Opus Hotel Vancouver - Indulge in the Ultimate Boutique Hotel Experience

Opus Hotel Vancouver - Indulge in the Ultimate Boutique Hotel Experience

Located in the historic and fashionable Yaletown, steps away from the inner harbor, entertainment, shopping, spas and twenty-five minutes from Vancouver International Airport, is the luxurious Opus Hotel Vancouver.

Uniquely stylish and always fresh, Opus Hotel Vancouver offers guests an unmatched boutique hotel experience. The hotel features ninety-six guestrooms that blend contemporary design with warm vibrant colors. The lavish rooms boast five different lifestyle-inspired décor schemes to suit every taste, ranging from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic, with comfort and style as the unifying elements. Consistently named by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as “One of the World’s Best Hotels” from 2005-2008 and “One of the Best 500 Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure Magazine from 2006-2008, Opus Hotel Vancouver is the place to stay when visiting Vancouver.

Whether traveling to Vancouver for business or pleasure, Opus Hotel Vancouver offers an expansive list of services and amenities. In addition to standard amenities, luxuries for guests include Frette bathrobes, L’Occitane bath amenities, an in-room oxygen dispenser, morning newspaper, 24-hour room service, heated tile bathroom floors, and overnight shoeshine service. All suites have a wet bar, and the penthouse suites feature wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and double-sided fireplaces. The hotel offers a stylish 24-hour business center with two fully-loaded work stations with complimentary high-speed internet, printing and an airport check-in kiosk. The facilities go from corporate to casual—Opus has rooms to accommodate up to 75 guests for a reception or 48 for a dinner.

Swing by Opus Hotel Vancouver, even if it’s just for an evening. Elixir, Opus Hotel’s Bistro, and Opus Bar, which was voted “Vancouver’s Most Popular Nightspot” by Zagat Guide, offer the crème de la crème in dining and nightlife. At Elixir, Executive Chef Don Letendre takes a contemporary approach to classic French cuisine, crafting innovative dishes from the freshest seasonal ingredients. Choose a room to suit your mood: bustling Bistro, airy Garden Room or plush Velvet Room. At Opus Bar, a playful blend of iridescent lighting, designer furniture and shimmer screens set the mood for its sophisticated and style-savvy crowd. Known for its chic, “see-and-be-seen” vibe, Opus Vancouver has attracted many A-listers of Hollywood including, actors Amy Adams, Robert Pattison, John Cusack, Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore, music artists Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Wycleaf Jean, R.E.M., and The Pussycat Dolls, and athletes Tony Parker and “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Opus Bar’s glass-walled restrooms and live video feeds allow you to always keep an eye on the action.

Opus Hotel Vancouver also offers complimentary transportation, available within the downtown area via the hotel’s luxurious 7 Series BMW. Two Opus mountain bikes and two Jorg & Olif city bikes are also available to guests, free of charge. Also offered are deluxe tea service, personal shopping, same-day laundry, in-room spa services and an extensive DVD library. For first time visitors, the hotel’s unique Lifestyle Concierge allows guests to choose from five virtual concierges as their personal guide to the city.
Whether guests are checking in the hotel for business or leisure, or simply enjoying an evening at Elixir or the dazzling Opus Bar— Opus Vancouver is sure to charm and exceed expectations.

Opus Vancouver
322 Davie Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada V6B 5Z6
Tel: 604-642-6787
Toll free: 1-866-642-6787
Fax: 604-642-6780
Email: info@opushotel.com
www.opushotel.com
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Optyx by Gruen presents the launch of a groundbreaking sports performance eyewear line

Optyx by Gruen presents the launch of a groundbreaking sports performance eyewear line
June 3, 2009

OPTYX by gruen has once again pushed the eyewear industry to a new level of quality and style with its latest venture: Sports OPTYX by gruen. Granting athletes a competitive edge – sharp, total vision – Sports OPTYX by gruen is born from a collaborative effort between PrescripSun™ by Carl Zeiss and Nike Vision Lens Technology, which has produced state-of-the-art athletic performance frames, available exclusively at OPTYX by gruen.

