The Infinite Youth:
Hotels

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #29: New York"s Gansevoort Meatpacking
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #29: New York"s Gansevoort Meatpacking
For first timers to New York, one of the easiest ways to tackle the city is to stay at a chic boutique hotel where you can party, eat and sleep all in the same location. The Gansevoort Meatpacking offers all that and more.It features a rooftop pool bar, Provocateur night club, Tanuki Tavern for sushi and an on-site Exhale spa.

Sign up for the Gansevoort “Night Owl” package and you"ll get:
- · Early check-in - 2pm
- Deluxe Room or Suite accommodations
- Pool access and a complimentary poolside beverage
- Complimentary in room 750ml bottle of Belvedere Vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, Bombay Sapphire or 375 ml Patron Tequila (one bottle per stay)
- Two VIP passes to La Pomme, Marquee, or Cielo
- Two VIP passes to Red Market, the city"s premiere late-night salon, good for 25% off hair styling services.
Log onto HotelGansevoort.com for more info.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #29: New York's Gansevoort Meatpacking» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #28: Waikiki Edition by Ian Schrager

Hawaii would be a long way to go for us Eastcoasters for a bachelorette party; but you lucky gals on the other side can hop over without too much trouble. Where would we go? Ian Schrager"s newest venture with Marriott the Waikiki Edition. His latest brand will be spreading around the world; and this first "Edition" is a winner. The restaurants and bars are intimate and modern:

The views are TDF!

The rooms are fresh and clean:

Rates begin at only $195 per night with the Anniversary Offer!
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #28: Waikiki Edition by Ian Schrager» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #27: Savannah, Georgia

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #27: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, like Charleston, is a great town for women travelers. They both have great boutiques and restaurants and both are close to beautiful beaches. They also have convenient airports which make flying in for a short trip nice and easy.

We"re planning a trip to Savannah in late September and chose the Bohemian Hotel on the riverfront. The Bohemian Hotel boasts Rocks on the River restaurant, Rocks on the Rooftop lounge and guests have access to its sister property, the Mansion on Forsyth Park, with a pool and the 700 Kitchen Cooking School. We"ll drive to Tybee Island for a beach day as well.

Rates start at $269 per night.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #27: Savannah, Georgia» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Party Ideas #26: Sedona, Arizona
Bachelorette Party Ideas #26: Sedona, Arizona
If your bride is on the nervous side, take her to the serene Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ. It recently underwent an $11 million upgrade of the rooms including new furniture, linens and decor. For large groups, a full Hacienda with six Queen beds, full kitchen, living room, fireplace, and 3 outdoor patios, is ideal. To further calm her nerves, take your bride to the Mii amo destination spa and sign her up for the Anasazi Ubtan, a combo of a wrap and massage that is a traditional beautification ritual for brides in India.
Bachelorette parties should consider the Enchantment Resort Girlfriends Getaway Package that includes:
- Two nights at Enchantment Resort
- One breakfast entrée or breakfast buffet each morning, per person at Yavapai Restaurant, Mii amo Café or Room Service
- One 60-minute private group session once during stay, choose from yoga, tarot card reading, tennis clinic, or red rock hiking tour
- One 60-minute spa service per person, once during stay
- Welcome bottle of wine and cheese and fruit plate
For more info, log onto EnchantmenResort.com.
VIA «Bachelorette Party Ideas #26: Sedona, Arizona» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #24: Hotel Jerome in Aspen
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #24: Hotel Jerome in Aspen
Use your bachelorette party as an excuse to ogle hot, sporty guys in Colorado. The “Blazing Adventure” packages offered at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen includes three nights of lodging at the historic hotel and your choice of adventure, ranging from the following:
- Blazing Trails-Sunset Dinner Tour-- includes a 4-wheel drive tour and dinner
- Blazing Paddles - ½ Day River Rafting Adventure
- Blazing Pedals- Downhill Bicycle Tours down Maroon Bells Wilderness or Ashcroft Ghost Town
- Blazing Trails- 4-Wheel Drive Backcountry and Scenic Excursions along the the Gold Hill Mine Route or the Elk Camp Wilderness Tour
- BlazingTrails- Wilderness Hiking Excursions--½ day guided wilderness hike
After your adventure, you can chill out at the hotel"s famed J-Bar, which has been the place to have a drink for the past 100 years.

The package is offered through October 2, 2011. For more info, log onto HotelJerome.com.

VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #24: Hotel Jerome in Aspen» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #23: Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #23: Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Just over an hour from Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is a great fit for the bachelorette who"s looking for a laid-back but lux getaway. Located on Lake Oconee, The Lodge has a spa, an infinity pool, a bistro, a steakhouse, and a golf course for our sporty friends.

