olive oil and two drops of coffee balsamic.
Incorporating the premium gin, Bombay Sapphire, the finalists were instructed to craft an original, new and innovative cocktail to present to the judges in under seven minutes. His final cocktail, The Decisive Moment used Bombay Sapphire Gin, fortified bergamot and sherry lactic blend, garnished with two drops of coconut olive oil and two drops of coffee balsamic.
Though dreaming up beautifully handcrafted cocktails is what he does best, to Longo, the art of bartending is a method of storytelling, a state of mind and a philosophy. Between his craftsmanship and unique view on bartending, his narrative certainly resonated with the judges. The Most Imaginative Bartender competition feeds into Bombay Sapphire’s “Stir Creativity” platform, based on the belief that creativity exists within everyone, and Valentino’s artistry is unparalleled.
“Competing with eleven of the best bartenders in the US has been not just a privilege, but a true honour,” says Longo. “We all learned how much we can give and how much we believe in ourselves but mostly, we learned that we’re true artists in what we do in and outside of the bar. Thank you to Bombay Sapphire and Tales of the Cocktail for giving us a platform to express ourselves, reaching spaces that we didn’t even know we could. Thank you for believing in this industry.“
Longo will return to Miami as a national winner and continue to share and showcase his expertise with those who visit the Surfside paradise. Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, and Friday through Saturday from 3:00 pm to 12:30 am.
Love is in the air at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, as the Hotel embraces the art of romance and prepares to host a 2020 Valentine’s Day celebration like no other. Guests can treat their significant others to exquisite dining or a romantic getaway with an overnight stay at the most iconic hideaway of the Athenian Riviera.
(Image courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
Mercato sparks the romance with a fabulous four-course dinner carefully crafted by Chef Bertrand Valegeas, served throughout the weekend from Friday, February 14 until Sunday, February 16, 2020.
(Image courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
A glass of Taittinger Rosé Champagne introduces patrons to the romantic dining experience before the first course of red carabineros shrimps with marinated foie gras and passion fruit coulis arrives to the table. Savour the second course, the signature homemade lobster ravioli with black winter truffle and lime zest. Then, the third course is a choice between US prime beef fillet with chanterelle mushrooms, pomme Maxim’s, caramelised onions and guanciale, or roasted fillet of sole with oscietra caviar beurre blanc, basil and beetroot gnocchi. The exquisite night ends on a sweet note with a dessert created for this special occasion: a red berries heart with lime cream, vanilla and tonka bean ice cream, and then guests can take with them an assorted chocolates box as a souvenir of the time they spent in Four Seasons in Athens. The dinner is priced at EUR 75 per person.
(Image courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
The romantics will wish to celebrate love all weekend long with an overnight stay. The Hotel’s Valentine’s Weekend Package offers the special room rate of EUR 250 per night for stays between February 13 and 16, 2020 along with themed in-room amenities, a bottle of sparkling wine, a celebration cake and late checkout. Impressing a loved one has never been easier with the help of the concierge team, who can help create the most memorable touches: stage a guest room with red roses, champagne for two, a path of rose petals, chocolate truffles and more.
(Image courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
Kira Helper and Dmitri Burtis of Boston, MA Win a Dream Wedding and Reception in the Weill Terrace Room and Weill Music Room atop Carnegie Hall on April 25, 2020
After receiving submissions from more than 800 couples from across the United States, Carnegie Hall has awarded its Dream Wedding to Kira Helper and Dmitri Burtis of Boston, MA. Their entry was selected for its creativity and originality as they mused on love and the meaning of music in their original submission video.
Kira Helper and Dmitri Burtis of Boston, MA Win a Dream Wedding and Reception in the Weill Terrace Room and Weill Music Room atop Carnegie Hall on April 25, 2020. Photo at top of release by Holy Smoke Photography
Composer and drummer Dmitri Burtis first met musical theater performer and music therapist Kira Helper as undergraduate students at Berklee College of Music about five and a half years ago through a mutual friend. In September 2018, Dmitri proposed in the Kyoto Garden of Holland Park while on a trip to London. On winning the Grand Prize, the couple offered “We just feel so grateful for this opportunity. What a way for us to start the rest of our lives together!”
Matching the artistry and grandeur of its world-renowned performance venues, Carnegie Hall’s extraordinary classic and contemporary event spaces feature an expansive rooftop terrace, a private dining room with historic fixtures, and newly renovated, flexible spaces with dramatic windows that showcase Central Park and skyline views.
Whether for an elegant wedding, festive family celebration, chic corporate gathering, or non-profit gala, Constellation, Carnegie Hall’s on-site exclusive culinary partner, brings each host’s vision to life with delicious fare presented beautifully and served with choreographed precision. For more information to help plan your next event at Carnegie Hall, visit carnegiehall.org/eventspaces.
American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and Louise Whitfield were married on April 22, 1887 in a quiet ceremony attended by a small number of family and friends. Immediately afterwards, they boarded a ship for their honeymoon in Great Britain. On that trip, it is believed that Andrew first considered building a new music hall in New York City. Since 1891, Carnegie Hall has set the international standard for excellence in musical performance. From Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Mahler, and Bartók to George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Judy Garland, Count Basie, The Beatles, and Frank Sinatra, the Hall has been the aspirational destination for the world’s finest musicians.
Today, Carnegie Hall presents a wide range of performances each season on its three stages—the renowned Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, intimate Weill Recital Hall, and innovative Zankel Hall—including concert series curated by acclaimed artists and composers; citywide festivals featuring collaborations with leading New York City cultural institutions; orchestral performances, chamber music, new music concerts, and recitals; and the best in jazz, world, and popular music. Complementing these performance activities, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute creates extensive music education and social impact programs that annually serve more than 600,000 people in the New York City area, nationally, and internationally, playing a central role in Carnegie Hall’s commitment to making great music accessible to as many people as possible. For more information, visit www.carnegiehall.org.
STORY at Macy’s teams up with Well+Good to demystify wellness with curated products, health tips and experiences at 36 stores nationwide
STORY at Macy’s, the ever-changing, narrative-driven retail concept inside 36 Macy’s stores nationwide, unveils its latest theme: “Feel Good.” Now through April 2020, Feel Good STORY brings a fresh focus on wellness and uses merchandise curation and events to explore simple and actionable ways for customers to find greater balance, energy and nourishment. In partnership with the award-winning fitness and wellness media platform, Well+Good, Feel Good STORY leverages its expertise in the field to help define and demystify what it means to live a healthy life through both editorial tips and product picks.
The wellness-focused retail narrative invites discovery through three curatorial spaces and each introduces merchandise and experiences to help you feel Balanced, Energized and Nourished. The Balanced moment is all about mindfulness and invites guests to pause for a complimentary meditation in partnership with Calm, the number one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation. To feel Energized, customers are invited to explore something new, from weighted arm bangles by Bala to an in-store barre fitness class. Finally in Nourished, healthy habits are the focus with new takes on snacking from Dada Daily and alcohol-free elixirs by Seedlip.
Bala – Bangles Resistance Loop Bands, Set of 5 $19.00
STORY at Macy’s product curation meets with editor-approved intel from Well+Good to add a simple, informative layer to the experience. For example, shoppers will discover that to get a good night’s sleep, editors suggest “cooling down your bedroom,” alongside the dodow, a glowing timer that teaches you to fall asleep. Additional tips cover topics like the benefits of dark chocolate, relaxation techniques, and how to maximize your crystals. Well+Good also supports STORY’s merchandise curation by leveraging its 2020 Wellness Trends to inform product selections like snack-able chickpeas. Within these broad moments, STORY at Macy’s and Well+Good take aim at trending topics like sleep, self-care, exercise, hydration, muscle recovery and healthy snacking.
Bala – Weighted 1lb Bangles $49 Bed of Nails – Pillow $49
“Well+Good decodes and demystifies wellness to help our community live a healthy lifestyle in a way that works for them,” said Alexia Brue, co-founder of the award-winning media company Well+Good. “Partnering with STORY at Macy’s allows us to share our rigorously researched editorial content in a new and exciting way, giving people in-person tips to feel more Balanced, Energized and Nourished.”
VIM & VIGR-Compression Socks $36.00Well + Good 100 Healthy Recipes + Expert Advice For Better Living Cookbook $29.99
To bring the Feel Good experience to life, STORY energizes its in-store environment with meditation spaces in partnership with the Calm app at all locations and a range of community-centered events focused on wellness. The concept will host events featuring local experts in the health and wellness space for cooking classes, panel discussions, journaling and meditation workshops, a manicure bar, yoga and barre classes, and mocktail-faking workshops.