Nike Max Optics delivers precise vision at all angles, while Nike Max Tints enhance critical visual details, providing the ideal amount of light and the optimal range of color for the sport. In order to guarantee maximum performance, athletes must have a clear view in all directions— the Nike Max Optics’ patented performance design have been crafted to allow the clearest view over the widest angle, granting precise peripheral vision, customized for five major types of sporting activity:

• Nike Max Golf Tint
Grass reflects green and red, while golf balls reflect blue— the colors of these critical details transmit through the lens, reducing eye fatigue and improving visual clarity. Avid golfers, these glasses will assist in lowering your handicap— the contour of the green is easier to read, as the ball ‘pops’ against the grass, sand trap or sky.

• Nike Max Hi-Vis Tint
In low light, significant details such as rocks, shadows and curves are difficult to see. As the human eye is highly sensitive to the color yellow, the lens allows more of it to transmit through the lens. The tint delivers increased contrast on a foggy morning, an overcast afternoon or while the sun is setting— perfect for cyclists.

• Nike Max Speed Tint
A significant development for athletes such as long-distance runners, the tint is designed for endurance, reducing the glare that reflects off asphalt, relaxes eyes and enhances visual clarity.

• Nike Max Polarized
When sunlight hits a flat, reflective surface, glare is generated. The Nike Max Polarized neutralizes the reflective light waves, granting a range of athletes that includes skiers and rowers the ability to see through glare.

• Nike MaxAdapt
The photochromic lens darkens or lightens to adapt, automatically, to the level of ultraviolet light in the environment, from sunrise to sunset, sunny to cloudy.

About OPTYX by gruen: Jon Gruen, founder of OPTYX by gruen, the premium eyewear retailer in New York City, the Hamptons and Greenwich, CT, since 1971 continues to reinvent the eyewear business, with his innovative theory that eyeglasses can and should be one of the client’s most important fashion accessories. OPTYX by gruen is the newest expansion of grueneyes and offers the most high-end collection of designer eyewear. Their highly experienced and trained staff of opticians focuses on giving customers the opportunity to find the perfect style, while providing quality and friendly service. OPTYX by gruen prides themselves in offering clients top optometrists to give them the finest eye examinations. OPTYX by gruen presents the latest retail style by providing the hottest looks in eyewear and the best service in eye care at one location.

The Ravel Hotel Welcomes Summer with the Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Overlooking the New York City Skyline

The Ravel Hotel Welcomes Summer with the Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Overlooking the New York City Skyline
June 1, 2009

What better way is there to experience New York City than to spend an evening surrounded by the city’s breathtaking skyline? Located atop The Ravel Hotel, Long Island City’s first luxury boutique hotel, The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge is preparing to open its chic nightlife hotspot, just in time for the summer 2009 season.

As the weather gets warmer, The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers a refreshing alternative to Manhattan nightlife, boasting a 6,000 square-feet outdoor garden terrace, spacious 40-feet-long bar, and live music from the city’s hottest DJs—all against the backdrop of the city’s glittering nighttime skyline. The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge blends a sense of energy and fun with chic city style with sleek minimalistic furnishings, complemented by cheerfully bright plush seating. The space is intimately arranged, allowing guests to feel as though they are indulging in a secret rendezvous outside of Manhattan’s limits and under the serene beauty of the night sky. In addition to being the ideal place to spend a night-on-the-town, the rooftop space is also available for private events and wedding receptions, with catering available through the hotel. Additionally, guests seeking rest and relaxation under the warmth of the summer sun can find solace at the Rooftop Bar & Lounge during the day, reclining on luxurious cabanas and patio furniture.

This June, The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge is launching a series of weekly nighttime events throughout the summer. On Monday nights, Reel Mondays, outdoor film screenings will be held. Guests must reserve their spots in advance and will be provided with a blanket to offer cover from summer breezes, a bottle of champagne and a picnic basket filled with delicious treats to complement the movie-watching experience. Rocks & Rolls will feature a professional guest cigar roller every Tuesday Night for patrons to enjoy while sipping their cocktails. Wednesday evenings will be host to Noche En La Terraza (Night on the Terrace) — a Latin-infused salsa/samba night. Overflowing frozen Mojitos and Sangria, coupled with sizzling Latin sounds, will provide guests with a spicy midweek getaway. Rise @ Ravel will set a new standard for New York nightlife on Thursday nights. Partnering with Astoria’s chic Central Bar and Lounge, The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge will host a sophisticated, sexy happy hour and late-night fête that is the place to kick off any summer weekend.

