Category Archives: swanky luxe stays

July 17, 2013 · 6:48 am

Four Seasons Miami – Reasons to Escape South Beach

If you know ANYTHING about Lola, you know I LOVE Miami and I’m a beach girl completely. However, on my last visit to Miami, I got the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel Miami in the trendy & hopping Brickell neighborhood away from the beach. I have to say, I was most impressed with this stunning property. Four Seasons Miami came on the scene in 2003 and is the tallest structure south of Atlanta with its 70 floors, 221 guest rooms, residences and modern office space. Two years ago this fall, Four Seasons Miami debuted redesigned guest rooms to reflect a blend of modern European luxury with Miami’s Art Deco style and flair. Tres Bon!!

Four Seasons Miami is perfectly equipped in every way for the business traveler and sensibly caters to that clientele but that doesn’t mean it’s not a luxe spot for any lover of Miami. Touted as an urban retreat, on-property you will find a world-class spa and full service hair salon. Of course, there are pools AND a 50,000 square foot gym, Sports Club/LA, offering over 100 classes a week led by some of the city’s hottest instructors.

Only 8 miles from Miami International Airport as well as a short drive to the Miami beaches and swanky shopping, you can see how Four Seasons Miami is conducive to both business and leisure travelers with discriminating taste. Listed as Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in Florida as well as receiving the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award in 2012, Four Seasons Miami leaves nothing to be desired. They have a full floor dedicated to meeting space, 24-hour complimentary business center, 24-hour room service and a kids’ club for those traveling with their brood.

The “crown jewel” of the 2011 renovation is the hip and delicious EDGE, Steak & Bar. EDGE is a contemporary style steakhouse offering smaller & interesting cuts of meat, local fresh seafood and produce complemented by spices, peppers & herbs from the restaurant’s own garden. It’s definitely a destination not just for hotel guests but residents of Miami as well. The Brickell neighborhood has emerged as a “go-to” destination in Miami for fine dining, shopping and nightlife and EDGE reflects this with their trendy yet comfortable feel in stylings, drinks and menu. Showcasing a modern take on 50’s & 60’s aesthetics, EDGE is sexy and cool. The outdoor space has views of Four Seasons Miami’s 2-acre pool area, downtown Miami and pretty Biscayne Bay which are really hard to beat. The mood is further set with cozy fire pits, dancing candlelight & the surrounding greenery.

Executive Chef Aaron Brooks has put together a FAB menu and the evening I dined with EDGE I sampled some of the restaurant’s most popular and very best. On tap for moi were 2 different delicious cocktails, The BBQ Collins – a bacon-rimmed glass with Knob Creek Bourbon, BBQ bitters, lemon sour AND The Ginger Brickell – Malibu Black, Domaine Canton Ginger, lime & coconut foam. Both interesting, different and YUMMY! As stone crabs were in season, I had to sample those served with mustard remoulade as well as oysters with mojo mignonette. EDGE likes to do unique takes on the classics and this was proven with their Edge Caesar served with a free run hen egg. Naturally, steak was in order so I tried the black angus filet mignon featured with a variety of dipping sauces – malbec jus, béarnaise and chimichurri – OUTSTANDING. Dinner was finished off with a carmel-popcorn cream, carmel ice cream and peanut powder dessert. HOLY COW!! (no pun intended)

OH and taking a cue from Miami’s vibrant art scene, I should also mention the property’s over $3 million dollar art collection with works from local Miami and Latin American-based artists. Not to be missed, and an anchor to the collection, are 3 sculptures by celebrated artist, Fernando Botero. Four Seasons Miami is incredibly proud to be home to “Adam & Eve” and “Seated Woman”. The art collection alone might be reason enough to visit this beautiful property.

Four Seasons Miami hosted my amazing meal at EDGE, Steak & Bar. I thank them for the wonderful evening & lovely hospitality and will gladly return on my own dime for the fun and fab food.

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Filed under florida, miami, swanky luxe stays, travel

Tagged as four seasons miami, miami luxury hotels

April 25, 2013 · 8:29 am

Travel Style – a #FriFotos Special Edition

Stylin’ & Profilin’

Lola’s #STYLE is #lolafied

I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-hosting #FriFotos on Twitter this Friday, April 26. In case you aren’t clear what #FriFotos is exactly, it’s a 24-hour chat that trends internationally. People worldwide share their photos that match the week’s theme and you can play along if you’re on Twitter or Instagram by following the #FriFotos hashtag and including it in your Tweets with your photos.

