Part 2 Of R29's Mystery Adventure: A Berlin Photo Diary
(...For part 1 of our NEXTPEDITION from American Express Travel trip, visit here!) On our last day of Barcelona, we got word we were flying to Berlin — and by the time we thought about how we were going to make our mid-50s wardrobes appropriate for the impending freeze of Germany we were already on a plane headed East. For those who like shopping, eating, and going out (just about everyone who reads Refinery, right?), Berlin is most likely the city of dreams, with neighborhoods filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries, amazing food, and some of the best bars and nightclubs you'll ever see (the partying regularly goes from 10 p.m. until noon the next day). Click through for photo evidence.
Hotel Cheat Sheet: Insider Secrets On Miami's Hottest New Spots
We're settling into 2012 quite nicely, but it's obvious that here at R29, we can't help but daydream about our next getaway. While most of us aren't flying to Rio for Carnival (we used those precious vacation days for New Year's, ugh), that doesn't mean we're not already sweating Summer Fridays. But hey, the next long weekend (and last one for a while) will be here before you know it, and oh-so-coincidentally, Miami has some brand-new hotels that might make even Brazilians jealous. So, we've gathered up five properties that are worthy of your three-day weekend, whether you're planning a staycation or jetting down from up north. From a posh resort complete with butler service to a hip Ocean Drive aquarium pool (!), these haute hostelries are a guaranteed hold-over 'til your next big break. And, of course, we scored all the insider 411 on each. The best room with a view? Check. The meal that can't be missed? Duh. Just call us your personal concierge.
Our Editors' Dream Vacays (& Packing Lists!)
It's officially February, and you're banned from saying Happy New Year's. Unless you're a winter baby, you're not seeing presents for a while. There's only one long weekend between now and May. Can you spell d-o-l-d-r-u-m-s? But wait. Don't buy a SAD lamp quite yet—spring break is glimmering just past the blahs. Whether you officially get the time off (jerks!), you already asked HR for the vacation days, or you're just planning a mental getaway, we're dishing up some travel inspiration that's day-dreamier than Beckham's H&M ad. Four of our editors shared their dream escapes—plus the perfect packing lists that'll let you spend your time in style. From a reef-view suite in Belize to skiing in Japan, this destination quadruplet is pure wanderlust dopamine. Girls Gone Wild and neon pink Hurricanes....not so much.
Part 1 Of R29's Mystery Adventure: A Barcelona Photo Diary
So… we're off! We're deep in the middle of our very own mystery adventure courtesy of NEXTPEDITION from American Express Travel. True to form, the trip has been a complete surprise so far (we found out about our first destination — Barcelona! — just two days before we left). After scrambling to pack for the trip (as well stuffing a few miscellaneous pieces for our still-unknown second destination), we hopped onto a jet, threw back a few Bloody Marys, and found ourselves in Spain before sunrise. The following photo diary of the trip so far (featuring our global editor, Connie Wang) and our recommendations about where to eat, where to shop, and what to expect if you're gearing up for a NEXTPEDITION trip from American Express as well.
Money Ain't A Thing: The $50,000 V-Day Date Night Includes Caviar, Diamonds
You may not be able to buy love but you can certainly buy romance. Just in time for the big V, The Setai in South Beach is offering an unforgettable date package. The Star Style Experience begins with the fortunate couple being styled for their night out. Gentlemen don a custom-tailored Domenica Vacca suit and Asprey diamond-and-sapphire cufflinks. For the ladies, it's a Domenica Vacca cocktail ensemble and Asprey diamond earrings. Next, the handsome pair spends time getting their hair and make-up done...by an expert, of course. Now that they've been glamed up, it's time for the professional photo shoot. Then, the fairytale night concludes with a private champagne tasting in the hotel's Wine Cellar, where the lovers have a private consultation with The Setai's Head Sommelier, before being lavished with caviar and Krug. Naturally, it's only fitting that the $50,000 price tag includes a two-night stay in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite. Pampering can be soooooo exhausting. The package is available February 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012.
