So it’s the day after, New Year’s Eve that is, and there is that natural let down, especially in light of the postponement of the Tournament of Roses and the football game of the year, the Rose Bowl game. It’s day 1, of 2012, and it’s clear that the New Year deserves a morning lift.

Got a great idea… Head over to the now famous The Wave Sunday Brunch at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, where you can dine and mingle with crowds of like mind, searching for that extra something to do…

Except this time, on New Year’s Day, you are in for an extra special treat. While brunching on the fresh lobster and clams, or maybe a selection from the omelet station (a crowd favorite) and, a bit later, another selection from the delectable desserts, you will get to hear prominent British saxophonist and bandleader, Mike Parlett. He has played alongside some of the world’s biggest names – artists such as Jeff Lorber, Roy Ayers, Lulu (singer), The Jones Girls, Take That, Jazz Africa, Simply Red, Joey Negro and M People.  A musical talent borne of the 1980 jazz music genre, Mike Parlett performs at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Jazz Café, Café Royal, the Royal Albert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and many other establishments both in the UK and US.

And now, on New Year’s Day, Parlett will be performing at the Wave Sunday Brunch at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, adding his own sound of pop fusion jazz (or “Smooth jazz”) to the ambiance.  How lucky is that?

By all accounts, all The Wave Sunday Brunches have been a huge success.  If you missed it so far, by chance, just take a look at this video from a recent November Sunday Brunch, and get an idea of what all the buzz is about…:

And when you are there, consider the possibilities surrounding this brunch. Come back the following week, not just for the brunch, but for the whole Weekend Brunch package, which includes, for a limited time only — a Saturday night stay in a luxurious Executive Suite, an opportunity to laze around the serene pool and, of course, partake in the scrumptious Sunday Brunch — for only $329. (Complimentary parking included, of course.)

It may be a bit indulgent, but then again why not?  It’s really hard to resist…

Wuhan, the most populous city in Central China, (eight million residents) is situated in the middle of the Hubei Province.  It is also one of the most ancient cities in China, with a rich culture and distinct customs. Scenically, it is impressive with the giant Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), the world’s third longest river, and the Han River passing through it.

Yet today it is a modern metropolis—a transportation hub for air, railway as well as ferry traffic, equidistant from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It is also a commercial centre of finance, industry, trade and science and an intellectual centre, boasting several major scientific, technological and educational institutions.

When venturing out to visit Wuhan, either for its historical beauty or for the business opportunities waiting to be explored, be sure to stay at the New World Wuhan Hotel, with 327 guestrooms, centrally located in the Hankou Business District.  It features the kind of pampering service, attention, and amenities that will make your trip to this remote area, a memorable one. Regardless of what brings you to China, and whatever level of luxury you seek, the Wuhan Hotel delivers—whether it’s a Deluxe Room with floor to ceiling windows and a grocery shopping service, or a Presidential Suite with exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge, Poolside Garden view and fully equipped kitchen—the New World Wuhan Hotel takes hospitality to new heights.

Take your time when you arrive at the hotel before you venture out after your travels to this remote region. First, indulge in a warm bath in your marble bathroom, slip into your plush bathrobe and treat yourself to room service. Once you feel rejuvenated, consider a game of tennis in the hotel’s floodlit court, or head to the 22-meter outdoor swimming pool to practice your butterfly stroke, then finish this round of stress reduction in the steam room and sauna. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to The Cafe and watch a master chef prepare your meal at live cooking stations right in front of you. Then head out to the streets where you can find lively and impromptu folk music, night markets, flowering Chinese cabbages, rice wine, and lots of eager and friendly hosts.

When you’re ready to explore Wuhan, put on your walking shoes and head over to Jiqing Street to catch the more than 300 unique folk performers. Indulge in the local love for soup by trying the lotus root and pork chop soup, then visit the Guiyuan Temple and the Hubei Provincial Museum for a glimpse into the deep historical roots of the city and its people. Stop by the Yellow Crane Tower—one of Wuhan’s most famous. The roof was constructed with 100,000 yellow glazed tiles resembling a yellow crane about to take flight. Legend has it that the tower was built by a family in gratitude to a Taoist priest who had drawn a crane that could dance on request.

If shopping is on your agenda, then head to the Wuhan World Trade Plaza, Wuhan Plaza, and “the walking street,” HanJiangLu, with over 200 shops. Browse through hundreds of Wuhan souvenirs, or visit the high-end luxury stores, or pick some of that special turquoise that is the pride of local jewelers.

