Gurus Magazine hosted its inaugural two-day celebrity gifting retreat at the breathtaking I|O Hollywood Rooftop inside The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 8 and 9 to celebrate the 96th Academy Awards, which took place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. In honor of the occasion, luminaries from the entertainment world came to experience an array of luxury and wellness experiences, all curated by the esteemed publication helmed by Derek Warburton.
Gurus Magazine embodies a mission centered on truth, passion, and authenticity; a sentiment echoed discreetly on every cover since its inception. Among its notable cover stars was the late Anne Heche, whose commitment to equal rights activism resonated deeply with the publication’s ethos.
The event welcomed guests such as Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter of Abbott Elementary, Married to Medicine’s Phaedra Parks, and reality TV personalities Sutton Stracke (RBOBH) and Camille Grammer (RBOBH). Against the backdrop of a gorgeous LA sky, guests enjoyed ice cream sensation My Mochi before immersing themselves in a series of bespoke activities.
Sponsored by Saints and Sinners hair care, celebrity fashion photographer Josh Fogel captured stunning black and white portraits of guests in the “Come as You Are” photo studio. Meanwhile, Film Craft LA’s custom “Gurus Sat Here” director’s chairs provided the perfect spot for light hair and makeup touch-ups by Mr. Warburton Magazine’s Beauty Editor, Joel Sebastian.
Throughout the retreat, guests wandered through a curated selection of vendors, including Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael K. Newman, offering consultations and aesthetic touch-ups with Jeuveau products by Evolus. Larson Arts LA also delighted guests with art therapy sessions and jewelry-making experiences.
Inside the main room, attendees were greeted by a buzzing atmosphere, with Fisher Stevens Beauty, The Blonde Italian, and Aumaro Gems among the standout exhibitors. Hollywood Beauty Guru Robyn Newmark wowed guests with red light therapy and a preview of her new skincare collection, Skin Rituals, while Amber Walker Events dazzled with custom floral arrangements and cosmopolitan cocktails.
Fashion took center stage as Tadashi Shoji gifted 100 stunning gowns and cocktail dresses, complemented by jeweler Todd Sensoli’s showcase of estate jewelry worth up to two million dollars. Meanwhile, El Cristiano Tequila and Muse provided unique experiences, tempting guests with unparalleled spirits and educational insights into some experimental alternatives.
Also on display were the culinary delights of Wabi on Rose, offering sumptuous sushi and gold-leafed chocolate chip cookies. Guests could unwind on daybeds adorned with luxurious Cynthia Bailey Collection bedding from Sutton Brands while enjoying live music from Jules Martinez and DJ Robby Hart.
As the retreat came to a close, guests were gifted with swag bags from Mrs. Momma Bear, brimming with luxury goodies from Equals Human, Peter Thomas Roth, Juna, FACE Stockholm, Saints and Sinners, and The Plug Drink.
With its blend of indulgence and wellness, Gurus Magazine’s retreat set a new standard for celebrity gifting events in Hollywood.
