Sardinia dance club for super-rich and very famous

The Place:
Billionaire

The Scene:
Located on the cliffs above the Gulf of Pevero, Billionaire is the hottest nightlife venue in Costa Smerelda known for its all-night dance debauchery and summertime home to Cipriani restaurant. For most of the year this three-story villa of thatched roofs and arid landscaping looks like an abandoned shack with stray dogs and barefoot locals. But with a little bit of mood lighting and nighttime hocus-pocus the club comes alive from July through September as the hottest social venue in all of Italy. In the early evening during high season, the club is dominated by its two be-seen eateries located along the main floor pool terrace and rooftop dining room.

By midnight the club begins to attract bumper-to-bumper Ferraris and Bugati’s to its front door with an influx of bronzed locals strutting their best Cavalli and Dior. The crowd includes Russian billionaires, offspring of Silvio Berlusconi and parade of fashion mogul yacht-hoppers. An interior dance floor is surrounded by small built-in booths that require advance reservations for the club’s pricey 500-Euro and up bottle service. The dance floor however, is enveloped in a hurricane of Italian pop and hip-hop anthems by resident DJs like Andrea Mendoza that’s free for all throughout the summer high season.

JetSet Tips:
Billionaire lasts till 4am on most summer nights, skip the 8pm and dinner and simply arrive to the club around midnight with the rest of the celebrity party crowd.

Last Word:
Mediterranean’s flashiest nightlife scene offers all-night dance scene and summertime outpost of Cipriani restaurant in Porto Cervo.

source : www.jetsetreport.com

Terrycloth bag doubles as slinky beach towel

Worried that your yellow beach towel clashes with your Hermes beach bag? Alas the folks at Maison Martin Margiela have discovered a summer essential that will rid you of your accessory worries. The ultimate buy one get one free, the bag is actually a convertible beach towel that rolls out into an oversize terrycloth bed for optimal seaside comfort. The bag is ideal for those that prefer to pack light and don’t like to worry about hiding their belongings while taking a dip in the sea. The bag is machine washable and also functions well for new mommies looking for an inconspicuous diaper bag. On our first trip to the beach we were a bit disappointed that our wet towel didn’t convert so well back into the bag, so try to dry off before getting back on your beach bag.

(Available at eLuxury.com - $250)

Former-dance den gets pop star makeover

"Brit-theme dance space dresses-up former resort lounge"
- Ryan Styler, Editorial Review Author

The Place:Lily Pond

The Scene:
Although Stereo-at-the-Shore has been silenced in the Hamptons, owner-Mike Satsky wastes little time trying to find a new frequency. The legendary owner of West Chelsea's Stereo franchise debuts an all-new party channel located in the former-Resort space in East Hampton. Satsky is a legion of pop-culture nightlife, attracting everyone from Lindsay Lohan to the Hills-gang to generation 20-something dance events and private parties throughout the Hamptons and Manhattan.

Lily Pond has created quite a buzz since its Memorial Day opening. The remodeled space takes a distinguished approach to nightlife with an arched-roof dance hall of wood paneling and intricate carved details that go all but unnoticed for the crowd of binge drinking revelers. The space features an indoor/outdoor design with massive VIP-lounge and patio terrace that makes the most of long summer nights amongst sprawling bed-style lounges and private cabanas.

JetSet Tips:
Busier holiday weekends feature celebrity entertainers spinning private parties and concerts in the main room.

Last Word:Former Stereo-owner debuts new Hamptons dance club in remodeled Resort-space.

source : http://www.jetsetreport.com

St. Tropez's crown jewel of disco

"A history lesson in partying."
- Michael Martin, Editorial Review Author

A champagne-fest of partying oppulence

The Place:

Les Caves du Roy

The Scene:

Perhaps the most famous nightclub in France, Les Caves du Roy is a dance institution that defies age and time. Located within the renowned Hotel Byblos, the club is a sanctuary of modern music that has recently been resurrected with a namesake CD that has circulated the world over. Nestled off the main passageway of the hotel, the entrance is protected by guards larger than most army officers. Ensuring that celebrities and elite are given a private environment free of paparazzi, the guards do their best to secure the safety of Byblos royalty that in the past has included everyone from Mick Jagger to Sean Coombs. The club maintains the same look sported since its inception; baroque columns with gold brocade still tower above VIP booths embroidered with the notorious Byblos insignia and oriental touches. The women are the most beautiful in the world and the men; unlike in LA or New York, actually know how to dance. Champagne corks pop by the minute as platinum cards swipes to the percussion of trance and techno remixes. At the helm of the Les Caves du Roy is deejay Jack-E who can spin everything from a Patricia Kaas track to the latest Beyonce track flawlessly.

JetSet Tips:

Champagne by the bottle, bring the prettiest ladies you know and dress like your clothes are who you are and who you are is nothing short of fabulous.

