Pop Culture Inspired Travel

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Celebrates the History of High Fashion with ‘Culture & Couture’:

Celebrating the unveiling of the Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968 exhibit at the NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale (first presented in Rome last year, it’s now making its ONLY American appearance) – tracing the development of high-Italian fashion and cinema which chronicles the period spawning designers Valentino, Ferragami and Gucci, and directors Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni — Pelican Grand Beach Resort, part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection, by offers an all-inclusive ‘Culture & Couture’ escape starting at $7,650/two-nights,* now-June 9, 2016. The newly re-imagined beachfront resort caters to sophisticated vacationers’ every whim, encompassing all Fort Lauderdale has to offer – from museum hopping and boutique shopping, to fine dining and indulgent amenities.

Once bags are dropped in the all-new, 12th floor “Sky Suite” penthouse, vacationers indulge in the ultimate high-fashion escape for two nights, complete with a personal driver, two tickets to the NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale — where couture enthusiasts view everything from iconic 1960s necklaces dripping with emeralds, rubies and diamonds to 90 original designer garments — a personal shopper and bag butler for exploring stores like Maus & Hoffman and Levinson Jewelers, as well as an on-call tailor for designer finds. After a full day of shopping, couples relax with a rejuvenating spa day at PURE Spa – the only spa in the United States to carry Maria Åkerberg’s full line of 100 percent pharmaceutical organic skincare products. To top off the grandiose experience, taste buds are tempted with a private chefs’ table dinner featuring everything from Oxtail Terrine to fruity pebble creme brûlée, personally prepared by Executive Chef Michael Bloise. For more information on Pelican Grand Beach Resort visit www.pelicanbeach.com.

The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago Commemorates Van Gogh with the “Keys to Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” Package

In a short period of ten years, Vincent Van Gogh created over 900 paintings. Three of those were distinct paintings of his bedroom and for the FIRST TIME EVER they are now on exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago until May 10, 2016.

In honor of the Van Gogh’s Bedrooms exhibit The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago is offering the ultimate way to stay and enjoy the exhibit with the “Keys to Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” package, which includes:

• Upgraded accommodations with landmark views


• Skip the line with all Access VIP passes to view Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” and explore the Art Institute of Chicago. Also includes discounts to the Gift Shop and Terzo Piano.


• Two specialty crafted cocktails: "Starry Night" featuring Van Gogh blueberry acai vodka, lemon juice and champagne as well as "The Bedroom” featuring Van Gogh pomegranate vodka, ginger blackberry syrup and cucumber


• Breakfast in bed with offerings from croissant bread pudding french toast to crispy smoked pork skillet


• An artist inspired turndown amenity including a mini-easel and paint set

The Gwen is Chicago’s newest art-inspired hotel and is located in one of the rare standing landmark buildings of Art Deco-infused architecture. Inspired by Gwen Lux, a pioneering Chicago-born sculptress, the design of The Gwen harkens back to the glamour and creative spirit of Chicago in the Art Deco era. From a Prohibition Porter mixologist creating hand-crafted 1930s inspired cocktails to spacious suites with open terraces that overlook the Chicago skyline, The Gwen delivers a new level of luxury to the Windy City. Located along the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Gwen’s location provides direct access to world-class dining, exciting culture, entertainment, and is minutes from The Loop, Chicago’s business district. For more information visit www.thegwenchicago.com

Mahekal Beach Resort Invites Guests to “Get Lost” with A Jungle Book-Inspired Getaway (pictured at top)

Celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s Jungle Book, Mahekal Beach Resort – a newly re-imagined beachfront retreat in Playa del Carmen – invites guests to experience an adventure worthy of “man-cub” Mowgli with the Get Lost in the Jungle getaway, starting at $1,220/five-nights,* bookable now – June 30, for travel now - Oct. 31, 2016 – offering vacationers up to 35 percent savings. With nature-friendly elements including spacious, Jungle View bungalow accommodations mere minutes from the sandy shores, complete with hammocks and private open-air terraces, as well as authentic oceanfront dining experiences and intimate Mayan-inspired massage treatments, this magical Mexican resort provides more than just the “Bare Necessities” for this exclusive escape.

