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…

The holidays are a time to gather around family, eat delicious treats and listen to festive songs. But it’s also a prime travel and shopping season—so why not be super-efficient and accomplish both in one fell swoop?

Now you can. Enjoy special room rates and perks in the best shopping cities around the world at participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels. Over 40 Luxe Worldwide Hotels are offering holiday travelers who love to shop wonderful holiday packages to help make this season fun and affordable for all.

Pack your bags and head for the top shopping destinations of Paris, London, New York City, Spain, Los Angeles and beyond. Visit the boutiques of Rodeo Drive, the Champs-Elysees, SoHo, Portal d’Angel, or La Mercerie for some unforgettable travel and shopping adventures.

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you can enjoy the best holiday destinations and shop to your heart’s content by booking a stay at one of these participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels.

Hotel Griffon—San Francisco, CA

Includes complimentary town car service Mon-Fri 7 am—11 am, daily complimentary coffee and tea, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, twice daily housekeeping, complimentary parking, Westfield San Francisco Centre VIP Passport to Savings booklet which includes discounts to over 50 retail outlets and free shipping on purchases of USD $100 or more at Nordstrom; 10 day supply of foundation of your choice at Bare Escentuals; free hair care consultation and hair care products at Aveda; USD $50 off a USD $200 purchase at Juicy Couture; and 15% off at Kate Spade. Valid until December 30, 2011. Black Out Dates: November 29 – December 1 and December 6-9, 2011.

Rates starting from: USD $194.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Wine Country Inn—Palisade, CO

Includes continental breakfast, wine tasting at Mesa Mall, and a Shopper’s Delight gift bag (exchange your shopping voucher at customer service for a Shoppers Delight gift bag which includes a USD $25 Mesa Mall gift card that can be used at any of the stores and restaurants, a coupon for a free personalized ornament, a coupon for a free 4 X 6 Photo with Santa, and several coupons for special discounts at stores such as Cabelas, Herberger’s, The Children’s Place, The Gap and others (one voucher per package). Valid until December 24, 2011.

Rates starting from: USD $127 + taxes.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Hotel Arioso—Paris, France

Includes breakfast, a 10% off shopping voucher for the Galeries Lafayette shopping mall, a 15 minute relaxing massage (not available on Sunday), Internet, and evening tea in front of the fireplace or in your room. Valid until January 30, 2012. Black Out Dates: December 28-31, 2011 and January 20-24, 2012.

Rates start at EUR 185 (minimum 2-night stay; must be booked 6 days prior to arrival date).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Hotel Royal San Marco—Venice, Italy

Get a complimentary room upgrade, plus daily breakfast, a bottle of Italian sparkling wine and free minibar. Enjoy a transfer to the island of Murano by private motorboat, a two-hour tour of kilns and local glasswork (departs from San Marco from 9 am to 2 pm, open return by public boatbus). Valid until December 31, 2011.

Rates start at EUR 95 (minimum 2-night stay required).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Eurostars BCN Design—Barcelona, Spain

Includes BCN Christmas shopping card with discounts for shopping on a range of men’s and women’s international brands. Valid until December 19, 2011. Black Out Dates: November 29, 2011.

Rates start at EUR 104.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Sapporo Grand Hotel—Sapporo, Japan

Includes JPY 500 Starbucks gift card per guest per stay.

Valid until December 29, 2011.

Black Out Dates: December 24, 2011.

Rates start at JPY 19000 (taxes included).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

We should forewarn you—you’ll likely need to pack some extra luggage for all the shopping you’ll do…or pack light and buy a whole new wardrobe at your destination!

For a full list of participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels, please click here.

*All rates are subject to availability at each individual property

By all accounts, Los Angeles is the preferred getaway destination for those in search of perpetual sunshine and the ultimate urban experience. LA has long been admired for its alluring beaches, sunshine and shopping. It offers a direct route to Hollywood, undiluted fun in the sun — and all that is aesthetically pleasing.

As you head west in search of that year-round summer sun, do yourself a favor and check out (and into) the new Hotel Wilshire, which epitomizes California cool.

A stunning, contemporary, green boutique hotel, the Hotel Wilshire is an eco-friendly LEED Certified hotel located in the epicenter of Los Angeles.  It features 74 beautiful boutique hotel rooms with spa-style bathrooms, flat screen HD LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, luxurious bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and breathtaking views. The smoke-free environment, modern design and relaxing California vibe of this eco-friendly hotel make even the most sinful trip to LA a little less guilt-inducing.

