After many years in her one-bedroom Manhattan apartment (which has been on the market for $2M since last November), comedian Amy Schumer is getting an upgrade.
All of the details aren’t available yet, but TMZ broke the story, and reportedly her new pad is somewhere on NYC’s Upper West Side.
The 5 bed, 5.5 bath penthouse has been described as a “Malibu beach house mixed with sophisticated Manhattan architecture.” With lots of windows, open living spaces, a fireplace, and a private terrace, it certainly seems like the 35-year old will be able to kick back in style.
Check it out here:
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All photos via TMZ
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
In the world of sports, only a handful of names can rival the legendary status of Lionel Messi.
Known as the Messi-ah of soccer, the Argentinian athlete has racked up countless achievements and awards, including the elusive World Cup in 2022, which took him 16 years to finally win.
When he’s not busy scoring goals and making defenders question their life choices, Leo Messi is living it up in his seriously swanky mansions and condos. He has a net worth of around $600 million, so it comes as no surprise that Messi would splurge on his homes.
With properties in different parts of the world, many fans wonder – “Where does Leo Messi live now?”
The star athlete has been busy growing his real estate portfolio since 2017, so it can be hard to keep up with his whereabouts. But, as he is currently playing for Inter Miami, he has now settled in Vice City.
And while he’s still keeping things under wraps — until he finds the right mansion to put down roots in Miami — we’ve put together a list of Lionel Messi’s houses and condos in recent years, to give you an idea of the soccer star’s options when it comes to housing.
Lionel Messi bought a couple of million-dollar condos in Miami
Back in 2019, before his MLS move to Inter Miami, Messi dropped $5 million to buy an oceanfront condo unit at Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach.
His unit totals 3,555 square feet and has three bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms (swipe for pics).
The 60-story luxury condominium offers ultra-luxurious amenities, including a car elevator that allows residents to drive their cars straight to their apartments, providing privacy for high-profile celebrities and billionaires. Messi reportedly sold his unit for $7 million in 2021.
Later, he purchased another luxe Miami penthouse at the Regalia Residences, just 10 blocks away from his first condo.
Messi decided to go big on the upgrade and purchased the whole ninth floor for $7.3 million.
The four-bedroom penthouse has lots of living space, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that framed the scenic beach views perfectly. Seven months after he closed the deal, Lionel Messi’s condo was relisted and ended up back on the market.
He lived in a lavish mansion in Barcelona
Prior to his move to the States, Messi’s primary residence was a lavish mansion in Barcelona.
He built the property in the upscale Bellamar neighborhood in Castelldefels. According to reports, he bought the house in 2009 for $2 million and spent millions more on renovations. It is rumored that he bought the adjacent lot as well, just because the neighbors were too noisy and he wanted some privacy.
The mansion features modern architecture and Mediterranean-themed indoors, with hardwood floors and spacious living areas.
Outdoors, there’s a large garden, a barbeque pit, a pool, and a small playground for Messi’s kids. To keep himself in good shape, Messi also had a small football field installed on the side of his house.
Messi, along with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, stayed in this mansion for over a decade while he was still playing for Barcelona. It remains unclear if he still owns this property or if he sold it after he switched teams.
Reports say that Lionel Messi also purchased a property near his childhood home in Rosario, Argentina, so he can visit his hometown whenever he wants. Details of this home have been kept secret to protect his family’s privacy.
Leo Messi also has a growing hotel portfolio
Messi doesn’t hold back in his pursuits and this extends to his ventures in the realm of real estate.
He entered the hotel business in 2017 and acquired MIM Hotels, managed by Majestic Hotel Group, run by his brother Rodrigo.
Over the past years, the footballer-turned-hotelier has been adding more properties to his hotel chain. Now, the group owns six hotels with locations in Sitges, Ibiza, Majorca, Baqueira, Sotogrande, and Andorra.
Many football fans can’t help but compare Messi to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who also runs a chain of hotels. The two superstar athletes can’t seem to shake off the competition even off the field. Messi, however, leads the business game with his expanding luxury hotel chain.
Loving life in Miami
While there have been no reports on where Leonardo Messi lives in Miami, it looks like he and his family have settled into their new life in the US. They were spotted shopping for groceries in the local supermarket, all in casual clothing, looking cheerful and perfectly at ease.
In an interview, Messi shared how happy he is with his decision to move to the States.
“I came here to play and to keep enjoying soccer which is what I loved my whole life and I choose this place because of all those things,” he said.
“I can tell you that I am very happy with the decision I made and for how my family and I live our day-to-day lives and how we enjoy the city and this new experience and how the people received us from the first day, from the people of Miami and the people of the US in general.”
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The Fountainbleau has crested the wave of Miami glamour for more than 50 years.
The iconic building, widely recognized as one of the most historically and architecturally significant hotels on Miami Beach, has long been captivating locals and travelers with its distinctive design — which bears the signature of renowned architect Morris Lapidus. Lapidus’s neo-baroque style came to define the 1950s and ’60s resort-hotel design and has since become synonymous with Miami and Miami Beach.
Ever since the Fountainbleau Miami first opened its doors in 1954, the famed curvilinear resort has been a magnet for the biggest names in Hollywood.
Back in the ’50s and ’60s, guests staying at the hotel could rub shoulders with some of the most famous names in the entertainment industry like Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Judy Garland, who often stayed at the resort when in town.
Stellar performances have also been at the heart of Fontainebleau since Frank Sinatra made it the headquarters of his Rat Pack in the Fifties, and that element is just as relevant today. The resort’s nightclub, LIV, is considered one of the top clubs in the U.S., often frequented by some of the biggest celebrities in the world.
Following a massive $1 billion renovation completed in 2008, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach significantly expanded its footprint with the addition of two new luxury all-suite towers (Trésor and Sorrento) to the existing original structures, Chateau and Versailles.
Now, one of the penthouses set atop the Trésor building is up for grabs — with a price tag that matches the caliber of the building it’s set in.
Listed for a whopping $22 million, Penthouse North is one of only two penthouses in the tower (which consists of 462 units, but half of them are studios, the other half one-bedroom apartments, with just two penthouses) and sits on the 37th floor of the Fontainebleau II / Trésor building.
Michele Redlich with Coldwell Banker Realty holds the listing. A true expert in everything Fontainebleau, Michele has sold around 460 apartments at the famed Miami resort, far more than any other Miami area real estate agent. Currently, there are 13 active listings in the building, and she holds 10 of them, including the Penthouse North unit which — at $22 million — is now the priciest in the building.
Penthouse North spans 4,500 square feet and offers 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths, and is anchored by a light-flooded great room with high ceilings and soaring windows with uninterrupted ocean views.
Related: Mar-a-Lago Neighboring Mansion Sells for a Whopping $50 Million
The unit’s square footage is extended by the generous outdoor space, which includes a huge terrace with mesmerizing views, as well as a private pool and shower.
The penthouse can also serve as a passive income driver, as future owners can enroll in the hotel rental program, and earn income while not occupying the property.
And the Fontainebleau Resort’s endless list of upscale amenities can definitely help attract short-time tenants. Fontainebleau guests and residents enjoy 22 oceanfront acres of amenities like award-winning restaurants, the famous LIV night club, a marina to keep their yachts, the Lapis spa and fitness center, and on-site services like valet and daily free breakfasts in the owners lounge.
Now, if the pictures got you thinking that the building looks familiar (even though you’ve never been to Miami), there’s a good reason for that.
The Fontainebleau Miami is more than just a celebrity favorite; it has also long been a go-to filming location, with major productions like Goldfinger (James Bond, 1964), The Bellboy (1960), Scarface (1983), The Specialist (1994), and The Bodyguard (1992) filming scenes at the Fontainebleau.
It’s also one of the best-rated resorts and hotels in all of Miami, so make sure to add it to your roadmap the next time you find yourself in the Magic City.
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Stan Ponte started his real estate career as a leasing agent but was never one to shy away from new opportunities. When the opportunity to sell luxury real estate presented itself, he jumped on it. Now, 22 years later, Stan is one of New York City’s most successful luxury specialists, consistently ranking among Manhattan’s top agents by sales volume. He even has an active $79,000,000 five-story penthouse listing! On today’s podcast, Stan shares how he made a name for himself in luxury real estate and what it takes for a new agent to break into the luxury market. Don’t miss it!
