Estefan’s hotel to open with little fanfare

Singer-celebrity Gloria Estefan’s sleek Costa d-Este Beach Resort is to open to guests about June 16 — but without fanfare, hotel officials said.

In the next few days the county Building Department expects to clear the way for the opening by approving that the newly-constructed hotel is structurally ready for use, department Operations Coordinator Kery Jones said Wednesday.

“We look forward to its opening,” he said. “We need more hotels.”

However, it could be late September or early October before there is an official grand opening of the $50 million, five-story beach-front facility.

Some people have already reserved rooms that have an introductory rate of $189. Rates will rise to $249 beginning Oct. 1 through Dec. 19. The resort has 90 guest rooms, four suites and a large spa.

Rooms feature marble floors, teak headboards and even iPod docking stations, along with wireless internet access.

Details are still being worked out for the opening of the resort’s 85-seat restaurant Oriente that will be under the management of Cuban-American chef David Rodriguez.

The Ocean Drive hotel is built around the core of a five-story hotel purchased for $12.5 million after it was heavily damaged by hurricanes in 2004. The overall architecture was changed, creating a modernist style unique to the hotel.

The showers are round and made of limestone. Large circular opening, of random sizes, punctuate the building’s stark exterior.

Estefan co-owns the 2.4-acre hotel with her husband, Emilio Estefan. They have a home in the Vero Beach area. Benchmark Hospitality International is managing the resort that will employ 70 people.

Costa d-Este Beach Resort will have “keen style and multi-cultural sophistication,” according to the resort’s publicist. Service will be “discreetly attentive.”

Source:tcpalm.com (Thanks to Jos for this information!)

Gloria at the 6th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala

Gloria Estefan attends The 6th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on May 17, 2008 in Miami, Florida.

Gloria at Tribeca Film Festival 2008

Gloria Estefan attends the “Conversations In Cinema: 90 Miles The Documentary” panel discussion during the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival on May 1, 2008 in New York City.

‘Making a Business Sing’ Interview

By Christopher Muther
April 27, 2008

Before I take another second of your time, I need to know what’s happening with the Connie Francis movie. If this interview is impeding its progress, I’m hanging up right now.

It’s happening. We’ve been working on the screenplay. We finished the script, I think we’re there.

You will be playing her?

That’s my goal. It’s kind of eerie. Ever since I heard her singing when I was a little girl, she’d make my hair stand on end. I got the feeling that one day I’d have something to do with Connie.

Answer me honestly: You received an honorary doctorate from Berklee last year. Is it hanging up on a wall, or did you sell it on eBay?

Since I put it in my husband’s hands, I can guarantee that it’s hanging up somewhere in the office. That was a big deal for us. For all the schools to get a degree from, Berklee was quite something.

For those of us who won’t be at your Simmons talk, can you summarize the secret to your success in a couple of sentences?

Sure! Of course that’s possible. Nope, can’t do it. For me it’s kismet, because if I hadn’t met my husband, I wouldn’t be doing this. Other than that, it’s belief in ourselves, and love for the music. A lot of it was perseverance and being our own cheerleaders. My definition of success is doing what you love and being able to do it for a living.

People en Espanol estimated your wealth at about $500 million . . .

Jesus! Who estimates this stuff ?

I’m not asking you to confirm or deny that number, but I’m wondering what percentage of it you may be interested in donating to a certain journalist? Do I hear 10 percent? Twenty?

We’ll see how the interview turns out.

Will the industry’s slump in CD sales affect my percentage of your fortune?

Well, we diversified a long time ago. We moved into a lot of real estate, hospitality. I’m happy we had different things other than the music.

How involved are you in the hotels and restaurants that you own?

Very much so. Emilio [her husband] is the creative side. He loves the designing. I’m always the functional one. It’s a good combo in that respect. He hates the financial side, so I handle that. It bores him to death. And I love it.

You were offered a judging position on American Idol and you turned it down? Really?

I don’t like to judge. I don’t even like to give suggestions. I think everyone has something to offer. I would tell [contestants] what I told Shakira, which is just enjoy it and don’t fret so much because it all goes by so quickly.

Source:www.boston.com (Thanks to ricardors!)

Gloria on ‘The View’ this Thursday

Gloria and Emilio Estefan will attend ABC’s ‘The View’ show on Thursday, May 1st. Thanks to Jos for this information!

Photos of ‘Marley and Me’ on set

It’s very surprising to know Emilio & Gloria will be in Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson’s new film ‘Marley and Me’! Here are some photos of them shooting the film at the Cardozo Hotel on April 18, 2008 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Gloria to performan in New York City on April 22nd

Distinguished members of the entertainment community will come together on Tuesday, April 22nd in New York City to honor Quincy Jones with the prestigious ASCAP Pied Piper Award. Celebrating his 75th birthday, Quincy Jones - composer, arranger, conductor, producer - is one of the foremost exponents of American Music and its best ambassador worldwide. ASCAP President & Chairman Marilyn Bergman will host the invitation-only, all-star musical celebration.
WHAT: ASCAP Pied Piper Award honoring Quincy Jones with performances by Ashford & Simpson, Patti Austin, Tony Bennett, James Ingram, Gloria Estefan, Roberta Flack, Siedah Garrett, Lesley Gore, Al Jarreau, Take 6, Tamia, James Moody, Clark Terry, Greg Phillinganes, and more.

Source:top40-charts.com (Thanks to Jos@90millas.esforos.com)

Gloria wins at 2008 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The list of 2008 Billboard Latin Music Awards Winners has just come out. Our Gloria had 2 nominations and yes, she wins them both!

Tropical Album Of The Year, Female:
 ”90 Millas,” Gloria Estefan (Burgundy/Sony BMG Norte)

Tropical Airplay Song Of The Year, Female:
 ”No Llores,” Gloria Estefan (Burgundy/Sony BMG Norte)

(View full list here)

Gloria to perform at ‘Idol Gives Back’ on April 9

Ellen DeGeneres will return to co-host “Idol Gives Back” with Ryan Seacrest.

The latest additions to the April 9 event are Gloria Estefan, Maroon 5, Heart, Boyz II Men and the Clark Brothers. More performers will be announced.

In a statement, DeGeneres offered advice: “Give yourself a treat and watch ‘Idol Gives Back.’ Again, you get the joy of giving, and an amazing lineup of artists get to give us an incredible show. Last year, we were able to give away over $76 million. You give, you get. Get it?”

The announced performers include Bono, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Eli Manning and Peyton Manning. “Idol” alumni Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry will take part.

Source:orlandosentinel.com (Thanks to Jos@90millas.esforos.com)

New book!

A new book by Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan which called ‘Estefan Kitchen’ will be published on October 7, 2008. Click here to find more information about it.

Thanks to 90millas.esforos.com !