by Jane on February 2, 2012
Although celeb divorces are super-frequent, we were blindsided when Heidi and Seal announced their separation. (But after seeing this picture, it’s pretty clear they haven’t been getting along.) And if that reveal wasn’t heartbreaking enough, it came on the heels of a slew of other celeb splits: Demi and Ashton, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, Katy Perry and Russell Brand, to name a few. But as it always goes in Hollywood, every failed, star-studded relationship could have a second chance. And with the aforementioned couples, no finalizing papers have been signed. No completely irrevocable damage has been done. We think that a little R&R would help these duos unite once again — they just need the right recommendations. (From us, natch.)
The A-List Couple: Heidi Klum and Seal
Credit: Steve Connolly/startraksphoto.com
The Lobby at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler; Whistler, BC
Why The Hotel Can Save Them: 2004 was a good year for Heidi and Seal. They met, she gave birth to her daughter Leni (whom Seal later adopted), and then he proposed in an igloo in Whistler. So we think they should just head back to where it all began. We know that skiing can bring Heidi and Seal smiles; their last happy photo was a pic of them on the slopes over Christmas. Plus, at the kid-friendly Four Seasons, Mom and Dad can reconnect during a luxurious couples massage while the tots are at the kids club. Then the whole fam can cozy up in front of the fire in one of the massive residences to call it a night.
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by Jane on February 1, 2012
On Valentine’s Day, just about anything can get a person in the mood — but there are some things are a sure bet. That’s why we perused our most romantic hotels to find come-hither amenities that could have even total strangers getting hot and heavy in no time. Grab your spouse, significant other, or the eye candy that lives next door and check in to one of these sexy spots.
THE LUSTY AMENITY: The Clothing-Optional Pool
The Clothing-Optional Lower Pool at the Ventana Inn & Spa; Big Sur, CA
The Ventana Inn & Spa is all about creating a zen, holistic retreat with such offerings as yoga classes, discovery walks, afternoon wine and cheese, Japanese baths, and two pools. Forgot to pack your bathing suit? No problem! One of the pools is clothing-optional (read: everyone’s in their birthday suit), so it’s easy to dive in and feel sexy. Check out more super-sexy hotel features after the jump!
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If you haven’t found “the one” yet, but are planning on taking out someone new (and maybe special) this Valentine’s Day, some serious impressing is in order. Hotels exude sexiness on any given day, and these bars don’t disappoint: Each of them has its very own get-into-his-or-her-pants kind of charm.
The Bar: Kittichai
Kittichai at 60 Thompson; New York City, NY
Why We Love It: The trendy NYC ambiance simply rules. Although the food — which is thai — is only so-so on a good day at this combo bar/restaurant, the romantic atmosphere makes up for its over salted fare. Eclectic music (think French renditions of silly American nursery rhymes) adds to the quirky-chic vibe, just be prepared to shell out a few bucks: Everything’s more expensive in Manhattan.
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by Zach on January 20, 2012
There’s design, then there’s aggressive design…And then there’s really aggressive, trippy design that makes us think someone slipped something in our drink. The Room Mate Grace in New York City has some of the headiest themes we’ve ever come across: think vertigo-inducing hallways and a pool that redefines the term “mood-lighting.” We may not love the Times Square area, but this hotel is a sight to see all on its own.
Bathroom in the Pool Bar at the Room Mate Grace; New York, NY
by Zach on January 17, 2012
Preparing for the birth of a child is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a couple. Even if it’s just testing paint swatches in the nursery, lots of time and energy is spent getting everything ready for the big day. And while the preparations themselves may seem hectic, they pale in comparison to the duties that come along with caring for a newborn infant.
This is why the trend of “babymooning” began to catch on in the mid-2000s. A quick, romantic trip is a great way for couples spend an intimate weekend together before the arrival of their child. Mothers and fathers-to-be treat themselves to pampering spa treatments, cozy rooms, and relaxation in a last hurrah before parenthood begins. Being the hotel experts, we rounded up some of our favorite hotels for the perfect babymoons. Because take it from us when we say that happy, relaxed parents make the entire process easier.
Mount View Hotel & Spa (Calistoga, CA)
Winery Artist Cottage at the Mount View Hotel & Spa; Calistoga, CA
Heading to a small B&B is a win/win for expectant couples: the vibe is more relaxed, the atmosphere more romantic and the service personalized. The Mount View Hotel & Spa takes it a step further with the “Oh Baby!” welcome package: for $270, each parent is treated to a 50 minute massage (including a pre-natal option), a box of chocolate truffles, sparkling cider, two souvenir champagne flutes and a special shirt that helps expectant mothers massage their baby. Need more? The package also includes a $10 “craving card,” where hotel staff will fetch mothers-to-be anything from olives to Oreos from local stores. While we can’t suggest that couples partake in the wine tasting tours that dominate the area, we’re fairly confident that you’ll appreciate the calm surroundings of northern Napa Valley.