Transportation to and from The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge is never a hassle. Having partnered with an exclusive Manhattan car service, The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers guest a shuttle service from anywhere in Manhattan to the Long Island City nightlife venue, and vice versa, for an affordable flat-fee of $25. Conveniently, guests may simply place a call into the hotel’s front desk and the Ravel Hotel staff will coordinate all the details. Valet service is also available for The Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge guests.

The Blue Parrot - The Hamptons' Favourite Local Joint Returns

The Blue Parrot - The Hamptons' Favourite Local Joint Returns

In 1981 a disheveled crew of surfers, scoundrels and a lone cook turned a hidden corner of an East Hampton parking lot into a meeting place for artists, anglers, bonackers, bankers, weekenders and wayfarers that would one day become The Blue Parrot. The East Hampton eatery that was once described by Forbes Magazine as “the East End Elaine’s” makes a much-anticipated return this summer. Having closed shop in 2006, The Blue Parrot returns to a town eager for its go-to “quirky, laid-back Tex-Mex bar and restaurant.” As the town’s favorite dive bar, meeting place and local joint, The Blue Parrot brings together local residents and summertime visitors, offering a refreshing, casual and pretense-free alternative to New York and East End dining and nightlife. Seating for The Blue Parrot’s bar and restaurant offers guests a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where they have the choice to drink and dine alongside the bar, within the restaurant or atop the outdoor garden patio. Reservations are unnecessary at the Blue Parrot, as seating is based upon a strict first come, first served policy. In any attire, walk into this quirky hole-in-the-wall locale and you are sure to spot just about anyone, as everyone is welcome.

Paying homage to the original East Hampton eatery in its new incarnation, the walls of The Blue Parrot are adorned in the same eclectic fashion, bringing together such decorative details as vintage Mexican postcards and stocks and bonds (albeit from 1800s Mexico). The interior features gritty details, such as rough hewn wood, slowly revolving factory fans, and distressed paint in rich, exuberant colors evocative of Mexico City cantinas. The combination of these elements summon the excitement of a Dia de los Muertos celebration, while maintaining the laid-back, welcoming style that patrons appreciated in the original Blue Parrot. In an ode to the original Blue Parrot, an idea which stemmed from a group of East End surfers, The Blue Parrot will screen classic surfer films including The Endless Summer (1966), Big Wednesday (1978) and Ride the Wild Surf (1964), as well as spaghetti Westerns and the occasional sporting event.

The Blue Parrot will again feature a Tex-Mex and regional Mexican menu of common fare prepared uncommonly well, including quesadillas, burritos and nachos. There will be a strong emphasis on ‘fresh and local’ produce, fish, poultry, cheese and wine. The late-night menu (available after 10 PM) offers Classic Guacamole and Chicken Flautas, sure to satisfy nighttime guests who have few alternatives. The menu revives the original Blue Parrot Margarita, served in a mason jar, as well as sangria, premium and super premium tequilas and Mexican beers.

In keeping with its local-friendly efforts, The Blue Parrot will hire locally and plans to support local charities, such as The Peconic Land Trust and the Pikes Farm Stand Project, and hopes to sponsor a local East Hampton sports team. Additionally, Tuesday evenings at The Blue Parrot will be host to Dirty Bird Tuesdays— a night of drink and food specials for local East Hamptonites. Dirty Bird Tuesdays will also be the only available night for patrons interested in purchasing an official Blue Parrot t-shirt, subject only to local residents (must be verified by a local driver’s license).

The Blue Parrot
33A Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 329-BLUE (2583)
www.blueparroteasthampton.com