AcousticSheep -Sleepphones Headphones $100.00The Growing Candle-Hyggelight Edith Sandalwood Growing Candle $28.00Eat For Beauty by Susan Curtis and Tipper Lewis 25.00The Wellness Project By Phoebe Lapine $25.00
A special selection of STORY at Macy’s wellness product will also be available on macys.com, curated by the three focus areas. From a lavender mimosa candle by Paddywax in Balanced and collapsible foam roller by Brazyn Life in Energized to a mocktail faking kit by Luckies of London in Nourished, online shoppers will be able to discover something that will make them feel good, too.
In honor of the Mandarin Oriental Group’s Asian heritage, the Forbes five-star rated Mandarin Oriental, Miamiinvites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year with a series of special Year of the Metal Rat programs from January 25 to February 3, 2020.
During this time the hotel’s lobby will be adorned with over 100 red lanterns and a giant lucky kumquat tree. Guests will receive a Chinese New Year welcome amenity of traditional red envelopes to hang from the branches of the kumquat tree to bring good fortune. Other festivities range from unforgettable dining experiences including a new exquisite Dim Sum experience to a colorful Chinese Lion Dance performance and unique Spa treatments.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Year of the Metal Rat Celebration
To begin the new year guests are invited to view an exciting Chinese Lion Dance which will take place in the hotel’s lobby on January 25, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be accompanied by beating drums, cymbals and gongs. True to tradition, rousing lion dance performances are a colorful spectacle that capture the spirit of the season, and are said to bring good luck to the households and businesses they visit.
Chinese New Year Dining
MO Bar + Loungewill serve a traditional Dim Sum buffet nightly from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring delicacies such as spring rolls and Shu Mei paired with sweet chili sauce and lemongrass. Dim Sum is USD25 per person and is available January 25 to February 2. Guests can also toast to the Lunar New Year with a “Good Fortune” cocktail made with mandarin orange vodka to symbolize the good luck that oranges are said to bring at this time of year.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio, the hotel’s high energy Peruvian restaurant will serve Asian-inspired specials in honor of Chinese New Year. Sumptuous dishes include pork and shrimp wonton with tamarind sauce and steamed brazino with fermented soy beans sauce, Chinese mushrooms, vegetables and fried rice.
Escape the Rat Race at the Spa
Spa enthusiasts will usher in the Year of the Metal Rat in a calm and harmonious state with unique treatments at The Spa. The “Escape the Rat Race” tension-busting massage uses custom-blended oils and movements inspired by traditional Asian therapies to treat stress that is often held in the back, neck and shoulders.
Rats represent fertility in China, and The Spa will offer a maternity and prenatal massage treatment delivered by specially trained therapists for soon-to-be mothers to help alleviate stress. Spa treatments begin at USD 165.
Guests can also pay homage to the Year of the Metal Rat with a nail art manicure that includes metal designs featuring tokens of good luck.
A “Tray of Togetherness” platter with symbolic candies, fruits, nuts, and coins that is traditionally shared with friends and family at Chinese New Year, will be available at The Spa’s relaxation area for guests to enjoy.
Contemporary in design and with a prominent waterfront location, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Miami – launched in 2000 – features 326 elegant guest rooms and suites – offering dramatic views of the bay and the Miami skyline. Amenities include two high-energy restaurants, waterfront Peruvian punch cocktail lounge YAKU by La Mar, MO Bar + Lounge – a sophisticated cocktail lounge and martini bar, an award-winning tri-level spa, luxury boutique Karma Gift Shoppe and extensive meeting and business facilities.
For reservations, please visit www.mandarinoriental.comor contact the hotel directly on +1 (305) 913 8383, toll free (866) 888 6780.
The iconic Hotel Ritz, Madrid is set to open in Summer 2020 as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, following the most extensive restoration in its 110-year history.
A belle époque palace in Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle’, the formerly-known Hotel Ritz Madrid has long been a pinnacle of style and luxury in Madrid. A lively gathering place for Spanish high society, the hotel’s restaurants and bars are a constant buzz of activity. Its leafy outdoor terrace is especially popular for a traditional summer Sunday brunch following a stroll in the nearby Retiro Park.
The hotel, which was designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, first opened its doors in 1910. The restoration will significantly enhance the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintaining its unique character, encapsulated in the Belle Époque style of the original building. Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz, has been instrumental in providing the context for the historical restoration, while French designers, Gilles & Boissier, have overseen the interiors with the aim of increasing the property’s appeal to local and international guests alike while celebrating César Ritz’s pioneering spirit. The re-design of the public spaces has focused on restoring the hotel’s many fine interior architectural features, while incorporating a number of valuable artistic pieces from the property’s collection, including crystal chandeliers, antique paintings and sculptures.
The hotel has always been an intregral part of society in Spain’s capital, and has been host to royalty, politicians, corporate leaders and celebrities. It is situated within the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, an area defined by the most important museums in the city – the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art. The property’s location within a prestigous residential area close to Madrid’s financial and commercial district and to the aforementioned El Retiro Park, adds to its appeal.
“We are proud and excited to be opening Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid this summer, our second hotel in Spain. The meticulous restoration is designed to ensure that this legendary property is once again recognised as one of Europe’s greatest hotels,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “We are confident that the local community will be even more proud of this historic landmark, and we look forward to providing our guests with memorable experiences, in majestic surroundings, all underpinned by Mandarin Oriental’s exceptional service,” he added.
Guestrooms and Suites: Gilles & Boissier have created a sophisticated design for the hotel’s new guestrooms, encapsulating a classic but contemporary residential style for the 153 rooms including 53 suites. Within the suite inventory, there are several one-of-a-kind speciality suites, featuring unique design elements inspired by the hotel’s historic connections to the city, Spanish culture and art. A spacious Royal Suite and the Presidential Suite feature magnificent views over the Prado museum. Located in the top floor turrets are two new suites, each with private balconies and views over the Prado Museum and Lealtad Square.
Restaurants and Bars: Chef Quique Dacosta, one of the most celebrated chefs in Spain, has been appointed to design, develop and oversee all culinary operations at the hotel’s five restaurants and bars. The award-winning chef is renowned for the three Michelin starred restaurant, Dénia, in Alicante, and the two Michelin starred El Poblet restaurant in Valencia. At Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, a signature Quique Dacosta restaurant, overlooking the famous hotel garden, is set to be a destination in its own right. All day dining and traditional afternoon tea will be served in the elegant surroundings of The Palm Court, under a spectacular glass canopy ceiling that formed an integral part of the original building but had been lost for 80 years and will be reconstructed. Guests will also be able to dine in the Ritz Garden or enjoy the charm of the Ritz Bar. Finally, the Champagne Bar will offer an ever-changing selection of exclusive champagnes paired with a signature tapas menu.
“I am very excited to work on the culinary offering of Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid to provide unique gastronomic experiences across all restaurants, bars and banquet facilities,” said Quique Dacosta.
“We look forward to welcoming Quique Dacosta to Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. His desire to deliver more than a culinary experience, with his sense of creativity and his unique character, matches perfectly our mission to delight and satisfy our guests,” said Gérard Sintès, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
Leisure & Wellness: The hotel’s new leisure and wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room and a contemporary fitness centre. A dedicated treatment room has been designed as a hidden sanctuary, providing a range of exclusive local and signature beauty and massage treatments.
Event Spaces: As one of the most iconic buildings in the Spanish capital, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is ideally placed for memorable social events. The ballroom and functions spaces, with their large windows facing the Prado Museum will be beautifully restored and designed to ensure the hotel is once again the venue of choice for weddings, private dinners and parties.
Thompson Hotels Lifestyle Brand Expands To Nation’s Capital, In The Heart Of Bustling, Emerging Navy Yard Neighborhood
The Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the opening of Thompson Washington D.C., the Thompson Hotels brand’s first property in the nation’s capital. Located in the emerging Navy Yard neighborhood, the new hotel features 225 sleek and modern guestrooms and suites, along with restaurant and bar concepts by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, positioning Thompson Washington D.C. to serve as amodern hub for locals and visitors against the backdrop of the city’s dynamic waterfront neighborhood, located less than one mile from Capitol Hill and other major D.C. monuments and museums.
Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hospitality brand with a collection of stunning, dynamic properties. Each of Thompson Hotels’ urban and resort location offers a carefully layered environment that molds into its surrounding community. Evoking thought through in-the-know perspectives, guests are provided tailored stays with connections to world-class culinary offerings, arts and entertainment, and groundbreaking design. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes The Beekman and Gild Hall in New York City; Thompson Nashville; Thompson Seattle; Thompson Chicago; The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico; Thompson Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast; and its newest property, Thompson Washington D.C. in the Navy Yard neighborhood.