But if you are all about doing business, then know that the New World Wuhan Hotel puts you right in the heart of where the financial  “action” is. You will also be in close proximity to the airport, the railway station, and the Wuhan International Exhibition and Convention Center and have access to superior business facilities with dedicated secretarial support, Internet access and, of most importance, excellent translators.

As the famous Chinese proverb says, “One time seen is better than one hundred times heard about.” So, go see for yourself.

The City of San Francisco has an endearing charm that fascinates, inspires and grips the heart. Tony Bennett’ famous song said it just right, “I left my heart in San Francisco,” and so do all who come…

Many who have fallen for the City by the Bay—Mark Twain, Tony Bennett, Otis Redding, John Lennon, Duke Ellington, and Oscar Wilde, to name a few, have all written about the city’s inescapable allure. Author William Saroyan captures the enthralling nature of San Francisco best: “No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living…Every block is a short story, every hill a novel. Every home a poem…”

When you finally give in to the city’s inescapable draw and find yourself in San Francisco, book your stay at the stylish boutique Hotel Griffon, for it offers a quintessential San Francisco experience. Voted “Best Boutique Hotel” and “Best 24 Hour Getaway” by San Francisco Magazine, Hotel Griffon, (62 guest rooms and suites) is situated along the trendy Embarcadero waterfront and offers astounding views of San Francisco’s Bay front.

Not enough can be said about San Francisco, whether you are in town for business or pleasure.  The city lights up your senses: sights—when you take in the breathtaking views from the Golden Gate Bridge; sounds—try a night at the Opera, Symphony or hot jazz club; tastes—browse  through Fisherman’s Wharf, try a delectable clam chowder in a fresh sourdough bread bowl and then make your way to Ghirardelli Square, where you will arguably find the best hot chocolate of your life; experience a cable car ride to Lombard Street (best known as the steepest street in the world); or take a walk across Union Square—the ultimate shopper’s destination, and then head over to Chinatown for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

If it’s business that brings you to this glorious city, the Hotel Griffon, a certified green hotel, offers easy access to the Moscone Convention Center, AT&T Park, One Market Plaza, the Embarcadero Center, the Ferry Plaza, and the Yerba Buena Center. The hotel boasts a fully equipped business center with complimentary printing service, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, same-day laundry & dry-cleaning, complimentary town car service to the Financial District, and a top floor boardroom with private terrace, perfect for those decision-making deals.

And after a full day, whether spent in taking in San Francisco sights or participating in meetings, you may want to first indulge in some rest and relaxation (a warm bath with the Eco-friendly bath amenities) and then try Perry’s restaurant & bar on the Embarcadero, famous for their prime steaks and hamburgers, followed by nite caps at some of the city’s best local jazz clubs and the not-to-be-missed Bi-Rite ice cream.

In the words of Walter Cronkite, “Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.”  Just don’t forget the linger part — and plan an extra day or two…

You would not have believed the large crowd of Barbie fans that came out in droves on the rooftop of the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel for the Barbie™ Rocks Holiday Party on Sunday! It was an event that featured the unveiling of a never before seen diamond-encrusted Barbie® doll.

The dazzling creation valued at $150,000 is the first diamond Barbie® doll created for the Barbie™ Rocks jewelry line. It took more than 100 hours to perfect the diamond settings on the iconic original Barbie® doll bathing suit. Made of 18Kt white gold, the bathing suit sparkles with more than 2000 black and white diamonds. The doll’s famous look is completed with diamond high-heeled sandals, a diamond bracelet and diamond earrings.

In celebration of the jeweled Barbie® doll, celebrity mothers and daughters attended the exclusive, invite-only Barbie™ Rocks Holiday Party, which featured a specially designed Barbie Rocks Mercedes Benz convertible, live performances and sweet treats. It also included manicures, colored hair extensions, and make up for little Barbie fans and great jewelry shopping presented by Beverly Hills jewelers Alan and Layna Friedman accompanied with delicious pomegranate martinis for the adult Barbie fans in attendance.

The attending celebrity stars at the party shined as bright as the sun bouncing off the hotel’s rooftop and the diamond-encrusted Barbie® doll. The event featured celebrity Barbie fans such as Shannen Doherty, Eva LaRue (CSI Miami), and Madison De La Garza (Desperate Housewives), among others.

If you still haven’t seen the breathtaking one-of-a-kind diamond-encrusted Barbie® doll, you still have time to catch her. She will be on display in the lobby of the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel until January 2, 2012. So head over to Rodeo Drive, take in some shopping, then stop by the hotel for a pink cocktail and a glimpse of the dazzling Barbie doll before she heads off to her next destination.

Word has it that Ken is getting lonely…