If you’re in LA simply for the pleasure of it all, here are some hints of what and where to go: for shopping adventures, head to Beverly Hills, Melrose and Robertson Boulevard, where you will find one-of-a-kind designs in fashion and in collectibles.  If it is art and culture you are seeking, just know that you have arrived in the “Creative Capital of the World,” where the abundance of museums and galleries rival some of the world’s renowned art centers. As an example, it is only a short walk from the hotel to the famed Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art.  Or go on a star search on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take in Chinatown, catch a show at the Kodak Theatre or grab a picnic and head to the Hollywood Bowl for a live concert.

When you need to recoup from the day’s adventures, drop your shopping bags off in your room and find your way to your own personal cabana where you can relax your feet and lazily sip a tropical cocktail by the stunning rooftop pool.

If business brings you to LA, the hotel is conveniently located next to the Downtown Financial District and offers a fully equipped business center with laptop stations. Let’s just say your business acquaintances won’t be refusing any ‘required’ brainstorming meetings in one of the hotel’s conference rooms or some “diplomatic” invites to the rooftop bar.

When night falls, enjoy the delectable American cuisine at The Roof on Wilshire restaurant, featuring the savory creations of celebrity chef Eric Greenspan. Take in the incomparable rooftop views of the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles cityscape while enjoying a cocktail by the outdoor fire-pit. Cozy up to your sweetheart, your newly wooed business client, or 50 of your closest friends—LA’s beautiful crowd.

If you need a ready excuse to buy your ticket and book your room, consider this: the Hotel Wilshire grand opening special features rooms starting at only $189!  It’s impossible to resist the pull of this magnetic city…The City of Angels is calling.

What do your Sundays look like? Sleeping in, reading the paper, and burned pancakes? If Sunday brunch at your house has become lackluster, why not head over to the LA brunch hot spot everyone is buzzing about—the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel where your Sunday will immediately get jazzed—guaranteed, and here’s why:

Beginning Sunday, November 6th, the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel and 94.7 The Wave will partner to bring Southern California residents and visitors an unforgettable, Sunday Jazz Brunch experience (from 11am—3 pm weekly). The brunch, hosted by The Wave personality Talaya Trigueros, will feature live, weekly performances.

Located at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, an urban retreat featuring seven acres of lush, pristine property perfectly perched at the intersection of Brentwood and Bel Air, you’ll savor a Sunday Brunch that never tasted so good.

This musical and culinary experience features a delectable menu prepared by Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel Executive Chef, Olivier Rousselle. The Sunday Brunch buffet includes an omelet station, seafood display, sauté station, salad bar, and refreshments. Eat roasted prime ribs au jus, shrimp ceviche, seasonal oysters with mignonette sauce, fresh crepes, and pancakes to your heart’s delight—and top it off with a peach Bellini!

It’s a must, where locals and visitors mingle…make your reservations for The Wave Sunday Brunch today (310- 691-7584).

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or planning a day-cation, it’s easy to use this as an entre to a mischievously hedonistic day. To continue this indulgent start of a Sunday, you might want to head over to the close-by Getty Center and indulge in another form of beauty –art — and then round it up with a drive down Pacific Coast Highway to treat your eyes to the best sun-drenched scenery you can imagine.

Cambria, California is a picturesque seaside village along scenic Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Cambria includes the famous Hearst Castle and is home to some of California’s best gourmet food and wines.

Voted one of 20 “best beach getaways” in 2011 by Sunset Magazine, no escape to Cambria would be complete without a stay at El Colibri Boutique Hotel and Spa.

“El Colibri,” which means “hummingbird” in Spanish, is a 34-room boutique hotel and spa that offers guests an ideal retreat for rejuvenating mind, body and soul. This eco-friendly, dog friendly, and completely smoke-free hotel is a gem that makes for the perfect weekend getaway when you need an escape.

Designed in the spirit of wellness and tranquility, El Colibri features a cozy fireplace, flat screen HDTV, marble floors, and deep soaking tub in each guestroom, complementary continental breakfast, wireless internet, and a spirited lobby wine bar with wine tastings and live music.

The hotel is nestled along California’s coast, nearby the famed Hearst Castle. Now a National Historic Landmark mansion, Hearst Castle was formerly the home of newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst and a coveted playground for the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Franklin Roosevelt.