Thompson Washington D.C. Junior Suite (Photo: Business Wire)
The newly built 11-story property is designed as a sophisticated lifestyle hotel, with architecture by New York-based Studios Architecture and interiors by award-winning firm Parts and Labor Design. The hotel’s deeply textured façade and large industrial-inspired windows are a visual standout that embody the historic industrial language of the neighborhood, The Yards, a 42-acre waterfront development at the center of Capitol Riverfront’s Navy Yard neighborhood. As the first lifestyle hotel in the growing mixed-used development, Thompson Washington D.C. is designed to be a social anchor in The Yards community, joining dozens of specialty retailers, restaurants, high-end residences, and cultural attractions. Situated on D.C.’s scenic riverfront, outdoor parks such as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and The Yards Park are all mere steps from the hotel, inviting visitors to walk around and explore.
“We are proud to introduce the sophisticated and evocative Thompson Washington D.C. to the nation’s capital,” said General Manager Sherry Abedi. “Thompson Hotels is a brand that has always boldly pushed the norms of a traditional hotel experience, and we look forward to super-serving our global visitors, World of Hyatt members, and the Washington, D.C. community with a stylish destination to eat, drink, connect and relax. We have already felt a warm welcome from the neighborhood’s residents and local businesses.”
The hotel’s interiors were inspired by the Thompson brand’s signature mid-century modern aesthetic and the area’s notable Navy Yard, incorporating industrial patterns and textures found in the neighborhood’s historic naval structures. The hotel’s 225 guestrooms, including 17 suites, boast floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the Anacostia River and Nationals Park. Two expansive Thompson Suites also feature stunning outdoor terraces with views of the Washington Navy Yard. Each guestroom features custom headboards upholstered in a mélange wool boucle from Holland complemented by sherry and plume-colored leather framed in a dark oak. Additional room elements include bathroom vanity tops made of green onyx and Brazilian white avalanche marble, 400-thread-count SFERRA linens, Tivoli radios, 55″ flat screen HD TVs, D.S. & Durga custom bath products, and kimono-style robes. The hotel’s mini bars are stocked with locally sourced items, including guilt-free snacks and candles from Frères Branchiaux Candle Co., where 10% of proceeds benefit Washington, D.C.’s homeless shelters.
Among Thompson Washington D.C.’s many standout features is its signature restaurant,Maialino Mare, from famed Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The restaurant – a coastal sister to the original Maialino in New York City – focuses on seafood-forward pastas and other seasonally-inspired dishes sourced from local farmers and fishmongers, complemented by a robust Italian wine list and rustic desserts. Maialino Mare’s interior reflects a nod to Italian tradition but is rooted in the local metropolitan, modern setting and community. The Roman-style trattoria is led by executive chef Rose Noel who was most recently executive sous chef at USHG’s Manhatta restaurant. Parts and Labor Design crafted the restaurant, along with the adjacent Thompson Bar Room, which offers cozy bar and booth seating. Diners are invited to stay late and enjoy a menu of curated cocktails, wines, and beer. Maialino Mare will open with dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m. daily; breakfast and lunch will be introduced in the weeks to follow. The Thompson Bar Room will open at 3:00 p.m. daily.
Anchovy Social, the hotel’s rooftop bar, boasts an airy atmosphere accented with nautical elements and sweeping views of the city. Parts and Labor Design sought to create a contrasting but unified experience seen through the dark-to-light palette, allowing the space and its unprecedented 360-degree views of the city and waterfront to become a destination in itself. Inspired by the coastal spirit of sister restaurant Maialino Mare downstairs, Anchovy Social will debut with playful seasonal cocktails such as the Juice Box (vodka, cranberry shrub, Vermouth di Torino, rosemary) and Frozen “Hot” Chocolate (mezcal, fernet, cacao, coconut milk, mole bitters), and a robust wine and beer menu, alongside shareable bites such as Anchovy & Stracchino, Clams Casino, and Porchetta Melt Sliders, as well as Seafood Towers and larger plates. Anchovy Social will open in the weeks to come.
Featuring more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, Thompson Washington D.C. is equipped for meetings and events across many occasions. Modern meeting rooms include Eight Bells and All’s Well, and Maialino Mare’s private dining room and wine room can host intimate gatherings. In addition, Anchovy Social’s rooftop bar can be fully commissioned to accommodate 200 people, and it also offers a private events area offering outdoor space and a private bar.
Thompson Hotels is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hospitality brand – part of Hyatt’s global brand portfolio – featuring a collection of stunning, dynamic properties located in urban and resort destinations throughout the U.S. and Mexico
Thompson Washington D.C. is now open with rates from $359 per night. To celebrate the hotel’s debut, Thompson Washington D.C. is offering an Explore the Neighborhood opening package, which includes two tickets to U Street dining tour with Carpe D.C. Food Tours, roundtrip tickets to Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria with Potomac Riverboats, welcome drinks for two at Anchovy Social and overnight accommodation with rates starting at $459. For reservations and more information, please call 202.916.5200 or visit www.thompsonwashingtondc.com, Follow @thompsonwashingtondc on Facebook and Instagram.
Properties currently under development include Thompson Dallas, Thompson San Antonio, and Thompson Denver. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 875 properties in over 60 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under thePark Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates theWorld of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
Booking.com Offers Exclusive, Themed Experiences for the 72%* of Americans Interested in Traveling to Help Achieve New Year’s Resolutions
This holiday season, Booking.com, the global travel leader with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, is encouraging consumers to book a trip to help kick start 2020 New Year’s resolutions. In an effort to offer inspiration, Booking.com is custom designing 20 incredible experiences available for guest bookings, with each “Resolution Suite” themed to align with 20 of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2020. With 72%* of Americans interested in taking a trip to help kick start their resolution, Booking.com is encouraging consumers to #BookYourResolution to help them come true.
Located at 25 Broad Street in downtown Manhattan at the Broad Exchange Building, the 20 exclusive suites allow guests to aspirationally enter an accommodation tailored to their resolution, and exit in true “new year, new you” fashion with an assortment of related activities, affirmations, and amenities. The 20 resolution suites for 2020, which will be exclusively available on Booking.com, will feature all the must-have necessities for nailing that New Year’s promise to yourself. From Finding Your Funny to becoming Financially Savvy, guests can literally—and figuratively—check into their resolution by reserving their desired experience on Booking.com, including:
Be More Active: a space that motivates and empowers to hit those athletic aspirations
Practice Self-Care: reinvigorate your inner-self in a wellness setting that’ll make you go ‘spa’-aaah
Meet New People: up your extrovert game by learning how to mix and mingle
Be The Best Host: channel the entertainer in you with tips and tricks
Find Your Funny: laughter is always the best medicine and this spot has got the formula
Volunteer: learn the art of giving back and making meaningful connections
Snap The Best Shot: from family photos to beach sunsets, amp up photography skills
Cook Up A Storm: create culinary magic by learning this tasty craft
Starting on January 13that 12:00 PM EST, consumers will be able to reserve their desired resolution experience for two-night stays beginning January 17th for $20.20. The resolution suites range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom apartments, with full modern kitchens, bathrooms with luxury amenities and custom programming to help guests kick-start their resolution in style. A full list of the resolution suites can be found by visiting https://www.booking.com/articles/epic-suites-to-spur-on-ny-resolutions.html.
The 20 Booking.com resolution experiences for 2020 are a part of Booking.com’s new creative marketing campaign, which debuted on a national level December 23 across TV and digital channels. The integrated campaign highlights how “there’s a booking for every New Year’s resolution” showcasing how Booking.com makes it easier to book a trip for any occasion, including to kickstart a New Year’s resolution, through key features such as search filters and a user-friendly mobile-optimized experience.
Hailed as one of Asia’s most revered dining destinations since opening its doors in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong received a double seal of approval from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020. World-renowned French fine-dining institution Gaddi’s was awarded one Michelin star for the first time, and refined Cantonese restaurant Spring Moon garnered a coveted Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year.
Michelin-starred Gaddi’s
The arrival of winter heralds a heart-warming high point of the culinary calendar. Both Michelin-starred restaurants, Gaddi’s and Spring Moon will present an array of sumptuous seasonal delicacies, includes Winter Specialties which features eagerly anticipated seasonal ingredients and the five-course Black Truffle Tasting Menu inspired by treasured truffles. Diners are invited to appreciate the culinary art in both the oriental and French style with a classic yet contemporary interpretation.