“Get Lost in the Jungle” • Starting at $1,220/five-nights* • bookable now – June 30

• Five-night accommodations in newly-redesigned Jungle View bungalow


• Two 50 minute Mayan-inspired spa treatments at Revive Spa OR


• Cubs (kids 12 and under) stay, play and chow down free of charge


• Satisfy cuisine cravings with breakfast and either lunch or dinner daily

Once bags are dropped in spacious Jungle View palapa-style bungalows overlooking the dense Riviera Maya jungle, guests journey through the tranquil property, encountering a cast of characters including charming coatis, friendly iguanas, native birds and a welcoming wait staff. Balmy Caribbean breezes saturate the air as adventurers explore more than 150 natural species while “hanging” on rope swings from lush green trees, while sun seekers relax by the seaside Jacuzzi or one of four on-property pools. Rejuvenation ensues at the all-new Revive Spa, tucked between colorful tropical gardens and natural cenotes, where spa-goers enjoy vitalizing massages accompanied by the sound of soothing waters and aromatic scents. The authentic ambiance continues at Las Olas and Fuego, where taste buds are tempted with choice of breakfast and either lunch or dinner daily, featuring enticing regional specialties sure to satisfy any craving. After a day of exploration, hand-laid, hidden stone pathways lead guests back to secluded Jungle View Rooms – among the largest on property – surrounded by beautiful fountains, fire bowls and enchanting greenery. For more information on Mahekal Beach Resort, visit www.mahekalbeachresort.com.

Harbour Village Beach Club Invites Guests to “Find Bonaire” with A Finding Dory-Inspired Getaway

Celebrating the upcoming release of Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory, Harbour Village Beach Club invites guests to “just keep swimming” toward the Caribbean’s best-kept secret with the “Finding Bonaire” getaway, starting at $2,830/seven-nights,* bookable now – June 30, for travel April 10 - Sept. 30, 2016 – offering vacationers up to 20 percent savings. With fish-friendly elements including everything from airy accommodations steps from the island’s only private beach and a “Fish are Friends, Not Food” specialty menu, to aquatic adventures and a personal “pet fish” in-room – unlike Dory, this charming Caribbean resort won’t forget a thing for this exclusive escape.

“Finding Bonaire” • Starting at $2,830/7-nights*

• Seven-night accommodations in a one-bedroom Beachfront Suite


• Special “Fish are Friends, Not Food” menu complete with sand and sea dishes


• Stuffed Nemo toy keeps kids company throughout the stay


• Finding Nemo movie available to screen in-room


• Snorkel & Marine Reef Fish Spying session


• Use of fitness center, kayaks and paddle boards


• Round trip airport transfers

Nestled within Bonaire’s lush tropical gardens and outfitted with open-air terraces and hammocks, the charming Dutch-Caribbean style suites unveil a paradise-perfect vacation to be discovered. Along the island’s only private beach, parents sway in hammocks under the sun’s relaxing rays while kids snorkel by the shore, greeting a sea full of characters including blue tang (Dory) fish, surfing sea turtles and (Nemo) clownfish. The beachside adventures continue dockside at La Balandra Restaurant and Bar, where diners cure cravings with Caribbean cuisine from sand or sea – fish fanatics experience true over-the-water “aquarium seats,” as LCD lights showcase sea creatures swimming through the azure waters. The day of discovery concludes as kids cozy up with their personal “pet fish” for an in-room screening of Finding Nemo, while Bonaire’s signature sunset cascades through the terrace. From lounging by Kasa Coral Pool and swimming with tropical sea animals, to discovering coral reefs and picnicking in the sand, Harbour Village Beach Club is the ideal setting for a getaway worthy of Nemo and Dory. For more information on Harbour Village Beach Club, visit www.harbourvillage.com.