tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057205476788482942024-02-18T20:47:38.236-08:00WE HAVE A NEW SITE!WWW.JAUNTMAGAZINE.COMLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-70379449931472687092009-07-25T16:40:00.001-07:002009-07-25T23:17:06.920-07:00Native American Tribal JewelryThe Native Americans understood a few profound things about life. Among them, the knowledge that the land itself does not belong to us. We are merely the shepherds of each borrowed flock that happens to inhabit this earth. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSznsIgN5t1yXDhVt2CjDlPm5Qcz7AhmYBlONuLo0fCRy7gJvof9HJYThnr_Ug03gCR7Jkt5dNaVQYD2l-nHiW24zZvKKt7TFyCNFy6EjcTPC4101aT_RJJWAKxdoSX5tk0kYs9DX-avX/s1600-h/Interesting+Jewelry+Native+American+Tribes+Northwest+Coast.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSznsIgN5t1yXDhVt2CjDlPm5Qcz7AhmYBlONuLo0fCRy7gJvof9HJYThnr_Ug03gCR7Jkt5dNaVQYD2l-nHiW24zZvKKt7TFyCNFy6EjcTPC4101aT_RJJWAKxdoSX5tk0kYs9DX-avX/s320/Interesting+Jewelry+Native+American+Tribes+Northwest+Coast.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362580762716730066" /></a> As we travel far and wide, Native American culture reminds us that, for as much as we try to own, take, buy, sell, save or destroy the land, it, in fact, owns us. In addition to their wise acknowledgments of all things terrestrial, the Pacific Northwest coast tribes, situated within the Canadian Province of British Columbia and the U.S. states of Alaska, Washington and Oregon, also considered animals akin to human beings, with varying degrees of supernatural powers. Each animal had its own teaching and healing medicine and all of them were capable of taking human form, assuming their other forms when consorting with humans. There were Salmon People, Herring People and Grizzly Bear People. In fact, in ancient Native American lore, frequent references are made to a time when animals were humans, gifted with the power of speech and other human attributes. Native American tribes believed that animals had souls which are immortal and that they were reborn after death.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOZ_fVH6A4pyfpeZQ2ntwI-btJjyn80ho7_0rYQLm6Nf0Fo0TwRbd1yCojas5WRY-VjTWifQtTw1MfAt6sNIQSV2LPAr4bnZAPXxtdZjK5JnTRUoJJAKzoV1iXOV7iJ7LnJKkk99PGFbM/s1600-h/Mythological+Creatures+Sisiutl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOZ_fVH6A4pyfpeZQ2ntwI-btJjyn80ho7_0rYQLm6Nf0Fo0TwRbd1yCojas5WRY-VjTWifQtTw1MfAt6sNIQSV2LPAr4bnZAPXxtdZjK5JnTRUoJJAKzoV1iXOV7iJ7LnJKkk99PGFbM/s320/Mythological+Creatures+Sisiutl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362583422623783890" /></a> With this in mind, we stumbled upon this fine website while searching for interesting tribal jewelry that reflected this all too forgotten culture, so rich with art and story. Before European contact, the Northwest coast tribes used wood, stone, and copper as mediums; since European contact, paper, canvas, glass, and precious metals have also been used. The patterns depicted include natural forms such as bears, ravens, eagles, and humans, as well as legendary creatures such as thunderbirds and sisiutls (a mythological two-headed sea serpent or snake creature with an anthropomorphic head and hands in the middle of the body). These crazy mytho-monsters were common among the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and other indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The best part? All three heads of this mythological creature are surmounted by "horns of power".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwnoGzk-dHLN2D15e8NIba-ExcLYqaxnuczBsQHypQSMiaAAcOdfPumvOYJj4VqqdKk20WfKI1xIwH7y5oazbAaL6VRAaXXa7UNlXdPOKxRYX49eZdL-IAsrUoclVe5HSBpTei3aCfM_o/s1600-h/Ethnic+Exotic+Tribal+Jewelry.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwnoGzk-dHLN2D15e8NIba-ExcLYqaxnuczBsQHypQSMiaAAcOdfPumvOYJj4VqqdKk20WfKI1xIwH7y5oazbAaL6VRAaXXa7UNlXdPOKxRYX49eZdL-IAsrUoclVe5HSBpTei3aCfM_o/s200/Ethnic+Exotic+Tribal+Jewelry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362581337585383058" /></a> The artifacts these Native Americans made served also as a means of transmitting stories, history, and wisdom. Later, the art of the native Northwestern tribes were then used to decorate traditional 'First Nations' household items like spoons, baskets, hats, and paddles. Since European contact, the Northwest Coast art style has increasingly been used in gallery-oriented forms such as paintings, prints and sculptures. <br /><br />Now, they bring us beautiful silver jewelry that will bring out the Tribal Goddess in you.<br /><br />Retails $65-$200<br /><br />www.native-american-indian-silver-jewelry.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-25256830233128490672009-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:002009-07-21T10:15:04.783-07:00San Diego: A Quick Weekend Getaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWVZ27U-ruAc8xYIQ2xq0jP4rNMKi_WRcPYXrA50BaWvVXwDv_u_y47FSwsPwYCJTh4Aq1AxEPJwgzR7730LOCQSaOfJT9DjrQ4K6whiV0UnT4oMllBgNoZqcjg1BLby-791ic7DBA4vm/s1600-h/California+Luxury+Rancho+Bernardo+Hotel+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWVZ27U-ruAc8xYIQ2xq0jP4rNMKi_WRcPYXrA50BaWvVXwDv_u_y47FSwsPwYCJTh4Aq1AxEPJwgzR7730LOCQSaOfJT9DjrQ4K6whiV0UnT4oMllBgNoZqcjg1BLby-791ic7DBA4vm/s320/California+Luxury+Rancho+Bernardo+Hotel+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360791397336322338" /></a> Rancho Bernardo Hotel <br /><br />Sometimes it's easier than you think it is to spoil yourself. The only good thing about the economy still being in shambles is that 4 and 5 star properties are cutting deals for those in need of a quick escape from the stresses of the city. From July 31 through September 13, The Rancho Bernardo Inn is inviting guests to head to sunny Southern California to experience an ultimate getaway for one all-inclusive price. The new “Spoil Me” package combines all of the property’s amenities—deluxe accommodations, exquisite dining, fabulous wine, championship golf, and luxurious spa treatments—providing a no surprises getaway in a warm, relaxing setting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz97VfXi2SwbDURr6cpON0R7hvaHsM09bKH0ZM1l06tW9DxJ3u8wzH1UlzuuYFLEWKWiMjxXmrkS4DSw22wREV4Tz-xEAZV_gIqzk_SnfHjBtbm3SJBDjD5M3GPr7z056fOJh1A4ezQnSH/s1600-h/Los+Angeles+Esacpes+California+Luxury+Hotels+Rancho+Bernardo+Inn+Room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz97VfXi2SwbDURr6cpON0R7hvaHsM09bKH0ZM1l06tW9DxJ3u8wzH1UlzuuYFLEWKWiMjxXmrkS4DSw22wREV4Tz-xEAZV_gIqzk_SnfHjBtbm3SJBDjD5M3GPr7z056fOJh1A4ezQnSH/s320/Los+Angeles+Esacpes+California+Luxury+Hotels+Rancho+Bernardo+Inn+Room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360792042141119826" /></a> Starting at $289 per person, guests can relax, unwind and be pampered