The usual hosts will be there: @FriFotos who can also be tweeted to as @TravelDesigned, @EpsteinTravels & @CharlesYap. I’m sharing co-hosting with ooo lala @purplepassport AND you can find me @LolaDiMarco. NOW onto this week’s theme. After a little discussion we decided on #STYLE. I think this is a fantastic topic for #FriFotos because it can apply to lots of things with regard to travel. Like is your #STYLE solo travel, backpacker or luxe? Is your accommodation #STYLE swanky, hip or budget? What’s your travel food #STYLE or even libations #STYLE? You get my point, right?! #STYLE is about the LIFESTYLE of travel too. Of course, I think the more creative the better and to help inspire you I’ve put together some ideas to show you LOLA’S TRAVEL #STYLE.

LOLAPINK

Theres no doubt about it. My travel #STYLE involves lots and lots of PINK wherever I can pull it off!

Lola’s drink #STYLE of choice is COCKTAILS

Seen here are a Dark & Stormy at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS Beverly Hills, CA, 3 different versions of Negronis at Four Seasons Florence, Italy & the delicious Eastern Standard at Soho Beach House, Miami.

my travel #STYLE most certainly includes LUXURY hotel stays

Don’t know what your #STYLE is for accommodations but mine’s definitely one where I’m looking for something special! These properties absolutely fit the special #STYLE bill. Seen here are two Four Seasons properties: Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, CA and Four Seasons Milan in Milan, Italy. AND two Relais & Chateaux properties: Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento, Italy and Villa Galicci in Aix en Provence, France. I can assure you that I have never stayed in any Relais & Chateaux or Four Seasons property that didn’t meet every expectation in GREAT #STYLE.

Lola’s #STYLE also goes with HIP hotels

My travel #STYLE enjoys finding the new hot spots too. These hotels certainly exude a HIP #STYLE. We’ve got Mondrian SoHo in NYC, W Barcelona in Spain, The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas & The James Royal Palm in Miami. All very HIP. All very COOL.

FACT: Lola hearts the #STYLE of a beach vacay

It’s gotta be NO surprise that my travel #STYLE is definitely one that leans toward beach vacations. Sun, sand & the sea make me so happy! Here are a few of my favorite beachy spots: Miami Beach in Florida, Gouverneur Beach in St. Barts, Lucy Vincent Beach in Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Cas Abao Beach in Curacao.

very important in my world…minibar #STYLE

One thing that I’ve found that really sets some properties apart is a beautiful, well-appointed minibar! First up is the BEST up so far – Soho Beach House, Miami. To the right is Mondrian SoHo, NYC. Below is Four Seasons Florence, Italy. To the left is W Barcelona, Spain. If you love a cocktail to start your evening off right or to have a night cap at days end, a minibar with serious #STYLE is essential! Just sayin’

Lola’s #STYLE is definitely all about a FAB hotel pool

I don’t care if it’s not even warm enough to sun yourself, there’s something amazing about the #STYLE of great swimming pool. Granted, I prefer the sunshine & warmth option in my travel plans. Found here are Delano South Beach in Miami, W Barcelona in Spain, Petit Palace in Santorini, Greece and Soho Beach House in Miami. I ask you what’s not to LOVE about these pool’s #STYLE?

I hope these examples of #STYLE has got your creative juices flowing. It will be so FUN if you come PLAY along on Friday on Twitter with #FriFotos. Don’t forget to tweet to me @LolaDiMarco and add the hashtags #STYLE and #FriFotos to your photos. I look forward to seeing you & your travel #STYLE there!

xo – LOLA

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Filed under amalfi coast, barcelona, california, caribbean, cocktails, curacao, europe, florence, florida, france, greece, hipster hotels, italy, martha's vineyard, miami, milan, new york, spain, st. barts, swanky luxe stays, travel, USA, vegas

Tagged as FriFotos, style, travel photos

April 8, 2013 · 7:45 am

treated like Royalty at Four Seasons Hotel George V – Paris

the legendary Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

step aside Kate & William – you’re not the only one getting the royal treatment

lil Lola is quite comfortable in her French palace

as soon as you step inside Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris you will feel as though you are a part of a royal family. after all, since 1928 when the glamorous property opened its doors, it has been known for its “spirit of modern and elegant luxury”.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris located just off Champs-Elysees, reopened its doors in December 1999 after an extensive renovation project that restored the building’s key architectural features and re-created the original style to the tune of $125 million dollars. careful planning was put into place to recapture the original period charm in the decor, however, the property now has all the modern technologies and sophisticated facilities making it one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.