Roe Deer Wellington
Perfectly prepared to warm the heart, stomach and body, Chinese Cuisine Executive Chef Lam Yuk Ming’s Stewed mutton brisket with fish maw, bamboo shoots and black mushrooms in a clay pot seals and enriches the precious sauces from juicy cuts of brisket. Enticing Cantonese creations also include Steamed glutinous rice with whole green crab, diced air-dried meat, shrimps, mushrooms, salted egg yolks and minced garlic, with glutinous rice in lotus leaves infusing an earthy aroma while preserving both the lightly sticky texture and a hint of signature crab sweetness.
Graff Diamonds, the world-renowned hi-end jewelry brand, has acquired the Firebird 20.7ct diamond from ALROSA. The parties do not disclose the transaction details, but note that it achieved one of the highest prices per carat for such a stones in recent years.
20.7ct Firebird Vivid Yellow Diamond From ALROSA
Yellow Asscher-cut 20.69 ct diamond was graded by GIA as Fancy Vivid Yellow – VS1 – Excellent polish and symmetry. Created by nature and brought to perfection by ALROSA cutting and polishing masters, the diamond resembles a simultaneous ensemble of flame, reflections of sunlight on crystal water and a trail of sparkles coming from the tail of a Firebird.
20.7ct Firebird Vivid Yellow Diamond From ALROSA
“This Fancy Vivid Yellow with high clarity and very special step-cut is truly unique. And one can only imagine the wealth of rough colors that comes from that fire that sparks the diamond’s lightness. It is extremely rare and very special in the world of diamonds to see unique yellow diamond like this,” said John King, GIA Chief Quality Officer.
The diamond is a part of “The Spectacle” unique diamonds collection, dedicated to the Russian ballet. There are two more diamonds in the collection, one of them is “Spirit of the Rose” 14.8 ct Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink stone. Another diamond will be announced later when cutting and polishing is finished.
The “Firebird” ballet was part of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes productions with music composed by Igor Stravinsky. The plot is based on the Russian fairytale of the Firebird, the blessing and curse it possesses for its owner.
The Firebird diamond was created from “Stravinsky,” a 34.17 ct rough, bearing rare honey-yellow overtones and incredible clarity. Discovered at the “Ebelyah” mine in Yakutia, it became the largest yellow rough diamond extracted in Russia in 2017.
Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts and residences, today announced that it plans a Spring 2020 opening for its first urban retreat in the dynamic destination of Austin, Texas. Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection will be a modern interpretation of a residential estate from yesteryear, where guests are invited to sit back, celebrate and inspire thoughtful conversation. Designed by internationally known designer Ken Fulk, the resort will bring a new level of contemporary glamour, whimsical soul and effortless luxury representative of Austin’s uniqueness. The intimate 10-acre resort offers a uniquely Texas familiarity brimming with character, independent spirit and charm, boasting 42 rooms and 12 suites, and amenities including an organic urban farm, Lutie’s – the signature garden restaurant, a members club and a serene outdoor swimming pool.
“It is with great pride that we welcome Commodore Perry Estate to the Auberge family. Bringing a combination of exquisite design, exceptional location and an authentically Austin experience, this one-of-a-kind Estate introduces a new level of style and distinctive luxury to the diverse city,” said Marco Bustamante, General Manager, Commodore Perry Estate. “We are delighted that Auberge Resorts Collection has been welcomed so warmly into the vibrant Austin community, and are excited to be a best-loved destination for events, weddings and celebration.”
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Built in the Jazz Age in 1928, Commodore Perry Estate was originally the country home of Commodore Edgar and Lutie Perry, a place for them to entertain and connect with family when they weren’t traveling through Europe. The 10,800-square-foot Italianate mansion was designed by Dallas architect Henry Bowers Thompson in 1927. Declaring the home, “a great place to throw a party,” Perry was popular for his Gatsby-esque soirées on property. In subsequent decades, Commodore Perry Estate went through many chapters, housing several schools and adding a chapel, and serving as the site of prominent weddings and important Austin events. Located just north of The University of Texas at Austin in the historic neighborhood of Hancock, Commodore Perry Estate is surrounded by expansive grounds, lush green English gardens, spring-fed Waller Creek and a stone wall enclosing the property to create an ideal setting for year-round getaways. The intimate chapel and gardens are the perfect backdrop for special events, weddings and private celebrations.
Commodore Perry Estate features signature imaginative elements from powerhouse designer Ken Fulk, known for projects such as San Francisco’s The Battery and Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, Legacy Records in New York’s Hudson Yards and notable private residential commissions. The layered aesthetic is part history, part imagination and all Austin. The imaginative interiors represent over two years of Fulk’s shopping excursions to Round Top Antiques Show, the Lone Star State’s haven for antiquing. Fulk has curated a mix of custom and heirloom vintage pieces creating an atmosphere that feels collected over time. Fulk worked in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Moule and Polyzoides and award-winning local Austin firms Clayton & Little and Ten Eyck Landscape Architects to restore Commodore Perry Estate to its former glory.
“When I first saw Commodore Perry Estate, I was simply mesmerized. It was as if a European country estate had been transported to a bucolic Texas hill country landscape,” said Fulk. “We strived to craft experiences that combined a relaxed European elegance and true gracious Texas hospitality with an ease and comfort to every experience that will welcome members and visitors to sit back and enjoy themselves.”
As the centerpiece of the property, the original Mansion instantly communicates an elevated, residential atmosphere. Guests will feel as though they’re arriving at the stately home of an old family friend. Handed keys upon arrival, guests will be invited to enjoy the Mansion as they would their own private estate. The five bedrooms from the Perry’s original residence have been transformed into uniquely charming hotel suites as a nod to its original inhabitants. Edgar Perry’s Suite, with its safari-inspired play of patterns, reflects a love of world travel and high culture, while Lutie Perry’s Suite presents a softer side in a palette of pink velvet, faux fur and muted leopard carpet. The downstairs Living Room boasts a new cocktail bar, and the sunny Solarium, with its original tile floors, is perfect for small bites or cocktails. The Dining Room and Breakfast Room are dedicated to informal dining experiences throughout the day. With a wide range of indoor and outdoor lounge options, including the Loggia and Terrace, members and resident members can enjoy a daily menu of Estate favorites and signature cocktails with prime seating for club programming, such as intimate concerts, lectures or tastings. Membership at The Commodore Perry Estate offers members and their guests’ exclusive access to the resort in addition to inspired, cultural programming, experiences and events.
The new private club at Commodore Perry Estate will draw membership from the diverse fabric of the ever-changing Austin community. Offering a stunning environment for locals to meet, dine, collaborate and nourish while cultivating community connection and building on the Estate’s history and traditions. The club also seeks to acknowledge and support exceptional local and national talent in the arts, fashion, culinary, wellness and finance realms to not only provide a rich and unique experience for members, but to also give back to the Austin community.
Guests of all ages can spend the festive season immersed in the local Mexican culture at these five-star properties
As the holiday season quickly approaches, The Fives Hotels & Residences invites travelers to switch the snow for sand and celebrate with the Riviera Maya as a tropical paradise backdrop. Under its All Senses Inclusive concept, the brand will hold a series of authentic local experiences, sumptuous gastronomic offerings, live music and more for travelers looking to spend this holiday season abroad.
The Fives Hotels & Residences
At The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences, the night before Christmas will be a memorable evening with a series of traditional festivities for guests of all ages. The property’s main plaza will transform into a traditional Mexican posada, allowing visitors to experience the observance of a Mexican Holy Night. The family-friendly evening will be complete with piñatas, hot chocolate, churros, amongst other mouthwatering delicacies. On Christmas Eve, guests can also choose from 15 unique dining venues, while the favorite Flavors Restaurant will serve traditional holiday dishes to its international fare menu including roasted turkey, apple purée, cod, and pork.
To ring in the New Year, guests have several options as three luxurious five-course dinners will be held on-site at Sea Olive, Pizco and Mestizo restaurants. The sumptuous menu will include lobster bathed in champagne beurre blanc and spicy butter, lamb rack with scalloped potatoes & pea purée, and chestnut cheesecake with blackberry and Moet rose perfume.
To close the night, the five-star property will offer guests waiting for the clock to strike midnight a memorable New Year’s Eve show held at the main infinity pool from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests will be able to enjoy live music by a DJ, a traditional show playing tribute to local Mayan culture, fireworks, lucky grapes for each stroke of midnight, and more.
The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, shielded between the lively city bustle and the breathtaking Caribbean coastline, will offer visitors an unforgettable holiday season with a scrumptious three-course Christmas dinner serving Mexican specialties such as tamales, pozole, and more. The dinner will be priced at approximately 49 US dollars per person.
The Fives Downtown will wait for the clock to strike midnight with a lively rooftop party presenting a five-star dinner, open bar, midnight fireworks, live DJ, grapes for the countdown and the best views of Playa del Carmen. The dinner and party will be priced at approximately 166 US dollars per person.
