Bare pool lounge at The Mirage, The Light Group’s exclusive adult alternative to the typical Las Vegas pool experience, opens for the season Thursday, March 13.

The ultimate in poolside pampering, Bare is defined by its two luxury dipping pools, distinctive contemporary ambiance and ultra VIP service for which The Light Group is renowned. The DJ-spun music mix sets the party mood as guests enjoy European-style sun bathing secluded by towering palms.

Private Daybeds and Cabanas on the main level ensure a luxurious stay while poolside chaise lounges put guests in the middle of all the action. A raised VIP section, overlooking the entire experience, is lined with umbrella-covered daybeds and features a glass infinity-edged pool. European-style bottle service and exclusive pitcher service is offered with made-to-order cocktails such as Mojitos, Bloody Marys and Sangria. Classic and specialty frozen drinks offer a cool respite from the warm desert day. A menu of sumptuous specialty food items and cocktail service is available throughout the pool area.

VIP service is the standard at Bare. The attentive and attractive staff mix with the clientele, and Daybed and Cabana guests are indulged with complimentary services including: chilled cucumbers to soothe the eyes; iced towels, rolled and chilled in lemon flavored water; and Evian misting bottles, super-chilled and ready to spritz. A massage therapist also is on location offering poolside massages upon request (fee).

Bare is available for private events seven nights a week for groups up to 550 people. A newly installed glass pool cover instantly transforms Bare’s pool into a remarkable see-through dance floor.

Beginning March 13, Bare will be open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. As of May 1, it will be open 7 days a week. Admission charge Thursday and Monday: $10 for women, $30 for men. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: $20 for women and $40 for men. Local ladies are always complimentary with valid ID. Guests must be 21 years of age.

The Balmoral’s two award winning restaurants, number one and Hadrian’s have kicked off 2008 on a high, with both restaurants launching brand new exciting menu concepts for the coming year. In addition number one is celebrating after winning the “Fine Dining Experience” Award at last night’s inaugural Scottish Restaurant Awards 2008.

The number one team collected the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony at the EICC last night. The awards, which were launched this year, recognise the creativity, outstanding customer service and top quality dining that is on offer throughout Scotland.

The judging panel agreed that number one restaurant offered its customers the ultimate sophisticated dining experience. All three finalists in the category were considered to be trend-setters as opposed to followers, offering clients the best of inventive gourmet food.

On the back of this great news, Executive Chef Jeff Bland and number one’s Head Chef, Craig Sandle are delighted to introduce a brand new “Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu”. This new menu is designed to be a truly affordable way to enjoy Michelin starred cuisine. Priced at only £38.50 per person, the three course menu has been selected by The Chef to represent the best local and seasonal produce available and will be offered on Sunday to Thursday nights throughout March. Highlights of the “Chef’s Seasonal Menu” include Leek and Truffle Ravioli with Potato Confit and Perthshire Pheasant, Lentil and Madeira Jus. Jeff Bland has also unveiled a brand new individually priced À La Carte menu, the highlights of which will feature in the ever popular Chef’s Tasting Menu, £60.00 per person.

The Balmoral’s relaxed and stylish Hadrian’s Brasserie has also launched a brand new Prix Fixe Menu which will change on a monthly basis and showcase the best Scottish produce around. The menu will be offered at lunch and dinner, with lunch prices starting from £12.95 for two courses. Highlights of the menu include Smoked Cullen Haddock Tartlet, Supreme of Scottish Salmon with Peas à la Française and Roast Loin of Scottish Pork.

Jeff Bland, The Balmoral’s Michelin-starred Executive Chef said: “The Balmoral’s restaurants have had one of their most successful years yet, winning eight accolades in 2007. I am delighted that 2008 has got off to such a great start with the “Fine Dining Experience Award”. We are looking forward to another exciting year with a great selection of brand new menus reflecting the passion and enthusiasm our restaurant teams and Chefs have for the fabulous, seasonal produce we have right here on our doorstep in Scotland.

Located in the heart of Chicago, the dog friendly Amalfi Hotel has to be one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever visited. Though not considered a 5-star hotel, the service, décor and amenities exceed that of the 5-star hotels I have stayed. The only thing that is holding them back from a 5 star rating is their lack of a pool, but with so much to do in Chicago who needs a pool? I’m not alone in this opinion, compare the Yahoo Rating and Trip Advisor rating of the Amalfi compared with that of the Bellagio, it blows them away! Voted one of the best hotels in Chicago here’s why -

During a holiday family trip to Chicago, my husband and I brought our dog Bellatrix the Amalfi. We arrived a bit earlier then check-in but they friendly front desk checked us in early in to a stylish two room suite with a great view. Because we were early they weren’t quite ready for Bellatrix but quickly sent up an adorable doggy couch with matching food and water bowls. Though Bellatrix preferred the king sized bed to the doggy bed, because of its beautiful view of the Chicago skyline.

 After settling in we took our dog to Millennium Park which was less then 10 blocks from the Hotel. Come to find out dogs aren’t allowed in Millennium park but they are OK with them on the outskirts. We took turns looking at The Cloud Gate (better known as Chicago’s Bean) and walking the dog around the edge. Then we returned to the hotel to get ready for dinner. The water pressure in the shower was great!

