On Our Radar: Thompson Takes Over Hotel Victor Miami

The Thompson Hotel group acquired Miami's Hotel Victor this week. A renovation will be finished early next year; but their management will take over immediately. If you've walked down Ocean Drive in the past decade, there's a good chance you've been to one of their parties at Hotel Victor. We sure have. The Art Deco hotel has 90 rooms most with ocean views and generous sized bathrooms and terraces. It also has a gorg infinity pool, 6,000 square foot spa, and multiple restaurants and lounges. We looked forward to seeing what Thompson can do to improve this already cool corner of South Beach.

On Our Radar: Public Chicago

Ian Schrager's redo of the Ambassador Hotel in Chicago previewed this week. Public is a new line and concept of hotels that Schrager envisions delivers luxury service and amenities to the masses. Public doesn't scrimp on style and there won't be frustrating charges like $5 Hershey bars and $20 pots of coffee. Schrager believes people are "sick of slick" and want a return to value and quality in the hotels they frequent.

The existing Pump Room restaurant was also reworked by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a farm to table approach and service at all meal times. At night the Pump Room turns into a glam 30's/40's supper club.

Preview rates start around $150 per night. The grand opening is slated for October.

Photo courtesy of www.tripadvisor.com.

On Our Radar: Ace Hotel Palm Springs

Photo courtesy nytimes.com

It must be all the rain on the east coast; but we're craving a getaway to Palm Springs. The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is the perfect spot to hang with the cool kids in town. The hotel replaced an old Howard Johnson's and added all the "Ace" touches like dog-friendly rooms, earth-friendly paints and materials, a sustainable kitchen restaurant in the old "Denny's," music spun by celeb dj's, communal fireplaces, WiFi, Rudy's Barbershop toiletries and a retro pool scene. Some of the rooms have vintage record players and albums. You won't have to go out for a good time because the Amigo Room Bar lights up at night with tasty artisan cocktails and the pool has a dj scene on Sundays. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a day trip to the Joshua Tree. We found a king room for only $109 with views of the mountains. The prices go up from there. Who's in?

On Our Radar: Beach Shack in Cape May, New Jersey

This past weekend we lost our Cape May virginity. We had been wanting to check out the southern tip of New Jersey for some time now and with a heat wave raging in the east, it was the perfect excuse to take a trip to the beach. Cape May is an easy 2 hour drive from Philadelphia and 3 hours from New York.

We opted to stay at the Beach Shack. That's the hotel's famed Rusty Nail bar (above) and is the main draw of the property. During the summer, they have live music daily and a reggae all day on Sundays. The bar serves $3 Red Stripes and Coronas on Sunday funday, so there's really no reason to go anywhere else.

The rooms at the hotel are nothing to write home about—it is called the Beach Shack, after all. But they are clean and quiet. The biggest downside is that on a 100 degree day the wall unit A.C. barely cooled our room.

Overall, Cape May has a very laid back vibe. The town caters to tourists, so you won't get any attitude—all our servers were super-friendly, even when we sat down to eat at one restaurant 20 minutes before closing. Another plus is that there are numerous places to eat and drink so we never had to wait in line, even at the famous Uncle Bill's Pancake House where we had the best blueberry pancakes of our life. (Admittedly it helped that we were only a party of 2.)

Another plus for the budget-conscious is that many of the restaurants are BYOB. There's a liquor store conveniently located right off the Washington Street mall (an outdoor pedestrian shopping area), so you can pick up your booze before heading to dinner. We ate at  Gecko's, a Mexican place. Be sure to ask for the homemade habanero hot sauce.

There's so much to do in the quaint Victorian-style town, we barely scratched the surface. Cape May does cater towards families and couples, but there were groups of guys and girls out—the Ugly Mug was the place to be the weekend we were there. Cycling and miniature golf are just a few of the activities that are popular in the town. A fancier place to stay is Congress Hall, which has the same owners as the Beach Shack. Check back next week for photos from our tour of the hotel.

On Our Radar: Swimming with Sharks in Mexico

Okay, we may have a phobia about sharks when we're in the ocean, but we're not alone. This is an opportunity to see these babies up close and safely. In Playa Mujeres from June to September, whale sharks gather close to shore. While these sharks can grow to a whopping 40 feet long, they're vegetarians. Would you have the nerve to jump in?