Next stop: Fashion Capital of the World - La Mode Revient, Traveling Atelier

Next stop: Fashion Capital of the World - La Mode Revient, Traveling Atelier

May 10, 2009
Make way for style-on-the-move: La Mode Revient, Traveling Atelier, founded by Sonya Rolin (of Sonya Rolin Atelier) and Irene Zelinksy (of Rolling Stonz Designs) has revolutionized the way women approach fashion and shopping. La Mode Revient—translation: The Fashion Returns—premieres in New York City on May 1st from Noon to 8 PM with an exclusive afternoon of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Hosted at the Vanessa Noel Boutique and featuring the designs of special guest, fashion designer Rubin Singer, the trunk show conveniently brings the latest in chic designs to its clients, allowing them to browse and purchase items while mingling with other trend setters and the designers themselves in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. In such a couture-like setting, clients are given unparalleled personal attention as they are styled from head-to-toe. Additionally, a number of pieces featured at La Mode Revient will be one-of-a-kind designs, while several other items will be available as made-to-order for custom fits. In addition, 10% of all proceeds from the afternoon will be donated in support of the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Co-Founder Sonya Rolin will debut her full, demi-couture collection of evening gowns, coats, and other stylish pieces at La Mode Revient, building on the exciting accessories created by her design company Sonya Rolin Atelier, founded in 2000. Inspired by her family’s couturier in Europe, Sonya brings a sense of Old World artisanship to the 21st Century Renaissance woman with designs that possess a timeless elegance, fitting the style of her exclusive, fashion-savvy international clientele. It’s Zsa Zsa Gabor meets Audrey Hepburn, as Sonya’s designs marry a sense of luxury with chic sophistication.

Irene Zelinsky, founder of Rolling Stonz, is an established jewelry designer who has been creating one-of-a-kind pieces since 2002. Irene finds inspiration in the unique stones and jewels discovered at estate sales and vintage shops. Building upon those pieces, Irene’s designs blend classic design with modern style, resulting in chic charms representing special moments in time.

La Mode Revient, Traveling Atelier brings a sense of refinement and elegance to the world of retail. For recession-conscious shoppers, La Mode Revient offers clients the opportunity to shop privately and discreetly. Watch for La Mode Revient to pass through your area. At each stop, Sonya Rolin and Irene Zelinsky will introduce unique accessory designers, according to location and season.

After New York City, La Mode Revient will visit Los Angeles May 18-19, 2009, Greenwich, CT on May 30, 2009, and Toronto, Canada on June 4, 2009. Look out for additional dates and locations, to be announced.

La Mode Revient, Traveling Atelier
www.sonyarolin.com
www.rollingstonzdesigns.com

grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen Present What’s Hot for Summer 2009

grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen Present What’s Hot for Summer 2009
May 1, 2009

Where do celebrities go to get the hottest eyewear around? Martin Scorsese, Kate Moss, Lauren Hutton, Carlos Santana, Dustin Hoffman, Diana Ross, Regis Philbin, Madonna, Alec Baldwin, and Elton John—to name a few—depend on grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen in New York for the finest in designer eyewear.

Gear up for sunnier days! For the trend-seekers and fashionistas out there, grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen have picked out what’s hot for this summer 2009 season. For a classy Jackie O-like glamour, they’ve selected a timeless, oversized frame from Chanel’s Collection Perle. For the most rugged of gentlemen, there is the Cartier Santos Sport Platinum, a classic aviator shape with fashion-forward leather and wood detailing—think Top Gun meets the runway. For true glitz n’ glam, grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen offer Oliver People’s Harlot Storm frames, bringing together an iconic silhouette with a bold, modern print.

Need another reason to visit grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen? Celebrate Eye Health Month as grueneyes and OPTYX by gruen are exclusively offering 30% off prescription lenses and complimentary vision screenings from May 11, 2009 to June 10, 2009. Selected frames within their exclusive eyewear collection include, but are not limited to, Cartier, Chanel, Bvlgari, Tom Ford, Persol, Ray Ban, Tag Heuer, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Michael Kors, Coach, Oliver Peoples, John Varvatos, Vera Wang, Maui Jim, Karl Lagerfeld & Prada.

grueneyes & OPTYX by gruen pride themselves in offering the most fashionable frames and providing comprehensive eye examinations, routine diagnostic eye care and contact lens fittings by professional and personable doctors of optometry. President and CEO, Jon Gruen, has truly redefined the retail optical experience.

grueneyes & OPTYX by gruen are also pleased to announce that they are accepting copayment for the following insurance programs: Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, EyeMed, Health Net, Multiplan, Oxford, United Health Care.

Biba Boutique — The Hamptons Shopaholic’s Dream at a New Location

Biba Boutique — The Hamptons Shopaholic’s Dream at a New Location
May 1, 2009

Shopping in the Hamptons will never be the same with the new updated Biba Boutique, at a brand new location. The sexy boutique has been a favorite of celebrity shoppers including Paris and Nicky Hilton, Christie Brinkley, Felicity Huffman, Kim Porter, Susan Lucci, and Beth Ostrosky. Owner Barbara Blatt handpicks all of Biba’s lines featuring hot new designers which change weekly. Some of the fab favorites are Sky tops and dresses, Minnie Rose Cashmeres, the hottest brands of designer denim, shoes, and unique, one-of-a-kind items. This summer Biba promises to provide a one-stop shopping experience, with everything the stylish Hampton’s woman needs to achieve the summertime chic look for 2009.

