Luxury Travel Nightlife Restaurant Chef

Photo and Podcast by Andrea Cannistraci

The city of Newport Beach recently hosted the 13th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and journeyPod.com was on the Red Carpet Opening Night for the fifth year in a row to rub elbows with celebs such as Tom Arnold, Michael Damian, and Jamie Lynn Sigler. The opening night film and world-premiere of Jewtopia, starring Jennifer Love-Hewitt was sold out.

We spoke in depth with I Am Eleven filmmaker Gen Bailey. We chatted with the world’s youngest animator, Perry Chen. We also had a chance to speak with the Judd Ehrlich, director of Magic Camp, and one of the young magicians, Zach Ivins, from that film. Then we found out where we could relax from the films a bit and sip prosecco in the world's largest circular pool from Guiseppe Lama, Managing Director at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

If you missed this year, be sure to mark your calendar to jet-set over to Newport Beach, California next April to see some great films, meet amazing filmmakers and talent, and partake in fantastic parties!  And be sure to check out our upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Man from Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

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If you find yourself in Bilbao, Spain you’ll likely be there to visit the Guggenheim. And why not stay at the hotel where the first sketches of the Guggenheim were made? That’s right! Frank Gehry the famed architect was staying at the Hotel Lopez de Haro when he sketched his first visions of the museum onto their bedside stationery.

Jane Fonda, Lenny Kravitz, and the Dali Lama all have stayed at this 5-star property conveniently located with-in walking distance of everything: The Guggenheim, the ZubiZuri Bridge, The Old City, and the New Town.

For more information on Bilbao and the Basque Country, read our Basque Country Destination Guide.

For now, take a listen as Luis J. Guillamon Lores, Sales Manager, talks to journeyPod about Frank Gehry’s connection to the property and his vision for ”the beginning of the new Bilbao.”

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Journeypod.com was in pit lane and the paddocks for the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. We rubbed shoulders with Danica and Dario, and even chatted up racing legend Bobby Rahal, who was in the pits helping his son, Graham. Then we got up close up with the Grand Marshall for this year’s event—Chef Gordon Ramsey! journeyPod.com attended Chef’s press conference and got some inside scoop on Hell’s Kitchen and also a food few tips from Chef Gordon. Take a listen from this exclusive press conference!

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Welcome to Paradise! No, really. journeyPod recently returned from Paradise--a Southern California luxury tropical island resort, where blue skies, towering palm trees and a colorful landscape met our every glance. Paradise Point Resort & Spa’s lush 44-acre vacation isle is in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Bay.

While you're there, endulge your taste buds at Baleen San Diego (check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Megan) and the famous Barefoot Bar & Grill—rumored to have been built originally as a bomb shelter by Hollywood producer Jack Skirball.

Let's take a listen as Geoff Young gives us inside scoop on Paradise. Then be sure to stick around and hear local San Diego band, Entice, and their song This City. If you're gonna be in the LA area this coming week, you can see Entice live at The Shore in Hermosa Beach on June 2.

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Famous worldwide as North America’s top ski resort, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski and Snowboard School, snowmobiling (which we absolutely loved), to big time concerts and festivals, the shops and spas, dining, nightlife and accommodations – world class lodging from the high end of luxury to practical affordability, Vail waits to be discovered. Again, and again.

journeyPod stayed at the beautiful Vail Cascade Resort & Spa,  Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain along the banks of Gore Creek, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is Vail's only ski-in/ski-out, AAA Four-Diamond Colorado ski resort. Enjoy an amazing dinner at the Atwater on Gore Creek (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Adam Votaw!). After a day on the slopes, let an expert masseuse treat your sore muscles to a deep tissue massage at the Aria Club & Spa!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Chris Romer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Vail Valley Partnership.

Enjoy podsafe artist Bill with their hit “Sound Scientist”.

