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9 Great Finds for Summer

From new style staples to smart hair and skincare to ways to amp up that summer soirée, these 9 finds will help get you through the summer season in fab form.

Ah, summer. Sun in our face, wind in our hair, flowing fashions and travel...lots and lots of travel! Such an eagerly anticipated and exceedingly enjoyed season indubitably ushers in an array of covet-worthy beauty and style solutions and, lucky for you, I’ve found nine fine ones among them.

William Henry ‘Zurich’ Design Money Clips

Photo Courtesy of William Henry First are the stunningly gorgeous money clips from William Henry, a luxury jewelry and accessory brand. The company’s Zurich design money clips are stellar for summer. This striking ‘Raven’ design features a hand-forged 'brain wave' Damascus frame by Chad Nichols, inlaid with carbon fiber and a blazing red topaz. A beautiful engraving is bright cut against the matte-finished background. The Zurich ‘Panama’ design features hand-forging by Mike Sakmar using an ancient Japanese art used to decorate samurai swords. The inlay is cocobolo wood, punctuated with smoky quartz. Its engraving is also bright cut against the matte-finished background. Only 1,000 pieces of this special design are available. The Zurich ‘Talon’ money clip features a hand-carved sterling silver frame, inlaid with Kingman turquoise and a white topaz gemstone. This exquisite piece is another limited edition with just 250 available. Known for its meticulous use of classic natural materials, precious metals, gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys, William Henry is a benchmark luxury brand that has an upper echelon following world-wide. Just visit the “Proud Owners” section of its web site to see what entertainment power players like Harrison Ford, Nick Jonas, Jared Leto, Laurence Fishburne, John Varvatos, Luke Bryan, Pierce Brosnan, and Adrien Brody own from the company’s collections. Evan A-list ladies like Cameron Diaz have bought this brand’s baubles.

Photo Courtesy of William Henry

Kut from the Kloth Apparel

Embodying the summer season and spirit of California overall, Kut from the Kloth is a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle brand. With innovative fabrics, a flawless fit and sophisticated style, the Kut collection is designed with your busy life in mind so you can confidently go from day to play. They recently debuted the go-anywhere “vacation vibes” line of ultra-fashionable travel staples designed for easy packing, wearing and washing. In fact, you can vacation with on-trend pieces created to wear right out of the suitcase. An online boutique beloved for blending modern trends with coastal flavor, Kut from the Kloth makes couture-inspired fashion both accessible and affordable. Their essential summer escape collection is great for jet-setters who want to look like a million bucks and still have plenty of cocktail cash. Short-sleeved button-ups feature palm fronds and pastel pinstripes, perfect underneath a soft, quilted sweatshirt or white denim jacket for chilly evenings. So feel those vacation vibes of delicate florals in shades of pink, coral and yellow that’ll help you stand out in the crowd.

Metalicious Silver Shark Tooth Necklace 

Photo Courtesy of Metalicious Thanks to the Metalicious line of luxury jewelry made from recycled metals, ocean-lovers can tell people their wearing the tooth of a maneater! The company’s Small Silver Shark Tooth Necklace is cast in sterling silver from an original shark tooth, then oxidized to bring out the details and give it a soft finish. Available with choice of a 17", 20" or 22" sterling curb chain to ensure it falls in that perfect spot on your necklace, the shark tooth pendant itself is 1" long x 3/4" wide. I like this piece because it can be edgy and sophisticated, but sweet and subtle also. It looks like a work of modern art! You can wear this every day, mixing and matching it with various looks. Metalicious sources recycled metals and ethically mined gemstones to create meaningful, handcrafted heirlooms that adhere to strict environmental and sustainability standards. Also charity-minded, the company donates a portion of its profits to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that provides meals to over 1.4 million New Yorkers a year.

Ekster 3.0 Parliament Smart Wallet 

Photo Courtesy of Ekster After reportedly raising over $1,000,000 in their previous crowd- funding campaign, Ekster, the world’s largest smart wallet brand, has launched their latest edition perfect for discerning men: the Ekster 3.0. This time they have engineered both the slimmest and the first voice-activated smart wallet to date. Owners can now call their wallet, find it on a map or even make use of the widespread Chipolo community to help locate their missing belongings easier than ever before. Battery issues are also no longer a problem due to Ekster’s patented solar-powered tracking solution, which on a full charge can last up to two whole months. These identity theft, RFID- blocking wallets also look extremely handsome. They’re held together by handcrafted premium leather for a luxury look and feel, while the design provides instant card access whenever necessary.