Last Word:

During the summer a soft wind blows down the main corridor of the Byblos Hotel as stiletto heels and Gucci loafers make their way to the Les Caves du Roy. The tanned skin of locals, who spent their days at the beach club, moistens as they begin to sway to the music of the Byblos. From mellow grooves to ladies dancing on the tables at 6AM, when Les Caves du Roy comes alive there is no scene or words to compare its allure and sex appeal.

Berlin Gallery Scene Heats-Up With New Openings

"International Galleries Lay Claim To Emerging Berlin"
- Angela Trotz, Editorial Review Author

Low-Rents and International Galleries Lead Artistic Revival

The Place:

Haunch of Venison

JetSet Tips:

Goodbye New York and see-you-late London, an emerging generation of struggling artists is leaving the pricey metropolises of yesterday in lieu of the more affordable cities of tomorrow. One of the most affordable cities in Europe, Berlin is the latest “it” city for emerging artists attracted by its drab Eastern European vibe and unbelievably affordable rent prices. For around $900-a-month exists a diverse rental market of period buildings and actual lofts yet to me injected with preppy 30-something Starbucks-pushing urbanites.And with the artists, a new generation of galleries and dealers are setting up shop in the German capital.

Last Word:

In and around Check Point Charlie, German-transplant galleries like Buchmann Gallerie and Julius Werner Berlin have emerged as leaders in attracting cutting-edge emerging artists as well as more seasoned second-generation works. Kreuzberg, formerly Berlin’s roughest neighborhood, still manages to retain that edgy boho-vibe despite openings by Jablonka Gallerie and an outpost of Düsseldorf's Konrad Fisher Gallerie. But the splashiest gallery opening to date has been in the Mitte, fully-gentrified since reunification, where Haunch of Venison debuted its third major gallery following its successful forays in Zürich and London.

Berlin - Chic Boutique for fashon-set

"Berlin’s department store for the chic-set"
- Angela Trotz, Editorial Review Author

Former-Communist shopping street gets architectural makeover

The Place:

Departmentstore Quartier 206

The Scene:

Friedrichstrasse has always been one of the premiere shopping streets in Berlin, even during the DDR-days when it was a member's only club for proletariat elite. The street has since been revitalized and is now open to all, providing you don't mind paying top-Euro for imported Italian and French designers set up in individual boutiques that make up the department store. The structure, a play on black-white marble intersected by skylights, was designed by I.M. Pei Partners (think: Louvre Pyramid) and is conveniently built next to Galeries Lafayettes, the upscale French department store.

JetSet Tips:

Be sure to stop into the designer outlet in the basement, called %, where seasonal merchandise is sold at great discounts.

Last Word:

Professional shoppers and fashion groupies wander between boutiques by fashion Etro, YSL, Gucci and Valentino. Not limited to just fashion, the store features several home designers, flowers, arts, books and a full-service restaurant. Many foreign visitors are surprised at how few shoppers are found in many of Berlin’s upscale boutiques. A layover of reunification, the city still faces unusually high unemployment and displacement from the Euro-conversion in 1999.

Christmas Planning Guide – Holiday Booking Trends

Top Ten Christmas Destinations 2007"
- Calista Avery, Editorial Review Author

Why You Should Start Planning Your Winter Holiday Now

The Scene:
It happens every year, a dreaded telephone call to the places like Hotel Jerome in Aspen inquiring about five coveted nights between December 22nd and December 25th – better known as the Christmas Getaway. But what was once a October practice is moving back earlier and earlier every year, with Christmas rooms selling-out as early as July for coveted destinations like St. Bart's, Aspen and St. Moritz. After calling around to more than ten different hotel chains, here are 10 festive tips for landing that coveted holiday room.

1. Think outside of the box. With Christmas falling on a Tuesday in 2007, try booking a room between the 21st and 26th instead of the usual Christmas week between December 24th and 30th. Room rates usually increase around the 23rd, meaning that you'll also save a stocking-full of cash.

2. Avoid the chains. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek increases its room rates by over 80% during the holiday period while local boutique hotels like Kimpton's Sky Hotel increase by no more than 20%. While facilities and services are not really comparable, upgrade to a better room category with the money saved.

3. Bundle it up. If you absolutely must stay at a luxury chain, inquire about special promotions like the "Ski Package" offered by Four Seasons Whistler. While rooms rates rise to $875 CAD ($750 USD) during the holiday period, special ski incentives that include two lift tickets and full breakfast is a mere $50 CAD ($42) more per night.

4. O' Come All Ye Faithful. While basic room categories almost double during the peak holiday season, upgraded suites tend fluctuate a lot less. Try getting a larger group together and renting larger two or even three bedroom suites. Residence Clubs like Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons tend to have an ample supply given good resorts sales and new openings.

5. Cheap Currencies. Instead of hitting the slops of Gstaad or Courchevel, take a sun-vacation and fly south toward more affordable South American economies. While taking advantage of Argentina's devaluation and Brazil ramped inflation may not sound very festive, you will be supporting local economies in need of foreign tourism while getting a toasty tropical tan.

