@ Hotel Básico is just the juxtapose you’ve been jonesing for: a perfect mix of modernity and Mexico. Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, only a few steps away from the Caribbean sea and white sand, Basico (designed by Central de Arquitectura, José Sánchez and Moisés Ison; Interiors by Omelette, Héctor Galván) presents an industrial contemporary vision, classic natural elements and a cool, chic crowd. 

Find industrial tank pools reminiscent of the oil industry, classic films projected outdoors at night and soccer balls and fins in the bedrooms. If the floating beds, sexy beach scene and steamy, sweaty nights aren’t enough to get the blood flowing, floor to ceiling windows serve as voyeuristic bedroom walls. So be sure to flaunt all of the fun you’re having… (photos via Hotel Basico)

Travel Tuesday: Endemico. Mexico.
Also known as the hotel version of Master P’s classic “Make Em Say Uhh”
Seriously, no seriously, have staggered boxes ever been so beautiful? On a secluded hill in the wine-growing region of Valle de Guadalupe, these luxury cabins bring guests into direct contact with nature. Blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, the mountain views and wine-growing soils are the perfect place to post up. It’s as isolated as owners Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha planned it to be. Situated just one and a half hours from San Diego, California… did you hear that? I said get in your car. 

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And in this week’s edition of the sexiest things I have ever seen, the seductive, post-modern Kenoa Resort in Barra de São Miguel, Brazil. The distinctive character of Kenoa is the result of the shared vison, curiosity and taste of Pedro Marques and architect Osvaldo Tenório. 

Located on Brazil’s stunning northeastern coast, caressed by an emerald-colored, seemingly infinite ocean and miles of pristine white beach. Its position just nine degrees south of the equator ensures year-round summer temperatures. When founder Pedro Marques first dreamed up the lush haven at the unearthly beautiful spot, he instantly envisioned the stylish resort would provide for a mental, physical and environmental equilibrium. 

Keen on environment-sparing solutions like recycled glass water bottles, tree trunks of reclaimed wood, energy-saving LED lights, locally produced foods, and even non-ironed staff uniforms, the eco-chic retreat’s intimate set-up offers repose for those ready to wind down. Each of the 23 exclusive villas and suites bristles with unique features, from unparalleled views over the neighboring sanctuary, to private pools and outstanding interior design mingled with indigenous works of art. A Shiseido-equipped spa, fitness center with ocean views, winebar, lounge and world-class cuisine tantalize the senses and satisfy the soul… via Design Hotels, Read On, Check In. 

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Shutters On The Beach
Santa Monica, California
Thursday, 9:15 am 
#sand #sun #surf #shutters

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Bristol Buenaventura, Panama
Christmas Day, 10:35 am
#Sun #Sand #Sweat

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This members-only refuge in a converted warehouse in the Meatpacking District attracts a cool crowd of arty and media types plus the odd celeb (hello, Justin Timberlake), and has 24 capacious bedrooms. A stay here gives you access to the club’s restaurant and newly refurbished bar, with velvet banquets, a wood-burning fireplace and fresh, contemporary art — plus the Cowshed spa, rooftop pool and 44-seater cinema.

Soho House New York — part of the London-based Soho House group, a private members’ club — covers more than 45,000 square feet of an old warehouse building in the Meatpacking District. The comfortable sixth floor space, which comprises a restaurant, drawing room and two bars, serves as living room, office and party pad for its members, an international crowd from the media, music, fashion and movie worlds. There’s also a cinema with leather armchairs that shows new releases (booze is permitted), a library and a rooftop pool, which is heated to 80 degrees in winter. 

The 950-square-foot Playground has plenty of seating and an egg-shaped bath. Bedrooms have exposed brick walls and wooden floors, and range from 325 to 950 square feet — immense by New York standards. I couldn’t decide whether to dive into my free-standing bathtub or the baroque kingsize bed first. Statement pieces anchor each room: an Asian-inspired mural, a heavy green desk and a ’50s velvet couch gave mine a bohemian, British vibe. 

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Every so often a hotel comes around that makes me reevaluate my idea of a perfect pad. And thanks to the Haylofts, I am now craving a collection of 17th-century farm buildings. On the steep slopes of the Italian Alps, near the village of Chiavenna, is a small hamlet of 300-year-old haylofts, today converted into luxury cottages. Despite its seclusion, Zurich and Milan are just two hours away by car, and Lake Como and St. Moritz are less than an hour away. The Mini Cooper-sized cabins aren’t lacking in cool. Expect a bohemian feel, with hand-painted walls, SMEG appliances and custom cabinetry. Bring it. 

