Ultimate London Insider Guide

London over the past few years as firmly cemented itself as one of the ultimate partying destinations in the world with the Russian's, Saudi & Eastern Europe's new money helping the cause. Million dollar cars, champagne wars and glamourous models straight off the runway is a usual nightly fixture in the gold streets of London's member club culture. Without the right advice on which night is the 'In' place to be you could find yourself drinking alone. With some of the best clubs in the world on show, you need to know what your doing!  Here is a little taster of how we would roll it! 

So to begin:

London's Killer Restaurants:

ZUMA -perhaps the most in demand restaurant in London, Sushi and very cool.

CIPRIANI'S (now 'C') A place to see and be seen Italian in the heart of Mayfair

HAKKASAN -Pan Asian food, incredible selection and popular with the those in know & one recently opened in Mayfair

NOZOMI -Our favourite for a pre club dinner, incredible Sushi, very fashionable crowds and an upbeat vibe

NOBU -It has to be on there. Still one of the coolest hard to get in restaurants at the weekend

ROKA -Why is it most cool restaurants in London are Pan Asian? This is another classic

SKETCH -Extremely cool and quirky vibe from this Michelin Star restaurant

MoMo's -Incredible Morrocan restaurant in the heart of London, devine food and advance bookings required

AMAYA -If your after an Indian experience with a touch of panache then this is it!

SUMOSAN -a more romantic or fine dining affair for Sushi lovers in Mayfair

WOLSLEY -Good old fashioned English food in sumptuous opulent surroundings (great for Celeb spotting)

CHINA TANG -Amazing Chinese at the Dorchester

The hottest Clubs right now (In order & dependant on night). There are 120 clubs in Central London but the one's below are the pick of the crop for where you'll find the best crowds and glamorous experience. 

TRAMP -(You HAVE to be or be with a member to secure entry -One of Saturday's best night's)

THE BOX. -New York's provocative cabaret comes to London. Expect to take a mortgage out for a table.

LUXX -The hot newcomer with an incredible crowd, World class dj's and Ibiza vibe to this amazing restaurant/club


MADDOX -Tough door and tables sell quick from Wed -Saturday. Try the new Green Room

CUCKOO -Friday's & Saturday's are sensational and very high end eurotrash crowd

JALOUSE -A truly unique club in style, exceptional staff and in it's 3rd successful year, one of the best! 


CIRQUE DU SOIR -The circus has come to town! What an amazing boutiqye club! 


WHISKY MIST -A celeb haunt and a world beating club with Marc Burton at the Helm 


BOUJIS -Been around for years and has a loyal following of high flyers every night of the week! Sunday-Tuesday strongest

CHINA WHITE - Their World Famous Brand & great team keep's this club in our top list

BROMPTON CLUB (Ask a friend and see whose a member as it is strictly just that)

RAFFLES -An intimate affair with Chelsea lovers on Friday's & Saturday's if you dont fancy the West End

*After 3am those who are worth there crust will know British Luxury Club (BLC) -recently moved to Tottenham Court Road, is where to continue until the early hours with the finest tunes in London. There is also The Valmont Club in Chelsea on Fulham Road, a great little number on Friday's.Then for late food - Marroush or Edgeware Road. 

Bars to be seen at

Sanderson Hotel Long Bar

Nobu Bar

Soho Hotel Bar

Soho House/Shoreditch House/Portland Place (members)

Collections & Eclipse in South Kensington

Sketch Bar

Connaught Hotel Bar

Butter & Honey -Soho

St Martin's Lane Hotel Bar

Along the Fulham/Kings Road some tasteful hideouts to drink in such as JuJu.

Something a little different

Supper Club -If you have yet to experience this in Amsterdam then do make an try this out.

Automat -Brunch here is fantastic and for the London crowds in the know. Book ahead

Dan's Le Noir -Eat in complete darkness (i'll let you mind run free on what could happen)

Le Vant -Belly Dancers, Moroccan food and shisha's -great fun & wonderful food

Blue Elephant Thai -A spectacular Thai restaurant with a stunning backdrop of flowers etc.

