Wanderlista

JUST BACK: Shades of Pink

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:26:53 -0400

Expect understated chic at Pink Sands, where the beach blushes the delicate color of vin rosé (of which there is plenty on hand), and, depending who you are with, so will you.

The 25 pastel cottages may have a hot designer – and even hotter celebrity guest list – but this resort is all about being cool. Biba founder – and 60’s style maven – Barbara Hulanicki mixed Indian, Moroccan and Balinese elements into a giddy new cocktail when she did the interior design for the resort. A-listers have all been spotted among the mirrored throw cushions and teak lounging sofas. Yet this retreat maintains its relaxed air, far from the paparazzi, feverish fans and nouveau snobbery.

The pastel paradise stands beside its namesake, the glamorous and legendary three-mile strip of pink sand on Harbour Island in The Bahamas, and it’s a place to lay in the sand (or build a sand castle), dine on gorgeous conch salad and contemplate, well, just about everything..all sans chaussures.

Pink Sands isn’t the place to stargaze. Rather it’s a chance to enter the constellation and shine.

The Rise of the Caftan

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:47:49 -0400

If anyone has seen my summer beach wardrobe, then they know I love to rock the caftan. The perfect staple from beach to street in an instant, (and easy to pack), caftans should be an effortless part of your summer wardrobe. However, I’ve noticed many women ask how to buy the right ones. Which work well and which don’t? And, as a slim, 38-year-old woman, why do I feel the need to cover? Step into my closet…

In a recent interview, I was asked how I describe my personal style. I answered, “a bohemian Audrey Hepburn.” I certainly have my share of fitted sheath dresses perfect for work or a Milanese aperitivo, but even Holly Golightly is quick to grab that super dreamy drape of fabric that ever so perfectly wafts around her lithe figure on a sultry summer evening. While a caftan might not work for a New York power lunch, it works rooftop at Soho House, and, most importantly, works in all of your summer hot spots.

Now I’ll share all my faves and why. Each shot in gorgeous locales by the fabulous Peter Wesley Brown.

I’ve long been a fan of Missoni Mare, the famed Italian fashion house’s beachwear line. I would typically skip using the seaside cover-up in the day and transform it to dress at night with flat sandals. I have this gorgeous webbed silver one that I practically lived in two summers ago. The sash added a bit of definition and I wore it with and without a slip underneath, depending where I was. We also featured it with the Dea Rosa SS12 evening bag in lizard and satin.

Last year, I met designer, Miguelina Gambaccini at a party in New York and we were fast friends. Her white, Rachel Caftan led me all the way through my Grecian odyssey last summer (and was the centerpiece for the Dea Rosa Spring/Summer Collection). Daytime over a bikini, the Rachel worked as well as when paired with a slip underneath at night. Sometimes I’d add a skinny python belt to cinch it up a bit. Flat sandals or wedges complimented it perfectly. Now, I’m so obsessed with Miguelina’s entire line, that my suitcase is usually filled with her caftans and airy dresses; peppered with my Missoni staples I’m ready to tackle any resort location.

My other caftan go-to is Vicente Ganesha’s line in Ibiza. Made in India, the prints stand apart and the light cotton works absolutely everywhere. They typically run about 150 Euro or so, so if you’re not heading to Ibiza this summer, but know someone that is, tell them to snatch-up a few for you. Last summer, I actually flew to Ibiza from Athens for just under 40 hours of caftan shopping and some beach time with friends. Trust me, they are well worth it.

So how do you know what’s right for you?

*Choose fabric that breathes since you’re going to be wearing a lot of it; skip the polyester or blends. Silk works, but at night only as you don’t want suntan lotions to stain.

*Buy a size down. Most women don’t buy clothes that fit them. Trust me on this: you’re smaller than you think.

*Pick one that has a slit up the front to show your bronzed gams – just a hint of skin is enough.

*Invest in a great skinny belt and leave it in your suitcase – it skinnies you up in no time!

*Channel Jade Jagger…pile on the bracelets, big rings, chunky necklaces. I love vintage jewelry from House of Lavande.

*Pack two pairs of flat sandals. One super simple in a solid metallic and then something with a bit of bling. I’m loving the Flat Slingback Thong Sandal from K Jacques and the Lanvin Toe-Ring Wedge Sandal.

Email me for more tips on how to embrace your inner caftan!