For families and friends seeking holiday fun in the sun, The Fives Beach offers the best meld of activities, cultural immersion, and relaxation with lavish accommodations in one, two, or three-bedroom residences-style suites for ultimate comfort. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.thefiveshotels.com.
Americana Week 2020 will offer over a curation of more than 560 lots across the three live auctions. Viewings begin with the Outsider Art sale opening on January 11th at the Rockefeller Center galleries with the remaining two auctions, Chinese Export Art and Important American Furniture, Folk Art and Silver, opening on January 15th. In conjunction with the sales, Christie’s will host the annual Eric M. Wunsch Award for Excellence in the American Arts on Wednesday, January 22 at 6pm honoring Laura Beach, Lita Solis-Cohen, and Mira Nakashima, as well as a Christie’s Lates event on Wednesday, January 15 combining a preview of the auctions, music and specialist talks.
On January 17 Christie’s will offer 130 lots of Outsider Art featuring rare and important masterpieces from the category’s top artists, including Bill Traylor, William Edmonson, Henry Darger, Thornton Dial and Martin Ramirez, among others.
The sale presents a strong selection of 8 works by Bill Traylor, including Man on White, Woman on Red / Man with Black Dog (double-sided) 1939-1942($200,000-400,000), a double-sided work gifted from filmmaker Steven Spielberg to writer Alice Walker after the conclusion of filming The Color Purple, and Red Man on Blue Horse with Dog from The Louis-Dreyfus Family Collections ($150,000-250,000). A large scale watercolor and carbon transfer narrative work by Henry Darger, Untitled (188,189), double sided($400,000-600,000), a minimalist and modern sculpture by William Edmondson, Figural Birdbath, 1930s($250,000-500,000), and Augustin Lesage’s highly detailed and colorful Untitled, 1945($100,000-150,000) are among the additional top lots in the sale.
The sale features a strong selection of works by European and Asian artists, such as Adolf Wolfli, Guo Fengyi, and Hiroyuki Doi, as well as remarkable pieces by American artists including William Hawkins, AG Rizzoli, and Judith Scott. The auction includes important selection of works from The William Louis-Dreyfus Foundation, sold to benefit the Harlem Children’s Zone and the Foundation.
CHINESE EXPORT ART FEATURING THE TIBOR COLLECTION, PART II | JANUARY 23 | 10AM
Chinese Export Art Featuring the Tibor Collection, Part II, taking place in New York on January 24th, presents 166 lots of porcelain and paintings made for the great commerce between China and the West in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The variety on offer includes blue and white, famille verte, famille rose, armorial pieces and rare European subjects.
Leading the offerings from the Tibor Collection is a pair of Famille Rose Soldier Vases and Covers, Qianlong Period (1736-1795) ($100,000-150,000).
The sale is led by a rich assortment from the Tibor Collection, which encompasses every category of Chinese export porcelain – from small, charming teawares to massive pairs of important jars – gathered from Latin America, Europe and the U.S. The collector was drawn to figure and animal models, including lifelike Chinese porcelain birds, pairs of pups to mythical beasts and amusing packs of blanc de chine foo lions. Leading the offerings from the Tibor Collection is a pair of Famille Rose Soldier Vases and Covers, Qianlong Period (1736-1795) ($100,000-150,000).
Other private collections represented are the well-known Eckenhoff Collection of mugs and a private New York collection of ‘Pronk’ porcelain. China Trade paintings include a group of charming reverse-paintings on mirror and a rare pair of oil portraits of Commissioner Qiying and his consort.
IMPORTANT AMERICAN FURNITURE, FOLK ART AND SILVER | JANUARY 24 | 10AM
Peaceable Kingdom by Edward HicksJoshua Johnson, A Pair of Portraits: Boy with Squirrel and Girl with Dog ($100,000 – 150,000)Continue reading →
MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, recently listed on World’s 50 Best Discovery will launch the second volume of its menu series, drawing inspiration from the travels taken by Bar Manager Michele Mariotti and his team since the bar’s opening in late 2018. Building on the first menu’s theme of “People of the Sea”, the progressive new menu concept invites guests on a whimsical journey across Asia Pacific.
In each destination, the group partnered with local experts to explore the markets and meet purveyors to discover herbs, spices and ingredients unique to the location. This menu has been curated to pay homage to the cities visited and features 16 drinks, including non-alcoholic options, ensuring a beverage to appeal to every palate. Highlights include:
Mandarin Oriental Singapore Dining – MO Bar
The T And T was inspired by Hong Kong, when Michele worked alongside Jay Khan of COA. With a tequila base, the drink utilises lemon verbena and fig leaves, ingredients sourced from a farm in northern Hong Kong.
The Harvest Queen features Agricole Rhum from south of Hanoi, combined with apple and guava in a shaken, fruity tipple.
The Chiang Mai-inspired Expedition celebrates the coffee plantations of the region and combines green coffee, grapefruit and vermouth.
The Silk Market, a temperance cocktail with Mandarin cordial, fermented honey and corn is served in a unique vessel made of preserved cloth from pineapple fibre.
Widely known as “the city in a garden”, Singapore is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or luxurious retreat. Located in the heart of Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s prestigious address is highly accessible to various attractions and fun-filled activities. Bed and breakfast rates are available at the hotel, priced from SGD 429 for two people sharing.
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is one of the world’s foremost luxury hotels. It is the only hotel in the city that has been awarded Five-Star status for both accommodation and spa in the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide for eight consecutive years (2012 to 2019). This award-winning property has a prime location, close to the financial hub, with easy access to nearby luxury boutiques and entertainment venues, and minutes away from Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The hotel features an impressive atrium lobby with 527 rooms and suites. Facilities also include the Oriental Club Lounge, an intimate spa, extensive meeting and banqueting facilities, five renowned restaurants and two lounges overlooking the spectacular Marina Bay.
Hailed as one of Asia’s most revered dining destinations since opening its doors in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong received a double seal of approval from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020. World-renowned French fine-dining institution Gaddi’s was awarded one Michelin star, and refined Cantonese restaurant Spring Moon garnered a coveted Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year.
Chef Trento, Chef Xavier, Chef Albin and Chef Lam leads the Michelin-starred Gaddi’s and Spring Moon Fine Dining Restaurants at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Gaddi’s at The Peninsula Hong Kong just earned its first Michelin star Gaddi’s Chef de Cuisine Albin Gobil
Acclaimed by guests and gastronomes the world over since opening in 1953, Gaddi’s is consistently commended as one of the city’s most sophisticated French fine-dining restaurants. Leading Gaddi’s golden culinary trio is Chef Albin Gobil, who transports guests on captivating epicurean adventures brimming with creativity and refinement. Chef Gobil describes his cooking style as “modern classic” with a deceptively simple and elegant approach to his gastronomic art. Striving to combine the best of past and present, Restaurant Manager Michele Drusacchi ensures that Gaddi’s sumptuous interiors and superlative cuisines are matched by impeccable service. Chief Sommelier Bojan Radulovic is a passionate storyteller who enriches each dining experience with expert anecdotes about more than 700 labels from the world’s leading vineyards on the extensive wine list.
Spring Moon, the fine dining Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong has recieved a one star rating from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020 for the fourth consecutive year. Continue reading →
Beach-goers will find perfect options to eat, play and stay over a long weekend in early 2020
With two, post-holiday long weekends just around the corner, Miami Beach is ready and eager to welcome visitors looking for a micro-cation, a short but noteworthy getaway that’s less than five days, to start a new travel year. A three-day micro-cation to Miami Beach is the perfect solution for Americans looking for some rest and relaxation without taking too many PTO days in 2020.
Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (PRNewsFoto/Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority)
“Miami Beach is the perfect destination for a micro-cation, giving travelers easy access to pristine beaches, cultural experiences and opportunities to rest and recharge in the new year,” says Steve Adkins, Chairman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA).”There are two long weekends in the first two months of 2020, as well as a major sporting event. We expect to welcome thousands of travelers over the Martin Luther King, Jr. and President’s Day weekends to Miami Beach, which is like no other place in the world, and offers an optimal mix of options to eat, play and stay.”
“Deep in the winter months, there is no place better to renew than Miami Beach,” notes Grisette Marcos, Executive Director, MBVCA. “A long weekend is the perfect opportunity to travel here. Convenient and easy to reach, Miami Beach offers travelers across the country and around the world a seamless vacation with warm weather and top-rated beaches, restaurants, a range of retailers and various entertainment choices. Travelers should book their vacations now.“
Start a new travel year on Miami Beach and escape the winter weather with a mirco-cation over a long, holiday weekend.