Dining Elevated Utensil ‘Uplifts’ 

Create a more stylish table setting and eat smarter at your summer soirées with the help of Dining Elevated Uplifts. These offer a cleaner, more sophisticated dining experience by elegantly raising all flatware and cutlery above a table's surface. Similar to a chopstick rest, Uplifts elevate western-style utensils to establish an improved aesthetic and hygienic standard. Uplifts look, feel and function better than the traditional table setups. Supported by research from the University of Arkansas and showcased by the National Environmental Health Association, Dining Elevated brings the highest level of food safety to hospitality. Featured on Top Chef and reportedly showcased in some of the finest hotels and restaurants, Uplifts are a game-changing addition to place setting design that the world never realized it always needed. Of course, there are a myriad to styled, materials and designs available to suit your desired aesthetic and complement your tableware.

Bloomers Frosé and More

Courtesy of Bloomers Frosé Bloomers Frosé is a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher non-alcoholic mixer that’s ready to use and enjoy. They enable anyone to whip up an icy-smooth version of their favorite beverage in just minutes—important when you’d rather be poolside soaking up those rays. Bloomers Frosé makes it simple to take different variations of Rosé, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc and spirits to the next level with easy-to-create frozen concoctions that are sure to please both intimate groups and large crowds, alike. Because what summer gathering is complete without the frozen beverage brigade? There are also brand new, low-calorie and low-sugar formulas offered by the company so, for those who want to keep their summer bod in check, there are plentiful options on that front as well.

Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask 

Photo Courtesy of Gleamin Gleamin is a yellow Australian Vitamin C Clay mask that's helping women worldwide achieve a natural glow! In fact, all over Instagram customers are talking about how this skincare solution has helped their skin tremendously, which is part of the reason this product actually sold out at least twice since it launched. The product is formulated from 100% vegan, natural and ethically-sourced ingredients like Yellow Clay, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, and Finger Lime Caviar. It’s designed to banish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, replacing these areas with a natural brightness. This Vitamin C-infused Clay Mask also revitalizes skin and replenishes moisture thanks to the Aloe Vera, while turmeric enhances and revives skin tone. Native to Australia, the Desert Lime, Kakadu Plum, and Finger Lime Caviar ingredients are among the richest known sources of Vitamin C. Together, this trio fights acne, heals imperfections, evens the skin tone, and prevents future breakouts. It’s especially helpful for users with deep skin tones. Gleamin offers a Glow-and-Go single kit that features a 60 gram jar of the vitamin c clay mask, plus a brightening brush, for just $39.99.  Value-minded customers can even save 25% if they purchase the Glow-and-Go Duo package that includes two masks and two brushes, available for $59.99. And, the company offers free shipping on all orders, so gotta love that!

Herban Body Care 

Imagine being able to hand-make soaps and elixirs from scratch, like a batch of fresh-baked cookies or homemade soup. Using only plant-based and concentrated formulas, you’d mix organic ingredients with herbs and essential oils from around the world. Now imagine if these soaps incorporated only body-nurturing ingredients which possess healing properties and promote a feeling of rejuvenation for all skin types. No need to get out the mixing bowl for such hand-crafted skincare, as you can turn to Herban, instead. Their collections are unisex and their custom-molded versions of different soap varietals are even featured at high-end wellness retreats and boutique hotels around the United States. All of their formulas are created in-house, so you never have to worry about outsourced ingredients. Particularly popular items include their Plant Bar soap and Salted Butter moisture scrubs. The company’s name has significant meaning as well. Breaking it down: Herb - they use herbs in all of the formulas; Ban - they ban all chemicals from their formulas; Her – it’s "her" company (woman owned); and Herban - originally targeting an underground urban culture. The line is also entirely gift-worthy!