Punta Mita...my home away from home.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:09:10 -0400

I’m writing this from LGA’s Admiral’s Club (a renovated one I might add), I’m en route to my second home (or third, or fourth…can’t keep track of where I actually feel like home these days, which I don’t mind one bit) and heading to the Punta Mita Golf & Gourmet, returning for its second year, taking place from April 12 through April 15, 2012. This weekend-long event combines culinary excellence and championship golf-two favored pastimes at Punta Mita.

The brainchild of St Regis Punta Mita’s General Manager Carl Emberson, last year’s impressive inaugural edition proved to be a perfect blend of sophisticated pursuits and a rousing good time. The result? A new annual tradition in Punta Mita.

DINE, developer of Punta Mita together with St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, American Airlines and Riviera Nayarit will feature gorgeous dining and cooking classes with celebrated chefs, together with a series of wine, tequila and mezcal tastings at festive gatherings at both resort properties.

Among the notables participating in this second edition are renowned Chef Richard Sandoval – called the father of Modern Mexican Cuisine, Chef Michael Mina, of the famed San Francisco-based Aqua, and his collection of award-winning restaurants, and Chef Patricia Quintana, with her restaurant Izote, considered among Mexico City’s most essential haute-cuisine destinations. As well, we can count on the participation of renowned Chefs Abraham Salum, Brendan Collins, British Columbia’s Bernard Casavant, Argentine Pobre Luis, Australian Andrew Ormsby, Brasil’s Rodrigo Oliveira, Spain’s Montse Estruch, and Italian Celestino Drago, who, along with his colleague Ian Gresik will join celebrated local Chef Thierry Blouet of the renowned Café des Artistes del Mar of Punta Mita. Host chefs include Philippe Piel, Executive Chef of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita’s four restaurants, and Sylvain Desbois, Executive Chef of the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

More live updates from Mita!

En route to gorgeous Palm Beach for a Dea Rosa trunk show....

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:25:18 -0400

En route to gorgeous Palm Beach for a Dea Rosa trunk show. Showcasing some exclusive designs which will be perfectly paired with Miguelina…I am wearing her caftan above. I traveled through Greece with this amazing lace piece and it effortlessly worked day and night. Seriously, it’s the only thing you need in that Dea Rosa bag ;-)

Spring in NY

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:07:16 -0400

I posted on my FB page yesterday that I tipped a street entertainer playing Stairway to Heaven on the electric guitar. I was walking down Broadway. On March 20. And it was 77 degrees. Yes, you read it correctly - the first day of spring was masked as the first day of summer.

What was I wearing? A vintage (well, I feel like three seasons can still be vintage for some designers) YSL green jersey tent dress with Fratelli Rossetti flat hobo oxford in dusty rose and my Dea Rosa Carpiano in limited edition Dino python…I love spring in the city.

Sort of partial to adding these hobo oxfords in navy calfskin to my collection. Hands-down the best ballerina replacement.

Is there Room at the Inn?

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:04 -0500

In the mid 1990s, I began my career in travel and tourism PR and was the corporate communications director for a company in the Caribbean. The owner taught me the ropes (always telling me that this business was 2/3 sh-t and 1/3 glamour and he has been right). Thanks Rob.

I did everything from hosting press trips, to writing copy to buying pottery for the new hotel we were opening at the time. Some days were spent finding former hotel staff in town because one client insisted on having “Veronica’s pancakes” for breakfast, even though Veronica didn’t work there anymore.

This week, I’ve been based at CasaSandra, and spending such close time with my clients reminds me of my start in the business. I write this today just after fine tuning the “Spanglish” on the restaurant menus, and ushering in a new massage therapist to a guest. I love the immersion of my work. Bringing it all back to basics sometimes is the best education, and the best therapy for life’s hectic pace.

Hail to Holbox

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:32:14 -0500

Some things you just stumble upon, and then they stay with you for a lifetime. Like super gorgeous gelato cools the soul, on the hottest Italian summer day.

Isla Holbox isn’t exactly easy to stumble upon, but I visited here on a whim two years ago. I had needed a beach and a friend recommended this fabulous spot. It’s about two hours from Cancun, but only a 20-minute Cessna flight. I’m back now, and basing my operations here at the 20-room CasaSandra for a week.