Beach Blanket Babylon -Notting Hill....a feast for you eyes with bizarre yet wonderful décor & staff

VQ's in Soho & Fulham Road for Open all night food and drinks... don't go here sober!

Nitrogen Ice Cream Parlour -Just opened in Camden & is the worlds first. Well worth seeing & tasting

Hotels 

Sanderson Hotel -trendy part of the Morgan Group

Mayfair Hotel -Sophisticated and superb location

Dorchester Hotel -Regal & for the super rich

Connaught Hotel - Quintessentially English & in the heart of Mayfair

The Langham -the only true 5+* hotel in London

Mandarin Oriental -A tough of class & Style & close to Harrods

St Martin's Lane -Trendy as the Morgan Group always are

Berkeley Hotel -Regal and great location

W Hotel -the new player in town

It doesn't get much better than that! 

www.TeamSpainNYC.com

New York City - The city that NEVER sleeps!

They say the Big Apple is the capital of the Western world and with that premise; many travelers from all over the globe go on a quest to explore New York's all encompassing charm. Having lived in New York for the past five years and with the pleasure of sending and hosting some of my most demanding VIP’s, I am pushed to produce a list of the very hottest and cool places to be right now, as well as offer access. Below is a locked down list that any one worth there crust should be thinking of going too.

New York's Killer restaurants (This is very hard to whittle down to a few as there are many)

The Waverly Inn –American Cuisine
Breslin – Ken Friedman and chef April Bloomfield inspiration 
The Standard Grill –American /Steak Traditional
Pastis –French Bistro in Meat Packing District
Beauty & Essex - Seafood Delight & super trendy
The Spotted Pig –British Gastro Food
Lure – Seafood/American Nouveau
Bobo –French at its’s finest
Abe & Arthur - American/Traditional
Sushi Yasuda - Japanese

Lounges to be seen in

Cipriani Bar

Bobo (downstairs for a crisp vodka/soda with limes) or the rooftop garden for oysters and rose.

Boom Boom Room -still the place to be seen
PH-D -The new pretty girl everyone wants to dance with.

Dreams Hotel
Mercer Hotel 
Gansevoort or Standard Hotel
Employees Only -best cocktails
Blue Ribbon Bar -wine bar
5 ninth 
Cooper Square –a cool little number

The hottest Clubs right now (In order of exclusiveness )

Day & Night  -Biggest European jetset champagne spraying brunch at the Oak Room, Plaza Hotel on Saturday Brunch's arguably the best party in NYC
LAVO Brunch -Saturday's the place to be seen
SL - A true european Boutique club, one of the best! 
Avenue - Tough door but stunning crowds & vibe 

Provocateur - Tough door - good house/electro
Lavo - Setting the trend arrival to NYC with a sister club in Vegas
RDV - Elegant and exclusive Euro basement lounge 

Le Bain - Top of the Standard with a diamond shaped jacuzzi in the club
1oak -standing the test of time!
Kiss & Fly - Great electro sets at the weekend

Something a little different

PDT - Please Dont Tell..Hot Dog diner that turns into a opulent Lounge. Simply Amazing experience
The Box -A provocative sensual and freaky evening out on Friday's
Little Branch -favorite little hole in the wall -giant block ice cubes and insane cocktails
Bagatelle’s -Saturday Brunch that turns into a fully fledged party with table service by 2pm -Insane
Milk & Honey -A funky little number to go for drinks on Sunday/Monday nights (One just opened in London)

COOL HOTEL's

Mondrain 
Dreams Hotel 
Standard Hotel 
Mercer Hotel

As you may have sensed that was a tough selection to shortlist for a City that never sleeps but this is our final verdict for now! No doubt we're missing one or two other little numbers in here but we can’t please you all! Let me know your thoughts and feel free to connect with us at: 

www.TeamSpainNYC.com

The Insider guide to... MILAN!

