Archive for Partying Around the World
We’ve Got Spring Fever!
It’s March. In most parts of the country the sun is starting to peak through the clouds, temperatures are starting to warm up and you’re seriously in need of a break! When we were kids, we had Spring Break. Now, unless you have kids or are reliving your college days, that little escape may not exist. Well, I’m here to offer a little spring inspiration with some of my favorite destinations that will warm up those winter bones and get you ready for some summer fun!
$$$: $301 +
$$: $201-$300
$: < $201
Scottsdale, AZ
The red rocks and desert temps of Arizona, mixed with the style and flare of Los Angeles = Scottsdale. Great restaurants, awesome nightlife and totally relaxing spas await those looking for a quick, inexpensive (for the most part) escape!
** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Scottsdale **
$$$: The Sanctuary at Camel Back
$: W Scottsdale
Mexico
Mexico is a cheap Spring Break heaven for the college coeds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find an amazing, luxury property sans boozing-it-up boneheads. Here are my three favorite Mexican getaways for any budget! (Book during the end of April, first of May for non-spring break prices)
$: Mosquito Beach Adult Only Hotel
Southern California
I love Spring on the West Coast. Whether it’s an Santa Monica, Laguna or San Diego; So-Cal has coastal towns offer great temps, plenty of sunshine and the perfect flip-flop experience that you need to help you mentally come out of Winter hibernation. (Avoid May Gray & June Gloom in parts of Southern California)
** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Los Angeles **
$$: Shutters on the Beach – Santa Monica
Paris, France
This may sound a bit cliché, yes – but Spring in Paris is AMAZING! This is one of my favorite times to visit this incredibly modern, romantic and exciting city of love!
$$$: Hotel Daniel
$$: Hotel Le A
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech? Really? YES!!!! If you want something different and exciting- Marrakech offers the most bang for your buck! Culture & history mixed with a seductive sexiness that is found NO place else in this world!
** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Marrakech **
$$$: Riad Lotus Privilege
$: Riad 72
Top 5 Can’t-Miss Jet Set Coastlines
Summer is my favorite time of year! The weather is warm in the Northern Hemisphere and European jet setters are in full travel hopping mode. Everyone is looking for a beach and a chilled glass of Rosé!
Personally, I love to find a nice hot-spot somewhere in the world to party, chill and just let loose for a few weeks, instead of traveling from place to place. Often I have people ask me why I would want spend multiple weeks in one destination. Honestly, I have found that the perfect way to do this, without getting bored, is to find a destination that offers a variety of small towns nearby to give you the change of scenery you want. Taking these day trips to other villages or islands are a great way to change it up and add a little variety to your vacation!
Here is a list of my favorite five places in the Northern Hemisphere that are perfect for the long summer vacation.
The French Riviera
The French Riviera describes a long stretch of coastline in Southern France. This is home to the original jet-set hot spot Saint-Tropez as well as other chic destinations like Cannes, Nice and Eze. These sleepy beach towns wake up to accommodate the summer tourists, many who return year arfter year. However, Saint-Tropez is definitely a destination that you won’t want to miss. Stay at the trendy Byblos Hotel, drink (and spray) champagne at the world famous Nikki Beach and dine at any of the fabulous restaurants that line the port.
The Greek Islands
Whatever your desire, the Greek Islands have it. My personal favorite is Mykonos. Yes, it’s definitely party central, but there is so much more to this beautiful island than Ouzo shots. If you explore the island’s winding roads you’ll be lead to quiet beaches, delicious ocean front hidden restaurants and maybe a high-energy beach club or two. The sunsets are amazing and so are the people. Stay at the Belvedere Hotel and enjoy the views of Mykonos Town from your balcony with a chilled glass of Rosé in hand. Other great islands to explore are Crete, Santorini and Paros.