Arriving to Isla Holbox

The beachfront CasaSandra

Ssss-weet Dreams

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:05:28 -0500

Ssss-weet Dreams:

2012 February 28

Ssss-weet Dreams

WHAT: Dea Rosa Sleep Mask in Coral Red Python

WHY: Amid the whirlwind of Fashion Week hopping around the world, shut-eye is perhaps at its most neglected yet direly desired for the front row set. Fret not, darlings: Dea Rosa’s sumptuous sleep mask in a fetching, impossible-to-ignore coral red hue is made from lush python and should make for a better shot at resting on the red eye. Who’s going to jostle an elbow, spill a drink, or use a definitely-not-fit-for-first-class voice octave with this luxe set caressing one’s peepers? The loveliest of slumbers to you, jetsetter extraordinaire!

AVAILABLE: $425, DeaRosa.com

Water water everywhere

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:37:34 -0500

I don’t usually post about my PR clients unless they’re part of my round-ups that focus on various trend and style, but I was SO excited about this property re-opening in San Juan, that I had to share it with all of you who didn’t just get the normal press release.

I stayed here once back in 2003 and hosted a party on the hotel’s rooftop for a client launching a new travel company. We all love a good rooftop and The Water Club had it - super great music (I still have the playlist in my iTunes and gave the CD to everyone I know…it was called Water Down tempo) amazing views and gorgeous food.

Now, that rooftop could tell some stories. And finally, once again (thanks to new ownership and management), it’s the hottest address with the coolest look: with a $2.5M renovation well underway, the San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel is ready to take its rightful place as the local Mecca of hip, with music designed by international DJs, lively parties and celebrity stopovers (I am personally looking forward to the new playlist!)

Located on the corner of famous Isla Verde beach, the hotel takes its cues from the sapphire-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and incorporates them into its chic décor. Mist, the rooftop bar and resto boasts ‘socializers’—small plates you can share—prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients. And the hotel even has this cool new “Tu Deseo” (My Wish List) wish board mounted in each guest room. From extra towels, a sunrise aqua yoga session, to local fruit with their room service breakfast, “Tu Deseo” allows you to have just about anything you want.

San Juan is less than four hours from NY - daily flights on JetBlue make it fun too. Go now!

It's a Wrap

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:03:16 -0500

Just back to the Big Apple after wrapping the Dea Rosa F/W 2012 Collection look book shoot in Shanghai with Peter Wesley Brown. This amazing city sparked my inspiration for the new collection - it’s such a dichotomy of old and new. I’m just obsessed with it.

Here are test shots overlooking the famed modern city’s skyline in the background…I’m toting around a limited edition Carpiano satchel in dino python (not in the FW12 collection; special orders only). I just love this bag - it has a slightly aggressive, rock-n-roll vibe.

Back to the Future

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:33:12 -0500

Heading to Shanghai makes me feel like I’m heading ‘back to the future’ - this city celebrates the dichotomy between old and new perfectly. ‘Midnight in Paris’ is on everyone’s lips, but I’m channeling my inner Marlene Dietrich - going to find my ‘Shanghai Lil’…there’s a song in there somewhere.

old…

and new!

Milano sotto la neve!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:31:10 -0500

Well, it’s the first snow of the year in Milan, and it’s COLD. Thankfully I have a coat from Quentin Veron’s couture 2011 collection (he just showed 2012 in Paris last week). Quentin is SO talented. I met him when he was only 22 years old through a friend while I was in Paris. I’ve seen him grow considerably as a designer—he embraced the fur trend far before the high street. I can’t imagine going through a winter without him!

An Oasis on the Bund

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:19 -0500

I was working my way down the famous Shanghai Bund (and its bevy of gorgeous hotels) when I came across Les Suites Orient, a super-luxe retreat that practically spills you into the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

Comfortably contemporary, this boutique hotel is located only a few steps away from the famous Yu Garden and only 15 minutes away from the bustling city center and the Pudong Lujiazhui Finance District.

With two sister hotels in Taipei (a city on my list for 2012), the 168-room Les Suites 168 rooms is designed with a nod to the city’s famed Art-Deco style complimented by an eastern sensibility. A palette of muted earth tones dominates the rooms, creating an oasis of calm. As I entered the neat and uncluttered space, a view of the city scene leisurely cascaded from the window.

