Let’s Talk Art

Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions By Rachel Galvin With tenacity and grit, Rita Moreno managed to find a place for
By Rachel Galvin Stills by Peter Nemeshazi/ JDog Films At heart, this is a story about a boy and his
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reopened the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid on April 15. In celebration, an enticing Opening Offer is available until
By Rachel Galvin As the Cuban Missle crisis ramps up, Grenville Wynne, an unassuming English salesman played by Bernadict Cumberbatch,
Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is proud to announce the fifth installment of its employee artwork exhibition titled I
Drawing inspiration from both international travel and the local community of Colorado Springs, Kinship Landing opens its doors to offer
By Rachel Galvin Arne M. Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, passed away on February 15 due to Pancreatic
By Rachel Galvin This last year has brought everyone down in more ways than one, but a shiny new year
By Rachel Galvin Heart and soul, JD Danner brings her rock & roll spirit to every performance she does. At
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has opened the doors to Melbourne’s first luxury lifestyle hotel – W Melbourne –

Resilient Rita Moreno — On beating the odds & becoming a star

Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions

By Rachel Galvin

With tenacity and grit, Rita Moreno managed to find a place for herself in Hollywood. But the road to fame was not so easy. She tells her story candidly in the new documentary about her life, directed by Mariem Pérez, called “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It.” Her talent is undeniable. After all, she has been in the business for more than 70 years. She may be an EGOT (meaning she achieved an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), but she is certainly humble, and extremely candid in this revealing film. The story is told not only with Moreno’s own words, but other actors, friends and colleagues chiming in about how she has motivated and inspired them, and how certain events affected her through the years.

Courtesy of Photofest

Moreno began her life in poverty in Puerto Rico and left to America with her mother at 5 years old, leaving her father and brother behind, whom she never saw again. She got her start as a dancer, and during a recital, she was discovered and taken on by MGM and put under contract. It was quite a coup and would lead her to become the breadwinner of the family by 16 years old, quite a responsibility. She would find, however, despite how far she had come, she could only go so far, being held down in many ways because of her ethnicity and her gender. She was pigeon-holed into every ethnic role they could put her in, often using caked-on makeup to make her darker, and making her take on new accents to fit whatever role they deemed fit… not just Puerto Rican, but Native, Asian, an Island girl and more. The racism was real and she experienced it in many ways, including segregation and harassment outside of the set.

She still found herself in countless movies and TV shows through the years, from epic films like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The King and I,” to children’s shows like “Sesame Street,” “The Electric Company” and the “Muppet Show.” She has done it all – comedy, drama, musicals and more.

Behind the scenes of “West Side Story.” Courtesy of MGM-Media Licensing

She is perhaps best known for her role as Anita in “West Side Story,” a character who was vulnerable yet unafraid to speak her mind. Moreno saw a role model in this character. She later would find the courage to be outspoken herself, becoming an activist for various causes. That was something that attracted her to actor Marlon Brando, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship that was very painful for her and led her to having an abortion and attempting suicide.

But this was not the only difficulty she had dealing with men in this business. Long before “Me Too,” she was finding herself being treated much like a sex object. Not only was she often put in those types of roles, but she was forced, as a contract player, to go out on dates with men, for publicity. She found herself often harassed, groped and even raped. But she kept her mouth shut and persevered.

She would later settle down with Leonard Gordon, who has since died, and had a daughter, Fernanda Luisa. Today, she is more than happy to be single and at 89 years old has found that her life and career have continued going on strong. Her show “One Day at a Time,” which started in 2017 is currently looking for a new home, after being canceled from Netflix and Pop. But she is also playing Valentina in the new “West Side Story,” directed by Steven Speilberg.

This film not only tells the story of a talent who seems to have seen it all, but sheds a spotlight on the inner workings of Hollywood in the golden era and beyond. But, beyond that, it is a very human story, unveiling piece by piece a woman’s life. The film showcases her courage against all odds and, more than anything, leaves you feeling inspired, with maybe a tear in your eye.

Film Spotlight: “Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog”

By Rachel Galvin

Stills by Peter Nemeshazi/ JDog Films

At heart, this is a story about a boy and his dog, but, being that it was set beginning in 1930s Germany and going into World War II, it becomes much more complicated than that.

