REI launches multiday active vacations in Shenandoah National Park and first international backpacking trip in Patagonia

Travel leader also introduces Norway and Slovenia adventures, expands cycling and Grand Canyon collections

REI Co-op‘s adventure travel company has introduced its first active trips in Shenandoah National Park, along with new trips in Norway and Slovenia. The global leader in small group active travel also announced its first international backpacking trip in Patagonia and continued expansion of its Grand Canyon and cycling collections.

REI Co-op Logo (PRNewsFoto/REI) (PRNewsfoto/REI Co-op)

We intentionally design every active adventure to connect with local communities in a meaningful way that only REI can offer,” said Mark Seidl, REI divisional vice president of Experiences. “By doing so, we want our guests to gain a broader perspective of the world and be transformed through the experience.”

National Park Expansion: Shenandoah and Grand Canyon
Created in 1925, Shenandoah National Park was one of the first national parks in the eastern United States. Three REI itineraries are now available – a multi-sport Shenandoah National Park Adventure, Shenandoah Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking and Shenandoah National Park Weekend Cycling. All trips are four days in length with departures during spring blossoms through fall’s vibrant colors. Next month, REI will add a four-day Shenandoah backpacking trip to the collection.

Building on REI’s widely popular North America backpacking trips, the travel leader is introducing its first international itinerary to explore the undiscovered heart of Patagonia’s remote and rugged beauty. Pictured: Backpacking Patagonia – Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park. https://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/patagonia-argentina-backpacking.html

On REI’s multisport trip, guests hike to Shenandoah’s highest point and through deep caverns with streams and anthodite formations, zipline through the treetops, and float down the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Star-filled evenings at camp are complete with hearty meals to refuel guests. The company’s lodge-to-lodge itinerary hikes a section of the Appalachian Trail from the doorsteps of iconic lodges that boast unique histories. The company’s cycling weekend stays at charming inns and lodges, providing a welcome reward from vigorous daily rides of 40 to 60 miles along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Adding to REI’s postcard-perfect national parks adventures is its expansion in the Grand Canyon. The company recently added six itineraries for a total of 14 adventures Grand Canyon National Park that range from three to eight days of hiking, backpacking and cycling. With so many options, adventurers can confidently select a trip based on his/her available time, interests and ability.

Backpacking Patagonia – Where Nature Reigns Supreme
Building on REI’s widely popular North America backpacking trips, the company is introducing its first international itinerary to explore the undiscovered heart of Patagonia’s remote and rugged beauty. On Backpacking Patagonia – Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park, the eight-day adventure starts in the small outpost of El Chalten known as the region’s trekking capital. Guests hike through meadows and lenga forests, across moraines and glaciers, and up to breathtaking vistas. A trip highlight is a trek past iceberg-laden bays and over high passes to reach the unparalleled views of the second-largest non-polar ice mass in the world.

The co-op now offers seven itineraries in Patagonia ranging in length from seven to 13 days for hiking, cycling, kayaking and volunteer trail maintenance to protect the famous “W” trail.

New Europe trips: Norway and Slovenia
Known as the “land of the midnight sun” because one-third of the country is in the Arctic Circle, REI is expanding its classic Norway offering with the launch of two more itineraries – Norway Lofoten Islands Hiking and Norway Fjords Cycling. The nine-day archipelago hiking trip offers unparalleled beauty as guests hike up glacier-carved mountains to the reward of epic views, kayak “little Hawaii,” and experience life in remote fishing communities. Highlights also include a cruise through one of the country’s steepest and narrowest fjords in search of Europe’s largest eagle, a visit to the outermost and wildest islands of Værøy, and plenty of opportunities for traditional cold-water swims.

On REI’s Slovenia Hiking – The Alps to the Adriatic trip guests venture into the quiet solitude of the Julian Alps and more. The rugged Julian Alps are just as awe-inspiring as their Swiss and French cousins, with a big difference: far fewer hikers. Over eight days, marvel at high limestone peaks and dense spruce forests; raft the Soča River and swim in its pools and waterfalls; take a private tour of the subterranean chambers of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Škocjan Caves; and discover the region’s wine, olive oil and local cuisine with visits to a prosciutto producer and local beekeeper farm. For such a small country, its beekeepers produce up to 2,500 tons of honey a year.

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Skechers Collaborates with Goodyear on Footwear

An Expanded Range of Sketchers Styles Feature Goodyear Rubber Technology Outsoles For Enhanced Grip, Stability And Durability

Skechers Logo

Global footwear powerhouse Skechers is building on the technology in its footwear through a new collaboration with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Select styles across multiple categories for men, women and kids will utilize Goodyear rubber technology in custom Skechers outsoles that will deliver increased grip, stability and durability.

Skechers x Goodyear 2020 – Select Skechers styles now feature Goodyear Performance Outsoles for enhanced grip, stability and durability. (Photo: Business Wire)

This collaboration is an example of two trusted brands coming together to create a high-tech product that will truly benefit our consumer,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Through this effort, select products will feature Goodyear Performance Outsoles, offering that extra edge where it’s needed most—be it enhanced stability on a run, excellent grip over slippery surfaces in the workplace, or durability on the playground for long-lasting wear. We expect this will resonate with our customers who need these innovations in the comfortable Skechers footwear that they love.”

Skechers Collaborates with Goodyear on Footwear (PRNewsfoto/The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Comp)

Goodyear has always worked to create innovative products that provide consumers with high-performance tires, and now we’re using that same ingenuity to enable consumers to wear high-performance shoes,” said Christian Jurado, Goodyear’s global director of licensed products.

Skechers Collaborates with Goodyear on Footwear (PRNewsfoto/The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Comp)

The shoes, featuring Goodyear Performance Outsoles, are designed for durability with long-lasting wear, excellent grip on a variety of surfaces and weather conditions and enhanced stability through exceptional traction. This is made possible with Goodyear-developed rubber technology that contains a special polymer including sustainable soybean oil—a renewable, bio-based material used in some of the company’s top-performing tires – available in the U.S. and Canada – the Assurance® WeatherReady®, Eagle® Exhilarate® and Eagle® Enforcer® All Weather® and the Assurance ComfortDrive®.

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Four Seasons Hotel Montreal Presents The City-Meets-Mountain Snow Experience: The Perfect 3-Day Montreal Getaway

  • 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.

MARCUS Lounge + Bar

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.

Four Seasons Spa

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.

This package is available by calling +1 514 843 2500, or emailing reservations.montreal@fourseasons.com

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.

“Feel Good” At STORY At Macy’s

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 $36.00
Well + 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 $100.00
The Growing Candle-Hyggelight Edith Sandalwood Growing Candle $28.00
Eat For Beauty by Susan Curtis and Tipper Lewis 25.00
The 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.

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New to the Neighborhood: Hyatt Announces the Opening of Thompson Washington D.C.

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 a modern 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 the World 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 Announces 20 Epic Unique Places to Stay to Kick Start 2020 New Year’s Resolutions With a Trip, for Travelers Across The U.S.

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:

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.

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Travel/Living Well: Auberge Resorts Collection To Bring Unique Character And Modern Luxury To The Heart Of Austin, Texas, With Commodore Perry Estate

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.

Auberge Resorts Collection (PRNewsFoto/Auberge Resorts Collection)

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.

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The Fives Hotels & Residences in Riviera Maya Announces a Line-Up of Events to Celebrate the Holidays

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.

Wrap Up The Holidays With Last-Minute Gifts At Macy’s

Macy’s Makes Last-Minute Gift Shopping Easier than Ever with Grab and Go Gifts, Extended Store Hours and Special Deals

Gifts Arrive In the Nick of Time with Fast Shipping Solutions

It’s beginning to look a lot like … you waited until the last minute. Eight tiny reindeer aren’t coming to the rescue, but Macy’s has it covered with unique and thoughtful last-minute ideas from ultra-luxe to gifts under $100, $50 or $25 to make everyone believe their special gift was wrapped and sitting under the tree weeks ago. Whether you’re looking for something sparkly from the Forevermark Tribute™ Jewelry Collection or scoring an out of this world gift like First We Feast’s “Hot Ones” exclusive hot sauce pack and gear from the hit Complex Networks series, Macy’s makes finding great gifts on every budget so easy that they’re sure to get everything on the “what they really, really want” list.

When the elves have left the building, Macy’s is here to help wrap it up fast with extended store hours, fast shipping solutions and special deals. To ensure everyone’s checked off the list, Macy’s will open early and close late until Dec. 24, check your local store for up-to-date hours.

  • On Dec. 21, grab your wallet and dash to your local Macy’s, the first 250 shoppers in-store will receive a free $10 Macy’s Reward Card.
  • Orders placed by Saturday, Dec. 21 with standard shipping or by noon EST on Sunday, Dec. 22 with express delivery will arrive by Christmas.
  • Orders placed by 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 can be picked up in-store by 6 p.m., just in time for Christmas morning!

STORY at Macy’s

Faster than you can call on Dasher, Dancer or Prancer, score the perfect gift from STORY at Macy’s. “Home for the Holidays STORY,” the latest theme at the narrative-driven concept store inside Macy’s locations nationwide, features more than 900 unique presents from 200 small businesses. Experience this editorial-inspired living gift guide and discover a wonderland of gifts for everyone on the list in the ultimate home setting. From grooming kits and whimsical games to food-themed finds and rock music inspired collectibles, STORY at Macy’s gifts add wonder and merriment to any holiday celebration. Visit STORY at Macy’s at select locations or shop a highlight of gifts online at macys.com/STORY.

Discover a selection of gifts including:

Macy’s has you covered with unique and thoughtful last-minute gifts in every price range this holiday season; Luckies Of London Pocket Tin Speakers 2.0, $34.00 (Photo: Business Wire)
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Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 With The Peninsula Shanghai And Welcome The Year Of The Rat With Glamorous Michelin Experiences

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.