I love being in a hotel room, where everything is in its rightful place. No looking for light switches, touch pads, trash bins, bath amenities. Even if all of these things weren’t obvious, you didn’t have to look for them. And it was all so modern and superbly designed I wanted to whisk off the architect to my TriBeCa apartment. The guest rooms at Les Suites are a paragon of space planning.

Shanghai is the future, and true to the city’s ‘wired’ atmosphere, I became obsessed with the hotel’s use of innovative technology enhancements. All guest rooms feature entertainment amenities including free Wi-Fi access, iPod dock, stereo system, DVD player, and thoughtful details such as an Illy espresso machine (love!) and weather display panel on the bathroom mirror. Two other impressive technological features include the room key card, which also serves as an instant electronic transportation card with a credit amount for use in taxis, buses, and metro, and the Les Suites Orient smart_life phone, providing guests with a mobile phone to be used out of the hotel for local and international calls and direct access to the hotel’s operator for directions and translation needs.

The hotel was a mix of international business and leisure guests (predominantly male during my stay) and quite a few would wind down at the laid-back and cozy cigar retreat, which features a menu of cognac, fine wines and selected tapas. True to its name of DongXi (meaning “west and east”), Café DongXi offers all-day dining menu featuring a perfect mix of eastern and western cuisine in a supremely relaxed atmosphere. With comfortable chairs and sofas, the stylish venue complements Cafe DongXi’s casual, informal and sociable dining concept after a day in the energetic city. Menu faves included roasted Beijing duck salad, reinvented with an orange marmalade sauce and a gorgeous spicy and sour soup.

With its supreme privacy and sense of serenity, Les Suites is the ideal retreat for manic travelers like me to slow down the pace and savor time in a calm atmosphere. I loved returning there at the end of a day filled with meetings. On one rainy day I felt perfectly content to ensconce myself in the hotel, thanks to the number of leisure facilities, including a fitness center complete with a Zen space for yoga and meditation.

On my next visit to Shanghai I might just venture down The Bund to see what else it has to offer, but truth be told, I would be perfectly content repeating my visit to Les Suites Orient.

Macaron in the City

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:53:18 -0500

Waking up this morning in the new Hotel Chateau Monfort in Milan, well, it’s a bit like waking up in a box of macarons. In a good way, of course. Not claustrophobic or sticky sweet, but gorgeous, refreshing and draped in a palette of beautiful color. As the snow falls outside my window, I’m cradled by this delicious new addition to the hotel scene in Italy’s fashion capital. Off to check on fall/winter Dea Rosa samples!

Street Style in the Snow

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:42 -0500

This week, I’m in Milan finishing up the Dea Rosa Fall/Winter 2012-13 collection. Today was the first snow of the year, and looking chic as always, is Dea Rosa’s Operations Manager, Anjeza Tufina with a limited edition “dyno” python carpiano satchel.

Searching for Ceviche: Lima, Peru

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:27:00 -0500

Lima? Yes, Lima. Why not Lima? Truth is, I had to do a mileage run to maintain my executive platinum on American Airlines and had a meeting in Miami, so I thought heading south to the ceviche capital of the world was a good bet.

I was right.

Lima is only five hours from Miami, meaning I could save my VIP upgrades for long hauls to Europe. It was a day flight, and I booked an exit row seat. Two movies and a few blog entries later I was landing in the city of kings.

I bedded down at Sonesta El Olivar, located in the posh district of San Isidro. “Serene” isn’t a word usually used to describe the fifth largest city in Latin America, but the hotel overlooks a gorgeous grove of olive trees (which appropriately suited my Greek roots), and it was super quiet. Its unique location provided easy access (walking!) to several boutiques, restaurants and a great bar/resto that I loved.

The property is traditionally a business hotel, however seamlessly caters to leisure travelers. I found it just perfect as my base for searching for the best ceviche on the planet. Two restaurants—including one amazing sushi spot—a fitness center to keep up with my morning workouts, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city were all on offer, and my corner room had the most comfortable bed ever. The service consistently exceeded my expectations. The staff was really over-the-top fabulous, and the executive team run the place like a ship.

Shopping was on the agenda for the weekend, too, along with a little nightlife. My guide was Bertha, a friend’s godmother who has lived here her entire life. Think Auntie Mame meets Jackie Kennedy. Bertha is the epitome of fun and class wrapped up in a stylish package, and true to Auntie Mame, she won’t reveal her age!