during their stay. With all amenities and resort fees included in the package price, The “Spoil Me” package features:<br /><br />• Overnight stay in deluxe accommodations<br />• All meals, including the option of dinner at El Bizcocho<br />• All honor bar beverages and wine amenity <br />• Unlimited rounds of golf<br />• One signature spa treatment per person per day <br />• Tickets to local area attractions<br />• All resort and parking fees<br />• On property recreational facilities <br /><br />Rancho Bernardo Inn, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, is not only a Mobil Four Star property for 18 years, but it also has a AAA Four Diamond rating. The Inn is conveniently located within 25 minutes of most of San Diego’s main attractions including the Wild Animal Park, Lego Land, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the Pacific Ocean. Rancho Bernardo Inn is owned by JC Resorts, whose other properties include Surf & Sand Resort, Temecula Creek Inn, and JC Golf. <br /><br />www.ranchobernardoinn.com<br /><br />Tel: 800.770.7329Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-43272220411339601452009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:002009-07-16T22:42:08.682-07:00Bali & Java: The *Virtual* Spa Escape<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lTpJz8tC9D7oAJyR0mRZp17MFfaeIZqQSNsnpmTDdRdJEXdHKFEoZDYbE1TYAujWYi3sD0_1DbPZYDjMmZ5o2ytna9SIUdz6w5lVG_zG1906lHXS2F3xP09G55gUpDHLEHU_8nBXAJBb/s1600-h/Baliese+Woman.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lTpJz8tC9D7oAJyR0mRZp17MFfaeIZqQSNsnpmTDdRdJEXdHKFEoZDYbE1TYAujWYi3sD0_1DbPZYDjMmZ5o2ytna9SIUdz6w5lVG_zG1906lHXS2F3xP09G55gUpDHLEHU_8nBXAJBb/s320/Baliese+Woman.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359299630740472578" /></a> I want to... oh, where is that exotic escape to Java when you need it? For those thirsting for a last dose of stress-free summer vacation before September, but don’t have the budget to spend on travel, 17th century Bali is at your fingertips. For the month of August, mySpaShop.com, a premier online spa lifestyle resource, is inviting you to embark on a virtual journey to Central Java and explore its rich spa and beauty traditions, all from the comfort of your own home. Each month, mySpaShop.com provides virtual journeys, the recommendations of spa lifestyle product advisors who have combed the world for standout products and experiences.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPmIXPro_XWabzGZMpudGksd9pDD2b4iKrlj0-dC2EgdplYlGjip-6zfIu58jjtIqiPLRmFhQrgmAdmfVtd008o5zjVWb6DfdmrB6uQhEbNFuo5UvVrQVoE77AMOdkbPy6_jVLpCuzRIz/s1600-h/Bali+Spa+Products.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPmIXPro_XWabzGZMpudGksd9pDD2b4iKrlj0-dC2EgdplYlGjip-6zfIu58jjtIqiPLRmFhQrgmAdmfVtd008o5zjVWb6DfdmrB6uQhEbNFuo5UvVrQVoE77AMOdkbPy6_jVLpCuzRIz/s320/Bali+Spa+Products.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359300000472395218" /></a> <br />In Bali, they'd say 'experience the royal Balinese wedding ritual of Lulur, beginning with a JAMU massage of Jasmine Frangipani oil and ending with a yogurt splash, shower and flower bath.' The JAMU lulur scrub is infused with antioxidants that leave the skin with a bright, Asian-inspired radiance. Right now, mySpaShop.com offers a JAMU Frangipaini Spa Traveler so you can enjoy a personal Javanese spa experience no matter where you are. <br /><br />Check it out. <br /><br />www.myspashop.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-16533424294366957662009-07-13T22:10:00.000-07:002009-07-14T11:48:30.655-07:00Caribbean Escapes: Discounted Flights, Over-Water Spas, & Chic Yoga RetreatsThis hot off the press from an independent island hopper who reps some hidden gems in the Caribbean. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw83oECoS-wPbY5MiFXdp6poBhXwd0VqEFJE37zu7GqqpK8MayBdxN-_FjnDqCnRQksGYVq2VEGpUqOKS0a8_jA3dXCzr1P33V95oDlm6SR1XSi94tKhdOdfcKWGHISHUIhs2Z2sv-L-S/s1600-h/bahamas+outer+islands+luxury+resort.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw83oECoS-wPbY5MiFXdp6poBhXwd0VqEFJE37zu7GqqpK8MayBdxN-_FjnDqCnRQksGYVq2VEGpUqOKS0a8_jA3dXCzr1P33V95oDlm6SR1XSi94tKhdOdfcKWGHISHUIhs2Z2sv-L-S/s320/bahamas+outer+islands+luxury+resort.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358185959750107346" /></a> Kamalame Cay, Bahamas - Outer Islands<br /><br />BAHAMAS & JAMAICA<br />In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Kamalame Cay, a 96-acre private island resort in the Bahamas, invites guests to FLY FOR FREE* THROUGH DECEMBER 14 and is also offering 20% OFF ALL SPA TREATMENTS for any Girls World* bookings. With the addition of new General Manager Peter Bauer, a new Spa Director, an onsite wedding planner, a new solar power system – and a new sister property in Jamaica – there are so many reasons this year is better than ever to seek out sunny serenity at two of the most authentic hideaways in the Caribbean. Perched on the edge of the ‘Tongue of the Ocean’ in The Bahamas, Kamalame Cay is a private island hideaway unlike any other. The secluded beachfront cottages combined with the three miles of white sand shores that run the length of the island are just what the body and soul need to re-center, relax and rejuvenate. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKrXN-21klW3AQXy4mZMN31z_Dvodbe_f6-Rb_hO3QkCo5i4CIqzA8vrtxEyvoZDh7LPzAi-NavQ3Runf3we7q70EqdYst-3mOHbP5h4Kf71bt8xm6unk3dRtCOnfbeJDehN479LPZDLT/s1600-h/bahamas+hotel+outer+islands+kamalama+cay+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKrXN-21klW3AQXy4mZMN31z_Dvodbe_f6-Rb_hO3QkCo5i4CIqzA8vrtxEyvoZDh7LPzAi-NavQ3Runf3we7q70EqdYst-3mOHbP5h4Kf71bt8xm6unk3dRtCOnfbeJDehN479LPZDLT/s320/bahamas+hotel+outer+islands+kamalama+cay+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358186325519160226" /></a>Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort Room<br /><br />The new 'Best of Both Worlds' package encourages guests to extend their barefoot Bahamian getaway to Jamaica’s lesser known northeast coast – and the Hew family’s (who own Kamalame) – personal getaway. Using either Air Jamaica’s direct Nassau to Kingston service or flying private to maximize precious holiday minutes, the package includes three nights at Kamalame with choice of full day fishing or equivalent spa credit, 3 nights at Kanopi House, a VIP river rafting trip with quintessential Jamaican barbecue and another full or half-day excursion to one of the countless nearby waterfall wonderlands. Kamalame is also bringing back its ‘New Year, New You’ workshops in January at no extra charge. With (optional) daily yoga and motivational life coaching sessions with renowned Handel Group Life Coach Jo Sawalha to inspire and reinforce the “to thine own self be true” philosophy and encourage participants to exercise the power of body and mind to achieve the life of their dreams. The Kamalame Spa is also located over the turquoise waters of the lagoon and its five treatment rooms face out onto the surrounding sea with floor-to-ceiling windows that fully collapse. Hello?!?