The new Villa del Palmar Cancun is offering a Whale Shark Adventure package which includes:

• 5 Days and 4 Nights in our Luxurious One Bedroom Ocean View Suite
• 2 50-Minute massages per room, per stay
• 10% Off additional massages
• Up to two children under 12 stay and eat free (sharing room with their parents)
• 2 Whale Shark Tour passes
• Round trip transfers
• Welcome cocktail upon arrival
• All meals, snacks and beverages + premium brand alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary internet access in your room
• 6 times daily shuttle to downtown and hotel zone shopping centers
• Complimentary use of water and land Toys: non motorized water sports
• Daily theme nights
• Taxes and gratuities

Price: $1598 total package for 2
Children's’ tickets for Whale Shark Tour can be purchased on property ($79 USD per child)

Learn more about Villa Del Palmar here.

On Our Radar: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

This one is for our Midwestern readers who like a bit of adventure on their girls’ getaways. The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin features all kinds of activities, like horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, wall climbing, golfing, biking and more—plus, skiing in the winter.

Some of the best elements at the Grand Geneva are its fabulous WELL Spa + Salon and fitness center. Take advantage of its Mid Summer Maintenance package that features private classes for cardio tennis, yoga, Zumba, body bump, or cardio outdoor combat, all followed by your choice of a massage or a customized facial.

Or if you like to golf, try the Grand Getaway package, which features a two night stay in a deluxe guest room, two rounds of golf on either The Brute or The Highlands courses, $300 spa credit per room and a $100 dining credit.

Or you can add a free Sunday night stay to your weekend getaway. Visit GrandGeneva.com for more info.

On Our Radar: Yoga and Cava Retreat

Last year's retreat was in the Rijoa region of Spain

Combining two, no make that three, of our favorite things: Yoga, cava and Spain, the Ki Power Vinyasa Retreat in Pendes, Spain is high on our list of dream trips. The trip, taking place September 3-10, includes:

• Accommodations for seven nights at the Hotel Gran Claustre 
•  Daily two  hour ki power vinyasa yoga class taught by Isauro Fernandez
• Daily breakfast and traditional Catalan lunches/dinners with wine
• Winery visits including wine tastings highlighting the history and region’s most outstanding vineyards
• Day-trip to Barcelona including a guided tour of the famous La Boqueria as well as other sites and monuments
• Cooking class lunch in Barcelona
• Farewell dinner featuring a live Flamenco show and Spanish guitarist
• Transportation to and from Barcelona airport

 How amazing does that sound! For more information, check out Ki Power Vinyasa.

On Our Radar: Napa Valley

Ever wish you could read a wine list like a pro? The Harvest Inn in the heart of Napa Valley is hosting an intensive  wine education program lead by Andrew Bell, President of American Sommelier. The six day course beginning on July 25th is a condensed version of the popular twenty-four week Viticulture and Vinification course given by American Sommelier.  "Viti/Vini" is appropriate for industry professionals and consumers and covers varieties, wine-making, food pairing and much more. This would be perfect for you if you're looking to get more from your vacation than a great tan!

For more information visit American Sommelier. 

On Our Radar: Rosewood Tucker's Point, Bermuda

Rosewood Tucker's Point, Bermuda which opened in 2009, is sponsoring a contest for a free trip to their resort. Rosewood partnered with Gosling's rum asking those interested to develop a new cocktail using Gosling's rum and submit the recipe, photos, and backstory to Rosewood Tucker's Point Facebook page.

Get your muddle, your limes and your shaker ready! The entry with the most votes wins the Grand Prize which includes airfare from the continental U.S., a three night stay at Rosewood Tucker's Point, breakfast each morning, a tour of Gosling's rum facility with Brand Director Andrew Holmes, autographed bottle of Gosling's Family Reserve Old Rum,  and an in-room rum gift basket. The winning cocktail recipe will be served on property at Rosewood Tucker's Point.

A guest room with gorgeous views and beautiful linens:

 We love a posh bathroom:

Good luck!

On Our Radar: The New Ritz-Carlton Credit Card

Today Ritz-Carlton and J.P.Morgan launched the first Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card. It comes with special member rewards like three annual upgrades to a Club Level Room, and we love Club service! It also gives you access to airport lounges and you can earn rewards towards free dining and spa treatments. There's also no foreign transaction fee if you're a frequent international Jet Set Girl.

On Our Radar: Hotel Plaza Athénée

The French Open has given us a fever for Paris again and we're sure a few lucky readers will be there this summer. The most fortunate of you will get to stay at the Plaza Athénée. Last fall we stopped by the iconic hotel to see the redesigned lobby and learn how you can truly eat, stay and play there.

