Robin Tomb, founder of Pooch Hotel, spoke with journeyPod.com for more inside scoop. Let’s take a listen…

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.

Photo By: Andrea Cannistraci

journeyPod was again front and center at the 8^th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. This international showcase of the world’s premier wines, spirits, chefs, culinary personalities, and gourmet foods did not disappoint!

We called Hotel Solamar home for the weekend, and chatted with GM, Mark Dibella for some inside scoop on this amazing property located in the heart of the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.

Our weekend of gluttony included a Belgian Beer Tasting & Pairing with Chef Daniel Joly (Mirabelle at Beaver Creek). And at the Reserve and Limited Tasting Event,  it was more than just wine… There was scotch! SipSmokeSavor was pairing scotches with chocolates.

It was a sunny San Diego Saturday for The Grand Tasting Event down at the Embarcadero where we ran into a number of unique luxury brands such as Chuao Chocolate, DelGrosso Sauce, Wild Hibiscus, and Ca’momi Wines.

Take a listen as we give you inside scoop on everything from crazy wine owners, to edible flowers, to how to live like a local.

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.”

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.

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.

Following a highly successful Fall 2010 line-up, La Quinta Resort & Club’s “Grooves in the Grove” jazz series was back this Spring by popular demand, and journeyPod.com was front and center for the 2011 Spring finale performance on May 6 featuring saxophonist Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rick Braun.

La Quinta’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Jim Pedone, gave us some inside scoop on this al fresco series produced by Apaulo Music Productions.

Be sure to check La Quinta Resort & Club for information and forthcoming schedule for the Fall 2011 “Grooves in the Grove” jazz series. Until then, sit back and enjoy the smooth jazz sounds of Rick Braun and Michael Paulo.

The city of Newport Beach is hosting the 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and journeyPod.com was on the Red Carpet last Thursday night for the fourth year in a row to rub elbows with celebs such as Peter Fonda and Michael C. Hall. The opening night film and world-premiere of EAST FIFTH BLISS, starring Michael C. Hall and Peter Fonda was sold out. We chatted with Michael C; Hall at the Gala after-party, and then spoke in depth with the director, Michael Knowles for some inside scoop of films, festivals, and life. The festival runs through May 5, so there is still lots of time to jet-set over to Newport Beach and see some great films! And be sure to book a room at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort!

Located in Morningside, just outside of Virginia Highlands, Rosebud is a favorite among locals who are looking for fresh, local fare at a really great price with impeccable service. Named after Jerry Garcia’s famed guitar, Rosebud serves a creative fare of American cuisine with a definite touch of Southern inspiration and offers guests a wide selection of reinvented classics.  Chef Ron Eyester readily embraces the creative aspects of cooking and takes pride in being labeled the “Innovator of the Year” by the Georgia Restaurant Association. Ron Eyester shares his ideas, menus and thoughts on his weekly blog and has a very active following on Twitter, where he is known as the “Angry Chef”. We look forward to his latest venture The Family Dog (named after one of the first venues the Grateful Dead performed at) set to open in March/April 2011 which will serve as everyone’s ” local watering hole”.

Enjoy podsafe artist Buddahead & their hit “When I Fall”.

The St. Giles Hotel - located in midtown between Lexington and Park Avenues – provides guests with the finest New York City accommodations. Divided into The Court and The Tuscany, the 39th Street hotels are just steps from Grand Central Station and a short walk from Central Park. The defining features of the NYC boutique hotels, however, are their stunning views of the famed Chrysler Building just beyond the many shops and eateries that make staying at either The Court or the Tuscany so convenient.  But you don’t even have to leave the hotel lobby to sample some of the best food the city has to offer. Let’s listen in as Chris Swain, Director of Lifestyle, for the St. Giles New York, chats about packages, specials & amenities for these two elegant properties.

Mention “journeyPod” when booking your stay and receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability) and breakfast for 2.

Enjoy podsafe artist 3rd Culture and their hit “One Promise”.

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.

Los Cabos is where the warm calm Sea of Cortez meets the cold angry Pacific Ocean. They come together at the famous “El Arco.” Be sure take a glass bottom boat ride out to the arch. You won’t need to pack much either. The temperature year round is 78 degrees. journeyPod was just there in mid-April and it was nearly 90! A bikini/swimsuit, flip flops, and shorts is all you’ll need.

Stay at the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar or the Westin Resort & Spa. You won’t go wrong either way! For more information on Los Cabos be sure to check out our upcoming Destination Guide this week. For now, take a listen as Jose from the Westin gives journeyPod inside scoop on this amazing destination!

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

Welcome to Surf City USA! With eight-and-a-half miles of golden sand beaches, and a sunny Mediterranean climate, Huntington Beach is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego.

Be sure to check out the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort —right across the street from the beach! It’s pet-friendly and green! So bring Fido and feel like you are doing good by the environment!

journeyPod had a chance to check out the property and enjoyed dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch at Shades Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch was made all the better by local magician Jeff Black. For more information on Shades, please sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Jeff.

