Latest news with #GizelleBryant
National Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
What it's really like staying at Bravo's famous 'Love Hotel'
Article content When Bravo's Love Hotel contestants arrived at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos in the fall of 2024, they brought cameras, calculated drama and the kind of visibility that can either enhance or overshadow an upscale property. For four weeks, Real Housewives stars Shannon Storms Beador, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Luann de Lesseps navigated romantic connections against the backdrop of infinity pools and panoramic Sea of Cortez views. Now, with their televised relationships reaching millions of viewers, the question remains: is Grand Velas Boutique merely a beautiful backdrop, or does this newcomer to Baja's luxury landscape offer substance beyond its moment in the television spotlight? Article content Article content Article content Article content From the moment you arrive, its austere architecture, which complements the stark beauty of Baja California, captures your attention. Designed by Ricardo Elias, sweeping curves and tiered terraces cascade toward the Sea of Cortez, offering ocean views from nearly every angle. It's bold but not overbearing—this is refinement that respects its surroundings. Article content The Baja Peninsula's unique geography—where desert meets ocean—further amplifies a stark visual contrast that inspired Grand Velas Boutique's design ethos. The property deliberately incorporates native desert plantings requiring minimal irrigation, acknowledging water's precious status in this arid environment. 'The property integrates natural and cultural elements into its design and offerings, allowing visitors to experience the region's authenticity,' notes Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. 'This evolution reflects Los Cabos' commitment to high-quality tourism that values excellence and local identity.' Article content Article content Article content Grand Velas Boutique's signature touch is the bougainvillea, which spills from rooftops and terraces in fuchsia blooms. It's a deliberate esthetic choice that adds colour and connects it to the history of Velas Resorts, where these resilient flowers have been cultivated since the Mexican brand's first property opened in Puerto Vallarta. Here, they have taken over the landscape, adding organic beauty to its already impressive surroundings. Article content Accommodations balance comfort and elegance without excess. At over 900 square feet, Ambassador Suites offer private terraces with plunge pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez, where pelicans dive for fish throughout the day. Interiors feature muted colour palettes and comfortable furniture that invites real use, bathrooms with proper lighting and generous counter space, and amenities like Dyson hair tools that blend premium with practicality. Article content
Vancouver Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
What it's really like staying at Bravo's famous 'Love Hotel'
When Bravo's Love Hotel contestants arrived at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos in the fall of 2024, they brought cameras, calculated drama and the kind of visibility that can either enhance or overshadow an upscale property. For four weeks, Real Housewives stars Shannon Storms Beador, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Luann de Lesseps navigated romantic connections against the backdrop of infinity pools and panoramic Sea of Cortez views. Now, with their televised relationships reaching millions of viewers, the question remains: is Grand Velas Boutique merely a beautiful backdrop, or does this newcomer to Baja's luxury landscape offer substance beyond its moment in the television spotlight? Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The all-inclusive , adults-only boutique hotel in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico perches above a stretch of coastline where swimming isn't an option due to powerful currents, a reminder that development in Los Cabos still bends to natural forces. While guests can't enter the water here, the Sea of Cortez provides its own entertainment — passing whales, dolphin pods and waves that explode against rocky outcroppings below. From the moment you arrive, its austere architecture, which complements the stark beauty of Baja California, captures your attention. Designed by Ricardo Elias, sweeping curves and tiered terraces cascade toward the Sea of Cortez, offering ocean views from nearly every angle. It's bold but not overbearing — this is refinement that respects its surroundings. The Baja Peninsula's unique geography — where desert meets ocean — further amplifies a stark visual contrast that inspired Grand Velas Boutique's design ethos. The property deliberately incorporates native desert plantings requiring minimal irrigation, acknowledging water's precious status in this arid environment. 'The property integrates natural and cultural elements into its design and offerings, allowing visitors to experience the region's authenticity,' notes Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. 