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Be My Valentine: Mandarin Oriental, Paris Launches Be My Valentine by Guerlain Room Package with Exclusive Fragrance Offer

Inspired by Valentine’s Day,Mandarin Oriental, Paris is offering a romantic accommodation package in collaboration with Guerlain. Guests booking the February 2020 Be my Valentine by Guerlain offer will take home the new La Petite Robe Noire So 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 Camélia restaurant
  • 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
  • A credit of EUR 100 per stay for The Spa

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 Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston Introduces Forest Therapy Journey

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 Associates new 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 treatment provides 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.com or call +1 (617) 535 8820.

Happiness Is Pop-In@Nordstrom: ‘Tis The Season Of Gratitude And Giving.

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 Purse
LucyAndCo Dog Hoodie
MoMA Backgammon Set

This season for holiday Pop-In@Nordstrom were expanded to additional Nordstrom locations. New stores are starred below:

Poketo Planner
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Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Celebrates the Festive Season Around the Globe

From cities adorned with Christmas lights to beach resorts with glistening waters, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group unveils a variety of holiday escapes and festive offerings at its properties worldwide. This year, Mandarin Oriental will play its part in making each holiday moment a memorable one with activities such as elegant festive dining with loved ones, beautiful in-room holiday decor and magical holiday shopping experiences in some of the greatest cities in the world.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Celebrates the Festive Season Around the Globe

A sampling of this year’s global seasonal offerings can be found below, together with  an overview of additional Mandarin Oriental festive experiences, all of which can be booked online at www.mandarinoriental.com.

ASIA PACIFIC

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei — Although it may seem an unexpected holiday destination, Taipei’s cultural Christmas markets and celebratory firework shows have made this a hot spot for Christmas globetrotters. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei has created a package centered around these indulgences by offering:

  • Classic Christmas treats including traditional Stollen, Christmas Wreath, and a luxurious Christmas hamper at the Mandarin Cake Shop; a “Winter Wonderland” Christmas-themed afternoon tea at The Jade Lounge, with a portion of proceeds donated to a remote Taiwanese aboriginal school
  • The perfect pampering for two with the Spa Indulgence Room Package which includes two 60-minute “Oriental Fusion” treatments and a special “me time” Essentials Gift Set
  • Price: From 13,500 TWD; more information can be found here

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – Ring in the new year with an appetite, as Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has prepared a proper feast for its guests this holiday season:

  • A specialty Toshikoshi Soba available via in-room dining and traditionally eaten at midnight as well as a celebratory Japanese Osechi breakfast served in the privacy of each guest’s own room, as well as a buffet breakfast for up to two guests on December 31, 2019
  • Price: From 186,999 JPY; more information can be found here

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AND AFRICA

Mandarin Oriental, Milan — The most magical time to visit Milan is when the Galleria is full of lights, and travellers can feast their eyes on the commanding Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree. To extend the celebration, Mandarin Oriental, Milan offers:

  • A scrumptious breakfast for two served daily in-room or in the warm setting of Mandarin Bar & Bistrot
  • Courtesy access to Van Cleef & Arpels’ unique exhibition Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love accompanied by an expert guide, which showcases a collection of more than 400 pieces of some of the Maison’s most unique and beautiful creations
  • Price: From 670 EUR; more information can be found here

Mandarin Oriental, Paris — Spending the holiday season in Paris is perfect for decadent treats, bubbling champagne, and shopping bags aplenty. Mandarin Oriental, Paris offers it all with a package made specifically for those seeking their own Parisian holiday experience:

  • In collaboration with Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, the department store’s new concept store, the package offers guests a VIP shopping experience in the ‘Speakeasy’ at the Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées with Champagne and French chocolates, topped off with a beauty or wine experience in-store
  • To round out the shopping experience, guests are invited to redeem a credit at The Spa
  • Price: From 1,125 EUR; more information can be found here

AMERICAS

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan – Canouan Island, also known as the “Island of Tortoises,” offers natural beauty, unspoiled beaches, tranquil seas and gentle breezes — in other words, a perfect escape to unwind for the holidays. To honor the festive season, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan offers a variety of unique on-property happenings centered around the holidays:

  • In partnership with Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, guests can witness the release of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles into the sea, a holiday tradition for the property
  • Looking out over the warm, turquoise waters of Carenage Bay, guests can enjoy a  Canouan Tropical Wonderland complete with events such as guest chef-prepared dinners, sunset cruises, sailing, star-gazing, and a glamorous New Year’s Eve gala dinner to ring in 2020
  • For those looking to enhance their wellness regimen, visiting Crystal Sound Healer Khun Noom will host daily introductory sessions to yoga and massage. Keeping with the holistic approach of The Spa, Kuhn Noom can help alleviate many conditions, ranging from colon-cleansing to mindfulness development
  • Price: From $3,400 USD; more information can be found here.

Mandarin Oriental, New York — New York City embodies the holiday spirit with prominent window decorations and the larger-than-life Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. After running around from various attractions all day long, enjoy a bit of relaxation at Mandarin Oriental, New York with the following holiday offer:

  • A Central Park-facing suite filled with holiday decor including an impressively decorated Christmas tree. Guests can also enjoy treats such as hot chocolate with Grand Marnier, sugar cookies, candy canes, cake lollipops, a gingerbread house and Stollen Cake, all available in-room
  • Price From $2,125 USD; more information can be found here.

All rates quoted are subject to availability, service charge and relevant local tax. For further information and reservations, please visit: www.mandarinoriental.com.

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Holiday Travel: Experience Seaside Festive Celebrations at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Lavish Christmas and New Year celebrations are on offer at the glamorous beachfront Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai this festive season. A majestic canopy of frost-white lights and other seasonal decorations will create the perfect festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy a series of activities and culinary treats at the resort over the holidays.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – City Skyline
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – Hotel Lobby

For a merry holiday gathering, Noor Lounge’s Festive Afternoon Tea will be available starting December 5, featuring a delectable array of scones, finger sandwiches, cakes and other tasty bites.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Cake Shop
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Luxury Spa Daybed
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Pool Cabana

Beautifully decorated Christmas cakes, petit gâteaux, gingerbread houses and panettones will be available at The Mandarin Cake Shop. Guests can spoil loved ones by gifting them an elegantly wrapped Festive Hamper packed with Christmas biscuits, chocolates, Panettone and other mouth-watering seasonal delicacies.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – The Bay Fine Dining Restaurant

Christmas menus will be offered at the resort’s highly acclaimed restaurants on December 24 and 25, including an extravagant buffet of international festive favorites at The Bay, the relaxed brasserie-style restaurant with two terraces overlooking the beach. On Christmas Day, Santa will delight children by making a special appearance at the restaurant to bring them gifts.

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Score Incredible Deals With Macy’s 2019 Black Friday and Cyber Week Specials

Get a head start on select savings with Macy’s Black Friday Preview beginning in stores and online on Thursday, Nov. 21

Doorbusters begin on Wednesday, Nov. 27 with Black Friday deals continuing through Saturday, Nov. 30 in-store and on macys.com

Plus, find the best Cyber Monday savings in-store and online from Sunday, Dec. 1 to Monday, Dec. 2 with Daily Deals continuing through Saturday, Dec. 7

Win the holidays this year with Macy’s and the best Black Friday and Cyber Week specials on the hottest items of the season. From buzz-worthy gifts for everyone on the list to amazing deals on fashion for the whole family, fine jewelry, tech, beauty and home, the ultimate one-stop shop for holiday gifting has everyone covered.

With a broad assortment of offers across favorite brands, these limited-time deals will begin in stores and online on Thursday, Nov. 21 with a special Black Friday preview and carry through Cyber Week (Sunday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 7). Be sure not to miss the unbelievable selection of doorbuster items, with major savings or free after mail-in rebate.*

Black Friday and Cyber Week mark the true start of holiday shopping for many of our customers,” said John Harper, Macy’s chief stores officer. “Macy’s is pleased to offer the very best gifts and holiday entertaining must-haves at unbelievable prices with multiple days to save. Our curated assortment of deals, both in-store and online, are sure to help shoppers find the perfect gift at the best price this season.”

Find amazing deals for the whole family this Black Friday at Macy’s; Charter Club Cashmere Sweaters For Her, $39.99. (Photo: Business Wire)

Black Friday Preview

For shoppers looking to get a head start on saving, Macy’s Black Friday preview will offer a selection of Black Friday Doorbusters from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 including:

Find amazing deals for the whole family this Black Friday at Macy’s; Sealy Posturpedic Lawson Queen Mattress, $747.00. (Photo: Business Wire)
  • 50 to 60 percent off outerwear for the family
  • 65 percent off Effy jewelry
  • 60 to 65 percent off select Damask and Hotel Collection for the home
  • $39.99 women’s Charter Club cashmere sweaters
  • $19.99 women’s boots
  • 60 percent off Carter’s and First Impressions
Find amazing deals for the whole family this Black Friday at Macy’s; Diesel Little Daddy Watches For Him, $199.00. (Photo: Business Wire)

Black Friday Specials

Begin the savings with doorbusters on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and kick off Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day with most stores open at 5 p.m. through 2 a.m., Friday, Nov. 29 from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. Store hours vary by location. Go to macys.com and click on stores to find local information. Customers can shop online all day from the comfort of their couch at macys.com and on Macy’s mobile app. For more information on Black Friday and Cyber Week deals, store hours and shipping, visit www.macys.com/blackfriday.