Pura D'or Hair Care 

Photo Courtesy of Pura D'Or Get the shiny, chic hair with voluminous undertones that you can flaunt all summer long with the help of Pura D'or Hair Care. This brand features proprietary blend of organic extracts and oils helps heal your hair. With ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Vanilla, among other natural vitamins and nutrients, there is no shortage of quality that helps to get the job done quite effectively. This cold press, preservation-harvested oil, known for centuries as pure gold, fuses inside each formula to help solve problems like thinning hair and hair loss due to breakage and dandruff. With products such as Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, Energizing Scalp Serum, Volumizing Styling Spray and Moisturizing Masque, Smoothing Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, Smoothing Therapy Cream, Curl Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner and Curl Therapy Cream, take your next step to healthier hair this summer, all season long. Rest assured that, o matter what your particular hair challenges might be, there is a Pura D'or formula with a solution just for you. ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article

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14 Sure-Fire Father’s Day Gifts

Need some unique ideas and inspiration to let your father, partner or another dad know how great he is this Father's Day? Our Luxe List columnist Merilee Kern has you covered!

With last year’s Father’s Day gift-related spending predicted at a record-breaking $15.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, this year’s holiday will surely rake in equally impressive revenue figures. So for the throngs who are intending to get in on the game and show dad their devotion with some sweet swag, here’s a list of tried-and-true giftables across various interest categories to help ensure your bases are covered.

Hooray Heroes Personalized Children’s Books Save 20% with code: LUXE20

Photo courtesy of Hooray Heroes Hooray Heroes books make the perfect Father’s Day gift because these beautiful, personalized children’s books feature YOUR child who stars as the main hero! In five easy steps, you personalize the names and customize the appearances of the characters down to the smallest detail. Then, choose from a selection of touching poems or stories to create a magical experience any child would love. To make it extra personal, you can also write a heartfelt dedication on the first page. Hooray Heroes’ best-seller is, “When Tonya Grows Up” that makes it fun see the diverse careers your little one could grow up to be. And what makes this book really special is that you also personalize the narrator–either dad or mom. Loved ones are together in a heartwarming story, making it a Father’s Day gift the whole family will surely cherish forever. If you’re looking for a unique birthday gift for a child, create the “Happy Birthday, Patrick” book for them. Personalize the birthday boy or girl’s appearance, choose 10 fun and entertaining birthday wishes for them and watch their faces light up when they open it. If you prefer a book for two kids, Hooray Heroes also offers a book for siblings called, “The Adventures of Ashley and Ryan.” Both little heroes set off on adventures galore, all the while building that special bond that’ll last a lifetime. This one also comes in a “Twins Edition”! Dads will surely love story time with these custom-crafted books.

The Short Years Baby Book and App

Photo courtesy of The Short Years For another kind of keepsake book commemorating baby’s precious first year, check out The Short Years Baby Book App. It allows you to create a beautiful, modern baby book straight from a free app on your smartphone in just about five minutes per week. New dads will love the sentimental value of creating lasting memories that will be easily accessible via The Short Years Baby Books—or you can create a book for a dad you love and give it as a special gift. Just once a week, the app will ask you to answer a few simple questions about your baby or to upload a photo. The company then uses your answers and photos to make custom baby book pages. Just pop them into the app and watch your book come together over the baby's first year! Once your book is completed, it will contain 138 pages of full content, including more than 70 full page photos, all supplied directly by you without the hassle of assembling the finished product. Your book will allow you to always reflect back on that sweet first year of baby’s life and will be a family keepsake that you can reflect on when baby is older and pass on for generations to come!

In The Sand Golf Customizable Gifts

Photo courtesy of In the Sand Golf Next are unique customizable gifts from 'In The Sand Golf' created from real aerial photos of golf course sand traps shaped like letters of the alphabet! These sand trap letters can be gifted as prints or printed onto mugs, coasters, shirts and more! Personalize any product with the name of your favorite golfer! In The Sand Golf was created by Mary Whitworth, a pilot, who loves playing golf as much as she does flying. After taking over 500,000 aerial photos for almost 28 years and logging over 10,000 hours in Helicopters and Airplanes, she has taken her talent one-step higher. While flying over golf courses in Florida, she noticed some of the golf course sand traps were shaped liked letters of the alphabet. For one year, on every flight, Mary has captured the entire alphabet with photos of golf sand traps. Some of the traps have rakes, golf carts and golfers in and around them. Spelling golfers names, words and sayings, she has launched In The Sand Golf to offer various items like mugs, totes, prints, poker chips (ball markers), coasters and more that these letters can be placed onto. So for those guys who love to spend time on the greens, a gift from 'In The Sand Golf' is sure to be a hole in one this Father's Day. Check out how Mary Whitworth creates these amazing, unique pieces of art!

