Not-so-Vanilla Diva

Most Amazing Honeymoon Suites Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Newlyweds will surely find bliss in these far-flung romantic retreats (though they might be paying back the bills for a lifetime).   When agent Anne Morgan Scully of McCabe World Travel honeymooned inHawaii almost 40 years ago, the height of luxury was a clamshell sink and a humble hot tub. Fast-forward a few decades and things are decidedly more extravagant for newlyweds in resort land. “The expectation of what a honeymoon suite should be has changed enormously,” says Scully, who regularly counsels couples on finding fabulous vacation destinations across the world. “It’s not only a matter of size but of having all the bells and whistles.” Today’s top honeymoon suites, in her book, offer amenities such as private pools, sunken Jacuzzis, outdoor showers, and “major” terraces. “The terraces are getting bigger than the rooms,” she says. Given the odds that this trip could be the most expensive and extravagant of a couple’s life together, Scully also stresses that being fussed over is high on the list of expectations for modern honeymooners: “Couples are very aware of whether the hotel staff ‘get them’ and are turned on to how much attention or privacy they need.” So we went ...

Budapest Budapest is rich in culture, shopping, and nightlife. Budapest is the collaboration of two former cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. Buda is the western hilly region across the river; while Pest is the flat eastern bank where most of the action lies. Thanks to the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Hungarian forint, Budapest is as affordable as ever. Day 1: Tour the National Museum, which houses the largest collection of Hungarian art. Head over to the Raday utca neighborhood to enjoy quaint cafes, shopping, and art galleries. For independent fashion designers, check out the tiny Retock Deluxe boutique.  For dinner, enjoy one of Budapest’s coolest restaurants Café Deryne (voted one of the best new restaurants 2009 by the Best of Budapest). A local restaurant fave, Csalogány 26 has a great list of Hungarian wine favorites. After dinner during the warmer months, head down to the river for a docked boat-turned-bar like A38 Hajó. For high-energy, Studio Club will not disappoint. The party in Budapest never seems to stop and clubs are guaranteed to stay packed past 6 AM (when some of us just have to go home)! Day 2: Visit the Old Jewish District, which has a ton of bohemian cafes; or stroll around Liszt Ferenctér, a tres chic neighborhood with trendy bistros. Head over to nearby ...

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a Travelista Mama Shelter’s unique name corresponds to its equally new concept.  Normally staying in a boutique hotel designed by  Phillipe Starck does not come cheaply, especially in a major city.  Mama Shelter changes all that.  The rates at Mama Shelter start at 79 Euros.  Anyone who’s stayed in a fine but functional Parisian budget hotel knows this rate can’t be beat. The first photo shows a typical Paris budget hotel room at a cost of around 100 Euros, the second shows the rooms at Mama Shelter. Mama Shelter showcases Phillipe Starck’s whimsical eye with graffiti grazing the ceilings and a unique mix of materials that include concrete, glass, and wood.  The eating areas combine old-school or shall I say Old World long wooden tables and benches.  The tech addicted can dine and surf at tables equipped with built in computer screens.  I-Macs, free Wi-Fi, Kiehl’s toiletries and five star bedding await you in your room.  All I can say is “bonjour, baby” and bye-bye to stiff, scratchy sheets.  You’ll find live indie rock and electronica music across the street at La Fleche D’or. So here’s the deal.  Mama Shelter is in the 20th arrondissement, which in more ways than ...

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a Travelista Rail Europe recently began promoting The Eurostar high speed train that runs from London to Paris. November 14 marked the start of the new service provided by Eurostar which decreases travel time by 20 minutes (at speeds of up to 186 mph), making the journey from London to Paris 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets for the journey vary in price ranging from $97 to $400 depending on when the ticket is booked and what class seat is selected. The cheeky “get a little Paris with your London” Rail Europe campaign touts that “…you’ll be drinking wine in Paris while the lager foam from London is still on your lips”. The accompanying website provides a cute game where you can create “mashups” of London and Parisian animated icons. You can even enter your own mashup version of London and Parisian symbols or icons for a chance to win a trip to London that includes a stay in Paris via the Eurostar of course. Trains leave from the refurbished and central (near Oxford Circus and Covent Garden) St. Pancras station in London and arrive in the Gare du Nord station in Paris (near Montmarte, Sacre Coeur). Otherwise known as ...

Amsterdam Amsterdam has much more to offer than its shocking red light district and its large population of “coffee shops.” What makes Amsterdam a must see city is its contemporary art, its large amount of boutique shops, and heartbreaking history. The best way to explore this diverse city is definitely by bike. Almost every Dutchman in Amsterdam owns a bike and uses it an their main form of transportation. Even though the city isn’t too big to get around by foot, you can cover much more ground by cycling your way through the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam. See: If you enjoy art, you can’t miss the museum dedicated to the most influential impressionist artist of all time: Van Gogh. If you are more interested in learning about an important part of Amsterdam’s history, theAnne Frank House Museum will amaze you with an intimate story of the young woman’s tragic life. Shop: The best shopping is located in the area of Negen Straatjes (“Nine Alleys”). As well as cute cafés and food shops, this area is full of small boutiques ranging from exceptional clothing and shoes, to jewelry, and home furnishings. Make sure to stop in Beaufort Sieraden jewelry shop, Exota, and Spoiled.   Eat: This Dutch city offers a large variety of classy yet affordable restaurants with ...

