Listen in as we go backstage at Hawaii's hottest new show called Cirque Polynesia.  This attraction has a little bit of local Hawaiian music and dance meshed with world class acrobats and illusionists.  It's at the Hyatt on Maui and will have you at the edge of your seat as the performers amaze you from start to finish.  They have the top balancer in the world and the famous Wallenda Family with their death-defying high-wire act 40 feet above your head.

We loved the top notch stunts and showmanship of the cast.  No surprise as the producer has been around shows since he was a little boy.  We catch up with Tuffy Nicholas who shares some great stories about his dad who was a ringmaster with Ringling Brothers and his mom who was a bear trainer!

So if you are looking for things to do in Maui, Hawaii, then stop by the Hyatt Regency and see Cirque Polynesia.   

Which wine tastes best with pork chops in a maple glaze? Does rosemary-marinated grilled halibut invite red or white wine? Are there also great food pairings for beer, spirits, cocktails, coffee and tea? journeyPod had a chance to chat with Wine Expert, Natalie McClean, about some great wine & food pairings. Find out what strange food Marilyn Monroe used to pair her white wine with and impress a date with a brand new iPhone, iTouch & Blackberry application called Drinks Matcher.

Natalie is the author of the bestseller ‘Red, White and Drunk All Over‘ and publishes a free wine newsletter at www.nataliemaclean.com. Natalie is also a ‘tweetmeister’ on Twitter, so make sure to follow her: http://twitter.com/NatalieMacLean & look for her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nataliemaclean

For more luxury travel tips make sure to follow journeyPod on Twitter: http://twitter.com/journeyPod.

Enjoy podsafe artist Amy Ayres with her hit “Today”.

After spending the day visiting the largest aquarium in the world, hiking up Stone Mountain, taking in a CNN Studio Tour and filling up on cola at the World of Coke, book yourself a room at Atlanta’s only “Green” boutique hotel.  The Ellis Hotel is a charming and unique property located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  Conserving energy by using paper products that have been at least 30% post consumer recycled, timed light systems and recycled water - it’s easy to see why this hotel was recently awarded an “Excellence” rating by Trip Advisor.

Enjoy American Heirloom dishes created by Chef Joel Young (stay tuned for our write-up on this hip chef) and taste free wines between 5:30-6:30 p.m. nightly.  When booking a room make sure to ask about breakfast and romance packages! Forget your hair straightener or Spanx at home?  Don’t fret, the “Women’s Only” floor has more than enough goodies to make sure that you look your best at all times!

Listen in to our podcast with General Manager, Stacy Martin, as she discusses the concept of the Ellis Hotel, property amenities and the wonderful menu at The Terrace restaurant! Enjoy the jazzy sounds of David Baumgarten with his hit “When I still Wonder”.

We explore the Cayman Islands and some of their many pristine beaches.  We uncover some top diving and snorkeling spots including North Wall and Stingray City.  We chill out at the famous Rum Point with its unspoiled tranquility and water sports.

We get up and close and personal with rare Blue Iguanas.  Finally we hear from a Caribbean expert about the lesser known Little Cayman which provides for a real escape and amazing diving.

Just 2 hours away from Guam, Continental Micronesia takes you to the Jewel of the Pacific - Palau! Divers and snorkelers have found their nirvana at such sites as Blue Corner, the German Channel, Shark City & Jellyfish Lake. Get covered in volcanic mud at the popular Milky Way cove, hike down to the Ngardmau Waterfall, swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Pacific, or explore the history of Palau by visiting stone monoliths, a traditional Bai meeting house, Palau’s National Capital, Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum. Other fun things to do include a daytrip to Carp Island, exploring the Rock Islands and going on a Jungle River Cruise.

Stay at the luxurious Palau Pacific Resort (check out our interview with Chef Alex Suzuki at the resort), Landmark Marina Resort, Airai Water Paradise Hotel, M&A Riverside Beach Bungalows or the North Beach Cottages.