Check out the sounds of the hottest band in South Africa (with local connections in the OC) Just Jinjer and their song “Like You Madly.”

journeyPod is back at the Ellis Hotel, Atlanta’s only “Green” Boutique Hotel located in the heart of downtown. We had a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at the property and we highly recommend this to couples for next year! The only time we left our room was to taste some of Chef Thomas’s delectable dishes! For Valentine’s Day we enjoyed fresh Blue Pointe Oysters and North Georgia Trout stuffed with American Crab. After licking our plates clean, we headed to our candle-lit room where we were pleasantly surprised with champagne, edible chocolate with a feather duster and rose petals!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Executive Chef Thomas McKeown as he chats about cooking with local organic produce at Terrace on Peachtree, shopping at farmer’s markets & upcoming events like St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy podsafe artist 3rd Culture with their hit “One Promise”.

Situated on 1,500 feet of sugary white sand at the tip of Estero Island, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa offers a four-star Fort Myers Beach hotel accommodations in a playful and friendly atmosphere. Located along the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, with sweeping gulf and bay views, Pink Shell is the premier choice of Fort Myers hotels for guests seeking adventure, relaxation, and fun. Enjoy a pampering couples massage at the Aquagene spa, let the kids splash around in the Octopool or book an exclusive package that fits your travel needs! We love the “Discover Sailing Getaway“!

Enjoy podsafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure?”

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.”

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”.

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”.

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.”

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).

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”.

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”.

Palau is one of the most magical places on earth! With over 1,387 species of fish 52 marine lakes and some of the World’s most breathtaking coral ~ it’s easy to see why tourists and locals tend to spend most of their time exploring the underwaters of Palau!

Fish ‘n Fins is the oldest, leading dive center in Palau. Owned an operated by Tova & Navot Bornovski, guests enjoy scuba diving trips on their liveaboard, snorkeling, kayaking, land tours, fishing trips, Rock Island tours and much more!

Listen in on our interview with Tova Harel-Bornovski and make sure to check out our Chef’s Corner interview with this woman of many talents!

For more information about Palau and info on booking your flight with Continental Micronesia, make sure to visit the Palau Visitors Authority today!

Enjoy podsafe artist Amy Ayres with her hit “My Place”.

Photocredit: http://magazine.continental.com

Santa Monica is an unforgettable, seaside city in Southern California. Conveniently located a few miles from LAX, Santa Monica is a beach city full of culture, events and sights. It’s where all the celebs come to escape.

While you’re in Santa Monica journeyPod recommends you have dinner at Ocean and Vine at the Loews Santa Monica, The Dining Room at the new Shangri-La, or the new Blue Plate Oysterette.

journeyPod caught up with Loews Santa Monica Ocean Spa’s Director Christine Johnson and Shangri-La’s GM, Troy Pade for some inside scoop. And then check out the upbeat notes of Eli Smith from the Santa Monica record label So Sweet.

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.

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.

After spending the day visiting the largest aquarium in the world, hiking up Stone Mountain, taking in a CNN Studio Tour and filling up on cola at the World of Coke, book yourself a room at Atlanta’s only “Green” boutique hotel.  The Ellis Hotel is a charming and unique property located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  Conserving energy by using paper products that have been at least 30% post consumer recycled, timed light systems and recycled water - it’s easy to see why this hotel was recently awarded an “Excellence” rating by Trip Advisor.

Enjoy American Heirloom dishes prepared by their Executive (Irish) Chef Thomas McKeown (check out our podcast with Chef Thomas!) . Terrace supports local and regional farmers, fisherman and producers.  Try free wines between 5:30-6:30 p.m. nightly.  When booking a room make sure to ask about breakfast and romance packages! Forget your hair straightener or Spanx at home?  Don’t fret, the “Women’s Only” floor has more than enough goodies to make sure that you look your best at all times!

Listen in to our podcast with General Manager, Stacy Martin, as she discusses the concept of The Ellis Hotel, property amenities and the wonderful menu at Terrace! Enjoy the jazzy sounds of David Baumgarten with his hit “When I still Wonder”.

Just 2 hours away from Guam, Continental Micronesia takes you to the Jewel of the Pacific - Palau! Divers and snorkelers have found their nirvana at such sites as Blue Corner, the German Channel, Shark City & Jellyfish Lake. Get covered in volcanic mud at the popular Milky Way cove, hike down to the Ngardmau Waterfall, swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Pacific, or explore the history of Palau by visiting stone monoliths, a traditional Bai meeting house, Palau’s National Capital, Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum. Other fun things to do include a daytrip to Carp Island, exploring the Rock Islands and going on a Jungle River Cruise.

Stay at the luxurious Palau Pacific Resort (check out our interview with Chef Alex Suzuki at the resort), Landmark Marina Resort, Airai Water Paradise Hotel, M&A Riverside Beach Bungalows or the North Beach Cottages.

Celebrities who have visited this magnificent island include Paul Allen, Laurence Fishburne, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Metallica’s drummer Lars Ulrich.

Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Darin de Leon, for the Palau Visitor’s Authority.

Stay tuned for a full roundup article highlighting hotels, resorts, attractions and dining in Palau!

Enjoy podsafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure?”