Bertha took me to a beautiful shop called Wayra, where the textiles are simply divine. Under the auspices of several mining companies, the company actively participates in sustainable development projects with women and men in the Peruvian Andes. Wayra workshops are fully committed to the principles of fair and equitable trade and constitute a sustainable source of income for the artisans. I picked up some hand-woven dolls for my nieces, and two baby alpaca blankets.

We then stopped at Dédalo, is a super artisans’ collective (Paseo Sáenz Peña 295; 51-1-477-0562), with gorgeous (albeit pricey) crafts and original art. A café in the back serves a lovely lunch and terrific wine. I bought a great hand drawing of a group of alpaca.

Bertha navigates the Inca Market (every tourists go-to for souvenirs) like Galileo, and, given her tremendous bargaining skills, I was able to pick up fingerless gloves, scarves (yes, more baby alpaca) and loads of other gifts. Hint: cut prices by 2/3 and negotiate from there.

I’d heard that gold dipping in Lima was the thing to do, so I brought a gold-plated necklace I had bought in a Parisian flea market years ago. Bertha had the answer. Off the beaten path, Ruben’s Joyería was super-efficient and even delivered the goods to my hotel when they were ready. I also managed to pick up a charm for my Wanderlista necklace: a Santa Rosa – the patron saint of the city. It was quite apropos for me, given my handbag line, Dea Rosa. Calle Alcanfores #132 (01-446-3810)

I also stopped by Giuliana Testino’s boutique (sister of photographer Mario Testino), for a hand-crocheted poncho. She has gorgeous works.

After purchasing plenty of alpaca, I was very ready to tackle the well-known food scene. Berth and I started at Francesco’s. We split a beer and their famous ceviche (also spelled cebiche or even seviche) since we knew we had more than one lunch that day. Our next stop, Cebichería La Mar, is an old Lima standby (now with an outpost in New York’s Flatiron district in the old Tabla space). It’s slightly different (think easy, rustic chic) than its grown-up Big Apple sister, but equally as delicious. Owner-chefs Astrid and Gaston keep a super busy lunch crowd here on its namesake, Avenida La Mar.

Bertha’s boyfriend Augusto then took us to La Rana Verde for their favorite conchitas a la parmesana. It’s in the private university club Augusto belonged to, so access is limited but ask around. It’s right on the water, a simple, but amazing, setting.

I met some friends that night for a bit of a nightlife crawl, starting with pisco sours at Lima 27, which was just down the street from my hotel. They have a great cebiche flight. We then headed over to Barranco, which is the hip, happening ‘hood in Lima. Think NY’s Lower East side, but with gorgeous old stately homes. The hipster hangout is Ayahuasca, located in a grand old republican mansion. Here a series of rooms all boast varied décor, and cool art.

So why Lima? Well, what started out as a run-of-the-mill mileage run turned into a true cosmopolitan adventure, complete with a gorgeous fairy godmother, sustainable baby alpaca blankets and gourmet cebiche. And, for a Wanderlista like myself, that’s reason enough to place it high on my lista.

Mr. Armani's Milano

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Milan evokes a strong opinion in those who know it; people either love it or, frankly, they hate it. It’s not exactly beautiful when compared to its southern sisters Florence or Rome, and, on weekends, it empties out like it’s August holidays: people head to the mountains in the winter or the seaside in the summer.

It is, however, Italy’s style hub and I happen to be quite fond of it. This fashion nucleus has an inherent style doctrine and sensibility that I am drawn to time and time again, and, since launching Dea Rosa, it’s been my second home for over a year now. I’m in!

I’ve stayed in nearly every hotel in the city, so when the newly-opened Armani Hotel Milano promised a “home-away-from-home” experience in line with their signature Stay with Armani philosophy, I decided to give it a try for my first night back in the city.

Designed in 1937 by Enrico Griffini, the rationalist style building just steps from the famed Via Monte Napoleone is now the Armani kingdom. An interesting fact I learned over a smooth grappa (the grappa selection is amazing)—pointed out to me by the general manager via Google Maps on his phone—was this hotel, created within Griffini’s palazzo, is shaped by the architectural ground plan as an immense “A”. This can be seen in the original Griffini drawings, and is something that is only visible from above. Coincidence? I guess it was just meant to be.