<br /><br />Diving, snorkelling, tennis, sea kayaking into mangroves, as well as deep sea and bone fishing are all available right on property. So dine on the conch fritters at Hank's Place (242/368-2447; www.hanks-place.com) on the water at Fresh Creek and tell Kamalame we sent you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUE5Nd5hyphenhyphenHiFviGQg31mJ5lb-V-8NPcKgSDEkDaO30ri6ZqIUTs2poju1aktusMHClBY03QoAWRC7aVpxXeTK-O_fu-1-FOYQJC7S0cFFGxB1Pf9fxwrKzII-P4LBIR6csoPQ6fE721Sk/s1600-h/Caribbean+Hotels+Retreats+Kanopi+.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUE5Nd5hyphenhyphenHiFviGQg31mJ5lb-V-8NPcKgSDEkDaO30ri6ZqIUTs2poju1aktusMHClBY03QoAWRC7aVpxXeTK-O_fu-1-FOYQJC7S0cFFGxB1Pf9fxwrKzII-P4LBIR6csoPQ6fE721Sk/s320/Caribbean+Hotels+Retreats+Kanopi+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358187131149534498" /></a> <br />Kanopi House, in Jamaica, is a low-impact resort featuring a relaxed club house and four individual eco-chic tree houses in a luscious rainforest with commanding views over Port Antonio, often referred to as the Jamaican Riviera. A stone’s throw from the world famous Blue Lagoon, all meals and activities are catered to individual tastes. <br /><br /><br />www.kamalame.com <br />www.kanopihouse.com<br /><br />Rates for six nights as above including inter-island air start at $2500pp based on double occupancy.<br /><br />Visit: www.kamalame.com/news/The_Kamalame_Summer09.html for complete details.<br /><br />Reservations for both properties (and the Best of Both Worlds) can be made by calling +1.800.790.7971 and mentioning this deal and where you heard about it. Meanwhile, Jet Blue launches service from JFK to Saint Lucia (UVF) October 26 and to Kingston, Jamaica on October 30th making this offer even more tempting.Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-46049238915070448522009-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:002009-07-12T00:36:55.888-07:00Lonely Planet's Travel with Children<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4189uKLNPCjDIhDIJk4g9uhzA6fl7QtIMpdDHEYkJXk0zPEeCtOAt73INyg-t07lPVZGFsP49e-iM-1IWPty_qFijDy5qL9VjVNGLB7ghAvazzzrfKdRid-Msv6hdKq3HpBlBZIy2GVr/s1600-h/Lonely+Planet+Travel+with+Children.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4189uKLNPCjDIhDIJk4g9uhzA6fl7QtIMpdDHEYkJXk0zPEeCtOAt73INyg-t07lPVZGFsP49e-iM-1IWPty_qFijDy5qL9VjVNGLB7ghAvazzzrfKdRid-Msv6hdKq3HpBlBZIy2GVr/s200/Lonely+Planet+Travel+with+Children.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356663188810043618" /></a> They say that people have more children during a Depression. Hmmm... Well, judging from the amount of snappy strollers and bouncing Bugaboo's on the streets, I'd have to say that things must be looking up! Or down. Babies, I dare say, are simply everywhere that we turn. And, although some of them are damn cute, things start to go south when they're on the airplane getting colicky or in the back seat of the car asking (incessantly), "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" So, to better help our friends with family, here's a new Lonely Planet guide just for you. Lonely Planet, assembling a team of parent-authors, are offering their best ideas and advice about every aspect of traveling with kids - from planning to packing to getting along on the road (and what to do when things go wrong) in the fifth edition of Travel with Children published July 2009. Fully revised and redesigned, this new edition of Travel with Children features:<br /><br />Tips on choosing the right kind of trip for your family<br />Details on all kinds of vacations, from Activity & Adventure Holidays to Package Holidays & Resorts <br /><br />How to keep them happy<br />Games to make long trips easier, how to create a child-friendly itinerary, and dealing with your child’s ‘culture shock’<br /><br />Info on living abroad and long-term travel for young families<br /><br />How to stay healthy and keep safe by a medical expert <br />A run-down of common immunizations, what you should bring with you in a first-aid kit, and travel related health issues.<br /><br />Special advice for solo parents and parents with teenagers <br />Each situation has its own set of challenges and their authors give practical advice on how to stay sane and create boundaries.<br /><br />Traveler’s Tales <br />Authors describe their most memorable family trips – and tell you what worked and what didn’t.<br /><br />So if you're knocked up, know someone who is, or you already have a growing brood of your own, this could be the perfect reference guide or gift for them (or you)! <br /><br />Just don't say I told you to go out and get pregnant...<br /><br />www.amazon.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-83786107974930049472009-07-03T07:42:00.001-07:002009-07-03T07:53:29.663-07:00Palm Springs: The New, Super Hip Ace Hotel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3hLI2eUPiEvHciwy2ZOLx9EOa_UYTLKPvKgSEUkZzz40QMMxhCNEUqOGTWYyogXGM_J8GkYfCl5j-LRl5c6FP6S4GVCmlkHhI3EuCI7KjBeRii3yzTQd3gONsafalZqpk5WChR_R2g8z/s1600-h/Ace+Hotel+Palm+Springs.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3hLI2eUPiEvHciwy2ZOLx9EOa_UYTLKPvKgSEUkZzz40QMMxhCNEUqOGTWYyogXGM_J8GkYfCl5j-LRl5c6FP6S4GVCmlkHhI3EuCI7KjBeRii3yzTQd3gONsafalZqpk5WChR_R2g8z/s320/Ace+Hotel+Palm+Springs.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354245255270201730" /></a> The Ace Hotel & Swim Club<br /><br />Everyone in LA knows the edgy, musically-inspired Rudy's, the popular salon for men and women on Melrose. My husband gets his wild mop trimmed there. Well, the owners of Rudy's have branched out and we like what we see. Built on the foundation of a 1965 Westward Ho Hotel, their newly-opened (and super hip) Ace Hotel in Palm Springs maintains both functionality and simplicity without sacrificing aesthetic. Perfect for couples getaways, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and just that much needed, get me the hell outta LA weekend trip. The hotel's laid-back atmosphere embraces a natural and organic design with interiors designed by L.A.-based visual design team Commune. Transporting guests to an indulgent camping experience with an eclectic assortment of local artists and designers contributing their talents to the hotel, community is a central theme with shared outdoor areas like communal fireplaces and patios that invite guests to come together.