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oundup of my favorite things this week…. follow it, don’t judge it. 

Advice. Jetsetter’s New Personal Travel Planning Service.
I love nothing more than sharing the gift of travel, and here at Jetsetter we live to pass on our tips of the trade to you. Enter Jetsetter’s new Travel Planning Service where you can get advice based on our Expert’s extensive experience with your destination, i.e. tips no internet search can get you and obtain an itinerary created just for you by an Expert who shares your interests, i.e. this isn’t your standard chapter in a Frommer’s book. Plus, we’ll top it all off by booking your hotels, i.e. Jetsetter Verified hotels and packages that we love, and you can trust. Now all you need to do is pack your bag, which we can probably help you do also, wink. 

Tune in on our Facebook page LIVE at 3 PM today to chat with one of our most beloved, well-traveled and sassy correspondents, Paul Rubio about anything and everything travel. And check out our new Expert Service… promise, we won’t bite! 

Admire. National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year.
To say that I admire National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year would be an understatement of massive proportions. For the last six years, NatGeo has searched the globe high and low (literally), and selected one person for their extraordinary achievements in adventure sports, conservation and exploration. It’s my own version of “I Wanna Be Like Mike”…Matt Moniz climbed to the highest point in all 50 United States in just 43 days; David de Rothschild journeyed across the Pacific in a 60-foot sailboat made of 12,500 plastic bottle; and Jessica Watson sailed around the world, alone, as a teenager….And I thought Semester at Sea was tough.

Get inspired with NatGeo’s Adventurers of the Year and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Adventurer of Year.

Hotel. Grand Hyatt Shanghai.
At the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, guests feel like they’re on top of the world in this exuberantly designed skyscraper, looking down on Shanghai’s changing-by-the-minute skyline and the historic buildings of the riverfront. With six restaurants that span cuisines of the world and three bars (all with those up-in-the-clouds views), you never need to leave the hotel. But when you do, Shanghai’s dynamic restaurant/club/cultural scene is just a short underwater metro ride across the Huangpu River… not to mention, the world’s best soup dumplings, ever. 

Feel on top of the world, literally, at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai on Jetsetter.com!

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it

Hotel. Edition Waikiki.

The EDITION is a midcentury Waikiki hotel completely reimagined as an urban resort. The first of a new collection of lifestyle hotels by Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the Waikiki EDITION invites guests to party at the Crazybox nightclub, dine at Morimoto or meet for drinks and tapas in one of three bars (two of which are open-air, to make the most of the ocean breeze). Bright, airy rooms keep the focus on the water views — the real star of any Hawaiian vacation. 

Lose yourself, but not your room key at Edition Waikiki on Jetsetter.com!

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There’s been a lot of art-for-social-status-sake going on in NYC this week, and to be honest, I can barely keep up. So thanks to @Austyntatiouss, @AmandaWeiner @FashionWirePress and @SpreadHOUSE we’re ready to round it up… Follow it, don’t judge it. 

Salvador Dali at Time Warner Center
Some art is simply not to be missed. So when I came down with a bad ass cold on Thursday, Austyntatious (long time Dali doater) took my place at the Galerie Elysees at Time Warner Center for the unveiling of “Dali: The Vision of a Genius.” The exhibit presents a rare collection of bronze sculptures by the Sargeant of Surrealism, and it’s open to the public, so check it out. Tick tock on the Dali clock by @Austyntatiouss

@Victorias Secret Fashion Show
The infamously scandalous and dreamy dream producing Victoria Secret Fashion Show wowed fans on Wednesday night at the Armory in NYC. Katy Perry and Akon gave models a-somethin’ to walk to as they strutted down the catwalk in a variety of wing-clad looks. Be it a sexy soccer player to a “wild thing,” I’ll take em’ all. 

For more pictures to make you melt, check out @Fashion Wire Press

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Villa. Dar Sabra.
This 14-room hotel, 10 minutes outside Marrakech in the exclusive La Palmeraie district, is a rare breed. Dar Sabra is one of those quirky properties that’s delightfully different. You won’t find filigree lanterns or velour cushions here — no stereotypical Moroccan touches. Dar Sabra is chic, cosmopolitan and contemporary, thanks to the Pop Art that hangs on the walls and the tranquil walled garden that houses an extraordinary collection of modern sculpture.

Get your graffiti on at Dar Sabra on Jetsetter.com!

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Blog. Standard Culture.
Citadels of Chic. The Gold Standard. Even un hotel en Technicolor. The Standard Hotels have been called a lot of things, but never once “boring.” Hotel provocateur Andre Balazs has upped the anti on what makes a hotel ‘cool’… and they’re telling it to us straight with the new Standard Culture blog. Expect insider info on entertainment, music, food and events, editorial-type photography and downloadable tunes (my personal fav) and videos. Now to enter the temple of all things sexy, all you have to go is log on.

@Stan D’arde (the anonymous voice for The Standard Hotel group) will let you right in.

