Oyster Blog
The Junior Suite at the Dream South Beach; South Beach, Miami, FL

The Junior Suite at the Dream South Beach -- Doesn't it just feel so SoBe?

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Dream South Beach is offering a $2/night room rate in honor of its second anniversary on June 1.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The price of a pair of the sunglasses included in the W Los Angeles Westwood‘s “Shades of Summer” package is worth about half of the price of the entire package itself.

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? A woman recently won a yacht while playing a penny slot machine at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Ace x Tanner Goods Bracelets sold at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs cost one-third of the price of a weeknight stay.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Hotel Indigo Edinburgh’s room service includes a private ,10-minute stand-up comedy act.

Check out the answers after the jump!

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It happens every year — suddenly it’s May and you have no idea what to do for Mother’s Day. Again. Brunch is handy and easy, and you know she will appreciate you spending some time with her. But how about you surprise her with something different this year? Whether she’s outdoorsy, artsy or just downright stressed out, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for Mother’s Day and make her feel special! You’re welcome in advance.

If Mom is outdoorsy…

PLAN: Play a round of golf (and let her win)
STAY:
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa — Sonoma County, CA

Sonoma Golf Club at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Sonoma County, CA

Sonoma Golf Club at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Sonoma County, CA

Housed in a Spanish mission-style building, the upscale Fairmont Sonoma is perfect for some pampering and golf days. It boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a top-notch spa complete with its own thermal mineral spring, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Round up the day with the free daily wine tastings, and then head to one of the hotel’s homey rooms for some rest.

MORE GREAT IDEAS FOR MOM AFTER THE JUMP>> Read More »

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Decked out in its signature pink, the Sandy Lane in Western Barbados is the creme-da-le-creme of luxury hotels around the world. While its superb service and long list of amenities are all top-notch (there’s even a Rolls Royce available to chauffeur you), Sandy Lane’s highlight is no doubt its white-sand strip of beach. So pretend you’re in one of those lounge chairs — with a matching fruity cocktail — take a deep breath, relax, and soak in the Monday morning goodness that is the beach at Sandy Lane.

Beach at Sandy Lane; Barbados

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XBurlesque at Bugsy's Cabaret is one of our picks for some naughty bachelor party fun.

XBurlesque at Bugsy's Cabaret is one of our picks for some naughty bachelor party fun.

Bachelor party season is heating up, and we have a feeling a lot of Best Men out there could use a lil help in putting together a memorable bash. No matter if planning isn’t your strong suit; the hotels of Sin City are more than prepared to do all the heavy lifting. Going clubbing is all well and good, and so is hitting the blackjack table until the wee hours — but if you want to make your bachelor party truly epic, read on.

From a private topless show for 300 friends, to a meet and greet with the ring girls at fight night, we’ve got you covered. Because no one wants to plan a mediocre bachelor party, right?

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The only thing better than Italian food is Italy itself. And the views from Terrazza Brunelleschi Restaurant at the Grand Hotel Baglioni in Florence are just as savory as its menu options. Between the fine dining and striking views of Florence, this upscale hotel restaurant is just another one of the city’s many works of art.

Terrazza Brunelleschi Restaurant at the Grand Hotel Baglioni

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The Atlantis Resort; Bahamas

Family vacation always sounds like a good idea — until you actually arrive, that is. Sometimes the kids, well, they don’t appreciate the art of an adult-style vacation. They don’t wanna just lay out — they want to hang out. And have a great time, too. So before you book your next big getaway, do your research and find spots that are 100% kid-friendly — or stay at one of our favorite six resorts. Check them out in the video after the jump!

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Grounds at Vintners Inn in Sonoma

Grounds at Vintners Inn in Sonoma

When the weather gets warm, the daydreaming begins. Lush hideaways. Hidden cottages. Your own secret garden come to life.

These fantasies can very easily become a reality, with an outdoor space and a little elbow grease. We’ve seen a lot of beautiful gardens on our travels, and so we took what we learned to come up these 10 helpful gardening tips.

From sculptures to arbors to lighting, learn about the additions that can transform an ordinary garden into a memorable haven.

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Lobby at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Lobby at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Waldorf-Astoria offers top-of-the-line luxury in Chicago. With an intimate, boutique feel — but all the amenities of a large hotel — the 188-room Waldorf caters to leisure and business travelers. Sleek rooms feature neutral tones, contemporary furnishings, and gorgeous marble bathrooms that offer separate showers and soaking tubs, as well as TVs inset in the mirrors. Highlights include two upscale restaurants (one with two Michelin stars), a top-notch spa, and a health club with extensive services and an indoor lap pool. Plus, the hotel’s location in the swanky Gold Coast neighborhood puts it within walking distance of upscale shops, restaurants, and attractions. Wanna know more? Check out more photos of the hotel after the jump or read our review now>>

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Atypical Island Vacations

by Jane on May 2, 2012

View from the Bitter End Yacht Club -- Virgin Gorda

Sure, the BVI is a nice, island-y spot. But we have some atypical island vacations after the jump that are hard to beat.

It’s getting warmer, summer is soon approaching, and we’ve got a full-blown case of spring fever at Oyster HQ. So it’s easy to catch ourselves dreaming of an island escape where we can enjoy some sun, fun, and relaxation. But going to the Caribbean is sooo typical (not that we’d turn down the chance to be someone’s travel buddy if they’re heading that way…hint, hint). Instead, we’re picturing a different kind of island vacation. A vacation where you’re on an island, but not one that most would normally think of; instead, we’re picturing the atypical island vacation – but with all the perks of an island getaway. Check ‘em out now!

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Things can get pretty heated at the popular Mikado restaurant at the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica, but getting a front-row seat to the meal prep is half the fun. Chefs at this sushi and teppanyaki joint even let diners try their hands at the grill, and these little ones didn’t pass up the chance. Poor little Jimmy below, however, may not have been as willing to get into the line of fire as some of his friends were. Check out what we had to say after the jump, then enter your own caption in the comments section below!

Mikado at the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica

 

Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

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