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Stan’s start in real estate [1:47]
How to get into luxury real estate [3:13]
The story of how Stan almost helped Ed Burns buy an NYC loft [3:44]
The power of gifting [5:43]
How Stan got started as a luxury real estate agent [6:52]
Financial advice for new agents [9:45]
The trick to making great money in real estate [12:06]
Stan’s sales stats [15:14]
What’s unique about New York City’s real estate market [16:45]
Selling apartments in the aftermath of 9/11 [17:50]
When to take listings and when to work with buyers [19:23]
What qualifies as a luxury listing in New York City [20:21]
Advice on running a real estate business [21:18]
A tactical way to leverage your SOI for more business [24:36]
Stan’s opinion on outbound marketing [36:15]
The key to getting more referrals from other brokers [37:48]
Stan’s approach to contact communication [40:09]
One of the craziest luxury listings we’ve ever seen [43:38]
How to reach out to Stan Ponte [47:46]
What the NYC real estate market is like right now [48:55]
Stan Ponte
Stan Ponte is a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage. He was named the #2 agent in Manhattan by sales volume for his work in 2020 according to “The Thousand” list, an annual national ranking by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends.
As a realtor in New York City for the past 21 years, Stan’s client list ranges from first time home buyers to CEOs, philanthropists, hedge fund managers, tech world innovators and entertainers. Stan’s success as a top performer in New York City’s white glove firms includes two years of management experience at a global real estate firm, where he honed his business development and agent services skills.
In addition to Stan’s resale activities, he is proud to have been chosen as co-director of sales to represent the Woolworth Tower Residences. “The opportunity to sell extraordinary homes in the most recognizable and beloved building in the world is one of the proudest moments of my career,” Stan says. To explore the Woolworth Tower Residences please visit thewoolworthtower.com.
Often called on as a keynote speaker or panelist, Stan is able to discuss his deep understanding of the global reach of Sotheby’s International Realty, bringing him to New Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Boston, Stamford, Aspen, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Madrid and Washington D.C.
Stan is able to focus his time and energy on selling while his team manages the office and focuses on marketing; ensuring his clients receive the level of service and attention they deserve.
“Our tailored approach to marketing is something I look forward to sharing at my very first meeting with a seller,” Stan says. “We do our homework first. From the comparable market analysis to a carefully laid out print and e-marketing campaign, we target the buyers and brokers who are most likely to bring the highest price the market will bear.”
Stan is a proud member and co-founder of a referral group of agents in markets outside of New York City and encourages his clients to visit ourtrustednetwork.com if they are interested in being introduced to his trusted Sotheby’s International Realty colleagues who value professionalism, integrity and deep local market knowledge. “We treat our referrals for what they truly are, an extension of trust and an invitation to be added as a member of the client’s team of real estate advisors.”
A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Stan previously served on the Board of Directors of the Pre-War Condominium that he calls home and is a current board member and former President of The Drama League. He was one of the founding members of the successful Broker’s Build with Habitat for Humanity NYC and was recognized with their New Partnerships Award. Stan is a strong supporter of the Anti-Violence Project which awarded him in 2017 with their highest recognition, The Courage Award. In addition, Stan and his husband were honored to receive the 2020 Bailey House Rand Harlan Skolnick Social Responsibility Award. Stan also supports the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University where he serves on the NYC Leadership Circle and served as a founding board member at the Bedford Playhouse. He may be the proudest, however, to serve as President of Legacy Ranch, a horse rescue rehabilitation and adoption facility founded by his mother.
“My commitment to my friends, family, and non-profit organizations, especially through the theater, is paramount to my sense of being a responsible and grateful citizen and a proud contributing member of the community.”
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Thank You Rockstars! It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
In a city whose name is shorthand for exclusivity and wealth, the future of a planned ultra-opulent hotel will soon be decided by the most democratic of means: an election.
Beverly Hills voters will decide Tuesday whether to rescind the City Council’s approval of a hotel project helmed by French multibillionaire Bernard Arnault and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, his luxury conglomerate.
To some, the battle over the Beverly Hills Cheval Blanc hotel is a David and Goliath story, pitting a small group of residents concerned about overdevelopment and a union advocating for affordable housing against the world’s richest person.
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Others see it as a tale of an outside group — in this case Unite Here Local 11 — mucking around in the city’s business and potentially depriving Beverly Hills of hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue over the next three decades. The politically powerful union, which represents hospitality workers across the region, collected the local signatures necessary to force the issue to a vote.
Regardless, all parties seem to agree that the result will have lasting implications for a 5.7-square-mile city where roughly 31,000 residents bed down at night and many more people staff homes, offices, stores, restaurants and hotels during the day.
Beverly Hills already has 16 hotels, seven of which are considered luxury, according to the city. But the Cheval Blanc would aim to be the brightest star in a galaxy of sparkle, promising an exceptionally high-end experience for its wealthy clientele.
It would be the first North American property for LVMH’s relatively new chain, which currently has five hotels, including a ski-in and ski-out chalet in the French Alps and a St. Barts hotel where the entire property is lightly scented with a custom Guerlain fragrance.
“I think it’s fair to say that this is the only city in the world that could have made this deal,” Henry Finkelstein, the outside lawyer who represented Beverly Hills in the development negotiations, said during a November City Council meeting. “If you look at virtually any other place, including in the metro Los Angeles area in particular, they would be paying subsidies. And here we are exacting premiums.”
The Beverly Hills Cheval Blanc, which was approved by the City Council and the City Planning Commission last year after a lengthy public process, would also reshape the edge of one of the most famous retail strips in the world.
When most people think of Rodeo Drive, they tend to focus on a specific portion of the roughly two-mile street: a three-block business district that doubles as an international symbol of luxury retail, where the streets are lined with palm trees and vast sums of capital.
The hotel — replete with a members-only club, restaurants, retail and a spa — would rise at the northernmost of those three blocks, abutting Little Santa Monica Boulevard.
After raising numerous objections during the planning process, Unite Here Local 11 began gathering signatures to challenge the project shortly after the development agreement and zoning amendment were approved in November.
Triggering a referendum election in Beverly Hills requires the signatures of 10% of registered voters, meaning that just 2,193 signatures were necessary at the time.
Representatives of the union argue that cities like Beverly Hills often change development rules to make it easier to build commercial luxury projects, but don’t always do this for housing. They also vociferously object to the fact that the development agreement does not specifically earmark any money for affordable housing.
Unite Here Local 11 carries tremendous political heft nine miles east, at Los Angeles City Hall, where it has pushed legislation and where one of its own, former organizer Hugo Soto-Martínez, now sits on the City Council. The union local also has been instrumental in recent policies in West Hollywood, but its influence is relatively nascent at Beverly Hills City Hall.
The city’s development agreement with LVMH dictates that the company contribute $26 million to the city’s general fund, in addition to $2 million for art and cultural programs. The city would also receive an additional 5% surcharge over its regular 14% transient occupancy tax.
The proposed hotel complex, designed by star architect Peter Marino, would replace a number of buildings, including the Richard Meier-designed site formerly occupied by the Paley Center for Media on North Beverly Drive around the corner from Rodeo. The hotel would vary from four stories to a partial ninth-story penthouse, taller than current zoning rules allow, according to the final environmental impact report.
According to the city’s analysis, the hotel is expected to funnel about $725 million into city coffers over the next 30 years, with the bulk of that coming from the combined 19% bed tax.
It’s money that Councilmember Lili Bosse, who served as mayor when the project came before the council last year, and other proponents see as key to securing the long-term future of Beverly Hills as a place synonymous with the good life.
“I think what people need to understand is the quality of life of Beverly Hills, in terms of our three-minute response time of our Police Department … the best public schools, the best quality of life, being a safe city, a beautiful city — that revenue mostly comes from the business community,” Bosse said.
But Councilmember John Mirisch, an iconoclastic former film executive and fourth-generation Beverly Hills resident who cast the lone “no” vote against the project, hardly sees the Cheval Blanc as a good deal for the city.
“We’re effectively doubling the value of their land,” Mirisch said, referring to the zoning amendment approved by the council, which will allow the developer to more than double the square footage that it would otherwise be able to build on the site. “And the city negotiated, from my perspective, a measly $28 million.”
Mirisch said he voted against the project because of his critiques of the deal, along with concerns that the hotel was too large for the area.
Since then, Mirisch said, he has been appalled by the amount of money LVMH has spent on the special election campaign.
The LVMH-funded pro-hotel campaign had spent nearly $2.8 million by early May, according to campaign statements filed with the city clerk.
Among the opponents, Local 11’s political action committee spent nearly $86,000 during the same period, and Residents Against Overdevelopment — a grassroots group led by former City Council candidate Darian Bojeaux — spent a little more than $16,000.
LVMH will reimburse Beverly Hills for the cost of the special election, estimated to be about $870,000, according to the city.
Boosters see the relationship between Cheval Blanc and the street that will house it as symbiotic, with hotel guests drawn by the location doubling as an ideal client base for the neighboring luxury stores. Money will beget money, with a small fraction of every transaction going directly into city coffers.