Hike. Machu Picchu.
Deep in south central Peru the dramatic Andes Mountains house some of the most impressive archaeological and cultural links to the ancient world. During a nine-day journey, Bio Bio Expeditions guides intrepid travelers through the majesty and mystery of pre-Columbian America. Hike the Inca Trail, marvel at Machu Picchu and mountain-bike through the Sacred Valley during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Just make sure you bring someone you like, it’s gonna be a bumpy hike.

Take your adventure to new heights with Machu Pichu on Jetsetter.com!

Music. @Oh Land.
The other day my sister handed me a CD. Yes, an actual CD. I thought she was kidding. But after forcing me to press play (wait, there’s a spot in my computer for discs like this?) I was convinced. CD’s are the way to go when it’s the CD of Oh Land. What is there to say? She’s freakin’ cute as a button (Missoni just snagged her for an ad campaign); wildly talented (a former ballerina and offspring of musically inclined parents); and a recently landed Brooklynite (New York’s shiny new toy). In the vein of @NeonIndian, Oh Land finds her special sound through the use of a homemade one-woman-band music box topped with balloon video projections. Yeah that’s the best I can do to explain it. But with thumping, melodic sounds, transcendental vocals and somehow-still-catchy lyrics, Oh land may just be the next Electro-pop Princess… just don’t expect to see her wearing a crown around town.

Travel through the land of Oh Land here.  Break The Chain,  Sun of a Gun, & White Nights are currently on my repeat ad nauseam list. 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it. 

Music. @HoodieAllen.

Ok, I was a cheerleader in High School - I only lasted through the first football game. I mean, they asked me to smile and scream. I thought they were joking. But 21-year old New York based rapper and songwriter has made a Pep Rally I can cheer for. The not-your-typical-hip-hopper samples a diverse array of artists and sounds from UK pop singers (Marina & The Diamonds) to indie rock staples and upstarts (Two Door Cinema Club). Purveyor of summertime anthems, candid storyteller, provider of feel-good jams and witty punch line thrower… the only questions I need to ask – do you like Monkeys? And are you single? DM Me (wink)

Bounce to the beats – and channel your inner band geek with Pep Rally. 
#Nowplaying: Party at The Beach House & Look At What We Started 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it. 

Trek. Outward Bound – Bhutan.
Imagine hiking under Himalayan peaks past silky prayer flags flapping in the wind, through yellow fields and sun-dappled forests, as you challenge yourself in one of Outward Bound’s famous programs. This is Bhutan — a land where Gross National Happiness is much more important than GNP — and Buddhist monasteries are more prevalent than mansions. Gain a sense of adventure, teamwork and integrity with Outward Bound in Bhutan — a combination of luxury hotels and full-service camping — on your way to the base of Bhutan’s most sacred mountain, Chomolhari. Not to mention, you get to hang out with Himalayan sheep!

What is there to say? Dream about Outward Bound Bhutan on Jetsetter.  

Music. @Kaskade.
My fellow Monkey lover and soon-to-be hubby Kaskade is giving us a new treat next week. Dance.Love, a new remix album coming on September 28th. There’s some shady new songs on there too… and on top of being the most handsome man in the game, he’s also generous. He dropped the back album of his cover for us today - just to make our mouths water over the weekend. 

Download Dance.Love on Tuesday - just don’t fall in love, because he’s taken. 

Grub. @Dumpling Festival.
I don’t discriminate Asian cuisine. Which makes the Dumpling Festival basically the best invention ever. Sample dumplings from Italy, China, Malaysia and Poland. Stuff your face at Sara D. Roosevelt Park - translation: the Basketball Courts at East Houston St. & Chrystie St.. And don’t miss the dumpling eating contest….the record is set at 66, but I’m betting my yen on a tie-score. Please note: Dumplings can not be smashed prior or during the eating contest.

Dive in to the Dumplings this Saturday from 12 -5 in NYC! 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it. 

Hotel. Zamas Tulum.

Soak up a chill Caribbean vibe down the street from ancient Mayan monuments at this beachside resort. Laze the day away, sipping on lethal margaritas and swinging in colorful hammocks in open-air palapa-roofed cabanas. There’s eco-friendly touches like solar showers and a laid-back vibe which means shoes are optional. Hammocks, check. Hammocks, check. Hammocks…. check. 

Find yourself by the sea at Zamas Tulum, on Jetsetter.com.

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My favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Experience. Amansala Bikini Bootcamp.
What better place to recharge (um, post ibiza detox?) than a secluded tropical setting once ruled by an ancient civilization that worshiped the sun. Centuries ago Tulum was the center of Mayan culture. Today it’s still a magical place where health-conscious sun-worshipers come to reconnect with nature and with their inner selves. For active travelers ready to refocus mentally and physically, Bikini Bootcamp offers the perfect fusion of organic meals, kick-butt exercise, yoga and meditation. Boys, you too.

Get on with your bad bikini-self on Jetsetter.com!