<br /><br />The hotel features offbeat details like tamale carts and a sno-cone bar, poolside massages in a Mongolian Yurt (there are also indoor treatment rooms), and two saline pools. The restaurant Kings Highway redefines roadside diner fare, focusing on fresh, organic and local ingredients, while the original old rand-hand bar, the Amigo Room, has been restored to its high/low glory. An old ice cream truck - the Short Bus - also serves as poolside bar. <br /><br />www.acehotel.com/palmsprings <br /><br />$129-999Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-26662552844933176042009-06-25T04:51:00.000-07:002009-06-25T05:21:43.421-07:00Maui, Hawaii: The Best Luxury Lover's Getaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc_NCGHrM-MFL-3NSycNHZdK4YZxtmHc4pA3UQeP5QBjuIaMUIWdkrPXRaRDNTb2vssbQFFDSG2ADcDQrU6nfdIG09KN1viZFzl3Vkhhg1pKtwPXH2nVeOW760b6tdb4eWYPaJzb7G7Gj/s1600-h/Maui+Romantic+Escapes+Wailea++each+Marriott+Resort+and+Spa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc_NCGHrM-MFL-3NSycNHZdK4YZxtmHc4pA3UQeP5QBjuIaMUIWdkrPXRaRDNTb2vssbQFFDSG2ADcDQrU6nfdIG09KN1viZFzl3Vkhhg1pKtwPXH2nVeOW760b6tdb4eWYPaJzb7G7Gj/s320/Maui+Romantic+Escapes+Wailea++each+Marriott+Resort+and+Spa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351232459891961314" /></a> Our Editor-in-Chief calls Maui home so, when it comes to finding new deals and secret retreats, it's a bit of a challenge. She knows almost every place already. However, in all her years of traveling to and from the island, this winter, she and her husband were surprised to uncover a beauty among the beaches. The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, nestled right next to the Shops at Wailea, is just a few hundred feet from well-known properties like The Four Seasons and The Grand Wailea, but offers something you won't find at more popular locations... no screaming kids! That's why we've voted it the 'Best Luxury Lover's Getaway on Maui.' Not to mention the fact that it's slightly less expensive than her neighbors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgk9oyNWyKRnttfeAVBSNRpQkFGYSuqRaq9_ZHPAXiYy_exgoV4ZMMfbF3B0SNCwZWvX2Rym2JcSjgO3x0-NU8neljl_MBKi2bjuUeKz4VvQyekYxBcl7G9JvDgAefa-2X8XdryW09aSP/s1600-h/Mala+Maui+-+Kobe+Burger.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgk9oyNWyKRnttfeAVBSNRpQkFGYSuqRaq9_ZHPAXiYy_exgoV4ZMMfbF3B0SNCwZWvX2Rym2JcSjgO3x0-NU8neljl_MBKi2bjuUeKz4VvQyekYxBcl7G9JvDgAefa-2X8XdryW09aSP/s200/Mala+Maui+-+Kobe+Burger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351233877632432226" /></a> With an onsite restaurant, Mala Wailea, from world-renowned chef/owner Mark Ellman, it also has one of the best Kobe burgers in town. The resort offers 546 guest rooms and suites with amenities like high-speed Internet, a 27-inch flat screen TV, cable TV, video games, a private lanai (balcony), the Mandara Spa with holistic treatments from the Far East, five swimming pools, including the new Maluhia Serenity Pool with six exclusive over-the-water cabanas reminiscent of over-water bungalows in Bora Bora, and nearby golf, tennis and Shops at Wailea. The rooms, pictured here, were all recently revamped and look more like a sophisticated W Hotel than the usual (and somewhat dated) luxury hotels nearby. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU-ULyi1c4VSPGp_QxO4QqEOw6Tk_EKrFgyiPrrALkwmsUfEBGCoHOJfKgGdMEM6hyr3iZDyYrvgdW2n-4J9Howfn73AzmByIBJiwZHtGB6A3XhBhnPEjZTqiNrqcmAQniYfsS2UYvRvz/s1600-h/Wailea+Beach+Marriott+Resort+and+Spa+Room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU-ULyi1c4VSPGp_QxO4QqEOw6Tk_EKrFgyiPrrALkwmsUfEBGCoHOJfKgGdMEM6hyr3iZDyYrvgdW2n-4J9Howfn73AzmByIBJiwZHtGB6A3XhBhnPEjZTqiNrqcmAQniYfsS2UYvRvz/s320/Wailea+Beach+Marriott+Resort+and+Spa+Room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234245752501154" /></a> Though it's not as beach front as the other properties nearby, you will save a few hundred bucks a night and you're closer to the Shops at Wailea. The beach is also just a two-minute walk down a paved oceanfront path. Plus, no other property nearby has anything like their over-the-water cabanas and infinity pool. This is property for adults... and celebs who don't want other guests constantly gawking. To wit, when our EIC stayed here, Lindsay Lohan was taking some much needed down time. So, though we may be young at heart, we <span style="font-weight:bold;">really <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>like our quiet sexy time. <br /><br />From $525-$3,250/night<br /><br />www.waileamarriott.com <br />Tel: 1-808-879-1922Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-20881946112734943392009-06-23T05:28:00.000-07:002009-06-23T05:37:09.701-07:00Family Travel: Mamapedia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PVYX1-5b3EZbeixvkbvjKHbMeyed9OhjIAfGH2sPYj2NQLsWJUuy9oQa58mWjZJyaHtEfGcZupF4Bfe7G_GSBNbbcUGsaw6YZHlJgpsgvCHyn3a-4Ziwhp7tV33NsWAszHhHRyENy_ak/s1600-h/Mamapedia.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PVYX1-5b3EZbeixvkbvjKHbMeyed9OhjIAfGH2sPYj2NQLsWJUuy9oQa58mWjZJyaHtEfGcZupF4Bfe7G_GSBNbbcUGsaw6YZHlJgpsgvCHyn3a-4Ziwhp7tV33NsWAszHhHRyENy_ak/s320/Mamapedia.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350500870323625650" /></a> Lately, we've been hanging out with a bunch of real babies. <br /><br />And we don't mean the adult kind that are too afraid to climb mountains or repel into valleys. No, we're talking about the burping, crying, eating, and napping kind. It sure made us realize a few overwhelming things about life (which we'll save for another story). It also made us realize that even cool moms need travel advice. So, just as school is out, families everywhere are looking for great getaways, vacation ideas, and summer camps - and we found a website that makes it easier than ever.<br /> <br />Mamapedia is a one-stop-shop where moms can ask a question or pose a search on an array of topics - everything from local day camps to cheap vacation ideas, or how to entertain the kids on a long car ride - - and get fast and complete answers from the real experts- other moms!<br /><br />There's no registration or fee required to search and find, with just a few clicks of the mouse, the right spot for your own crying, eating, burping, napping family. Every time a question or search is entered, a series of answers will come into play - and then moms can take the answers and insight that make sense for their family. More than a million answers are at their fingertips.<br /><br />So, if you got knocked up and now need to figure out how to relax (or send your little darling away for the summer), we think you should check it out.<br /><br />www.mamapedia.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-14367307781263153692009-06-21T04:26:00.000-07:002009-06-21T08:12:17.686-07:00The Azores Islands, Portugal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lLA2fbzWs-aq_lTKusmsj67nFNawZpUfTtybKJPxIjiMEaHBLj2QRWPtxZNmJF1p5KL-0knUvG7GFfbc4Rr_uHYQz4XGXm137RgwhhNvPNc1FyGZGLPjfzVXe3xMTxkMtM3JJKfvDFo7/s1600-h/The+Azores+Portugal,+Flores.