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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Tucked away in the heart of St. James’s, in St. James’s Place, rests The Stafford London, one of London’s last remaining bastions of Great British hospitality. In 2012 not only will London host the Olympics, but the Stafford will turn 100 years old. The year long celebration is sure to be something to experience. If you find yourself in London, be sure to check out this very English property that has quite the Mary Poppins feel to it. Be sure to check out their “American Bar” where you’ll find over 1000 pieces of American memorabilia from guests over the past 40 years. And be sure to chat with their Head Concierge, Frank Laino, about what to do and see while in London. Afterall, he was voted "Best Concierge in the World"! For more info on Frank and what's hot in London right now, check out our upcoming one-on-one exclusive interview with him. For now, sit back and listen as The Stafford's GM, Leon Baum, talks to journeyPod.

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It’s true what they say, if you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait 10 minutes. journeyPod.com had the pleasure of experiencing the beautiful city of Boston for a week in early June. The first few days the weather was cold and rainy. Wednesday was gorgeous and sunny and in the 90’s (almost too hot!). Then it dropped to 60 and started to rain again by the weekend. Crazy.

Whether it's 90 and humid or 6o or rainy there is plenty to do in Boston this summer. And as journeyPod.com learned from Peter Rait, owner of Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro, the Summer Solstice is a day to be celebrated! Let's take a listen.

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The 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival kicked off its 11th anniversary this past Thursday night with the World Premiere of Five Star Day. The movie marked the feature directorial debut for Orange County native Danny Buday. journeyPod caught up with Michael Damian to chat about his new film, Flicka 2.  We also chatted with Frank Kelly, who's film 140 was inspired by Twitter. And finally we got some inside scoop on the documentary, The Wall, from film maker Ricardo Martinez.

The festival runs through Thursday, April 29 so if you're headed to the OC, be sure to stay at the Fairmont Newport Beach. It's where all the celebs stay!  We're pretty sure we saw Ludacris walking the halls last night. Stay tuned for an upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Michael from the Fairmont Newport Beach. PHOTO BY DAVID WOYTOWICH

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Known to be “the most romantic spot on the California coast,” Dana Point is located half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

From shopping, to dining, to fishing and whale-watching, there is tons to do in Dana Point. Of course water sports are a big hit year-round with mild temps even in the winter!

As for accommodations, journeyPod highly recommends the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. You can delight your tastebuds at Eno, give back to the community while sport fishing via Second Harvest, or learn to surf with a pro Billabong surf instructor!

For more information on this amazing property check them out on Face Book and on Twitter, and listen to our exclusive podcast here! Then sit back and enjoy local Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song, "Achin' For You."

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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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Indian Wells, CA is about a two hour drive from Los Angeles and is a quiet, lavish hideaway. It’s a place to rejuvenate and relax. Chill by a shimmering pool, or be pampered at a spa. journeyPod suggests you try out THE WELL spa for the ultimate spa experience. If golf is your thing—there is plenty of that as well. The Indian Wells Golf Resort will fit the bill for sure. El Paseo—a unique shopping experience—is often compared to Rodeo Drive, but if you’ve been to Rodeo Drive you will see no similarity today. Lunch at the new IW Club offers great views and dinner at Grove Artisan Kitchen is a treat! (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Robert from Grove Artisan Kitchen) And when it’s time to find a place to call home away from home, head over to the Miramonte Resort & Spa. journeyPod spoke with Chris Kandziora, Director of Sales & Marketing, for more inside scoop on this amazing luxury resort. Be sure to check out Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song "Take A Walk."

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While Big Sur is located only about 2 hours from San Francisco, it feels a million miles away. Whether you are camping, hiking, sight-seeing, visiting art galleries, or relaxing there is something for everyone.

Even if you are just driving through, you can be sure to find a table with a view. Nepenthe is probably one of the more popular spots. Big Sur Bakery and Big Sur Roadhouse are two other great spots.

Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides luxury treehouses as accommodations.  Across the street from Post Ranch Inn is the amazing 60 room Ventana Inn & Spa where you can relax at the Japanese Baths on property.

So pick your poison as you listen to both GMs talk about their properties and decide for yourself. Then pack your hiking boots and bikini and head north as you listen to the song "Tigertron" by Le Castle Vania (So Sweet Records).

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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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