Puerto Plata & Cabarete

When you think of the Dominican Republic most people think of Punta Cana. Punta Cana is the most popular resort town in the Dominican Republic and is also the most touristy. If you are like me, you are not looking for 20+ all-inclusive hotels lined up along the beach, i.e Cancun. You are looking to experience the country's culture and discover a hidden gem or two. Lavish Lifestyles discovered two places that provide the peace and quiet of the Caribbean, while also allowing you to enjoy nightlife, casinos, and local restaurants.

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort (pic above) is located in Puerta Plata and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World. This boutique all-suite hotel is reminiscent of an old Hollywood mansion, from the foyer to the well manicured grounds every detail exudes opulence. This hotel makes for a perfect romantic getaway with your special someone.

Velero Beach Resort is a luxury condo/hotel resort located in Cabarete approximately 20 minutes from Puerto Plata. Valero Beach Resort is comprised of 22 apartments and 7 penthouses all of which are privately owned condos located directly on the beach.Cabarete is internationally known as a windsurfers and kite boarders paradise; it is now also known as a fun destination for all. Cabarete has many clubs, restaurants, and bars within walking distance along the beach. This is a great place for a getaway with friends.

Also, be sure to visit Aura Beach House, it's the equivalent of Miami's Nikki Beach. Ask a local for directions, as it is hard to find if you are not familiar with the area.

A Taste Of NYC

Not to exclude our NYC readers Lavish Lifestyles will begin to include some of the city's hottest places to dine, relax, party, and sleep. First up is Socarrat a new restaurant located in Chelsea. Enjoy communal dining while feasting on delicious paella and Spanish beer. If you haven't had the opportunity to travel to Spain here is your little piece of heaven in Chelsea.

Next up, where does one go to unwind from a day of hot subway platforms and crazy cab drivers? Try Thai Privilege Spa located in Soho, be sure to ask for the Siam Nirvana (six -handed 75 minute massage not listed on the spa menu). This is like nothing you've experienced before!

Now that your relaxed.. do you want to party or sleep? Ummm...I would say sleep but in the case of the night owls I would like to introduce you to Kingswood located in the village. It appears to only be a restaurant, but for those in the know there is also a basement bar and lounge throwing some hot parties this summer. You enter via an unmarked door to the right of the restaurant and proceed down a narrow stairway and let the party begin!

OK, it's 4am and time to finally call it night. Why not treat yourself to room service in the morning by checking into The London, an all-suite hotel in mid-town, where in homage to its name all calls made from your room to London, England are free!!

Restaurant/Lounge/Club = KRESS

Last Friday Lavish Lifestyles had the pleasure of dining at Kress, Hollywood's newest addition to the once infamous Hollywood Blvd. Upon entering this exotic 38,000 sf space you feel like your in Vegas ...everything is very big and over the top. The theme is Asian which caries through to the decor and several menu selections.

The service and food is impeccable! Here are some menu suggestions: Calamari, Shrimp ( prepared on a 500 degree rock which cooks at the table) and the Salmon are all excellent. The portions are on the smaller side so I recommend ordering side dishes. The mixed drinks are very good, try the mojito. Lastly, save room for dessert as they have a chocolate fountain which comes with a variety of dipping options. If you are more in the mood for sushi, the mezzanine has a complete wrap around sushi bar. The prices are not bad... dinner for two including drinks runs a little under $200.

OK, now on to the party side of Kress. We were lucky to be given a tour by the executive chef.The tour began in the basement which is all purple with a dance floor in the middle ( easiest part of the club to get into) we then proceeded via elevator to the third floor which is a large VIP section with all white leather couches and crystal chandeliers. Still curious to explore we continued on to the the fourth floor ( rooftop - another VIP section ) beautiful views and cabanas make this a great outdoor space during the summer. We had a great time at Kress! We even saw a couple of well -known celbs (who shall remain nameless) trying desperately to get in!!! This is definitely one of LA's newest hotspots!!

Manure Wrap Party

On July 3rd Lavish Lifestyles attended the wrap party for the film "Manure" starring Billy Bob Thornton, Tea Leoni, Kyle MacLachlan and Ed Helms. This is one of four films Mark & Michael Polish aim to make this year through their production company Prohibition Pictures. These are the same guys that bought you Northfork and The Astronaut Farmer!

As guests arrived they enjoyed an assortment of hors d’ouevers such as chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce to beverages ranging from beer provided by Anheuser-Busch to Vodka in the lounge/bar area of Fais Do-Do. Lavish Lifestyles was pleased that we could assist in securing Red Bull and vodka for the event. As the night progressed guests were led into a huge event space behind Fais Do-Do where Billy Bob and his band "The Boxmasters" took the stage. Dressed in matching suits and ties Billy Bob and his band had the crowd rocking til midnight!!

It was a great night and a great crowd!!

Hotel Angeleno & The Hollywood Bowl

Lavish Lifestyles uncovered a hidden gem on our way to a 4th of July BBQ. The hotel Angeleno located in Brentwood just off the 405 was one of our many stops this past holiday. To our surprise this is a rather quaint hotel despite its close proximity to the freeway. We also discovered that Hotel Angeleno hosts a weekly jazz series every Monday from 8pm-11pm in the West Restaurant & Lounge located on the penthouse level. The panoramic views are simply amazing!!

Have you been to an outdoor concert this summer? Enjoy an evening of Mozart under the stars with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on June 22nd at the Hollywood Bowl. Concert and fireworks start at 8pm. Parking at the bowl starts at $14.00. Enjoy!

Who is Lavish Lifestyles?

Many people from time to time have posed the question...what does Lavish Lifestyles do? Lavish Lifestyles is both a luxury personal concierge & event planning company. We have compiled a list of services we provide. Please keep in mind, this is not a complete list, but it should give you better insight!

CONCIERGE

• Arrange unique romantic experiences for you and your special someone ( sunset flights, private chef services, spa services, private jet, dinner on the beach/cliff side, horseback riding, etc)
• Arrange over-the-top adventures ranging from swimming with sharks to flying a real military fighter plane while shooting fake bullets at your opponent
• Arrange fun weekend itineraries: A getaway with friends
• Arrange fun date itineraries
• Restaurant Recommendations: Business lunch to a romantic dinner for two
• Secure transportation: Limo, sedan, exotic, or vintage Rolls Royce
• Booking service for Domestic & International travel
• Booking service for hotel arrangements: complimentary upgrades at select hotels
• Booking service for hard to get sporting event, theater, and Hollywood bowl tickets
• Secure invitations to red carpet events
• Plus, whatever your heart desires.....

LAVISH EVENTS

• Creating a Budget & Timeline
• Securing a Venue
• Event Production & Planning
• Event Decor
• Event Lighting
• Catering & Event Staff
• Public Relations
• Photography & Video
• Media Wall & Red Carpet
• Securing Sponsors
• Product Placement
• Securing Talent
• Securing Entertainment
• Creating Giftbags