Find amazing deals for the whole family this Black Friday at Macy’s; Dyson Big Ball Multi-Floor Vacuum, $229.99. (Photo: Business Wire)

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the great deals available on Black Friday, while supplies last:

For Him, Her and Home

  • $29.99 diamond earrings with any purchase of $50 or more
  • 30 percent off select dresses
  • 50 percent off select designer brands
  • $19.99 and under Family Pajamas
  • $7.99 small kitchen appliances after $12 mail-in rebate
  • $99.99 select suits, sport coats and overcoats for him
  • $39.99 Charter Club cashmere sweaters
  • 60 percent off select women’s designer coats
  • 40 percent off select boots and shoes for her
  • 50 percent off select men’s loungewear
  • 50 percent off select designer handbags
  • 60 percent off select kids’ styles
  • $15.99 select kids’ puffer jackets
  • 60 percent off select diamond studs and earrings
  • $15 select MAC lipsticks
  • Extra $100-$200 off select Dyson vacuums
  • $15 men’s or women’s five-piece fragrance box
  • $10 beauty products from brands like Clinique, Too Faced, Benefit, Urban Decay, and more
  • $124.99 Nespresso bundle machines
  • 65 percent off select barware and dinnerware
  • $29.99 select Created for Macy’s 1200-thread count sheet sets in queen or king size
  • 60 to 65 percent off select luggage
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Nordstrom Kicks Off The Season Of Giving

The Very Best Gifts Along With Convenient Services To Make Gifting Easy, Nordstrom Is A One-Stop Holiday Destination For Customers

‘Tis the season for cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks and gift-giving, and Nordstrom is excited to offer customers the very best gifts for everyone on their list, along with services to make gifting easy and fun. With curated product in-store and on Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom has thousands of gifts for everyone at every price point, making the season of giving a little more convenient and a lot more joyful.

Nordstrom Corporate logo

We’re thrilled to welcome the holiday season and provide customers with a single destination to find gifts for their friends and family,” said Jamie Nordstrom, president of stores. “We know this can be a busy and stressful time of the year, and we hope to provide great gifts at a range of price points coupled with convenient services to take the guessing out of gifting so our customers can spend more time doing the things they love.

Nordstrom Kicks Off The Season Of Giving

THIS IS GIVING


  • Gift Guides:
    This holiday season, Nordstrom.com has gifts for everyone with a curated selection of exclusive, unique and tried-and-true items from brands customers know and love. From festive candles, to the perfect winter jackets, Nordstrom makes it easy and stress-free to shop the best gifts by recipient, price or category.
  • The Gift Shop: More than 70 Nordstrom stores will feature “The Gift Shop” – an all-in-one shop for the perfect gifts at accessible prices, including $22 cozy hats, $16 candles and $12 tote bags. The Gift Shop will also include new-to-Nordstrom brands like DECIEM, Compartés Chocolatier and Joya Studio.
  • Nordstrom Rack Gift Shops: Nordstrom Rack will offer in-store gift shops to make it easy for customers to shop its top giftable items by recipient and price point during the holiday season. Nordstrom Rack will also launch ‘Holideals‘ beginning December 8, which will feature a series of specially priced items available for a limited time.
  • Pop-In@Nordstrom: Celebrate the holidays with the latest iteration of Pop-In@Nordstrom featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang along with hundreds of uncommon gifts. Featuring 1,000+ items, the shop will also feature a wide range of gifts at every price, such as home décor, health and wellness, travel, tech, beauty, accessories and much more.
Nordstrom Kicks Off The Season Of Giving
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Now Open: Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat, Offers First All-Inclusive Wellness Vacations By Four Seasons

New Partnership With Sensei Retreats Introduces a New Concept In Fully Customizable, Science-Based Programming For Mind And Body, The First all-inclusive wellness experience Offered By Four Seasons, Including Meals By Sensei By Nobu

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat,and a unique offering in the Hawaiian Islands.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Sensei, the well-being company founded by Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, have partnered to develop Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat, is now open and taking reservations.

The soaring Great Room at the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat

Unique to the Hawaiian market and a Four Seasons first, the all-inclusive hotel will focus exclusively on wellness retreats, offering a comprehensive and fully customisable program tailored to individual needs.

Together with our partners at Sensei Retreats, we’ve created a retreat where guests can experience it all in one location. Uniquely crafted itineraries are entirely fluid and adaptable, even as the journey is unfolding for our guests,” says Hotel Manager Said Haykal. “And, those travelling together can enjoy individual programs tailored to their own interests while also benefitting from shared experiences.

“Four Seasons partnership with Sensei signals our deep understanding of what today’s luxury traveller wants: an exclusive and differentiated wellness travel experience, perfectly pairing Sensei’s evidence-based approach to healthy living with Four Seasons renowned and legendary service,” says Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Set against the backdrop of the uniquely breathtaking Lanai landscape, this new offering combines unmatched hospitality, nutritious upscale dining and reputable experts to offer a luxury wellness experience found nowhere else in the world.”

Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat

Located against a backdrop of towering Cook pines and banyan trees on the island of Lanai, which is also home to the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the new wellness experience takes full advantage of the 90,000 acre (36,000 hectare) island’s natural beauty and seclusion.

The foundation for the property is an evidence-led approach to well-being that focuses on three practices – movement, nourishment, and rest – which are connected and enriched by one another, helping guests get familiar and maintain a conversation with body and mind. These three practices are the basis for programming, and integrating elements from all categories lead to a balance that is at the heart of the Sensei philosophy, as well as helping guests discover new patterns and experiences they can implement in their everyday lives on a consistent and ongoing basis.

From private spa hale to world-class cuisine, guest will enjoy a luxury of limitless choices including body treatments; personal training; group classes and lectures in yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, Hawaiian culture, art and enrichment, meditation and cultural immersion; and enriching activities on land and sea; all while experiencing the beauty of the secluded island of Lanai.

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Celebrate Christmas And Chinese New Year In The Exciting Garden City At Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

Four Seasons Invites Guests To Stunning Holiday Celebrations, Perfect For Family And Friends To Gather And Make Memories

Christmas and Chinese New Year are important times of celebration across the Lion City. It is also a time when the city comes alive with numerous fun activities at many key attractions to rally young and young-at-heart together. One can revel in the spectacular Christmas light up and Christmas villages on Orchard Road just at the door step of Four Seasons Hotel Singaporeor feel the energy of colorful Chingay Parade during the Chinese New Year season that celebrates harmony in Singapore as well as with the city’s friends from abroad. Children below five years of age also enjoy complimentary dining when staying with Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and kid-friendly amenities such as kid-sized bathrobes and bedroom slippers, a soft toy and age appropriate amenities.

Christmas in the City

Stay in the heart of the city just steps away from the excitement of the island’s longest Christmas street light-up, complete with photo booths, Christmas villages for fun games and great al fresco dining, as well as unbeatable year-end shopping sales in malls dressed up in the season’s best.

Make time to savour the delectable Christmas-inspired lunch and dinners at One-Ninety, a Modern Asian Brasserie at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore too. Tuck into entrées in a garden-like ambience and enjoy favourites such as traditional oven-roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing and grilled winter vegetables, and Asian-spiced glazed ham with lemongrass, pineapple raisin sauce among others; end with a decadent desserts such as tropical coconut mousse and calypso mango yule log, Valrhona chocolate pot de crème, assorted macarons and chocolate pralines all made in-house by the pastry brigade led by Pastry Chef Audrey Yee, a Four Seasons veteran and graduate of the renowned Le Cordon Bleu School in London.

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Experience ‘Silent Night’ at The Spas at Mandarin Oriental on 11 December 2019

In our increasingly hectic and urbanised world, silence is a precious commodity, which is why The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are ‘turning down the volume’ once again with their annual offer of a night of silence in their spas worldwide on December 11, 2019.

The multi-award-winning Spas at Mandarin Oriental are havens for contemplation and discovery. Guided by the Group’s oriental heritage but influenced by local cultural diversity, Mandarin Oriental has created distinctive concepts with highly sophisticated spa offerings. Each Spa at Mandarin Oriental is designed to offer a complete holistic experience that goes well beyond simply delivering massages to tired bodies. Highly trained therapists are thoroughly educated to the Group’s own exacting standards, and all take pride in delivering a bespoke service to meet guests’ personal wellness needs.

Experience ‘Silent Night’ at The Spas at Mandarin Oriental on December 11, 2019

On Silent Night, all the Group’s spas will offer their normal treatment menu, but after 5pm there will be no talking and no music within the spa to instill a sense of peace and allow for individuals to experience contemplation and mindfulness. All communication will take place in a brief consultation at the beginning of the spa journey, before the guest changes into their robe.

A lot of the value of a spa experience comes from simply disconnecting from technology and experiencing time for yourself in silence,” said Jeremy McCarthy, Group Spa Director for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “During this stressful time of the year, we want to create a space where people can press the pause button and have some time to think, meditate, or just take a break from being inundated with noise.

Guests are encouraged to come alone or to bring a loved one with whom they would like to share an experience of silent connection. This is also the perfect time to take advantage of the Group’s Digital Wellness initiative. This provides guests with access to a range of wellness advice and activities designed to help them disconnect from technology. Mandarin Oriental has developed a number of tips and guidelines that can help establish personal boundaries on the use of technology, clear mental chatter and establish a healthy, digitally balanced lifestyle.

For those who wish to immerse themselves more fully, a Digital Wellness Escape can be booked at all of the Group’s spas. This 1 hour 20-minute experience focuses on grounding both body and mind through the power of human touch, and is designed to provide a calming and peaceful respite from the outside world and the stress of repetitive movements.

Wellness experts agree that silence, and the absence of incessant digital noise, is key to our health and wellbeing,” said Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute. “What a perfect time of year to create an opportunity for people to experience disconnection, silence and stillness along with the health benefits that result. Mandarin Oriental’s Silent Night should become a model for all of us to practice throughout the year.”

Guests can also enjoy additional events in certain locations in honour of Silent Night, such as Silent Yoga in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Munich and Marrakech, Meditation Classes in Boston, Canouan, Macau and Hong Kong, or Singing Bowl therapies in Prague and Singapore. Mandarin Oriental Miami and Canouan will have massages on the beach to encourage guests to enjoy Silent Night outdoors and reconnect with nature.

For more information about ‘Silent Night’, and treatment reservations, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Crystal Yacht Cruises Unveils 2022 and Q1 2023 Deployment for Award-Winning Crystal Esprit

With 55 sailings of enriching discovery, adventure and all-inclusive luxury, Crystal Yacht Cruises announced today the comprehensive roster of 2022 and early 2023 itineraries for Crystal Esprit. A number of new options punctuate the collection of regionally focused voyages, with dozens of seven- and eight-night options catering to busy travel schedules or easily combined into longer adventures. In addition to exploration of hubs of profound history, featured destinations also capitalize on the 62-guest Crystal Esprit’s adventurous spirit, with numerous locales that are ideal for active, outdoor pursuits. Featured are 11 new itineraries in the areas most popular among Crystal yachting guests, including five in the Greek Isles; four along the Amalfi Coast and French and Italian rivieras; the United Arab Emirates; and the Holy Land.