If you’re a sun worshiper — and beach bumming is what you’re after, El Colibri features a literal pathway to breathtaking Moonstone beach. It is also conveniently located near the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, Pasa Robles Wine Country, and the boutique shops along Main Street.

After a long day of whale watching, hiking, kayaking in the Pacific Ocean and wine tasting, hand yourself over to the full-service Colibri Spa for a rejuvenating hot stone massage and a relaxing repose in the Jacuzzi.

After your stay at El Colibri, you’ll agree that this little hotel lives up to its name — hummingbirds are the tiniest birds in the world, but also some of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful.

Paris has been called many things—the City of Lights, the City of Love…

Whatever you call it, Paris has an indisputable and irresistible charm that lures thousands of travelers each year.  It was a lure to some of our legendary figures, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Oscar Wilde, Josephine Baker, Mark Twain, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Allen Ginsberg. Aside from the fact that this famed city contains 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sights, it is the joie de vivre of Parisian life that captivates and charms.

When Paris tempts and you want to inhale the city in all its splendor, Hotel Lumen is the ideal Parisian home base. This delightful boutique hotel is perfectly situated among the city’s main attractions, and features a distinctive Neo-Baroque style.  It is a perfect marriage of tranquility and modernity, elegance and comfort. Enjoy an in-room massage, room service, free wi-fi, satellite TV, limousine service and the exceptional attention provided by its multilingual staff.

Take pleasure in the breathtaking views of the Church of Saint Roch and the Rue des Pyramides from your balcony or while lounging on stunning furniture designed by Caludio Colucci and Giuseppe Chierchia. Follow the aroma of white truffle risotto to the famous on-site Oscar restaurant, before a minute’s walk to the Louvre, the Opera House, or the metro —which will rapidly bring you to the lively Latin Quarter or the lovely cafes of Montmarte.

If romance is what brings you to Paris, then make your way from the hotel to Le mur des je t’aime (Wall of Love) inscribed with the words “I love you” in over 311 languages, steal a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower, hop onto a riverboat along the Seine and ride under the Point-Marie (“bridge of lovers”), where legend has it, that your wish for eternal love will be granted if you kiss under this historic bridge!

If you’re looking to savor the fashion and art scene that Paris epitomizes, then a short walk from the hotel will find you among the boutiques on Rue Saint Honore and Rue Royale, the Palais Royal, the famed Avenue des Champs Elysee, the Musee d’ Orsay.

When it comes time to bid farewell to this magical city, the light and love that envelop Paris will remain vivid memories. As Ernest Hemingway noted, once you visit Paris, you will always have it with you, for it is “a moveable feast”.

Sydney, Australia’s beautiful waterfront city, was just voted as travelers’ number one favorite city in the 2011 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards. This wasn’t a small town popularity contest—more than eight million votes were cast in the awards based on criteria that included ambience, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, culture, sight-seeing and shopping. Yes, that’s a lot to live up to, but Sydney won.

While all of us had teenage dreams of living in another city at one point in our lives, we somehow never got around to it. Maybe Sydney was part of that dream. But whatever might bring you today—just be forewarned that you may never want to leave.

If authentic Sydney life is what you’re after, then you need look no further than the Harbourside Apartments. Luxury apartment living in Sydney no longer need be a distant, picturesque dream. The Harbourside Apartments, North Sydney’s only waterfront executive and family-friendly accommodations, indulge all of your deepest desires. Removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, but in the heart of the best that Sydney has to offer, Harbourside offers 82 fully-serviced and self-contained two bedroom, one bedroom and studio apartments. Amenities include a waterfront swimming pool and barbeque recreation area, baby-sitting service, daily housekeeping, grocery shopping service, and fully-equipped kitchen.

Whether you’re in Sydney for a week-long family vacation, a two month sabbatical, or a three day business trip, Harbourside Apartments meld the comforts of home with the luxuries and sights that earned Sydney its reputation as Australia’s leading tourism and events city. Just outside your window are breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney City Skyline, the Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, and North Sydney. A short ferry ride away you’ll find the Taronga Zoo, the Rocks, Chinatown, and Manly Beach.

So when you suddenly find yourself giddy with joy, riding on the back of a jetty across the Sydney Harbour, or reclining in a lounge chair watching the sun set across the water, it may feel like a dream but its pure, undiluted life—at its best.

The next time you’re getting restless in your own city and stir-crazy in your own home, throw caution to the wind and head for stunning Sydney.