Lamo Men's Luxury Slippers

There’s no more quintessential Father’s Day gift than a pair of slippers, and here’s a company that’s elevated the art. Founded in 1995, Lamo Footwear launched their authentic sheepskin product range along the Southern California coastline, and have since provided countless people the perfect mix of warmth and comfort both at home and around town. Today, the casual California footwear brand offers a wide range of products that meet total footwear needs, from moccasins to sandals to house shoes and classic sheepskin styles. Two of my favorite designs are the Men's Scuff and Romeo designs, both part of Lamo's Luxury Collection. The Men’s Scuff is made with a cow suede upper and premium Australian sheepskin lining that’ll wrap dad’s feet in pure luxury. The Men's Scuff also features Lamo's TPR Comfort-Flex outsole for complete comfortability. The Romeo design is also made with a cow suede upper premium Australian sheepskin lining, but also features two elastic panels for easy access into and out of these premium slippers. It also features Lamo's dual formula outsole for a different, optimized feel.

Photo courtesy of Lamo Footwear

Savage and Cooke Distilled Spirits

Photo courtesy of Savage + Cooke Whether you’re looking to help boost the beverage game at dad’s summer soirées or just enjoy stellar spirits while he peacefully relaxes and unwinds, here are some prime palate pleasers. Famed wine maker Dave Phinney, who created mega-hit wine brands like The Prisoner and Orin Swift, has launched Savage and Cooke—a company that distills, ages and bottles a range of brown spirits. This American Distillery is located on Mare Island off the shore of Vallejo. The site was once was the largest naval base west of the Mississippi River, and is now where Savage and Cooke crafts their Burning Chair Bourbon, Second Glance American Whiskey and Lip Service Rye. Phinney curates these offerings in the style that he appreciates most: complex flavors, concentration, balanced oak influence and lushness. The decision to locate the distillery on Mare Island was due to its fascinating history as a naval shipyard, the plethora of space, stunning brownstone buildings and its proximity to both the Napa Valley and San Francisco.

Aubert & Amandine Scented Candles 

Photo courtesy of Aubert & Amandine Help dad indulge himself and even spruce up the scent of the man cave this Father’s Day with Aubert & Amandine’s luxuriously fragranced, three-wick candles. With a range of essential oil scents and the flickering light of the candle, dad can create the perfect mood and ambiance for any occasion, or just create soothing vibes when he’s ready to relax and unwind while watching TV, reading a book, playing video games or taking a snooze. Aubert & Amandine aromatherapy candles contain a generous amount of essential oils ensconced within a sophisticated design that’s well-suited for guys. They are a perfect choice to fragrance a larger room in, even the most discerning homes. The company only uses soy wax and the candles are free from petroleum-based paraffin products and additives, making them a safe choice in any setting. With a trio of natural cotton fiber wicks, they burn evenly and fill the space with a luxurious fragrance.

SWAGTRON Swagger 5 Elite Electric Scooter

Photo courtesy of Swagtron Why rent when Dad can own? The Swagger 5 Elite is a premier electric commuter scooter from SWAGTRON—an industry leader for electric “e”-rideables. The Swagger 5 Elite boasts a powerful 250-watt motor capable of cruising at 18 miles per hour for up to 11 miles per charge, making getting across town or campus a breeze. It has LED head and taillights for safety when the sun sets, and a free app will let dad use the included mount to turn a smartphone into an additional real-time, heads up display. Users can monitor stats like speed and battery life, set cruise control, select speed modes, plan a route with GPS and more. It also features an airless rear tire with "honeycomb" technology for a compliant ride while simultaneously eliminating flats. Maximum load is fully 320 pounds! Best of all, it folds up when not in use and is easy to carry so Dad can take it with him on the train or bus, and is easy to store in the home, car or office all the while.