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Here at Jetsetter, we work round-the-clock to bring you hotels and trips that unlock classic and under-the-radar destinations around the world, and we hope you’ll forgive us if we take a moment to brag about a few milestones. In the last 365 days, we’ve debuted Jetsetter 24/7, our black book of hotels available year-round; Personal Travel Planning, and the brand-spanking-new Jetsetter Homes. To toast another landmark year, here are some hand-picked hotels fit for a party. It’s our party, we can stay if we want too… Kampaii!

Turkey. Barbaros Bay - Kempinski Hotel.
Thirty minutes from Bodrum, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay is a sprawling spa resort in a postcard-perfect setting. Views of the Aegean take center stage, whether through floor-to-ceiling windows in rooms and suites, in some of the six on-site restaurants or from the enormous infinity pool — one of the largest in Turkey. The private beach and 60,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa (with a traditional Turkish hammam) make this destination for sun-worship and spa time, but the city action and historic sights in Bodrum are just a short drive away.

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Two hotel conversions in New York City, one of a university dormitory and the other of an office building, were reported over the past two weeks. Crain’s New York Business reported on Thursday that a consortium comprised of Highgate Hotels, Irving, Texas, Crown Acquisitions, New York City and The Carlyle Group, Washington, D.C. purchased an office building at 170 Broadway for approximately US$100 million to US$150 million from AMG Realty Partners, a subsidiary of GE Capital, according to sources familiar with the purchase.

In Greenwich Village, the historic Marlton House building, which served as a single room occupancy hotel for much of its existence since it was built in 1900 and housed Beat Generation literary luminaries such as Jack Kerouac, is being converted back into a hotel. Since 1987 it has served as a dormitory for The New School.

The New York Post reported on Sept. 8 that conceptual hotel designers Sean MacPherson and Richard Born have signed a long-term lease to manage the property, which will be converted into a lifestyle hotel. MacPherson and Born created the unique The Jane Hotel, The Maritime Hotel and The Bowery Hotel, all located in New York City. Not to mention, we heard rumblings of an Andre Balasz takeover of Cooper Square Hote… let the games begin. (Source: Nathan Greenhalgh)

There’s no place like someone else’s home. Especially if it’s, say, a four-bedroom villa on an exclusive Caribbean island with two pools, a retinue of staff, and rock stars for neighbors.

And now you can house sit. Jetsetter Homes, which launches today, is a collection of the world’s finest rental properties that you book online just as you would a Jetsetter hotel. Every single home has been verified by our correspondents, and as well as members-only prices, we offer some on flash at up to 50 percent off. 

From a modernist masterpiece on St Bart’s to a mini-mansion in Buenos Aires, a chateau in the French Alps to a four-bedroom ski lodge in Beaver Creek, you’ll find it on Jetsetter Homes. There’s just one downside: returning the keys at the end of the vacation (via jetsetterdotcom)

(Source: jetsetterdotcom)

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My favorite way to spend the day in Mallorca
Palma - Valldemossa - Deia - Soller - Puro Beach
Well, because you asked.  

And we’re off… Pass through fields of Almond and Olive trees as you head towards Valldemossa, a charming village in the Northwest of Mallorca with ancient monasteries, Chopin’s piano and tiered fields of stone-houses. As you leave Palma, the elevation increases, offering otherworldly views as the cobalt sky fades into the ocean below. Explore the tiny town of Valldemossa before heading along the coast towards Deia and Soller. Steep cobbled streets, dusty, winding tracks down towards the sea. Pitstop for lunch at one of the seaside stops - don’t worry, you’ll be stopped by the smell of olive oil and tapas. Do a model quick-change at Puro Hotel before ending your day at Puro Beach, where the crowd will be as beautiful as your day was. 

For complete directions click here. If four girls from New York can do it…

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I see more security guards than bellhops as I walk into the Dream Downtown. The brand new hotel, fronting both 16th and 17th streets at the crossroads of two of New York City’s hottest neighborhoods, is brimming with the kind of cool you normally find in Barcelona or Miami. There’s a famous DJ checking in to my left, two European couples en route from the pool to my right, and a herd of models on their way up to the rooftop bar, PH-D, behind me. Clearly, the Dream Downtown has got it going on. 

The 190,000-square-foot property just got a comprehensive face-lift, a $270 million renovation that has transformed the historic building into a sleek, surreal escape with art installations and live music in the lobby. The hotel was built in 1966, and the original Deco architecture has been suited up with cutting-edge modern art and a chic Bauhaus-influenced design.

The Dream Downtown has 316 loftlike guestrooms with clean-cut interiors. Here, it’s all about the elements. There’s silver everywhere — in the elevators, the light fixtures, even the bedroom walls — cement floors, marble tables and buttery leather chairs. My room is designed in purple and gray, chrome and glass, yet it’s surprisingly relaxed and comfortable. It’s just about the sexiest New York City apartment I’ve ever seen, and there’s even a fully stocked teak bar, just in case the party continues well into the evening. 