6. One-of-a-kind gems. It may sound ridiculous, but one-of-a-kind and privately owned hotels tend to raise their rates a lot less during the holiday season than corporately-owned chains. Hotel Quintessence in Quebec's Mount Tremblant offers all-suite accommodations during the holiday season at a mere 10% premium (suites go from $699 CAD to $749 CAD) verses the nearby Fairmont Tremblant that nearly doubles rates ($299 CAD to $599 CAD) and requires a five-night stay.

7. Be a Trendsetter. It hardly a novel idea, albeit acceptably fabulous, to spend Christmas week in Verbier or St. Croix. Instead of the well-populated standards, try to discover new and less-populated destinations like skiing in Sochi, Russia (Home of the 2014 Olympics) or a beach vacation in Buzios, Brazil that's all but abandoned during the holidays.

8. Gites and Villas. It may sound provincial, but renting a French Gites during the holiday season is surprisingly affordable, utterly charming, and quite convenient given the travel time. For those looking for more sun or something more glamorous, villa rentals in the South of France are deeply discounted during off-season with last minute availability that's surprising.

9. Go to the Source. Sites like Ownerdirect.com offer premium vacation rentals with low fees and surprisingly good selection of luxury homes. With a variety of destinations and options, study the photos closely and coordinate details with the owner, as many of these fees are paid in advance and non-refundable.

10. Just Use Them. After accumulating all those hard to use American Express and Delta miles, perhaps a more practical alternative would be to use the miles for hotel stays. With fewer blackout dates and sky-high holiday rates, a one-night stay at a Starwood or Luxury Collection property may be a better value than a round-trip airline ticket.

Hollywood swimming pool for paparazzi-set

"Star-laden swimming pool renews once forgotten Hollywood hotel"
- Ann Vine, Editorial Review Author

Post-management shake-up leads to quieter bar scene

The Place:

Tropicana Bar

The Scene:

While Hollywood & Highland never amounted to more than a bad mall, the Roosevelt and its star-frequented pool comes full-circle to epitomize the quintessential hot spot. Located poolside at the Roosevelt Hotel, Tropicana Bar brings a bit of St.Tropez and Nikki Beach to area nightlife. The bar employs a Polynesian-meets- minimalist theme while accenting the historic elements of the location – most notably the Hockney-designed underwater mural.

JetSet Tips:

You'll need to be a hotel guest or at least act like your name is on the guest-list to get through the door.

Last Word:

More than space and design, what has changed most is the crowd of people that the hotel has managed to attract to the once tourist-laden pool. Cool, chic pretty people have suddenly appeared by day and night as Demme single-handedly picks who gets in and who doesn’t. Gone are the burger-eating bellies that single-handedly exorcised everything sexy and chic from the location over the last 30 years, and in their place the sandal-wearing Olson-sisters and Hilton-types who epitomize the current barometer of Hollywood hotness.

Notorious Hollywood nightclub reopens for celebrity-business

"Notorious Hollywood nightclub reopens after management shift."
- Ann Vine, Editorial Review Author

Initimate drinking lounge for Tinseltown-elite

The Place:

Teddy's

The Scene:

It was the hottest nightclub in Hollywood for most of 2005 with a door policy so tight that many B-list celebrities and moderately famous athletes resorted to suing its former proprietor Amanda Scheer. After a bit of management bickering, the owners of the hotel sent Scheer packing and sidelined the club for most of 2006. Located off the main lobby of the Roosevelt Hollywood, LA-designer Dodd Mitchell uses signature elements of dark wood, subdued colors and comfortable over-sized seating areas to configure an intimate lounge space more popular than ever with celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Sean Coombs and Josh Duhamel.

JetSet Tips:

Weekends can mean an hour-plus wait at the valet. For faster service, try the public parking lot across the street that stays open till 4am.

Last Word:

Average guests should expect a more relaxed door since the club's heyday but with a selection process that still requires the occasional greasing.

Dolce-partners reopen Hollywood-hotspot without star-chef

"90s hotspot reopens as hot nightclub and lounge with mediocre restaurant"
- Ann Vine, Editorial Review Author

Bungalow-style restaurant and nightclub in downtown Hollywood

The Place:

Les Deux Cafe

The Scene:

LAs hottest restaurant of the 90s, the beloved Parisian-cafe and lounge known as Les Deux reopens under the management of Dolce's Mike Malin and Sylvain Bitton with a similar look and gentrified restaurant menu. The dining room hasn't changed much featuring those familiar peach-tinted mirrors and curvy-black architecture accented by Louis XVI candelabras. But a new Ultra Lounge features a dimly lit bar area with overhead projection of foreign films and vintage fashion shows, while deejays spin house music on the patio for an MTV-minded Hollywood clientele.

JetSet Tips:

An adjacent nightclub shares the valet lot, so feel free to park and club-hop in Hollywood till 2am.

Last Word:

More nightclub than restaurant, the food isn't what you remember under French-owner Michelle Lamy who sought foodie-exile back in Paris in 2001. The continental menu feels more American these days, divided amongst petite, grand and sweet selections of thyme fries, flatbread pizzas and decadent chocolate-lava cake.