Tag: Vacation

Lifestyle Tips /

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Expands Sales Force Adding Two New Sales Managers

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island welcomes Julianne Dirks and Courtenay LaMountain to its sales team at the award-winning property.

In her new role as a sales manager at the resort Dirks will be responsible for booking small meetings, wedding room blocks, golf groups and all government/military groups. Her vast experience in hospitality began seven years ago at The St. Louis Union Station Hotel as a front office agent, rooms controller, and assistant front office manager. Dirks continued her career with Omni Hilton Head Ocean Front Resort as a sales administrator and The Homewood Suites by Hilton North Charleston as an opening sales manager.

LaMountain joins the resort as a senior sales manager where she will handle group sales in the South Carolina market and ConferenceDirect accounts. Her extensive hospitality experience encompasses over 20 years including roles as conference services manager, sales manager and destination sales executive for Westin Hilton Head and a senior sales manager for Sea Pines Resort.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island seeks team members who will eagerly work to enhance the overall Sonesta experience for guests and associates as well as adopting our core values, “We look forward to Julianne and Courtenay providing our guests with unprecedented customer service,” said Jay Wiendl, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “They both bring tremendous experience in the hospitality industry to our sales force which will enhance our wonderful staff.”

Award-winning Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a premier destination for getaways, gatherings or business. Recognized among area resorts–Hilton Head and beyond–Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island knows how to cater to individuals, businesses and most notably weddings and events. With 11 beautifully landscaped acres leading up to its seaside courtyard and space for up to 1,100 guests, it is the perfect choice among Hilton Head hotels on the beach to host your event.

To learn more about the hiring of Dirks and LaMountain, or other career opportunities with Sonesta Resorts, please visit www.Sonesta.com/careers or more information on Sonesta visit Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland.

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About Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island 

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a AAA approved Four Diamond resort offering 340 guestrooms and suites overlooking lushly landscaped semitropical gardens, with spectacular beach and lagoon-style swimming pool. Its first-class amenities include several dining options, health spa, fitness center and lap pool. The resort also features 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including a beachfront Pavilion and a 24-hour business center. Complimentary transportation is provided to and from the world-class golf and tennis offerings available within Hilton Head’s Shipyard complex. The resort is situated 45 miles from Savannah, GA, and seven miles from Hilton Head Island airport, in an area surrounded by outdoor recreation, shopping and fine dining.

About Sonesta
Sonesta is a growing, global hospitality brand with more than 80 properties in 7 countries, centered on a corporate dedication to delivering a guest experience that provides more than just a place to stay. With a portfolio of diverse and distinctive properties as individual as its guests, there is no typical Sonesta. With a full range of exceptional experiences found in many of the most memorable destinations in the world, Sonesta proudly exceeds guest’s expectations time and time again.

Discover Royal Sonesta and Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Jose, St. Louis, St. Maarten (2), Chile (2), Colombia (7), Ecuador, Peru (5), and Egypt (3 + 2 cruise ships). Sonesta ES Suites is an extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta and can be found in 42 locations near Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Burlington, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Detroit, Flagstaff, Houston, Memphis, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Parsippany, Princeton,Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis and Tucson. For more about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call +1.617.315.9200 or 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.

Lifestyle Tips /

Kingsmill Resort Summer Vacation Option

Kingsmill Resort, Greater Williamsburg’s only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort on the James River, is pushing forward with its summer agenda of value-driven, fun-filled packages with access and activities that will make that summer vacation great again.

 

©2012 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.

The Ultimate Family Fun package includes three nights accommodation in a in condo or guest room, breakfast each morning, and tickets to area attractions, including Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg and one-day tickets to Colonial Williamsburg. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg is provided by Kingsmill Resort. Complimentary use of bikes, fishing poles, kayaks and tennis court is also included in the Ultimate Family Fun package. With availability from May 26 until Sept. 4, families can also enjoy Kingsmill Resorts’ amenities such as kids camp, lazy river, golf clinics, and indoor/outdoor pools.

The Signature Family Fun package offers plenty of fun for families who crave a great escape. Each registered guest receives complimentary breakfast and a Flex Ticket to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA with complimentary shuttle service to and from the resort. Accommodations feature a resort guest room that can be upgraded to a condo that includes a living room, kitchen and laundry if desired.

Beauty /

4 Must-Have Beauty Solutions for Vacation Hangovers

Vacation is the main event everyone plans for during the summer. However, no one really prepares themselves for the vacation “hangover” once you’re back in town and reality hits! Not to worry, below I’ve listed some tried and true beauty products from Arbonne, Borghese and Skin Research Labs that can restore even the heaviest of post vacation blues (including acharcoal containing mud mask that works in just 5 minutes).

