The 2nd Annual Gurus Pre-Oscar Retreat took center stage at the iconic Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28 and March 1, taking over the famed I/O Rooftop Lounge for a two-day celebration of luxury, wellness, and creativity.
Real Housewives of Dubai star Taleen Marie with lemon seasonings from the Blonde Italian, Lauren Falcione, and her daughter, Giavanna Fruce at the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat – photo by Kent Burns at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
Hosted by the visionary CEO and Founder of Gurus Magazine, Derek Warburton and executive produced by Rachel Wilson, this year’s retreat took on a fresh, purpose-driven approach. Reflecting on the current challenges facing Los Angeles—from the aftermath of devastating wildfires to the political turbulence gripping the city—Warburton shared, “Los Angeles needed a moment to heal. But as any Angeleno knows, the show must go on. This year, we focused on nourishing our guests in body, mind, and spirit.”
Musician, Liane V, and husband Actor, Don Benjamin, walk the red carpet at the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
And nourish they did. The retreat featured a plethora of wellness experiences designed to rejuvenate and restore. South Bay Plastic Surgeons treated guests to massage and luxurious hand and facial treatments, while Dr. Michael K. Newman, Gurus Award Winner, provided Jeuveau by Evolus wrinkle treatments. Attendees were further pampered with B-12 shots and spiritual wellness offerings, including transformative sound baths and reiki energy healing sessions from local favorites like Laughing Monk and Hope the Root Healer. Live performances from Derek Jameson featuring Jessica Hoover on one day followed by Derek’s Tarot readings and DJ Kappa the next added a dash of mystique and soul to the event, ensuring all senses were engaged in the experience.
Selling Sunset star, Davina Potratz, walks the red carpet at the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28, 2025
In keeping with the spirit of community and giving back, Gurus partnered with Habitat for Humanity LA to support wildfire survivors. Guests participated in a hands-on donation initiative by painting messages of hope on seedling pots for families rebuilding their lives. The retreat also saw the live artistry of Joey DeRuy, whose full canvases of inspiration ignited creativity throughout the event.
Actress, Carly Hughes, paints pots for Habitat for Humanity LA at Gurus Magazine’s Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28, 2025
The luxury continued to unfold as guests indulged in a curated selection of lifestyle brands. Gurus Awards Winner Lauren Falcione, “The Blonde Italian,” wowed attendees with her gourmet popcorn, featuring signature seasonings that delighted every palate. The Evolved Co’s Perform H2O kept everyone refreshed with their groundbreaking hydration products, while Lo Siento Tequila and Mezcal 33 elevated the experience with their luxurious spirits. Sustainability and style collided with Smart Swimsuits‘ eco-friendly swimwear, and Moon D’Elle’s stunning shoe designs were a showstopper. VIP guests were also treated to exclusive gift boxes from Seeverse Gummies, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.
Actress, Blanca Blanco, wears gifted Moon D’Elle shoes the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
Laganja Estranja (RuPaul’s Drag Race) & Diamond White (MoonGirl & Devil Dinosaur) walk the red carpet at the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat Logo – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
A true highlight came courtesy of Ayala Farms, a women-owned, family-run farm offering fresh, locally grown produce. Guests filled burlap tote bags with farm to table vegetables and fruits, made custom smoothies and took home green goodies as the perfect healthy prepping for the Oscars weekend ahead. Fleur Valentine LA’s floral station invited guests to craft their own custom bouquets, adding a touch of fresh, natural elegance to the experience. In alignment with the values of sustainability and environmental consciousness, the retreat also partnered with the nonprofit Plant Based Treaty, dedicated to advocating for plant-based solutions to address climate change and environmental challenges.
Actress Miia Harris gifted Saints & Sinners haircare at the #gurusbeauty Bar at the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat Logo – photo by Exavier Castro at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
At the #GurusBeauty Bar, Hollywood’s most sought-after beauty guru, Robyn Newmark, pampered guests with bespoke skincare and beauty recommendations. Guests were treated to a luxurious selection of beauty products, including Pixi Beauty’s Hydrating Milky Mist, Dr. Pimple Popper’s SLMDS pimple patches, Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort Spray, and a range of hair treatments from Saints & Sinners. All-natural Balm Diggity Lip Balms and Nicole Miller Lip Glosses added the finishing touch to the beauty experience. VIPs also received exclusive gifts, including the award-winning Skin Wand Pro and were treated to nail art at Clique the Nail Spot’s pop-up.
Selling Sunset star, Nicole Young, loves Skin Wand Pro at the Gurus Magzine Oscars Retreat – photo by Kent Burns at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28, 2025
Of course, no Gurus event would be complete without a photo studio, and the Oscars Retreat did not disappoint. Celebrity photographer Josh Fogel captured stunning black-and-white portraits, with touch-ups by Gurus Beauty Award winners Joel Sebastian, Bongbong Buan, and Norman Salao.
Celebrity Photographer, Josh Fogel, photographs Comedian, George Wallace, at the Gurus Magzine Oscars Retreat – photo by Travis White at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
A particularly special feature of the event was the live taping of BILF (Boss I’d Like to Follow), the podcast hosted by Gurus Award Winner Mara Dorne. The show, which features candid conversations with influencers and entrepreneurs from all walks of life, added a personal touch to the glamorous festivities.
Entrepreneur Mara Dorne interviews Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey for her podcast BILF (Boss I’d Like to Follow) at the Gurus Magzine Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
From FilmCraft LA’s top-tier production gear to the innovative solutions provided by Kappa Vision, and the social media magic spun by TLW Agency, every corner of the retreat exuded an unmistakable sense of passion, authenticity, and Hollywood glamour. This wasn’t just an event—it was an immersive experience that celebrated the boundless creativity and potential of Los Angeles.
Devon Diep (Netflix’s Bling Empire) walks the red carpet at the Gurus Magzine Oscars Retreat – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on February 28, 2025
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), Kearran 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 many others.
As the sun set and the city lights shimmered to life, one thing was clear: the Gurus Magazine Oscars Retreat was more than just an event—it was a moment of pure magic. A breathtaking fusion of talent, creativity, wellness, luxury, and healing, it encapsulated the true spirit of Hollywood and provided exactly what the city needed at this moment in time.
The staff of Gurus Magazine’s Pre Oscars Retreat on the red carpet (L-R: Josh Fogel, Tiffany Young, Marisa Hebert, Robyn Newmark, Derek Warburton, Rachel Wilson, Gaby Lask, Laura Pucker, and Kent Burns) – photo by Robin L Marshall at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood on March 1, 2025
