Here are some photos I took of my most amazing escapes…..
MIAMI, FLA – OCT 2011
I went to Miami this October for the big annual Goldwell Color Zoom hair show. I have been a part of this event for 7 years now heading up the makeup team, occasionally styling the entire show and sometimes presenting on stage. We stayed at the fabulous Fontainbleau Hotel which I also stayed at in January of this year. It is definitely the most happening lobby bars in Miami. The place goes off every Thurs, Fri, Sat. This happens to be my 7th trip to Miami. I was here in May for the Miami Swim Show. There’s something about being in a beach town that has the excitement and entertainment value of a big city with the juxtaposition of Europeans with cash and crazy, trashy US style. Plus the bonus of beautiful, hot, sunny weather and super warm ocean water. Miami has so much to participate in and is great people watching. The food is fabulous in so many restaurants it’s hard to pick a favorite. I have to say that Hakasaan in the Fontainbleau has a reason why it’s so hard to get a reso. The food is spectacular. Not to mention other great spots like Prime Italian, Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian Hotel and the classic China Grill. The best store to shop in for high end edgy brands and unbelievable architecture is called Alchemist found at the very end of Lincoln Rd mall on the 5th floor of the outdoor parking lot. I nearly sent out a search party to find it. Don’t miss Bal Harbor for chi chi shopping to catch up on the latest designer looks. All you get on Ocean Drive is blinged out everything from shoes, belts, hats, jeans and even bikinis. Word to the wise, unless you want to get caught in a live, all weekend long rap music video…do not travel to SB during Hip Hop Memorial Day weekend. Been there done that.
HAVANA, CUBA MAY 2011
I went to Habana, Cuba for the reason I have always longed to go………to shoot. A dozen of us went to create a cinematic music video that is about to hit the charts big time. The crew were all a very cool, young, artistic and fabulously energetic team. We shot for three long grueling days all over Havana. Places like the beach, a museum, LaGuardida, the Rotunda, Central Park, the streets and a seedy little Cuban club. Such an amazing way to discover this city of juxtaposition of beauty and poverty. The paint on the buildings expose every decade with every colorful layer. You hear beeps and buzzing of the Coco taxis all around you as a 40′s Model T Ford in lime green comes hurling by you with ten family members inside. This is where they make Mojitos properly and dance like they were born doing it. Cuban music is playing in the cars, on the streets and in the tiny impoverished homes where they stand outside with a menu and invite you in to make a home cooked meal for money. You may have to join in with grandma and the four children in the tiny 200 sq foot abode. You are safe here. I guess that’s one Communism benefit: fear of breaking the law. The weather was scorching in the mid 30′s everyday except one where we got a small break of rain. Don’t go to Cuba for the food, or the 5 star service. Go to Havana to discover the people, the culture and the architecture. Come back inspired and thankful for what you’ve got.
BARBADOS
These are a few shots from my trip last May to Barbados. I will be going back on Saturday ! The beaches there are so beautiful. We stayed in a 10,000 sq ft plantation home on a cliff with two private beaches on either side. It’s close to the Crane beach which is a high end hotel. The sand varies from champage to pink and its soft like brown sugar. It’s very windy on the Crane side. We had a great day on Miami beach on the calm side of the island. Go check out that truck that sells fried conch and super potent rum punch. Just don’t have more than two if you need to remember your name !!
BAHAMAS, ANDROS ISLAND
Kamalame is a beautiful resort on Andros Island just a puddle jump away from Bahamas. A short 15 minute flight takes you to this large sparse island of beautiful crystal clear water and pale sand. I’ve had two separate trips there. It the kind of vacation that you want to relax and hang out by the pool or your own private beach front, have fantastic gourmet meals and just chill. There are many different types of accomodations from the fully equipped cottages with wet bar and big bathrooms to full beach houses that sleep 6 or more with complete separate living quarters on both sides of the house. I had one of the best new years ever on the beach with champagne, live band, dj, 6 foot bonfires and fireworks. That’s the way to start the new year !