SKIN STRESS

 

BORGHESE

Depending on where you go, the travel alone can leave skin feeling dry and dull try fango ESSENZIALI Mud Mask in ENERGIZE for an overall skin renewal. Apply on cleansed skin and feel the activated charcoal detoxify skin leaving it radiant and restored. Feel free to wash after 5 minutes, but can be used for up to 20 minutes.

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Other Key Ingredients:

  • Mineral-Rich Mud: Derived from the earth, this powerful ingredient is infused with minerals that work to purify pores, exfoliate and clarify the skin without drying it out.
  • Coffee Seed Oil and Caffeine: Helps stimulate collagen and elastin production to leave the skin feeling toned and healthy.

Paraben-Free | Clinically-Tested | Allergy-Tested

Try the sheet mask version to awaken and exfoliate the skin!

Fango

BODY DETOX

ARBONNE

Since vacation allows you to indulge and set aside healthy habits for a short time, you might feel the need to detox and purify your body. Try a vegan botanical herbal blend like, Arbonne Essential Herbal Detox Tea which helps rid the body of toxins while cleansing the liver and kidneys.

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RESTORE YOUR LASHES

 

SKIN RESEARCH LABS

 

Need a lash boost after going makeup free all week? Use a lash enhancing serum and mascara in one with neuEnvy peptide enhanced mascara. It even works to extend the life and lushness of lash extensions, conditioning and protecting the lashes between trips to the salon.

NeuEnvy

 

Lifestyle Tips /

Life in Balance Retreat in The Florida Keys

This summer the kids may be Finding Dory, but Mom is simply trying to find balance in her life.  Mom can reel in the answer this fall at Osi Mizrahi’s Life in Balance Retreat in the beautiful Florida Keys, at Largo, a private sanctuary, Sept. 26-30th. .  Largo is one of the most unique and truly private Retreat Destinations, enveloped by mahogany, palm, buttonwood trees, on the Gulf of Mexico. Largo is the all-inclusive perfect, private site for the Life in Balance retreat. The walled and gated estate, which boasts a Sunset Pier, ensures complete privacy that ensures an exclusive, relaxed luxury, eco-friendly experience yet just an hour south of Miami. This private sanctuary is the perfect destination to find balance in your life!

Presented by Retreats Unlimited, Mizrahi brings together Ayurveda, yoga and meditation in her powerhouse Ayurveda Oils and Yoga Retreat.

The retreat is designed to teach participants how to live an Ayurveda lifestyle in order to create a life filled with joy and vibrancy. They’ll learn what their Dosha is and how to optimize it through food, exercise and other self-care practices.

Days will be filled with learning rituals to take home, from morning and evening yoga and meditation to how to use Ayurveda oils to calm the nervous system to promote better skin and hair, less chronic pain and better sleep.

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Mizrahi studied with Ayurveda master Dr. Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute and is a certified Kundalini, Hatha, and Anusara Level 500 Yoga instructor and certified Shambhala meditation guide.  She used the practices she teaches to cure herself of 15 years of digestive issues.

The retreat is 5 day/4 nights and includes all meals, shuttle service to and from the airport, all taxes and tips, and a daily gift bag. Early bird promotional pricing for the Largo Retreat is in effect until Aug. 26th and is $3850/double occupancy or $5350/single occupancy. Airfare isn’t included, but can be booked through Retreats Unlimited.

Food & Beverage will be prepared fresh by Bill Hansen Catering, the exclusive caterers at Largo. During the past 35 years, Bill Hansen has served four U.S. Presidents, Pope John Paul II, Bill Gates, top professional athletes, singers, and hundreds of Fortune 500 firms.

The Life in Balance Retreats are curated by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review the detailed itinerary or for additional information visitRetreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280.

Retreats Unlimited

Retreats Unlimited is a full-service retreat company offering fitness, self-improvement and wellness vacations. Unlike any other, our retreats and wellness holidays are in destinations that are unique. The resorts are luxurious and each retreat offers unique experiences. http://www.myretreatsunlimited.com/

Fashion /

Tampa Beach Dining and Shopping – Mini Vacation Recap

A wise woman once said, “Don’t wear your real studs to the beach.”  This wise woman’s my super feisty mother! (smile)

Last weekend, I took a mini “mommy” vacation and flew to Tampa, Florida.  The trip was long overdue because aside from this website my life has been pretty hectic.  Due to this perspective alone, I grabbed a flight and my cute bags for some pre-summer fun.