Milan is a city caught in between its international aspirations and it's pure Italian cultural background. Being cut from the same cloth as other more picturesque Italian towns but having experienced a fierce expansion from the 60's onwards, Milan's beauty shows only to those in the know. Here are a few spots that will get you closer to discovering the "real" Milan:

RESTAURANTS:

DA GIACOMO: It’s one of the most famous restaurants in Milan and its prestige is well deserved. Here you can taste the freshest seafood and fish. For more casual and still outstanding dinners try the Da Giacomo Bistro next door.
CANTINA DELLA VETRA: This Milanese "Trattoria" is a place for connoisseurs. Money well spent given the genuine menu based on the highest quality ingredients and the amazing wine list selection. Book in advance, conosseurs are many more than this restaurant can welcome especially during the weekend.

DA BICE: a homely place that experienced international travellers visit every time they come to town. Perfect for a business meal or a dinner with friends.
DA GIANNO: home to AC Milan football players and managers, it blends friendly service and exclusive ambience, not to mention very good food with seasonal specialities.
ARMANI NOBU: Japanese food in Milan is not to die for and - signature dishes aside - Nobu is no exception to the rule. But this is no regular sushi place and its location at the bottom of the Armani Building (soon to be Armani Hotel) makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. Here you can be part of the real Milan VIP "scene" including football players, TV stars, musicians and wannabe famous people.

NIGHT CLUBS:

Milan eats better than it dances and there's a general lack of world-class spots with top notch service. Nevertheless some great option are still available for those who are properly introduced and good news is that people are G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. everywhere!

ARMANI/PRIVE: designed to reflect "King" Giorgio's personal vision of how a club should be, this lower ground gem is the undefeated champion of Milan's nightlife thanks to a merciless door selection, Armani's famous attention to the tiniest details and all but seldom visits by its young-forever founder. Best nights are Wednesday and Saturday. Table reservation is the only reliable option to make it in but top nights go sold out days in advance so best to rely on insiders for a ticket to Milan's finest night spot.
JUST CAVALLI: just like Armani/Prive this restaurant and club reflect the unique style of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli and his way of conceiving club experience. Leopard print pillows, multicolor lights and black leather sofas demand an aggressive look by all guests and a grand party mood. Gorgeous both outdoors during the summer and in the crystal and steel bubble of the winter location this club is filled with models, VIPs and international party people every single night. Go on Thursday for the aperitivo and on Friday for the best party experience. Book in advance, door selection takes no prisoners.
HOLLYWOOD: just like the fog that wraps Milan in a cold hug on many winter mornings, you will never explain yourself the reason for the existence of this club but sure enough you'll have to deal with it soon or late. Most favored by drunk models for one last dance and the police department for one more inspection, it stays open late and it hosts wild party nights especially in the VIP area at the back of the club. Best night is Sunday but a good option every night for the after party.
CIRCLE LOUNGE: this is not a club but rather a bar/restaurant that turns into a great party spot on selected nights. Circle is the go-to-place on Tuesday when it gets super packed and loud, thanks to an amazing music selection and smoking hot people. Free entrance, best served between 12am and 2am preferably with a side of super hot models.
PLASTIC: every year around January rumors spread about Plastic closing forever at the end of spring and sure enough every September Plastic opens again for another glorious season.

AND 5 THINGS TO DO TO BE ONE OF THE MILANO's:

EARLY NIGHT APERITIVO: between 6pm and 9pm almost all cocktail bars offer a free buffet - some just tarts and cold hors d'ouvres but many also hot dishes like pasta and meat - and discounted prices for cocktails. The "aperitivo" tradition can be the happy ending of a long working day or the beginning of a long happy night. In any case it is a Milanese specialty that everybody enjoys at least once a week, especially from Wednesday to Saturday.

