The adaptation of E.L. James‘ blockbuster book series “Fifty Shades of Grey” arrives in a month, but fans can spark some action of their own while waiting for the Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson flick to open Valentine’s weekend.
Bay Area hospitality group Personality Hotels, which has boutique properties in San Francisco, is resurfacing a $150 add-on service for guests called “50 Shades of Women.” The experience is aimed at “those ready to live out their favorite scenes from the best-seller.”
Customers who buy the option receive a “discreet” black box with naughty contents including a Minna Limon Vibrator, a Lilly Fringe Whip, Feel Me Bondaids handcuffs, Madame’s Mystique paddle, a silky sash restraint, Art of Lust Condoms and Wicked Aqua Lubricant. Talk about room service!
“Take notes because Christian and Anastasia are hitting the big screen,” the hotel said of Dornan and Johnson’s respective characters. The package was previously offered in 2012 when digital and print copies of the book were flying off shelves. The second-go-round for the guest feature has been subtitled “Come Again.”
Another experience that’s a little less risqué: a range of official “Fifty Shades” wines was recently tested by experts for Vanity Fair, but they don’t guarantee behavior as thrilling as what Christian and Anastasia get up to after a few glasses of vino. The collection offers two selections, “White Silk” and “Red Satin.”
“This wine tastes like pain. I’d rather be flogged than have to drink this again,” said Grant Reynolds, wine director at New York restaurant Charlie Bird.
“A careless blend that doesn’t pass the blindfold-and-shackle test. Its gooseberry nose is a dead give away for sauvignon blanc, and the floral potpourri of regret is none other than gewürztraminer,” said Crown Group Hospitality’s Jess Levine of the white blend.
New Yorker Patrick Cappiello, wine director of Pearl & Ash, said “the red had fruits like plum, or raspberry, and there were some leathery notes like wet saddle leather. It’s very musky; it felt very masculine. I don’t know if that was the idea or not, maybe that’s what they were trying to do.”
Judge the wine in your own time.
Universal and Focus Features’ “Fifty Shades of Grey” opens Feb. 13 nationwide.