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I grew up visiting Florida and knew what to expect in terms of the beautiful scenery and coastal breeze.  My mind was swirling because this trip gave me the opportunity to put a lot of things into perspective and relax near the ocean.

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Aside from the meditation, I enjoyed delicious seafood from Oceancatchers Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.  Leading up to the restaurant was a walk-way of Palm trees (that light up at night) and customers can dine inside or sit near the coast.

The next day we ventured to Clearwater Beach.  I grew up taking family trips to Pensacola, so this brought back several memories.  The sky was crystal clear and the ocean was radiate!   I’m not the one to shy away from the sun because I love a bronzed complexion.

I decided to wear a high-waist bikini which was totally out of my element. I wanted to show moms that you can be attractive and fashionable on the beach.

The reality is that giving birth is a beautiful process.  It’s also an opportunity for self-love and personal growth.  You may not look the exact same but internally you have been renewed in strength.

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Swimsuit from AMICLUBWEAR

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The trip concluded with a visit to International Plaza; walking around to view the local stores.  I’m always fascinated with how people dress in different regions.  Overall, I enjoyed my visit and looking forward to the next summer adventure!

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Beauty /

Holiday Travel Essentials – How To

The holidays prove to be a busy travel time! From escaping the cold weather for a warm relaxing vacation to traveling to your loved one for a long weekend, make sure you have those key travel necessities on hand such as:

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes will fit into any carry-on bag! This package of pre-moistened cleansing wipes are formulated with nourishing Greek yogurt to easily remove stubborn face and eye makeup while softening skin. Each pre-moistened, textured, and non-irritating cloth effectively removes stubborn face and eye makeup, leaving skin refreshed and deeply nourished. A calming duo of chamomile and calendula oils relieve stressed or sensitive skin while gentle macademia and jojoba oils help skin retain moisture. Perfectly packaged for on-the-go cleansing, skin is left revitalized, smooth, and hydrated ($15; Sephora.com).

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Take freshness on-the-go with the mini versions of Lavanila’s bestselling deodorant! This All-Natural, freshly scented pure vanilla deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment ($8; Lavanila.com).

Deodorant

Don’t let your scent be compromised during travels! Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Eau de Parfum Rollerball features tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh & crisp apple, madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft & whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber ($18; Kohls.com).

Katy Perry Rollerball

Get comfy with Hästens Travel Pillow. With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re traveling – whether by air, train, or automobile. Or use it as a makeup bag and zip it up with your loose beauty items with the rugged blue check fabric out. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. ($150; Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com).

Travel Pillow

Add a pop to your hair with Hairdo by HairUWear French Braid Band. Add a finishing touch with the Hairdo French Braid Band that’s as much fashion accessory as it is hair accessory. Effortlessly chic, it attaches in an instant. What better way to add cachet? Use to hold your hair back for a classic look or hold your ponytail or bun in place with this braid band, just like you would use an elastic ($10; Ulta.com).

Braid Band

 

Accessories /

Packing Tips for Fashion Girls: Look Fabulous on Vacation

Going on vacation is an exciting time for any fashion girl.  But there’s always the dilemma of packing for an extended amount of time.  Honestly, it can become overwhelming and the thought of going through airport security’s mentally exhausting.

Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag
Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag

We shouldn’t let that distract us from looking fabulous and having a good time.  To help us get motivated I want to share a few quick packing tips:

1.  Always pack a variety of summer dresses – whether it’s a maxi or shift dress.  Packing a dress makes room in your duffle bag and you don’t have to iron!

2.  Use accessories to dress up your vacation style or tone it down.  Pack a fedora hat (so we don’t have to worry about our hair) add a belt to cinch the waist for a sexy look and a few statement necklaces to dress up a basic t shirt.

Simple Travel Accessories
Simple Travel Accessories

3.  Your shoe collection should also be effortless style.  Include flip flops (easy to put on) flats for a cool night and two pairs of pumps.  In terms of pumps, I like to go with a basic color that coordinates with any garment such as nude or black.

4.  Undergarments need to reflect your coordinated pieces.  For example, a new mom should include a slimming camisole to keep the abdominal muscles (firm) underneath a blouse.  We can also add a bodysuit for that gorgeous dress that shows your curves.

5.  In terms of pants, consider a pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings.  All three are great options when packing your vacation attire because they’re transitional pieces that can mix and match.

Kimmie Ready for Travel
Kimmie Ready for Travel

6.  Don’t forget your swimsuit – I like to keep two options in mind; one swimsuit for a sexy date and another suit for having a good time (you’re not concerned with your appearance in this suit because it’s comfortable.)

Packing for any trip can be demanding but with the right tips and perspective, we can have an amazing time and still look great!