The Costa del Sol
The main city on the coast for summer parties and beaches is Marbella. I would suggest using Marbella as “home base” to explore the Southern Spanish towns of Rhonda, Estepona and Tarifa as well. If you’re looking for more of a chill environment, stay at the Marbella Club Hotel, if partying is what you’re after, try the Don Carlos (it happens to be walking distance from Nikki Beach Marbella). Plan to rent a car, shop a lot and dine at the great restaurants in Puerto Banus and party all over this beautiful coast.
The Amalfi Coast
Oh the Italians! I just feel like I’m at home in Italy. The Amalfi Coast offers so much in the summer months. Plan to spend a few days on the coast exploring Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. I love Positano’s Le Sirenuse Hotel. It has picturesque views of the mountains and the sea below. If you can, tear yourself away from the magic of this beautiful coast and hop on a ferry to Capri. Spend a few days relaxing at the JK Place or the Capri Palace. Either way you can’t go wrong. Rent a scooter and explore the island. Then find a local with a small boat and ask him for a private cruise to the many grottos (including the famous Blue Grotto).
The Dalmation Coast
Croatia is fast becoming a jet-set hot spot. Dubrovnik and the islands off the Southern Coast of Croatia like Hvar, are luring people with inexpensive prices, hot sun and über-cool nightlife. If you missed Saint Tropez’s innocence in the 50’s and want to be one of the first jet-setters to stake a claim to this coast then you better book your flight now because this coast is constantly being touted as the next “it” spot. For a happening hotel in Hvar, you may choose the Adriana Hotel.
Three Tips for the “Starter” Jet Set
Rob and I get emails constantly from people that aspire to lead a jet set life like we do. True jet setters take multiple trips throughout the year to many of the world’s hottest destinations. But just because you’re not rolling in dough, doesn’t mean you can’t begin to enjoy the jet set life. Who says you can’t take one jet set trip a year! Here are a couple of tips to help you start your Jet Set Life today!
#1: Travel in Shoulder Season
I’m a fan of shoulder season travel for destinations like Florence (Italy), Paris (France), San Jose del Cabo (Mexico) and even Buenos Aires (Argentina). I prefer shoulder season to high season because the weather is still wonderful and the prices for air and hotel are definitely lower. During shoulder season, the cities aren’t over crowded with tourists but they are also not dead as well.
#2: Book a Well Priced & Well Located Boutique Hotel
For me it’s all about the hotel. Yes, some say the hotel is just the place you lay your head, and this is true. However, a great hotel can enhance your experience in many ways. They often can get you into restaurants , events or on tours that are not necessarily accessible to everyone. Also, when you travel to some destinations, you’ll want to possibly sit by the pool and relax, maybe read a book in their library or sit champagne and watch the sunset on their balcony. All things that you wouldn’t be able to do if you weren’t staying in a wonderful hotel.
However, what does not necessarily make a hotel jet-set is the price. I don’t care if the hotel is not 6 stars, if it does not have a Michelin rated restaurants…those things on their own merit are not important to my overall experience. In addition, location is key. There are some amazing boutique hotels in really terrible locations. I’d rather be in a prime location and have easier access to the hot spots, less taxi rides and taxi fares!
My favorite resource to book a fantastic boutique hotel is Tablet Hotels. They offer great deals, added incentives and traveler reviews about the coolest hotels worldwide.
#3: Use Discount Airlines Booking Companies & Frequent Flier Miles
Jet-set is a term that was used when commercial air travel was new and only the super-wealthy could afford it. You don’t need your own personal 747 to be a jet-setter. If anything, I find that use of private air travel to be non-environmentally friendly and for that reason, rather non-chic. Rob and I always fly commercial and yes, often in coach. We travel often so we’d rather use our frequent flier miles for a free ticket as opposed to using it for an upgrade. A great way to accumulate frequent flier miles is by using an American Express credit card that allows you to easily transfer your miles to any major airline.
You can save 20-30% on base airline prices by using copanies such as 1-800-Fly Europe. Using online booking companies like these may mean that you aren’t given the airline’s name or possibly the stop-over destination. However, with a little research you can find out the flight.
