USA Water Polo Player, Thomas Hopkins, recently made an appearance at The Newport Beachside Hotel where he autographed water polo balls for hotel guests. Hopkins is a member of the USA Men’s National Water Polo team, and participated in the Pan American Games in 2007 winning a gold medal, qualifying the US for the Olympic games!
After being in business for over 30 years this family-friendly hotel has finally received a well deserved makeover and is now the perfect vacation stay for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be in the mix. The updates include plasma TV’s in the rooms, a redesigned restaurant and banquet hall and a newly tiled and furnished pool. There are also plans to build a spa in 2010. Since the Newport Beachside is always booked, management decided not to close down the hotel and opted to do improvements by sections instead. Although it may not be directly on Ocean Drive, it is centrally located within 15 minutes of everything. This hotel is for the bargain hunter who wants to save their money for the glitz and glam of South Beach nightlife, and for those who plan annual family vacations.
Room rate: $100–$200 per night
It is that time of year again, when cupidshoots his arrow hoping to catch those under a love-stricken spell. For generations, Valentine’s Day has created the aura of intimacy, love and heart-felt gift giving. On Wednesday, February 11, 2009 (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.), Kitchen 305 will honor the tradition by calling singles and couples alike to embrace the Hallmark holiday by shopping down lover’s lane. Enjoy live music, sip on complimentary Love Potion cocktails and indulge with pink cotton candy while perusing the love-themed, fashion and beauty trunk shows. Keep an eye out for the pink and red merchandise which donates a percentage of sales to the American Heart Association. Moroccan-themed Casbah Spa in Fort Lauderdale will showcase gifts from Eminence, oneof their most popular organic skin care lines, and tease tense shoulders with complimentary massages. If that doesn’t relax you, purchase a gift certificate for your significant other to experience the Tantra ($165), a simultaneous massage for two with aromatherapy love potions by candlelight. With love on the mind, GBS, The Beauty Store will showcase the new Kama Sutra collection of edible body souffles, aromatherapy oils, honey dusting powders, massage paints and bath gels in fun, delectable flavors such as chocolate mint and strawberries dipped in champagne. A professional GBS make-up artist will also provide complimentary makeovers to maximize your love-filled evening. Inspirational tees and tanks by Destiny Bodywear provoke awakening to the possibilities of relationships and love by posing the question, “what is your destiny?” and answering it with “my destiny is love” and “my destiny is romance” affirmations. Special for the day, designer Wendy Blum showcases red and pink Valentine’s Day inspired tees in creamy, soft bamboo cottons with rhinestones. For the fashionistas, designer Austin Jade will showcase her new spring 2009 collection of signature women’s silk chiffon blouses and dresses, perfect for honeymooners and romantic getaways.
With those pesky finals finished, the only thing left to study is advanced tanning. Coeds are swarming our shores for a few weeks worth of debauchery. Victoria’s Secret took over The Raleigh pool Wednesday for its second annual Rally at The Raleigh, three hours of games and skimpy fashion hosted by Vanessa Minello, Brody Jenner and local favorite DJ Irie.
MTV takes over hosting duties, teaming up with Tila Tequila to shoot at Sunny Isles’ Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort. Who knew Sunny Isles was such a spring break hot spot? What’s next, Boca?
