Latest news with #LPGiobbi
Time Out
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
W Presents Retreat: Global sounds drift through palms at W Koh Samui's first retreat
It starts, as all good stories do, with a beat. Not the kind that ricochets off club walls at 3am or rattles the fillings in your teeth. This one hums low and warm, curling through the palms like incense. It's not trying to be the loudest thing in the room – it knows it doesn't need to be. W PRESENTS Retreat is less an event than a mirage. Or maybe a beautifully soundtracked hallucination. Hosted at W Koh Samui and orchestrated by LP Giobbi – DJ, producer and the kind of person who can say 'craft time' with a straight face – it's a gathering of rhythms, rituals and very little ego. Just sun, sound and shared space. But it's not only music that gives the retreat its pulse. True to its name, the experience leans into the restorative as much as the revelrous. Mornings might begin with yoga on a platform suspended over water or a guided meditation that feels suspiciously like actual healing. Sound baths are offered for those curious enough to lie still and let vibrations do the talking. There's Muay Thai for the brave, or at least the mildly coordinated. A healthy brunch follows, laced with turmeric and good intentions, where guests swap stories like mixtapes. Photograph: Then there's the boat that carries everyone out to sea – a cruise where conversation drifts as easily as the tide. Back on land, the craft workshop doubles as therapy. Local artisans share their beads and their stories, and strangers thread bracelets like it's summer camp for grown-ups with slightly better taste in music. Photograph: lpgiobb We talked with LP Giobbi ahead of the retreat to talk unlikely jam sessions, what it means to curate experience, and why this isn't your average tropical escape with a sound system. Photograph: What's your vision for crafting an unforgettable experience at the retreat? 'A mix of magic, really. You take world-class artists, drop them into a beautiful setting, invite a group of music lovers who are up for a bit of adventure, and then build out a weekend that goes beyond the stage. It's about more than the music – it's shared meals, cultural exploration, late-night conversations and space to just let go. People arrive as strangers and leave with sunburn and new best friends.' The retreat spans several days of music and connection. If you had to pick just one day to experience purely as a guest, which would it be? 'Saturday, no hesitation. I've never tried Thai boxing, and the boat cruise on the Red Baron has this old-world charm – it just looks epic. That said, I'm also weirdly excited for Friday's poolside craft session. I love the idea of making bracelets with local beads. It's the kind of downtime that sparks the best conversations.' Photograph: si_bonob This year's lineup is incredibly diverse. What makes this particular group essential for anyone interested in music and culture? 'Bonobo is iconic. He's one of those artists who created a sound entirely his own – no chasing trends, just staying true, and people respect that deeply. Then there's the fact we have five female producers and DJs on the bill, which is astonishingly rare. I've played festivals with sixty-plus names and been the only woman producing. So this feels different – in the best way. The studio sessions we had leading up to the retreat were incredible. Sofia Kourtesis, Joplyn, Emji, Beatrice – all heavy-hitters in their own right, all in one place, just creating. And Mascolo, who's bringing a live element with vocals and guitar, adds this gorgeous depth. His sound really fits the landscape here.' Photograph: Would you say W PRESENTS Retreat has become the island's defining music event? 'It's quietly become something really special. These artists usually play packed stadiums and massive festivals. To have them performing intimate sets in these off-grid, stunning locations – it's surreal. But in the best way possible.' How does the retreat stand out from other events on the island? 'It's the intimacy. Guests aren't just watching a performance from a distance. They're meeting the artists, maybe sharing a meal or chatting in the pool the next day. That closeness changes the whole dynamic. It becomes a shared experience, not a transaction.' How do you approach blending global music with Thai cultural elements in a way that feels genuine? 'It starts with listening – literally and figuratively. We've got local Thai artists opening some of the shows, and every experience we're offering comes from the place itself. From the markets to Muay Thai, it's all designed to immerse people in what's already here, not impose something on it. In what ways does the retreat create a meaningful fusion of music, local culture and island adventure? 'By refusing to separate them. There's no 'now it's time for culture' and 'now it's time for the music'. It's all layered together – the excursions, the performances, the downtime. You might find yourself deep in a set one night, then the next morning learning how to cook something you've never tasted before. It's messy and brilliant.' Photograph: What signature experiences or workshops are on offer this year? 'We've created a bit of a 'choose your own path' situation – something for everyone. But if I had to highlight one thing, I'd say the bracelet-making workshop by the pool is a sleeper hit. It's mellow, you're using your hands, you're chatting – it's actually the perfect counterpoint to the high energy of the performances.' Are there any performances or collaborations this year that really highlight unexpected creative chemistry? 'Definitely. A few of the artists arrived early and started working in the studio together – just vibing, writing, playing. There was so much spontaneity and creative energy. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear some of those new tracks performed for the first time at the retreat. That's the kind of magic you can't schedule.' How does W PRESENTS Retreat reflect W Hotels' broader mission to support artistic and cultural innovation? 'Sound is at the core of the brand's identity – not as background music, but as a living, breathing experience. Whether we're activating during global events or creating something immersive like this, it's always about championing talent, both iconic and emerging, and doing it in a way that feels meaningful. These moments stay with people long after they check out.' Photograph: Are there plans to bring this concept to other parts of Thailand? If so, how will it evolve to reflect local traditions? 'We'll definitely explore other 'Escapes' destinations, but each one has to speak its own language. What worked here won't just be cut and pasted. That would kill the energy. This was always going to start in Koh Samui. But it's only the first note.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forget ‘The White Lotus': W Hotels' New Thailand Retreat Was Designed for Music-Loving Wanderlusts