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I’m on the road in Spain, so we’re doing things a bit different this week. Take a trip from Madrid to Elciego… After all, what kind of bad blogger would I be, if I didn’t take you with me? Follow it, don’t judge it. 

Road. Madrid to Elciego.

Time: 3 Hours, 48 Minutes.
Driver: Duh, me. 
Passengers: @Kirakaplan & @Teeter 

Step 1. Leave the airport (with two girls in tow).
Step 2. Get the embarrassingly automatic car (what can I say, I’m from Miami.) 
Step 3. Hit the road towards the medieval town of Elciego in Northern Spain. This is Basque Country, where limestone mountain ranges and chamomile valleys whisper a story of a vibrant culture and great history. It’s a place where family recipes and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next; where food is King and wine… well she’s the Queen. 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Transportation. 3D Express Coach.

Oh China. In a bold attempt to become the coolest country of all time - ok just kidding… in an attempt to curb Chinas notorious road congestion, traffic and pollution problems, the country is developing a bus that rides above traffic, rather than in it.. or under it… or with it. The “3D Express Coach”, designed by the Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment company, straddles the roads on rails and provides a moving ‘tunnel’ for cars to drive through. On top, the elevated vehicle will hold up to 1,400 passengers who board via elevated platform stations. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…  the system will be powered by electricity and solar energy. Now that’s one powerful solution. 

Buh bye Beijing gridlock… Beijing’s Mentougou District has already planned out 186km for it and construction will begin by the end of the year.

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I warned you… there was a surprise in store. And with partying on my mind (there, I said it), there’s nothing I’d rather do than share it with you. Starting today, we’re featuring four of my favorite places to let loose, and giving one lucky member $250 towards their next wild getaway. 

Whats the catch? Register to become a Jetsetter member and re tweet me on twitter for your chance to win $250 credit to play with. There may even be some more treats in store! 

Ibiza Gran. Baleric Islands.

There’s nowhere better to be in the summer than Ibiza. The Balearic Island is known for its stone-studded beaches and celeb-studded scene. Located a ferry hop from Barcelona, Ibiza’s all-star DJ lineup hits its zenith in August. Hear the world’s best DJ’s spin in their natural habitat as 10,000 people bounce to the beat at Amensia or Pacha, two of my favorite clubs in the world. You haven’t danced till’ you’ve danced in Ibiza and we’ve partnered with White Ibiza to give you the info you need to get down and dirty. Need a reservation or a tip, @White Ibiza and resident blogger Miss W have got you covered. 

Tcherassi Hotel. Cartagena, Colombia.

I love the sexiness of Cartagena; it’s got the old-world charm of Havana and the sophistication of Buenos Aires. You go to Cartagena for the balmy climate, spectacular sunsets and of course, salsa music. And, the sultry colonial city in Colombia is only a 2 ½ hour flight from Miami.

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Hotel. Pietra e Mare.

Far from Mykonos’s crowds, this tranquil couples-only resort peers over one of the best beaches on the isle. European honeymooners flock to its heart-fluttering panoramas, where space and time seem to stop. Bathed in cool Aegean blues and whites on the inside and out, the hotel may be almost 20 years old, but you’d never know it from its meticulously modern vibe.

Wash yourself in white at Pietra e Mare on Jetsetter.com!

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oundup of my favorite things this week…. follow it, don’t judge it.

Music. @Jared Evan.

Disclaimer: I’ve known this stud since he became a stud and am in no way objective.

He grew up banging on the drums. He expressed himself in rhyme. He channeled Wu Tang Clan, Mos Def, Led Zeppelin, The Roots, Sublime, Tribe and KRS One. He played around with  producing and gave singing at shot. And then, at the age of 19, he won the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival’s Spit 16 competition curated by The Source Magazine… and the rest is history. To call him a prodigy wouldn’t be an overstatement. Jared Even seamlessly meshes electronic, post punk, classic rock and hip hop to create a sound that no one expected out of a Jewish Boy from Great Neck, NY. And to top it all off, he’s got the looks to match the skills. 

Fall in love with Jared Evans new single “In Love With You” on iTunes. 

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oundup of my favorite things this week… follow it, don’t judge it.

Photographer. Hans Van Der Meer.

At the beginning of the 1995 soccer season, dutch photographer Hans van der Meer set out to take capture the game thats currently captured the world. In an attempt to record soccer in its original form — a field, two goals and 22 players — he sought matches at the bottom end of the amateur leagues.

Over the last 10 years, Van der Meer has continued this project across the playing fields of Europe, traveling to every country with a significant history of the game from Romania to Sweden, from Norway to Hungary, Poland to Beire, Portugal, and to urban and suburban Greece, Finland, England, France, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Holland, Slovakia, Denmark, Ireland, Wales, Belgium, Spain and Italy.

Snag a front row seat to the action with “The Landscape of Lower League Football” hard-cover book on Amazon.com... just don’t drool on it. 

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