A Jewish family’s dog has puppies and, one by one, the family begins giving them away because they simply cannot keep them all. In the end, they are left with the mama dog and its baby Kaleb. But as the Nuremberg Laws begin to be put in place to suppress Jewish rights, including saying that Jews cannot own pets, they must decide what to do with the two that are left. The story follows the last dog to leave, Kaleb, the youngest son’s beloved, as he goes on his own journey. Not everyone wants Kaleb and he dreams of the loving household he was forced to leave behind. He realizes his former family has gone away.

Eventually, he becomes the property of an SS officer who shows him love and trains him to be the best dog in the bunch, which leads him to being sent with his new owner to the work camps. There, he is reunited with the youngest son, Jacob, and they have an adventure of their own.

Lynn Roth

The film was based on a book, which is not a true story, written by Asher Kravitz. It was adapted for film by Lynn Roth, who also directed the film.

Asked how she came across the book, Roth said that the story found her. She explained, “I was teaching a class in Israel, teaching kids how to pitch. A student came in with an idea that his friend was writing but he wanted me to know about it. The idea of a dog during the Shoah was too intriguing to let go.”

Before doing this film, she had made a film that was released in 2007 called “Little Traitor,” which she said was very successful in South Florida. “Still today, it is the longest-running film that Movies of Delray ever had,” she said.

It took her eight years to get the funding together for the film “Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog,” which is a low-budget independent film. They shot the entire film in Hungary and were able to use practical sets for everything, including the work camps, which had been used for movies in the past. She also found probably the most important aspect of the film in Hungary– the dogs and, along with them, the dog trainers, who she said are the go-to people for anyone making a film in Europe. Since she lives in Los Angeles, the only way to check in on the training of the dogs was to do it via Zoom and emailed videos. It took a long time to do the training.

They rotated the dogs, using different ones for different actions … like growling, swimming, attacking, etc. But the main one used was the one used in the close-ups. The dog they wanted her to use did not make enough eye contact, so she chose another.

Kaleb at Nazi ceremony.

There is a part near the beginning of the film when the family sees many different types of dogs, and the dogs and their owners look alike! This was a funny moment, and the type of lighthearted feeling she hoped to achieve in that part of the film. “I wanted it to be lighter in the beginning,” she said, hoping to show how the family was interacting with each other before things got really bad. Things were not perfect, but they were able to laugh and have fun with each other, but things progressively got worse. As far as finding dogs that matched up with the people, she said she found those dogs also in Hungary and matched the people to the dogs.

In order to achieve the truism needed for this period piece, Roth had to work long and hard to find the right props, wardrobe, etc. “Every step of the way, we researched very carefully,” she said. In Hungary, again, she said she found “a wonderful wardrobe person,” and was able to find everything else she needed.

They were able to make what she calls “a miracle” film within only a month, and with a great aesthetic, very much like is often seen, she said, in European films.

The little boy in the movie, Jacob, played by August Maturo, becomes the lead actor in the film, along with the dog, Kaleb. Before doing this film, he had built quite the repertoire, including working on a TV series called “Girl Meets World.” While that show was a comedy, this film required intense emotions, something Roth said was not difficult for the young actor, as his emotions were close to the surface. “He feels very deeply,” she said.

Shoshonna, played by Ayelet Zurer.

Roth mentioned that his mother, Shoshonna, played by popular Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, is known for shows like “Shtisel,” as well as “Losing Alice” and films like “Man of Steel,” among others.

Asked what she hopes people will come away with after seeing the film, Roth said, “I hope people see … what we can learn from animals. I learn so much from my dog – loyalty, the ability the forgive, their joy… We should study them more. Life would be better.”

She added that there is bad and good in people, but if there was more good, then life would also be better. “There is not enough emphasis on how to be good. It is not so hip to be bad. There is something to be said for bringing out the good in all of us.”

The film will be released in South Florida starting on June 11 at the following theaters: Regal South Beach in Miami, Regal Magnolia Place in Coral Springs, Regal Westfork in Pembroke Pines, Movies at Lake Worth in Lake Worth and Regal Royal Palm Beach in Royal Palm Beach. To see additional theaters nationwide and internationally, and to see more information, visit www.shepherdjewishdogmovie.com

Mandarin Oriental Ritz is Now Open

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reopened the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid on April 15.