OUI OUI i say! so the stage is set to say that this gorgeous and elegant hotel seems very much like a LUSH FRENCH PALACE. just have a look at one of the common areas where you can enjoy a cocktail or light fare, La Galerie. definitely a prime spot for people watching!

the perfectly posh La Galerie

if you are in the mood for a more upscale experience fit for a prince or princess, Le Cinq is your place. for starters, the 2 Michelin-starred restaurant has its very own signature china & silver created only for this legendary hotel. can you say FANCY?! it was an absolute pleasure to receive a THREE HOUR royal banquet of a meal at this spectacular restaurant. there were more staff than clientele and they were as delicious as the meal. what a feat to have one of the best restaurants in Paris AND one of the best staff! MERCI BEAUCOUP.

can you see why it would take four hours to eat this?

let them eat…EVERYTHING!

Le Cinq’s menu of course has classic French culinary items but the restaurant also embraces newer, lighter cooking styles and incorporates the freshest regional ingredients. the lamb shoulder that was prepared with spices and slowly cooked for 17 hours was divine. BUT my favorite was the cheese course. something you cannot miss when in France. Le Cinq has the most amazing cheese cart i’ve ever laid my eyes upon!

a beautiful Premier room – definitely perfect for any princess!

now about Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris’ sleeping quarters. there are many options for all kinds of guest needs inside this landmark building. With 244 rooms in total at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – i had the princess treatment in my Premier room. the room was incredibly decorated and spacious BUT the closet and bathroom were almost just as big! i particularly enjoyed my view of the stunning Marble courtyard.

Le Bar’s Twister cocktail

as one must know, i am the QUEEN of cocktails and so i just had to go see what they might be mixing up down in Le Bar. i opted for the Twister off the ‘Creation Cocktail’ list which is a Hendricks gin infusion with fresh cucumber, lime, fresh basil leaf & sugar. although its price tag is steep (26 €) if this is the only way you can experience some of the majestic luxury of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, i say it’s worth every penny.

Princess Lola for the day at Four Seasons Paris

even though i’m really not royalty, i appreciated being the invited guest of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, so that i could have an idea what that lifestyle must be like. not that i can live my life in this regal manner every day BUT it’s an experience that is 100% Lola Approved!

The Premier Room features Louis XVI style furnishings, which mirrors the traditional grace of French living. The marble bathroom offers a full range of comfort and conveniences, such as a separate shower and bathtub. The room is attributed with a comfortable sitting area, a convenient desk for business purposes and a large king-size bed, or two twin-size beds.

The daily rate for the Premier Room is 1,275 Euros, taxes and service included.

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Filed under france, paris, swanky luxe stays, travel

Tagged as four seasons paris, luxury hotels, paris france, paris tourism

February 25, 2013 · 1:00 pm

One Day Stay: Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is pretty European city and Switzerland’s largest. You cannot help but fall in love with Zurich with its stunning Lake Zurich and the surrounding Alps. It seems like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Zurich was named one of the “best quality of life” cities in the world and is definitely a destination worth a longer visit with all the fantastic places to stay, eat & drink and shop. This doesn’t even take into account all the culture that is available in Zurich. Here’s my ‘One Day Stay’ round up of Lola’s time in Zurich.

DROP YOUR BAG

I had the opportunity to stay in the gorgeous Baur au Lac hotel for my overnight in Zurich. Dating back to 1844, this historic 5 star Leading Hotel of the World has had a guest line up full of royalty, presidents, artists & actors. And, who couldn’t enjoy the views from this address?! Looking onto Lake Zurich, the Alps & its own private park, Baur au Lac epitomizes luxury, elegance and legendary service. I can vouch, first hand, that the service was extraordinary from the mere fact that even with shift changes, the staff always knew who I was and greeted me by name. Might I add, with a recent multi-million dollar renovation, Baur au Lac has individually designed and decorated rooms with high quality furnishings custom-made for the hotel. Baur au Lac has married the old with the new in a luxurious yet contemporary fashion. PERFECTION that’s definitely Lola Approved.