Guest Blog by Nomadic Matt: Jet Setting in Bangkok
It’s a pleasure to introduce my followers to my guest blogger and fellow travel-lover known as Nomadic Matt. I admire Matt for his decision to not follow the typical “9 to 5″ work week. In 2006, Matt began traveling the world. Since, he’s learned that he loves Thailand, pretends to speak Dutch and that maggots taste like French fries! Today Matt is bridging the gap between his nomad ways and our jet set desires with his spin on Bangkok.
When most people think of Bangkok, they think of cheap clothes, cheap food, dirty streets, and the girlie bars. Bangkok is the stop over city of the east- a low cost destination for a few days while you head to some other international hotspot like Hong Kong, Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, or Shanghai. It’s not the place for the jetsetter. That’s how people like to think of it and locals will never do anything to change that opinion. Why? Because Bangkok is a trendy, fashionable, and jet setter city. We like keeping that our secret. From high end malls to restaurants to clubs, Bangkok is not the destination most people think of. The city has many “jetsetters” who live and work throughout the city and demand only the best of everything. Since Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia, it makes it easy for us to get all the comforts we need.
For the shopper jetsetter, there is Siam Paragon and Emporium, two of the most expensive malls in the region. Here you can buy Armani, Monte Blanc, Gucchi, and even a Ferrari. Yes, Siam Paragon has a dealership right in the mall. All the designer shops have stores in the city and anything you buy in Italy you will find here. Bangkok is awash in internationals. Ex-pats from around the world, models, and DJs called the city of Angels home. We are drawn here for different reasons but we never lose our taste for the finer things in life. We shop here for the best and get it. Thailand is one of the biggest clothing manufactures in the world. Why not shop at the source?
For the food jetsetter, Bangkok is a culinary dream. There is food from all over the world here. From world class sushi to French cuisine to Italian to elaborate Asian dishes, Bangkok will delight your stomach. Thai food is mouthwatering, not least for its spicy flavors. Whether you buy it on the street or sit in a restaurant, you’ll always find something good. But for those looking for fine international food, you’ll have to look a bit further and pay a lot more. From international Koi with its model’s night to Senor Picos to Lemoncello and uber scale Indus, you will find whatever international food you desire. Bangkok, as an foodie will tell you, is a gastronomes dream.
And finally, for those who love the night life, Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints. There is a thriving nightlife here and many of the world’s most famous DJs play here. International superstars Tiesto, Paul Van Dyke, Paul Oakenfold as play here. Kimball Collins, famed American DJ, is not a resident DJ here. Bed Supperclub is where you’ll find Bangkok’s models and upperclass locals and ex-pats. Amid white beds and dual dance rooms, the beautiful people of Bangkok mingle and socialize. After hours clubs like Parkbridge and the new P35 keep the party going until the morning. Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints- it’s a place to be seen among its trendy clubs.
Next time you are in Bangkok, don’t let the rough exterior fool you. The city is alive and well with high end luxury. Its Paris with an Asian edge. You just have to look a little deeper to find it.
By Nomadic Matt
You can catch more of Matt’s travel tips, photos and videos on his blog here.
Exploring Rio de Janeiro by Helicopter
Christ the Redeemer from Helicopter
The most magical way to explore the Marvelous City is by helicopter. The best company in Rio to fly with is Helisight. There are nine different flights ranging from R$150 (USD $60) to R$875 (USD $365) per person. The accept cash and credit cards (including American Express). There are also two heliports, Sugar Loaf and Lagoa. We DO NOT recommend using the Sugar Loaf heliport unless you plan to make a day of visiting Sugar Loaf Mountain and don’t mind a little chaos. We DO recommend using the Lagoa heliport. There are no lines, no traffic and the area around you is calm and absolutely beautiful! If fact, you can see Christ the Redeemer from the heliport in Lagoa.
Rob and I took a tour that brought us from the Lagoa heliport, down Ipanema, around the corner to the infamous Copacabana beach with the grand finale being the twice around circling of the most famous “new” wonder of the world Christ the Redeemer. It was one of my favorite experiences in Rio. Here’s a little video of our helicopter flight.