After my flight in from Dubai (where Armani launched the first hotel Armani Hotel Dubai, located in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building), the idea of my very own “home-away-from-home” in Milan—and one designed by Mr. Armani to boot—was a very welcome one.

Here the Armani approach goes beyond the obviously amazing visual aesthetics you’d come to expect, offering a new level of service under the care of the lifestyle service department and its Lifestyle Manager concept. Stefano (my LM) emailed me after my reservation was confirmed and asked, “If there was anything I needed in anticipation of my stay.” I didn’t need a thing, I responded. (Well, maybe a few key pieces from Spring/Summer 2012 collection…)

Stefano anticipated my arrival and was at the door when my taxi arrived. He whisked me through reception and up to my third floor première room. After a brief introduction to the room, he disappeared through the room’s vestibule as quickly as he appeared (more on that below). If you stay, ask for a thorough introduction to the electronics of it, otherwise, you end up calling the maid when you’d rather be lowering your blinds. Or, in my case, having extra Nespresso pods brought up when all I wanted to do was get online.

Located on all floors and up to 55 square meters in size, the première rooms feature the normal bedroom, plus a comfortable living space with a multi-use workstation and private bar, and a marble bathroom. Beds are very comfortable and amenities are well thought-out. However, the technology was a challenge even for me, who juggles plenty of wireless devices on a regular basis.

My favorite part of the room was the entry vestibule, which creates an intervening space before the intimacy of the room is revealed. When your doorbell rings, the remote control in the room actually lets you see who is outside your room on your television. So, you can have your dry cleaning or breakfast delivered without leaving your bed.

All the furnishings in the hotel share the Armani/Casa collection signature design philosophy but have been specifically created in a range of precious finishes to reflect the period mood of the palazzo, from the elegant linear sofas covered in sophisticated fabrics, to the backlit wooden bed heads. The workstations had a faux ‘lizard’ which I personally loved.

With a few dinner parties on my calendar, I opted to try the restaurant at the hotel since I was only there one night. Met by the largest truffle I’ve ever encountered (which later shared a plate with homemade pasta prepared by executive chef Gian Domenico Melandri), Armani/Ristorante draws on the rich gastronomic traditions of Italy by effortlessly combining classic and authentic dishes. I became obsessed with the gorgeous, white onyx dining room; clean lines permeate like a graph in this room—and nothing is out of place.

What most impressed me overall at the hotel was the extensive use of light. There are windows everywhere, and I loved spending a few hours before and after dinner in the Armani/Bamboo bar, with its double volume ceiling and louvered window wall—it’s one of the few spots in Milan that lets the outside in.

I didn’t have time for the spa, but I did take a peek at the peaceful, balmy setting overlooking all of Milan from the hotel’s top floor. The views are spectacular and I envisioned my next visit including some time in the heated infinity pool overlooking this city I love…

Armani Hotel Milano, Via Manzoni 31, 20121, Milano, Italy
Telephone: +39 02 888 3 8888
milan@armanihotels.com
www.armanihotels.com

AFTERGLOW

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:30:00 -0500

With thousands of day spas in New York, it’s hard to make a decision on where to get something very basic: the facial. You have super high-end gorgeous spots that feel like an oasis in the city, and some super common, inexpensive joints that just get the job done. Question is: who do you trust your face with? What I’ve found is that it’s rarely the spa that I fall in love with, but actually the aesthetician.

I had been going to La Peau day spa on Lafayette for authentic Chinese foot massage for many years, and finally bought their membership over a year ago which enables me to countless facials throughout the year for an amazing price (go in and chat with them to customize your membership package rate; trust me, it’s a fantastic deal). Fanny is my aesthetician there and I’m quite obsessed with her. She has an amazing disposition (quite funny, too), and I always leave super fresh-faced, and don’t even think about applying a stitch of make-up. La Peau is a bit more posh that a typical Chinatown Spa (well, it’s in SoHo) and features 3,000 square feet with 15 private rooms. The staff is lovely and attentive. The treatment room area can get quite busy, but it’s relaxing enough to get the job done. Fanny includes a thorough facial cleansing, her signature facial massage, steam and extractions as needed, and a choice of masks [some carry an add-on price, but the collagen is so worth it!] – she will pluck your brows for you too. There are loads of other add-ons, such as a Diamond Peel, LED light therapy, and loads of fab others. It’s a great way to try new facial treatments without a huge commitment. I usually book an hour foot massage ($29) to indulge a bit while I’m getting my face tended to…this is serious Chinese reflexology, so be prepared. Call La Peau and become one of Fannys regulars.