The scope of choices available to Crystal yacht guests in 2022 and into 2023 blends some of the world’s most famously captivating destinations with less visited spots, including harbors not accessible by larger vessels. We continue to listen to what our guests want most and are thrilled to add more voyages in those regions,” said Mark Spillane, Crystal Yacht Cruises’ director of sales and marketing. “Crystal Esprit was made for destinations like the Seychelles, the Italian Riviera, the islands of Greece and Cyprus and Capri – places ideal for exploring in the carefree atmosphere of a private yacht, with the exceptional onboard experience and service for which Crystal is celebrated.”

The Crystal Yacht Cruises experience is consistently lauded by travelers worldwide and was recently voted “Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Among the options for Crystal Yacht Cruises guests in 2022 and 2023’s first quarter are:

Exterior View of Crystal Esprit (Courtesy of Crystal Media Centre)

Intensive Greek Isles discoveries, with a dozen seven- and eight-night voyages to the ancient icons, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and white-washed seaside villages in Mykonos and Santorini in response to guest demand; a morning call to Delos, allowing guests to explore the UNESCO Site before most other visitors; Hydra and others, as well as Nydri/Lefkada and Parga on the western shores of the mainland. Select itineraries also feature calls to the Peloponnese region and Corinth Canal and Turkey’s Turquoise Coast in Kas, Kuşadasi, Bodrum and Kalkan;

Springtime Mediterranean riviera voyages for the first time in three years, with six-, seven- and eight-nights, highlighting the glamour and regal history with overnights in Nice, Monte Carlo, St-Tropez, Capri and Porto Venere, as well as calls to Cannes, Corsica, Marina di Carrara, Positano, Portofino and a maiden call to Otranto, the gateway to the baroque city of Lecce. At least one overnight on each itinerary allows deeper exploration beyond the ports and more time for guests to wander the famous coastlines at their leisure;

Crystal Esprit – Eden Island (Courtesy of Crystal Media Centre)
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2019 Holiday Travel: Christmas Shopping, Dining and Accommodation Offers at Mandarin Oriental, Paris

To celebrate Christmas and New Year, Mandarin Oriental, Paris is offering a special accommodation package with the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. Available from 22 November 2019 to 8 January 2020, the Festive Shopping Season in Paris package includes a private session with a personal stylist, champagne and other treats for guests. The palace will be the place to be this party season, with festive menus and winter pop-up bar in its garden.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Exterior Courtyard

Guests booking the Festive Shopping Season in Paris offer will receive spa credit, champagne, tasty Christmas treats and VIP shopping benefits at the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. The famous retailer recently opened a concept store on the ‘world’s most beautiful avenue’ offering the latest fashion, lifestyle and beauty collections created by an exciting selection of top designers, ranging from emerging talents to iconic luxury brands.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Hotel Entrance

Priced from EUR 1,125 per night, the Festive Shopping Season in Paris package includes:

Mandarin Oriental, Paris Royale Suite

  • Luxurious accommodation in a guestroom or suite
  • Daily breakfast for two people
  • A Spa credit of EUR 150 per stay
  • A bottle of champagne, seasonal treats and a scented candle from Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées offered in guests’ room upon arrival
  • Private session with a dedicated fashion stylist at the new Galeries Lafayette department store on the iconic Champs-Élysées. Also includes one-way transfer to the store, private shopping session in its ‘Speakeasy’ VIP lounge with champagne and French chocolates, and either a beauty treatment or wine tasting at the store, and hands-free shopping
Mandarin Oriental, Paris Cabochons Suite Terrace
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Kohl’s Launches Unprecedented Number of Brands Just in Time for Holiday

A Significant Number Of New Brands Join Kohl’s Product Portfolio

Kohl’s celebrates the launch of a significant number of new brands joining its product portfolio during the fall and holiday seasons, offering newness at every turn for Kohl’s customers. Shoppers will discover new brands across product categories including new brands to Kohl’s, exciting collaborations and new partnerships with existing Kohl’s brands.

Kohl’s Logo

The following brands have launched or will launch at Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com this year. While store locations offering each brand vary, customers can shop the full assortment of all brands online at Kohls.com.

Now in Kohl’s Stores and on Kohls.com

Family

  • Fanatics: A long-term partnership with Fanatics to significantly broaden Kohl’s fan gear assortment online, including officially licensed men’s, women’s, and kids apparel, jerseys, hats, collectibles, and tailgating and novelty products, launched in September
  • ED Ellen DeGeneres Pet Collection: Exclusive pet offerings from Ellen DeGeneres, featuring toys, beds, apparel, and accessories, launched in October

Women’s

  • Nine West: Footwear, handbags, jewelry, and an exclusive apparel collection featuring an expanded wear-to-work offering, launched in September
  • Cara Santana x Apt. 9*: Exclusive, limited-time apparel collaboration between actress and tastemaker Cara Santana and Kohl’s private label brand Apt. 9, featuring blazers, sweaters, pants, skirts, outerwear, and more, launched in October

Men’s

  • Caliville*: Men’s lifestyle apparel from country music star Brett Young, exclusively at Kohl’s, featuring a selection of short sleeve and long sleeve graphic tees, fleece, flannels, and joggers, launched in October

Home

Koolaburra by UGG at Kohl’s
  • Koolaburra by UGG: Exclusive home collection featuring a variety of luxury soft home products, including bedding and bathroom linens, throws and decorative pillows, launched in September
  • Scott Living at Kohl’s: Exclusive home offerings from HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, featuring modern home basics and décor, including furniture, bedding and bath, kitchen décor, and more, launched in October

Curated Brands: Curated by Kohl’s

In addition to these new brands in women’s, men’s and kids, Kohl’s also recently announced a cross-category platform for new brands called Curated by Kohl’s, launched in October. Beginning in 2020, Kohl’s will partner with Facebook on brand curation, identifying and engaging with brands that have built a strong online community on the social media platform. While the selection will refresh quarterly, the first selection of items include the following brands:

United By Blue 9L Bluff Utility Backpack
  • Adore Me: Designed by women, for women, Adore Me celebrates every body type with high-quality, affordable lingerie styles made for every occasion. The Curated by Kohl’s assortment will feature a selection of Adore Me bras, panties and sleepwear available in all sizes.
  • East Adeline by Dia&Co: Rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of size, deserves to express their personal style on their own terms, East Adeline by Dia&Co is a collection of select styles, exclusively for plus size women. Curated by Kohl’s will offer East Adeline by Dia&Co’s versatile designs, including statement pieces, modern prints, and closet staples available in sizes 14 – 32.
  • Kid Made Modern: Craft kits and accessories, including on-the-go travel kits, jewelry kits, holiday decorating kits and various art supplies. Through imaginative and innovative arts and crafts, Kid Made Modern is on a mission to inspire kids and parents to find and enjoy creativity everywhere. Curated by Kohl’s will offer a variety of Kid Made Modern craft kits and accessories, including on-the-go travel kits, jewelry kits, holiday decorating kits and various art supplies.
  • Lovepop: With a mission to create one billion magical moments, Lovepop creates beautiful laser-cut pop-up cards designed with ship-building software and handcrafted in the ancient art form of kirigami. Curated by Kohl’s will offer a wide selection of Lovepop cards to make every occasion magical — from birthdays and anniversaries to holidays and “just because.”
  • Luca + Danni: After losing his brother to cancer, Fred Magnanimi founded Luca + Danni to honor his brother’s memory and share his “”embrace the journey”” spirit. Curated by Kohl’s will offer Luca + Danni iconic stacking bracelets, made in the U.S. and shaped to sit on top of the wrist to express what matters to you most.
  • United by Blue: From reusable straw kits and drinkware to eco-friendly clothing and bags, United By Blue designs products built for sustainable living. For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.
Lovepop “Champagne Toast” Greeting Card

Curated Brands: The Beauty Checkout

Kohl’s is proud to announce The Beauty Checkout, a rotating selection of products from emerging beauty and skincare brands, launched in October. Beginning in 2020, Kohl’s partnership with Facebook will also support The Beauty Checkout.

We see the beauty category at Kohl’s as an opportunity for growth, and our nimble approach ensures we can quickly bring new trends to customers, as well as continually test emerging products and brands as part of our assortment,” said Robert Jezowski, Kohl’s vice president, divisional merchandise manager of beauty. “We are looking at many categories across the beauty department and one of the many trends we are launching at Kohl’s is CBD beauty products, including facial care, body care and topical creams, in select stores.”

While The Beauty Checkout selection will be refreshed quarterly, the first selection of items include the following brands:

Barefoot Scientist Podium LineUp
  • Banila Co: clean skincare
  • Barefoot Scientist: footcare solutions, including blister prevention spray, pain relief cream, hydration therapy and more
  • Busy Beauty: showerless products, including dry shampoo, body wipes and shave gel
  • Cleo & Coco: natural deodorant
  • Dr. Botanicals: natural skincare, including pomegranate sleeping mask and kale superfood moisturizer
  • Evolution_18: ingestibles, featuring gummies, glow capsules, collagen powder, probiotics and more
  • Honey Belle: clean skincare
  • Lucie & Pompette: face polish
  • Pure Aura: masks, including glow glitter mask, 24K gold foil mask, rose gold foil mask and paper cloud cleansing mask
  • Real Her: lip kits
  • Savannah Bee: hand and body care
  • Uncle Bud’s: hemp skincare, including body lotion, body wash and roll-on pain relief
  • Vital Proteins: beauty collagen

Additional Beauty Offerings: Kohl’s continues to bring newness to beauty with trending and relevant brands, including:

  • Chopstick Hair Tools
  • Elizabeth and James fragrance
  • Formawell Beauty by Kendall Jenner
  • Hempz
  • Jason Wu fragrance
  • La Vie est Belle fragrance by Lancome
  • Hemp Beauty** – CBD offering
  • Uncle Bud’s** – CBD offering
  • MOX** – CBD offering

Coming Soon for the Holiday Season

Women’s

Elizabeth and James*: Exclusive retailer of Elizabeth and James apparel, handbags and accessories from designers Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, launching in November

JW Jason Wu*: Exclusive, limited-edition women’s holiday apparel capsule from globally-renowned designer Jason Wu, feature signature pieces for holiday dressing, including dresses, jumpsuits, and jackets, launching in November

We are thrilled to amp up newness and discovery across our stores and Kohls.com with a strong pipeline of new brands and partnerships to excite existing customers and attract new customers to Kohl’s,” said Doug Howe, Kohl’s chief merchandising officer. “As our product portfolio evolves, we are bringing new offerings in every department including women’s, men’s, home, and beauty to inspire shoppers this holiday season with a modernized, relevant merchandise assortment.