I head downstairs to the Beach at Dream Downtown — and it’s actually a beach. There are white and navy lounge chairs, a sandy area, and a pool bar and restaurant. While the pool channels the Côte d’Azur in the ’50s, the rooftop lounge, PH-D, evokes Wall Street in the ’80s with glass walls, dark woods and a powerhouse vibe. And a powerhouse it is. The Dream enlisted nightlife connoisseurs (the men behind TAO Las Vegas/New York) to turn this spacious dance floor into one of the city’s go-to spots.

So it’s a good thing you have a room key.

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From Long Beach to Le Bain, Fatty Crab to Farmingdale, Flying…. yes, flying. Here’s my month in recap, in two parts…. 
Ready, set…. go!

Stay. Dream Downtown. 
The new Dream Downtown has the best of both worlds. Housed in a 1960s building designed by Albert C. Ledner, it’s situated at the crux of Manhattan’s art, design and nightlife scenes between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. With a hot rooftop bar, a Miami-meets-Ibiza pool (with lounge chairs set in real sand) and modern rooms with classic Downtown views, you can have your party and a good night’s sleep, too.

 I dare you to be sexier #hotelworship (@ Dream Downtown) http://4sq.com/nnixOT

Hard day at work… @DreamDowntown #nyc http://lockerz.com/s/117876562

Chill Out. Long Beach.
Long Beach Lesson #1: Do not start a fight with a local girl who is most definitely  related to everyone inside the bar; Long Beach Lesson #2: There’s no crying in dancing even if you get knocked in the head… with another head; Lesson #3: The hot guys of New York are hiding beneath the surf; Lesson #4: There’s a rare form of fun to be had in this stop by the beach… the type of fun you imagine to find on a hot summers day with popsicles and sorbet-colored life guard stations. Low-key and relaxed, this seashore spot feels more like Key West than Long Island. So grab a Beach Bagel, chill out by the shore, dance at Cabana…. 

Taking our talents to #LongBeach @theSchabes @JFSica @TheRadler_

@JetsetFarryn: a dance. a headbutt. a drink. a beetle. and a good ol’ fashioned girl fight. #longbeach

Party For No Reason. CO-OP Food & Drink.
In complete truth, I have a thing for bringing people together, especially those people who are taking names around NYC. So, we took over CO-OP Food & Drink, the hot new spot by the Culinary Guerilla Brigade at the Hotel on Rivington for a #PartyForNoReason. Thankfully, Justin Bridges of Tucked LLC captured the chaos. In the house: Greg Minasian of SPREADhouse, Jace aka Grungy Gentleman, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, Christina Minasian of Pencey, Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader and the GQ Eye, Austyntatious, Doctor Klein and of course, The Velveteen. Support and Share. Do it. 

We-don’t-need-a-reason-to-party #Party ;) http://lockerz.com/s/119542141 RT @BaseManhattan: @Jetsetfarryn - Whats this thing tonight?

We never have any fun RT @grungygentleman: Just a normal Tuesday with @JetsetFarryn ==> http://t.co/HyfFN5B

Picnic. Bastille Day.
Join your fellow co-workers to celebrate any holiday…. any holiday that will get you out of the office on a hot summers day. Head to Madison Square Park, grab a box of grub (or a burger from Shake Shack) and lounge on the lawn. 

Getting killed in #BastilleDay trivia at @Jetsetterdotcom picnic (@ Madison Square Park w/ 35 others) http://4sq.com/oFRUKf

@JetsetFarryn: #France, you rock. Thanks for baguettes, Montaigne, Ta Douleur, Loire Valley, Belle Epoque, french kissing… and Zidane. #BastilleDay

Dine. Le Mystery Dinner Club.  
I really don’t have enough friends, so I decided to dine with some new ones… Le Mystery Dinner Club. 10 strangers, 1 reservation. The lady-behind-the-dates is not messing around. Don’t worry about the food, dinners are housed in restos like Smith & Wollensky, Bond Street and Mercer Kitchen. Don’t worry about the bill, there’s an easy-to-use one sheet; and don’t worry about kicking off the convo, guests are supplied with mini-bio’s of the other patrons. The result is a delicious meal and a lesson in the age-old art of true conversation. A dinner sans phones? Je ne sais quoi…

12 strangers. 1 dinner… Let Le Mystery Dinner Club begin @theSchabes @BondStreet

Get Fit. Hudson River.
So, I previously reported on the Manhattan Kayak School which gave me a great lesson on how to kill it in a kayak… but let’s be serious - do I really need kayaking instruction? If you’re a pro with a paddle, head to Pier 60 for free kayaking on the weekends. Just don’t go past the barrier, you might end up on freight territory.  

Me. @jhsisk. A rollerblade and a kayak. #perfectcombo #nyc 
http://lockerz.com/s/121146438 
Part Two…. Comin’ at you.