What to do, where to stay and what to experience while on Miami Beach; there are dozens and dozens of options. We’ve gathered a small sampling below. Visitors can also download the Miami Beach app at http://www.miamibeachapi.com/ and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach on Facebook, Instagram and @EMiamiBeach on Twitter to learn more.
EAT
Mama Joon is housed inside the new Life House hotel. This restaurant boasts Mediterranean dishes with a Miami twist including mezze platters, roasted cauliflower and meat kofta. Diners can also enjoy the outdoor terrace overlooking the waters of Collins Canal.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced today that it has signed a management contract to manage, and ultimately brand, the iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Group will take over management of the property starting January 1, 2020. It will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019.
Mandarin Oriental to Manage Luxury Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi
The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property, following a phased renovation over two years, during which time the hotel will remain open. The work will encompass significant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities.
The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centres.
“This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the heart of the city, conveniently situated for both leisure and business travellers. The Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are a short drive away. The Marina Mall is nearby and the commercial centre of the city is also easily accessed. The hotel is 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.
The property is owned by Emirates Palace Company, a subsidiary of the government of Abu Dhabi. The hotel, which is a fine example of Arabian design, was conceived to host the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and remains the preferred venue for several high-profile conferences in the public and private sector. It is also well recognised for welcoming several heads of states, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.
“The partnership with Mandarin Oriental represents an important milestone and aims to propel the property’s profile into a new era,” said His Excellency Sultan Dhahi Sultan Al Humairi, Managing Director of Emirates Palace Company (EPCO). “We look forward to a mutually prosperous and fruitful relationship with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,” he added.
The Peninsula Shanghai welcomes the Chinese New Year with authentic family experiences to bring joy and prosperity for The Year of the Rat. Peninsula guests and local residents can ring in the New Year with a range of customs and traditions, welcoming the most important occasion in the Chinese lunar year. Throughout the festive period, a canopy of red lanterns will decorate the hotel forecourt and festive plum blossoms will decorate The Lobby. Guests will be welcomed by 6.5 metre traditional Chinese paper-cutting with intricate detailing and New Year blessings – a decoration which has become one of The Peninsula Shanghai’s Spring Festival traditions.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
As tradition states, The Peninsula Shanghai (No. 32 The Bund 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road Shanghai 200002 The People’s Republic of China. +86 21 2327 2888. PSH@PENINSULA.COM) will once again host its spectacular Lion Dance performance by the award-winning Ha Kwok Cheung dance troupe from Hong Kong at The Lobby on January 25, 2020 and at Yi Long Court every evening from January 25to 31 January, 2020. A fantastic show to behold, The Peninsula’s Lion Dance performance is a picture-perfect moment for the entire family in anticipation of the new year.
Chinese New Year Pudding
Sharing a sumptuous reunion banquet with family and friends is perhaps the ultimate highlight of the Spring Festival holiday. One Michelin-starred Yi Long Court will present Chef Tsui’s delectable eight-course Chinese New Year menus with two options: the Treasure and Longevity menus.
The Peninsula Pages with Chinese New Year Lanterns
On Chinese New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, diners at Yi Long Court can enjoy three quintessential delicacies from Southern China. Poon Choi, a luxurious Chinese casserole with premium Yunnan truffle, prickly sea cucumber, abalone and oysters, is served in two versions, Fortune and Fame and Fortune and Treasure. Lo Hei is a sumptuous raw fish salad that groups of guests stir together as they make a wish for the year ahead.
The Entertainment Capital of the World to Offer Dazzling New Year’s Eve Experiences
Saying goodbye to another year, Las Vegas visitors can give 2019 a proper farewell with exciting New Year’s Eve events. The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas will ring in 2020 with astounding entertainment, pyrotechnic displays, mouthwatering culinary offerings and much more.
Las Vegas Logo (PRNewsFoto/Las Vegas Convention…)
Raise a Glass with the Stars
Christina Aguilera will have guests saying “come on over” as she wraps up this leg of her “Christina Aguilera: The Xperience” residency at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, with four shows on New Year’s Eve weekend Dec. 27-28 and 30-31. Join the chanteuse for a special countdown to midnight at the Dec. 31 show.
One of the world’s greatest rock bands – Journey – will bring the crowd inside The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to their feet with four shows on New Year’s Eve weekend Dec. 27-28 and 30-31.
Celebrate with Lady Gaga as she puts on three shows New Year’s Eve weekend at Park Theater inside Park MGM. The superstar will perform her famous pop hits during LADY GAGA ENIGMA Dec. 28 and 30. And close out the decade in style on Dec. 31 at LADY GAGA JAZZ & PIANO with stripped-down versions of those hits alongside music from the Great American Songbook.
Maroon 5 will bring their annual New Year’s Eve shows back to Mandalay Bay Events Center for the ninth consecutive year, Dec. 30 and 31.
Jam out with rock band The Offspring at the Pearl Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Dec. 30 and close out the year with an intimate performance by Puerto Rican superstar OZUNA on Dec. 31.
Straight up ring in the new year with Paula Abdul as she performs her greatest hits at the Flamingo Las Vegas on Dec. 31.
Guests looking to slay the remaining hours of 2019 can join multi-platinum artist LIZZO as she bring her captivating performance to The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Dec. 31.
American reggae and dub band Stick Figure will ring in 2020 at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas with a New Year’s Eve performance on Dec. 31.
Leave it all on the Dance Floor
Drai’s Nightclubat The Cromwellwill host a star-studded, four-day celebration to ring in 2020 from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31, with performances from artists Trey Songz (Dec. 28), Meek Mill (Dec. 29), Gucci Mane (Dec. 30) and Future on New Year’s Eve.
Hakkasan Nightclubinside MGM Grand Hotel and Casinowill celebrate New Year’s Eve weekend in style with five days of stellar performances by DJ Shift (Dec. 27), Fergie DJ (Dec. 28), rapper DMX (Dec. 29), TIËSTO (Dec. 30) and Steve Aoki bringing it home on Dec. 31.
GRAMMY Award-winning rapper Drake continues his partnership with XS Nightclubat Encore Las Vegaswith a New Year’s weekend performance Dec. 30.
Chart-topping DJ duo The Chainsmokers will kick off the 2020 countdown on Dec. 31 at XS Nightclubat Encore Las Vegaswith hits like “Call You Mine” and “Something Just Like This.”
Rapper and songwriter Tyga will light up the JEWEL Nightclubstage inside ARIA Resort and Casinoon Dec. 31 for a rousing night of dancing to number one hits.
Celebrate with electronic dance music sensation Calvin Harris at Omnia Nightclubinside Caesars Palaceon New Year’s Eve for an unforgettable celebration as he spins his greatest hits into 2020.
Inspired by Valentine’s Day,Mandarin Oriental, Parisis offering a romantic accommodation package in collaboration with Guerlain. Guests booking the February 2020 Be my Valentine by Guerlainoffer will take home the new La Petite Robe NoireSo Frenchy limited-edition fragrance created by the perfume and cosmetics house and enjoy other romantic treats during their stay in the ‘City of Love’.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris Launches Be My Valentine by Guerlain Room Package with Exclusive Fragrance Offer
Since 1828, Guerlain has explored, innovated and perfected. In Fragrance, Skincare and Makeup. Daring creators, mythical creations, timeless know-how. Culture of Beauty as its signature. Their teams, “Explorers by nature” combine day after day luxury and sustainable development. In the Name of Beauty for our Clients, In the Name of Beauty for our Creations, In the Name of Beauty for the Planet.
On arrival, Be my Valentine by Guerlain package guests will be welcomed to their room with rose petal arrangements and other romantic treats, including sweet-tasting delights and pink champagne, and receive their bottle of La Petite Robe Noire So Frenchy. A take on timeless French chic, this eau de parfum combines sultry rose with dark notes of black cherry, patchouli and black tea. The new Rouge G lipstick in a matte soft pink, decorated with cherry blossom on both the stick and case, will be presented to guests too.
Also included in the package is a perfume consultation at Guerlain’s Vendôme boutique, a few steps away from the hotel, where guests will be warmly welcomed and have their perfume bottle engraved with their names or a message. Back at the hotel, guests can indulge in pure relaxation at The Spa, with EUR 100 credit per day.