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lLA2fbzWs-aq_lTKusmsj67nFNawZpUfTtybKJPxIjiMEaHBLj2QRWPtxZNmJF1p5KL-0knUvG7GFfbc4Rr_uHYQz4XGXm137RgwhhNvPNc1FyGZGLPjfzVXe3xMTxkMtM3JJKfvDFo7/s320/The+Azores+Portugal,+Flores.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349750154009246514" /></a> 40 Waterfalls... 0 tourists. We write about Hawaii, Tahiti, Bali, Bora Bora, the Maldives, and the Greek islands about as much as we can. Jaunt lovers adore these exotic island locales, but they also love reading our site to learn a bit about the secret gems of Europe, otherwise known as... the island chains less travelled. This brings us to enlighten our readers to... the Azores islands of Portugal! <br /><br />The archipelago of the Azores, the closest point in Europe to New England, is made up of nine islands. Sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, fertile prairies, volcanic cones and craters, colorful hydrangeas and azaleas, 15th century churches and majestic manor houses, all make the Azores unlike anywhere else on earth. As a destination, the Azores have won numerous accolades: One of 10 Best Values, USA Today; Top 10 Places for Whale Watching, Sherman's Travel; Top 3 Places to See Foliage Outside of the US, Wall Street Journal and Top 10 Islands You Never Heard of from Budget Travel. <br /><br />If you stand on the beach at Faja de Baixo and look out at the sea, there is nothing but water between you and the eastern coast of the United States. Behind you, 40 waterfalls cascade down soaring cliffs. It's hard to find a more enchanting place than Flores, and its tiny neighbor, Corvo. Together, they make up the Western Group of Azorean islands – over 150 miles from the Central Group. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ie33Q3k4OddYqHCuF8Ou9d1Xkit-4yUZjUwYK4vv2IOJtySliQomTCZJS68u-W8oMc3Fu-AMc-eOdk1HB_7qvKhmxdBWwAv9sTFdGHEVweSvYak_EigLBTZb1QsdKnmR3WnATew9akM/s1600-h/Azores+Landscape.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ie33Q3k4OddYqHCuF8Ou9d1Xkit-4yUZjUwYK4vv2IOJtySliQomTCZJS68u-W8oMc3Fu-AMc-eOdk1HB_7qvKhmxdBWwAv9sTFdGHEVweSvYak_EigLBTZb1QsdKnmR3WnATew9akM/s320/Azores+Landscape.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349751829889470914" /></a> Flores' landscape is quite different from the rest of the Azores, it feels younger, and windswept. It's western coast is a flat slice of land, called a Fajã, running from the cliffs of the mountain plateau to sharp black rocks and beaches along the Atlantic. Tiny towns, with white washed houses flow to the sea, and a dozen of waterfalls splash from the cliffs behind them. In this mild climate, there are cedar forests, tidal pools, and trails to climb to the waterfalls. <br /><br />The central mountain plains are dotted with seven crater lakes, all easily accessible by foot or car. The landscape here is like a romantic English moor with lines of hydrangeas that follow the road's that rise fall with the green landscape. Sheep, goats and cattle graze amid the dark crater lakes, and rabbits dash back and forth among the brush. <br /><br />The southern coast is home to the former whaling town of Lajes Das Flores, where the black ramp leading up to former whaling factory is still the best way to the rocky beach. Old tripots and whaling implements are on display at the factory, while nearby restaurants serve the fresh catch of the day with a 19th century church towering over the village. <br /><br />Follow the ocean road north through cedar forest to the main town of Santa Cruz on the east coast to the small island of Corvo, shaped like a giant tear, floating 30 miles off the coast. It's 300 inhabitants live in the island's only town, Vila Novo do Corvo, a wild open place acesible by a 10-minute flight, ferry, or by tagging along on a local fishing boat. We say opt for the latter. Pleasant, white, and riding high black sea cliffs, Santa Cruz boasts most of the island's simple eateries, many run by fishermen and their families, as well as a whaling museum (with loads of New England artifacts and all sorts of bottles of whale oil). The town offers a few basic hotels, and plenty of activity in its ports. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC5OfoSqs5QlrI_4hQikddOgQ71SU2HDj7UivFZfJsHV4-tSPH6H5_RWSaxXtHDAuv8oCdxKQ9mxR_WPsdMqaCN2C1DjXwKKoJMhvXUxB9wEbuf76dh0LJzjf1AUm8xRmG3xBixfU0A6K/s1600-h/Azores+Portugal.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC5OfoSqs5QlrI_4hQikddOgQ71SU2HDj7UivFZfJsHV4-tSPH6H5_RWSaxXtHDAuv8oCdxKQ9mxR_WPsdMqaCN2C1DjXwKKoJMhvXUxB9wEbuf76dh0LJzjf1AUm8xRmG3xBixfU0A6K/s320/Azores+Portugal.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349750420151236546" /></a> Follow the road north along steep sea cliffs to the northern town of Ponta Delgada, with its lighthouse and open coast. From here, trials stretch back miles to the south coast, perfect for hiking. There is no access for cars and the landscape is green and wild. No village or sign of life can be found for miles, as the centuries old footpaths lead through waterfalls, and striking sea views back to the westernmost coast in Europe. <br /><br /><strong>Where to Stay?</strong><br /><br />Most hotels are comfortable, affordable and near the sea, but two places stand out for authentic experience of what life on Flores is like. <br /><br /><em>Aldeia da Cuada</em><br /><br />Cuada was a tiny village that saw it villagers emigrate for a better life decades ago. When Carlos and Teotonia Silva started to buy up the ruined houses, it was over grown, its ocean views no longer viable. Over two decades they bought and restored 15 of the towns' 17 houses (one is still in the hands of a family, the other is a chapel), and made them into simple one and two bedroom cottages. The Aldeia (or Village in Portuguese) has the feel of an ancient town, with its rough stone paths (no cars allowed) open fields, and stone houses all with kitchenette, and furnished in period antiques. <br /><br />Prices are less than $100 per night and the town is connected by a new road, and ancient paths to the nearby towns Fajã Grande and Fajazinha. Views to the west are of the sea, and to the east of the waterfalls. <br />Aldeia da Cuada (H, B)<br />T: 351 292 590040<br />Fax: 351 292 590050<br />Email: aldeiacuada@mail.telepac.pt<br />Web: www.aldeiadacuada.com<br /><br />Azores Express, a U.S.