Reliefband 2.0

Dads on-the-go will surely appreciate the Reliefband 2.0, a sleek wearable technology wristband that offers a patented, clinically-proven, FDA-cleared method to control symptoms of travel sickness, like nausea and vomiting, when riding in planes, trains, boats, automobiles or other transport methods spurring motion sickness. The Reliefband is also drug-free and non-drowsy, so users can traverse through the day’s activities unaffected by signs of sleepiness, “medicine head” or other side effects. Rather, it uses neuromodulation technology to stimulate the median nerve at the underside of the wrist with gentle pulses to relieve unpleasant feelings of nausea. It also works fast so dad can stay in tip-top form.

Photo courtesy of ReliefBand

Viotek Monitors

Photo Courtesy of Viotek Whether it's for productivity or entertainment, dad can immerse himself this Father’s Day in HD perfection with the VIOTEK H250 25-inch LED HD computer monitor. Designed with a lightweight and ultra-thin display, this frameless, widescreen monitor transcends the boundaries of visual immersion. Whether he chooses to adorn this beauty via desktop or mount it on a wall, the H250 completes any multi-monitor setup with a sleek design and without clutter. The PC screen features 1920x1080p (HD) resolution that allows users to enjoy crisp images and a spectacular array of 16.7 million colors on a 16:9 widescreen format. This way, dad can enjoy stunning graphics and mesmerizing hues for quality productivity and entertainment. Multiple ports allow dad to connect via HDMI or VGA to expand his horizons onto larger screens to create the ultimate rig. Taking it up a notch is VIOTEK’s sophisticated H320 32-inch LED computer monitor, which brings dad 1080-pixel perfection in a sleek, sophisticated design. It features a slim T-shaped stand with clean lines and comes in modern white. After installation, its settings will optimize automatically, so dad can surf the net or stream movies within minutes without the hassle. For those who love to fine-tune their settings manually, the H320 comes with an on-screen display for quick and painless adjustments. It’s the best of both worlds and preferences. The H320 is specifically crafted to deliver the color, contrast and digital 1080 HD dad has been longing for his entire digital life. With 60Hz, computer gamers can go further and take the first step to mastering RPGs and FPS, while business professionals can make the most of everything from video editing to spreadsheets with 20M:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 16.7 million colors all wraped into one beautiful monitor.

Samsonite Encompass Convertible Products

Photo courtesy of Samsonite Help those dads who are always on the go do so with more style and ease, courtesy of convertible accessories from Samsonite. Their Convertible Backpack is an innovative update to a classic staple. Thoughtful organization and tailored business features ensure this backpack will be a daily choice for pretty much any occasion. It has water resistant fabric, a RFID Data Vault to protect the pockets and safeguard essentials, a padded laptop compartment and a Smartsleeve that fits over most upright handles for hassle-free combination travel. Next, dad can not just maneuver through crowds, but stand out in them, thank to Samsonite’s Convertible Wheeled Backpack. It offers both travel functionality and intuitive business organization, without sacrificing an ounce of style. Converting from a backpack to a wheeled carry-on, this look is ideally suited for a boardroom to travel transition. Along with all the similar features as the backpack, this also maintains a Wheel Shield, a retractable cover that snaps in place over the wheels, protecting clothes when carried as a backpack. Lastly, let dad convert from work-day to weekend ready with the Convertible Weekender. This is equal parts business and play. Intuitive organization and dual packing, combined with a lightweight, sleek design ensures this style will adapt well to any environment.

iRestore Laser Hair Growth System

Photo courtesy of iRestore For all the dads out there suffering from hair loss, or for those who would like to prevent it, the iRestore Laser Hair Growth System is a great solution and thoughtful gift idea. This clinically proven, FDA-cleared device uses low-level laser therapy to combat hair loss. Many men and women who suffer from pattern baldness can use this as a non-invasive, drug-free method to restore hair health and density. The device uses pain-free red light therapy to enhance the cell metabolism rate within hair follicles and increase energy production. The biochemical process stimulates dormant cells to fight against receding hairlines, balding and thinning hair. Users can benefit from this medical-grade device in the comfort of their home, which provides a great alternative to expensive in-office treatments and painful surgeries. Treatment time is just 25 minutes per session, every other day. It has a hands-free design and comfortable cushions, and a rechargeable battery pack mobility option is available for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. Many users have seen results in as little as three to six months. Users can try it risk free, as the company offers a generous six-month money back guarantee plus free return shipping.

