summer savior

June 28th, 2012

Who wants to carry an extra weekend bag just for beauty products? Forget loading up on waxy drugstore specials and simply tote around ESPA’s Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, the classic summer savior. This hero product is a super multi-tasker and can tackle a handful of summer beauty woes. Along with the rest of the newly reformulated ESPA products, the new Pink Hair and Scalp Mud is 99% natural and free of synthetic color, fragrance, and parabens, phthalates, DEA, TEA, mineral oil, SLS and SLES, silicone, propylene glycol, and petrolatum.

Hair

This is the Mud’s first concern. Hair tends to dry out in the summer. Too much salt, sand, sun, and chlorine are the culprits. Slather some of this nourishing pink balm on dry or damp hair, then go about your business (clean the apartment, paint your nails, catch up on the latest celebrity gossip…). Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse. You’ll immediately feel how much healthier, smoother, and softer your hair is when you start to rinse it off. You can also comb it through hair before sunbathing or swimming to protect from damaging chlorine, UV rays, and environmental pollutants.

Legs

Did you get to the share house and realize you didn’t bring any shaving cream? The Pink Hair and Scalp Mud makes an excellent shave mud! Shaving cream can actually dry out your skin, so for a closer shave and a softer, more moisturized end result, the mud is perfect.

Sunburn (more…)

apps to the rescue

June 27th, 2012

Images courtesy of Apple.com

Smartphone’s are easing all travel worries, one app at a time.  According to a recent article from the Huffington Post, the future of travel is finally here.  New apps such as HotelTonight and Hotels.com are allowing travelers to conveniently book same-day hotel rooms at a discounted price.  Ranging from last-minute booking to packing help, there is truly an app for everything! Here is a list of our favorite travel apps:

1. Travel App Box- Dubbed the swiss army knife among travel apps, this app does it all.  For $1.99 you get 15 tools in one, including a tip calculator, country calling codes, and offline detailed maps.

2. Google Translate- Become multilingual with this app!  Type in or speak your phrases to read and hear the corresponding translations in more than 60 languages.

3. WhatsApp Messenger- If you are a text-a-holic this app is your savior, especially if you plan on travelling internationally.  Requiring WiFi or 3G connection, WhatsApp allows users to text and send video messages for free anywhere in the world

4. Packing Pro- If you seem to always forget something at home than download Packing Pro.  Set reminders and Create customized lists for every type of travel (e.g., leisure, business, camping) and even receive built-in Expert assistance.

5. Oanda Currency Converter- Find out if that 300 euro outfit is really worth the $375 dollars with this app.  Oanda allows users to choose from more than 190 currencies and four metals along with any bank rate!

6. Mint- Mint allows users to easily track, budget, and manage your money in one place. See exactly where you are spending your money and where you can save.

7. OpenTable- With this app you can browse menus, restaurant locations, and make restaurant reservations with no trouble at all.  Users can even manage upcoming reservations and earn dining reward points!

8. TripIt- Avoid dealing with messiness and combine all of your itineraries in your TripIt app.  This organization tool stores everything from confirmation numbers to reservations and even syncs with your calendar.

9. TripAdvisor- Can’t decide which hotel to stay at or which restaurant to dine at? Download TripAdvisor to access ratings, reviews, and recommendations.

10. FlightTrack Pro- Another one of our favorites, this app conveniently gives users everything from live flight status and terminal maps to seat charts and alternative flights.

Happy travels!

Indagare at parrot cay

June 27th, 2012

Indagare’s recent report on Parrot Cay makes us want to ditch our desks and hop on a plane for some serious R&R:

http://indagare.com/passions/9/departments/172/12500

 

launching in july: newhite, guinot’s newest lightening and brightening skincare line

June 27th, 2012

Whether caused by the sun, pregnancy, or simply your own DNA, over-production of melanin can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Instead of cursing your parents (or yourself for not wearing a hat and sunscreen more often), even out your skin tone with Guinot’s brand new line for brighter, clearer skin – Newhite. The scientifically-formulated range launches in July 2012 with crisp silver and white packaging and will feature a variety of products that work in concert to perfect the skin’s delicate color balance. The results-driven products all include Vitamin C, which acts as an exfoliant and antioxidant to smooth the skin and combat damage from UV rays, and Melanoxyl, which reduces the skin’s latent melanin content and inhibits the production of any additional melanin that could be generated by any further exposure to UV rays.

Perfect Brightening Cleanser – This face wash removes makeup as it cleans with an ultra-fresh cream gel texture.

Perfect Brightening Cleansing Oil – This amazing oil foams once in contact with water, dissolving even the most stubborn makeup, and provides an instant skin-lightening action.

Perfect Brightening Lotion – For a finishing touch to makeup removal, the toner stimulates the skin and can be used to refresh the face during the day.

Brightening Day Cream – This luxurious cream lightens and evens the complexion.