Proponents also say that the sumptuous spectacle of Cheval Blanc would anchor the northern end of the retail corridor, guarding against the tired fate that’s befallen several other once-hot shopping districts. (LVMH’s investments on Rodeo go far beyond just the Cheval Blanc site: The conglomerate has 15 stores on the street or broader Business Triangle and owns several of those properties, according to a spokesperson.)
But Bojeaux, a semiretired attorney, said she fears that the size of the hotel could dramatically change her “village” for the worse.
Still, the 36-year Beverly Hills resident said she had all but given up on organizing against the Cheval Blanc when Unite Here began collecting signatures for the referendum, saying, “We probably wouldn’t have been able to do it on our own.”
“Whatever their interests were, it was really wonderful for a lot of us, because they organized the referendum petition,” Bojeaux said, characterizing the referendum election as “like something out of my dreams.”
Housing — particularly the ability to find affordable housing near workplaces — is the No. 1 issue for the union and its members, said Unite Here Local 11 Co-President Kurt Petersen.
“Beverly Hills is like the worst of the worst because there’s no affordable housing nearby,” Petersen said, adding that Local 11 has more than a thousand members who work in Beverly Hills, but very few are able to live in the city.
There are 157 deed-restricted affordable units in the city, but all but seven of those units are part of a dedicated senior housing facility, according to Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling, who said an additional 50 units are in the pipeline.
Beverly Hills voters will be asked two ballot questions: whether they approve of the zoning amendment that would allow the hotel to be constructed, and whether they approve of the development agreement.
Should either measure fail to pass, the project would be unable to move forward.
Anish Melwani, chairman and chief executive of LVMH’s North American subsidiary, said that if the voters reverse the project’s approvals, the company has no plans to bring it back before the council after already going through a rigorous, years-long process.
“We have no interest in building a hotel in a community that doesn’t want us to be there. Vox populi, vox dei, right?” Melwani said, invoking a Latin phrase that means the voice of the people is the voice of God, and saying the company would revert the properties to retail.
Nothing says vacation like a trip to the beach, where the ocean washes away our day-to-day lives, a cold drink helps beat the heat, and the only care in the world is remembering to apply (and reapply) sunscreen.
A great beach vacation usually starts with a great place to stay — and for points and miles enthusiasts (and those new to the game), one of the best ways to get a top-notch beach resort is booking through World of Hyatt, considered the most award-friendly hotel program out there.
The U.S. is full of both great beaches and great Hyatt properties where the sun and sand are as friendly as World of Hyatt’s award chart. Here, you’ll find Hyatt resorts — from the iconic beaches of Maui to the East Coast sands near Charleston, South Carolina — and plenty of family-friendly beaches perfect for all ages.
Just don’t forget the power of the World of Hyatt program and how easy it is to book some of the portfolio’s best beach resorts by transferring points from credit card reward programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, so all of your summer dreams can come true.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT/HYATT
Best for: Easy beach access with plenty of dining and outdoor fun to be had right at the hotel.
Why stay here: Enjoy boutique hotel-style design amid all the amenities and outdoor fun of a sprawling beachside resort.
As one of the best hotels on Maui and among the best hotels in Hawaii as a whole, it makes perfect sense that the chic and family-friendly Andaz Maui at Wailea is also one of the absolute best U.S. beach resorts in Hyatt’s extensive portfolio.
The resort checks all the boxes, starting with location: 15 stunning beachfront acres on Mokapu Beach. Add in 320 guest rooms with private lanais, a series of suites, plus two- and four-bedroom villas, and you’ve got all the necessary ingredients for the perfect Hawaii vacation.
At the resort, guests can spend their days lazing by any of the resort’s five pools — including infinity pools, a lagoon pool and even an adults-only option — or head to Mokapu Beach and relax in a lounge chair under an umbrella.
For something more active, the resort can arrange snorkeling and whale-watching excursions, golf days or a trip to a pineapple farm. After a day of exploring, head to the 14,000-square-foot Awili Spa and Salon for a heated hibiscus body wrap ($205 for 60 minutes) to truly become one with paradise.
As for food, don’t worry about going hungry as there are four restaurants to enjoy, including the family-style Hawaiian restaurant Kaana Kitchen; a lounge with tropical cocktails and small bites; a beach/pool bar serving light lunches perfect for a day out in the sun; and Morimoto Maui, a world-class sushi restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto. Also, since it’s Hawaii, after all, be sure to make a reservation for The Feast at Mokapu Luau, where guests are served a delicious dinner with a side of culture in the form of music, dance and more.
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Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort currently start at $890 per night plus a $50 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 35,000 points per night.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT AND SPA/PATRICK KELLEY/PARK HYATT
Best for: Families traveling to Hawaii who want to enjoy a full roster of activities without leaving the resort.
Why stay here: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a destination unto itself with pools, waterfalls, a water park-style waterslide and tons of scheduled activities for the kids, including Hawaiian cultural lessons.
Called “a crown jewel in Hyatt’s resort lineup” by one of TPG’s most well-traveled staffers, it’s safe to say that this massive resort full of fun for all types of travelers should be on every Hyatt loyalist’s bucket list.
On a pristine stretch of beach in Poipu, this place is exactly what you think of when you conjure up images of a Hawaii resort: multiple pools and a saltwater lagoon, a lazy river, waterfalls and dozens and dozens of slender palm trees swaying in the breeze.
With over 600 rooms and suites, there’s an accommodation option for every need, and they all come with a private lanai to help breathe in some of that salty Pacific Ocean air. For a full family affair, consider one of the resort’s many suite options, such as the Alii Suite, which can be combined with a connecting guest room to create a three-bedroom suite.
There’s no shortage of activities, which include hitting up the Poipu Bay Golf Course (adjacent to the resort), learning classic Hawaiian songs on a ukulele, attending an over-the-top luau, volunteering with a nearby organization to help keep the island as beautiful as you found it, relaxing at the spa, or just simply parking it on a beach lounger and listening to the sound of the ocean.
Dining options are equally as expansive. For breakfast, hit up the open-air Ilima Terrace for a seared ahi Benedict, have fish tacos for lunch at casual poolside restaurant Hale Nalu, and enjoy a fancy dinner at Tidepools, where Hawaiian dishes are served at a lagoon by a waterfall that’s as beautiful and romantic as Kauai itself.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa currently start at $761 per night plus a $45 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 25,000 points per night.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Key West, Florida, USA
HYATT
Best for: Sunseekers looking to explore the Keys.
Why stay here: Right on the water and right in Old Town, this hotel is close to all the action.
There’s nowhere quite like Key West, a funky and lively island community in Florida that happens to be the most southern city in the continental United States — and there are few places better to stay there than the Hyatt Centric, a charming oceanfront resort tucked away between the Gulf waters and town.
Here, you won’t find sweeping beaches with views for miles, but rather a small stretch of sand where you can claim a beach chair and live that American island life.
At the pool, which is heated during the cooler months, guests can snack on popsicles while enjoying the southern Florida sun. For full relaxation, spend a few hours at the pool before heading to the Jala Spa for a deep tissue massage (starting at $160 for 50 minutes) or a full-body treatment.
Guests need not worry about dining, as there are a handful of options to choose from on the property — not to mention that Key West itself has tons of incredible restaurants. At the hotel’s dockside location, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen serves sea-to-table dishes like oysters, a fresh catch of the day and more. There’s also a casual bar and grill concept, Blue Mojito Bar and Grill, as well as in-room dining and a coffee shop.
Rates at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa start around $300 per night plus a $56.25 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 45,000 points.
The Confidante Miami Beach
Mid-Beach, Miami, Florida, USA
DANIEL ZULIANI/PARK HYATT
Best for: Hyatt status chasers who yearn for something chicer than your typical Hyatt Regency or Hyatt Place.
Why stay here: With an art deco design in a 1940s-era building, a stay here feels vintage – in a good way.
Both Hyatt enthusiasts and beach lovers know that The Confidante Miami Beach, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, is a top-tier resort on a sandy stretch of Miami Beach. Known for its colorful beach and pool chairs, you’ve probably seen this Category 5 Hyatt property on social media at one time or another.
With 339 rooms (including over 30 suites), accommodations at The Confidante range from hip 300-to-400-square-foot king and double rooms with bold textures and a big writing desk to a 980-square-foot penthouse.
The hotel boasts a range of restaurants and eateries, including a casual beach bar-style restaurant; an indoor, midcentury-themed restaurant and bar that harks back to Miami’s past; a grab-and-go coffee shop; and Ambersweet, a restaurant serving local and regional food for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a beautiful setting with tables indoors and out.
The stars of this resort, though, are the pools (including an adults-only option) and direct access to Miami Beach, where dozens of chairs with pastel umbrellas are available for hotel guests to enjoy, along with an attendant to take care of all your needs.
