by Jane on February 6, 2012
Sun and sand is great and all, but some (us included) would argue that a beachy setting gets better when the clothes come off. Think of a nude beach as your new and improved wingman — its mere presence allows you to skip the whole how-do-I-get-him-or-her-out-of-their-clothes predicament. So come and get the skinny on our favorite nude beaches for one hot date this Valentine’s Day.
The beach at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa; Miami, FL
WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: Though Miami is topless-friendly just about everywhere, Haulover Beach is the only true nude beach in this spring break hotspot. The waters are crystal clear, the soft sand is debris-free, plus there are tons of on-beach amenities. Haulover has lifeguards (in swimsuits, unfortunately), food and drink vendors, and plenty of organized activities like birthday-suit volleyball, although we recommend not going for the save.
WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Less than a 5-minute drive from Haulover Beach, ONE Bal Harbour has a prime location for seeing some skin. Plus, this luxury resort has massive suites, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and over $4 million dollars worth of modern art.
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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 Jane on January 24, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders — and Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight at 9 p.m. EST. But c’mon, we’re a hotel website so what it really makes us think about is presidential suites. The most lavish accommodations in hotels, presidential suites are fit for, well, presidents. In fact, they reportedly got their name from President Woodrow Wilson, who had a strict list of requirements for his hotel rooms. Some of those requirements may be standard nowadays (such as en-suite bathrooms) but the over-the-top luxury remains. Last time, we highlighted the best presidential suites in New York City and Washington, D.C. so this time we’re heading to the West Coast to find the most drool-worthy presidential eye candy in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
The Hotel: InterContinental San Francisco
Built in 2008 in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern InterContinental has luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, a lap pool, a popular spa, and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
Oyster.com’s Favorite Feature of the Presidential Suite:
There’s a lot to love about the two-floor presidential suite, but we really go gaga over the wrap-around balcony with amazing city views and the funky light fixtures.
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With the Year of the Dragon fast approaching, Chinese communities across the U.S. (and everyone who likes a good party) are gearing up for the host of events that will take place starting on January 23 as part of the New Years’ celebration. San Francisco, New York and LA all have a long list of parades, traditional performances and balls — but it’s where you’re kicking up your heels at night that matters. Several of our favorite hotels have created special packages for you to enjoy — and partake in — the Chinese New Year celebration.
Dragon Gate in Chinatown; San Francisco, CA
Boasting the largest Chinatown in the country, it’s no wonder San Francisco has some of the best festivities. You might have missed the Flower Market Fair, but you can still get tickets here for the traditional concert given by the San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Community on February 11; take part in the 34th annual Chinese New Year Run rolling through Chinatown on February 19; enjoy the parade on February 11, and head to the zoo on January 29 to catch some acrobatic performances, tricks and more specialized family fun.
Where to Stay: Omni San Francisco Hotel
The 362-room Omni has spacious, quiet rooms and terrific service that’s on par with some of San Francisco’s best (and most expensive) hotels. Décor is tasteful and classic, the on-site steakhouse is outstanding, and the property is just steps from Chinatown and public transportation.
Lobby at the Omni San Francisco Hotel; San Francisco, CA
Chinese New Year Package: Accommodation in a Deluxe Room, two tickets for bleacher seating on the parade route, fortune cookie amenity and free valet parking for one vehicle, for $385 per night.
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Oysters Five Ways
In a decade, the always chic Fifth Floor restaurant in the Hotel Palomar in downtown San Francisco has had an impressive roster of top-tier chefs rotate through. George Morrone, Laurent Gras, Laurent Manrique, Melissa Perello, Jennie Lorenzo, and now, David Bazirgan. Each has put their own stamp on this sumptuous dining room with its soft, white leather chairs; floor-to-ceiling, glass-fronted wine cellar; and terrace herb garden that can be viewed from tables by the windows.
Now comes Massachusetts-native, Bazirgan, who took over this year, following his stint as Executive Chef at Chez Papa Resto in San Francisco, and five years as Chef de Cuisine at No. 9 Park in Boston.
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California halibut
You know you’re dining at a hot new place in San Francisco when on a chilly Sunday evening, it’s jam-packed with a well-known socialite at one table and a Euro-fashionista in neon pink fur vest and billboard-screaming sequined jeans at another.
Prospect is not just a place to be seen, though. It’s also a place to dine very, very well.
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1300 on Fillmore will transport you to another time, another place.
The glamorous San Francisco supper club greets you like a contemporary Southern belle with attitude from the moment you step inside its massive, heavy doors.
All warm, chocolate brown leather and polished wood, the lounge features a dramatic wall of back-lit black and white photos of the historic Fillmore Jazz District that surrounds the restaurant, a short drive from the Hotel Kabuki San Francisco.
There’s live jazz in the lounge regularly, and even gospel performances during Sunday brunch.
Recently, I was invited to be a guest of the four-year-old restaurant to try Chef David Lawrence’s singular take on Southern specialties. Lawrence owns the restaurant with his wife, Monetta, who greets guests in the dining room as if welcoming them to her own home. He is English-born, of Jamaican heritage, and French-trained — all of which shows on his plates. The food has the comforting quality you want in Southern cooking, but here it’s done up with far more flair and refinement.
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Steelhead trout at Chez Papa Resto
With its pulsating soundtrack, jeweled Murano glass chandeliers, menu covers done up in graffiti-like script, and dimly lit dining room in bold black and orange, Chez Papa Resto in downtown San Francisco is like one of those hip Parisian bistros you stumble upon down a cobblestone side street in Paris.
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Devil's Gulch rabbit rack
Quince, the much-heralded Italian restaurant in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco, is the kind of place where, on any night of the week, you might find the likes of food cognoscenti Ruth Reichl, and actors, James Spader, Roy Romano and Peter Krause, dining. It’s easy to feel like a glam celebrity at this gorgeous, historic 1907 brick and timber building , even if you’re not one at all– and that’s because Quince treats you with such utmost care that you can’t help feeling a bit special.
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