Gurus Magazine and founder, Derek Warburton, hosted its first-annual, two-day celebrity gifting retreat at the beautiful I|O Hollywood Rooftop at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 8th and 9th, from 10am-5pm. 

Gurus Magazine is a Los Angeles based wellness and lifestyle online periodical, published by Derek Warburton. The magazine’s first cover star was late actress and equal rights activist, Anne Heche. Before shooting the cover images, Heche asked Warburton what he wanted the publication to represent in three words, to which he replied, “truth, passion, and authenticity.” Those words now discretely appear on every cover, as a form of protection to all who grace the cover, and they remain the mission statement for the magazine. 

Day 1

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as celebrities, influencers, and special guests started arriving on Friday morning, promptly at 10am. Many of them in awe of the beautiful surroundings and the special activities taking place. Guests included Emmy-Winner, Sheryl Lee Ralph, as well as co-star, Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary,) Sutton Stracke (RHOBH,) Camille Grammer (RHOBH,) Phaedra Parks (Married to Medicine,) Kelly Dodd (RHOOC,) Lawrence Zarian (Kelly Clarkson Show,) TV personality, Katie Ginella, philanthropist, Nancy Davis, and Shaman Durek Veret. 

As guests made their way off the red carpet, they were treated to the world’s newest ice cream sensation, My Mochi. Guests gushed over the mango, cookie dough, and vegan strawberry flavors as they stepped into the “Come as You Are,” photo studio. Sponsored by Saints and Sinners hair care company, celebrity fashion photographer Josh Fogel photographed all guests in stunning black and white portraits. Guests sat in custom “Gurus Sat Here” directors chairs by Film Craft LA, owned by event producer, Rachel Wlilson, while getting light hair and makeup touchups by Mr. Warburton Magazine’s Beauty Editor, Joel Sebastian. Fogel photographed stoic and dramatic moments with each subject and the participants understood that there will be no retouching, just beautiful, raw, authentic storytelling. 

Already having the most wonderful time, guests made their way down the walkway of vendors including Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Newman, who offered consultations and aesthetic touchups with Jeuveau products by Evolus, refreshing boozy seltzers from Passion Tree, a large assortment of gourmet candies from Cocoa and Candy, and no one could resist sitting with art therapist and jewelry maker, Larson Arts LA, to make bracelets matching their chakras. 

Day 2

As you entered the main room of the expansive I|O Hollywood Rooftop, the retreat was buzzing with positive vibes. Front and center, Fisher Stevens Beauty, the legacy beauty brand originally founded by Hollywood royalty Connie Stevens. Her daughters, actresses Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher, have revived the brand and were on hand to give advice and educate guests on their brand history. Next, Shark Tank finalist, The Blonde Italian, showcased her many delicious sauces and treated guests to some of her newest recipes. Aumaro Gems showcased pieces from her latest collection of semi-precious stones and Texas bred, Mrs Momma Bear, founded by Lee Evans Lee, held court with her comfortable and stylish workwear. 

There were also some exciting activations, including a Kopu Water cold-water plunge. As an underwear-clad male model ascended from the icy plunge tank and proceeded to open the luxury bottle of water, Lisa Ann Walter of Abbott Elementary exclaimed in glee on her Instagram story, “only in Hollywood!” But that’s not all, Hollywood Beauty Guru, Robyn Newmark, offered red light therapy, along with a preview of her new skin care collection, Skin Rituals. Meanwhile, party planning company, Amber Walker Events, made custom floral arrangements and delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails, and fashion designer, Tadashi Shoji, gifted 100 of their stunning gowns and cocktail dresses. And in compliment of the dresses, jeweler Todd Sensoli, showcased estate jewelry for the guests to try on, worth up to two million dollars. 

As the VIP guests made their way through the retreat, El Cristiano Tequila tempted them with their unparalleled spirits, while Muse educated them on microdosing with their psilocybin mushrooms. A fan favorite was Wabi on Rose, who offered the most delicious sushi and gold leafed chocolate chip cookies. Guests could also relax on a daybed with a view, made with luxurious Cynthia Bailey Collection bedding from Sutton Brands. And when they weren’t relaxing, they were dancing to the sounds of guitarist, Jules Martinez, and DJ Robby Hart, both provided by Gary Thomas Entertainment and production manager, Kent Burns.

As guests departed, they were gifted swag bags from Mrs Momma Bear, which included custom Gurus tee shirts from Equals Human, eye gel from Peter Thomas Roth, Juna Gummies, FACE Stockholm skin primer, hair care from Saints and Sinners, and beverages from The Plug Drink. 

For more, visit GurusMagazine.com + follow @gurusmagazine.

Photography: Michelle Behre Photography @michellebehrephotography.