The modern Romeo

Posted by Staff in Italy, Luxury Monday

For those looking to experience modern luxury in Naples, Italy, there is a new offering available…the Romeo Hotel, which just officially opened this past week.

Conceived by the famed Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, and completed by his son Paul…the Romeo looks like it will be the place for modern art loving jet-setters. The hotel is adorned with both rare and commissioned works from contemporary artists such as: Francesco Clementa, Segio Fermiello, and Lello Esposito, and permanent installations by top Neapolitan photographers such as: Monica Biancardi, Antonio Biasiucci and Mimmo Jodice…which accent Tange’s overall design. 

What looks particularly interesting is the spa’s design, which is said to pay homage to two of the city’s defining natural features: the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius…juxtaposing the themes of water and fire, the relaxation steam room and Jacuzzi feature soft, red lighting, while the outdoor terrace and pool seamlessly blend into the blue sea on the horizon.

Although I have not had the pleasure of jetting over to Naples in the last week to fully inspect it, I thought I would point this boutique hotel out as one to watch.  Rooms start at $450, for more information visit RomeoHotel.it

Old shoes, new life….

Posted by Staff in Health, Packing, Tip of the Week

Although many people consider the ritual of shopping for vacation clothes necessary…you might want to focus on new clothes and not shoes…a vacation is not the place to break-in new footwear.

I must admit I have not followed my own advice in the past and my poor feet paid the price dearly, and my travel plans needed to be altered once I became chair bound due to bad blisters.  

Do yourself a favor and travel with old shoes!

Travel quote by Ray Bradbury

Posted by Staff in Travel Quotes

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness.  

~Ray Bradbury

Retro chic podding

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, New York

Obviously travelers have become less concerned about space and more concerned about money…since writing about The Pod Hotel last week, I was told about another podesque hotel opening in New York, The Jane…and although I have not seen this one first hand, it is owned by one of my favorite LA restauranteurs, Sean MacPherson…creator of LA’s hippest restaurants including Swingers, Jones, and El Carmen. MacPherson partnered with Eric Goode and is now in the process of restoring the defunct Riverview Hotel and transforming it into the new and improved Jane Hotel. 

“In the ‘80s you would find both character and characters in these eccentric hotels like the Chelsea or the old Windsor Arms,” MacPherson says. “So many young people have a romanticized notion of bohemia New York, but have trouble finding it these days. Virtually all-new Manhattan hotels seem to be versions of each other, high-end design palaces. By restoring the landmark hotel, rather than renovating it, we hope to resurrect an authentic slice of idiosyncratic New York, bathrooms down the hall and all.”