As always, customers can take advantage of Kohl’s many conveniences and values, including shopping via the Kohl’s App, the option to Buy Online, Pick Up In Store and the ability to earn Kohl’s Cash, a Kohl’s-only value that can be earned on anything or anywhere customers shop – in store, at a kiosk or online. Additionally, Amazon Returns at Kohl’s is now available at more than 1,100 stores nationwide. Customers can now visit their local Kohl’s store to return eligible Amazon items, without a box or label, for a free return.

To shop all these brands and more, visit Kohls.com.

*Products available in select Kohl’s stores and for all customers on Kohls.com.

**Products available in select Kohl’s stores only.

Ever wanted to skip winter entirely? Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida

Expedia.com Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Expedia, Inc.; US Airways)

If you’ve ever dreamt about escaping the winter chill and immersing yourself in warmer climates, you’re not alone. In many parts of the U.S. the winter months can be long, frigid or downright dreary, especially after the holiday cheer has worn off. That’s why Expedia.com® and VISIT FLORIDA are teaming up to offer one lucky winner and a guest the chance to skip winter altogether and escape to sunny Florida, with the Skip Winter Sweepstakes.

No need to settle for a quick trip to the beach this winter. The grand prize winner and guest will spend up to 12 weeks lounging at a vacation rental in a sunny Florida destination, with access to a rental car and $1,000 towards a brand-new warm-weather wardrobe.

Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida

Here’s what you could win:

  • One winner and a guest to receive up to 12 weeks of vacation rentals in Florida through Expedia.com. Travel anytime between December 21, 2019 and March 20, 2020.
  • Round-trip coach class airline tickets for two from winner’s home airport to their favorite Florida destination
  • Hertz car rental to cruise around in Florida (up to $5,000)
  • One $1,000 Simon gift card to shop for a new Florida wardrobe
Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida

Florida is and has always been the go-to destination for a winter escape,” said Dana Young, CEO VISIT FLORIDA. “We’re excited to collaborate with Expedia to share Florida’s abundance of sunshine with this very lucky winner and all our visitors this winter season.”

Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida

We see travelers flocking to Florida year-round, but its beaches and perfect temperatures become especially enticing when the weather turns cold everywhere else in the country,” added Jennifer Andre, senior director Expedia Media Solutions. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with VISIT FLORIDA to give away an amazing vacation that will allow the winner to get truly immersed in everything Florida has to offer.

Head to https://www.skipwinter.expedia.com/ between October 15, 2019 – November 15, 2019 and enter to win. View contest terms and conditions here.

St. Regis Hotels Debuts On Venice’s Esteemed Grand Canal

Located at The City’s Best Address, The St. Regis Venice Features Exclusive Gardens and Private Terraces with Extraordinary Views of the City’s Iconic Grand Canal

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced the debut of The St. Regis Venice, located steps away from Piazza San Marco and boasting the largest waterfrontage in Venice. The opening follows a two-year, full-scale renovation, restoring the grandeur of the former Grand Hotel Britannia, which opened in 1895 – the same year as the inaugural Venice Biennale. The hotel offers 169 guestrooms and suites, many of which boast private terraces or Juliet balconies for sweeping views of Venice’s iconic landmarks. Situated across the Grand Canal from Punta della Dogana, the hotel marries its celebrated heritage with the St. Regis brand’s modern design and bespoke service throughout a unique collection of five Venetian palaces, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century. The hotel’s spacious secluded garden sets the hotel apart, making it a lifestyle destination where guests and locals alike can enjoy remarkable views of the Grand Canal. The St. Regis Venice marks the brand’s third location in Italy, joining The St. Regis Florence and The St. Regis Rome.

Venice is one of the world’s most inimitable cities; one which has inspired royalty, artists, merchants and jet setters alike for more than fifteen centuries,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President of Luxury Brands – Europe, Marriott International. “The St. Regis Venice unites the captivating spirit of the city with the timeless sophistication and service of the brand, re-interpreting Venice’s rich history through a modern lens.

Terrace Canal View at The St. Regis Venice Hotel

From its ideal location at the mouth of the Grand Canal, The St. Regis Venice offers unparalleled vistas of some of Venice’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica and the Punta della Dogana Museum. Behind the hotel lies Calle XXII Marzo, a street which is home to elite boutiques and contemporary art galleries, which allows for seamless access to the Grand Teatro La Fenice, the city’s temple to opera. With Piazza San Marco a four-minute walk from the hotel, guests will find Venice’s famed attractions within easy reach.

St. Regis Venice Facade

Throughout its storied history, The St. Regis Venice, in its various guises, has played host to a roster of illustrious guests, global influencers and tastemakers. The five ‘palazzi’ that make up the hotel enjoy a position of privilege overlooking the Grand Canal, with Badoer Tiepolo being the oldest palazzo, which dates back to the 17th century. By the 19th century, palazzi Tiepolo, Barozzi and Regina were converted into the Grand Hotel Britannia, more recently known as Hotel Europa & Regina. The Grand Hotel Britannia attracted notable intellectuals and socialites as well as renowned painters J.M.W. Turner, John Singer Sargent and Claude Monet, who in the autumn of 1908 was inspired by the hotel’s spectacular views during his stay as a guest and worked to capture the passage of light in his artwork. It is recorded in the book “Monet in Venice” by Philippe Piguet that Claude Monet’s wife, Alice, remarked in her daily letters to her daughter during their stay, “the views from our hotel room are the most magnificent of all Venice, and it’s all for Monet!” The hotel was also the first in Venice to have electricity in every room.

The St. Regis Venice Roof Garden Suite
St. Regis Venice View

Evolutionary and Avant-Garde: A Modern-Day Venice, by Design
Led by London-based interior design studio Sagrada, The St. Regis Venice boasts 129 guestrooms and 40 suites with a third of the rooms overlooking the hotel’s luxurious gardens, as well as the Grand Canal. Following an extensive restoration, each room has been reverently furnished to cherish the artistic and cultural heritage of the building, while also embracing the evolution of La Serenissima and the St. Regis brand’s spirit of modern glamour. The exquisitely-designed suites include a two-bedroom, art-inspired Presidential Suite – a true contemporary artist’s residence overlooking the Grand Canal – and a three-bedroom Penthouse Suitewith a wraparound furnished terrace showcasing extraordinary views over Venice from three separate viewpoints. The five Roof Garden Suitesspectacularly combine garden-inspired interiors with uninterrupted vistas and contemporary touches while furnished terraces offer a quietly seductive atmosphere. Set against twilight tones, the Venetian Suitesshowcase crafted details of modern design, influenced by the artistic heritage of the city, while the colour palette of the Monet Suitespay homage to the reflection of light across the Grand Canal. As a hallmark of the St. Regis experience, all guests have access to the signature St. Regis Butler service. Honoured to maintain a long-standing tradition of making guests feel at home, the St. Regis Butler is poised to provide an ever-present, yet unobtrusive, service attending to guests’ every need.

A Muse of the Arts
Inspired by the Venetian masterpieces of former guest and Impressionist painter Claude Monet, the interiors of the refined guestrooms showcase a distinctive colour palette that represents how light changes throughout the day from dawn to dusk. The design of the public spaces pays homage to Carlo Scarpa, one of Venice’s greatest artists and architects. Venetian styling is seen throughout the hotel in tailored fabrics and custom, handcrafted furnishings inspired by the gentle curves of gondolas, the patterns of the Doge’s Palace, the pavements of St. George’s churchyard and the water flow of the canal.

St. Regis Venice Bar

Inspired by the artistic heritage of the city, an eclectic collection of artwork and sculptures will also be curated, bringing ancient Venice to today’s luxury travellers in a modern way. Paying homage to the hotel’s tradition of welcoming famed artists, The St. Regis Venice will host artists from around the world to take residence and create unique pieces inspired by the hotel and its beloved locale. The hotel’s first resident artist, Parisian Olivier Masmonteil, has been commissioned to create original artworks for the Gran Salone and the Monet Suites. The Venetian tradition of glassmaking also lives on, celebrated through a partnership with Glasstress. This unique partnership marries contemporary art and historical glass blowing techniques, inviting world class artists of various disciplines to collaborate with Murano Maestros (masters) to create one-of-a-kind glass works of art.

Gios’s Terrace at Dusk

Cultivating the Vanguard: A Social Beacon for Contemporary Connoisseurs
Uncompromising glamour extends naturally to the hotel’s restaurants and bars, which offer a range of exquisite dining and beverage options. Authentic, modern Italian cuisine will be celebrated at Gio’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant anchored by the Grand Canal and the hotel’s private garden, and which promises to shake up Venetian and Italian traditions. Dishes will be elevated and perfected at the table, with the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. With immediate access to the inviting garden, the mood of the restaurant transitions seamlessly from a smart-casual setting during the day, to a more refined scene in the evening, as the nightly St. Regis champagne-sabering ritual begins.

