It was only two weeks ago at JG Black Book that we were celebrating the opening of the summer's hottest destination: Bridgehampton's Topping Rose House. We've introduced you to Tom Colicchio's stellar cuisine,  the property's picture-perfect party spaces, and now we're introducing you to Pradeep Raman. Bolstered by his extensive experience with luxury hospitality brands such as The Ritz Carlton & Peninsula Hotels, Pradeep is the backbone of Topping Rose House's detail-oriented, elegantly personalized home-away-from home experience. In addition to announcing the opening of Topping Rose House's contemporary cottages, Pradeep shares his vision for the newest slice of heaven in the Hamptons:

Q: Pradeep, you’re relatively new to Topping Rose House. Could you give us some insight as to what your favorite parts of the physical property are?

A: The House, its architecture, especially the view from the entrance where I get to see the House complemented by the adjoining new buildings, our Studio and Cottages. It really speaks volumes of how lovely the property is. I like to call them, the Grand Dame and the Future. I really enjoy watching the farm and standing by the driveway and looking at the overall property.

Continue reading "Pradeep Raman's Inside Scoop on Topping Rose House" »

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" »

At JG Black Book, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer. Daffodils, outdoor patio seating, and Memorial Day plans in-the-making mean that warmer weather is finally here to stay!  We are especially looking forward to this summer as it brings the opening of Topping Rose House.

While the restaurant has been open since September, Topping Rose House welcomes its first hotel guests this week!  Although the beauty of Topping Rose House can’t be properly captured in text, we can tell you that like the restaurant, accommodations in the House, Studio and Cottages are elegant and luxurious, with impeccable attention to detail.  Just two hours from our home in NYC, we’ve spend enough time on the beaches of the East End to know that Topping Rose House is sure to become an instant Hamptons classic.

Continue reading "Topping Rose House is Open!" »

At JG Black Book, we love when members of our Sales team return from adventures abroad with vivid ancedotes of impeccable hospitality, new friends, breath taking landscapes, and delicious discoveries. Today, our very own Greg Santulli shares details of a culture-rich trip to Cambodia with JG Black Book partners Song Saa Private Island and ABOUTAsia:

Continue reading "On The Road: Culture-Rich Cambodia" »

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

To start off 2013, JG Black Book intern Paloma Aelyon spent three weeks peeling away the thick layers of a country that perfectly embodies the paradox in the first lines of Dickens' 19th century novel. Coining it Hummus Heaven after her love affair with the culture's cuisine, Paloma shares why the beautiful and the ugly, the celebration and the mourning, the modern and the ancient all together make Israel one of the most gloriously fascinating places on earth:

The Western Wall and Dome of the Rock in the background.

Continue reading "A Tale of Two Cities: Israel Part I" »

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" »

An awesome travel blog can yield some of the most inspiring content online. If you're like us at JG Black Book, you want in on the action. What's the funkiest undiscovered South East Asian city, the most unusual European dining experience, or the ultimate South American beach getaway? For those of us non-nomads, the following bloggers provide a beautiful glimpse into the world of expert adventure, motivating us to gear up for our next vibrant voyage. Check out five of our favorite travel blogs here and follow them for your daily around-the-world digest:

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: Top Travel Blogs Roundup" »

Just in time for summer, the Hamptons first full-service luxury hotel and JG Black Book partner, Topping Rose House, prepares to fully open its doors this May. Joining the House and Barn, both open since September, venue options grow to include the sleek new studio. Whether an intimate celebration or an executive retreat, three stunning spaces, paired with Chef Tom Colicchio's farm-driven cuisine, create the perfect setting for unparalleled  moments and memories.

Continue reading "Celebrate at Topping Rose House!" »

At JG Black Book we've been impatiently waiting at the edge of our desks and airplane seats to reveal our collection's newest members: the leaders in Turkish luxury travel, Matiana Travel and Museum Hotel. Whether seeking a lavish trip tailored to your desires or an intimate getaway in Capaddocia's ornately restored caves, Matiana Travel and Museum Hotel are the finest avenues from which to explore a country truly unlike any other. Rich in colorful culture and cuisine, enjoy this Photo Friday preview of our new Ottoman gems:

Ballooning Excursion 

Continue reading "Photo Friday: New Partner Showcase: Matiana Travel and Museum Hotel" »