THE 2026 PRE-OSCARS TRAVEL LOUNGE
This was a lovely event on the hot March day before the 2026 Oscars. The Travel Lounge was held on the rooftop of L’Hermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, right across from the pool area, but in a world of its own.
Johnny Ray Gill on the right, with a friend. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one above.
The entire event was tented, and the weather underneath it was as beautiful as the atmosphere of the Lounge. It was so peaceful and hip.
I was too busy conversing with host Pete Phipps and the sponsors to notice most of the other guests, but when I was doing an art activity, (which I’ll tell you about in a minute,) at the same time as a couple of cute guys, I learned that one of them was Johnny Ray Gill, an actor on a TV show named Cross.
So let’s get to the highlights of the gifts he and the other VIP guests received. They are:
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Casa de Campo Resort—With so many of us really needing some relaxation these days, taking a trip is a much-desired activity. (That’s why we’re all happy to visit the Travel Lounge, of course!) So, in that spirit, this Dominican Republic resort was gifting certificates for complimentary three-night stays with them. The images I saw of the place looked mouthwatering. I wanted to crawl into the backdrop on the roof right then and there! On top of that, each guest left with a bottle of premium Dominican rum, Brugal Anejo, to enjoy while they’re making their reservations to Casa De Campo! www.casadecampo.com.do
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Ekouaer—This hip loungewear company was gifting each guest a bag with two fabulous and adorable items, which made my pajama-loving-self’s mouth water. One is a set of very fashionable light blue satin PJs, featuring shorts and a short-sleeved top, making the females in attendance look forward to summer this year. And the other is my fave—classic and cozy navy blue cotton long PJs. www.ekouaer.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Coofandy—This men’s clothing company with an interesting moniker was very generous in gifting a couple of handsome items. One was a textured knit top in the universal color of beige. And the one that I would rock for myself, (because wearing your boyfriend’s clothing is always cool,) is a lightweight chocolate brown blazer, which is perfect for this new Spring season! wwwcoofandy.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Spooge Sunscreen—I had the best time speaking with uber-knowledgeable dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic, who is the founder of this new-ish sunscreen company. She took one look at a scar I have on my face, and was kind enough to spend a good chunk of time explaining my options to tweak it a bit. So, I just may be bidding all my LA homies adieu for a little while while I move to Reno so my new bestie can fix my face!!! To help everyone at the Lounge avoid scars like mine, Whitney’s company was gifting a couple of interesting sunscreens, which come in five different formulas, including one for butts! (I assume those are for the girls who wear thong bikinis; I’m letting you all figure-out for yourselves if I am one of them!) www.spooge.co
Karen Salkin (showing her easel) and artist Lilly O’Brien, both enjoying The Travel Lounge.
Lo Art—Artist Lilly O’Brien and I were happy to see each other again, having met at the previous Travel Lounge. Once again, the guests were invited to paint a picture on a mini canvas that she provided for us, along with brushes and paints, of course. And I loved doing so, as I did last time. With my crazy, busy schedule that day, I couldn’t spend as much time as I would have liked on my creation, so I just started with a bit of blue paint and saw where it went. And no surprise, I came up with one of my signature tiny houses. It wasn’t as good as the one I did last time, but Mr. X still loved it, so I’m good. And each guest left with their own personal mini-easel and canvas, so they can continue the creativity at home. www.loartla.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Jayne’s Luxury Rentals—Since I’ve spent several chunks of time in Canada with Mr. X whenever he starred in shows up there, I was most interested to learn about this area of Ontario, Muskoka, which was new to me. The company was offering gift certificates for two-night stays at a lakeside property, which sounds like heaven to this city girl! I just may have to talk Mr. X into doing another play or musical in Toronto so I can accompany him, and chill in a cottage on the nearby lake! www.jaynesluxuryrentals.com