The Garden Terrace at The St. Regis Venice
The Garden Terrace at Dusk

The secluded garden, with curated landscaping, reflects a modern interpretation of classic Venice, further complemented by geometric patterning, curlicue topiary, flowering plants and fluid pathways. Designed to provide a refined space for local tastemakers and guests to mingle, the garden is set to become Venice’s choice address for relaxing and socialising. With extraordinary views across the Grand Canal, the social heart of the hotel provides an opportune occasion to sample the famous Spritz from the roaming, custom-made Spritz Trolley, or enjoy the Santa Maria –the hotel’s unique twist on the brand’s signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary. Playful sculptures blend with the garden’s décor and discreet seating to offer guests a moment for introspection away from the crowds.

St. Regis Venice Arts Bar

The intimate Arts Bar is a journey of the senses, serving art-inspired modern and classic cocktails with a flourish. The collection of drinks comprised of old favourites and new creations reflect masterpieces by celebrated avant-garde artists. Notable artworks include pieces from Banksy, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and more. Upending tradition, the mood is set by modern Jazz interpretations, live or DJ-led, with convivial service. As dusk descends, the area transforms, unfolding into the early hours as casual elegance spills onto the outdoor terrace.

St. Regis Venice Arts Bar

Advocating total relaxation, The St. Regis Venice will feature the Spa Suites, in partnership with Carita Paris. Treatments may be cultivated around time – permitting short but effective beauty lifts, or longer, more in-depth therapies and programmes. For those keen to uphold their fitness regimes, the fully equipped Exercise Room with Technogym® equipment provides an ultra-modern environment for targeted workouts.

St. Regis Venice Library
The Grand Salone at The St. Regis Venice Hotel

Social Gatherings
For larger celebrations and more formal functions, The St. Regis Venice offers a choice of areas that can be easily personalised to host guests, supported by an extensive menu of locally-sourced cuisine. Crafted occasions can be held in the Library, with its urbane atmosphere and curated selection of books and art; in the well-appointed Lounge; or in its adjacent Astor Boardroom. The Canaletto Room will embody the modern spirit of a Venetian palazzo, with its impressive ballroom making an ideal backdrop for celebrations and events. Finally, the secluded garden and private terraces lend themselves to unforgettable moments beside breath-taking views.

For more information, please visit stregisvenice.com. @stregisvenice #StRegisVenice #CultivatingTheVanguard #LiveExquisite


Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at over 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com.

St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com

Asheville Winter Travel News: Surprisingly Cozy And Refreshing Off-Season Adventures In The Blue Ridge Mountains

S’more flights, mountaintop yoga under the winter sun, new downtown hotel and art hubs with long-range views and “Downton Abbey” at Biltmore

Often overlooked and underrated, winter in Asheville, N.C., is a bit of a secret in a Blue Ridge Mountain city world-famous for fall color and lush summer adventure. Mostly moderate winter weather means Asheville’s Art Deco Downtown remains walkable and cozy with picture-perfect long-range views of snowy peaks, romantic restaurants and easy access to hiking and walking trails. This winter brings a mix of cozy new offerings including wellness experiences to beat the winter blues, a new downtown hotel with expansive views and luxury wellness amenities, “Downton Abbey” costumes and life-sized set recreations at The Biltmore, beverages to warm the soul and new cultural offerings to tuck into. http://www.ExploreAsheville.com/winter19-20

Ashewville Convention and Visitors Bureau logo

Why Winter?

Stunning panoramic views, the best rates of the year and last-minute travel deals from an array of mountaintop retreats and inviting B&Bs—some offering private hot tubs overlooking the surrounding peaks and valleys, fireplaces in epic locales and the chance to see nationally traveling bands in intimate music venues. Find out more at www,ExploreAsheville.com/winter.

NEW HOTEL WITH EXPANSIVE VIEWS & SERENITY-THEMED AMENITIES

Just opened, the Kimpton Hotel Arras has added a new icon and four-star luxury property to Asheville’s famed Art Deco skyline. In addition to a completely new Art Deco façade for Asheville’s tallest building, the 128-room hotel offers grand views of the surrounding mountains and an extensive food focus with two restaurants by local chef Peter Pollay—Bargello, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and District 42, a more casual spot with outdoor seating, small bites and hand-crafted cocktails. The hotel also offers an artisanal serenity cart, available upon request for guest room delivery, filled with everything from books by Asheville authors to lavender sachets and evening cordials. Wellness amenities also include a massage room and yoga area.

“DOWNTON ABBEY” AT BILTMORE

On the heels of the hit “Downton Abbey” movie, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition arrives at America’s Largest Home on Nov. 8 with set recreations and artifacts, more than 50 of the show’s costumes and exclusive multimedia elements. Housed at Biltmore‘s Amherst and Legacy locations, the exhibition will run through April 7, 2020, and will highlight the parallels between the show, the movie and Biltmore’s Vanderbilt family, friends and staff. (More info. )

COZY WINTER TOURS: TEA & TAROT, MOUNTAINTOP YOGA + ROOFTOP FIRE PITS

  • Winter Blues, Bye: Check out the enlightening new Tea and Tarot offering from Asheville Wellness Tours that includes an educational, traditional Chinese tea experience and a group tarot reading at one of Asheville’s coziest tea houses.
  • Warm Your Spirit on Top of a Mountain: Asheville Wellness Tours is offering the Yoga on the Mountain Hike this winter. Make your way through the forest and then warm your spirit with yoga under the winter sun. Enjoy a peaceful mountain, crisp fresh air and long-range views along the way.
  • Rooftop Fire Pits & Mountain Views: Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours offer a guided tour to some of Asheville’s most scenic spots. Winter means gorgeous sunset views, crystal clear vistas of the surrounding mountains, hot toddies and fire pits.

NEW ART MUSEUM JOINS ARRAY OF FRESH, IMMERSIVE CULTURAL ADVENTURES

Views Inside & Out: Asheville Art Museum reopens this November with a new state-of-the-art building that features education facilities, an art library, a lecture and performance space, a new ArtPLAYce for families and children and the addition of a rooftop sculpture terrace and café with views of downtown architecture and the surrounding mountains. The opening exhibition “Appalachia Now!” is a survey of contemporary art in Southern Appalachia, highlighting 50 emerging artists from the region.

More NEW Cultural Experiences Downtown:

  • One of Asheville’s most beloved festivals now has a brick-and-mortar location downtown. Opening to the public this winter, LEAF Global Arts Center will be a cornerstone in the continued rebirth of the city’s historical African-American business district, The Block. The Center will offer educational experiences for guests rooted in music, art, community and culture inclusivity via a mini-theater and global immersion room using virtual reality, unique musical instruments and a stage for performances and interactive artist workstations.
  • Opening this November, The Center for Craft is expanding with The National Craft Innovation Hub, including new public galleries featuring local and national makers, lecture space, classrooms and a co-working space, cementing Asheville’s reputation as a force in the nation’s fine art and maker scene. To celebrate the reopening, the “Craft Futures 2099” exhibition showcases 10 local and national artists and their craft objects of the future, an exploration of what’s been and what’s to come in the world of craft. The exhibition runs until February 2020. All Center for Craft galleries are free and open to the public.

FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS: CRAFT BEER & MAKER COLLAB, NIGHTLIFE GETS A MAKEOVER + S’MORE FLIGHTS

  • New Brewery Blends National Park History and Maker Culture: Set in the buildings that once housed young forestry workers of the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, Burial Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp Restaurant and Bar just opened, offering beer, wine and coffee and highlighting local makers, from bakers to artists to musicians. James Beard semifinalist Brian Canipelli, chef and owner of Cucina 24, leads the food program.
  • “Beauty Academy” Pairs Drinks, Food & Live Music: This newly opened venture from Charlie Hodge (Sovereign Remedies), Asheville Beauty Academy, features cocktails, champagne and brandy menus, a small food program and live music. The iconic downtown building, built in 1913, was home to the Asheville Beauty Academy in the 1950s and more recently a beloved jazz and blues bar.
  • Brewing Beyond Beer: New downtown brewery DSSOLVR opens this November with beer offerings fit for the pickiest of beer enthusiasts to the most casual of light beer drinkers, as well as their own mead, wine, cider and cold-brew coffee.
  • S’more Flights: Sunshine Sammies, known for ice cream sandwiches and their gourmet takes on after-school snacks like moon pies and zebra cakes, is making winter a little warmer with s’more flights. Think house-made marshmallows, scratch-made graham crackers, dark chocolate and toppings in a variety of rotating flavors.
  • Winter Teas Infuse Local Flavors: Asheville Tea Company, working with a dozen local and regional farms, is warming up spirits this winter with their Snow Day blend (utilizing French Broad Chocolate cacao nibs), Winter Wonderland (a blend of white tea, Fraser Fir, wintergreen, peppermint, birch bark and yarrow flower) and Nutcracker (black tea, cinnamon, hickory nuts and vanilla bean).

ICONIC WINTER EXPERIENCES Discover more at ExploreAsheville.com/winter.

  • Unobstructed Views: Take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while on a winter hike. Multiple trailhead access points remain open all year long on the Blue Ridge Parkway and across Pisgah National Forest. Find your perfect winter trail with Explore Asheville‘s NEW Asheville Hike Finder, where you can sort by difficulty, distance from Asheville and features like waterfalls or views.
  • Best Deals: Winter offers the best rates of the year for travel deals + fewer crowds. Cozy travel packages include wellness opportunities and other winter adventures. Find more at ExploreAsheville.com/deals.
  • Cabin Fever: Asheville’s array of mountaintop retreats and inviting B&Bs offers private hot tubs overlooking the surrounding peaks and valleys, candlelight dinners and the opportunity to get away from it all.
  • Secret Season for Music: Deep-seated bluegrass roots harmonize with new talent and innovative sounds in Asheville. In winter many nationally traveling local bands come home to the region to play shows and pop in to jam sessions.
  • Fireplaces with a View: From rooftops to cozy spots to imbibe, Asheville’s trend of fireplaces accompanied by spectacular vistas of downtown architecture and mountain scenery is highlighted at venues like Capella on 9 at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown and Hemingway’s Cuba at Cambria Downtown Asheville. Other hot spots with epic fireplace offerings: Omni Grove Park Inn, Pillar Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown and Wicked Weed Brewing.
  • Signature winter events in Asheville include: The Big Crafty (December), showcasing handmade art from hundreds of local artists; The Fringe Arts Festival (January), an innovative series of boundary-pushing arts performances; Big Band Dance Weekend (January) at the Omni Grove Park Inn; and Asheville Restaurant Week (January). Find more winter events at ExploreAsheville.com/events.