Brightening Night Cream – Acting at night when cellular activity is at its greatest by prolonging the lightening effects of the Brightening Day Cream for effective results 24 hours a day.

Brightening Serum – This potent serum lightens and evens out the complexion, acting intensely on brown spots while protecting against free radicals.

Instant Brightening Mask – Ideal for starting a lightening program, this intensive treatment lightens and evens out skin tone by counter acting effects of pigment production. Start with one application daily for seven days followed by weekly maintenance.

Guinot products are carried in over 1000 spas and salons within the US.  To locate a spa, visit www.GuinotUSA.com.

About Guinot

Known the world over as an industry leader, Guinot has consistently led the charge in everything from game-changing technology and techniques in skincare to maintaining the most stringent high standards in the development and manufacturing of their products. Today, Guinot’s meticulously honed collections of treatments and products are carried in over 1000 spas and salons within the US.  Guinot Institut Paris is distributed in the US exclusively by Lachman Imports, which has offices and a full-service Guinot training center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Visit GuinotUSA.com for more information.

 

first zurich food festival will fill the swiss

June 26th, 2012

This summer, Zurich is holding its first ever food festival, Il Tavolo! Beginning on June 27 and lasting until July 1, the event will take place along the beautiful Limmat River in Switzerland, showcasing a mixture of Mediterranean food and haute Swiss cuisine from local five-star hotels and restaurants, including the Park Hyatt Zurich.

As host of the opening night dinner, Park Hyatt Zurich will be serving a lavish six-course meal prepared by six different chefs.  Join in the fun and watch them as they run from kitchen to kitchen to prepare your five-star dish!

The highlight of the festival will be the Gala Night held at the Swiss National Museum, which will serve a delicious array of foods prepared by the top chefs of Switzerland. The goal of the festival is to highlight the fantastic cuisine Switzerland has to offer, as well as bring the Zurich community together for a few great days of food and fun.  Our recommendation? Stay at Park Hyatt Zurich to be in the middle of the action, or Eden Au Lac for a gorgeous getaway just five-minutes away. Bon appétit!

the height of relaxation

June 20th, 2012

Located on the scenic shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the idyllic Alpine landscape, the legendary Palace Luzern is now offering the SPAtacular Rooftop Experience – just for the ladies. Available everyday from 11:00am to 3:00pm, up to four women can book the Palace rooftop terrace for an afternoon of pampering, complete with a bottle of champagne, strawberries, and a total of three wellness treatments per person. As it is the only spa in the area offering this type of experience, indulge in the breathtaking views and fresh Alpine air along with a preparing facial mask, full body peel, and comforting after-sun treatment.

Price: Total of 790 Swiss Francs (approximately US$820) for up to four women.

 

crystal cruises’ short & sweet sailings – book by june 30 for limited time savings!

June 20th, 2012

Shorter can be sweeter! Ultra luxe Crystal Cruises is offering 12 new, five- to eight-day sailings from July through December 2012. To accommodate today’s time-strapped traveler, these shorter sailings showcase the favorite must-see destinations and charm-filled gems of Southern Europe while “tasting” the Crystal difference.

The “Crystal Getaways” sale offers new and returning guests the chance to experience Crystal’s award winning, all-inclusive service for as little as $262/person per day if booked by June 30. The sailings available for this first-time offer are:

Starting at just $1,310 per person, the rate for these all-inclusive sailings includes luxurious accommodations; gourmet dining including Nobu’s Silk Road and Piero Selvaggio menus at Prego; fine wines and premium spirits; gratuities for housekeeping, bar, and dining staff throughout the ship; all fitness classes; inspirational enrichment activities; a variety on onboard entertainment; and much more!

For Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

kerzner international names peter bowling managing director of one&only palmilla

June 20th, 2012

Kerzner International is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Bowling as Managing Director for One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico.  In his new role, Bowling will be responsible for the overall operations of the iconic resort, renowned for its intuitive service and old-world elegance.

“Peter brings a passion for luxury and an understanding of Los Cabos which make him a valuable addition to the One&Only Palmilla family,” says Markantonis. “We are fortunate he will be joining our team to continue our tradition of excellence that has solidified Palmilla as the #1 Resort in Mexico for eight years by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler since opening in 2004.”

Prior to this appointment, Bowling served as General Manager of Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, where he opened the property in 2009. As Managing Director of One&Only Palmilla, Bowling will report directly to George Markantonis, President and Managing Director of Kerzner International.

“One&Only Palmilla remains Cabo’s most iconic hotel since opening in 1956. Under the expert guidance of Kerzner International and longtime Managing Director Edward Steiner, the resort achieved a series of world-renowned accolades, and I am looking forward to continuing this success,” says Bowling.  “I am thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter with One&Only Palmilla and cannot wait to begin working with the talented staff who give this resort a heart and soul that is simply unrivaled.”