'This evolution reflects Los Cabos' commitment to high-quality tourism that values excellence and local identity.' Grand Velas Boutique's signature touch is the bougainvillea, which spills from rooftops and terraces in fuchsia blooms. It's a deliberate esthetic choice that adds colour and connects it to the history of Velas Resorts, where these resilient flowers have been cultivated since the Mexican brand's first property opened in Puerto Vallarta. Here, they have taken over the landscape, adding organic beauty to its already impressive surroundings. Accommodations balance comfort and elegance without excess. At over 900 square feet, Ambassador Suites offer private terraces with plunge pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez, where pelicans dive for fish throughout the day. Interiors feature muted colour palettes and comfortable furniture that invites real use, bathrooms with proper lighting and generous counter space, and amenities like Dyson hair tools that blend premium with practicality. Staff maintain a discreet presence throughout the property. Instead of hovering butlers, personal concierges assigned to each guest are accessible 24/7 via text message. This subtle approach lets you request dinner reservations or excursions without the formality of face-to-face interactions when you're lounging by the pool or relaxing in your suite. Though the property encourages cocooning, the charming colonial town of San José del Cabo sits just minutes away by car. Its historic centre houses small galleries, craft workshops and modest restaurants serving food at local rather than international prices. Culinary guide Diana Gutierrez walks visitors through these streets, explaining how geographic isolation forced Baja cooking to develop differently from mainland Mexican cuisine, with techniques that maximize limited ingredients. 'Our food tells a story,' Gutierrez explains, 'one of appreciation for the land and the bounty it provides, whether it's freshly caught fish or heirloom squash prepared with minimal but intentional seasoning.' What makes this region particularly intriguing is its relatively recent emergence on the global tourism map. Until the Transpeninsular Highway opened in 1973, the Baja Peninsula remained isolated from mainland Mexico, developing its own distinct cultural identity. Simple fishing villages have since transformed into glamorous vacation hot spots, yet beneath the polish of high-end developments still lies a rich heritage of Indigenous Pericú traditions, ranching culture and maritime history. Baja's remoteness also fostered a resourceful culinary approach that persists today. 'Hidden in small family kitchens and local markets, these flavours tell the story of Baja California Sur's resilience, innovation and profound connection to the land and sea,' notes Gutierrez. Grand Velas Boutique eschews the clichés of uninspired buffet spreads and bland fare for culinary encounters that redefine what all-inclusive cuisine can achieve. At Loto Robata Grill , chefs prepare Japanese-inspired dishes over open flames, infusing Baja's local ingredients into the mix. Whether it's the Comondú oysters with kaffir lime or the perfectly grilled surf-and-turf skewers, the menu offers flavours that are both unexpected and balanced. For a lighter option, Roca Snack & Bar brings coastal Mexican flavours to the poolside, with dishes like Baja fish tacos, ceviche and aguachile that feel as fresh as the surroundings. The Del Mar restaurant specializes in seafood, with Mediterranean influences that make the paella memorable. For an extra treat, guests can try chocolate tastings paired with Mexican liqueurs — a perfect way to end an evening. At the neighbouring Grand Velas Los Cabos, guests also enjoy access to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by chef Sidney Schutte. The Dutch-born culinary master, who earned two stars at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam after training at three-starred De Librije, creates an eight-to-10 course tasting menu that reimagines Mexican ingredients with technical precision. His kitchen, which Michelin praised as 'unafraid of taking risks,' serves standout dishes like chocolate clam with jalapeno and green apple alongside standout creations such as farm-raised scallops with miso butter — all included in the all-inclusive offering. 'The recognition of Cocina de Autor with a Michelin star reinforces Los Cabos' positioning as a culinary destination,' says Esponda. 'This achievement highlights the fusion of world-class techniques with local ingredients, strengthening our unique culinary identity.' For guests looking to explore beyond the on-site restaurants, Gutierrez recommends trying local specialties like 'Sopa Fresca, inspired by Italian missionaries who introduced pasta-making techniques during the mission period,' and 'Barbacoa de Hoyo, a method of cooking meat underground, a legacy of Indigenous and ranching techniques.' Grand Velas Boutique 's brief stint as a reality TV backdrop for Love Hotel may have brought it passing notoriety, but there's more substance here than television fame might suggest. Esponda notes that in Los Cabos, they're trying to 'promote integration between luxury resorts and the local community,' though this remains an ongoing challenge for all high-end properties in the region. With its Michelin-starred dining access, architectural restraint and 79-suite boutique scale, Grand Velas offers concrete reasons to visit beyond its brief moment on Bravo — whether you're a fan of Shannon Beador's dramatic poolside conversations or simply seeking the same stunning sunsets that framed Luann de Lesseps' latest love interest.