Barbara also specializes in putting together a hand-picked wardrobe for any event and offers a special Biba goody box sent directly to your door.

During the off-season, Barbara takes her fashion show on the road. This upscale, newly renovated boutique will be loading up their stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories, and coming to a location near you. Sip on champagne and wine while you shop at the unique Biba “Wardrobe on Wheels”.

Most recently, Barbara opened a Palm Beach location that is open year round. So for those Hamptonites that miss Biba in the off-season, Palm Beach is only a short plane ride away…

Biba Southampton
40 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968 Tel: (631) 377-3647

Biba Palm Beach
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Dr. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Tel: (561) 799-7795

Blue Star Jets: Luxury Travel Revolutionized

Blue Star Jets: Luxury Travel Revolutionized

As a response to the ever-evolving needs of their clientele, Blue Star Jets, one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter brokers, recently launched the world’s first website for travelers seeking to share the cost of private jet charter— the ShareAJet Exchange.

As the first site of its kind, the ShareAJet Exchange introduces travelers to flying privately together, helping clients connect with other flyers planning trips to similar destinations and arrange to share flights aboard a specific private aircraft. If a trip to the desired destination is not posted, clients may also upload their own travel plans with the aim of matching that with another traveler. Such a public, socially-interactive marketplace allows for clients to plan trips together. The ShareAJet Exchange will prove ideal for travel agents, flight departments, and jet charter companies, as well as corporations seeking to save up to 50% on jet travel.

Blue Star Jets was founded in April 2001 when business partners, Todd Rome and Richard Sitomer, sought to capitalize on the inefficiencies of the private jet marketplace. As their motto states, ANY JET, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE™, Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership, the savings of paying only for trips taken, and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip’s specific budget requirement.

This past fall, as the economy suffered a significant downturn, Blue Star Jets’ clients began inquiring if they could share private aircrafts flights in order to lessen costs— jet-setters are seeking to maintain their luxury lifestyle, while embracing a new economic reality. As these requests grew, it became evident that Blue Star Jets possessed the volume to launch such a program. Holding access to an extensive network of private aviation operators, the Blue Star Jets team of travel specialists negotiates competitive pricing for every flight; in turn, with such savings components in place, the ShareAJet Exchange slashes an already lowered cost, resulting in unprecedented pricing for the private aviation industry.

As Blue Star Jets granted travelers unmatched access to the private aviation industry through its centralization of the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will once again lower the barrier of entry for travelers into the marketplace as it brings down the costs of private aviation by up-to-50%. For example, a private aircraft flight on a Gulfstream jet from New York City to Los Angeles currently retails for as low as $25,000; through the ShareAJet Exchange, that price could be as low as $16,000. ShareAJet Exchange opens the private aviation market to travelers who have previously solely flown commercial, as this Blue Star Jets program helps to lower private aviation costs, so that they rival the price of a first-class commercial aircraft ticket. In addition to being financially savvy, the ShareAJet Exchange also keeps with environmentally-conscious efforts, as carbon emissions are lessened through shared flights.

This summer, Blue Star Jets expects an increase in demands for flights, from Southampton to the South of France, as the travel season hastens. Additionally the popularity of major travel destinations during specific times throughout the year – Los Angeles during award season, England for the Wimbledon Championships and Royal Ascot, Switzerland for Art Basel, France for the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, and St. Barts and South Florida during the holiday season – will prove essential for travelers seeking to match itineraries with other flyers.

The operators providing service for Blue Star Jets’ clients must meet the most stringent of standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); additionally, Blue Star Jets offers aircraft that have been independently audited for safety, as well as their respective safety reports, to clients.