The Lodge’s Girlfriend’s Getaway includes:

Overnight accommodations in resort-view guestroom
American Breakfast for two in Georgia’s Bistro including tax and gratuity
$100 spa credit (one per room, single or double occupancy)
10% off additional spa treatment purchases
Complimentary Cosmo Cocktail (one per person, single or double occupancy)
One complimentary in-room movie with popcorn

Starting at $385 per night on weekdays and $465 per night on weekends. Valid through December 30, 2011.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #23: Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation» by Jane Storm
On Our Radar: Thompson Takes Over Hotel Victor Miami

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.
VIA «On Our Radar: Thompson Takes Over Hotel Victor Miami» by Jane Storm
On Our Radar: Swimming with Sharks in Mexico

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.
VIA «On Our Radar: Swimming with Sharks in Mexico» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #19: Soho Beach House Miami

Soho Beach House, Miami from sohohouse on Vimeo.

We"ve already had our bachelorette parties; but if we could choose a place to go ourselves, it would be the new Soho Beach House Miami. We"re fans of the Soho House in New York and getting into the members-only club in Miami is no easier. Fortunately, guests of the hotel have access to the private lounges and the pool and beach clubs.

The rooms are decorated with comfort and style and are very unique, like the rooms at their properties in NY, LA, London and Berlin. While we"re there, we"d get treatments at the Cowshed spa and have dinner at Cecconi"s.

Hotel rates begin at $400. Visit www.sohobeachhouse.com for more information.

VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #19: Soho Beach House Miami» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #18: Vegas Review

Our girlfriend, Shelly, just returned from her bachelorette party in Vegas and was a good sport sharing her experience. We only wish we"d been there for the fun!

Why did you pick Vegas? Fav place to people watch by the pool and know you will be eating at a fabulous restaurant and have many types of entertainment venues to choose from in the evening (from dance clubs, to irish pubs, to more formal shows if that’s your thing..oh yeah, and the shopping….you can’t beat the shopping!).

Why did you pick the Venetian? Love the suites concept especially for girls sharing rooms, lots of room and phenomenal service. The pool is adjacent to the Tao beach club pool so you can watch the crowd without actually going INTO the crowd if you’re not in the mood for an over-crowded overly warm pool environment (ick).

How would you rate your stay there? A 10, we all got spa services compliments of my groom so given that Canyon Ranch is the largest spa in the U.S. we definitely enjoyed taking advantage of it!

What was the most fun, best restaurant, club, pool etc on your trip? I have to say the cucumber vodka shots at the sushi restaurant (Yellowtail at the Bellagio) we hit on Friday night were the best shots I’ve ever had. Best food was at Lavo, loved the Kobe Beef meatball appetizer that I had as my meal which was PLENTY of food!

Was there a funniest moment? Too many to count, one of my favs was the guy talking to us in the pool who was wearing his leather flip flops in the pool that kept coming off and every time he popped out of the water he asked “so, where are you girls from??”…about 30 times.

Any other advice? Don’t take the limo service with “Johnny” in his souped up Escalade, he drives crazy fast and talks 800 miles a minute about the dregs of Vegas society and frankly , none of us really need to know that much about the seedy side of Vegas…keep it light!

Thanks Shelly! We also love the Venetian and its sister property, the Palazzo. Join their "Grazie" network to receive special offers on hotel stays. Currently, they"re offering an end of summer special to Grazie members with suites for $129 per night with a $20 dining credit and 2 for 1 cocktails at the Fusion lounge.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #18: Vegas Review» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #17: Ritz Carlton in Grande Lakes, Orlando

Photo courtesy of CustomInk.com

If your bride is a Disney fan and wants to hit Orlando, do it up right and stay at the Ritz Carlton in Grande Lakes. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from Disney World and offers all the luxury you"ve come to associate with the Ritz Carlton name.

For a special treat, sign up for the Spa Diva Ritual Package, which includes:

* Girlfriends" Martini, Manicure and Pedicure
* The Ritz-Carlton Signature Customized Massage
* The Ritz-Carlton Signature Tailored Facial
* A spa lunch in Vitale ($30 lunch credit per person)

For more information, log onto RitzCarlton.com.

VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #17: Ritz Carlton in Grande Lakes, Orlando» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #16: Bahamian Shark Adventure

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #16: Bahamian Shark Adventure
What bachelorette could be nervous for her nuptials if she survived a shark encounter?

The Sheraton Nassau Beach and Stuart Cove"s Dive Bahamas are offering a shark adventure for guests who stay either three or five nights. A three night stay includes one two-tank shark dive for two people and a five night stay includes two two-tank shark dives. The experience include a free swim where divers swim along a wall with sharks following them. The second is a feeding dive where divers kneel in a semi-circle around a professional shark feeder. The sharks swim around the divers interested in the bait and not the divers- let"s hope!

