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″.

Welcome to Awards Central, West Hollywood, California! It’s Sunday, February 22nd, night of the Academy Awards and West Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet.  Located at the base of the Hollywood Hills between Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, West Hollywood is the hip and trendsetting center of Southern California where the stars live, work and play!

As the calendar turns to a new year, the attention of the entertainment community and fans around the world turns to Awards season. Hundreds of millions of movie-lovers tune in to watch the glamorous ceremonies and learn who will receive the highest honors in show business.

journeyPod was there. Listen up for our exclusive interviews with celebs like Candis Cayne, Jodi Lynn OKeefe, Tila Tequila, and Yuvall David.

About 130 miles from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the perfect weekend get-away. It’s a jewel among desert cities and rightly so. Its village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years. The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination of travelers from all over the world.

The old downtown district offers live bands at St. James, Village Pub, and Las Consuelas. If dancing is your passion, be sure to check out Toucans or Dinks--an ultra lounge.

And for a place to lay your weary head, we suggest the Riviera Resort & Spa. Originally opening in 1959, the original Riviera Resort immediately became Palm Springs’ go-to hot spot for celebrities and cultural sophisticates around the world who wanted the ultimate “Palm Springs experience.” Today, it’s still a favorite for celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Mira Sorvino.

Today, nearly fifty years after its creation, the “Riv,” recently underwent a  $70 million modernization and now boasts 406 rooms, the Spa Terre, and Circa 1959 restaurant.

journeyPod sat down with GM, Brett Schoenfield, to get an inside scoop on this historic and famous property.  For more luxury vacation ideas checkout our destination guides.

As fashion is a vital part of living a luxury lifestyle, journeyPod has started our own fashion podcast highlighting the names we wear, up-and-coming designers and the must have accessories of the season!

Follow us as we travel to Star Island in South Beach, Miami and chat with Lisa F. Pliner, wife of the famed Donald J Pliner, about her luxury shoe collection.

Learn about the incredible "Peace for the Children Foundation", what it was like working for Gianni Versace, her daughter Starr and some of Lisa's favorite Miami hangouts which include: Asia de Cuba, Prime 112, Prime Italia, Oliver's & Rosa Mexicana (best Margaritas in Miami!). Listen to their famous pooch Baby Doll try to steal the attention during the interview barking up a story.

For more information on Donald and Lisa Pliner's Peace for the Children Foundation, log onto www.peaceforthechildren.org.

The Lisa F. Pliner Fall 2009 Collection will be available at any Donald J. Pliner concept store and at Tootsies Houston.

Enjoy podsafe artist Amy Ayres and her hit "My Place".

journeyPod is coming to you live from the Grand Tasting Village of the 2009 South Beach Wine and Food Festival. We had a chance to catch up with winner of Food Network's "Iron Chef America" - Michelle Bernstein-Martinez. Michelle's unique approach to "luxurious approachable food" has made her namesake restaurant, Michy's, a fiery success. Michelle has also made a splash with her Spanish-style tapas at Sra. Martinez, the intimate Michelle's at Carysfort and MB at the Aqua Hotel in Cancun. 

Before opening her own restaurant, Michelle worked at some of our favorite Miami hotspots including Tantra, Red Fish Grill and The Strand. Today she is a regular guest on The Martha Stewart Show, The Today Show and was a co-host of the Melting Pot.  Michelle lets us in on some of her favorite hangouts in Miami including Nobu and Michael's Genuine Food & Drink.

Make sure to pick up her cookbook "Cuisine á Latiná" at a store near you. Now lets take you live to the event where Michelle cooked up some delectable Sweet Corn & Cheese Empanadas at the Sargento Artisan Blends Booth.

 Enjoy podsafe band Black Lab with their hit "Remember".

Central Pennsylvania: 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, two hours from Washington, DC and three hours from Philadelphia. With outdoors activities year-round, this is the place to be.

And in the middle of this wilderness, there stands a palace. The Bedford Springs Resort, a National Historic Landmark, is also a member of the Preferred Hotels of the World.

After an unprecedented $120 million renewal and expansion, guests now enjoy a new Bedford Springs Resort. The legend began over 200 years ago at Bedford Springs, where eight mineral springs became famed as a mecca of rejuvenation. Today, the legacy continues at the world-class Springs Eternal Spa incorporating treatments with mineral waters, and a magnificently restored golf course. 