The Be my Valentine by Guerlain package is priced from EUR 1,175 per night and includes:
Luxurious accommodation
Daily breakfast for two, in-room or at Caméliarestaurant
A 50 ml bottle of the new La Petite Robe Noire So Frenchy eau de parfum and a Rouge G lipstick to take home
A personalised bottle engraving and fragrance consultation at Guerlain’s Vendôme boutique on 356 rue Saint-Honoré
Complimentary bottle of Louis Roederer Pink Champagne and sweet-tasting treats delivered to guests’ room upon arrival
Romantic room set up, including rose petal arrangements
The package is available between February 1-29, 2020, subject to availability. Rates are based on two people sharing. For enquiries or bookings, please visit the website.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris is a celebration of Paris today and tomorrow, inspired by fashion and artistic creativity and underpinned by the brand’s legendary service. This truly Parisian five star hotel provides an oasis of tranquillity and a cocoon of luxury. The 96 chic and elegant rooms and 39 spacious suites offer guests an exceptionally stylish Parisian experience with their nod to couture and unique art pieces. Located in the very heart of the city, the hotel’s best kept secret is its inner garden providing a sanctuary from the bustling city and a peaceful dining haven. A wide range of dining options are overseen by celebrated Chef Thierry Marx, including two-Michelin starred, fine-dining restaurant, Sur Mesure, all-day dining Camélia, a Cake Shop by Mandarin Oriental, a cool cocktail bar, as well as L’Honoré serving health conscious cuisine. Finally, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers unique wellness and relaxation experiences, in a soothing, contemporary environment, featuring luxurious private treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a state of the art fitness centre. Mandarin Oriental, Paris is the preferred choice of discerning travellers who believe they have found the city’s best kept secret address.
The expert mixologists at Top of the Strand, New York City’s iconic rooftop bar, have released their “12 Days of Cocktails,” a collection of jolly recipes that just may become everyone’s newest holiday tradition.
With nods to seasonal favorites that include the Grinch, a red-nosed reindeer and everyone’s least-liked relative from the classic movie “Home Alone”—plus a recipe sure to make St. Nick’s naughty list—the 12 Days of Cocktails are perfect for lighting up holiday parties and family gatherings or for warming up on those cold, snowy nights. For those who spend the holidays in the sun or by the pool, the cocktails can bring a welcome chill.
Top of the Strand rooftop bar—known for having one of the best views in NYC—is set like a jewel on the 21st floor of Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, New York City in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With its friendly atmosphere, dazzling views, handcrafted drinks and tasty light fare, Top of the Strand is one of New York City’s favorite rooftop bar.
December 14 – Winter Mule
Winter Mule from Top of the Strand in NYC
Serve over ice in rocks glass with a sugar rim
1 1/2 oz. Absolut Citron
3/4 oz. agave syrup
3/4 oz. lemon juice
Top with ginger beer
Before serving, garnish with rosemary sprig and cranberries
December 15 – Rosemary Christmas
Do ahead: Smoked rosemary – place rosemary sprig on plate and use mini torch to light rosemary; place coupe glass over rosemary and leave for one minute.
Shake with ice and strain into coupe glass
1 1/2 oz. gin
1/4 oz. Cynar (a flavorful artichoke liqueur available in most package stores)
3/4 oz. Aperol
Before serving, garnish with smoked rosemary
December 16 – Philly’s Naughty List
Do ahead: Simple syrup – in a medium saucepan combine 1 cup white sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.
Shake with ice and strain into rocks glass
2 oz. rye
1/2 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz. lime juice
6 dashes of tiki bitters (available at most package stores)
Before serving, garnish with pinch of ground nutmeg
The 5th annual award nominees feature vehicles originating from five countries and produced over nearly four decades
The Peninsula today announced the eight nominees for its prestigious The Peninsula Classics 2019 Best of the Best Award, an accolade presented to the world’s most exceptional classic car. The selected vehicles were built by automakers from five different countries over a span of nearly 40 years, 1919 to 1958. The winning vehicle will be unveiled on 6 February 2020 at an award presentation at the famed The Peninsula Paris.
The Peninsula Classics 2019 Best Of The Best Award Announces Eight Finalists
Founded in 2015 by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, with co-founders William E. (Chip) Connor, Bruce Meyer and Christian Philippsen, this year’s award brings together eight of the concours circuits’ elite best of show winners from around the globe. The winner will be decided by a cohort of 25 judges ranging from automotive designers to some of the most recognized private collectors in the world including Peter Marino and Laurence Graff.
“This award is truly a celebration of automotive excellence. Only eight vehicles are selected from the world’s most prestigious concours events to compete for the title of most exceptional classic car,” said Sir Michael Kadoorie. “These motorcars are works of art, each with a unique history and provenance. Our esteemed panel of judges have their work cut out this year due to the incredible field of contenders.”
The diverse nominees include vehicles built in France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. This year’s nominees for The Peninsula Classics 2019 Best of the Best Award are as follows:
France:
1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupé, coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi – Best of Show at the 2019 Salon Privé
Germany:
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn-Kurier, coachwork by the Factory – Best of Show at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Italy:
1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder, coachwork by Scaglietti – Best of Show at the 2019 Cavallino Classic
1950 Abarth 205 Berlinetta, coachwork by Vignale, design by Michelotti – Best of Show at the 2019 Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance
United Kingdom:
1931 Bentley 8 Litre Foursome Coupe, coachwork by Freestone & Webb – Best of Show at the 2019 Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille
1919 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo Skiff, coachwork by Barker – Best of Show at 2019 Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace
1931 Bentley 8 Litre Dual Cowl Tourer, coachwork by Gurney Nutting – Best of Show at 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
United States:
1931 Stutz DV32 Convertible Victoria, coachwork by LeBaron – Best of Show at 2019 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
Through a shared desire to celebrate the best of what defines the automotive world, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, launched The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awardin 2015 with co-founders William E. (Chip) Connor, Bruce Meyer and Christian Philippsen. Each founder shares a common passion and appreciation of fine motor cars, the preservation of their heritage and immaculate restoration projects. The award, sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, brings together the concours circuits’ elite ‘Best of Show’ winners from around the globe.
The unique event is in an inspirational weekend celebrating the food, fashion and design that have shaped the modern South. Ticket packages on-sale now.
This fall, Priscilla Presley returned to Graceland to host the first-ever Elegant Southern Style Weekend, a unique event commemorating everything people recognize and cherish about The American South. The inaugural celebration drew fans from around the world, and March 13 – 15, 2020, Presley, along with some of the South’s premier names in food, fashion and entertaining, will return for Elegant Southern Style: Spring Edition. The inspirational weekend will feature lively, one-of-a-kind parties, interactive hands-on workshops, delicious food, celebrity guests and more – all at one of the most elegant and iconic destinations in the world: the home of Elvis Presley.
“I’m really excited to host our second Elegant Southern Style Weekend at Graceland,” stated Priscilla Presley. “The event this year was a huge success. The guests loved it and I loved interacting with them and sharing stories why Elvis always returned home, not only to Graceland, but Memphis and the South. Our amazing line-up of speakers and events covered so many topics in the interactive seminars and events. The weekend celebrated Southern food, décor and architecture, dinner parties, floral design, wine tastings, outdoor living and entertaining, fashion, a Southern dance party and so much more. We look forward to welcoming back those who attended our inaugural event, as well as welcoming new friends in March of next year.”
During the weekend guests will have the opportunity to see, learn and do at multiple seminars hosted by Presley and special guests covering topics such as cooking, gardening, entertaining, travel and fashion that have shaped the modern South. The weekend also features food and cocktail tastings, crafting workshops, a gospel brunch and an exclusive dinner cruise with Presley along the mighty Mississippi River.
Special guests announced to date include event plannerTroy Williams; lifestyle expert Jim Norton; renowned chef Elizabeth Heiskell; award-winning florist and event planner Kevin Coble; award-winning chocolate and candy maker Rebecca Dinstuhl; travel and fashion blogger Alice Kerley; horticulture expert Lisa Lawhead; and host of Southern Living’s “Hey Y’all” digital series Ivy Odom. Additional guest speakers to be announced soon.
In addition to the events, guests will have the opportunity to tour Graceland Mansion, explore a full city block of Elvis-themed exhibits, shops and restaurants in the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, the new Graceland Exhibition Center and can stay at The Guest House at Graceland, where most of the weekend’s events will be held, at a discounted rate by using this link:Elegant Southern Style.
Ticket packages and more information are available here.
Fans can stay connected to Graceland through the following platforms:
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, the only Forbes Five-Star Spa in Massachusetts, is pleased to be the first Spa in the United States to offer Aromatherapy Associatesnew Forest Therapy Journey, inspired by the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku (aka Forest Bathing) which entails spending time in nature amongst the trees to improve overall well-being.