With over 26-years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Bowling began his career in England at the acclaimed Lainston House and Eastwell Manor before holding a position at Chilston Park Country House. After relocating from England in 1986, Bowling went on to manage some of the Caribbean’s most celebrated resorts including The Royal Pavilion in Barbados and the Cotton House Hotel in Mustique.  Bowling also developed Villa Nova, Barbados’ first boutique style hotel, and was Managing Director of the renowned Jumby Bay in Antigua, where he spearheaded an extensive renovation to the private 300-acre island, part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts group.

With unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla is a favorite with the celebrity set thanks to unparalleled service and thoughtful details, from personalized minibars and complimentary wellness therapies, to manicured beaches complete with floating beds and private butlers. In November 2008, the resort’s traditional Mexican ambiance was carefully preserved while the facilities and services were considerably upgraded as part of a $30 million renovation. All rooms and suites, including the new beachfront casitas with private infinity pools and the lavish four-bedroom Villa Cortez, face the ocean with a private balcony or patio offering expansive views of the sea for a new generation of travelers.

About One&Only Resorts Created exclusively for the luxury resort market, One&Only Resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence.  Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unrivalled.   These properties include One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, One&Only Cape Town, South Africa and One&Only The Palm, Dubai.  One&Only recently announced plans to develop and operate a new One&Only resort on Tufu Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China. One&Only Sanya is anticipated to begin welcoming guests in early 2014. More information on One&Only is available at www.oneandonlyresorts.com.

Kerzner International Holdings Limited through its subsidiaries, is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels.  Kerzner’s flagship brand is Atlantis, which includes Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317 room ocean-themed destination resort in The Bahamas, as well as The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis in The Bahamas and Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, a 1,500-room, water-themed resort on The Palm, overlooking the Arabian Sea and mainland Dubai.  Under the One&Only brand, Kerzner also manages seven of the top-rated luxury resort properties in the world, located in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa and Dubai.  Kerzner recently announced plans to develop and operate a new One&Only resort on Tufu Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China, anticipated to begin welcoming guests in early 2014. Additionally, the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a 500-room destination casino resort in Morocco, is also operated by Kerzner.  For more information concerning Kerzner and its operating subsidiaries, visit kerzner.com.

 

extreme makeover: cruise ship edition

June 19th, 2012

Sure, Ty Pennington may be able to remodel a home in one week, but could he do the same for a 77,319 square foot cruise ship in two? Well, the interior designs teams at Adfecto and SMC Design from London and KNA Design from Los Angeles have done just that to Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ship, Crystal Symphony.

The completion of the recent $15 million dry dock reveals chic new public spaces aboard the ultra-luxe ship, including the Avenue Saloon, Palm Court Lounge, Galaxy Lounge, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” entertainment centers, and the Tender Landing/passenger boarding area.  The final step in a five-year plan, Crystal Cruises has now redesigned every room aboard the prized ship, to the tune of $65 million.

Now that the dry dock is complete, Crystal Symphony is showing off her new look while she explores the Baltic and Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic in September to experience the brilliant foliage and infamous beauty of fall in New England and Canada.

For more information on Crystal Cruises and upcoming itineraries, please visit www.crystalcruises.com.

ampr proud to represent hôtel du petit moulin

June 15th, 2012

Alice Marshall Public Relations now represents Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Paris, France. The boutique hotel designed by Christian Lacroix joins the family of hotels owned by Jérôme Chevalier, that includes Pavillon de la Reine and Le Pavillon des Lettres.

The 17-room Hôtel du Petit Moulin is located on the corner of Rue du Poitue and Rue de Saintonge, nestled in the chic shopping scene that is the city’s hip Marais district. Housed in a 17th-century building, behind the historic façade of Paris’ oldest bakery, the eclectic Hôtel du Petit Moulin opened in 2005. Each of the rooms were individually designed by Christian Lacroix, and the interiors reflect the designer’s vivid imagination and signature palette of vivid colors; room themes range from opulent Baroque to spare Scandinavian to a slightly sci-fi lunar look to zebra everything, and more. A virtual design kaleidoscope, rooms are decorated with blown-up sketches from Lacroix’s own notepads, and antique chairs upholstered in bold, modern fabrics, while bathrooms feature intricate mosaic tiling in a variety of designs, and lawn-green hallways are paired with black-and-white polka dot carpet.

“It’s like couture,” Christian Lacroix has said of Hôtel du Petit Moulin. “Where the harmony is created from a puzzle of inspirations, where the feeling of the moment is nourished with elements from the past, where modernity lives in the tradition of the present.”

After a day of strolling around the historic Place des Vosges and exploring nearby sites, such as Notre Dame and the Bastille, unwind in the hotel’s stylish bar, that features “scrap book” walls and modular, 60s seating in luminous Liquorice All-Sort shades of yellow, orange, lime, and pink. You may even catch a glimpse of Christian himself.

Rates start at 250 euros (approximately $313 USD) per night. For more information visit www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com.

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