For dinner we walked the dog to the world famous Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria which was only five blocks from the hotel. We brought the food back to the hotel. Before heading back to our room, we stopped by the lounge on to the top floor for complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. They had a very nice selection of wines for me and diverse beer selection for my husband. The hors d’oeuvres kept with the Amalfi Coast theme and were traditional Italian dishes such as Bruschetta and Prosciutto. The lounge style was a chic design, similar to the rest of the Hotel and featured ambient lighting, relaxing music and a very friendly staff.

The huge difference between the Amalfi and other luxury hotels is they don’t nickel and dime you. Just because you can afford a nice hotel, doesn’t mean you want to overpay for everything. The Amalfi understands with complimentary services! Yes that’s right - A luxury hotel that offers things for FREE. Such as complimentary breakfast, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and no charge for your pet regardless of its size!

Abandoning the idea that hotel meeting facilities have to be customary, sleek Hotel Diva, a member of the Personality Hotels collection, unveils a completely renovated meeting room and business center full of inspiration. Custom-designed by Bay Area designers, both rooms reflect Hotel Diva’s cutting-edge style and are styled to inspire and ignite creativity.

Designed by renowned Architect/Designer T. Olle Lundberg, CEO and Founder of San Francisco-based Lundberg Design, the Hotel Diva Meeting Room features a black and sepia color scheme and is outfitted with highly textured charcoal grey carpet tiles, a custom-designed golden onyx and steel under-lit buffet by Lundberg Design, Carre modular tables in rich cherry wood and brushed stainless steel, “cornflake” chairs upholstered in felted wool, artwork by Carol LaBarge and lighting by Artimide, EOS and Starship. Two of the walls have been sculpted in a dramatic wave pattern to add texture and drama to the room, while the onyx buffet is lit from below, casting a dramatic golden hue over the entire room. A large flat screen television and projection screen complete the room.

Just off the meeting room, the outside “Breathing Room” has been refinished in a deep espresso color and features a sleek cobalt blue bench, cube seating and a Frank Gehry arm chair, all by Design Within Reach. Adding freshness, green plants are placed throughout the outdoor area in large modern metal planters. An eight-foot white “Vessel” pottery sculpture installation, consisting of five, eight-foot curvilinear ceramic “poles” attached to a base serves as an imaginative focal point.

Designed by Kevin McPhee, the B&N Industries Business Center is styled with modern, custom-made furniture including a long walnut desk (equipped with two computers, a printer and office supplies), a glass conference table with a metal base, and walnut Cherner chairs. Elson bubble lamps are suspended at varying heights from the ceiling, and walnut Iconic wall paneling and palm green Flor carpet tiles complement the room. B&N Industries, located in Burlingame, Calif., is an innovative designer and manufacturer of fresh, fun, and functional products for the retail, architectural, and consumer industries.

Planning a meeting can be very stressful, especially when mini-emergences happen at the last minute. Here to the rescue is Personality Hotels’ “Emergency Resources Kit” (“ER Kit” for short), which includes everything a meeting planner could need - from a stapler and staples, to poster adhesive and cough drops. The “ER Kit” is complimentary when the meeting room is reserved at Hotel Diva, The Maxwell Hotel or Kensington Park Hotel. The “ER Kit” is also available for purchase for $100, excluding tax.

London is home to over 70,000 hotel rooms. Which ones do the celebrities choose while in town? Which ones are the most expensive? You are about to find out!

The hotel is located next to some of the most exclusive shopping in the world, including Harrads and the renowned Harvey Nichols. The most exclusive rooms at the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel are the Penthouse Suites, which offer 360° of luxury.

The world famous Italian Label, Gucci will open its biggest retail store in the world this Friday in New York City. To celebrate, Madonna will be hosting a star packed party, tonight, on the lawn of the UN in Turtle Bay and will be co-hosted by celebs Sarah Jessica Parker and Salma Hayek. Gucci will be donating the party proceeds to UNICEF and Raising Malawi. The party will feature musical performances by Madonna, Alicia Keys, Timbaland and Rihanna, as well as an auction of super luxurious items presented by Chris Rock.

The mega-store or flagship store, located at 725 Fifth Avenue New York City, will feature three glass-enclosed floors of yummy Gucci products. The décor keeps in line with Gucci’s chic style and was exclusively created by Gucci’s Creative Directory Frida Giannini. While celebrity architect, James Carpenter, utilized the space’s natural light to provide an ambience perfect for spending money.

A-List Stars with a passion for fashion and heart of gold are sure to be in attendance at this charitable event and Hotels of the Rich and Famous has acquired the guest list. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Adrien Brody, François-Henri Pinault, Sting and Trudie Styler, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Arpad Busson, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni and Lucy Liu have all RSVPed and what’s a fashion party in NYC without appearances from Paris, Ashley and Mary Kate!

The Fashion Icon’s Superstore will open this Friday February 8th, for more information check out their NYC website http://www.guccilovesny.com.