In celebration, an enticing Opening Offer is available until August 31, 2021 which includes an exclusive guided city tour, a generous dining credit and an original Ritz gift; a piece of history to commemorate the occasion.

This much-anticipated reopening comes after the most ambitious and extensive restoration in the iconic property’s 110-year history. Originally designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, the hotel first opened its doors in 1910. Over the last three years, it has been carefully restored, enhancing its facilities and services while preserving the unique Belle Époque character of the original building.

Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz, has been instrumental in the historical restoration while French designers, Gilles & Boissier, have overseen the interiors, increasing the property’s appeal to local and international guests alike. Each of the 153 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 53 suites, now enjoy a chic and contemporary residential style.

The hotel is poised to become one of the most innovative culinary destinations in Spain with five dining concepts overseen by three Michelin-starred Chef Quique Dacosta. These comprise Deessa, with a menu celebrating locally-sourced produce; Palm Court, serving a classic yet modern menu under a spectacular central glass canopy;Champagne Bar, which presents tailored pairings for guests; Pictura, with a curated avant-garde menu of cocktails; and El Jardín del Ritz, Madrid’s favourite al fresco setting.

For the first time in its history, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid will offer wellness experiences for body and mind. The intimate spa retreat will feature Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning wellness expertise in partnership with The Beauty Concept, one of Spain’s leading wellness experts.

The wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room, and a contemporary fitness centre.

The property’s prestigious location, in the heart of Madrid’s commercial and cultural district and close to the city’s famed El Retiro Park, has ensured that The Ritz has always been an integral part of society in Spain’s capital, and host to royalty, politicians, corporate leaders, and celebrities for decades.

Attending the reopening celebrations for a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony were a group of government and cultural dignitaries. See photo caption.

For further information and reservations, visit mandarinoriental.com/madrid.

Film Review: “The Courier”

By Rachel Galvin

As the Cuban Missle crisis ramps up, Grenville Wynne, an unassuming English salesman played by Bernadict Cumberbatch, has been recruited by MI6 and a beautiful CIA operative (Rachel Brosnahan,known for playing Midge in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) to get into the spy game. His mission is to do business as usual but over in Russia. While there, he is to meet up with Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze), who will surreptiously slip him some top secret documents that he is to transport back to England. The goal is for England and the U.S. to get a better grip on Kruschev’s plans before the crisis reaches a breaking point. The film is filled with quiet intrigue. The acting from the leading men showcases the fear both men must have felt but they keep it internal, except when it explodes at the end for Cumberbatch, who deserves great praise for going all out in this performance (something not unexpected from this accomplished actor). The movie is beautifully filmed; the locations, lighting, music, etc. adding much to exemplify the mood in this period piece. Originally, it was released at Sundance in 2020 under the name “Ironbark” and had an August 28 release date, which was obviously pushed forward due to COVID-19. The film was released on March 19 under “The Courier.” This is a true story. These two gentlemen ended up changing the world and they brought more than 5000 such documents out of the USSR. Now, there is a hotline set up between the U.S. and Russia so that, hopefully, a crisis such as this will never happen again.

I Bet You Didn’t Know–employee art display at FLL

Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is proud to announce the fifth installment of its employee artwork exhibition titled I Bet You Didn’t Know. The artworks will be on display through September 10, 2021, in the walkway connecting Terminals 3 and 4.

I Bet You Didn’t Know features a wide range of artworks including acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings, bronze and ceramic sculptures, mixed media installations, photography, video, poetry, and music.

Since its debut in August 2018, this rotating employee exhibition program has been enthusiastically received by the airport community and visitors, and employee participation has grown significantly.

“Public art in an airport helps to create a sense of place and serves as a creative welcome for visitors,” said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation of the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD). “At FLL, we are fortunate to have such talented employees who can offer visitors a warm greeting to our destination.”

The latest I Bet You Didn’t Know installation displays the work of 43 employee artists and is curated by Cultural Division Public Art Manager Christina Roldan. The exhibition rotates every six months to give the more than 15,000 FLL employees a bi-yearly opportunity to be inspired by their colleagues and submit new work. The exhibition also serves as a unique platform to showcase the creative side of airport employees to the airport’s guests.  