ARCHER® Hotel Brings Sophistication to Tysons, Virginia with Announcement of Boutique Hotel in Scotts Run

Steps from Metro: LodgeWorks Partners, L.P. Hand-Picked Scotts Run South for Development of its 178-Room Luxe Property, Marking the Seventh Hotel for the Growing Brand

ARCHER® Hotel Tysons, a new-build property in the heart of Scotts Run South, is officially underway. LodgeWorks Partners, L.P., the owner, operator and developer of the growing Archer Hotel collection, hand-picked this location adjacent to the McLean Silver Line Metro Station, which provides easy access to Washington, D.C., just nine miles away, and the city’s two airports, Dulles International and Reagan National.

The highly anticipated hotel will be filled with curated luxuries, thoughtful touches and local discoveries, all of which are at the core of this award-winning brand’s success. In less than four years Archer Hotel has made coveted “Best of Lists” in leading consumer magazines such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, in addition to being at the pinnacle of its competition set – occupying the top one to five percent (5%) spots in each city – on trusted review sites.

ARCHER Hotel is a boutique collection with a focus on sincere service, curated luxuries and a dedication to details big and small. With properties in sought-after destinations and carefully selected suburbs, the hotels are designed to feel like welcoming residences, each with distinct nod to the location they call home. The hotels consistently rank in the top spots on trusted review sites based on guest feedback, with a strong theme of exceeding expectations. Current Archer locations can be found in sought-after cities – New York, Austin and Napa Valley – as well as up-andcoming destinations in top metro areas, such as Burlington, MA; Florham Park, NJ; and Redmond, WA. All of its city properties — New York, Napa and Austin — are in the running for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, which was recently published in November 2019 edition of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

(The Archer Hotel Austin came in 19th (93.28 points)–of 20– on the Texas list of Best City Hotels. The Archer Hotel Napa came in 16th (96.18 points) –of 25– on the Northern California list of Best City Hotels in California. The Archer Hotel New York failed to place on this year list, but, hey, the competition was quite stiff all around with a record 600,000 registered voters, nearly 10,000 hotels, spas, airlines, trains, cruises, counties, islands, and destination resorts receiving votes. Of those, barely 15% made the final cut.)

Archer Hotel Tysons is currently the only hotel in the development plans for Scotts Run South. The dynamic Scotts Run development is destined to be a new walkable urban village and will attract a wonderful cross-section of guests with plans for approximately 6.5 million square feet of new residential and commercial development, comprised of residential units, restaurants, retail, office space, and an expansive public plaza. The Scotts Run stream valley park runs through the site and on to the Potomac River, connecting guests with wellness and nature.

The Tysons locale boasts megacity attributes and infrastructure, while retaining welcoming touches like tree-lined streets and a lower-stress lifestyle. LodgeWorks is dedicated to bringing sophistication to discerning guests who have an appreciation for boutique hotel experiences and a fondness for attention to details big and small. This the seventh hotel in the growing collection in just five years since its first property opened. The preliminary opening timeline for Archer Hotel Tysons is summer 2021.

The seven-story hotel’s 178 guest rooms and suites will have a variety of design palettes, which is true of all Archer properties. Just as no two bedrooms in a home would be alike, the accommodations vary throughout in both design and layout. Guests can choose from Classic King, Double King (uncommon to find in hotels), Archer King Suite and Archer’s Den, which are the largest accommodations in the hotel. Archer’s Den is a one-bedroom suite which offers a separate living area furnished with a comfy chesterfield-style sofa, side chair and a 55-inch flatscreen TV. Combine this with the fully-stocked wet bar and this room is the perfect option for longer stays and entertaining.

Designed by LK Architecture, Inc., Archer Hotel Tysons blends historic adaptive reuse architecture with the modern urban infill to create a distinctive experience at Scotts Run. Tumbled multi-color brick mixes with contemporary metal panels, and floor-to-ceiling muntin framed windows to create an urban chic destination in the exciting new urban development.

Archer Hotel Tysons will boast a rooftop event venue, a fitness studio, bar and restaurant. The hotel will also offer underground valet parking. Archer Hotel Tysons will play host to meetings and events with more than 6,500 square feet of space, including the rooftop with outdoor terrace, a board room and several breakout rooms. Legendary James Beard award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer who has already teamed up with LodgeWorks at Archer in both New York and Napa, will operate the hotel’s restaurant and be the exclusive provider of all food and beverage services at the hotel including its events catering.

The location of this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Tysons is the twelfth largest central business district in the US, with 30 million square feet of office space, home to five Fortune 500 headquarters and two super regional malls – Tysons Corner Center, which is the 10th largest mall in the US, and Tysons Galleria with anchors including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales; luxury stores including Cartier, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton; and technology stores which include Apple, Microsoft and Tesla.

LodgeWorks Partners, L.P., is a privately held hotel development and management company with a rich history as hospitality brand innovators, industry-leading guest satisfaction, sophisticated development acumen and an experienced team that has successfully collaborated for more than 30 years. The company launched the ARCHER® Hotel boutique collection with a trio of high-profile U.S. destinations. In May 2014 Archer Hotel debuted in New York City/mid-town Manhattan, followed by an August 2016 opening in Austin at The Domain NORTHSIDE, and a much-anticipated November 2017 opening in downtown Napa, California. The collection continued its strategic development plan in upscale metro markets with a February 2018 opening in Burlington, MA (just outside of Boston), followed by a May 2018 addition in Florham Park, NJ, and in late May 2019 with a location in Redmond, WA (a high-tech Eastside suburb of Seattle).

LodgeWorks continues to own, franchise and/or manage a portfolio of branded hotels, including Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, Aloft®, Hampton Inn®, and Hilton Garden Inn®. For more information, please visit www.lodgeworks.com.

Nordstrom Opens Its Doors At The SoNo Collection In Norwalk, CT

This New Location Marks The Company’s Second Connecticut Store and The First Of Two East Coast Openings This Fall

This past week, leading fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. opened the doors to Nordstrom the SoNo Collection, the company’s second full-line store in Connecticut. The three-level, 140,000 square-foot store features the latest store design, a brand-new service concept, a new beauty and wellness experience, and a comprehensive offering of clothing, shoes and accessories for the entire family. The first Nordstrom store in Connecticut opened at Westfarms Mall in Farmington in 1997.

Nordstrom Incorporated Logo

The SoNo Collection (100 N. Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854 +1-203-299-0701) is a new 83-store strong shopping, dining, art, and entertainment destination located near I-95 in South Norwalk, Connecticut , just one hour outside of New York City. The SoNo Collection has a lot to offer, including an expansive selection of your favorite fashion retailers and an abundance of one-of-a-kind art and entertainment experiences in Fairfield County.

Nortdstrom’s newest store design concept includes lighter fixtures, more windows and natural light that connect the shopping experience to the outside world. The goal was to create spaces where customers want to spend their leisure time, to encourage a sense of discovery for new brands or styles they haven’t tried before.

Women’s apparel features fashion in a variety of price points including of-the-moment brands like rag & bone, Veronica Beard, FRAME, and Saloni; designer brands including Missoni, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta; and exclusive and limited distribution brands like Madewell, Topshop and more than 35 Nordstrom Made labels. In shoes, customers can find everything from Nike to Doc Martens to Christian Louboutin, including several Nordstrom Exclusive styles from Valentino, Prada, Golden Goose and Givenchy. The store also has four specialty handbag boutiques including Chloe, Longchamp, Givenchy and Mansur Gavriel.

Selection of Women’s Fashion at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection
Selection of Women’s Fashion at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection
Selection of Jeans at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection

Customers will also find the retailer’s latest beauty concept Nordstrom Beauty Haven, which highlights wellness, haircare and beauty tools with top trending brands and services to pamper customers from head-to-toe – whether they have 30-minutes or three hours. Services include:

  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Suite: A boutique brow experience with experts trained to reshape and sculpt using the Anastasia method.
  • Base Coat Nail Salon: Featuring manicures and pedicures using plant-based and mostly chemical-free products.
  • Light Salon: This light bar service brings convenient and effective five to sixty-minute treatments to customers using the latest LED technology. The facial bar offers various treatments ranging from spot treatments to peels.

Additional beauty brands include dedicated boutiques by Chanel, Atelier Cologne, Diptyque, Jo Malone, and Kiehl’s, as well as Charlotte Tilbury, Sulwhasoo, Arcona, Herbivore, Kopari and La Mer.

Selection of Men’s Fashion at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection
Selection of boots in the Shoe Salon at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection

Men’s Shoes and clothing include designer brands like Ksubi, Norse Projects, and Christian Louboutin, as well as Madewell Men, Patagonia and Topman, to name a few. The Kid’s Wear department features Tucker + Tate, Miles Baby and Mini Boden, and the store also has an At Home department, a full-service bistro-style restaurant Bazille, and Ebar, for artisan coffee and snacks.

Selection of handbags at Nordstrom The SoNo Collection

We’re eager to welcome customers to showcase our latest store design and some of the company’s most exciting new beauty and service concepts, in addition to great fashion at a breadth of price points,” said Molly Carmody, Nordstrom the SoNo Collection store manager. “We can’t wait for customers to experience the best of what we have to offer and look forward to welcoming them right here in Norwalk.”

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Nordstrom is looking to make shopping in-store and online a seamless experience that’s easy, convenient and serves customers on their terms. The answer? A new service concept called Express Services, launching at Nordstrom the SoNo Collection for the first time. This new department features a dedicated 2,700 sq. ft. area where customers can pick-up online orders, try them on, issue express returns and access in-store alterations and tailoring services all in one place. Additional services include Curbside Pickup, complimentary Personal Styling, bra and prosthesis fitters, and more.