Just know if you’re considering a stay at this iconic hotel, you’d better book fast. The Confidante will be transformed into an Andaz; it was announced in 2022, but we’re still waiting to hear when.
Related: The best hotels in Miami, from luxury beach stays to points properties
Rates at The Confidante start at $279 per night plus a $49 daily resort fee (on paid stays). Reserve this hotel for 17,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak dates, 20,000 on standard dates and 23,000 points on peak dates.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
RAMON C PURCELL/HYATT
Best for: Beachgoers who want a hotel with home-like amenities right on the water.
Why stay here: For longer stays, this resort offers rooms with full kitchens and laundry facilities, plus a year-round rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.
Roughly 21 miles west of Tampa International Airport (TPA), the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a family-friendly affair that’s also a great value.
On the Gulf near Pier 60, the resort has plenty to do and experience, starting with an 8th-floor, year-round pool overlooking the ocean and cabanas to rent with 55-inch TVs and high-speed internet access. There’s also a fitness center to get your workout in and the Sandava Spa to indulge in a little self-care.
The resort has 286 rooms, all with lots of space and balconies. Many rooms have kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens and even multiple-bedroom options, so you can really treat the place like a home away from home while on vacation.
However, if you want to skip home cooking, don’t fret, as there are plenty of food options to enjoy. At SHOR American Seafood Grill, enjoy American fare for breakfast and seafood dishes for dinner. Savor the lunch or dinner menu of Latin favorites at Tropico Rooftop Cantina. There’s also a casual bar-style restaurant, OffSHOR, with light bites and cocktails, plus a full in-room dining menu.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa start at $269 per night, plus a $35 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA
HYATT
Best for: With an assortment of accommodation types, ranging from standard rooms to large suites and standalone vacation rentals, this resort really is perfect for everyone.
Why stay here: Wild Dunes may feel like an island escape, but it’s an easy commute to Charleston’s cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
At over 1,600 acres, Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms — a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown Charleston — really has it all and then some.
The resort is made up of four different accommodation styles to fit every type of traveler’s needs: the costal-style Sweetgrass Inn, the more intimate and upscale Boardwalk Inn, one- to three-bedroom suites at the Residences at Sweetgrass and Wild Dunes Vacation Rentals, which offers full property rentals ranging from one-bedroom condos to seven-bedroom houses — and everything in between.
Activities at Wild Dunes are plentiful and can be as fast-paced or relaxing as you need. For a little adventure, go kayaking or paddleboarding before an afternoon of fishing. Practice your golf swing at an oceanfront golf course, or give your backhand a go at the tennis courts. You can also just let it all go at the Spa at Sweetgrass.
Across the resort, there are a handful of pools, including a fun pool complex at Sweetgrass Inn, two smaller pools and the Swim Center, which features a pool with swimming lanes. Of course, there’s also a beautiful stretch of beach to relax in the sunshine with the sound of the waves crashing along the coast.
Being a large resort, there are lots of places to dine, from upscale seafood restaurants and family-friendly Italian restaurants to quick bites and ice cream parlors. There’s even a rooftop bar with beautiful views across the island.
Rates at Wild Dunes start around $315 per night plus a resort fee on paid reservations of 16% daily rate plus tax. Award nights are available starting at 24,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Huntington Beach, California, USA
HYATT
Best for: Families who want space to spread out after long days by the pool or beach.
Why stay here: Pool cabanas and waterslides make for a perfect day in the sun, while a private beach bonfire complete with chairs and s’mores are a fine way to end the evening.
In California, the beaches of the Pacific are calling — and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a great place to enjoy it all. Great for families, the resort offers spacious rooms to spread out in, a pool with cabana rentals, fire pit rentals and beautiful Spanish-style architecture fitting of Southern California.
During the days, relax by the pool, book a whale-watching excursion, or sign your kids up for mermaid lessons so they can live out their “Little Mermaid” fantasies. Adults can enjoy time at the Pacific Waters Spa and a cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants, like the poolside Mankota’s Grill.
Other dining options include the casual and family-friendly Slyders Bar and Café, located by the pool, a grab-and-go pizzeria, coastal cuisine at Pete’s Sunset Grille and the upscale, date-night-appropriate Watertable, which has a menu of Southern California favorites.
As for the accommodations, choose a room that features an outdoor fire pit to really feel like you’re somewhere special or splurge on a larger-than-life suite to make sure the entire crew can spread out comfortably. If you really need more space, there’s even a 2,500-square-foot Presidential Beach House with a fireplace, walk-in closet and giant soaking tub.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa start around $305 a night plus a $42 per night resort fee (on paid bookings). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Encinitas, San Diego, California, USA
ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT/FACEBOOK
Best for: Beach lovers looking for a touch of laid-back luxury.
Why stay here: With a world-class spa and direct beach access, this resort has everything you could want for a sunny SoCal getaway.
North of San Diego in Encinitas, the Alila Marea Beach Resort is a coastal gem that offers luxurious fun in the sun with a side of local-influenced activities designed to make every guest happy.
For starters, the location is just plain gorgeous, as the resort is tucked away on a coastal bluff, and each of the 130 rooms and suites offers picture-perfect views. Speaking of those rooms, each is airy and modern, with a design that reflects the rugged nature of the coastline. For an extra-special experience, book a first-floor Fire Pit Room to unwind in a private seating area in the glow of a fire pit.
At Spa Alila, let your troubles melt away after picking the perfect treatment, like a walnut husk and sugar scrub ($225, 50 minutes) or a Himalayan salt stone massage ($230, 50 minutes).
Guests can also join one of Alila’s signature “Journeys” that incorporate local experiences into your stay, like the Surfboard Quiver. It allows guests to rent (for an extra fee) a surfboard curated by local surfer Rob Machado. If you want to relax oceanside, hit up the beach concierge, who can help you plan the perfect day.
Or, simply post up for the day at the pool overlooking the ocean, where servers are on hand to deliver drinks. For meals, check out the hotel’s signature restaurant, Vaga, helmed by executive chef Claudette Zepeda, or stop for drinks and snacks at The Pocket, a surf-inspired bar with beautiful views of the coast.
Rates at Alila Marea Beach Resort start at $629 per night plus a $55 resort fee (on paid stays). Award nights start at 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Mission Pacific Hotel
Oceanside, California, USA
KATE AUDA/HYATT
Best for: A modern stay near the beach that’s welcoming to your four-legged friends.
Why stay here: The heated rooftop pool overlooking the picturesque pool is second only to the pristine beach across the street.
Not all of Hyatt’s best beach hotels are massive resorts with hundreds of rooms.
One stellar resort that’s on the boutique side of things is the Mission Pacific Hotel, part of JDV by Hyatt. In North San Diego County (technically in Oceanside), the hotel has just 161 rooms and 38 suites, with many featuring breathtaking ocean views, balconies and laid-back but modern interiors. For more space, opt for a suite with a kitchenette.
There’s plenty to do outside of the hotel, like enjoying a stroll on the wooden pier across the street. If you don’t feel like leaving, you won’t get bored. Spend days relaxing in a cabana at the rooftop pool, chilled rosé in hand; hit up the associated Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge across the street for a treatment; or cozy up by an outdoor fire pit and relax in the breezy air.
Guests can’t go wrong with the hotel’s dining options, especially Valle Restaurant, a Michelin Guide-recognized Mexican restaurant from Chef Roberto Alcocer that serves a popular prix-fixe meal. There’s also High/Low, a seasonal California restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, as well as The Rooftop Bar, where pool-goers can drink cocktails and party Thursday-Sunday night with a DJ.
Rates at Mission Pacific Hotel start around $281 per night plus a daily resort fee of $46 (on paid reservations). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Mar Monte Hotel
Santa Barbara, California, USA
TYSON ELLIS/HYATT
Best for: World of Hyatt members looking for an upscale but understated SoCal spot to redeem their points.
Why stay here: Bright, breezy rooms, a sun-splashed pool area and an elegant restaurant that showcases coastal Italian cuisine are all reasons to spend a night or two here.
In Santa Barbara, California, the Mar Monte Hotel, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a timeless property across the street from a great beach that guests can enjoy.
With 200 rooms, guests can select from options that include large ocean-view suites, as well as rooms and suites in the off-property Palmoro, a block-and-a-half away from the main property.
At the hotel, there’s much to enjoy, like live music during the summer, yoga on the beach, a bocce ball court and house bikes guests can rent to explore the area. The hotel can also direct guests to local activities, like sailing or coastal wine tours.
Although Santa Barbara has a great food scene, the hotel’s two restaurants are good reasons to stay put. At Café Lido, grab-and-go breakfast is served in the morning, while the rest of the day features a shareable menu of small Mediterranean plates and cocktails. Costa Kitchen & Bar features a local wine menu accompanied by Italian and Mediterranean dishes served in an ocean-view setting.
