One of the best games on the Earth

It's all about "petanque". I filmed it on Cote d'Azur, France.

Moscow. Day one

Yesterday I coudn't write anything because all day I was in the road from St-Barth to Moscow. So, Today I came home. By my luggage isn't. It's still at St-Barth. As for me - I'm having the horrible jet-lag. 

And I have a lot of work to do (tomorrow is the deadline for Style Travel magazine). So, please wait a little and I will write something interesting.

But I guess I still have no readers. 

Cool

Rock villa rocks

This is the exact Mixer John Lennon recorded his "Imagine" album. I saw it. And I touched it. I wish I could record something too but I am limited in time. The recording studio is the part of the very cool villa - Rock Villa - at one of the best holes in the St-Barth.

As for the Mixer - everyone can use it. By paying $15 000 a night for the Rock Villa at hotel Eden Rock.

Where: Hotel Eden Rock, Baie de St. Jean, FWI-97133 St Barths, French West Indies

www.edenrockhotel.com

Beautiful world

This is my bedroom. It’s something I will never forget.

The room is so sexy that I have just one desire: make love.

I spent almost a week at St-Barth but just today I understood this island. It is a very special place on Earth. You have to be patient. Like I was. And then you will have a chance to discover something really special. Like Eden Rock hotel, where you will find this girl...

They say it’s the best hotel on the island. I totally agree.

Rock villa rocks.

This is the dream place to stay.

Great place to stay

Yesterday I wrote about Beverly Hills hotel. Today I will write about Ritz Carlton San Francisco – gorgeous property, located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What’s special about this hotel? First of all – it’s facade. Have a look on the photo I did with my iPhone (you can click on it to enlarge). It’s beautiful! This luxury hotel recently completed a $12.5 million renovation. But this renovation did not affect the historical relics. I’ve been there few weeks ago. Trust me, it’s true. Have a look on the picture and you will see…

This was the university a long time ago. Now it’s the luxury city hideaway where you can have a great time, and it’s right in the center of San Francisco. What I like about all Ritz Carlton hotels is the executive club lounge floor. It’s the floor with your personal concierge, free all day dining, free internet access, ect. So here is my advice: if you come to Ritz Carton, you should always book the club lounge floor.

But let’s get back to this wonderful San Francisco property. It’s located on Stockton Street, just few blocks from mainstay landmarks like Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. But miles away from an ordinary hotel experience. The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is a tranquil Nob Hill hotel from which to enjoy the city’s spirited atmosphere and numerous cultural opportunities.

And, oh, I almost forgot to say… It has one of the best restaurants in San Francisco: The Dinning Room. The chef Ron Siegel is a little bit shy, so I didn’t have chance to ask him all questions I had. But trust me, he is one of the most talented and passionate men it the profession. Even if you don’t plan to stay at Ritz Carlton San Francisco, you should come and have a tasting at The Dinning Room (it has 1 Michelin star, by the way...). Believe me, it’s one of the greatest restaurant in California. I have the right to judge. I am writing about food for few years and I know the difference between “good” and “bad”.

Siegel is the great chef. And Ritz Carlton San Francisco is the great hotel.

I wish I could live there for a while.

Odd man out

Tonight I was writing a story about Beverly Hills Hotel where I stayed few weeks ago. This is the place I fell in love from the first minute. Pink Lady (the second, unofficial, name of the hotel) took my heart. I can say – this is the best place where I have been during this year. And maybe it's the best hotel I visited ever.

It’s not even the hotel. It is more like a private residence for all the VIPs. Hollywood stars. Film produces. Investors. Developers. Musicians. I was just a guest who spent 3 nights there. I am not a movie star. I am not a billionaire. I am not living the life they all does. But it doesn’t matter.

I saw real stars during the dinner at Polo Lounge (one of the most famous restaurants in whole California). But I can say again – it doesn’t matter. You don’t come to that kind of the hotel to see someone or to take autograph. Obviously, that’s not the reason at all.

The main reason to book a room in this hotel is to become, just for a while, someone who can share the life with all the “boys” and “girls” that do not exist for most people on the planet. And then you will understand: their life is totally different. And by knowing that, you will have a strong desire to be the same. This does not mean that I want to be a movie star (I don't, actually). But to be successful and independent - yes, I want it. And I will be. I promise to myself. My deadline - is two years. And also I know that my thirtieth birthday (in April 2011) I will celebrate in Beverly Hills Hotel. I just want it. And I will...

So yes – Pink Lady took my heart. I fell in love. Again.

Where: Sunset Blvd, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.beverlyhillshotel.com

p.s. Later I will write much more about Beverly Hills Hotel. It deserves...

All the small things...

I spent almost a week at St-Barth and I can say I am really surprised about some things. For example, you will never find local fresh fruits here. Even luxury hotels doesn’t offer fruits to their guests. You can say that I am spoiled, but I'm used to that every day in my hotel room I can find new fresh fruits plate. But not at St-Barth.

Not in the hotel? Okay, let's go to the local fresh market. But there is not such thing there! Like in Moscow, everything is imported. No local fruits, no local vegetables, no meet. Almost nothing. That means: 1) Everything is expensive, 2) Quality of products is not perfect at all, 3) You’re very limited with your choice. Nice luxury destination, isn’t it?