At JG Black Book, we've been endlessly ranting about our excitement for this summer. With new hotel openings, outdoor festivals, and time to soak up the sun (and some non-virgin pina coladas), there's so much to look forward to. Add another way to spending this sultry season with your loved ones at...weddings! Slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to catch the bouquet at one of these romantic retreats:

Grande Provence (Franschhoek, South Africa)

Continue reading "Photo Friday: Our Top 8 Worldwide Wedding Destinations" »

At JG Black Book, we get the intimidation factor of navigating a brand new city without the comforting voice of a local friend, a tour leader, or your loyal GPS. In the past couple of years, however, we've been turning to City Walks as our trusty travel guides and navigation saviors. With these brilliant deck of cards- each deck of 50 representing a city around the world- we've been led to the cutest cantinas, the most glorious gardens, and the chicest of shops. Each card outlines a self-guided walking adventure, with a detailed map on the front and information on the back filled with insider tips. And the best part: you go at your pace, whenever you'd like, however you'd like!

City Walks-Paris with Kids

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: City Walks" »

It's Friday, the JG Black Book crew is gearing up for happy hour, and our partners are hopping on board with some killer cocktail recipes! Fruity, chocolatey, or cinnamon spiked, we've got it all covered in today's Bartender Series. From South Africa to Brazil, let your taste buds transport you to a new part of the world with each sip of these dangerously divine drinks:

Continue reading "Photo Friday: Bartender Series: The World's Best Cocktails" »

As we approach warmer weather at JG Black Book, we have our eye on a few worldwide destinations that fully capture the sun-kissed, sand-covered, sea-splashed essence of summer that we seek. At the top of our list is a place where you can spend June, July, and August napping under palm tree breeze and diving into the magical Meditteranean waters. In the charming seaside village of Punta Ala, Baglioni's Hotel Cala del Porto perfectly embodies the effortless detox of summer under the Tuscan sun. No speak Italiano? No problem. Wow is the same word in Italian!

Continue reading "Baglioni Exclusive: Under the Tuscan Sun at Hotel Cala del Porto" »

While rich in its own regal history, London's hodge podge of ethnic cultures makes it one of the most colorful all-in-one European escapes. This couldn't be more true as the city approaches summer and explodes with exciting excuses to be outside. From phenominal fresh food markets, to outdoor theatre productions and flower shows, we've joined forces with JG Black Book partner, London's Eccleston Square Hotel, to round up the city's top summer attractions (aside from Princess Kate's baby bump, that is!): 

Ottolenghi.

Continue reading "Top 10 Sights & Sounds of Summer in London with Eccleston Square Hotel" »

California bred JG Black Book Director of Industry Relations, Eva Perry typically leans towards sun soaked getaways but a trip to Europe this February swayed her in the polar opposite direction. Graciously greeted into the folds of well thought out public spaces, accomodated in regal yet cozy rooms, and calmed by fireplaces and ambient candles that lined the hallways, Eva shares how her chilly February visit to London's Café Royal Hotel and Amsterdam's Conservatorium Hotel exposed her to the welcoming warmth of winter:

Continue reading "On The Road: Cafe Royal & Conservatorium Hotel" »

In the midst of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, the people of Monaco, along with the folks at JG Black Book, are gearing up to celebrate another major event.

After oggling at Djokovic and Murray for days, today we're diverting our attention to the haute-couture models of Karl Lagerfeld's new Hôtel Métropole masterpiece. An 18-panel glass mural surrounding the hotel's pool and Joël Robuchon restaurant, Odyssey is an elegant environment which fuses the best of gastronomy, art, fashion, and leisure. Featuring highest paid model, Batista Giabiconi, amongst others, Lagerfeld's contemporary version of Ulysses' journey, as described by Homer, is an exquisitely chic compliment to the pool, restaurant, and cocktail bar's atmosphere of luxury. Can't imagine such beauty? We'll let the images do the rest of the talking:

Karl Lagerfeld

Continue reading "Travel Tuesday: Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Opens 'Odyssey'" »

Everyone has a different coping mechanism for stress, but today, in honor of Stress Awareness Month (yes, this exists), we're mapping out a path to relaxation ecstacy à la JG Black Book. While we support journal-keeping, exercise, and mindful meditation as anxiety reducing mechanisms, our favorite form of detox includes warm oil-covered fingers kneading our shoulder blades and a pair of fresh cucumber slices. Whether by Carribean waters or in a European city center, the five following worldwide spas are our go-to destinations to think less, undress, and de-stress:

Conservatorium Hotel - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: Our Top 5 Rejuvenating Retreats" »

It's no mystery as to why the French riviera is the place to be in April. The weather is sublime. The water is welcoming. And Spanish hunk, Rafael Nadal, is once again in town, ready to crush his opponents for a ninth consecutive trophy and steal the hearts of each and every lady spectator.

Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Continue reading "Ultimate Visitor's Guide: Monte Carlo Rolex Masters with Hôtel Métropole" »

In honor of spring break, we at JG Black Book have rounded up six great getaways for your spring and summer family vacations. From the canals of Venice to the majestic mountains of Peru, these hospitality hot spots welcome entire families - grandparents, children, and all - to join them as they open their doors, balconies, and pools to wonderful weather. Featured last but certainly not least is The Quin, our fellow Manhattanite, prepping to greet guests for the first time this summer. So, gather your good times and your laughter too, 'cause these hot spots are gonna celebrate this spring and summer with you!

Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice, Italy

Continue reading "Photo Friday: Spring & Summer Family Travel Hot Spots" »