Rates at Mar Monte Hotel start at $275 per night plus a $30 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 21,000 points per night.
Edition hotels, a collaboration between Marriott International and renowned hotelier Ian Schrager, have helped redefine modern luxury hospitality. With new properties cropping up globally, Edition hotels combine a pared-back elegance with contemporary flair and inviting social spaces. Excitement tends to surround each new Edition hotel since each property offers a unique experience that reflects its surroundings, from captivating city skylines to serene beachfront escapes. For avid travelers enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, the allure of staying at an Edition outpost is even more enticing. With exclusive benefits, the ability to earn and redeem points, and inside access to extraordinary experiences, Bonvoy members are immersed in both luxury and fun.
Although each Edition hotel is unique, here are our top picks for the best Edition hotels worldwide and the experiences in store for travelers at each.
The Reykjavik Edition
Reykjavik, Iceland
THE REYKJAVIK EDITION/MARRIOTT
Best for: Luxury seekers looking to splash out in the Icelandic capital.
Why stay here: Exceptional amenities, like a social spa with a lounge bar, a rooftop escape and an Icelandic restaurant helmed by the nation’s first chef to earn Michelin acclaim make this property one of the hottest scenes in Reykjavik.
Iceland has been a top destination for a few years now, and The Reykjavik Edition marked the first modern luxury hotel in one of the world’s most sustainable capitals. It is in downtown Reykjavik near the Old Harbour port and provides convenient access to the city’s vibrant shopping district and the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. With breathtaking views of the harbor, Mount Esja and the Snaefellsjokull glacier, the hotel’s sophisticated bedrooms and suites create a cozy retreat with soothing wood paneling and sleek but relaxing bathrooms. Featuring a range of dining and entertainment options, including casual alfresco dining with panoramic waterfront views at The Roof and sustainable seasonal cuisine from Iceland’s first chef to win a Michelin star, Gunnar Karl Gislason, at Tides. With a sophisticated spa that houses a hammam and a well-equipped fitness center, not to mention a cozy lobby that practically invites you to spend an evening lounging around, the hotel combines laid-back luxury with laid-back settings for socializing, working and relaxing. It’s the perfect base for exploring the region’s wonders, too, from the Blue Lagoon to the mesmerizing northern lights during winter.
Rates at The Reykjavik Edition start at $390 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Madrid Edition
Madrid, Spain
THE MADRID EDITION/MARRIOTT
Best for: A modern take on luxury in Madrid’s historic center.
Why stay here: Sculptural design details, restaurants helmed by star chefs and a relaxing rooftop pool are just three reasons to make this relatively new luxury hotel your home base while in Madrid.
The Madrid Edition is a remarkable hotel featuring 200 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with decor inspired by a neighboring 16th-century monastery. Its stunning rooftop terrace and outdoor pool are some of the hottest places to see and be seen in the Spanish capital. Its intimate dark-timbered spa, meanwhile, is designed to be an urban oasis, and offers signature treatments like a Le Labo oil massage that should soothe the stress of travel or sightseeing. In the heart of Madrid, near Puerta de Sol and the Golden Triangle of Art, the hotel is surrounded by historic buildings and is a haven for art enthusiasts. Plus, it’s home to unique food and beverage outlets like the upscale, Mexican-themed restaurant Jeronimo, not to mention innovative design (check out that floating spiral staircase in the lobby) and impeccable service. Ultimately, The Madrid Edition embodies the city’s vibrant culture by incorporating modern decor, a lively social atmosphere and a prime location amid the city’s iconic landmarks.
Rates at The Madrid Edition start at $697 or 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Miami Beach Edition
Bayshore, Miami, Florida, USA
MIAMI BEACH EDITION/MARRIOTT.COM
Best for: Travelers that appreciate a minimalist but chic approach to room design.
Why stay here: Excellent beachside location near the Design District and not very far from South Beach, but minus the crowds.
At The Miami Beach Edition, the best boutique hotel attributes and upscale resort amenities converge to create a truly unique experience in Miami’s happening South Beach. The hotel’s 294 spacious rooms, light-filled suites (including a rooftop penthouse) and garden-set bungalows offer modern design and stunning views of the city, pool or Atlantic. The accommodations have a soothing neutral palette with warm-toned woods, marble bathrooms and bespoke body products. Bonus: The bungalows provide a sense of seclusion with their private terraces and plunge pools. After a day in the sun, guests can indulge in a signature treatment at the luxury spa. There are plenty of ways to keep active, too, with a large fitness center, two outdoor ocean-facing pools and a stretch of beach that’s perfect for people-watching. Plus, the hotel also features exceptional dining options, including restaurants curated by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Rates at The Miami Beach Edition start at $587 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
New York Edition
Flatiron, New York City, New York, USA
NEW YORK EDITION/MARRIOTT.COM
Best for: Fans of Ian Schrager’s minimalist, chic approach to hotel design.
Why stay here: A convenient location near Madison Square Park and a sexy, upscale aesthetic make this a great hotel stay for either business or leisure.
The New York Edition is a seamless blend of Ian Schrager’s sophisticated style and the historical significance of the hotel’s prime Madison Avenue location. Housed in the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, this clocktower-turned-hotel near Madison Square Park offers an intimate, boutique hotel experience in the heart of Manhattan. Guests can enjoy the tranquil spa, chic event spaces and a fine-dining restaurant, all while being surrounded by 360-degree views of the city. Speaking of dining, the hotel is home to The Clocktower restaurant, where the experience reflects Schrager’s vision of a new kind of gathering place that engenders spontaneous connections. Of course, the sumptuous British-skewing menus — with a mix of classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well as more urbane dishes like cavatelli with blue crab and preserved lemon — are selling points, too. As are the handcrafted specialty cocktails at the Lobby Bar. The 271 guest rooms and suites are uniquely designed with oak floors and dark wood-paneled foyers, evoking the ambience of a cozy, private residence. Expansive windows showcase iconic views from Madison Square Park to the Empire State Building and the stunning New York City skyline.
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Rates at The New York Edition start at $1,122 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Bodrum Edition
Bodrum, Turkey
BODRUM EDITION/EDITION HOTELS
Best for: A budget-friendly but stylish luxury Mediterranean getaway.
Why stay here: Excellent beaches, plenty of recreational activities and a comprehensive spa experience combine for a fabulous stay on the Turkish Riviera.
The Bodrum Edition is steps away from the bay and near key attractions such as Yalikavak Marina, Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Amphitheatre. There are 108 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas, many with views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy skincare treatments featuring Forlle’d products at the eight-room spa, which also has a Turkish hammam, or visit the adjacent fitness center and a salon. Relax in an umbrella-shaded lounger around the infinity pool or at the exclusive beach club with private cabanas. The resort’s tempting dining options include casual fare at the Beach Club and Japanese-inspired dishes at the Inari Kujira pop-up at the beachside Morena, among other options. With elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms and oversized windows framing scenic views, the guest rooms exude tranquility that practically begs guests to slink in for an afternoon siesta after a full morning of outdoor activities. Suites offer the added luxury of private plunge pools and terraces. For ultimate privacy, the exceptional four-bedroom private villa features a swimming pool and sauna area.
Rates at The Bodrum Edition start at $944 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Barcelona Edition
Barcelona, Spain
Best for: Discovering the historic El Born district in a striking boutique space that celebrates the design genius of famous Catalans.
Why stay here: Rooftop pool and bar? Check. Subterranean cabaret? Check. Fabulously minimalist rooms that keep the focus on this dynamic city? Check. No wonder this 100-room property is so well-loved.
In the heart of Barcelona near must-see attractions like the Picasso Museum and the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, the Barcelona Edition offers a truly immersive local experience. With 100 stylish rooms and suites featuring custom-created Le Labo bathroom amenities and views of the Santa Caterina Market (where you might want to pop in to graze on tapas and tipples from the various food and bar stands), guests are treated to a stay that feels homey yet cool. Accommodations showcase exquisite design elements, from walnut-paneled walls to herringbone parquet floors, while Italian linens and unique custom furniture enhance comfort. The bathrooms, adorned with white Sivec marble and brass hardware, feel like they’re fresh from the page of an exclusive design magazine. Penthouses proffer private terraces, perfect for alfresco dining and relaxation under the Catalan sun, although all guests can venture to The Roof for casual bites and skyline views or a dip in the diminutive pool. The main restaurant, Veraz, is across from the lobby and serves a sumptuous breakfast as well as contemporary Spanish cuisine for dinner, such as Cantabrian anchovies and traditional gazpacho with prawns. Those looking to make a night of it can head upstairs to Punch Room for heady cocktails, or settle in for some entertainment at the subterranean Cabaret.