Calgary Herald
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
What it's really like staying at Bravo's famous 'Love Hotel'
Article content When Bravo's Love Hotel contestants arrived at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos in the fall of 2024, they brought cameras, calculated drama and the kind of visibility that can either enhance or overshadow an upscale property. For four weeks, Real Housewives stars Shannon Storms Beador, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Luann de Lesseps navigated romantic connections against the backdrop of infinity pools and panoramic Sea of Cortez views. Now, with their televised relationships reaching millions of viewers, the question remains: is Grand Velas Boutique merely a beautiful backdrop, or does this newcomer to Baja's luxury landscape offer substance beyond its moment in the television spotlight? Article content Article content Article content Article content From the moment you arrive, its austere architecture, which complements the stark beauty of Baja California, captures your attention. Designed by Ricardo Elias, sweeping curves and tiered terraces cascade toward the Sea of Cortez, offering ocean views from nearly every angle. It's bold but not overbearing—this is refinement that respects its surroundings. Article content The Baja Peninsula's unique geography—where desert meets ocean—further amplifies a stark visual contrast that inspired Grand Velas Boutique's design ethos. The property deliberately incorporates native desert plantings requiring minimal irrigation, acknowledging water's precious status in this arid environment. 'The property integrates natural and cultural elements into its design and offerings, allowing visitors to experience the region's authenticity,' notes Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. 'This evolution reflects Los Cabos' commitment to high-quality tourism that values excellence and local identity.' Article content Article content Article content Grand Velas Boutique's signature touch is the bougainvillea, which spills from rooftops and terraces in fuchsia blooms. It's a deliberate esthetic choice that adds colour and connects it to the history of Velas Resorts, where these resilient flowers have been cultivated since the Mexican brand's first property opened in Puerto Vallarta. Here, they have taken over the landscape, adding organic beauty to its already impressive surroundings.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Whoopi Goldberg, 69, reveals very surprising piece of lingerie she has not worn in 50 years
Whoopi Goldberg made a surprising admission during an episode of The View this week. While chatting alongside co-hosts Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin, the 69-year-old Hollywood vet — who appeared to fall asleep on a recent episode — revealed she hasn't worn a bra in 50 years. The admission was made as the women discussed the subject in reference to a conversation between Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon on their podcast Reasonably Shady. During The View's Hot Topics segment, the ladies weighed in on their preferred way of putting on the undergarment. When it was time for the Ghost actress to share, she exclaimed, 'I don't wear one. I have not worn a bra in 50 years.' She lightheartedly added that she 'liberated those girls a long time ago.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The View (@theviewabc) And the star joked, 'It's too uncomfortable, and I don't mind if they hit the floor! They're mine.' According to her timeline, Whoopi has not put on a brassiere since she was in her 20s back in the 1970s. Demonstrating her ability to make an audience laugh with her comedic chops, Goldberg got out of her chair quickly acted out a scene. 'This is what you do. You're walking and then you go, "Hey girl," she said while pretending to kick a would-be breast off the ground and over her shoulder. One year ago Whoopi revealed that a hotel maid once found her in the closet with cocaine 'all over' her face after she became a 'high-functioning' addict in the 1980s. She opened up about her substance abuse in her memoir, Bits And Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, And Me. Inside the pages of the book she also wrote about her mom, Emma, being sent to a psychiatric hospital for two years. Recalling the height of her addiction to cocaine, the Sister Act star wrote that she believed she could handle the drug because it didn't seem as dangerous as heroin, which she had previously been hooked on in the 1970s. Whoopi explained in the literary effort how after moving to Los Angeles she attended parties where it wasn't unusual for a bowl of Quaaludes to be openly displayed for guests. The mother-of-one, whose first husband Alvin Martin was her drug counselor, explained that despite using drugs routinely, she still showed up to work. However, about a year into the substance abuse she realized she was getting 'sloppy.' She recalled the incident that took place in a Manhattan hotel room, describing it as a 'slap-in-the-face' moment for her. According to the memoir, she was sitting on the closet floor sniffing cocaine by herself when a maid knocked on the door and let herself in. 