Let’s listen to more fun facts and history from the Director of Sales & Marketing of the Bedford Springs Resort, Courtney Lowe.  Then check out the smooth acoustic sounds of Sub Rose and their song, “History.”

journeyPod is taking our listeners to one of the most beautiful cities in Germany - Hamburg. The 2nd largest city in Germany and 2nd largest port in Europe, Hamburg is a contemporary and historic city with so much to offer!

Theatre buffs will enjoy the Lion King, set in a truly marvelous theatre built especially for this musical, attend a ballet at the Hamburg State Opera or watch any of the theatre shows currently touring the city.

Take the kids to the Tierpark Hagenbeck, founded in 1907 and labeled as the first zoo with moated, barless enclosures.

Shopaholics have found their heaven at the Moenckebergstrasse, Jungfernstieg and the Europa Passage (The largest city centre shopping mall in Europe).

Float along the Alster on a canoe, dine at any of the fabulous restaurants, bar-hop in the Reeperbahn nightlife district or witness true sportsmanship during a soccer game at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

The Hamburger Dom is North Germany’s biggest funfair, held 3 times a year. Make sure to check to see when its going to be in the city - so much fun!

The trendiest boutique hotel in Hamburg is the Empire Riverside Hotel. Relax in style with a panoramic view of the Hamburg Harbour, mingle with the A-listers at 20up or order room service from a room you will never want to leave! Just steps away from Hamburg’s nightlife district - The Empire Riverside Hotel is THE place to stay in the city.

Let’s listen in on our chat with Kati Bandow, Assistant Director of Sales for the hotel.

Enjoy podsafe music by 3rd Culture and their hit “One Promise

RIU Palace Resorts, a favorite for honeymooners and couples, distinguishes itself from other all-inclusive resorts by offering first-rate service and amenities. The newest location in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico holds true to its name and boasts sophisticated rooms with an impeccable view of the ocean, all the luxury amenities one’s heart could desire (including an in-room premium liquor bar) and a great variety of dining options.

Enjoy 24-hour room service or choose any of the fantastic restaurants like La Peninsula, Krystal, Guacamole, La Toscana, Bolero, Colibri and Petit Pigalle.

If you’re a sports fanatic you will be happy to know that the all-inclusive package at the RIU Palace Pacifico includes complimentary beach & water volleyball, gym, windsufing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and even an introductory scuba diving lesson!

If R&R is on your mind then simply lounge by the pool with a Caipirinha, soak in the jacuzzi, tan on the beach or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Renova Spa. journeyPod was fortunate enough to experience the “Four Hand Massage” treatment - simply heavenly!

Lets listen in with the Corporate Director of Renova Spa, Claudine Riemer, as she tells us a bit more about the facility and services.

journeyPod discovers luxury lifestyle tips at Atlanta’s ultimate day spa. Much more than your typical spa, Blue Med Spa offers guests cosmetic procedures, diet & nutrition advice and personalized full-day itineraries to soothe those tired muscles, over worked minds and enhance the current you!

Can’t get rid of those love handles - let expert therapists advise you on the perfect diet and exercise regime to fit your body or offer clinical treatments. SmartLipo has become the most sought after procedure today. Patients are guided through the process and most return to work within 48 hours!

Lets listen in to our chat with Dr. Melissa Grill Peterson, Director of Operations & Future Growth of Blue Med Spa.

Enjoy podsafe artist The Pierces and their hit “Go to heaven”.

Santa Barbara lies on the West Coast of the United States, 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco. The area is famous for its beautiful beaches, most of which lie along a unique south-facing stretch of coastline that affords beach visitors sun all day long and greater shelter from winds and surf. But there's far more here than beaches. Not to miss spots include: Front Street, the Santa Barbara County Historic Courthouse, the Santa Barbara Mission.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable city. You can get everywhere you need to go via foot, the trolley, or public transportation! journeyPod actually took the train—gotta love Amtrak—from Los Angeles. After two hours sipping a nice bottle of Pinot we brought along, the train stopped in the center of downtown Santa Barbara. We walked about seven minutes to our hotel—Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara. (If the name sounds familiar, it’s because journeyPod produced a show on the sister property—Hotel Oceana Santa Monica--last summer. Be sure to check out that podcast as well.)

journeyPod met up with Melissa Treue, the new General manager of this newly renovated beachfront property. Listen up to what she had to say, then listen on for the unique sounds of The Front Street Project and their song, “Nighty Night.”