Celebrities who have visited this magnificent island include Paul Allen, Laurence Fishburne, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Metallica’s drummer Lars Ulrich.

Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Darin de Leon, for the Palau Visitor’s Authority.

Stay tuned for a full roundup article highlighting hotels, resorts, attractions and dining in Palau!

Enjoy podsafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit “How can I be sure?”

If you want to get a feel for ancient Hawaii and its heritage, customs and culture, then stop by Kalaekilohana B & B near South Point and Volcancoes National Park.  You can get a Lomi Lomi massage from a local expert.  You can learn how to make a lei.  You can try your hand at weaving and work with Hawaiian tools.

You might even catch a Hulu workshop.  This place is very much in touch with Hawaii's past.  You can also sample some local coffee that has won awards around the globe.

Check their website for info on the Southern Most Point in the US.

Visit the BigIsland.org for great ideas on things to do around the island.

Aloha fellow jetSetters!  We explore the massive and beautiful Big Island of Hawaii.  This place has so much to do so come along for great travel tips and info to get the most of your Hawaii vacation.

We will tell you where to stay and what to do.  You'll hear about the secluded beaches of the Kohala Coast.  You'll want to check out the largest volcano in the world erupting and dumping lava right into the ocean.  Volcanoes National Park offers hiking and great views of the volcano plus you can learn about volcanoes and walk through lava tubes.

Enjoy a little podsafe music from Hawaiian artist Kenneth Makuakane.

More info on the Big Island.

Lake Tahoe--you’re thinking skiing right? Well journeyPod just got back from Lake Tahoe--in August-- and we’re hear to tell you that Lake Tahoe is absolutely gorgeous in the summer with tons of activities for all...especially golf!

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is rated by Golf Digest as one of "America's Top Golf Courses." Challenging yet fair, the course designed by legendary architect, George Fazio with enhancements by Tom Fazio, has been the home of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship for the last 19 years. Celebrity actors and athletes like Michael Jordan, Dennis Haysbert, Dale Jarrett, Paul O’Neill, Jack Wagner, and Ray Romano play each year.



journeyPod had a chipping and putting lesson with PGA Pro, Ron Blum, and then sat down for a chat with Edgewood Tahoe Marketing Manager, Bryan Davis. Let’s take a listen...


Just twenty miles from downtown Los Angeles and seven miles south of LAX, Redondo Beach is a hot spot! Located in an area of LA referred to as the South Bay….along with Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach lies right on the Pacific and embodies the quintessential Southern California lifestyle!

journeyPod scoped out some great dining in Redondo Beach. It’s no surprise seafood was a top choice! ChartHouse Restaurant, Captain Kidd’s Fish Market, Bluewater Grill, and Baleen. Be sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Daniel from Baleen.

And when it comes time for an overnight, your best bet is The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. It’s part of the Noble House & Resorts collection and has recently undergone a $11M renovation. It’s waterfront luxury at its best! journeyPod sat down and spoke with Jeannene Glenn, General Manager at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, and got some inside scoop on this amazing property.

Get away to Redondo Beach, and enjoy the relaxing sounds of Sasha Evans–an up and coming artist from nearby Laguna Beach. You are sure to hear this young talent lady making waves soon! And you heard her first here on journeyPod.com.

journeypod was court side in Hermosa Beach as Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers won their unprecedented fourth consecutive AVP Hermosa Beach Open on Sunday.
 
Top-seeded Dalhausser and Rogers beat second-seeded John Hyden and Sean Scott, 18-21, 21-15, 15-9, in the final. 

After capturing the win in Hermosa Beach, Rogers is playing with Shaquille O’Neal against two-time gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Sunday for a taping of “Shaq Vs.” If Shaq lost the match he swore to run down the beach in pink Speedo!

journeyPod chatted with Todd and Phil and also with April Ross, who just returned from Norway where she won the World Championships.