“The invitation to exhibit an art piece at the airport revived my enthusiasm for art,” said Alejandro Cuevas, a BCAD Expansion Project Administrator and participating artist. “The entire process of creating my sculpture, I’ll Drive the Bug, a tribute to my 1964 Volkswagen Beetle, reminded me of how much I love to draw, design and create. Also, in my kids’ eyes, the sculpture reassured them that daddy is still cool by building fun stuff.”

I Bet You Didn’t Know is a collaborative exhibition presented by FLL and Broward Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design program.

Additional temporary exhibitions currently on view at FLL:

  • En Plane Air in Terminal 2Territory Takeoff, an exhibition of artworks created by children ages 6-18 inspired by the Florida Panthers hockey club’s logo/brand and the team’s namesake animal, the Florida panther and its natural habitat. This exhibition is a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, the Florida Panthers and FLL.
  • En Plane Air in Terminal 3Florida Nature Prints, an exhibition featuring paintings created by four to ten-year-old attendees of the Roosevelt Gardens Park summer camp in the Broward Municipal Services District.

Elevated Boutique Hotel comes to Colorado Springs–Kinship Landing

Drawing inspiration from both international travel and the local community of Colorado Springs, Kinship Landing opens its doors to offer a unique travel experience centered around personal connection, community, and unparalleled adventure. Located in the burgeoning New South End of Downtown Colorado Springs (415 S Nevada Avenue), Kinship Landing brings an elevated boutique hotel experience to guests, featuring 40 total rooms made up of 34 Suites and Junior Suites and six stunning 8-bed bunkrooms. 

“Kinship Landing is the result of three friends who traveled the globe and brought learnings and loves home with them. Colorado Springs truly has it all… world class outdoor recreation, great climate, fabulous local craft beer and food. One thing we add to the mix is making the best of our little slice of the west easy to access, even on a whim. A gathering place for organic exchanges to take place between locals and travelers, friendships to flourish, and courageous adventures to begin – that’s what we’re after.” — Founders & Creators: Bobby, Brooke & Nate

Focusing on relationships over transactions, guests and locals won’t be greeted by a traditional check-in desk. Instead, a stunning jade bar welcomes guests and draws their eye to hundreds of lush plants hanging from gabled ceilings. Just beyond the bar is Kinship Landing’s 1,000 square foot Greenhaus, a flexible event space that houses a light-filled urban jungle with heavy timber throughout. Additional first-floor features include community seating and gathering spaces, gear storage lockers for adventure enthusiasts, and the Homa Café and Bar (opening later in 2020). The property also features a massive outdoor patio beneath a vibrant mural from muralist, Zane Prater.

One-of-a-kind rooms are thoughtfully designed for everything you need and nothing you don’t, including comfortable Tuft and Needle mattresses on custom built beds, Brooklinen sheets, waterfall shower heads, local art, and custom millwork by Garrett Brown Designs. Lofted bunk rooms — perfect for solo travelers, families, or friends — feature twin bed “pods,” privacy screens, a relaxing noise machine, and secure storage for stashing and charging devices. Guests also have access to a second floor kitchen that is intentionally kept separate to mitigate a common shared-room disruption. Suites at Kinship Landing include King and Double Queen beds, stunning mountain and city views, in-room fireplaces, deep soaking tubs for relaxation, and overhead garage doors turning the room into an indoor / outdoor viewing deck for Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains during Colorado Springs’ 300 annual days of sunshine. 

You won’t find goat yoga or workout classes inside the walls of Kinship Landing. The goal is to get guests outside and into the community to explore. Kinship Landing is here to be a personal ambassador to all. Whether guests are foodies, avid climbers, or a family looking for activities, guests can meet a concierge in the lobby to create a custom itinerary. The Kinship Landing team will give guests recommendations based on their unique insider experience to ensure guests are getting the most out of their trip to Colorado Springs. A concierge is also available by text 24/7 for assistance.

To make a reservation and learn more about Kinship Landing, visit the website at kinshiplanding.com or call 719-203-9309. 

Marriott Intl. CEO Arne Sorenson passes away

By Rachel Galvin

Arne M. Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, passed away on February 15 due to Pancreatic Cancer. He had been battling with it for years. It was originally announced by the company back in May 2019 and on the 2nd of this month, they announced he was further reducing his schedule for more treatments.