'I screamed, she screamed and backed up and looked like she was going to run,' Whoopi explained. 'I had to get to her quickly and try to calm her down. She was staring at my face as I talked,' the morning show host continued before noting she later looked in the mirror and realized that she had cocaine 'all over' her face.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How do you hook it? Women are debating the proper way to put on a bra: ‘The fact that people do this is blowing my mind'
Turns out, getting dressed can be a full-contact sport — at least when it comes to putting on a bra. A boob-tiful debate has ignited after 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star Gizelle Bryant and her podcast co-host Robyn Dixon revealed on an episode of their podcast, 'Reasonably Shady,' their vastly different bra-hooking techniques — erupting a battle of the back-claspers vs. the front-fasteners. '(Some people) latch it in the front, and then they swing it around, and then they put their arms in,' Bryant said. Advertisement 'That's how I do it,' Dixon admitted. Cue the chaos. Jenna Bush Hager and sportscaster Erin Andrews weighed in during a recent episode of 'Jenna & Friends,' siding with team back hook. Advertisement 'We don't put our bra on like that, though. We put it on in the back,' said Bush Hager. 'I've never done it on the front unless it's a front clasp.' 3 Putting on a bra is an act that women will always wonder if they're doing correctly. í íµí³í¸í½í° íâ¢íâ¬í¾íâíµíµí²í° – 'I'm double-jointed. I can do it. I just can't do the strap,' Andrews added. 'I ask [my husband], 'Honey, you're going to have to tighten this bad boy. Tighten it tighter,'' Bush Hager added. Advertisement Turns out this is a long-standing debate — and not every technique involves twisting, hooking or sweating it out. There are multiple Reddit threads of women asking each other how to properly put on the required wardrobe item. 3 Turns out this age-old debate has been bouncing around for decades — and not every bra-putting method involves twisting, contorting or working up a sweat. – 'It partly depends on how broad your shoulders are and how your mobility is. I could never get a correct-sized bra over my head like that, but I know people who can. And not for nothing but repeatedly stretching the band out to put it on that way will definitely wear it out faster,' one person explained on Reddit. Advertisement 'The proper way is to put your arms through the straps and put it on, then reach behind you and do up the clips,' chimed in someone else on the same thread. Even people on TikTok are trying to differentiate between the right and wrong way. 'The fact that people do this is blowing my mind,' a commenter wrote on a TikTok video that discussed the supposed right way. 'This is how I've always done it. the twist method is uncomfortable for me so I'm not sure how else to do it?' another comment read. But Gen Z is the generation trying to reshape the bra narrative. And they're not just rethinking how to put it on — they're questioning why it needs wires at all. Generation Z isn't burning their bras, but they're happy to send underwire packing. Advertisement TikTok creators are going gaga for wire-free options, racking up millions of views — and tossing their pokey push-ups in the bin. 3 Gen Z may not be burning their bras, but they're ditching the underwire fast. TikTokkers are racking up millions of views flaunting their wire-free wins — and chucking their pokey push-ups without a second thought. Arman Zhenikeyev – Melbourne's Stephanie Jade Lewis told that ditching wires was a game-changer. 'I don't even know I'm wearing anything… Now, it's not even a thought,' she said. Orly Jacobson jumped on the wire-free bandwagon too. 'After my breast reduction, I was so sick of wearing painful, wired bras… Seeing a lot of women my age wearing playful and versatile bralettes made me want to jump on the bandwagon.' Advertisement And Gen Z is putting its money where its mesh is. 'We have seen a significant consumer trend among Gen Z women, who are ditching traditional wired bras in favour of wire-free options,' De Winter said. Whether you hook, twist, tug or step in — one thing's for sure: the bra wars are far from over.