Check out the biggest band in South Africa, Just Jinjer and their hit song, What He Means. You can expect to see big things from these guys in the States very soon!

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world. We've got the inside scoop from ABC's popular hit TV Show "The Bachelorette." We stayed on Hawaii's Big Island at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid Hawaii resort just like the cast and crew did for the season finale of "The Bachelorette."

Other celebrities that have stayed at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii include Janet Jackson, Michael Jordan and Courtney Cox.  Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi had her wedding here, and it is a AAA 4 Diamond oceanfront resort.  Listen to our interview with the property and learn more about the Presidential Suite where Bachelorette Jillian stayed.

Come along as we explore the island of Singapore. Singpore is known for its shopping! And Orchard Road is lined with mega shopping malls. After shoping we tried the local durian fruit–even when the locals cautioned us against it! We sampled the local cuisine: chili crab, chicken & rice, nasi lemak (coconut rice), satay, ba kut teh (pork ribs), and fried hokkien mee (fried noodle with prawn). And my absolute favorite food–Kaya Toast. Be sure to experience Singaporean culture first hand by visiting the villages: China Town, Malay Village, and India Town. journeyPod even got a glimpse into Singaporean fashion. The latest craze…stylish, colorful footwear made by Braziliano Praia. A shout out to Kelly Tan and Michelin Star Chef Marco Pedrelli at Mandarin Oriental Singapore. And a huge thank you to Capella Singapore for their kind hospitality! This amazing six-star property open this past Spring and is breathtaking. Let’s take a listen as Michael Luible, General Manager of Capella Singapore, talks to journeyPod.com.

We hang with Shaun White at Skate Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Shaun is an Olympic Gold Medalist and has won more X Games than you can count.  Shaun was in town to tear up one of the biggest and baddest skate parks in the world- The Black Pearl.  He also had a chance to teach the kids some tricks as you can see.  Shaun is a jetSetter himself and he shares some of his favorite spots on the island and abroad.

journeyPod are big fans of the Cayman Islands, so it was a nice bonus to checkout the park which offers 52,000 square feet of challenging concrete curves to satify any skater.  If you prefer waves over pavement, then hit their 11 foot wave machine which of course is the highest in the world!

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world. Come along as we explore the island of Singapore. Our first stop is actually a small island off the coast of Singapore–Sentosa Island. Connected by a bridge, Sentosa Island offers many exciting attractions such as The Merlion, Cafe Del Mar, the Luge, and Tiger Sky Tower. Sentosa Island is also the location of the much anticipated “Resort World,” opening later next year.

Let’s take a listen as Ben Bousnina, General Manager of Rasa Sentosa Resort talks to journeyPod.com. Check out the new song, “Islands of Desire”, by Ichiro Nakagawa.

Discover Venice, Italy and its beauty as we are right on the Grand Canal in a Venetian Palazzo where Galileo used to stay.  Things to do in Venice from The Guggenheim Museum to a day trip to Murano glass factories. Get travel tips about Venice and learn about Venice's history. Enjoy podsafe music from Italian artist Lorenzo Monni and his track "Visions."  

The perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. That’s what both locals and visitors love about Denver. With snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks providing a spectacular backdrop, Denver is as refined as it is laid-back.

Now is the perfect time to visit Denver - all summer long, Denver is on sale, with more than 100 fantastic bargains, all for the ‘Mile High’ price of $52.80!

Summer in Denver offers plenty of pro sports thrills, including home games from the Colorado Rockies, Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws.

Hungry? You’re in luck!  The “Mile High City’s” culinary climate is heating up like never before. journeyPod enjoys dining at Rioja, Osteria Marco and Fort Restaurant. Looking for a laugh, we suggest Comedy Works - a venue frequented by Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock & Ellen De Generes. Hotel Teatro is a favorite of Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner & Jewel. Oprah loves the Bella Vista Suite at the Loews Denver.

Book your next memorable vacation to Denver by logging on to www.visitdenver.com today!