By Josie Villa-Singleton , aka Travelista San Antonio de Areco provides a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires just a scant 70 miles away. Every year in November they celebrate all things gaucho with the Dia de la Tradiccion festival. I’ll chalk it up to my Texas roots that I’m fascinated with these “cowboys” of South America. During a 3 1/2 month stay in Argentina last year we visited the town of San Antonio de Areco.  We missed the Dia de la Tradiccion festival but were still eager to visit the town and stay at a nearby estancia. In my research I quickly learned that a stay at an estancia doesn’t come cheap, even in Argentinian Pesos. Our family decided to go for “broke” and we chose the highly lauded Estancia El Ombu de Areco for a night’s stay (you can also purchase a day visit). We arrived at the  Estancia El Ombu de Areco to find tables set up on the beautiful lawn for lunch.  That dissipated the stress of the bus ride from Buenos Aires. The freely flowing Malbec didn’t hurt either. In a page right out of the guidebooks we enjoyed a magnificent traditional Argentine asado ...

On Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012, Anzhelika Steen Olsen, one of NY’s most innovative designers will preview her sought-after collection of one-of-a-kind luxury leather handbags at The Palm Room @ Hotel Bel-Air, located at 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA, 90077. This exclusive engagement will take place between the hours of 11am and 7pm and appointments are by invitation only. After two successful Henri Bendel Shows, and endorsements from major celebs and socialites including Katherine Winnick, Eliann Couture now makes its mark in Los Angeles, at the height of fashion, at none other than the Hotel Bel-Air.  A highly desirable new luxury brand, Eliann is uncaged beauty. These one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces are created for similarly exceptional women. Clad in exotic skins, a luxurious precious-metal badge, uniquely composed and finely crafted, these exquisite pieces make a bold statement. “My art and passion for life hopes to find freedom in creation, transcending beauty to capture a femagination while challenging mine. Upon my daughter’s arrival, so came the birth of my brand. This carries her call and continues a love affair with inspiration from the seasons. Art like love…all or nothing,” says Anzhelika. Anzhelika is now on the move in LA.  Her highly anticipated trunk ...

  The Camarillo Wings Association will host the WWII 325th Fighter Group “Checkertail Clan” during its 67th Annual Reunion at this year’s “Wings Over Camarillo” Air Show.The "Checkertails" are a legendary unit with more air victories and fewer losses than any other in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. All three of their WWII aircraft; the P-40 Warhawk, the P-47 Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang will be making an appearance at this years "Wings Over Camarillo" Air Show.   The “Checkertail Clan” will join regional aviation volunteers from the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, EAA Chapter 723 and the Ventura County 99s to support the “Wings Over Camarillo” air show at the Camarillo Airport August 18 & 19, 2012.  The Pacific Aviation Museum – Pearl Harbor will set up their ALOHA CHALET with flight-line box seats and lunch.   An expanded Air Show flight demonstration features many popular aerobatic routines with over 80 aircraft; including vintage planes, experimental, and WWII fighters, bombers and transports. The Grand Finale will feature a spectacular formation flight display over an amazed crowd.   The "Checkertails" are a legendary unit with more air victories and fewer losses than any other in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. All three of their WWII aircraft; the P-40 Warhawk, the ...

Voxy Ladies and BookPals kick off back to school the right way at 3pm on Sunday August 19th at Griffith Park, CA with a charity potluck mixer celebration of fun, food, VO fellowship, and an opportunity to GIVE BACK! Event will take place at the Crystal Springs Picnic area of Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California 90027. For free entrance to the event, bring a donation of school supplies or children's books to be donated to BookPals and distributed to under-resourced students in the LA Public Schools. Please RSVP to the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/247398065363540/     EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: BACK TO SCHOOL CHARITY EVENT with the VOXY LADIES and BOOKPALS WHERE: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California 90027 WHEN:  Sunday August 19th, 3pm-6pm ENTRANCE: FREE!  Bring a donation of unused school supplies or books to be distributed to under-resourced kids in the Los Angeles area though BookPALS. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/247398065363540/ ABOUT VOXY LADIES The Voxy Ladies are the original hand picked, selective collective of professional female voice artists representing every genre, sound & niche in the industry.  www.VoxyLadies.com ABOUT BOOK PALS BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) is a national program administered by the nonprofit Screen Actors Guild Foundation. BookPALS help children learn to LOVE books by bringing the talents of ...

Not every problem in the world can be solved with a shopping spree, unless that shopping spree includes an original Eliann. Don't be fooled by names like Irishka, Caterina, or Ariella.  As varied and diverse these names are, so are their corresponding bags.  According to Accessories Magazine, the line’s founder and creative director, Anzhelika Steenolsen, names each of her handbags after a friend.  Each as different and unique, as their individual human counterparts. Wow.. to be immortalized in a handbag... Who wouldn't want to be this diva's friend? Traveling Diva's Favorite: Nelly Panther Bag Medium Sized, Rich Cognac Brown Alligator with 18k Gold Panther magnet clasp and hardware. Interior zip pocket in Lamb skin.   From Eliann's website: "Our goal only to captivate a woman's heart and soul. In creating fine pieces, to instigate of womanly draw, set apart with an aura of conviction, an innate sense of style and restrained elegance, yet each cultivates the edge." I'm convinced.  Next time you see me walking by with my new Eliann, don't hate.. .just get your own. For more information on these fabulous bags visit eliann.co/fashion