Blue Star Jets establishes the standard for private aircraft service, as its broker relationship sets it apart from competitors. Blue Star Jets does not manage or operate aircraft on behalf of their clients; however the company assists clientele in finding the best operators for any aircraft. Its staff of aviation specialists solicits competitive bids on each flight request, passing the savings to their clients. Blue Star Jets’ aviation specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

As a subsidiary of Blue Star Jets, ShareAJet Exchange has the capability to review and manage Part 135 Carriers, each meeting the most stringent of standards of the Federal Aviation Administration, while continuing to offer quality services to clients, as ShareAJet Exchange users will also benefit from all Blue Star Jets luxury travel partnerships.

Blue Star Jets offers four different membership cards and programs for clients to take advantage, based on their own personal needs and schedules. The Sky Card Membership program benefits anyone flying at least five times a year, granting Blue Star Jets’ flyers the opportunity to ‘lock-in’ a plane at an attractive price. As a SkyCard holder, members are entitled to receive one-way pricing at time-and-a-half, rather than pay for the aircraft to be returned to its point of departure.

For New Yorkers, Blue Star Jets in 2009 presents The Hamptons Heli-Card and the 25hr Ranger Card. While the East End is known as a luxurious, relaxing summertime getaway, the commute from the city to the Hamptons along the I-495 is anything but – unless traveling with Blue Star Jets. The Hamptons Heli-Card is perfect for those who are looking for their commute to be as stress-free as their weekend. As a response to the ever-evolving needs of their clients, Blue Star Jets has developed a new alternative for regular summertime helicopter users who commute from New York City to the Hamptons – the 25hr Jet Ranger Card. This card allows travelers a number of flights at a great value – travelers are not required to cover the costs of repositioning the helicopters, rather they are only charged for the time spent aboard the aircraft. The 25hr Jet Ranger Card is perfect for New Yorkers, unsure of the number or dates of their upcoming trips out East.

Blue Star Jets proves they have truly thought of everything with the Camp Card. To east the stresses of summer camp preparations for New York families – shopping trips for summer supplies, hours of packing and tearful goodbyes – Blue Star Jets has developed a private aviation program to make the travel between New York City and children’s summer camp sites. The card allows parents and their children to travel comfortably on Greeting Day, Visiting Day, and the camp’s Closing Day with luxuries including Taittinger Champagne for parents and gourmet Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches and care packages for campers.

Blue Star Jets
1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
885 Second Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-446-9037
Toll free: (866) JET-TIME/(866) 538-8463
www.bluestarjets.com

Dalyah - Diamonds Directly from the Source

DALYAH—DIAMONDS DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE

Jewelry designer Dalyah Duek-Flaks relocated from South Africa to New York in 2007 to open her namesake jewelry store, Dalyah. The diamond boutique joined the Madison Avenue elite on Thursday March 26th, 2009, as the highly-anticipated store launched with a kick-off soirée. Guests celebrated the opening and admired Dalyah’s exquisite collection while sipping on champagne and indulging in decadent truffles generously provided by Roni-Sue’s Chocolates.

Dalyah is known for her fine jewelry, from sparkling diamonds to extraordinary gem stones. Her chic designs range from traditional to edgy, modern pieces, remaining devoted to the quality of the diamonds and uniqueness of the item. Diamond aficionados can look forward to already beautifully designed pieces as well as the option of customizing a piece of jewelry such as an engagement ring, by selecting a stone and setting under her expert guidance. Dalyah proves that luxury can be experienced by everyone, as designs range from fun fashion pieces starting at $2,000 to couture pieces priced up to $100,000.

Dalyah distinguishes itself from most high-end luxury jewelry retailers by providing customers with unique designs using diamonds directly from parent company Protea Diamonds in Johannesburg—this ensures quality gemstones at great value. Customers are also able to identify the history of the stone they are buying, with the comfort of knowing that the diamonds are conflict-free.

To complete any evening look, Dalyah has created an 18K yellow gold cocktail ring set with assorted Citrine and round brilliant diamonds—gold weight 24.5 Grams, diamond weight 0.58 Carats, priced at a very reasonable $7,500. For a piece that embraces class and simplicity—an 18K white gold neckpiece, with microset round diamonds and black rhodium—gold weight 46.26 Grams, diamond weight 4.40 Carats, priced at $14,500. Visit the store and take part in some guilt-free indulgence by treating yourself to the sensational, yet very affordable Dalyah creations.