Now here’s Denver native artist, Lisa Cruz, with her smash hit ”All there is to know”.

journeypod continues to jet-set all over Southern Thailand to explore the more laid-back area of Krabi.

A trip to the touristy town of Ao Nang brings back memories of Nha Trang, Vietnam. (Visit our archives from June 2008 to listen to our podcast shows from Vietnam)

This small beach-side town is loaded with shopping, restaurants, bars, and clubs. 

The best “local” dessert is mango sticky rice, or kao neaw ma mung. It’s delicious and fattening! And try the Pad Thai at Ao Nang Cuisine.

For a more authentic and local feel, drive about 30 minutes outside of Ao Nang to Krabi Town. At the main intersection of town you will be greeted by a most unusual landmark--cavemen holding up the traffic signals. If you’re hungry, don’t fret...this is, after all, a small Thai town. Day markets, night markets, roadside stalls, noodle shops - it's all here. And it doesn't require much effort to find.

When you’re ready to check-in to sleep off the jet-lag or the one too many Singha beers, journeyPod recommends Rayavadee. Rayavadee, meaning “Island of the Princess” is fit for a princess! It is a luxurious resort at the tip of the Krabi peninsula.

Let’s take a listen as Brian Harries from Rayavadee talks to journeyPod.com and then we'll get pumped up with the upbeat sounds of AX and their song "Thai Massage."

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  Come along as we explore Thailand. Our first stop is Phuket, then we head over to Krabi for our next show. On today’s show, we hang on the private island of Naka and explore the rich man’s playground that is Phuket.

Phuket is indeed touristy.  But journeyPod was able to cut through the commercialism and head off the beaten path while still experiencing some of the local sights. We visited Chalong Temple, The Big Buddha, Phromthep Cape, Rawai Beach and the sea gypsies, and the Sino-Portuguese architecture on Thalang Street.

We stayed on Naka Island -- home to the new Six Senses Spa Destination. If you’re thinking super-spa, you couldn’t be more wrong!  Six Senses Spa Destination is the anti-super spa. This is the place to come if you really want to get away and experience an overall change in wellness. Oh, and your butler will take care of everything for you. It’s luxury and wellness combined! In fact, the Prince of Dubai recently stayed there!

Let’s take a listen as Bryan Hoare from Six Senses Spa Destination talks to journeyPod.com and the relax with the soothing sounds of Leerone and her song "All is Well".

Who says chocolate has to be a guilty pleasure? journeyPod had a chance to chat with the Master of Chocolate, Jacques Torres, aka Mr. Chocolate, at the 2009 Saborea Food Festival in Puerto Rico. At the festival we tasted his chocolate and rum concoction and became, almost immediately, his greatest fan!

Listen in as Jacques Torres describes his love for the Puerto Rican culinary scene as well as what it was like to cook for the Pope!

Make sure to visit www.MrChocolate.com to order your next chocolate delight! (We love the Hot Hot Chocolate and the Chocolate Covered Cherios!)

Enjoy podsafe artist Roadtrip and their hit “The Chocolate Song”.

Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard took home a journeyPod-sponsored trip to Barcelona during one of the challenges on the show. journeyPod had a chance to chat with this culinary diva about her adventure in the Catalan city, her new restaurant Drunken Goat and her video podcast “The Tasty Life“.

For more celebrity chef interviews like this make sure to check out our podcasts in iTunes - keyword “journeyPod”. Follow us on twitter for all the latest gourmet gossip, travel tips and celebrity sightings!

To keep up with Stephanie Izard & check out her weekly pod show visit http://stephanieIzard.com

Enjoy podsafe artist Bill with his hit “Sound Scientist”.

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  Come along as we explore Berlin, Germany including Berlin attractions and things to do.  We hang in the Mitte district downtown at Checkpoint Charlie where they are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

Travel tips in Berlin as we find a hidden gem boutique hotel called the Adina.  Germans love their beer and there are plenty of places to enjoy the local beers in Berlin.  Berlin nightlife recommendations and suggestions for bars in Berlin.