Ipanema by Air from Jet Set Life on Vimeo.
Christ the Redeemer from the air. from Jet Set Life on Vimeo.
Here are a few tips for your helicopter trip:
#1: All flights are for a minimum of 3 people. If you can’t find anyone to go with you then you can wait 30 minutes for them to sell the remaining seats. If they can not sell the remaining seats then you can fly without paying for those seats yourself. If you want a private helicopter and are unwilling to wait the 30 minutes, then you must pay for the third seat.
#2: Bring your camera and video camera. You’re able to take as many pictures as you want.
#3: Make sure it’s a clear day. In Rio often there are low hanging clouds. You want to get the most out of your helicopter ride and visibility is key, especially when circling Christ the Redeemer.
#4: Which ever package you choose, make sure it includes Christ the Redeemer. You’ll fly so close you’ll think you can touch the statue!
If you DO plan to use the Sugar Loaf Heliport then know the following:
#1: Arrive very early and get in line to take the cable car to the first rock station. This is where the heliport is located.
#2: The tickets for the cable car are NOT included in your helicopter price. They are about R$20 per person.
#3: There is often a lot of traffic getting to and from Sugar Loaf. During high tourist periods, plan a little extra time.
That’s just a little taste of what is up and coming for the Jet Set Life: Rio de Janeiro video. Stay tuned!
~ Kimberly
15 Jet-Set MUSTS From Around the World!
Kim @ Anema e Core in Capri, Italy
I often get asked for recommendations on the destinations I’ve been to, but that we don’t currently have on the Jet Set Life website. So, I thought I’d give you a list of some of my favorite places to stay and things to do around the globe.
1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Learn to drive like an off-road race car pro and race your friends at Wide Open Baja. (as seen on The Bachelor- but we were there first!)
2. New York City, NY: Sip a frozen hot chocolate at the celeb favorite Serendipity.
3. Island of Capri, Italy: Dance on the tables with the European elite at Anema e Core Taverna.
4. St. Barths: Party like a Rock Star (and with the Rock Stars) at the famed Eden Rock Hotel.
5. Malibu, California: Shop designer duds and possibly spot Spielberg in the Malibu Country Mart and Cross Creek Plaza.
6. Positano, Italy: Enjoy lunch and limoncello overlooking Positano at the Le Sirenuse Hotel.
7. Florence, Italy: Have your dinner prepared by the Hapsburg Lorena Princes at La Giostra.
8. Marrakech, Morocco: Pop some champagne at Palais Jad Mahal, while watching the house band cover American, French and Arabic songs.
9. Mykonos, Greece: Have lunch at the open air, no electricity restaurant, Kiki’s Taverna on Agios Sostis beach.
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Start your New Year right by dressing in white and praising the Brazilian Goddess of the Water, Yemanja, by throwing flowers into the ocean on the beaches of the Copacabana.
11. Boston, MA: Enjoy the crisp fall weather, shop the high-end shops and unique boutiques of Newbury Street from the chic XV Beacon hotel.
12. San Diego, California: Watch the vibrant sun set over the Pacific from Tower 23 on Pacific Beach.
13. Ravello, Italy: Enjoy a romantic dinner for two overlooking the Amalfi Coast at the Hotel Caruso.
14. La Barra, Uruguay: After a long night of partying, head to the after-hours hot spot, Medialunas Calentitas for a hot, buttery croissant.
15. Scottsdale, Arizona: Get a VIP table and watch super sexy burlesque show at Jack Rabbit Supper Club & Lounge.
I’d love to hear some of your favorites from around the globe too! To share, just leave me a comment.
# # # #
On a completely different subject…
Obama? McCain? Only you can decide. The beautiful part about being an American is we have the right and in my opinion the obligation to vote for who will best lead our country for the next 4 years. Regardless of who you like, make sure you get your %$& to the polls and make your opinion count! If you’re not registered yet, need an absentee ballot or just want to find your polling location, I found a great site that takes the chaos out of the “registration” process, called Vote For Change.