Dalyah
625 Madison Ave. (at 58th Street)
New York City
Tel: (212) 575-5511
www.Dalyah.com

New York’s Renaissance Man

New York’s Renaissance Man

The who’s-who of New York’s social and literary scenes raised their glasses in a toast to former Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr., chairman of the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom, on the publication of his new book, An American Experience: Adeline Moses Loeb and Her Early American Jewish Ancestors. Lady Liliana Cavendish, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Denise Rich, Richard Turley, Amy Fine Collins, Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Wendy Carduna, Bettina Zilkha, Marjorie Reed Gordon, George Gurley and Hilary Heard, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Yaz Hernandez, Ann Rapp, and Barbara de Portago were in attendance to support the man of the hour, Ambassador Loeb, and his fascinating family memoir.

The book, published by The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, has already received a warm reception from reviewers. Stephen Birmingham, author of Our Crowd says it is, “an extraordinary tapestry composed of variously colored threads—of anecdote, of biography, of memoir, of scholarly genealogy, and of rich American history.” With a foreword by Ambassador Loeb (a former ambassador to Denmark, and a grandson of Adeline Moses Loeb and Carl Loeb) followed by a revealing introduction by author and Southern historian Eli N. Evans, the book promises to become a “must-read” in the literary lives of those who treasure family memoirs.

Ambassador Loeb has played a large role in bringing public awareness to American Jewish history, as well as supporting and initiating projects and organizations related to Jewish heritage. In the 1970s, he and the Loeb family funded and helped to organize “The Jewish Community In Early New York 1654-1800,” an exhibit featured at the Fraunces Tavern Museum® in New York City. More recently, Ambassador Loeb initiated and helped fund a similar exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, called “Tolerance and Identity: Jews in Early New York, 1654-1825.”

Additionally, Ambassador Loeb is a pioneer in the wine world—in his role as president of Sonoma-Loeb Wines. Although other U.S. vineyards have claimed their wineries hold carbon neutral status, Sonoma-Loeb is the first to achieve carbon neutrality in producing bottled wine, meaning that the carbon footprint of the production and delivery of the bottle to the consumer has been totally offset. Ambassador Loeb says,
“Protecting our national resources has always been a top priority and now with everyone claiming to be green and environmentally-friendly, we wanted to be transparent.” First bottled in 1991 early in the California wine revolution, Sonoma-Loeb Private Reserve Chardonnay is modeled after the Montrachet wines from Burgundy but, at about $30 per bottle, available at a fraction of the price of the great French wines. The Private Reserve Chardonnay has earned ratings as high as 93 points from The Wine Spectator magazine and 90 points from wine expert Robert Parker.
Cheers to Ambassador Loeb, who has made in indelible footprint with his work in philanthropy, history, community, and the environment.

The book can be purchased through:
· Sons of the Revolution In the State of New York 212-425-1776 ext. 10 or ext. 14
or email 2administrator@sonsoftherevolution.org
· http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/spring-2009/american-experience.html
· www.amazon.com
· www.barnesandnobel.com
For more information on Sonoma-Loeb Winery and Carbon Solutions America please visit:
www.carbonsolutionsamerica.com. For more information on the George Washington Institute of Religious Freedom, please visit www.gwirf.org.

Boutique Chic in Whistler's Adara Hotel

Boutique Chic in Whistler's Adara Hotel

February 1, 2009
Whistler, North America’s premier ski resort and home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, boasts the chic and trendy Adara Hotel. The first and only boutique hotel brings an element of urban flair to the woodsy resort town that New Yorkers appreciate. Offering 41 guest rooms and suites, Adara invites guests to unwind amongst intimate and personalized surroundings. Nearly everything found within Adara – with the exception of several signature pieces – has been custom-designed specifically for the hotel. The dramatic color scheme, comprised primarily of reds, browns and whites, invites visitors to sink further into style. Adara’s encompassing contemporary features such as European design-inspired seating pieces, five-foot walk in showers with “rain” shower heads, sheepskin throws and abstract art, adding chic design materials and finishes to the traditional lodge setting. Quirky design elements – such as antlers etched into the mirror in the elevator vestibule – add a further level of one-of-a-kind panache to the property.

Adara Hotel offers a completely new Whistler experience, by integrating modern design elements with the warmth and intimacy of traditional Whistler lodging. The Adara Hotel is truly an urban lodge, appealing to both the metropolitan design connoisseurs and the Whistler ski bunnies.

Adara Hotel
4412 Village Green
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B4 Canada