BAKBlade Groomer 

Photo courtesy of BAKBlade Revolutionizing the grooming game for guys everywhere is the BAKBlade 2.0—a must-have men's accessory to help hairy guys step up their polishing prowess. This innovative gadget gives men the power to shave their own backs. The patented s-shape handle works with the user’s body and reaches all those hard-to-reach areas of the back without having to overextend to get there. Twin blade precision simultaneously delivers smooth skin every time, and lets users shave wet or dry. BAKBlade’s patented DryGlide Blades also allow for over three times the coverage of the average cartridge razor. With an Edison Award winning design and a comfortable ergonomic grip, Dad will have total grooming control to live clean, confident and back-hair free. Indeed, dad can now skip the painful waxes and awkward hand razors for a superior back and body shaver. Shirt or no shirt, he can start carrying himself with a new level of clean confidence.

Gemstone Décor Gifts

Photo Courtesy of Opulent Luxuries I always appreciate Father’s Day gifts that can extend far beyond conventional items that may get limited use—or, gasp, never see the light of day! One way to achieve this is with remarkable décor, drinkware and houseware items that may perfectly adorn the “man cave.” Opulent Luxuries has veritably raised the bar in this department with custom décor pieces made exclusively from the finest semi-precious gemstones. The company uses stones extracted throughout the globe, also employing a grading scale synonymous with diamonds (cut, color and clarity) to ensure top quality. All décor and houseware items are designed by hand with perfect symmetry by the world’s most gifted craftsmen through an incredibly painstaking process. The result is some of the most extraordinary and unique giftables that are perfect for Father’s Day, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From liquor and wine glasses fashioned from Amethyst and Phantom Quartz gemstones to the most valuable sports collectibles ever created–the possibilities are virtually endless. There are even etched design options that are perfect for sports fans. Opulent Luxuries’ work has been commissioned by famous Hollywood designers and prominent professional sports organizations including the NFL, MLB, NHL, PGA and ESPN. In fact, the company holds licenses with all the major professional sports leagues including the NCAA. All Opulent Luxuries designs are all customized specifically for each client, utterly ensuring dad will adore his gem of a gift. ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Source: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/fathers-day-spending-reach-near-record-153-billion Read the full article

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5 Must-Visit Southwest Vacation Destinations

Whether for a stress-relieving holiday getaway or vacation in the New Year, or for experiential gift-giving targeted to those on your “nice list,” travel is top of mind for many this time of year. With that in mind, I wanted to share a collection of my top travel picks of late in the American southwest that are all tried-and-true...by yours truly. I can personally attest that these are five locales you’re sure to love. Kona Kai Resort & Spa  First, I hope you can make it over to San Diego, as America’s Finest City boasts some extraordinary properties. This most certainly includes the recently-expanded Kona Kai Resort and Spa, a Noble House resort that I recently experienced. Located on the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island, it offers a range of amenities and experiences unique to its beautiful waterfront location and rich history. The property has 170 luxurious guest rooms, including 41 brand new suites that feature contemporary island-inspired decor, deep soaking tubs and oversized balconies. The new suite I stayed in had an elegant and dramatic glass fireplace with lighting that can be set to the color of your choice. I love Kona Kai because it’s intimate, especially with décor touches like this, yet all-encompassing.