The Hotel Belvedere, Mykonos is AMAZING!
The Hotel Belvedere Mykonos from Jet Set Life on Vimeo .
Whether you just want to sip Greek Rosé by the pool, gaze at the Aegean Sea, watch the sun dive into the water at sunset or dine at the only Nobu outpost in the world, Matsuhisa. The jet set need to look no further than the chic white on white of the Hotel Belvedere .
Here’s a couple photos to get you salivating….more to come…
Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Rob writing the events of the day while the sun sets.
The pool and balconies of the Hotel Belvedere.
A little Greek Rosé at the Hotel Belvedere’s pool.
Scottsdale is a New Jet Set Destination!
Okay guys, here’s the low-down on Scottsdale. This place isn’t just for conventions any more!
This is what you can expect from a weekend in Scottsdale:
1. Amazing Hotels: No matter what your style is, Scottsdale has plenty of options! We’ve found hot party hotels, chic stylish hotels, super luxury hotels and everything in between. The pools are sleek, sexy and can host crazy pool parties. Scottsdale is still a secret location, only known by a few that are in the know.
2. Chic Nightlife: Do you want to watch a cabaret show, listen to a jazz band, rock in crowded bars, sip champagne in the VIP room or dance the night away with a sexy crowd? The choice is yours and the options are endless.
3. Hot Restaurants: Vibe to the DJ, have Martini’s & Maricures or maybe even watch a live runway show as you eat your dinner. Scottsdale has so many unique concepts it’s hard to keep up with! The food is fantastic and so are the drinks! Like my favorite a strawberry & mint martini!
This is just the tip of the iceberg! Scottsdale’s beautiful red rock backdrop set against the bright blue skies is just to die for! With fantastic weather, sunny blue skies over 300 days every year. Just skip the super hot months of summer and you’ll be just fine!
If you guys want The Details on where to stay, eat and play in Scottsdale, be sure to check out our site Jet Set Life. The video will be up and the guide will be available for download by the end of June! If you want us to notify you when it’s available, just submit your email and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know!
I’ll see you guys again on Friday!
Kimberly
P.S. I love comments and subscribers…get the hint:)
Scottsdale is the New U.S. Hot Spot
Hey guys,
If you got a crazy blog earlier sorry. It wasn’t working and I prematurely published…oopsie!
Here’s a quick snip-it from Scottsdale! I’m loving it here. It’s a great destination that’s remarkably hip!
A little sneak peak poolside...
Here’s one more for the road…
Okay, gotta get back to my vacation. Tomorrow's a big day of laying around the pool!
Have a great one!
Kimberly
Tips for Spending New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro
(Before you begin reading, click here and let the song play in the backround. I’m setting the ambiance the post.)
For us, New Years Eve is the ultimate in Hip vacations. We always find a fantastic location, lots of culture, a sexy party and warm sunshine! For these reasons we head into the Southern Hemisphere to Rio de Janeiro!
Rio de Janeiro has inspired many wonderful things in the US: the Brazilian bikini, the Brazilian wax, the Brazilian butt augmentation(thanks to the perfect Brazilian booty), Cachaca, the Brazilian Steak House and of course the Girl From Ipanema.
Check out Rio for yourself and see what inspires in you!
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s leading NYE destinations. That’s the reason that you need to book your air and hotel ASAP! You could be sipping champagne on a roof top overlooking the Copacabana at 11:59pm (23:59) counting down with over a million people dressed in white or you could be sitting at home watching the ball drop with Ryan Seacrest wondering which shellac he used that night for his boy band hair. Which sounds better to you? Don’t be a dumb ass, book your trip by August at the VERY VERY latest.
Here’s some tidbits about Rio:
Hotels: There are so many hotels to choose from. Usually, the hotels in Rio are very inexpensive, even a 4-5 star hotel can be shockingly cheap. However, times are changing and now that the Fasano has opened a new spot in Rio, they are really raising the bar and the prices! The South American and European jet-set are flocking to the be among the hard bodies laying at the only hip pool scene in Rio. For my money, this is the place to be. And I will actually be there this New Year’s to ring in 2009 in style!
