Elvis’ Home For A Night, The M Resort Spa Casino
Photo Courtesy of M Resort LLC
The dog days of summer may be here, but that doesn’t mean you should sit tight and sweat it out. There are five hot happenings on our August travel list that we’re just itching to go to right now. Here’s why you should pack your bags this month, too.
Las Vegas
You never really need a reason to visit Vegas, but this one ought to convince anyone who loves Elvis (or just loves a really, really good show) to head over in August: the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star M Resort Spa Casino will host Justin Shandor, possibly the most celebrated impersonator of the King in the country, on August 8 for his fabulous show, “Elvis, The Vegas Tour Tribute.” With the help of his dynamic 12-piece band, Shandor will commemorate Presley’s famous Sin City shows from 1969 to 1975. Book a room at this property — M Resort sits 10 miles south of Mandalay Bay — and you will enjoy all that Vegas has to offer (upscale eats, gambling, a Four-Star spa) without the over-the-top sheen found on the Strip.
Whistling Straights, Photo Courtesy of Kohler Co.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Two and a half hours north of Chicago lies this idyllic little town best known as the home base of the high-end Kohler bath and kitchen product line. It’s also the site for Five-Star The American Club, a historic resort that manages one of the top golf courses in the country, Whistling Straights. Golf pros and fans galore will flock to the craggy, Scottish-inspired layout for the 2015 PGA Championship on August 10 through 16. In between all the excitement of the resort’s seven-day shindig, Major After Party, we’ll be watching to see if the 22-year-old Jordan Spieth can become just the third man in history (after Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods) to win three majors in one season.
Los Angeles
Say so long to stuffy foodie fests — the fifth annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (August 27 to 30) is nothing if not a big splashy party. It’s L.A., so expect star power both from celebrity chefs and famous attendees. Some big-name culinary masters participating in the festival’s cooking demos, lunches, seminars and special dinners include Curtis Stone, Tyler Florence and Elizabeth Falkner. The marquee event: A strolling reception featuring 30 chefs, 100 wineries and a musical performance by The Roots. When you finish noshing at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, waddle two miles over to the JW Marriott Los Angeles, L.A. Live, an 878-room hotel with a cabana-lined pool, ballrooms and all sorts of other amenities to feast over (if you’re still hungry, try the hotel’s popular Ford’s Filling Station from chef Ben Ford, son of Harrison).
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Singapore
The “Little Red Dot” has been celebrating its 50 years of independence from Malaysia all year long with art, theater and musical performances. The grand National Day Parade, marking the city-state’s golden jubilee, is the biggest event of the year and will be held on August 9 — expect military marchers, song-and-dance performances, an aerial show and a spectacular fireworks display. You’ll find various themed packages at some of Singapore’s top hotels, including one at the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Singapore — the Golden Jubilee package includes a two-night suite stay, afternoon tea, a food tour, a 45-minute helicopter tour and spa treatment — and another at Five-Star Capella Singapore (Universal Studios Singapore tickets, dinner at Knolls, daily breakfast and more).
Park City, Utah
If it’s August, that means it’s time for the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Summer Concert Series in Deer Valley, a gorgeous resort community in the mountains of Park City. The aptly named outdoor happening is held in beautiful surroundings at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater; concert-goers easily sprawl out on the large lawn while listening to tunes. Five performances are slated for the remainder of the series: Grace Potter (August 4), Chris Botti (August 15), The Gipsy Kings (August 22), Lee Brice (August 29) and Aloe Blacc (September 6). When you book a room at nearby The St. Regis Deer Valley, ask for the VIP Summer Package and you’ll score two prized concert tickets in addition to getting accommodations at the picturesque Four-Star resort.