He was the 3rd CEO of the company, a position he took on in 2012. He was the first without the Marriott surname. During his tenure, he acquired the $13 billion Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

“Arne was an exceptional executive – but more than that – he was an exceptional human being,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. “Arne loved every aspect of this business and relished time spent touring our hotels and meeting associates around the world. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry was headed and position Marriott for growth. But the roles he relished the most were as husband, father, brother and friend. On behalf of the Board and Marriott’s hundreds of thousands of associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne’s wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Arne deeply.”

Since Sorenson stepped back earlier this month, the company had two of their executives step up and share in his responsibilities: Stephanie Linnartz, group president, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, and Tony Capuano, group president, Global Development, Design and Operations Services. The duo will continue taking on his responsibilities until they can find a replacement for Sorenson, which they expect to be in the next two weeks.

Arne Sorenson with J.W. Marriott Jr. in Times Square (Courtesy of Marriott)

Lighten up! Let Stan the Candy Man Show You the Way

By Rachel Galvin

This last year has brought everyone down in more ways than one, but a shiny new year is upon us. Now is the time to clean up and start anew! Getting a fresh start isn’t just about clearing old things out. It is also about bringing in new things. Why not start with a little happiness in your life? It is amazing what a bit of brightness in your home can do to elevate your mood for 2021.

Artist Stanford Slutsky knows a thing or two about joyful creations. The quarantine starting in 2020 didn’t affect this happy-go-lucky artist. No, he spent his time doing what he does best… creating great pop art. Working in his home/ studio, his garage, he has been busily making little pockets of sunshine. His pop art has garnered a lot of attention for those seeking escape from current events over the last year. Drawn in by the bright colors and fun style, people find his pieces bring back a sense of nostalgia, memories of a happier yesteryear.

It is magical how Stanford, known as “Stan the Candy Man,” can take a few items and turn them into large-size ice cream bars, pops, cake, candies, cookies … and also bagels, hamburgers, pizza and more. Walking around his house and seeing his pieces on the wall is like being a kid in a candy store. It brings a smile to your face. That is the sentiment the 79-year-old award-winning artist always strives for. 

The artist is based in Boynton Beach but began his journey in Pittsburgh, PA. He moved to the Sunshine State in 1983. He began in Hollywood where he worked to develop an art district and even a performing arts theater, as well as providing housing for 35 artists. Meanwhile, his own art blossomed and he found his pieces shown in numerous galleries and museums not only locally, but across the country, and even overseas in the United Kingdom. 

These days, people call or FaceTime him, or go to his website to inquire about a piece. He sells most of his pieces online and loves talking to art lovers as they pick the piece that is perfect for them. He also spends time with his wife, Kathy. They have been married for 58 years now. He has three children and six grandchildren from their happy union.

Slutsky has a Peter Pan sensibility. Ever-young, he surrounds himself with all of his artwork. It is all over his walls, in his living room, bedroom and beyond. Perhaps there is some magic in his artwork. He loves passing on his own fountain of youth to others through his pieces. After all, each piece is a flashback to childhood memories… days when an ice cream bar could make everything all better.

Ready for a bit of that magic to grace your home? Find more about the magic maker himself, Stanford Slutsky by visiting his website at http://www.stanfordslutsky.com.

Living on Faith– JD Danner Keeps Rockin’

By Rachel Galvin

Heart and soul, JD Danner brings her rock & roll spirit to every performance she does. At her latest performance, on Jan. 24 at Art’s Garage in Delray Beach, Florida she did not disappoint. The room was packed to hear her belt out her popular original songs and many covers, from “Jolene” to “Son of a Preacher Man.” She even brought smiles to faces by playing the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song. For 90 minutes, this songstress definitely rocked the house.

At the concert, she sang her newest single. Entitled “Nothing But Faith,” it was inspired by life under quarantine. The solitude and isolation coupled with the warmth of an Easter-time Zoom call with family led her to write this new piece. She hopes the piece brings a sense of hope. That is why she is letting the world listen for free. Her new single is currently available to hear on her website, www.jddanner.com. You can hear more songs from this Boca-Raton singer there as well.

By the way, Art’s Garage has music every weekend. Grab a specialty cocktails and get ready to rock. They require masks and employ sanitation practices. For more information, visit www.artsgarage.org.