DRINKING ON THE STREET Milanese may be fashionable and snob but they also have a special passion for gathering in large groups and drinking on the streets regardless of the outside temperature. Radical chic choose Spanish winery "La Tasca" for a glass of "vino tinto" on the sidewalk facing San Lorenzo's church; fashion victims kill time outside of "Bar Straf" right next to the Duomo and sip Negroni while talking about the next killer trends; local bourgeois stand outside of Radetsky at the north end of Corso Garibaldi guzzling mojitos and waiting for the residents upstairs to complain about the unbearable noise down at curb level. Pick your spot and spot the crowd that you could belong to, the more the merrier!

LATE NIGHT SNACK (or very early morning breakfast): after the party there's the after party but what follows the after party? Late night snacks of course. No matter if at the truck deli parked outside of the club or at the famous "Princi" bakery on Corso Como, someone may leave the party empty handed but nobody goes home with an empty belly.
CHOOSE YOUR TEAM: popular entertainment in Italy might easily be narrowed down to pretty much one thing: football. And in Milan this can only mean two things: you're either one of "us" or one of "them". A.C. Milan's "Rossoneri" and F.C. Inter's "Neroazzurri" share a stadium and divide a city so pick your team, wear your colors, choose your seat and enjoy the show. Tickets to games at the San Siro stadium are available online and at several points of sale in the city but main games go sold out days in advance so better plan ahead of time not to miss the action!
CAPPUCCINO E BRIOCHE: this is the simple breakfast formula of most Italians and Milanese as well. Enjoy the perfect making of an authentic cappuccino with fresh croissants in the amazing tea room of Peck near Duomo, stand with wealthy ladies and even wealthier executives at the Cova's bar on Via Montenapoleone or taste the best pastries at Sissi near Piazza Risorgimento.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:

BVLGARI: right in the heart of Brera, this luxury hotel sports gorgeous rooms, attentive service and an understated yet super chic restaurant with bar. Luxe comes at a (high) price, but brunch and summer garden are priceless treats everybody should indulge to.
TOWN HOUSE GALLERIA: this 7 star hotel offers a dedicated service that will make you feel like the city is in your hands day and night.
3 ROOMS at 10 Corso Como: this all-suites hotel made of 3 rooms only is as exclusive as a Milanese fashion party and as tailored made as the best Italian suit.
MOSCHINO HOTEL: located near the Center of Milan's nightlife, Best feature is the "Clandestino" restaurant, directed by a highly regarded Italian chef.

OTHER HOTELS:

PRINCIPE DI SAVORIA: 5* hotel favored by Arabic, Russian and american clients for its ample rooms and high service level. During fashion week its "Principe Bar" is where you have to sit to chat with all fashion editors and VIPs in town.
WESTIN PALACE: 5*L hotel right in front of Principe Di Savoia. Big rooms upstairs and comfortable bar downstairs. Cigar room at the back of the bar is the go-to-place when you need some time alone with an aged scotch and a seasoned Cuban friend.
FOUR SEASONS: let alone that the name itself guarantees for its absolute excellence, Milan's chapter of this renowned chain is in the "Quadrilatero Della Moda", the area where all luxury boutiques are located.

CARLTON BAGLIONI

After enjoying the city to the fullest and having become a true Milanese don't forget the helicopter taxi waits for you on the top of the building to take you to Malpensa airport in a handful of minutes (versus 60/90 minutes of commonly motorized mortals). Just like Milan you have your own unique style, no? 

http://www.TeamSpainNYC.com

The Insider guide to... IBIZA!

This Mediterranean pearl of an island is located a mere 50 minute plane ride from metropolitan Barcelona, but when you arrive, you feel like you`ve landed on another planet. Whether you want a relaxing vacation, a never ending party marathon, or both – Ibiza has it all. Follow the trails of the hippies, or in the footsteps of Paris Hilton and P.Diddy. Low key or VIP. This is the best of what the the island has to offer the picky traveller. We send our clients here throughout the summer season and always reccomend the below spots. The next thing required is access and thats where we come in. If you require a host on the ground giving you access all areas then get in touch at www.TeamSpainNYC.com 

HOTELS

There is an abundance of luxury hotels around the island, but the downside is that the most fantastic ones are located far off the beaten track. The ones listed are the best ones in Ibiza town.