Rates at The Barcelona Edition start at $396 or 71,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Dubai Edition
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Best for: Travelers seeking a sophisticated, spa-like retreat in downtown Dubai.
Why stay here: A striking spiral staircase in the hotel’s lobby is an instant reminder that even in Dubai, the Edition brand’s iconic design sensibilities reign supreme.
The Dubai Edition is a newer addition to the brand. This hotel is opposite the renowned Dubai Mall and offers 275 guest rooms and suites designed by LW Design Group with Edition’s signature wood paneling, stone floors, marble bathrooms and soft yet moody lighting. In terms of food, Duomo is a palatial Italian-inspired restaurant boasting grand interiors adorned with Italian statuario marble and an eye-catching crystal chandelier. The hotel also features an outdoor pool terrace with sun loungers, cabanas and a stylish bar, providing an inviting atmosphere by day and transforming into a trendy cocktail lounge with live DJs and a vibrant ambience by night, all with fabulous views of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. If it’s too hot outside to exercise, there’s an enormous, light-filled gym. But if relaxation is the order of the day, stop by the spa for a customized facial or massage, or a signature Arabian 1001 Night Ritual that includes a desert sand scrub, a traditional herbal poultice massage and a hydrating camel-milk facial.
Rates at The Dubai Edition start at $231 or 77,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The London Edition
Fitzrovia, London, United Kingdom
LONDON EDITION/EDITION HOTELS
Best for: Fans of Marriott’s international Edition brand.
Why stay here: Sophisticated, contemporary style and the opportunity to leverage Marriott elite status or award nights are just two reasons to book a stay at the London Edition.
The London Edition is a landmark building that’s been transformed into a haven of hospitality. Nestled in Fitzrovia on the outskirts of Soho, this happening hotel combines the thoughtful design for which Edition is known with exceptional dining and nightlife. Each of the 173 guest rooms and suites conveys a cozy, cabinlike ambience reminiscent of a private yacht adorned with oak floors, wood-paneled walls, custom furnishings and captivating photography by Hendrik Kerstens, not to mention cuddle-worthy faux fur throws. Visitors can partake in culinary delights such as grass-fed Scottish steaks chargrilled on a Mibrasa grill at Berners Tavern, with its art-filled walls and spectacular original molding, sip copious cocktails at the Punch Room, and uncover specially curated experiences for children and adults with the help of the hotel’s well-connected concierges.
Rates at The London Edition start at $687 or 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The West Hollywood Edition
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
THE WEST HOLLYWOOD EDITION/FACEBOOK
Best for: Marriott members who love the Sunset Boulevard scene.
Why stay here: The vibe is part city hotel, part luxury resort and all subtle sophistication at this high-end but low-key luxury redoubt.
If you want to be in the heart of Los Angeles, look no further than the West Hollywood Edition. Not only is it at the crossroads of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but it’s also a destination in and of itself. Overseen by chef John Fraser, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ardor, serves a plant-forward seasonal menu while The Roof lounge’s hundreds-strong list of tequilas and mezcals is rivaled only by its uninterrupted city panoramas. Spend your day lounging by the pool, then get ready for a big night out at the 1960s- and 1970s-inspired nightclub, Sunset. There’s also a quiet destination spa proffering technology-driven treatments and recovery experiences such as an infrared body treatment.
Rates at The West Hollywood Edition start at $588 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Tokyo Toranomon Edition
Toranomon, Tokyo, Japan
THE TOKYO EDITION, TORANOMON/MARRIOTT
Best for: Marriott loyalists who are fans of Ian Schrager’s distinctive vision for Edition hotels and resorts around the world.
Why stay here: With ample views of iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay, guests will feel immersed in the city — particularly those who book rooms and suites with terraces.
The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon blends ancient history with modern architecture. Its 206 guest rooms and suites offer unparalleled Tokyo skyline views. It’s also home to three restaurants, including The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, overlooking Tokyo Tower, and the stylish Gold Bar, which slings classic cocktails next to the lobby. The custom-designed spa has a well-equipped fitness center and a dramatic indoor pool, and proffers healing treatments using organic Japanese products from Absolution and Bioprogramming. Conveniently near subway stations, the hotel is an oasis in the heart of the bustling Japanese capital.
Rates at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon start at 78,400 Yen ($596) or 80,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Shanghai Edition
Shanghai, China
Best for: Travelers who crave the Edition brand’s iconic design touches, like sophisticated rooms with faux fur throws and wood details and bathrooms stocked with Le Labo amenities.
Why stay here: You’re in the heart of The Bund, but with a number of restaurants and bars on site, you might not want to leave the hotel.
The Shanghai Edition in Puxi near Nanjing Road East and not far from the city’s famous Bund offers a unique experience with two separate towers and 145 guest rooms. The hotel features 10 levels of public space, including meeting studios and forums, while the culinary offerings include a signature Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant from Jason Atherton called Hiya, a flamboyant Cantonese eatery called Canton Disco and a greenery-filled alfresco rooftop garden complete with a lawn for bowling and croquet, plus an outpost of Edition’s Punch Room cocktail lounge. In the rooms, you’ll find modern decor with sweeping Shanghai skyline views, and the suites provide spacious living areas and angled windows. There is a small but serviceable gym, and the spa provides a luxurious haven with treatment rooms, saunas, relaxation areas and a retail boutique as well as over-the-top treatments such as a diamond anti-aging facial.
Rates at The Shanghai Edition start at $244 or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Editor’s note: TPG’s Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Oceania Cruises to attend the unveiling of Vista. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
“Is this a luxury cruise ship?” That was the question on everyone’s lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises’ Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.
We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship’s craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.
Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.
Then again, when you’re curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.
Overview of Vista
Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line’s new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can’t step outside).
The ship’s target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.
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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.
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Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it’s more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.
What I loved about Vista
Dining choice
Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.
I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet’s outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons’ afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.
Not only did Vista’s large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn’t a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn’t order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.
Design
Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.
The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.
The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you’ve ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you’re a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.
Cocktails and mixology program
The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.
Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic “liquors” to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It’s a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.
What I didn’t love about Vista
Nightlife
I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn’t love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.
Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That’s pretty much it.
My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn’t offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.
To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn’t about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.
Service
One should never judge a ship’s service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn’t considered a luxury ship.
In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It’s in the “software,” so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that’s fine.
In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn’t offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren’t offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I’m fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.
The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you’d expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.
Vista cabins and suites
Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you’re really only choosing between perks and exterior space.
New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania’s first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They’re Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.
My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can’t step out.)
I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania’s Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.
Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.
The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.
The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.
I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.
Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn’t seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You’ll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.
Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don’t know why you’d want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.
Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.
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Penthouse Suite on Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.
The eight Vista Suites, which I didn’t see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner’s Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.
Vista restaurants and bars
Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line’s tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.
It’s hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has “the finest cuisine at sea” (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you’ve ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.
Restaurants
I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It’s a good thing most of Vista’s sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.
You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista’s four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there’s walk-in availability for additional meals.
The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn’t have that hotel ballroom feel.
At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the “Taste of the World” sampler platter themed around a different country each day.
The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin’s namesake French restaurant on Vista’s sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don’t miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.
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Terrace Cafe on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Terrace Café is Vista’s buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren’t always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.
On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.
Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.
In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don’t have to choose between the options.
Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves’ famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista’s new “healthy” dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.
In the morning, don’t miss Aquamar’s selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven’t lived until you’ve spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.
The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you’re drinking the real thing.
All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.
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Ember restaurant on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
The new entrant to Oceania’s food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista’s signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don’t take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista’s fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It’s a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.
While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.
Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.
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Polo Grill on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Toscana is Oceania’s long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it’s newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship’s godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada’s branzino and wasn’t wowed.
Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana’s incredible ship-made pasta. You can’t go wrong with Giada’s lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I’d pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.
The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it’s because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.
To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.
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Red Ginger on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a “gustatory journey for the senses”) and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.
But the food options don’t end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.
Bars
Vista’s bars are hopping before and after dinner because there’s not much else to do on board at night.
The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.
On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.
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Founder Bars on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Be careful — it’s so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven’t upgraded to the premium beverage package.
Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.
Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you’ll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).
The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista’s gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.
Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.
Vista activities and shows
An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You’ll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.
Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.
I tried a “drip technique” painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I’m not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It’s also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.
Vista’s culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship’s destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.
On a warm, sunny day, Oceania’s gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship’s topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.
The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.
If it’s cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.
In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista’s Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.
Each night, there’s a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who’s worked with “Dancing with the Stars.”
Vista itineraries and pricing
Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.
Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania’s more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.
The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.