The Sheraton Nassau Beach sits on seven acres with one thousand feet of beach frontage, has three large pools with waterfalls and a swim-up bar (that you"ll certainly visit after your shark encounter), and is 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

To book the Shark Dive Adventure Package visit www.sheratonnassau.com/swimming-with-sharks, or call 866-716-8106 and mention rate plan ‘DIVE3’ for the 3 night package or rate plan ‘DIVE5’for the 5 night package. Travelers must be a certified divers.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #16: Bahamian Shark Adventure» by Jane Storm
On Our Radar: Public Chicago

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.
VIA «On Our Radar: Public Chicago» by Jane Storm
On Our Radar: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

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.
VIA «On Our Radar: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #13: XV Beacon in Boston

Our New England readers will love this one: one of Boston"s chicest hotels, XV Beacon, is offering the The Spoil Me Silly Package. It includes body bronzing, manicure and pedicure, chilled champagne and late check-out. When you"re done getting pampered and ready to show off the final product, head up to the hotel"s rooftop lounge area. There"s even a hot tub up there if you"re feeling naughty.

One of our favorite things about the 62-room hotel is guests are chauffeured around in a Lexus Sedan—all complimentary. For more info, log on to XVBeacon.com.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #13: XV Beacon in Boston» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #12: His and Hers Bachelorette Parties at Atlantis
Inspired by celebs including Kim Kardashian to host a his and hers bachelorette party? The folks at the Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas make it easy. Sign up for the Jack-n-Jill getaway and you"ll get:
- Ladies 3-night Suite accommodations for 4 people at the Cove
- Gentlemen 3-night Suite accommodations for 4 people at the Cove
- Roundtrip limo airport transportation for 8 people
- Welcome cocktail reception at Seaglass at the Cove
- Dinner for 8 at a select on-site restaurants
- 2 Daybeds reserved at Cain Adult Pool (2 days)
- Golf outing for 4 at One and Only Ocean Club Golf Course
- Spa day for 4 at Mandara Spa (including 2 services each)
- Saturday 2 VIP Tables at Aura, including 2 bottles per table
- Professional photographer at your choice of 2 events
- Brunch at Mosaic for 8
- Cove Gift Bags for 8
- Special Gift for the Bride and Groom
The packages start at $2,395 per person. For more info, log onto Atlantis.com.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #12: His and Hers Bachelorette Parties at Atlantis» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #9: Diva Dude Ranch

Bachelorette Parties - Idea #9: Diva Dude Ranch
If your bucket list of guys includes flirting with a handsome cowboy, the Fairmont Lake Louise, located in the Canadian Rockies, has the bachelorette party package for you. Sign up for Diva Dude Ranch and you"ll get:

• Two nights girls getaway accommodation in a Fairmont Mountain View Room
• 4-hour guided horseback riding excursion - includes a packed saddlebag lunch
• 60-minute spa treatment
• Afternoon tea in Lakeview Lounge

The horseback tour takes you around Lake Louise and through Banff National Park, and includes a mouth-watering saddlebag lunch.

For more information, log on to Fairmont.com.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #9: Diva Dude Ranch» by Jane Storm
On Our Radar: Ace Hotel Palm Springs

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?

VIA «On Our Radar: Ace Hotel Palm Springs» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties - Idea #5: Vegas on the Cheap

Sin City isn"t out of reach for even the most budget conscious of travelers. There"s plenty to do for under $100—and trust us—a group of girls, particularly with one wearing a tiara, won"t get to far before a handsome gent buys them a cocktail.

Nightly rates at the MGM Grand start at $60 a night and suites (shown) are only $99.
Need to sweat out some of the booze you drank last night? For $25, you can get a day pass to the steam room and sauna at the Bathhouse Spa at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. (The spa is in our top three favorites in the world!)

To upgrade your pool scene, head to Moorea Beach Club, which overlooks the 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach The “toptional” adult pool features high-energy music, poolside massage services and personalized attendants. Cost: Admission ranges from $10 to $50 depending on the day.
Cirque de Soleil junkies won"t want to miss the opportunity to see two shows for $100 or 3 for $150. Pick and choose from the sexy Zumanity (shown), the sensual KA or Criss Angel"s Believe (though we hear that last one is a bit of a snooze.)

Finally, for some cheap cocktails at brunch, hit up Border Grill, where an extra $5 will get you bottomless mimosas.

For info on all of these, check out MGMResorts.com.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties - Idea #5: Vegas on the Cheap» by Jane Storm
Bachelorette Parties- Idea #31: Austin, Texas

Bachelorette Parties- Idea #31: Austin, Texas
Austin is a cool town to visit (or live in!) no matter what the occasion; especially a bachelorette party. There"s a new W Hotel that opened downtown in walking distance to everything: shopping, restaurants, music clubs and more. Its guestrooms are the usual mix of contemporary and streamlined furnishings:

The rooftop pool is the place to catch sun rays or cool down with a dip:

If you"re looking for more unique digs, check out The Irons Austin, a boutique hotel that specializes in providing its guests with a "true, live like a local Austin experience." It"s in great proximity to good eats and great boutiques on South Congress. Ask owner, Rusty Irons, to recommend her favorite go-to places, she"s well connected and will always steer you in the right direction. Book early since The Irons fills up quick with rock stars and celebs.
VIA «Bachelorette Parties- Idea #31: Austin, Texas» by Jane Storm

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