Photo: Courtesy of The Setai
The Ultimate Under-The-Radar Palm Springs Guide!
We all need to take a breather every once in awhile—one that doesn't include screaming toddlers, stripping down for surly TSA officials, or lost luggage. For a minimal-impact retreat, we highly recommend you hop on your friendly 10 East (pre-gridlock), and scoot on down to Palm Springs for a sun-filled sabbatical. In two-and-a-half hours max, you'll be sipping spicy margs and sedating your nerves.
For those P.S.-goers not in the know, there's plenty to do apart from spa treatments and sun-worshipping. This town is quickly ditching that Geriatricville, U.S.A. rep for some swank street cred. Groove to the the best classic-rock cover band you've ever heard, take a mid-century architecture tour (peep Elvis' old home), or shop 'til you drop at the raddest resale boutiques (those grannies have to give away their garments at some point!). So, print out our handy Palm Springs getaway guide, make a road-trip mix, and get ready to either unwind or explore—we'll let you choose your own adventure.
Photo: Courtesy of Starworks.
For those P.S.-goers not in the know, there's plenty to do apart from spa treatments and sun-worshipping. This town is quickly ditching that Geriatricville, U.S.A. rep for some swank street cred. Groove to the the best classic-rock cover band you've ever heard, take a mid-century architecture tour (peep Elvis' old home), or shop 'til you drop at the raddest resale boutiques (those grannies have to give away their garments at some point!). So, print out our handy Palm Springs getaway guide, make a road-trip mix, and get ready to either unwind or explore—we'll let you choose your own adventure.
Photo: Courtesy of Starworks.
Get Hip To Pacifica With Our Ultimate Day-Trip Guide!
Anyone who lives in Pacifica knows the routine: You tell peeps you
live there and you're met with a groan and a "omigod it's so foggy
there!" Okay, it's foggy sometimes, as it is everywhere near the ocean
in NoCal. But Pacifica is so much more than fog! It's also home to
amazing surfing, hiking, horseback riding, eating, drinking, and lots
more. And, for all of your city dwellers, it's just a quick 15- to
20-minute drive from San Francisco. In essence: It's the perfect
quickie day trip for Bay Area residents who want a low-key and
super-cheap getaway (Um, one of the items on our must-hit list is a
beachside Taco Bell!). Granted, if you're on the hunt for the
latest Isabel Marant booties or the like, alas, you're better off
within city limits. But if you're hankering for some sea air,
breathtaking sunsets, and tasty grub, by all means hop in your Zipcar,
head south on the 1, and take our handy-dandy Pacifica hit list (after
the jump) with you. We'll see you on the road!
The 5 Best S.F. Boot Camps For A Rock-Solid Bod!
It's the second week of January, folks, and those get-fit New Year's
resolutions you made in 2012? Yeah, they're not
going anywhere unless you actually get off the couch. To help you get
motivated, we've done some of the legwork for you by rounding up the very
best boot camps in the Bay Area that are sure to deliver on those hot-bod
goals in no time (just as long as you stay away from the Twinkies).
If the idea of a boot camp conjures images of former drill sergeants barking orders and telling you to drop it and give 'em twenty, kick that idea to the curb. These mega-inspiring group classes are led by instructors who are as hard-ass as they are cool. Plus, the camps all go down outside the walls of boring gyms. Instead, you and your boot camp brethren get to enjoy some of S.F.'s most awe-inspiring sites and venues (AT&T Park, Crissy Field, and the Palace of Fine Arts, included) while you're working up a major sweat. Ready to join up? Click through and get ready to get ripped.