-based tour operator and member of the SATA Group, offers direct flights on wide body A310 aircraft to São Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago with connections to Flores. Connecting flights from São Miguel are also offered to Lisbon and the island of Madeira. Azores Express has connected New England with the Azores and mainland Portugal for more than 25 years. The carrier is part of the SATA Group, which connects the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, with the world. <br /><br />For more information and reservations contact:<br /><br />Azores Express<br />Tel: 800-762-9995<br />www.sata.pt <br /><br />Azores Islands/Portugal's official tourist board site: <br /><br />www.visitportugal.com and www.drtacores.ptLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-78738886522841786692009-06-11T03:50:00.000-07:002009-06-13T15:41:18.697-07:00Taschen's Simple Diary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvAjYcUWjYTeS5ayWrbOnPwtyRyEHkC1nY0axk8naPHPTWYGhyphenhyphen3Mc0Zm9hotq1ktsA3VzRo8n-GNb0fFx_MGL-UKnLpCSukiBqdDcwRJDxVDdKHisOfeD-HJ2OlcFviW0EeTuoiKtkabD/s1600-h/Taschen+Simple+Diary+Travel+Journal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvAjYcUWjYTeS5ayWrbOnPwtyRyEHkC1nY0axk8naPHPTWYGhyphenhyphen3Mc0Zm9hotq1ktsA3VzRo8n-GNb0fFx_MGL-UKnLpCSukiBqdDcwRJDxVDdKHisOfeD-HJ2OlcFviW0EeTuoiKtkabD/s200/Taschen+Simple+Diary+Travel+Journal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346021989345672226" /></a> Let me guess... you'd love to keep a journal, but you just don't know where to begin? We might be a band of crazy gypsy writers, but we also know a thing or two about writer's block. That's where Taschen’s first text book, Simple Diary™, comes in handy. The Diary offers a creative way to journal, with a slightly outrageous spin. Art Book publisher Benedikt Taschen’s latest release by renowned artist and author, Philipp Keel, is a curious collection of fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice, word associations and lists that give readers the “simple tools” to create unique, memorable daily records without all the heavy lifting of blank journals. This unique diary is Taschen’s first release primarily filled with text which Taschen describes as, “a book that provides us with a little comfort in difficult times.” Illuminating thought starters, queries and illustrations enable the reader/creator to explore, navigate and document the chaotic adventure that is life. Unlike traditional journaling, Simple Diary™ is designed to take the pressure out of journaling by providing boundaries to help the reader get to the essence of his/her day, week or moment. Simply stated, in a time of information overload, Simple Diary™ is the antidote to the modern age.<br /><br />$15.00<br /><br />Available in stores on June 20, you can get in your pre-order by visiting:<br /><br />www.simplediary.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-22915426145250344462009-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:002009-06-11T03:48:13.290-07:00NYC: A Boutique Hotel in the Heart of the City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyyG9-Sua7jGBF9zrkv8_gYiLmmoC_WtkTAo6LZAjXIiXPFq-gM8I0S246TVcjPx3gqlrDJeN_ORG8lbj7Llr2cm-B_TqeYIT4hf9fN6WEcRKQ9puNJMzGAEM73inQ6Aub3CWjzvf_QB0/s1600-h/New+York+boutique+hotel+room+midtown+fitzpatrick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyyG9-Sua7jGBF9zrkv8_gYiLmmoC_WtkTAo6LZAjXIiXPFq-gM8I0S246TVcjPx3gqlrDJeN_ORG8lbj7Llr2cm-B_TqeYIT4hf9fN6WEcRKQ9puNJMzGAEM73inQ6Aub3CWjzvf_QB0/s320/New+York+boutique+hotel+room+midtown+fitzpatrick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344232741793802130" /></a> Finding a hotel in New York is easy. Finding a hotel that's quiet, spacious, and reasonably priced is another story. That's what motivated us to mention The Fitzpatrick Hotels, two family-owned boutique hotels that offer all of the above and pride themselves on European style with personalized service.<br /><br />We stayed at the recently renovated Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel located in the heart of the city’s most popular retail district at 687 Lexington Avenue between East 56th and East 57th Street. Impressed with the absolute calm in the heart of such bustle was impressive, it's perfectly situated just a few blocks from Central Park and the Guggenheim. All 91 guest rooms and suites have been renovated with owner John Fitzpatrick actively involved in re-designing every area of the hotel, drawing inspiration from the finest country estates of Ireland. The finished product is perfect for couples, small families, and business travelers... a quiet sanctuary in midtown that is both warm and elegant. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pzdAwDkB_eCondMKay__m3iJK8nJCyesj3q3KbmCu6BrWpU9G_7MA-62GotuV-2TIeKwMixM5e7v6nH_ZtgffdbrfZinSA6yAqSytBFjVRXJE0q9laaAnaCykwNJeky8R0jjotp40ZJ0/s1600-h/The+Fitz+Manhattan+Bar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pzdAwDkB_eCondMKay__m3iJK8nJCyesj3q3KbmCu6BrWpU9G_7MA-62GotuV-2TIeKwMixM5e7v6nH_ZtgffdbrfZinSA6yAqSytBFjVRXJE0q9laaAnaCykwNJeky8R0jjotp40ZJ0/s320/The+Fitz+Manhattan+Bar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345255807343916338" /></a> Both properties offer deluxe accommodations including traditional Irish canopy beds with pillow-top mattresses (so comfortable it was hard to get out of bed!), Irish chocolates at turndown, high speed wireless internet, and spacious bathrooms. The hotel restaurants, The Wheeltapper, at the Fitzpatrick Grand Central, and The Fitz, in the Fitzpatrick Manhattan, offer traditional Irish cuisine with a modern flare and a dark sexy bar setting that is discrete enough for that fly-by-night romance. We give it two thumb's up and plan to tell our business associates and relatives next time they're looking for a well-priced and comfortable spot near all the major museums and restaurants. <br /><br />Room rates from $179<br /><br />www.fitzpatrickhotels.com<br /><br />Also not to be missed. Right down the street at the Hiro Haraguchi salon on 41 East 57th Street at the corner of Madison and East 57th Street, there's a luxe organic hair treatment developed by resident stylist Mordechai Alvow. The line of organic essential oils called 'YAROK' promises to give new life to drab tresses. We recommend checking out the latest Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at the Guggenheim, grabbing some lunch an an outdoor boite, and then heading your weary tresses to Hiro Haraguchi's salon. Mordechai Alvow’s on-going quest for performance-driven products healthy for clients and the environment motivated him to create YAROK, a blend of base and essential oils, handpicked for their medicinal and sensory benefits throughout history, and grown so as to retain the highest possible concentration of nutrients.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZxX-VHU27Bun2xGLSYqHviy0IOs-JyokMRmOGsv4grIg9kgGYogglII5CrF5yoLFLmKYhQTA0IAPW0InYntCRLBLYa9X6d79lhy-V_5oOtm8LyJlEp_WuAOcXEm1KUmIrWoXu-SASL6w/s1600-h/Organic+Hair+Treatment+Yarok.