Opening Day kicked off at 8 a.m. with Beauty Bash – a high energy beauty party – just outside the store’s SoNo Collection mall entrance. Customers enjoyed a preview of the store’s exciting cosmetics selection as well as one-on-one time with Nordstrom beauty experts who provided inside scoop on fall beauty trends. More than 320 employees welcomed customers when the doors officially opened at 10 a.m.

The night before opening, Nordstrom hosted Nordstrom Night Out – an opening party that raised more than $80,000 for Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Domestic Violence Crisis Center. More than 1,000 guests were in attendance to experience an exclusive preview of the new store while enjoying cocktails, gourmet delights and desserts; entertainment from artists DJ Alkimist, Boutique Jazz and DJ Ian Wallace; fall fashion presentations and an opportunity to shop the season’s best looks.

At the end of the month, Nordstrom the SoNo Collection will be joined by Nordstrom NYC – the company’s first flagship store in New York City, opening October 24. NordstromThe Men’s Store NYC opened in April of 2018.

Celebrate Personal Expression In Macy’s New Fall 2019 Campaign, ‘For Every You’

Check out Macy’s Presents The Edit online to get inspired for fall with fashion trends and advice from Macy’s Fashion Office

Shop Newness In Store With thredUP, Mango Woman, the Watch Drop, Sam Edelman and more

Each fall, we get the opportunity to effect a fresh start and a chance to reintroduce the world to our most remarkable selves. Macy’s incredible assortment of fashion, accessories, home and beauty is full of perfect pieces to make shoppers feel confident, while cooling temperatures offer new ways to layer trends in a way that feels totally personal.

Looking to spark your personal style inspiration? Check out Macy’s Presents The Edit, a digital destination for all the latest style advice, curated by the experts at Macy’s Fashion Office. For some fresh fall fashion, check out new additions to Macy’s including thredUP, Mango Woman, the Watch Drop, Sam Edelman, Beatles product, and more.

The start of autumn truly sparks a renewed sense of creativity as it relates to getting dressed,” said Durand Guion, vice president, Macy’s Fashion Office. “We’ve curated the season’s top trends including animal print power and plaid mixing, highlighting the must-have patterns of the season, in addition to a color spotlight on green and all of its rich and deep variations. Our take on beauty this season celebrates a bold and beautiful look. This fall, we’ll offer more style options than ever to help her express a remarkable sense of individual style.

Macy’s incredible fall assortment of fashion, accessories, home and beauty is full of perfect pieces to make shoppers feel remarkable. INC International Concepts clothing and accessories, $79.50-$109.50 (Photo: Business Wire)

For Every You

Macy’s fall campaign, “For Every You,” features the power of fashion as self-expression and follows women on the journey to the ideal look to the soundtrack of Lizzo’s “Like a Girl.” Women choose an outfit for more than outward appearance, as a look can also express who they want to become while wearing it. Macy’s vast fashion selection gives women freedom to express all parts of themselves and bring their inner dreams and aspirations into the world. Produced by Macy’s in collaboration with BBDO New York, the 30-second spot began airing across television and digital September 8, along with robust supportive content rolling out across digital and social.

Social Media

On Instagram, Macy’s is launching Besties, a first-to-market collaboration with Instagram and Bustle Digital Group, featuring the time-honored tradition of shopping with your best friend. No one can offer fashion advice quite like your BFF, so follow along with three real-life sets of friends as they shop Macy’s fall fashion collection and explore the season’s featured trends with fully shoppable content. Want to show off your own style? Post a selfie of your own Macy’s fall fashion look on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and hashtag #macyslove for a chance to be featured on @macys Instagram or macys.com.

Fall Fashion

This autumn, shoppers can seek out remarkable style and engage with key trends in a personal way. For women, greenery is the central hue for fall. Deep shades of kelly and olive reference the natural world and tones can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Varied textures add interest and dimension, like a snake and crocodile I.N.C. International Concepts pump. For a little more boldness, walk on the wild side with animal prints of every variety. From natural leopard on faux fur coats to neon hues of snake on Bar III dresses, pattern is king of the jungle this season. Try a new twist on plaid with bold color mixes and prints of all sizes, like a tweed Julia Jordan dress or a Vince Camuto plaid top and skirt with just the right hint of neon.

Midi lengths are key in skirts and dresses, like those from Tommy Hilfiger, especially when paired with oversized sweaters. Add some drama to a casual look with a voluminous sleeve or make the ultimate style statement with a Lauren Ralph Lauren head-to-toe plaid suit. Animal prints make marks on everything from handbags to Calvin Klein intimates, while statement earrings approach the trend with tortoiseshell prints. Western accents adorn shoes, hats and saddle bags with buckles, fringe and whipstitch details. Chunky sole sneakers, like those from DKNY, keep any look feeling fresh and new arrivals shoes from Sam Edelman offer something for every style.

Macy’s incredible fall assortment of fashion, accessories, home and beauty is full of perfect pieces to make shoppers feel remarkable. Club Room clothing, $30-$135 (Photo: Business Wire)

In menswear, gray matters this fall. From sleek tailored suiting in windowpane patterns by Tommy Hilfiger to streetwear sets by Ellesse, the head-to-toe monochromatic look is sure to turn heads. For a standout moment, try a silver metallic moto trucker jacket from Michael Kors or an abstract printed trench from Alfani. The modern utility trend also offers new twists on menswear favorites. A military jacket from Levi’s is an effortlessly cool take on the trend, while a head-to-toe wine-colored camo suit from I.N.C. International Concepts is the ultimate statement.

Fall Beauty

Embrace your fearless self this fall and don’t be afraid to play with color! Bold and bright eyes are the hottest beauty trend this season. Pack on the pigment with Anastasia Beverly Hills x Jackie Aina Palette or clean beauty brand PÜR’s Barbie Endless Possibilities Pressed Pigments Palette. Use the same shade on the lower lash line to amp up the wow factor! On days where you want to up the ante but don’t have the time, try the season’s hottest lip trend, the flame lip. It’s great to wear on its own and make a chic bold statement. Channel your inner French girl with Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 080 Red Smile or Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in 954 Radical. This modern twist on the classic red lip brings orange hues out to play.

Macy’s incredible fall assortment of fashion, accessories, home and beauty is full of perfect pieces to make shoppers feel remarkable. Skincare by concern, $18-$229 (Photo: Business Wire)

The transition into the colder months also brings on new skincare needs and regimens. Macy’s has made the task of finding what works best for all skin types easy by offering skincare solutions by concern. Whether it’s dryness, dullness, anti-aging, oily skin, dark circles or acne, find the right products to target and remedy issues and help you put your best face forward. Go to a local store or visit our online Beauty Hub to get pro tips and curated product recommendations that’ll keep you confident and radiant in your skin this fall.

Fall Home and Entertaining

Macy’s incredible fall assortment of fashion, accessories, home and beauty is full of perfect pieces to make shoppers feel remarkable. Martha Stewart Collection quilt, $200 (Photo: Business Wire)

Live La Dolce Vita this fall with pieces designed with the simplicity and craftsmanship of the Italian lifestyle in mind. Tuscan tile-inspired decals and olive branch embossing bring depth to plate settings, quilts and serveware. Terracotta hues, rich blues and vibrant yellows breathe life and authenticity into home decor. Martha Stewart Collection serveware and textiles bring the richness and comfort of the Old World countryside right to your home. Inspired by family-style culture, highlight your hosting skills with an olivewood Lazy Susan or marble wine and cheese pieces from Thirstystone. Set out a cheese board, equipped with a built-in slicer for easy self-serving, or keep guests’ wine at temperature all evening with a sleek marbled wine chiller. Achieve the peak Italian lifestyle by recreating the perfect espresso with coffee and espresso machines from Brim and Nespresso. Made for countertop convenience, these modern appliances will transport you to a café in Milan.

New In-Store and on macys.com

Lots of newness is in store this autumn, beginning with the recent launch of Mango Woman in select Macy’s stores and on macys.com. The chic assortment from the Spain-based label includes womenswear and accessories, with inspiration reflecting the essence of Mediterranean style with a contemporary twist.

Macy’s has also partnered with thredUP, the world’s largest fashion resale marketplace, on a pilot program to create a secondhand shopping experience in select Macy’s stores. Millions of consumers use thredUP to sell clothes they no longer wear and buy vetted secondhand apparel; now Macy’s will add a selection of those high quality secondhand products to 40 stores, allowing customers to discover the thrill of the thrift with great deals on the new-to-you brands and constant new arrivals.

Exciting launches are also hitting the menswear floor in select stores and on macys.com, like a created for Macy’s capsule of Beatles apparel. These tees and fleeces celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Abbey Road” album.

Macy’s will also be commemorating another Hollywood icon with the exclusive Barbour International Steve McQueen Collection. McQueen was one of the British brand’s most famous fans since wearing their designs in the 1964 ISDT (International Six Days Trial) in East Germany, and the collection pays homage to his classic Americana style.

Macy’s Watch Drop program is returning this fall, with 25 exclusive, limited-edition men’s, women’s and unisex watches. These special timepieces will drop online at macys.com/watchdrop in three waves on September 10, September 24 and October 15.

Discover School of Style

School is back in session at STORY at Macy’s, the always changing “store to explore” inside 36 Macy’s locations nationwide. This semester, expressing personal style is the top major during STORY’s third experiential concept – School of Style STORY. Opening September 12 and running through October 24, the STORY at Macy’s campus is the place to discover and master your own unique flair. The course catalogue features options like adding timeless basics to your wardrobe in Trend Equations 101 to Studio Art 4U, where a blank canvas can be transformed into a masterpiece. The fall class can also hit the stacks of the Style Library to learn how to enhance their home and life on the go. With a host of electives focused on styling sessions and customization workshops, the School of Style class of 2019 will be prepped to conquer the fall fashion scene and graduate with honors.

Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynchI’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.