The resort boasts its very own private beach replete with multiple cozy gas fire pits where you can make s’mores each evening (with kits the hotel offers) as well as multiple swimming pools, waterfront restaurants, an award-winning spa, a superbly picturesque 500-slip marina and the renowned private Kona Kai club. For groups, there’s 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. You can sip and savor at the Paloma pool and bar, Kona Kai’s new and exclusive adults-only pool area allowing guests to enjoy poolside craft cocktails and California coastal cuisine while overlooking the marina and some of the region’s most breathtaking sunsets just beyond. Take advantage of their bicycle program and take a refreshing cruise along the sparkling bay in front of the resort, which is replete with impressive sea craft. The property is also extremely well-situated in the city, located just minutes away from San Diego International Airport, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter and all of the area’s top attractions. In all, Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a prime destination for both locals and visitors, and a perfect choice for families and couples looking for a convenient getaway. Parq Restaurant & Nightclub Next, for fun-loving gastro travelers heading to San Diego, consider planning a night full of dinner and dancing at Parq, a venue offering an unparalleled nightlife experience in the city’s famed Gaslamp district. Its restaurant offers superb chef-driven cuisine and delectable craft cocktails in a chic and trendy dining space. After dinner, hit the adjacent Parq nightclub boasting the latest technologies and advances in entertainment, premium VIP services, and ongoing live shows featuring top artists. Plus, live DJs will have you dancing all night long!

Parq is definitely a venue like none other in San Diego, making it a stellar venue for an exciting night out on the town. It’s also the perfect locale for celebratory occasions like milestone birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as large guest events like receptions and other private group events seeking a customizable menu and kinetic atmosphere. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel Head north a bit and land at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel—the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff.

Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment even just steps from the front door. You’ll also enjoy partaking in the hotel’s exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the hotel’s Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails. The happy hour in particular is a fun, lively and communal atmosphere among guests, and there’s plenty of affable staffers on hand to ensure every craving and necessity is met. This hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a second floor outdoor mezzanine and a 360-degree rooftop view that provides incredible sights of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. That fresh outdoor space also hosts the fitness center and weekend “cinema under the stars” events. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is certainly a premier choice for an immersive visit to Beverly Hills. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa For those who love a southwest desert-chic ambiance is the legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Nestled on 125 acres, this AAA Four Diamond resort’s tranquil setting, private hiking trails, world-class amenities and dynamic interior and exterior architecture offer an authentic Arizona getaway.

It features 453 pet-friendly casita-style accommodations and suites with private patios, seven restaurants, a 32,000 square foot award-winning spa, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and sparkling pools. It even offers a myriad of outdoor hiking and biking adventures.  It’s only minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, and just a 20-minute drive to both downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. If you’re a gastro-traveler like myself, food and beverage is a downright essential part of a vacation experience and, fortunately, Camelback Inn delivers on this front as well with seven eateries at your disposal. Their signature on-site restaurant—Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse—is unequivocally one to not be missed. It offers a traditional steakhouse concept with modern touches, including decadent dishes and processes that exemplify culinary ingenuity. The resort also houses Rita’s Kitchen for fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner either indoors or al fresco, as well as Sprouts at the Spa and the pool-side Hoppin’ Jacks, which offers casual options such as pizza and sandwiches. In addition to the dining options on the main property, Acacia at Camelback Golf Club has an open-air lounge with an outdoor fireplace where patrons can partake in American style fare. In addition to its unique setting and fabulous amenities, the resort is known for its impeccable customer service, which workers credit to the company’s philosophy that taking care of its employees will result in an enhanced ability to best care for customers. The satisfaction among staffers is exuded in every touch-point throughout a guest’s experience, throughout which smiles and “above and beyond” service abound. For more than 82 years, this destination has maintained a legacy and standard of excellence by welcoming generations of guests, Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its opening in 1936. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the Marriott family, and myself, to this day! iPic Theaters Scottsdale For a fun night out while in Scottsdale or Phoenix check out iPic Theaters. This premier luxury restaurant-and-theater brand, with locations throughout the U.S., is a pioneer of the dine-in theater concept. iPic Scottsdale provides chef-driven culinary and mixology offerings inside premium movie theaters as well as an artisanal Italian on-site bar and restaurant called Tanzy. Be sure to order the mozzarella appetizer prepared tableside!

At iPic, guests enjoy an elevated entertainment experience with plush, fully reclining leather chairs encapsulated within their own private viewing pod, which also come furnished with courtesy pillows, blankets and unlimited popcorn. Premium plus seating pods harness revolutionary acoustic technology for superior sound. Each pod has a swivel dining table and seat-side service call button. Relax and enjoy a movie while savoring cuisine from a signature menu designed by a three-time James Beard award-winning chef. Now that’s entertainment! ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article