DO

Zurich is a lovely city with plenty of culture. In the short time I was there I enjoyed a cocktail at a famous sweets spot, Felix Cafe, and walked the streets of the quaint city. My favorite ‘DO’ of my One Day Stay was stopping into Globus, Switzerland’s premier, high-class department store. The flagship store, which is located in the heart of Zurich, is for those who appreciate quality, aesthetics & innovative products. I particularly liked their food market as well as their own line of Globus clothes for women.

DRINK

I can enjoy a cocktail a multitude of places, that’s for sure. Wine with lunch at Globus, an afternoon bellini at Felix Cafe, famous for its chocolate creations, or post-dinner drinks at the lively terrasse restaurant. My favorite ‘DRINK’ was, in fact, at the trendy hot spot, Rive Gauche Restaurant & Bar at Baur au Lac. Right in the city center, you can mingle with the cosmopolitan Zurich set here.

DINE

I’m quite sure there are many fantastic options for delicious dining in Zurich. Staying overnight on a Sunday, however, presented a bit of a challenge as many restaurants are not open on Sunday or close quite early. Thanks to a tip from an “in-the-know” local, I was directed to terrasse, a hip Italian dining spot with a Lake Zurich view. The food and service were great and the restaurant was quite busy with a handsome crowd.

DANKE to Baur au Lac for hosting my stay in Zurich. You were everything I expected and so much more. As always, if I didn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it, I’d say otherwise. Plus, thank you to Switzerland Tourism for the first class SWISS train pass, which got me safely from Geneva to Zurich & The Dolder Grand for divine lunch. The views here are mine!

photo by Daniel Szelényi

PS – an honorable mention goes to The Dolder Grand. Your city resort is spectacular and I hope to further explore it on my next visit to Zurich. Between your fine dining options, bar, spa & fitness facilities (I’ve never been so impressed) and sporting activities offered, I can imagine one wouldn’t even feel the need to leave your lovely property.

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Filed under one day stay, swanky luxe stays, switzerland, travel, zurich

Tagged as Baur au Lac, switzerland tourism, The Dolder Grand, zurich tourism

February 19, 2013 · 9:41 am

Staying Hip at Swiss Luxury Apartments – Geneva, Switzerland

Swiss Luxe that’s a Must

Moonrise over Lake Geneva

Do you know what Geneva is famous for? Chocolate, watches and banking. Know what else? It’s said to be a bit boring and stuffy. I dropped in on Geneva on a Saturday night and, yes, it was a bit quiet. All the locals head off to the nearby ski slopes in the winter and all the business people have returned to their prospective locales. Since it’s a city that caters to the business set, I could see how Geneva could be seen as potentially boring and stodgy. But guess what? You don’t have to stay somewhere that epitomizes that.

Newcomer Swiss Luxury Apartments offers you a sleek, hip and luxurious place to rest your head with all the conveniences of a hotel. Housed in a fully renovated historical building that was once a private home, Swiss Luxury Apartments is located in the center of Geneva just around the corner from Lake Geneva, the famous Jet d’Eau fountain and many of the city’s best restaurants & nightlife.

When you stay with Swiss Luxury Apartments you can choose between two-room and three-room suites that come with a fully equipped kitchen. This makes it even more convenient to eat and drink whatever you want whenever you wish! Don’t have time to do your laundry or food shopping? No problem, the on-site staff is there to help and can arrange this at an additional fee. Besides the daily cleaning of your suite, other benefits to staying with Swiss Luxury Apartments include greater privacy, cost-effectiveness and more spacious accommodations. In particular, Lola liked the complimentary WiFi, Nespresso coffee maker & divine Frette linens! I can see how Swiss Luxury Apartments would be perfect for friends or family traveling together or the modern business person requiring more space.

Gorgeous flowers for Lola & her friends – Perfect personal touch!!

There’s also great flexibility in staying with Swiss Luxury Apartments as you can choose a one night stay or stay up to several months. With rates starting at $650 Swiss Francs per night – the bonus in that is the longer you stay the less you pay per night. FAB! I mean who wouldn’t want to stay in a place that’s as comfortable as home but with many of the same services of a hotel?

A big MERCI BEAUCOUP to Swiss Luxury Apartments for hosting my stay in Geneva. I loved it so much that I would definitely choose to stay there again! As you must know, if I didn’t tres adore it, I wouldn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

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Filed under geneva, swanky luxe stays, switzerland, travel

Tagged as geneva tourism, luxury apartment stays, switzerland tourism