Behind the Beauty of Gurus Magazine’s 2nd Annual Oscars Retreat
The 2nd Annual Gurus Pre Oscar Retreat took place at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28 and March 1 at its infamous I/O rooftop bar. Hosted by CEO/Founder of Gurus Magazine, Derek Warburton and executive produced by Rachel Wilson, Warburton felt that this Oscar Retreat had to reflect the current times Angeleno’s have been faced with.
Warburton explained, “We felt like the city needed to heal from the wildfires along with the political environment that is affecting our community. But as any Los Angeles citizen knows, at the same time the show must go on.” Warburton continues, “This is why we came with a much different approach this year to our Oscars retreat focusing on feeding our guests’ mind, body, and spirit.”
Wellness was on full display as South Bay Plastic Surgeons offered hand and face facials as well as B-12 shots. Significantly, Gurus Award Winner, Dr. Michael Newman, offered botox treatments from Jeuveau by Evolus. Plus, guest raved over Santa Monica’s own Laughing Monk as well as Hope the Root Healer offering spiritual rejuvenation and sound bath treatments. Even in small ways, by Derek Jameson performing one day and giving tarot readings the next, this event proved it was about nourishing body, heart, and soul.
Gurus proudly partnered with Habitat for Humanity LA, Gurus jumped to their aid- including creating a donation center for those affected by the disaster. At the retreat, guests painted seedling pots for survivors of the LA Wildfires, so they could have a token of growth to take with them as they settle into their new homes. Local artist, Joey DeRuy also live painted full canvases both days to provide even more inspiration.
Guests were delighted by luxe lifestyle brands The Blonde Italian, Gurus Award Winner Lauren Falcione, serving up seasoned popcorn, while Perform H2O's cutting-edge hydration brought smiles with every sip. Lo Siento Tequila and Mezcal 33 kept spirits high. Additionally, Smart Swimsuits rocked sustainability stylish swimwear poolside. Everyone gushed over the gorgeous shoes provided by Italian designed brand moon d’elle. From there, a true highlight was the fresh picked produce from the women-owned and family operated, Ayala Farms, farmer’s market. Guests were given burlap tote bags and got their fill of local produce to nourish their Oscars weekend ahead.
Also, guests were invited to make their own bouquets with Fleur Valentine LA to get in the Spring spirit. Notably, at the #gurusbeauty Beauty Bar, the Hollywood Beauty Guru, Robyn Newmark, tailored skincare and beauty needs for every guest. Guests could not get enough of Pixi Beauty's Hydrating Milky Mist, Dr. Pimple Popper's scientifically crafted SLMDS pimple patches, Nicole Miller Lip glosses, Peter Thomas Roth Peeling Gel, Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort Spray, Saints & Sinners ultimate blowout set, Still Standing Foot Spray, Ohui Reverse Activator Retinol Serum, and of course, select VIPs were gifted the Gurus Award winning product, Skin Wand Pro, along with Newmark Beauty eye creams.
Excitingly, guests got their nails done at Clique the Nail Spot’s pop up. Of course, a Gurus Magazine premier event would not be complete with out a photo studio with celebrity photographer, Josh Fogel, shooting iconic black and white portraits with touch ups by Gurus Beauty Award winner, Joel Sebastian, Bongbong Baun, and Norman Salao. All the while, most prominently, the Gurus Oscars Retreat served as a backdrop for Gurus Award Winner, Mara Dorne’s, Podcast tapings! Her new podcast, BILF (Boss I’d Like to Follow), has Mara Dorne’s hosting unfiltered conversations with influencers and bosses from every walk of life. Want to know more about the Gurus Magazine cover star, check out Mara Dorne right here!
From FilmCraft LA’s and KappaTV’s industry-leading production gear to the social media magic of TLW Agency, every corner of the rooftop told a story of truth, passion, and authenticity. It was more than an event - it was a celebration of Los Angeles' most dynamic spirits, a perfect snapshot of the city's endless potential and glamour.
Notable attendees from across the Hollywood landscape included: Nicole Young (Netflix’s Selling Sunset), Davina Potratz (Netflix’s Selling Sunset), Taleen Marie (Real Housewives of Dubai), Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Rachel McCord (Media Personality), Laganja Estranja (RuPaul’s Drag Race), George Wallace (Comedian), Carly Hughes (American Housewife), Kieran Giovanni (Major Crimes), Ray Ray McCloud III (NFL Atlanta Falcons), Joely Fisher (SAG-AFTRA Secretary Treasurer), Tricia Leigh Fisher (Actress), Tyler Lofton (Love, Victor), Devon Diep (Bling Empire), Don Benjamin (Actor), Liane V (musician & influencer), SamXFrank (Twitch Streamer), Blanca Blanco (Actress), Miia Harris (Monster High), Jy Prishkulnik (Monster High), as well as royalty from Sierra Leone, Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson, and Norway's, Shaman Durek Verett, amongst others.
As the sun set over Hollywood, one thing was crystal clear: the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat wasn't just an event. It was a moment - a spectacular convergence of talent, creativity, and meaningful luxury.