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Just an hour flight from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime to Eleuthera and Harbour Island! Eleuthera, home to Lenny Kravitz, is considered one of Bahamas 'Out Islands' but is definitely the place for the "in crowd" looking for seclusion and romance! Other famous faces spotted in Eleuthera include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, John Mayer and many more!

journeyPod enjoyed making fresh Conch Salad at Queen Conch, snorkeling around the coast and taking an overnight trip to Harbour Island. In Harbour Island we stayed at the luxurious Romora Bay Club & Resort and enjoyed an amazing cuisine by Chef Matthew Ona at VUE (make sure to check out our Chef's Corner article).

In Eleuthera, we fell in love with The Cove Eleuthera - what a fantastic property! Described by guests as "a calming flow of island elegant living & world class service," the Cove boasts 22 newly renovated rooms and deluxe suites, a wonderful chef by the name of Manuel Perez and a warm and welcoming staff! Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Kirk Aulin.

Enjoy podcafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit "How can I be sure".

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There are a total of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, each uniquely located on the outskirts of gorgeous Metropolitan cities including:  London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich and Dublin.

Each of the nine open-air Villages boasts anywhere from 55-120 designer outlets and provides a rich ambiance that reflects the flavor and culture of the respective location; this includes everything from the architecture to the cuisine.  It's  no wonder these shopping destinations are recognized among many of today’s jet-setters, fashionistas, and celebrities! Recent celebs that have been spotted include Mick Jagger, Victoria Beckham, Jude Law and Liz Hurley.

Listen in to our interview with Desirée Bollier and find out more about luxury designer outlet shopping, like Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. Bollier will also share some of the luxury secrets that make Chic Outlets so unique - personal shoppers, Valet Boy to carry your bags, a VIP lounge and even translators!

For our full shopping guide, click here!

Enjoy podcast artist Bill and his hit "Sound Scientist".

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We've got Jacqueline Gifford, Features Editor for OK! Magazine on our exciting celebrity travel show! Jackie chats with us about star-studded destinations like St. Lucia, Thailand, Rome, Paris, DC and New York City. Find out where city girls Uma Thurman, Anne Hathaway and Sex in the City's own Sarah Jessica Parker head for a cocktail in NYC.

Jackie shares exciting places to get married like the Ashford Castle in Ireland, where Pierce Brosnan got hitched, as well as the Park Hyatt Paris, where Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's wedding guests stayed.

You'll hear what strange things Leonardo DiCaprio & Drew Barrymore request when staying at a hotel as well as some of the places Oprah, the Beckhams, Pitts and the Basketts like to frequent.

Keep an eye out for OK! Magazine's upcoming issues featuring celebrity projects abroad, top ski destinations, Bora Bora, Bahamas & Rio.

Stay tuned for more celebrity travel updates from Jackie! Visit OK! Magazine Online for the truth and inside scoop about celebrities!

Enjoy podsafe band Buddahead with their hit "When I fall".

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Listen in as we go backstage at Hawaii's hottest new show called Cirque Polynesia.  This attraction has a little bit of local Hawaiian music and dance meshed with world class acrobats and illusionists.  It's at the Hyatt on Maui and will have you at the edge of your seat as the performers amaze you from start to finish.  They have the top balancer in the world and the famous Wallenda Family with their death-defying high-wire act 40 feet above your head.

We loved the top notch stunts and showmanship of the cast.  No surprise as the producer has been around shows since he was a little boy.  We catch up with Tuffy Nicholas who shares some great stories about his dad who was a ringmaster with Ringling Brothers and his mom who was a bear trainer!

So if you are looking for things to do in Maui, Hawaii, then stop by the Hyatt Regency and see Cirque Polynesia.

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journeyPod explores the Cayman Islands and some of their many pristine beaches.  We uncover some top diving and snorkeling spots including North Wall and Stingray City.  We chill out at the famous Rum Point with its unspoiled scenery and water sports.

journeyPod gets up close and personal with rare Blue Iguanas.  Finally we hear from a Caribbean expert about the lesser known Little Cayman which provides for a real escape and amazing diving.  journeyPod has you covered with vacation information and travel tips about the Cayman Islands including Grand Cayman Island.

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