W Melbourne opens in Australia

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has opened the doors to Melbourne’s first luxury lifestyle hotel – W Melbourne – at 408 Flinders Lane. In the heart of an eclectic dining and edgy fashion district, W Melbourne brings the community’s iconic laneway culture and emerging music scene to life. Inspired by the contrasts of the city, the hotel slowly reveals itself to visitors as guests peel back layers to unearth the unique personality of each space.

“Melbourne is the perfect locale for the playfully luxe spirit of the W brand and we could not be more excited to unveil this highly anticipated hotel to the world,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “From its unique, locally inspired design to its eclectic lineup of restaurants and bars, W Melbourne is destined to redefine the luxury hotel scene here and become a must-go destination for travelers and local scene-stealers alike.”

Igniting Endless Possibilities

Australian architecture and interior design firm Hachem brings innovation and brand storytelling to life through their evocative approach to W Melbourne. Drawing on the city’s diverse and contrasting character, W Melbourne’s design inspiration is translated into vignettes of Melbourne’s streetscapes, letting guests uncover the dynamic city’s past from behind the scenes.

Upon arrival at W Melbourne, guests are introduced to the neighborhood’s iconic laneways, famous for their graffiti street art and offbeat, eclectic characters. Victorian bluestone tiles connect the Living Room to the laneway, blurring the line between the exterior and interior, where the Welcome Desk stands ready to greet guests. A vast lenticular art installation by local painter and digital artist Rus Kitchin immerses viewers into a canopy of Australian flora and fauna growing above the famed Hosier Lane. The illuminated glass and wood of the Flinders Lane entrance is juxtaposed against the shadows of the hotel’s foyer. 

W Melbourne has 294 luxuriously stylish guest rooms and 29 suites, with design details curated to reflect Melbourne’s fascinating history and culture. The hotel’s Wonderful, Fabulous and Mega category rooms are inspired by the neighboring street-level newspaper kiosks that back to the 1960s. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning skyline views. The Marvelous rooms feature a vibrant wall graphic of a fairy wren, a bird native to Australia, pulling back a layer of fabric to reveal a colorful Melbourne scene. The graphic pays homage to the city’s roots as a fashion hub, with Flinders Lane at the center of its textile trade. The 175-square-meter Extreme Wow Suite (W Hotels’ modern interpretation of the traditional presidential suite), is on the hotel’s highest floor at Level 15, and features a large balcony with expansive views of the Yarra River and an interactive music station – a fresh take on an old-school jukebox. 

New/Next in Melbourne Dining

W Melbourne’s distinctive restaurants and bars are all set to amplify Melbourne’s dining landscape with innovative, original takes on the city’s multicultural cuisines. All-day dining restaurant Lollo, under the culinary creative direction of celebrated chef Adam D’Sylva, offers a menu that’s designed to be shared and celebrates the chef’s mixed heritage. At the centre of the action and pulse of the hotel is cocktail bar Curious, with its design as impressive as the evocative cocktail list. The bar welcomes guests into a cocoon-inspired space formed by its overhead timber beams in a parametric sequence with low lighting and muted color palettes. Signature Japanese restaurant WARABI focuses on the freshest seasonal produce with seating for only 30 diners and a private dining room for ten. Culprit channels Melbourne’s café culture into an original bar concept that adds a new twist to the dining experience with a sophisticated floor-to-ceiling charcuterie display and a Vermouth tasting tray.

Electric Events

Mixing work with play, guests will be captivated by 830 square meters of ultra-modern conference, meeting and event space at W Melbourne, setting the stage for spectacular events with fully adaptable conference equipment, world-class audio-visual facilities and contemporary cuisine from the expert in-house catering team. The jewel in the crown, the GREAT ROOM, is a 426 square meter pillarless ballroom with an abundance of natural light and 4×5-meter LED wall. To celebrate the region’s diverse seasons and autumn as a popular time to visit, Melbourne-born visual artist, Ash Keating utilized soft pinks and violets to light up the GREAT ROOM ceiling for an enchanting experience for guests.

FIT and WET on Level 14 will inspire the W ‘Detox.Retox.Repeat’ brand signature wellness philosophy, offering spectacular views alongside an ultramodern fitness facility, gold-roofed indoor pool, poolside bar and DJ booth. 

For more information or to make a reservation, visit wmelbourne.com or get social with W Melbourne on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WMelbourneAUS/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wmelbourne/?hl=en