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. Here's one way for TV fans to secure their Thailand getaway ahead of the expected 'White Lotus bump' in tourism. Ahead of the Emmy-winning series' season three finale, W Hotels is curating its Koh Samui itinerary for music lovers as part of a new getaway experience under its W Presents series. More from The Hollywood Reporter A Running List of 'The White Lotus' Brand Collabs Inspired by Season Three Skims' First L.A. Flagship Is Taking Over Mel's Drive-In - And Yes, It'll Stock That Upcoming Nike Line Disney and Lululemon's Sold-Out Activewear Collaboration Gets a Restock Ahead of Theme Park Season Related: A Running List of The White Lotus Collabs, from Furniture to Fashion The stylish Marriott-owned hotel's first-ever W Presents Retreat kicks off at W Koh Samui — not far from hit HBO show's many filming locations — from May 1 to 5 with a schedule hosted and curated by global music director LP Giobbi. The all-inclusive experience will include 'once-in-a-lifetime events' selected by participating DJs and artists, such as exclusive music performances, an elephant sanctuary visit, a Muay Thai boxing session, an island-hopping boat cruise with a sunset party, an adventure through the Fisherman's Village night market and other surprises. (Note that you're responsible for getting yourself to the Land of Smiles.) Book W Hotels Presents Retreat in THailand The W Presents Retreat at W Koh Samui ranges from $3,836 (132,000 Baht) for a one-bedroom villa with a private pool and garden view to $6,746 (232,000 Baht) for an oceanfront villa. Bookings include breakfast, lunch and dinner for two guests daily, a welcome dinner and access to wellness programs (such as sound baths and yoga and mindfulness classes). In addition to Giobbi, the music lineup includes live performances by DJs Bonobo and Sofia Kourtesis, local artists Kata Sara and Dan Buri, W Koh Samui music curator Armando Mendes, and global artists Beatrice, Emjie, Joplyn and Mascolo. 'Music has always been part of W Hotels' DNA, and W Presents has become a powerful global platform for a culturally relevant sonic expression,' says W Hotels senior vp and global brand leader George Fleck in a release. 'With our first-ever W Presents Retreat, we are deepening that connection to be an even more immersive experience in the world's most exotic destinations, bringing guests closer to the artists they love and the places they love to discover. Launching at our iconic W Koh Samui makes it even more special given the island's vibrant music scene, natural beauty and stunning local culture.' A handful of resorts portrayed the fictional White Lotus Thailand, including Koh Samui Four Seasons, Anantara Bophut, Anantara Lawana and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket. The W Hotels' announcement comes as the Thailand-set installment of Mike White's hit series airs its final episode, which airs on HBO on April 7 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and streams on Max. Learn more about the W Presents Retreat at W Koh Samui and book your getaway here. Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Lady in the Lake' to 'It Ends With Us': 29 New and Upcoming Book Adaptations in 2024 Meet the Superstars Who Glam Up Hollywood's A-List Rosie O'Donnell on Ellen, Madonna, Trump and 40 Years in the Queer Spotlight
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AEG Celebrates Women's History Month With Employee Led Initiatives That Inspired and Elevated Women
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / March 24, 2025 / AEG, the world's largest sports and live entertainment company, celebrated Women's History Month with a series of events led by its Women@AEG employee network group (ENG), that were designed to inspire, mentor, and uplift women across the organization. Throughout the month, employees in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and Pittsburgh participated in assembling EmpowerHer Kit for women in underserved communities. The kits included feminine hygiene products and handwritten notes of empowerment that were distributed to young girls locally. On March, 5, 2025, the ENG hosted a special Women's History Month Futures event, as part of the AEG Futures Career Exploration program, where female college students in the Los Angeles area could learn first-hand from industry professionals. The event took place at Arena, where female professionals from across AEG shared valuable insights into their field and helped guide the budding professionals on their career journey. Participants received tickets to enjoy an LA Kings game after the Futures event. On March 6, 2025, Women@AEG partnered with FEMME HOUSE to host Legacy of Sound: Women Inspiring Future Generations, a roundtable discussion for employees at Coke Studio at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA. The panel featured LP Giobbi, artist and FEMME HOUSE Co-Founder, Lo Spalding, FEMME HOUSE Co-Founder, Alicia Karlin, VP of AEG Presents Global Touring, and Lara Fox, VP of Global Partnerships, AEG Presents. Each panelist discussed their unique contributions to creating a more inclusive music industry and provided insights on equity, mentorship, and professional growth. "I am proud of the work we are doing at AEG, a company where women's voices are amplified and their accomplishments are recognized," said Moon Kim, Women@AEG Leadership, Co-Chair. "Through our Women's History Month programming, from networking events to career development programs, our goal is to create opportunities for growth and empowerment for all women." Women@AEG partnered with FEMME HOUSE to host Legacy of Sound: Women Inspiring Future Generations, a roundtable discussion for employees at Coke Studio at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from AEG on Contact Info:Spokesperson: AEGWebsite: info@ SOURCE: AEG View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