Located on the fashionable Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée is a gem, worthy of its guest spot on Sex and the City. The Plaza puts you steps from the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, serious designer shopping, and much more. Here's how we see a perfect day in Paris:

Arrive at Charles De Gaulle airport from your overnight flight and head to Hotel Plaza Athénée. Check in early and sit down outside at Le Terrasse Montaigne for a croissant and some coffee. Soak up a few rays at the sidewalk café (good for your jet lag) and watch the fashionistas strolling down one of the city's most beautiful streets with their bags from the Chanel, Céline, and Prada stores nearby.

Make an appointment at the gorgeous Spa Dior Institut for a rejuvenating facial to combat the drying effects of the in-flight air. Afterwards head up to your room for a quick disco nap and get ready for drinks and dinner downstairs.

The rooms at the Plaza Athénée are decorated in either classic Louis XVI style or Art Deco which we preferred. The ultimate room in the Plaza is the Terrace Eiffel Suite which has floor to ceiling windows that look out at the Eiffel Tower from the grand living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Wait til see it light up at night! This room is the ultimate girls' getaway destination.

Head downstairs to Le Bar du Plaza Athénée for a couple of creative cocktails like the delicious black mojito and small bites like the sushi colada pictured above. Don't let its benign looks fool you- this treat packed a serious alcohol kick. Take the time to check out your neighbors for Parisian people watching at its finest. At 10:00 the otherwise blue bar turns red with lighting and eludes an even sexier vibe than before. We'll go back to Le Bar, whether as a guest of the hotel or not.

You have a few options for dinner. The night we were there we ate at Le Relais Plaza. The foie gras ruined us for any other, as it was as rich and decadent as one can imagine. Also of note were the wine selection, the potato soup, the fish, the cheese plate and the warm bread.

If we've tempted you, the Plaza Athénée is currently offering summer specials in August. Have you been a guest there? We'd love your comments below.

On Our Radar: Waikiki Edition Surf and Bikini Boot Camp

Sun, surf, yoga and spa-ing combined with more hedonistic delights like shopping and clubbing. Sound like  a dream trip. All are combined at the Waikiki Edition Surf and Bikini Boot Camp. The Waikiki Edition Hotel, on the island of Oahu, is one of the first hotels from Ian Schrager's partnership with Marriot, so you know you can count on gorgeous decor, a sophisticated, yet fun clientele and delicious food—in this case courtesy of Morimoto.

During the Boot Camp, you'll have daily surf and yoga lessons, as well as opportunities to hike and kayak. Healthy meals are provided during the camp by Executive Chef Kaleo Adams. If you're still standing come nightfall, you can check out the hotel's Crazybox club.

The dates for the upcoming camps are June 21-25; August 17-21; October 16-20; December 18-22. Visit EditionHotels.com for more info.

On Our Radar: San Diego

San Diego has been on our minds lately, probably because we endured a particularly long winter and San Diego has perfect weather. But also because the BlogHer conference will be there in August, and even though we didn’t get much out of the last one we went to, it gives us an excuse to visit San Diego.

Feeling like a visit yourself? Start in the Gaslamp Quarter where hundreds of restaurants, bars and shopping boutiques will keep you busy. We’d like to stay at the Kimpton’s Hotel Solamar. It’s just a stone’s throw from Petco Park if you want to catch a baseball game (where the boys are!). Hotel Solamar also boasts a beautiful rooftop pool, which turns to into the club LoungeSix at night (pictured above). It’s great to have a nightspot built into your hotel so the early-to-bed crew can head back to the room safely while the rest of you keep dancing.

Back in the Gaslamp Quarter, don’t miss Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey’s new restaurant, Searsucker. Its décor is eclectic and its food imaginative like farm bird lollipops coated in Bloody Mary mix and spicy Baja shrimp with bacon grits. Drink a Peter Rabbit with Pimms #1, bruised basil, pressed lemon and pickled carrot or a Lullaby with white whiskey, St. Germain, Chamomile Bitter and rose geranium. You can’t go wrong with either!

Photo credit Richard Wood: Flickr Creative Commons

No visit to San Diego would be complete without some time at the beach, so head to Coronado beach (above) or Encinitas' Moonlight beach or, better yet, ask that cute surfer dude where he’ll be. Happy travels!

On Our Radar: Aspen's Food and Wine Festival

What Coachella is to hipsters, the Aspen Food and Wine Classic is to foodies. This year's is June 17 to 19 and features cooking demos, seminars and dinners by top chefs including Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio and José Andrés. Don't worry if you don't know your radicchio from your escarole, it's not too high brow—topics include, "Sexy Vegetable Dishes" and "Grilled Cheese, Please" and there are plenty of wine and cocktail tastings, too.  Nor is lodging astronomically priced—last we checked there were hotel room starting at $52 a night (We don't vouch for its cleanliness or location.)