What to know before you go
Required documents
The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It’s up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.
When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.
A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.
Wi-Fi
Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania’s premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.
Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.
Carry-on drinks policy
Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.
Smoking policy
Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.
Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.
Laundry
Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don’t pick them up in a timely fashion.
Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.
Electrical outlets
Vista’s cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You’ll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.
Currency
The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.
Drinking age
You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).
Dress code
Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests “elegant casual resort wear” for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.
For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.
Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.
During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don’t wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You’ll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.
Bottom line
Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that’s the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.
Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you’ll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.
I’ve been writing about real estate for quite a few years now. I first started out as a real estate journalist back in 2011, then became a copywriter for a real estate data provider, then made the switch to a marketing position for a home search portal. And then another home search portal. And then another (yes, some people just love real estate.)
And throughout the years, there was this one listing I kept coming across. The one listing that made me stop whatever I was doing to just take a couple of minutes and drool over its photos.
That listing was for the DUMBO Clocktower penthouse.
I never quite understood how such an exquisite penthouse could linger on the market for so many years without finding a buyer. How people would splurge on Manhattan pads with no character and ignore this beautiful three-story condo and its jaw-dropping views.
And since it finally found a lucky buyer — the DUMBO Clocktower penthouse sold a couple of weeks ago for $15 million — let’s take a moment and enjoy the photos before diving into the full story of this unique listing.
7 Years and Many Price Adjustments Later…
…the DUMBO Clocktower penthouse got its chance to shine!
The 1 Main Street triplex sold for $15 million — which makes it the most expensive condo sale in Brooklyn, snapping the title from a Brooklyn Bridge Park Pierhouse unit that closed just last month for $10.6 million.
But it’s been a rocky ride for the Brooklyn penthouse with killer Manhattan views (I have to stop and note that the four 14-foot glass clocks offer 360-degree views of everything from the Verrazano Bridge to the Empire State Building).
The DUMBO penthouse first hit the market in August 2009, asking a full $25 million. After failing to attract a sufficiently generous buyer, the listing went off the market, only to return in 2013 with a new broker (and a new asking: $18 million).
The new owner, whose name is masked under an LLC, will now get to enjoy a spacious open floorplan that seems to have been built for entertainment — which makes perfect sense: who wouldn’t want people over to flaunt the four 14-foot glass clocks that open up to unique 360-degree views of everything from the Verrazano Bridge to the Empire State Building.
More condos-to-die-for:
This $16M NYC Penthouse Has Unobstructed Views of Central Park and the Manhattan SkylineInside the $10M Hell’s Kitchen Penthouse that Trevor Noah Bought This $10M Penthouse at One Clinton Towers Over Brooklyn, Offers Jaw-Dropping City ViewsSee Inside a $5.7M Coco Chanel-Inspired Condo in the Trendy 40 Bleecker Building in NoHo, Manhattan
In today’s modern world, the house goals of yesteryear are a distant memory.
Long gone are the days of window shutters, oversized crystal chandeliers, multiple small rooms, intricate designs, wrought-iron railings, small windows, and large porches with overhanging beams.
Modern mansions favor simple and clean designs with open spaces.
While traditional mansions offer intricate and elegant details, today’s luxury homes feature straight lines, geometric shapes, a flat or low-sloped roof, and clean exteriors with little to no texture.
Luxurious homes of the past featured building materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone. Meanwhile, contemporary mansions favor newer, more technologically-advanced building materials including reinforced steel and concrete.
And windows, lots and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sophisticated smart homes are all the rage, as are connected outdoor spaces, white rooms and simple color palettes, open floor plans, glass walls allowing for ample natural light, green features, security settings, and the utmost privacy.
While traditional mansions typically featured a number of small, single-purpose rooms, modern floor plans include seamless open-ended spaces.
After all, one cannot be confined to small spaces while living that luxurious lifestyle!
A closer look at 18 of our favorite modern mansions
When it comes to stunning estates, we’ve got you covered.
From wraparound pools featuring panoramic views to glass walls for days, to dream chef kitchens, to seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, we’re taking a look at 18 modern mansions that have knocked our socks off.
And we think you’ll (really, really) like them too.
A Marc Whipple-designed modern mansion with a wraparound pool
Designed by acclaimed architect Marc Whipple, this massive 11,200-square-foot home in Beverly Hills is quite a stunner.
Offering six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths, the multi-million dollar manse features disappearing walls of glass, so that its residents can enjoy the stunning views from each and every room.
Speaking of views, they’re completely unobstructed, with downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the coastline on full display. Those lovely landscapes can be seen from the home’s stunning wraparound pool.
Other luxurious amenities include a movie theater, a secret Zen garden, gym, guest house, glass wine cellar, gated driveway, and an outdoor kitchen.
This Beverly Hills manse had its moment of fame a few years back, when it was rented by Rockstar hitmaker Post Malone. It was later listed for sale with a whopping $26 million asking price.
A breathtaking Hollywood mega mansion with museum-quality energy crystals throughout
Built in 2021, this mega mansion is located in the heart of Hollywood.
Boasting panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the home offers six beds, nine baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
The sophisticated smart home features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout to energetically enhance the residence.
Offering double-height ceilings and incredible indoor/ outdoor living spaces, the California compound also includes a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room and all the finest custom finishes.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
Setting a new gold standard for Southern California living, the picturesque backyard — which is front row to the city and canyons — features a beautiful sparkling pool/spa, a built-in BBQ area, and a grassy green lawn.
See more of this unique Hollywood mega-mansion here.
A striking $150M modern mansion in Bel-Air with 360-degree views
This beautiful home in Bel-Air has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a modern mansion (and then some).
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Saota, the private compound is perched on a promontory high above the city — opening up to unobstructed, 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
Set on a 1.15-acre lot, the swanky crib offers nine bedrooms and fourteen baths spread across 20,841 square feet.
Some of the luxury amenities include an infinity pool with a secluded cabana and pool-side sunken fire pit, three separate staff quarters, and a one-bedroom guest house with a separate, private pool.
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
This magnificent manse was owned by George Ruan, co-founder of online coupon-clipping company Honey (now part of Paypal).
The Razor House in San Diego, the real-life Iron Man house
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece known as The Razor House was designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The striking concrete and glass mansion — dubbed ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s mansion in the famous Marvel movie — is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Offering endless concrete terraces, the stunning estate has mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Featuring several outdoor lounge areas, the luxurious three-story home comes with six bedrooms and six baths, with nearly every room opening up to jaw-dropping views.
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz bought The Razor House in a $20.8 million deal.
Villa Vella, one of Europe’s finest contemporary homes
Spanish dream house, anyone?
Dubbed Villa Vela, this sprawling 23,476-square-foot property is located in the sun-bathed province of Andalusia, Spain.
Photo credit: The Agency
Sitting behind its own gates, at the end of a sweeping driveway, Villa Vela offers a total of six bedrooms and six baths.
The posh property has been designed to be free-flowing and, as such, has an open plan, including floor-to-ceiling retracting windows that open directly onto a terrace that stretches from one end of the house to the other.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Not to mention, each of the suites has its own outdoor space, and they also all connect directly to the vast upper terrace, its lawn, garden, and dining area, and benefit from breathtaking views.
A futuristic, yacht-shaped mansion perched high atop the Los Angeles hills
This 17,000-square-foot modern residential oasis in the upscale LA neighborhood of Brentwood is redefining luxury living.
Photo credit: The Agency
Southern California-based architectural firm de Loren & Associates purposefully designed the building by superior wellness standards, without sacrificing on design but rather adding to it.
Inspired by the clean lines and interior spatial layouts of yachts paired with the motion of the sea, the curving exterior facades are reminiscent of ocean waves, wind, and clouds that make not only for an exhilarating lifestyle but also appealing to the eye.
The modern mansion boasts seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three powder rooms across three levels.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Featuring a massive list of upscale amenities, the beautiful Brentwood home offers a 610-bottle wine cellar, commercial speed glass elevator, movie theater, state-of-the-art gym, a 300 sq. ft. green wall, and a lower-level entertainment area with a full bar, pool table and more.
And there’s plenty of room for Stormi and Wolf to explore! Turns out, this luxurious residence is owned by none other than rapper Travis Scott.
A newly-built Encino mansion with bright, airy, and warm interiors
We can’t get enough of this amenity-rich mansion with modern interiors and a killer guest house.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom Encino home offers 9,081 square feet of living space enclosed within a private, gated estate with surrounding landscape.
The stunning estate is a beautiful example of modern California living, with picture-perfect interiors, exquisite finishes, jetliner views, and plenty of attractive amenities.