San Diego, California. The name conjures up complete bliss: pristine beaches, sunny year round weather, the Zoo, shopping, and of course fine dining and luxurious hotels and resorts. journeyPod has had the opportunity over the past few yeas to cover a few select San Diego area properties such as the Ivy, The Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Costa, Estancia, L’Auberge, and a few select others. (Be sure to check out our archives for these great podcast shows!)

Well, my fellow jet-setters, it’s time to add a new favorite to the list: The Grand Del Mar. As the name suggests, it’s grand. Located in Northern San Diego, this property will make you think you’ve been magically transported to the Tuscan countryside. Really.

Add to the opulent atmosphere of this new destination resort the fact that it’s signature fine dining restaurant, Addison, has earned one of the most coveted awards of all: a Five Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA).  journeyPod definitely agrees. We had a private tasting with Chef William Bradley and Jesse Rodriguez, Sommelier, gave us the pleasure of a fabulous wine pairing.

Let’s take a listen as Tom Voss, president of Manchester Grand Resorts, chats with journeyPod.

And I will leave you with the electronic sounds of amb26 and their song, “The Grand Prize.”

journeyPod headed to sunny Southern California for the 5th Annual San Diego Wine and Food Festival. journeyPod was there for lip smacking, glass clinking, celebrity watching, swishing, swirling, mouth watering kinds of fun! Held at venues along the stunning San Diego waterfront, the Festival was a sizzling five-day festa that offered attendees everything from cooking classes with celebrity chefs, to wine tastings with Master Sommeliers, to a Reserve Tasting aboard the Hornblower’s Inspiration, and the Final Grand Event --where over 800 wines were poured.

journeyPod caught up with some of the movers and shakers at the festival. We spoke with the Chef of the Fest from 2007, Chef GT, for some real inside scoop on what it is like to be “Chef of the Fest.” We also chatted with the Dan from Redwood Creek Wines, and with Rita from Designo Plus who told us all about sea salts from around the world!

Let's take a listen straight from this year’s San Diego Wine and Food Festival.  And if you’re interested in attending the festival next November, journeyPod highly suggest you make your hotel reservations now—at the Grand Del Mar. That’s where we stayed this year and we couldn’t have been more impressed! Tune in for our podcast on The Grand Del Mar in an upcoming show.
You’re gonna love this kitchy piece called “Glass of Wine” by The New Autonomous Folksingers.

If you're looking for a trip away from it all, then journeyPod has the answer! Adventure lovers, couples, girlfriends and solo travelers enjoy a weekend up in the North Georgia mountains filled with wine tastings, spa, yoga, world-class cuisine, waterfalls, canoing and more!

Wolf Mountain Winery in Dahlonega serves 100 % Georgia-grown grapes in their seven varieties of wine. Bring the family for a gourmet Sunday brunch and let your tastebuds go wild with dishes like a Venison Sausage, Grilled Quail and Buffalo Chili! Celebrate the holidays, special occasions like weddings, anniversary parties and birthdays in your own private wine cellar or sit outside on the veranda and enjoy a bottle of award-winning wine while gazing at the breathtaking scenery. Make sure to ask about their wine club!

After a full day of wine tasting head on over to Pura Vida USA Wellness Spa and Retreat Center for a spa treatment, dip in the jacuzzi and healthy meal. Wake up in your own cottage or stay in the barnhouse and start the day off right with a rejuvenating yoga class! Listen in as we chat with Margaret Nemec about the Inn.

Spend the rest of the afternoon canoing, tubing and swimming at Dicks Creek Falls or marvel at the longest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi - Amicalola Falls.

Enjoy podsafe artist Mac and Shrout and their hit "My Angel:

Photocredit to Sirobertson!

The most difficult decision to make regarding a vacation to San Diego is determining what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse offerings. If you want access to the GasLamp, Little Italy, and fabulous restaurants, spas and shopping within a 100 yards of your hotel room....we suggest the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Afterall, it’s the only waterfront hotel and the views are amazing. The hotel boasts shopping, a spa, and a nightclub. Kin nightclub is not to be missed. If you want to see beautiful people and girls dancing in a giant bubble...stop by this one -of -a-kind nightclub, located on the 3rd floor of the hotel. San Diego County promises a truly remarkable vacation experience for everyone, just as Manchester Hyatt’s Director of Marketing Kelly Commerford, told journeyPod during a recent stay.