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by Jane on January 9, 2012
OK, so even though Oyster.com is a travel website and our main goal is to deliver the truth about hotels, we also secretly moonlight as a life coach. That’s right, we can dole out advice on waaaay more than just hotels; don’t forget — we helped you get over your ex, offered Lindsay Lohan some sound legal advice, and dissected the key moments in Kris and Kim’s “marriage” (if you can call it that) that lead to the split. So yeah, we’re basically the new-and-improved Dr. Phil with a ton of travel tips to boot. To help transform your lifestyle, we scoured the globe and found the destinations best suited for changing your life for the better. (We guess some people can handle the total transformation at home but a vacation is always nice, right?) So grab a friend who’s also in need of a little improvement and head to Oyster’s top five picks for transforming your life! Check ‘em out below or on Shape.com.
Sunday Farmers' Market; Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Ranked by PETA as one of the most veg (and vegan)-friendly cities in the country, Washington, D.C. is the perfect spot to transform your diet. Going vegetarian is all the rage (Meatless Monday, anyone?) — it’s been proven to be good for your heart, your skin, and your immune system – and D.C. has tons of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. But even if you’re just looking to increase your veggie intake without completely swearing off meat (I mean, have vegetarians never had a hamburger before? Hard to give up, don’t you think?), D.C. is a good place to be. With the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” nutrition initiative, the capital is all about you getting your three to four servings of fruits and veggies (each!) every day. Read More »
The Park Suite at the Gansevoort Park Avenue; New York City
First there was New York City’s Restaurant Week, where hundreds of hotspots and local dives alike offer seriously discounted prices on (what are usually) three-course meals. Enter NYC ‘Hotel Week.’ From January 6 to January 15, several properties around the city are offering hotel rates starting for as little as $100 a night — with both budget and luxury options. For $100 you can snag a night at the Pod Hotel; If you’ve got a few extra bucks to spend, check out Andaz Wall Street or Gansevoort Park Avenue (where a certain Kardashian resided during the failure of her 72-day marriage) for up to $250 a night. Wanna know more? After the jump, check out the hotels involved this year and how to score the deals.
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Most of us spent last weekend popping bottles of (cheap) champagne, passing cheese platters, or ordering in MSG-loaded Chinese food. Regardless of which indulgence you chose, there’s definitely at least a tinge of holiday hangover – alcoholic or otherwise. Start the year off right by heading to one of these super-sleek spas in a city near you.
The spa bathroom at the Beverly Wilshire; Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES: The Spa at the Beverly Hills Wilshire
The Detox Treatment: The Detox Massage ($180 for 60 minutes)
The Deal: As if complimentary use of the 8,000-square foot spa’s saunas, steam rooms, and experience showers (which feature the likes of colored lighting and variable pressure) wasn’t rejuvenating enough, every treatment here is top-notch, which is why we’d head straight for a Detox Massage. Therapists at the Rodeo Spa use specific massage techniques to flush out kidney, liver and other bodily toxins that will relax your mind, too.
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by Hilary on November 22, 2011
These hotels are the most fashionable, stylish, trendy, and the all-around best Vogue-esque vibe you can get.
Trump SoHo
Donald Trump’s first hotel in downtown New York has the attention to detail and hands-on service you’d expect from a Trump property, but the slightly hipper vibe and great SoHo location cater to a younger set. The exclusive, celebrity-filled Kastel bar, pricey Quattro restaurant, luxurious spa, and seasonally open pool are the hotel’s main features.
Trump SoHo
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We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass, you’re having a cocktail party.
This week, we’ve got 60 Thompson. Previously, we’ve bar hopped at: The Grand Hyatt, New York XVI at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, The Maritime, The James Hotel, Hilton New York Fashion District, and The Standard Hotel.
Drink #1: Kumquat Margarita
Kumquat Margarita. 60 Thompson
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Anejo Tequila
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime mix
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- 4 kumquats
To make
Combine 1 teaspoon of raw sugar, 6 mint leaves, 4 kumquats and muddle well in a mixing glass. Add 2oz of anejo tequila, .5 oz orange juice, .5 oz lime mix, add ice and shake well. Pour into a wine glass or tumbler. Splash of club soda.
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