German podsafe artist Sascha Ludwig gives us classical meets techno with his track "Techno and Fuge." 

 

 

 

journeyPod was live and on the Red Carpet at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival. The Opening Night Film, “Lymelife,” featured Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessey, Rory Caulkin and Kieran Caulkin.

On the Red Carpet, we chatted with filmmakers (who in many cases are the writers, directors, and producers), and actors and actresses.



journeyPod experienced first-class service at the festival’s host hotel, The Island Hotel. In between films, I managed to squeeze in a little “me time” at the spa with their two-hour Island Boreh Remedy. Chef Bill Bracken took care of my growling stomach with a fabulous dinner tasting. Be sure to read the Chef’s Corner with Chef Bill!   After dinner, I experienced award -winning performer Jimmy Hopper.  Check out his amazing voice in this podcast show.

If you’re visiting the festival and want more of a “beach feel”, journeyPod suggests you stay at The Balboa Inn---but be sure too request a “newer” room.

journeyPod was live on the track, in the pits, and at the paddocks for the 35th Annual Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix. We got up close with several racers including Butch Leitzinger, Patrick Long, Adrian Fernandez, and Hideki Mutoh.

While we didn't get a chance to speak to the winner of the 35th Annual Long Beach Grand Prix, Dario Franchitti, we did briefly chat with his lovely wife, Ashley Judd, who was hanging out in the pits with us, celebrating her birthday!

Take a listen to what these international racers had to say about the Long Beach Grand Prix and the city of Long Beach.  Then get pumped up with the podsafe sounds of “Race Car A Go Go” by the group Pohgo.

Coronado is home to about 26,000 people. It is connected to San Diego by the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, with its distinctive curved span. Coronado is surrounded by water -- the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta and San Diego Bay.


Located about 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport, Coronado Bay is a must-see location!  And....contrary to popular myth, Coronado Bay is NOT part of San Diego. It is it’s own city.

Swim, surf, sail, fish, bike, skate, golf, or play tennis - Coronado is definitely the place to be if you love the outdoors. The city's Central, North and Silver Strand beaches are ideal for whatever water-related activity you can think of -- there's even Dog Beach, where your pet can frolic with you. 



And if you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to stay while visiting beautiful Coronado Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa is just the place! As part of its commitment to the environment, Loews Hotels encourages even its furriest guests to do their part in promoting responsible, sustainable consumption (literally).

journeyPod recently visited Coronado Bay (without our pets) and had the opportunity to experience the the wonderful cuisine (check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Patrick) and the relaxing Sea Spa.  After our pampering at the spa, we sat and chatted with Spa Director, Krystal Mason, for some inside scoop! 


For more luxury travel tips, follow us on twitter - twitter.com/journeyPod. Join the afterparty on our facebook and myspace pages. For your celebrity gossip fill for the week check out the coolest social network on the web at journeyPod.ning.com. Now let’s take a listen to relaxing podsafe song called The Bay by Karl Stephen Brunig.

journeyPod takes you live to the 2009 Saborea Food Festival on Escambron Beach in Puerto Rico.  We sat on the tasting panel as local and International chefs took their stab at infusing their signature dishes with local Puerto Rican ingredients. The festival was amazing, the view breathtaking and the crowd extremely friendly! journeyPod sampled tastings from restaurants like Il Mulino, Lemongrass, Budatai and Chayote.

Listen in as we chat with Iron Chef Cat Cora at the festival, right before she went on stage to demonstrate how to make the most succulent crab cake known to palate!

Grab your tickets to next year’s event by visiting www.saboreapuertorico.com today! Book yourself a cozy room at some of our favorite hotels and resorts on the island: Conrad San Juan, La Concha, El San Juan Hotel & Casino & the marvelous El Conquistado Resort & Golden Spa.

Enjoy podsafe artist Paul Borth with his smooth hit “The Beach 1969″.