Los Angeles, California – Reported by Kelly Carter for Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
QUEEN FOR A STAY Actress Diane Kruger, who stars as Marie Antoinette in the period drama Farewell, My Queen that opened this year’s Berlinale film festival, received the royal treatment during her recent visit to the newly opened St. Regis Bal Harbour. A personal butler tended to Kruger in her luxurious one-bedroom suite that afforded her a 180-degree panoramic view, oversized terrace and semi-private elevator access. She ventured over to the Remède Spa, a 12,000-square-foot oasis of calm and serenity, for a deep-tissue massage, some downtime in the oxygen chamber lounge and a glass of champagne, Jacques Torres truffles and Kashwére throws. She calls the hotel “absolutely stunning. I haven’t been to Miami in so long and this is totally worth it…. It’s just beautiful—classy and chic. You know it’s the St. Regis!”
BON APPÉTIT When Glee star Matthew Morrison wants a taste of the south of France, he doesn’t have to board a jet. He merely drives to the chic Bagatelle LA, the newest hot spot in West Hollywood. Morrison has quickly become a regular at the posh eatery that oozes French flavor and style. He’s been in nearly weekly for everything from romantic dates with girlfriend Renee Puente to dinners with his pals, who have included ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez, director/producer Bryan Singer and former Hills star Brody Jenner. Morrison is particularly fond of the red wine-poached pear salad made with lemon-scented goat cheese, toasted pistachios, mache and black truffle vinaigrette; tarte tatin with spiced caramel ice cream; banana cheesecake in a jar; and the Louisiane cocktail, made with oldoverolt rye whiskey, Benedictine, sweet vermouth and an absinthe rinse.
A HOMEY FEEL Ed Burns, honored at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, recently checked into The James Chicago and took over one of the renowned Loft rooms for a few nights. The actor/director made himself at home in the residential-style room with a socially accommodating living area, spacious slate-tiled bathroom, work/dining niche, fully stocked snack and cocktail bar and, most importantly, a media room. The media “nook” provided Burns with a full-size projection screen and full media hookups—perfect for Burns to view his films and check out his pending work. From his dark wood platform bed, Burns only had to look up to see the alarm clock that projects onto the ceiling, the better to ensure he was at all of his meetings on time.