An intimately luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston combines classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create one of the most distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. Awarded both Forbes Five-Stars and AAA Five-Diamonds, Mandarin Oriental, Boston features 148 of the city’s most spacious guestrooms and suites, exquisite meeting and event facilities and legendary personalized service. Hotel amenities include Massachusetts’ only holistic Five-Star awarded spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and our signature restaurant Bar Boulud, a French-inspired bistro and wine bar from internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. A short 15-minute drive from Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston connects guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of Boston’s chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston Introduces Forest Therapy Journey
The 1 hour 20-minute treatmentprovides similar mind and body calming benefits that one experiences when in a peaceful natural landscape. Through Forest Therapy®,Aromatherapy Associates new unique essential oil blend, guests will immediately feel restored from the stresses of modern day living. A cleansing guided meditation, followed by a deep, long massage, relieves restlessness and agitation. The treatment concludes with a grounding mud mask for the feet and a soothing scalp massage. Priced at USD 230 (Monday to Thursday) and USD 260 (Friday to Sunday).
The hand-crafted Forest Therapy® oil blend is fresh, clean and invigorating. It was created using a collection of nature’s most caring ingredients: evergreen Pink Pepper fruit native to the Peruvian Andes, uplifting Juniper Berry gathered from the mountainous regions of Macedonia, calming Mediterranean Cypress and cleansing Taiwanese Ho Wood. When blended, these ingredients work synergistically to form a fragrance that’s powerfully effective yet emotionally healing.
In addition to the treatment, which is available now, The Spa will also offer the Forest Therapy® Bath & Shower Oil and Wellness Mist.
For reservations or additional information, please email mobos-spa@mohg.comor call +1 (617) 535 8820.
Mandarin Oriental, Santiagois proud to partner with leading Franco-Chilean vineyard Lapostolle Chileto create two signature wines designed exclusively for the hotel. The two appropriately named wines—MO Carménère and MO Blanc—will make their official debut at the prestigious Descorchados Wine Fair, held at the hotel on December 19.
Mandarin Oriental, Santiago Partners with Acclaimed Chilean Vineyard to Debut ‘MO’ Signature Wine Blends
The wine creation was the vision of Executive Chef Germán Ghelfi, who forged the partnership with the Lapostolle winemaking team, a renowned Franco-Chilean vineyard in the Colchagua Valley. Working in tandem with the vintners, Chef Ghelfi looked to develop blends that reflected Chilean ‘Wine Country’ while also providing a smooth finish to pair well with Mandarin Oriental’s excellent gastronomic quality. The Blanc, the more complex of the two, is created from the vineyard’s Semillon-Chilean varietal grapes, producing a dry, full-bodied white. The Carménère, often referred to as the preferred red of the Chilean people, has hints of warm spice and fruit, pairing perfectly with the more robust cuisine offered at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Senso.
The wine’s label was designed to showcase not only the Mandarin Oriental signature gold fan, but the distinctive bee-hive trellis found throughout the property. Each will be priced at approximately 25,000 CLP and can only be purchased at the hotel.
Mandarin Oriental, Santiago is in the heart of the city’s most important commercial and leisure district, known as Las Condes, home to two luxury shopping malls, restaurants, museums and theatres. It is also close to the exclusive residential neighborhood of Vitacura. The property comprises 310 guestrooms including 23 suites with commanding views of the city and the Andes Mountains, being ideal for a relaxing getaway. Its 25,000-square meter grounds contain a large iconic lagoon-style outdoor pool and landscaped gardens which provide a resort environment for guests. The hotel currently features two renowned restaurants, a renovated new lobby lounge and an English style bar as well as extensive banqueting and meeting space. Additional facilities include also a spa and a fitness center which are now under renovation.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 32 hotels and seven residences in 23 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
The Peninsula Hotels has announced a calendar of fun festive activities and experiences for all to enjoy this season, including bountiful brunches brimming with festive fare; celebratory cocktails crafted by on-site mixologists; gingerbread making classes led by each hotels’ professional pastry chefs; and live story-telling sessions of The Peninsula’s digital storybook for children ‘The Gingerbread Man’s Tale,’ available to download on a complimentary basis via Peninsula.com’s festive webpage.
Six Festive Ornaments
Putting The Spice Back Into Life The hero and leading character of this year’s story – which has been specially written for The Peninsula Hotels – is the Gingerbread Man. A familiar sight hanging within decorated trees, the Gingerbread Man represents the ‘Stories from within the Tree’ chapter of The Peninsula Hotels’ three-year festive campaign titled ‘Stories from the Tree’.
A Digital Children Storybook
After kicking-off with ‘Stories from Under the Tree’ last year and closing with ‘Stories from the Tree Top’ next year, this year’s theme is about sharing the joy and fun of the season. Adding a Scandinavian touch to the festivities, The Peninsula Hong Kong will welcome Santa Claus from Finland Santa Claus Village on December 11 at The Lobby as the Grande Dame joins hands with Finnair this winter. More collaboration will be announced by the end of December 2019 for a truly Nordic celebration.
Christmas Gifts and Kid: Sharing the joy at The Peninsula Hotels
In line with this, the magic of the festive season will be celebrated at each of the ten Peninsula hotels around the globe with giant Christmas trees erected in the grand lobbies, and resplendent decorations on view for all to enjoy. To prolong the festive joy throughout the season, the hotel mascot, The Peninsula Bear will appear at The Lobby, giving adorable surprises spontaneously to guests.
Gingerbread Making Class at The Peninsula Hotels
A Time Of Reflection Often, the joy and fun of the season is felt most strongly by the children in our lives. In support of those less fortunate, the six ‘Stories from the Tree’ characters will be available to purchase at each hotel in the form of tree decorations and pins, with US$5 from each purchase being donated to Make-A-Wish® Hong Kong and Room to Read. Make-A-Wish® Hong Kong, an organization that grants one life-changing wishes for children aged between three and 17 with critical illnesses in Hong Kong and Macau, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Room to Read, a global organization transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
The Lobby – Teas of Hope Afternoon TeaThe Lobby – Teas of Hope Afternoon Tea
In The Peninsula Hong Kong’s legendary lobby, the much-loved tradition of Afternoon Tea will be given a festive makeover to present ‘Teas of Hope’ Afternoon Tea. Available now through to December 20 and December 27th to 30th 2019, the set is priced at HK$ 398* per person or HK$ 718* for two, and includes a festive pin. For each tea set sold, US$5 will be donated to the above charities.
Festive Afternoon Tea
The Joy Of Festive Gastronomy The festive sounds of Rhythm and Harmony will also be a feature of the lobby, with the big band performing live each evening from December 24th to 31st. Guests can enjoy movie theme-tunes, bossa nova hits, and popular songs from the 70s and 80s. The nightly live entertainment of top performers will make this place the live lounge music capital of Hong Kong. Guests who enjoy a more traditional approach to Christmas are well catered for too, priced at HK$ 508* per person, the classic afternoon tea will be served in The Lobby from December 21stto 26th.
Gaddi’s Christmas Eve – Brittany Lobster
For lovers of classic Cantonese cuisine, there are few better places in Hong Kong to ring in the New Year than at Spring Moon. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on December 31st will see the Spring Moon Band performing a blend of Shanghai classic songs and American music, to celebrate ‘East meets West’. A festive lunch and dinner will also be available from December 24th and 25th.
Felix New Year’s Eve – Grilled Toothfish LoinGaddi’s Chef de Cuisine Albin Gobil
French fine dining institution Gaddi’s offers the perfect Christmas Eve treat with a six-course festive dinner on December 24th created by Chef Albin Gobil, in addition to a four-course festive lunch and five-course dinner menu on Christmas Day. Guests can enjoy ‘new vintage’ music performed by the Gaddi’s band, which mixes 1940s jazz and classic pop in a roaring 20s-style adaptation.
Felix Sunday Brunch ExperienceGaddi’s New Year’s Eve Menu – Pithivier
Those with a penchant for the avant-garde can enjoy a Christmas meal created by Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez in Felix on December 25th, choosing between a three-course early seating from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, or a five-course dinner from 8:00 pm onwards. Those dining between 24 to 31 December will also be treated to live music each evening from 8:00 pm onwards.
Celebrate the holidays at Pop-In@Nordstrom with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang, and discover hundreds of uncommon gifts to light up those who make life brighter. Featuring more than 100 exclusive items and 1,000+ gifts spanning home and health, travel and tech, and even presents for your friends on four legs, Happiness Is Pop-In@Nordstrom (Now through to January 5) has something for everyone on your list. The shop is up and running now in select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com/pop.
Happiness Is Pop-In@Nordstrom Julie Mollo Snoopy Change PurseLucyAndCo Dog HoodieMoMA Backgammon Set
This season for holiday Pop-In@Nordstrom were expanded to additional Nordstrom locations. New stores are starred below:
Fashion + Lifestyle 