If the hefty price tag of the Fasano is too much for your bank account, you have hope. There are great rooms and even greater rates at the hotels like the Rio Internacional. This hotel provides great service (with an English speaking staff), great suites and a roof top pool that has views of the Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer. The price is right and it’s a perfect place to watch the millions gather on the beach below for the ultimate in NYE fireworks displays.
What to Bring: Rio is all about the body and the bikini. Ladies bring plenty of bikinis and men cool swim wear. Also, on NYE everyone in the city wears white, and I mean EVERYONE!
Know Before you Go: Two things:
#1: Get a Passport & Visa You’ll need a passport and a visa. Make sure you send your passport to the Brazilian Consular in enough time for your trip.
#2: Go on a diet! Do us all a favor and skip the cookies for the couple months preceding your trip! Chances are even in your best shape, you won’t stack up to the Brazilians. Yes, they are naturally gifted in the physique department, but Rio is also one of the major Plastic Surgery capitals in the world.
Drinks: You can sip the native drink, a Caipirinha for about a dollar at any of the many beach bars. But be careful, they go down quickly and if you stand up to quickly, so will you!
Food: Rio is filled with amazing local restaurants. Skip the tourist traps and hit the local scene in Leblon for interesting and sexy Brazilian flavor!
Shops: Rio is the home of the Brazilian Bikini. Therefore, you should stock up ! I don’t mean the fake ass American version. I mean the real deal, and you need a Brazilian to wear a Brazilian, if you know what I mean! Rio is the best place to find unique bikinis that you can wear around the world. Just think, you won’t have the same bikini as any one else on your next vacation. Also check out the Havaianas.
Flights: From many US cities you can fly delta directly into Rio’s airport. It’s usually an overnight flight both ways (depending on where you are coming from) The Rio de Janeiro airport code is GIG. When you go to customs, you will be asked to hit a button that’s connected to a stop light. If you get a green light, you may proceed and leave the airport. If you get a red light, squeeze you ass because they’re unpacking EVERYTHING! That’s the real “random search”, there’s no racial profiling there!
Safety: I can’t tell you how many people have asked me about my safety in Rio. Basically, my answer is this. Yes, it’s a dangerous city. But so are New York, Miami and Detroit. Use common sense. Stay in well lite areas and don’t go anywhere with strange people you don’t know. Don’t go into the ghettos. Don’t wear big flashy jewelery or watches. Don’t flaunt money. Same things you’d do in any big city. One thing that made us feel really safe is the “tourist police”. Yep, they are there to protect you, the tourist. We had absolutely NO problems. The Brazilians were lovely!
Other weird and interesting things:
- I decided that the national dog of Rio is the poodle. I actually named it the Rio Poodle because I saw them EVERYWHERE! No really, EVERYWHERE!
- Strip clubs in Rio are basically places to pick up a Brazilian prostitutes. However, all the women are clothed and it looks more like a 70’s disco party than a strip club. Buy a girl a “wine cooler” yes, I said it, a “wine cooler” and you can begin to discuss the price. Don’t ask how I know this. Weird story that’ll stay in Rio… hopefully.
- The national language of Brazil is Portuguese and it’s incomprehendable even if you speak Spanish. Hello is Oi. Thank you is Obrigado. Need I say more. Good luck, English is not widely spoken outside the hotels, but that’s the fun of it all.
- The currency is the Reais. Currently the rate is about 1 USD to 1.7 Reais. Still a great exchange rate in comparison to the Euro!
That’s it. Get online and start booking your trip. If you’re gonna wait until next year, make sure to check out our website for the Rio de Janeiro Movie & The Hip List: Rio de Janeiro. They should be available in January of 2009.
If you have any questions…feel free.
Kimberly
80°F Sunny & No Humidity
Next Trip: 