If the idea of a boot camp conjures images of former drill sergeants barking orders and telling you to drop it and give 'em twenty, kick that idea to the curb. These mega-inspiring group classes are led by instructors who are as hard-ass as they are cool. Plus, the camps all go down outside the walls of boring gyms. Instead, you and your boot camp brethren get to enjoy some of S.F.'s most awe-inspiring sites and venues (AT&T Park, Crissy Field, and the Palace of Fine Arts, included) while you're working up a major sweat. Ready to join up? Click through and get ready to get ripped.
Party On! 19 Awesome Event Venues In NYC
Of all the variables that can make or break a party, the Venue (yes, capital V) is quite possibly the most important. Who cares what the bride wears if it's too crowded to see her? What good is delicious food if the space is unappetizing? And how are we supposed to get our dance on with that cute friend of a friend if all eyes are on the empty, ballroom-sized dance floor? To solve the party planning pickle, we turned to events guru Bronson Van Wyck, who led us to the very best spaces for every NYC bash. In true form, he's thought of it all—the blank-slate space for your themed bonanza, the NYC classic that'd get you the most RSVPs, and even the chicest rooftop for your summer soiree (hey, it's never too early to start planning!). These luxe locales are so epic and fun, you might want to plan a party just to check 'em out. If so, count us in +1.
Start your invite list and click through for our current favorite party spaces in NYC!
Start your invite list and click through for our current favorite party spaces in NYC!
The Perfect, Sexy Outfit For L.A.'s Best Date Spot
If Alice fell down the rabbit hole in Italy, she'd probably land in Il Covo's mystic West 3rd Street patio. Mad hatters Sean MacPherson and Jared Meisler of Swingers, Roger Room, and Bar Lubitsch fame, had big shoes to fill when glamifying the old Orso environs, but the new, ethereal space exceeds all expectations. The candlelit courtyard is a study in mood lighting—the bohemian lanterns floating among the trees and the cozy fireplace are sure to turn up the date-night heat. But Il Covo isn't just a one-trick pony. GM Eric Rosenfeld (look out for his hot Beatles haircut) is so on his toes, he'll have your glass full before you even know it needs replenishing. Charm aside, the food's pretty sexy, too. Nothing says glamour like a lush mush, and the Mezzelune Ravioli is oozing with truffles that will melt in your mouth. We also highly recommend the Black Cod alla Livornese, and, if your belt isn't already bulging, you'll inhale the Nutella Crostata with Pistachio Cream and Vanilla Gelato. Our recommendation for the final act? A nice Absinthe to finish off your experience—they offer five different types. Wonderland, indeed. And, with a seductive ambience like this, you’ve obviously got to get your steam on. We’ve styled you in a flirty little red number that has imagination (and leaves a little for his, too).
DVR Red Alert: Downton Abbey Returns, Don't Plan On Seeing Us This Sunday!
We're so amped for the new season of
Downton Abbey
on Sunday that if we could squeal over the internet, you'd all be reaching for your earplugs! The last time we were so anxious for a day to finally arrive was Missoni x Target's debut, and luckily, we won't have to wait out those last few hours in a round-the-block line this time! If you haven't feasted your eyes on fashion's (and culture's) premiere series yet, don't fret, you can catch season one online this weekend, and get familiarized with the Masterpiece Classic drama and killer costumes. But trust us, you will be dying of delight like us by the time you do! So set your DVRs now for Sunday, January 8, at 9 p.m., to be pleasantly surprised at how posh PBS has become. As of publishing time, there are only two days, four hours and forty minutes left to wait! Wee!Photo: Via PBS.
10 Reasons Why We Can't Wait For 2012 In Chi-Town
It's getting close now! And as if a new year weren't enough excitement already, Chicago's really bringing it, and making sure the entire city is jazzed about 2012. With more events, openings, and Chi-town favorites than we can count, we literally cannot wait for that big ball to drop. Even with a fierce winter on the way, we've got big plans for the next 365, and a little snow won't stop us (or you, right?). Have a calendar handy and start scheduling an amazing year's worth of radness in Chicago, starting with our faves right here.
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