Ocean Celebrations

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On June - 26 - 2011

RB, Ellie,Karolina_partyBy:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Sir Richard Branson’s 25 Year Old Virgin 

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, greeted Miami from the wing of a 747 while carrying British singer, Sarah Harding, on the runway at Miami International Airport to kick off a two-day celebration of 25 years of connecting Miami and London on Wednesday June 15.  The next morning, as press and hotel guests gathered on the outside terrace of the Mondrian Hotel, facing Biscayne Bay, Branson drove a speed boat, which was chasing another boat, in a mock Miami Vice style chase.  After passing the onlookers twice, Branson picked up a megaphone, demanded that the other boat stop, then proceeded to board it and “arrest” supermodel Karolina Kurkova with gold handcuffs he purchased at the Mondrian’s vending machine. After posing for photos, the pair disembarked and jumped in the Mondrian’s pool.  

Later that night, Branson and VIPs packed the Raleigh hotel for a party which began with quite a bit of “punch” as the Brits say.  The mega mogul was chauffeured into the hotel’s pool area in a Lamborghini, driven by a young model (surprise!). After introductions and a brief welcome speech by Branson, singer Ellie Goulding took the stage to perform, “It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day, It’s a New Life” as hundreds of fireworks lit up the sky over the beach. 

Guests enjoyed champagne, cocktails and delicious bites from the Raleigh’s fabulous restaurant, The Royal, while playing pinball and video games thanks to old-school arcade machines that had been set up for the party and listened to the talented cover band, Shay. Karolina Kurkova spent most of the time in the roped off VIP area but left toward the end of the party to dance and mingle. Surprisingly, she did not join other schvitzing partiers in the hotel’s iconic pool. 

 

ELLE Spa (4)In the Garden of Eden- Roc  

On June 9, Robbie Myers, Editor in Chief of ELLE magazine, Emily Dougherty Elle’s Beauty & Fitness Director, Greg Cook, General Manager of Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and David Siguaw, the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing unveiled the shiny new ELLE Spa- the first of its kind, marking the completion of the resorts’ $220 million renovation. As part of the opening weekend, actresses Joy Bryant and Jaime King, hosted a celebration on the hotel lawn alongside actor Isaiah Mustafa, Friday Night Lights’ Aimee Teegarden and Community’s Gillian Jacobs and later enjoyed signature treatments at the spa.  DJ Daisy O’Dell kept the party hopping with her upbeat party mix and up and coming musician Rye Rye hit the stage to cap off the night.    

Guests marveling at the stunning, state-of-the art, 22,000-square foot spa on the night of the party couldn’t help but agree with interior designer and party planner, Colin Cowie who commented on the magnificence of the spa’s interior.  The serenity of the oceanfront spa with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a calm and chic environment with unparalleled service and treatments inspired by the pages of ELLE. Following the opening party, King, Bryant, Jacobs and Teegarden enjoyed a relaxing girls’ weekend at the spa.  Longtime friends, King and Bryant caught up poolside after their treatments. 

 Even non-famous ELLE spa-goers can feel like celebrities by indulging in a range of exclusive products and treatments, curated by skin and beauty experts including renowned celebrity esthetician Tammy Fender, Yael Alkalay of Red Flower, and Essie. Guests can enjoy the ELLE Spa Signature Facial, developed especially for the spa by Fender. This facial is like none other, as it includes a reflexology head and neck massage along with a foot massage.  That’s like three treatments in one- and it leaves you looking and feeling brand new! The spa will also feature exclusives from Red Flower, including massage and body treatments and a customizable scrub bar, all of which incorporate the signature ELLE Spa scent. In addition, Essie has developed eye‐catching custom nail colors—the neon‐pink “Eden” and can’t‐miss‐it‐coral “Roc” —to be sold only at the ELLE Spa. “The luxury of the spa literally transports you to a Greek island.  It is ultimate relaxation,” said Aimee Teegarden. 

 

 

Belkys Nerey, Marlen Pernetti, Jim Simon, and Vivianne Kurzweil

Belkys Nerey, Marlen Pernetti, Jim Simon, and Vivianne Kurzweil

La Mer, Oceana and Saks Celebrate World Oceans Day

On Thursday, June 16 La Mer, Oceana and Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland, hosted a private celebratory brunch in honor of World Oceans Day, along with our favorite news anchor, Belkys Nerey; Marlen Pernetti and Vivianne Kurzweil.  The stylish ladies welcomed guests to indulge in mimosas, breakfast-by-the-bite, and signature La Mer treatments including reflexology hand massages and facials using the famed La Mer products, which we could swear (if we were prone to swearing) have magical, beautifying powers.  We’re talking “Fountain of Youth” type stuff! 

Jim Simon, Executive Vice President of Oceana, was also in attendance and informed guests of the recent accomplishments achieved by the organization.  In celebration of World Oceans Day, La Mer created a limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Crème in a commemorative ocean-inspired jar.  Saks and La Mer donated 15% of all purchases made throughout the day Oceana to support their mission of protecting the world’s oceans.

photo credit: Manny Hernandez

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