Featuring warm wood tones, the large windows and Fleetwood doors open up to unobstructed views and plenty of natural light.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The carefully thought-out finishes give the home a modern vibe that extends into the bedrooms as well. The second level of this luxury Encino home has four bedrooms, including the master suite, which walks out to a 1,200-square-foot balcony with a fire table.
Naturally, this wonderful modern manse caught the eye of a famous buyer; it’s now owned by Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita.
A modern 4-story house facing one of the most beautiful coastal shorelines in all of California
We love this modern mansion set in the most desirable area of Manhattan Beach, The Strand, an oceanfront neighborhood lined with modern-looking mansions that typically sell in the $5 million to $15 million range.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
Spanning 6,978 square feet of modern living space, the home offers six bedrooms and eight baths.
Designed by renowned L.A. studio KAA Design, this four-story home was envisioned around life, in all its texture, at the beach.
Rather than cluster sleeping areas on a single floor, they’re strategically spaced across the four levels, with the third floor being home to a primary suite with a private office that’s luxuriously sequestered in the style of a penthouse.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
The private elevator takes residents and guests down to the beach room, which is level with the Strand itself, and lounge on the patio, front row to a peaceful scene of sea, sand, and sky.
Read more about this beautiful modern mansion here.
A $70M contemporary marvel that reimagines luxury living for the 21st century
Located in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion is what happens when a star-studded team consisting of award-winning architect Noah Walker, AD 100 interior designer, Jamie Bush, and renowned landscape designer, Christine London LTD comes together.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
Spanning 19,000 square feet, this beautiful abode is set on a sprawling four-acre lot and offers six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms alongside many recreation rooms.
The plush property has 270-degree views of the city, ocean, and canyon, and a long list of amenities that include a theater room — with acoustical wall paneling and a commercial cinema-quality projection system — a gym with a steam room, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor architectural pool and dual offices.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
We first covered this luxurious contemporary home when it first came to market last year with an ambitious asking price of $70 million.
Just a few months later, it was purchased by music mogul Scooter Braun (better known as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande’s manager, and Taylor Swift‘s manager-turned-foe) for $65 million.
The Ora House in San Diego, where contemporary architecture meets serene living
In the hilly, seaside neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, a modern cliffside mansion has all the dream house vibes.
Street view of the property. Photo credit: Blue Heron
Built by Blue Heron’s BH Elite custom home division, the Ora House, as the property has been named, is a true architectural marvel.
The stellar design team incorporated the same innovative biophilic design and advanced Savant technology used in Blue Heron’s flagship home, VM001 in Las Vegas, to “enhance the flow of life while creating an overall sense of peace and natural wellbeing.”
The cliffside estate is set in La Jolla’s exclusive Bird Rock Waterfront enclave and totals 8,878 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue Heron
The architectural marvel has five bedrooms and eight baths across its four levels, with each level embracing the outdoors with spaces tailored for both entertaining and private moments.
A striking celebrity compound with a modern heptagon-shaped house
Check out this contemporary compound in La Crescenta, Calif.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan, this dramatic, heptagon-shaped house has spaceship vibes, is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass), and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
Nearly all the rooms of the house come with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to either the serene courtyard or beautiful mountain and city skyline views.
Some of the stand-out features of the modern mansion include a primary suite with an entire wall of glass that opens up to a generously sized balcony and a particularly unique bathroom with a blue curved penny-tiled wall surrounding the shower.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
This unique home was owned by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea.
A $25 million Napa Valley glass house with killer views
Surrounded by over 40 acres of lush grounds set amidst California’s world-class wine country, this striking architectural home goes by the name of Karinya.
The highly suitable moniker originates from the Australian aboriginal culture and is simply translated as “peaceful home.”
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Built in 2017, the stunning estate is nestled in the small community of Deer Park right next to St. Helena in Napa County.
Spanning 8,837 square feet, the impressive residence was built with natural materials, a deep connection to the valley’s views, and a design that boasts both beauty and luxury.
Not a detail is spared at Karinya, with many luxurious features such as endless walls of glass, a 2,000-bottle wine room, and an acoustically-designed media/ theater room.
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Fitting a modern dream house, it also comes with a detailed smart home system with mobile phone control access that controls the music, air conditioning, security and programmable LED recessed lighting in 11 separate zones and a fire sprinkler system.
See more of this lovely Napa Valley home here.
A modern mansion that was once featured in the Oscar-winning “La La Land” movie
Set in the popular Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion offers an impressive cutting-edge design.
Photo credit: Compass
The six-bedroom home wows with its soaring ceilings and walls of glass that bring the outdoors in.
Complete with an infinity pool and spa (with a cascading waterfall) and a nifty pool/guest house with a sundeck for outdoor entertainment, the home is peppered with outdoor spots to relax and enjoy the lovely Cali weather.
In case you’re getting a strong sense of deja vu, this beautiful home was featured in the popular film, La La Land.
As the story goes, Mia (played by Emma Stone) and her friends attend a lavish party hoping to meet influential people in the business and finally get their lucky break.
You guessed it, this memorable movie scene was filmed at this gorgeous Los Angeles estate.
A celebrity chef’s former home with a massive kitchen anchored by a 24-foot stone island
Located in the coveted Via Bluffs enclave of Pacific Palisades, this modern mansion spans 6,500 square feet of luxurious living.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
Offering massive sliding windows that open up to beautiful views of Potrero Canyon and beyond, the sumptuous five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is filled with natural light streaming in from the surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, while the skylights pour even more light onto the main and top floors.
The Pacific Palisades property also flaunts features like a dual-faced fireplace, a nearly 24-foot kitchen island, and a distinct living room that’s pouring out onto the outside deck overlooking the pool.
A large open-layout living area is anchored by an impressive dream kitchen.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
This beautiful home was once owned by celebrity chef, Everyday Italian, and Giada At Home star Giada de Laurentiis.
A beautiful modern mansion tucked in the Hollywood Hills
Built in 2019, this Marc Whipple-designed home is a true Hollywood gem.
Located on the glamorous Sunset Strip, in the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood of Los Angeles, this home oozes that clean-lined modernist approach, while still offering warmth and comfort.
Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
The posh property incorporates five bedrooms, six bathrooms, as well as two half-bathrooms, all with breathtaking views spreading from the Hollywood sign right to the Pacific Ocean.
The main entrance offers an open-concept kitchen and three terraces that total 5,000 additional square feet of outdoor living space.
And, the middle level features a second living room and a luxurious ‘floating glass box’ master suite.
Photo credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
All the bedrooms offer easy access to the infinity pool, which provides stunning views of the surroundings and a perfect setting to enjoy summer nights and sunsets in complete privacy.
A Malibu gem that’s often rented to high-profile celebrities
This Malibu celeb magnet is the epitome of indoor-outdoor Cali living, featuring large glass walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the grounds.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,100-square-foot Malibu mansion is every bit the modern gem.
Photo credit: Hagai Aharon
It’s the perfect property for entertaining, as it includes an infinity pool with fabulous ocean views, a spa, and a fire pit.
The entertainment continues inside, as the house includes not one, but three indoor fireplaces, as well as a media room, making sure you stay entertained throughout the entire year.
Amenities include everything you could possibly need, from in-unit laundry and air conditioning to five parking spaces, an outdoor patio, and a cabana.
The house not only rents out to celebrities such as Matthew Perry, Cardi B, and Taraji P. Henson, but it’s also owned by one.
Betty Moon, a celebrated Los Angeles musician, songwriter and producer, currently owns the plush property which she recently renovated before listing it for rent.
An impeccably designed modern mansion that embraces indoor-outdoor living
Located in the upscale neighborhood Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, this three-story home was designed and built by renowned developer/designer duo David and Eliana Rokach.
Photo credit: The Agency
This multi-million dollar mansion offers a sprawling 13,543 square feet of modern living space and packs nine bedrooms and twelve bathrooms.
Boasting unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Canyon, the stunning estate offers an open-concept living/dining room finished in a chic, contemporary style.
The living room features custom-made electronic sliding steel doors that open to a beautiful outdoor area, which features a barbecue area, a grassy backyard, and an infinity-edge swimming pool opening up to views for miles.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
A modern hillside lair with canyon views
Situated in Los Angeles’ coveted Brentwood neighborhood, this hillside lair with expansive living spaces, eco-friendly details, and ultra-high-end finishes gives us serious dream house goals.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
The main entrance features a Japanese-imported Yakisugi front door and bonsai adorned atrium that leads to the open-concept living space.
Here, a chic palette of luxurious stone and reflective glass is accented by unique designer details, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light throughout the day.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
Offering sweeping views of the canyon, the four-bedroom home comes equipped with the latest technology for entertainment, comfort, and sustainability.
This includes a full automation system, Lutron Solar System lighting, home theater and surround sound from Bang & Olufsen, a home gym, and much more.
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