For more information, check out FoodandWine.com.

On Our Radar: W London

If all this talk about the royal wedding has you thinking about making a trip across the pond, here's another reason: The newly opened W London - Leicester Square Hotel. The hotel is centrally located near the West End theaters (The upcoming Batman is another reason to head to London this summer) and the shopping on Regents and Oxford Streets.

In the Wonderful rooms the sinks are in the middle, a take on the American trend of putting tubs in the center of the room. (The shower is behind closed doors.) The rooms feature Bliss spa products and iPod docs.

When it's time to party, you can hit the Wyld Club or the Lounge Bar. There's a branch of NYC's Spice Market in the hotel for meals that are both delicious, fun and sexy.

Ready to go? When you book two nights, the third is free. Get ready to call in sick that Monday!

On Our Radar: The Viceroy Miami

We're headed south this morning, destination: the Viceroy Miami. We couldn't be more excited to spend a couple of nights in such a chic hotel and this time Mother Nature cooperated by dishing us some mighty fine weather. You'll find us poolside in the afternoon and at Club 50 late night. We may never leave the hotel!

Are you in need of some Vitamin D? The Viceroy Miami is currently offering a free night when you stay two nights (it averages to about $265 per night).

On Our Radar: Kimpton Celebrates Its Big 3-0

Happy 30th to one of our very favorite hotel chains: Kimpton Hotels. We hesitate to call Kimpton a chain, since each property has its own style and character, from the original Hotel Monaco in San Francisco with its strips to the Sky Hotel in Aspen with its chic lobby and apres ski-scene to the built from the group up Ink 48 on the edges of Manhattan with a stunning rooftop bar (shown above).

Kimpton won us over years ago with their innovative ideas like hotel wide pet-friendliness, commitment to environmentalism, their humor, the wine hour, the goldfish and much more. They're celebrating their thirtieth birthday since the first hotel opened in San Francisco and sharing the celebration with guests in a number of ways:

Birthday Cheers! On April 1st, Kimpton hotels are extending their daily wine hour and serving cupcakes and special wine selections.

Write Here, Right Now Starting today, Kimpton fans can win a free night by telling the favorite birthday story through a poem, haiku, sonnet or funny rhyme. Voting will be on Facebook and 30 submissions will receive free nights.

Birthday Spa Bonus Kimpton is giving an additional 30 minutes free to a 50 minute in-room massage throughout April (use the code "30th Birthday when you book).

Kimpton Style Savings Wishing you'd brought home one of Kimpton's big puffy animal print robes? From April 1st to the 14th, all purchases on KimptonStyle.com will reflect an automatic 30 percent discount.

On Our Radar: New Orleans Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest kicks off in a month on April 29th, so plan your trip now. We'd love to stay at the new Hotel Le Marais on Conti Street less than a block from Bourbon Street where rooms start at a remarkably low $109! They give you a cocktail at checkin; but if you go, try their purple cocktail at the bar and let us know what you think.

The guestrooms are a cool mix of neutrals and eggplant. Since the hotel opened in November, there's a good chance everything is still fresh. We're digging the free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, granite bathrooms, free bottles of water, and iPod docking stations.

Need more reason to check out Hotel Le Marais? It has the biggest outdoor hot tub in the French Quarter. Happy travels!

On Our Radar: Spa Week

It's that time of the year again, where great spas across the country offer up their popular services for only $50 a pop. Spa Week runs from April 11th through the 17th.  I always take the chance to pamper myself (somehow I can justify it if it's at a discount!). This time around I booked the Stress Melter Ritual (scrub and wrap) and a facial at The Red Door Spa. For $50 each it's like getting two for one and this close to tax day, I'll need some relief. Who wants to join me?

Book your services now, because they fill up quickly! www.spaweek.com

On Our Radar: Le Parker Meridien NY

A weekend trip to NYC with my girls will be especially fun with a suite at Le Parker Meridien on West 56th St. We chose it for the Midtown location near Central Park, Times Square, shopping and much more. The enclosed rooftop pool with views of the park is unbeatable, as is breakfast at Norma's, the coffee in the Knave and the TDF burgers at the Burger Joint. If only I didn't give up red meat for lent!

They have a 20% off special when you stay two or more nights (Thursdays to Saturdays) and a Bed and Breakfast package which includes a decadent breakfast at Norma's. Both available on line.