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZxX-VHU27Bun2xGLSYqHviy0IOs-JyokMRmOGsv4grIg9kgGYogglII5CrF5yoLFLmKYhQTA0IAPW0InYntCRLBLYa9X6d79lhy-V_5oOtm8LyJlEp_WuAOcXEm1KUmIrWoXu-SASL6w/s320/Organic+Hair+Treatment+Yarok.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344234186191557922" /></a> Each of the seven serums is designed to deliver a heightened sensory experience while addressing seven specific scalp and hair conditions in both men and women, resulting from blow-drying, chemical processing, product overload, free radical assaults and everyday stress -- offering a personalized solution for lifeless hair.<br /> <br />Seven Nourishing YAROK Serums include: <br /> <br />· Serum 2: Real Brunettes with Rosemary and Hemp Oil -- Rosemary, a naturally stimulating essential oil, controls dandruff and encourage hair growth. It also preserves all shades of brown hair. Hemp Oil, derived from essential fatty acids, is believed to aid in healing.<br /> <br />· Serum 6: Booster For Men with Jasmine and Camellia Oil -- Recommended for frequent flyers whose traveling -- and high altitudes in general -- creates a moisture imbalance in the scalp which over time, coupled with stress, sleep deprivation and poor nutrition (as well as genetics), can lead to hair loss and thinning. Jasmine Oil is a fast-acting hydrator that helps reduce trans-epidermal moisture loss that can dry out scalp and hair, while Camellia Oil is a super-moisturizer.<br /><br />Treatment is $100.<br />Individual serums for take-home use $60.<br /><br />www.hiroharaguchi.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-40287174816563682092009-06-03T04:06:00.000-07:002009-06-03T04:46:58.478-07:00Punta Mita, Mexico: A Luxury Villa Rental For You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPeXt88_xvC8czg_egPgkTbGpcGeGnY0S7-G70deAWUQBDSmrSzCs6V-zy6E8dXFLJBC-jdxbd_COa1p3r7bb2AnFMgMvCzX1NpSvAUkZr-V9ks069wR68xCC_9E7tASZYJTee8Ef4_n4/s1600-h/Casa+Kalika.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPeXt88_xvC8czg_egPgkTbGpcGeGnY0S7-G70deAWUQBDSmrSzCs6V-zy6E8dXFLJBC-jdxbd_COa1p3r7bb2AnFMgMvCzX1NpSvAUkZr-V9ks069wR68xCC_9E7tASZYJTee8Ef4_n4/s320/Casa+Kalika.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343062467185401954" /></a> Casa Kalika… Punta Mita… si, Senorita. With its breathtaking views of the aquiline waters off the Bay of Banderas on the Pacific Ocean, along with the lush beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Marietas islands, and the Puerta Vallarta skyline, Casa Kalika is one luxury gem we had to share. A 10,000 sq. foot private villa oozing in ultimate relaxation, you can soak up the sun and magnificent views. Simple, yet elegant it’s located on the famed Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in the ultra exclusive Four Seasons Punta Mita community. We think it’s a hot spot for couples or families… and an even better locale for a small wedding or wedding party. With both a coveted location and a private oceanfront setting, it’s a 10,000 square foot villa with 5 bedrooms to sleep up to 12 guests. <br /><br />Quiero un romp conmigo? <br /><br />Rates:<br />Low Season (April 1st – Oct. 31st): $1,950.00 (3 nights minimum)<br /><br />High Season (Nov. – Mar. 30th): $2,950.00 (3 nights minimum)<br /><br />Holidays (Christmas and New Years with a minimum stay of 7 nights.<br />Easter, Thanksgiving and Spring Break with a minimum stay of 5 nights.): $4,600.00 <br /><br />www.casakalika.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-70479209223436757912009-05-26T16:00:00.000-07:002009-06-06T08:04:22.102-07:00Essaouira, Morocco: Organic Beauty for Women, One Nut at a Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AwjRE2NWPupUvnNw1zH0Fzwxb5xgrN3l-1-SORJ_Ra0Jwd10MbsAMciFxs7dGQwaJ8vfgYzpK8SKSokupIkHSDSX27VrzRHRi8hHSpKA8gEHgDG-csQ4UfuU8ymIx6BQ98r3irx1trcM/s1600-h/goat_tree_argan_climbing_morocco.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AwjRE2NWPupUvnNw1zH0Fzwxb5xgrN3l-1-SORJ_Ra0Jwd10MbsAMciFxs7dGQwaJ8vfgYzpK8SKSokupIkHSDSX27VrzRHRi8hHSpKA8gEHgDG-csQ4UfuU8ymIx6BQ98r3irx1trcM/s320/goat_tree_argan_climbing_morocco.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340337096301306098" /></a> Goats Climbing An Argan Tree, Morocco<br /><br />Argan... doesn't the name remind you of a dark roguish beard from Lord of the Rings? In reality, it's a tree that only grows in Southwestern Morocco, an equally tempting image (for a botanist). So what makes the argan tree so special? They say, "It's nuts." No, really. It's nuts... and the oil extracted from them. Deemed ‘liquid gold’ by locals and international beauty addicts, it's organic, naturally rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants said to help heal skin conditions including wrinkles, acne, and dry skin. Women of Morocco have used it for generations to combat the dry desert air and reduce the signs of aging. Now, in the West, it’s slowly developing a very devoted following due to the extraordinary results it delivers. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyKAwf2Eq8iThN1inARISf0ORZdt-NwKzj0RidvsTdNuitHPtH8mSv0ftTS1f4Eues5qb7nPsF4evrNntjoi7Aca3Hh2d0nmA9oe-TKaQUeS-MyqVnFCOCQME4iLKXidj49ljZ9SXPFU0/s1600-h/Organic+Skincare+-+Natural+Beauty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyKAwf2Eq8iThN1inARISf0ORZdt-NwKzj0RidvsTdNuitHPtH8mSv0ftTS1f4Eues5qb7nPsF4evrNntjoi7Aca3Hh2d0nmA9oe-TKaQUeS-MyqVnFCOCQME4iLKXidj49ljZ9SXPFU0/s200/Organic+Skincare+-+Natural+Beauty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340339879737827730" /></a> By law, the Berber women are the only ones permitted to extract the argan oil, a labor intensive process that can take up to a day to produce a single liter of oil. In 1999, Morocco’s argan forest was designated a Unesco International Biosphere Reserve, but the argan trees still disappeared in large numbers, often used for fire wood, despite preservation. As a result, the women’s argan cooperatives were developed by the government to provide economic opportunity for the Berber women. These cooperatives now offer one of the only roads to financial and social independence. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkAd55pXPq-KXh1kUQe3XQ6UzSaeaI9xVWlz4azcZlCr__sc7UQ92JRGLUgqQ5Yz5XZINuTls9fUhbnOjgmufGhWOdmL_Ce3W9Kf9xntWNt51mNm1GzlHXAh4YqK7-tnN606m65ooyeES/s1600-h/Women's+Cooperatives+Morocco+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkAd55pXPq-KXh1kUQe3XQ6UzSaeaI9xVWlz4azcZlCr__sc7UQ92JRGLUgqQ5Yz5XZINuTls9fUhbnOjgmufGhWOdmL_Ce3W9Kf9xntWNt51mNm1GzlHXAh4YqK7-tnN606m65ooyeES/s320/Women's+Cooperatives+Morocco+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347875434792194" /></a> In addition to providing the means to earn a living, many of the argan cooperatives also offer literacy and women’s rights programs, as well as work training and life skills programs. These simple skills provide a level of independence they ordinarily wouldn't have, not to mention as increased sense of pride and self-esteem. We love the idea of sustainability, independence, and liquid gold. So get thee to Morocco! And ride a wave while you're at it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG7VPxOsy7LokdTZN4a3Wz6BVBlDv0lJga6D-Jx5XsZ0jPWW3o24jweAJEFUNaGgbdzleytNGGaChyphenhyphenEjqRU3QvOarc8Tt4Rcc8AuA9UbBm-fUM18jHt6QDWA8IW7PXtSus4dcBhyeyWv6/s1600-h/Morocco+-+Essaouira.