Ibiza Gran Hotel - 5 star SPA hotel in Ibiza harbor. Nice, relaxing pool area.

Oceandrive Hotel - in Ibiza harbor. Pool area with pool partys. http://www.oceandrive.es/main_es.php

El Hotel – Pacha`s own hotel. Very chic and minimalistic. Not a very impressing pool area. Right outside Pacha. http://www.elhotelpacha.com/english/

Hotel Corso – SPA hotel in Ibiza harbor. Nice pool area with pool partys. http://www.ibizacorso.com/en

All the hotels inside the walls of Dalt Vila are recommended for the picky traveller who seeks luxury in a more quiet, authentic setting.

BEACHES & BEACH CLUBS

Most of Ibiza`s beaches have blue flags for its crystal clear, clean turquoise water. There are no sharks around Ibiza, but watch out for jellyfish on windy days.

Ses Salines, Sa Trinxa – a long sandy beach with crystal clear water. Sa Trinxa has been around forever, and used to be a hippie hangout. Now, the beach restaurant attracts an international mixed crowd of jet setters and hippies, both locals and tourists. Great food and music.

Playa d`en Bossa – is the longest beach on the Island. Sandy beach, but not impressing water. At Bora Bora, you can get the party started around brunch. A young crowd, mostly tourists. Ushuaia Beach Club, tucked away behind the rolling sand dunes on the south end, is an exclusive beach club/lounge/restaurant attracting a more mature, international crowd.

Es Cavallet – the so - called nude and gay beach is also very popular with bikini-wearing straights. Sandy beach, clear water and several beach restaurants.

Cala D`Hort – Pebble and sand. Has the most beautiful beach view on the island, and also one of the islands best restaurants located nearby.

Playas de Comte (Cala Conta) – two beaches in one. Both sandy. Clear water. Great sunset view.

Cala Jondal, Blue Marlin – pebble beach with exclusive sunbeds and a restaurant. Popular day and night. International jet set crowd.

Formentera is another island an hour away by boat. Also called the European Caribbean. Amazing beaches and water. Fabulous seafood restaurants and a fantastic sunset view. Jump on the ferry, or preferably rent your own sailboat or yacht.

SUNSET SPOTS

Watching the sunset whilst on Ibiza is a must. A truly magical experience. While famous Cafè Del Mar used to be the first and only sunset bar in San Antoni (which has the best sunset view on the Island) is now merely a tacky tourist trap with overpriced and lousy cocktails. You should buy the soundtrack, though.

Alma de Ibiza SPA Hotel – Go to the SPA, have dinner, then watch the sunset from this lush hotel on the top of a mountain. The hydro treatment is a must. http://www.almadeibiza.com

San Antonio sunset strip – go as far away from Cafè del Mar as you can get. The longer, the better. The view and music is the same.

Playas de Comtes – Bring drinks and snacks and watch the sunset on the beach.

RESTAURANTS

Dress code at these establishments is nice, but not strict. At beach restaurants, wear something other than swimwear. Reservations a day ahead is smart during high season. Seating until midnight, but the best time to go is around 10 pm, then head to a bar before going to the clubs. Tips are not included in the bill. 

Es Boldado: located on a hill next to Cala D`Hort beach is one of the oldest and best restaurants on the island. Famous for its fantastic view and seafood. Make sure you try the traditional Ibizencan Café Calleta.

Yemanja – located next to the famous Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal, this restaurant has tranquility, fantastic food and a lovely view. Make sure you book a table on the beach.

El Ayoun: this Moroccan palace of a restaurant, which also has a separate sushi bar, turns into a great pre - party spot around midnight. Inside and outside seating in mesmerizing surroundings. A short ride outside Ibiza town.

La Braza: BBQ meat and seafood is prepared in front of you. Located in a quiet, rustic, romantic garden in the center of Ibiza town.

Los Dos Lunas - Mediterranean-meets-fine-Italian cuisine in a romantic garden setting. Make sure you book a table outside. A short ride from Ibiza town.