La Peau, 181-183 Lafayette St. (between Grand and Broome), New York;

Open seven days per week. Tel: 212.334.7071; lapeau@gmail.com.

I met Allison Tray, the owner of Tres Belle via email through a women’s network and, given her stellar reputation for amazing facials [her spa has one “best of” almost everything], I booked a treatment. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I’ve been to Brooklyn twice: once with a friend to visit IKEA (we took car service) and another time when my senior director at AMPR Erika dragged me to some new dining hotspot in Williamsburg. So this was trip # 3 and I’m not embarrassed about admitting that at all; I’m an island girl at heart.

I cabbed it over to BK’s version of Bond Street and walked into Tres Belle. I was super-impressed that they offer totally vegan treatments if you wish. They use a few lines, but for those Allison was there to meet me and I was whisked into the treatment room. Yoshie, her aesthetician began the treatment. Yoshie’s hands are magic! She was extensively trained in Japan in the art of facial massage for lifting. She continued her education here in the U.S. and has built an extremely loyal following, including many local celebs. The treatment was long and lovely and relaxing. She finished with Skinceuticals Hydrating Gel B5 for my eyes and SkinCeuticals Emollience on my face. I left here fresh, lifted and with a surprising new product, Thayer’s, alcohol-free Rose witch hazel. Love this as a toner!

Tres Belle petite Medi-Spa, 105 Bond Street, Brooklyn; Tel: 718. 797.0033;

Allison@tresbellespa.com

Lisa Vela is the wax queen. Hands-down, period. End of discussion. I could write nothing else and this fabulous gorgeous girl should be booked up for a lifetime, but it wasn’t until I had one of her facials that I feel even more in love, and now consider her a facial queen as well.

First of all, this luxe Korean skincare line’s spa in SoHo is somewhere I long to go, even if it’s for a routine eyebrow wax. Once you step off of bustling, touristy Spring Street, you’re catapulted to serene, sublime spa-land. The three treatment rooms here are all round (so I like to call Lisa’s room her “spa womb”). It’s just something about the round space really relaxes me. I will go weekly just for brow touch-ups because I am so in love with this room (and Lisa!). On my last visit, I went in before a big long-haul trip (I think I was heading to Shanghai), and Lisa said, “Have a facial today!” I had the time (and hadn’t had one with her before), so committed to the next 90 minutes of total bliss. Well, I feel asleep. This girl’s hands are beyond and the Amore Pacific products really produce. From antioxidant-rich green tea and Korean ginseng to nutrient-rich bamboo sap, they have amazing hydrating capabilities. The result? Super amazing skin, again, not an ounce of make-up needed. #ilovelisa

Amore Pacific; 114 Spring Street, New York; Tel: 212.925.3030

Pop-up Hotel Anyone?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:33:31 -0500

Yes, you read that correctly, and I’m obsessed with this concept! Design Hotels launches The Papaya Playa Project, a pop-up camp with 99 cabanas on the beach of gorgeous Tulum, Mexico. A first for the industry to bring the phenomena of pop-up retail and art into hospitality, this authentic experience will open on December 6, 2011 and close on May 5, 2012. (I’m ready to go NOW.) KaterHolzig of Berlin’s legendary Bar 25, will serve up seasonal local food from the grill or out of the clay oven. Their beach bar and the Papaya recording studio will be the epicenter for DJs and performing artists. Mamapapacola Company, known for their offbeat ideas, will curate an event series around Mayan full moon rituals. 42°RAW, already making waves in organic gastronomy, will provide plant-based food-on-the-go. To complete the holistic circle, the ‘So Happy Spa’ will use Mayan shaman secrets to pamper body, mind and soul.

Arabian Nights

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:05:00 -0500

My last day in Dubai and was so thrilled to find the darling XVA Art hotel to settle into for this weekend. Dubai is a funny place, and not so easy to get your head around. This hidden spot in the city’s old quarter gives you a good place to ground yourself from the flash (with key bazaar and souqs in walking distance). Gorgeous vegetarian restaurant too.