Welcome to 
El Encanto by Orient-Express
Over a month ago, after our work week in Los Angeles for Rubin Singer Couture, we were invited by the recently opened and now third hotel property in the country by Orient-Express, the iconic El Encanto. The old glamour getaway from Hollywood now back, meticulously restored to capture all the original romance and sophistication that endeared it to both the Santa Barbara community and vacationers in search of seclusion and charm. Original architectural features have been lovingly brought back to life, while modern additions include an expansive outdoor swimming pool and beautiful boutique spa.
GPS Carlos Melia back in Fire Island
After a great weekend last week of the holidays, I went back to New York city to take care of some business, and as quick as I could, I got back to Fire Island. My favorite time to be at the island is during the week, when it is quite and you can concentrate on relaxing, working, unwinding, cooking and walking by the beach. The time when the deers come out and you can spot them while running along the boardwalk by the beach. Thursday and I have already began my weekend mode. Here is my day in photos. My day upon arrival after 4PM, was at the outdoor pool sipping Rose aux Provence. Then off for a run by the beach. Finally cooking a healthy meal and dining at the deck enjoying the sunset. A typical day week at Fire Island, before the weekend craziness begins. More to come for sure over the weekend
Holiday Weekend at Fire Island in Photos
It’s almost every year for the last 6 years, that we come to Fire Island to spend long Holidays Weekends and others. It’s the opening the Summer 2013 season. Although some of the public areas remain closed, like the iconic Pavillion, Fire Island is always a great getaway from the Big Apple. This year, we are at a new beautiful house on the bay side, only minutes away from the harbor, with fantastic views of the water beyond the outdoor pool. Despite the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, Fire Island looks beautiful as always, including the beach line. Hope you like my morning walk photo album after my coffee at the Canteen.
Get your I-94 Admission Number Online
For all those of you visiting and/or entering the United States without a Visa Waiver, now you can get your Admission Number online. You just need to visit www.cbp.gov/I94. The I94 is a form denoting the Arrival-Departure Record of particular foreigners.
CITIBikes take on New York
Spring / Summer season 2013 is here … so BIKE New York. CitiBikes has arrived, finally, to the Big Apple, same as London, Paris, Lyon among many other top cities around the world. Very smart move CitiBank. !!!
Korean BBQ at Kang Suh Restaurant
I cannot ever get enough of Korean BBQ nor Saporo Japanese Beer. During my last trip to Philippines, a few years ago, I was introduced to both Korean BBQ and Shabu-Shabu and since then I have become addicted to it. One of the bests spots in New York for this, is right in the heart of Manhattan on 32nd street, on the little street between 5th and 6th Ave which is known as Little Korea.
AMTRAK Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
So here is a funny story. After a week of work in Los Angeles for Rubin’s Special Appearances for Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, we were invited by the new Orient-Express property El Encanto, to visit them in Santa Barbara. So we book our car to drive along the Pacific Coast on last Saturday morning, enjoying the lovely views and the amazing weather. Well not quite so. !!!!! A week before our trip, we realize that both of our Driver’s Licenses were expired. This shows we are both, although non of us are born in the United States, that by now we are two true New Yorkers – who needs to drive when you live in the heart of Manhattan right ?
SOHO House Los Angeles
The other afternoon, invited by the FABULOUS Tony Awards nominated and lead actress playing Judy Garland at The End of the Rainbow Tracie Bennette, we came to the SOHO House Los Angeles, to have some drinks enjoying the stunning views of the city.
Cecconi’s West Hollywood
Dinner at Cecconi’s has to have been the best gourmet experienced on our latest visit to Los Angeles last week. Cecconi’s is a classic Italian restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as cicchetti (Italian tapas), seven days a week. Located on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood. Chic, elegant, sophisticated style, ambiance and deco. Dominating chandeliers, and sexy bar. Ideal for a romantic dinner.
Hotel Check IN El Encanto Santa Barbara
Just arrived and Checked IN at the iconic, recently renovated, sophisticated and very laid back and relaxing El Encanto by Orient-Express in Santa Barbara. Only 2 hours away from Los Angeles, we will be here relaxing and spoiling ourselves for the weekend, after a long week working in Los Angeles for Rubin Singer’s Special Appearances with Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills and a fun social nights out in Beverly Hills. Luxury bungalows dot the lush gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara’s Riviera overlooking the Pacific Ocean.Orient-Express. At our suite now, after a lovely lunch at the Terrace on a gorgeous sunny day. Time for a nap.