La Oliva – food inspired by the flavors of Provence, the Mediterranean and Ibiza. Located inside the fortress walls of Dalt Vila.

B.for / Planet Sushi: The islands best sushi according to the word of mouth. In Marina Botafoch, Ibiza town.

Ancient People: Indian in a laidback atmosphere. Great food and great deal. Ibiza town.

El Pirata – crave a thin Italian pizza? Go to one of the two El Pirata in Ibiza town.

LOUNGES & BARS

Km5 – a restaurant, bar lounge in a luxurious Bedouin style oasis off the beaten track, but worth the hassle of getting there.

El Ayoun – this Moroccan palace of a restaurant, who also has a separate sushi bar, turns into a great pre - party spot. Inside and outside seating in mesmerizing surroundings.

Blue Marlin – beach club during the day and a lively dinner and pre - party spot at night, a great spot to be seen!

Atzaro – is a place you should spend a whole day. Start at the SPA, get a tan in the Japanese garden, have dinner at the restaurant, then drinks at the cool bar lounge.

Es Vivè Hotel – this hotel is hosting pool parties and pre - parties in a very different setting.

Base Bar – If you are to stroll the busy marina street; this is the place to stop for a shot or two before heading to the club. A popular place for locals and tourists.

Bar Alegria – where the locals go. Best mojitos in town- the perfect place for a shopping - timeout.

CLUBS

Pacha: the first club on the isle is the most exclusive and elegant. Beautiful and famous clientele, some of the best parties, and four rooms with different music. Pacha also has a roof terrace with chill out music and a posh sushi restaurant on the ground floor. Pacha`s music profile is mainly house. Dress to impress. Best time to arrive is at 1.30/2 am. Close at 07 am. Any night is good.

Space: In opposition to Pacha, the crowd at Space dresses down, not up. The party gets going already at 7 pm, and the venue is located off Bora Bora Beach Club, so may start the party on the beach, then move on still wearing next to nothing. The club is open until 7 am. Music profile: techno, hard house and minimal. VIP areas are not recommended at Space. Cover is usually 40 euros, but look for discount/free entry flyers on the beach.

Amnesia: To have a good time at Amnesia, a table is recommended as the main floors tend to get too crowded with euro trash. Amnesia has the best foam parties on the island, but beware the foam can stain your clothes. Stay at the VIP area to avoid couture depressionBest time to arrive is at 1.30/2 am. Close at 07 am.

Underground: Low key club where you can see famous DJ`s partying on their nights off. Also popular with the locals and therefore open all year around. No cover, no dress code, and no VIP. Many DJ`s start their career here, so if you want to be ahead of the game, check this one out.

DC10: A shabby shed alongside the road to the Salinas Beach. Music profile: Hard techno and trance. No VIP, no dress code - pretty much anything goes. Due to heavily drugged clientele be prepared for police razzias. Cool to check out just for the mayhem. Very popular among the hard core partygoers.

OTHER

Season & Climate: the clubbing season lasts from the end of May until the end of September. But Ibiza has lovely climate and temperatures from the start of March until November. Average temperatures during summer: water 25 – 34 degrees, air 25 – 40 degrees. Hours of sunlight: 12 – 14.

Sightseeing: Dalt Vila Fortress (built in the 16^th century) in Ibiza town is the heart and soul of Ibiza island. Charming restaurants and hotels and a fantastic view of the city. Rent a car and take a road trip around the 572 km2 small island. Bring, swimwear, food and drinks and stop whenever you see a pretty spot. It doesn`t get more Ibiza than that.

EVENTS: 

Ibiza Music Summit: The world music industry comes together for one week to discuss business and kick start the season with amazing parties. Every May. www.internationalmusicsummit.com

Fiesta De La Terra: Every August 8^th from midnight, there is a huge firework display in the Ibiza harbor to celebrate Fiesta De La Terra (Earth Festival).

For more information get in touch at indiromero@teamspainnyc.com or call on +1 646-708-5712