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG7VPxOsy7LokdTZN4a3Wz6BVBlDv0lJga6D-Jx5XsZ0jPWW3o24jweAJEFUNaGgbdzleytNGGaChyphenhyphenEjqRU3QvOarc8Tt4Rcc8AuA9UbBm-fUM18jHt6QDWA8IW7PXtSus4dcBhyeyWv6/s320/Morocco+-+Essaouira.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340339489492656082" /></a> Essaouira, Morocco <br /><br />From Marrakesh to Essaouira, you'll find a majority of the women’s cooperatives. Through sandy roads you'll pass rolling yellow hills, olive groves, sheep, and the occasional donkey or two (or three), signs will announce cooperatives like the Argan Co-Op, Women’s Argan Collective, and Miracle Oil. Visitors can stop in and have a demonstration of how argan oil is made while they taste the culinary argan oil and amlou – a concoction made with argan oil and honey - served with bread. Most of these have shops onsite where people can buy locally produced argan products. There's also some rock star lore... people like Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens came here for a good dose of Moroccan hippy-style inspiration. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUox3qEwhW76e9xwFG-W4QNgN46stOBjCL5BV6qrVJv4Ktf_e9R3ONmAv_e8WsJmXUaDlP1H-z7brWdVc-wC06uDGVE-tknPxBTKcPxn3E14k_1nNIqdVxHd-3PvWmaco4NBGHHxNBVtlD/s1600-h/Morocco+Windsurfing+Essaouira.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUox3qEwhW76e9xwFG-W4QNgN46stOBjCL5BV6qrVJv4Ktf_e9R3ONmAv_e8WsJmXUaDlP1H-z7brWdVc-wC06uDGVE-tknPxBTKcPxn3E14k_1nNIqdVxHd-3PvWmaco4NBGHHxNBVtlD/s320/Morocco+Windsurfing+Essaouira.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340339030778451922" /></a> These days, Euros come for the fact that Essaouira is know as one of the top spots in the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding. To reach Essaouira, all you need to do is fly into Marrakesh. Rent a car at the airport; Avis (www.avis.com) and Sixt (www.e-sixt.com) both have offices. The drive takes about two and a half hours and is well marked.<br /><br />Which brings us to Kahina and Giving Beauty, the new line of argan-based skin care founded by socially conscious entrepreneur Katharine L’Heureux. Named after a Jewish Berber queen (700AD) who successfully resisted the first Arab invaders, Kahina is a heroine to the Berber women and represents empowerment for women worldwide. Sourcing key ingredients from Moroccan argan oil cooperatives, L’Heureux not only buys their ingredients, but spends valuable time with the women, donating 25% of the profits from the sales of the skincare back to the women of the argan cooperatives who work to provide the raw materials for the Giving Beauty products. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr-tIDwdZqcmJbm31Fxi-X3q2ezGwwiRZsxWSRGykxdRfKafLyEeZ7qwsFN3VI0GNPdGrVsyo07bsC7Pb3YBkZXOtRobxvUujWeKmopI5Fy-MNqpyDreyM4EQ6O24FOrS1VDGEqOEHL5y/s1600-h/Morocco+Travel+-+Katherine+Giving+Beauty+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr-tIDwdZqcmJbm31Fxi-X3q2ezGwwiRZsxWSRGykxdRfKafLyEeZ7qwsFN3VI0GNPdGrVsyo07bsC7Pb3YBkZXOtRobxvUujWeKmopI5Fy-MNqpyDreyM4EQ6O24FOrS1VDGEqOEHL5y/s320/Morocco+Travel+-+Katherine+Giving+Beauty+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340329156236607762" /></a> Kahina and companies like hers also help preserve the forest by creating an economic incentive for the locals to protect the forests. Formulated with organic ingredients and manufactured in an eco-friendly, carbon neutral facility with recyclable materials, Kahina’s packaging is designed with a compilation of signatures by the Berber women that Katharine has met during visits to the cooperative. Most of them are just learning to sign their own names so their signatures also hold a great deal of meaning for them. Here are just a few of their uplifting stories, told by Katherine L’Heureux. <br /><br />Aarbia Amzil<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XQVqgV-eLciHEHRtpWWwwo-ZZU-yUFPSmWWw6r391SrZuYx7mWhqMCIKM7zzoW52dFUIab8DEn8dcubmp9tdV2ZdtdGSXeXftqWzHkrqTpwzGO7wTxRSJoGzhPALe8_Re4RrVc_QsdlG/s1600-h/Morocco+Volunteer+Travel+-+Argan,+Aarbia+Amzil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XQVqgV-eLciHEHRtpWWwwo-ZZU-yUFPSmWWw6r391SrZuYx7mWhqMCIKM7zzoW52dFUIab8DEn8dcubmp9tdV2ZdtdGSXeXftqWzHkrqTpwzGO7wTxRSJoGzhPALe8_Re4RrVc_QsdlG/s320/Morocco+Volunteer+Travel+-+Argan,+Aarbia+Amzil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340329874749473314" /></a> Aarbia’s personality is as colorful as the clothes she is wearing–multiple layers of yellow and red. She claims to be 70, but doesn’t know her age exactly. With no children of her own, Aarbia finds comfort in the company of the women of the cooperative. When I ask her how the cooperative has changed her life, she says, “Thanks to the co-op, I have gone from having nothing to having everything.”<br /><br />Fatima Achkich<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsVc0mXXftelqUOUeEa5o9kNBffOlrA0E9vnzyfhn8jxrHGzV7WJMfxerWn9KpgeHZd3n2aSZ11Y2n5AHRD0Hm060k7DudISTCXFjlowteQGdJshpJfGxq5lNERCOqK_1jV4lqbO9yynm/s1600-h/Morocco+Giving+Beauty+-+Fatima+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsVc0mXXftelqUOUeEa5o9kNBffOlrA0E9vnzyfhn8jxrHGzV7WJMfxerWn9KpgeHZd3n2aSZ11Y2n5AHRD0Hm060k7DudISTCXFjlowteQGdJshpJfGxq5lNERCOqK_1jV4lqbO9yynm/s320/Morocco+Giving+Beauty+-+Fatima+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340329386585347810" /></a> Fatima Achkich is a pretty woman who often appears to be containing a smile or laugh. Fatima, who has two children she is raising on her own, has worked at the cooperative for 9 years. When I ask about her life, she tells me that she is happy, and that she especially enjoys the companionship of the other women she works with. In the positive manner she shares with all the women, she says, “Thanks to my work at the cooperative, I am able to afford all I need to live.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Essaouria’s Hotels<br /></span><br />L’Heure Bleue<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MkIx0bT1izNnAd9ctknM_9dxZMx6zD0UH0FZUnEgALNCvk53eFaI117alUQC2NFSqthP1-QEYkMWUJIXZ9-pXd9y2rJc5zswliu72hyge-5EVRdcd97UaOMw7FQdFdeMOyvaR3RU9pnW/s1600-h/Hip+Morocco+-+Luxury+Hotel++-+Le+Heure+bBeue+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MkIx0bT1izNnAd9ctknM_9dxZMx6zD0UH0FZUnEgALNCvk53eFaI117alUQC2NFSqthP1-QEYkMWUJIXZ9-pXd9y2rJc5zswliu72hyge-5EVRdcd97UaOMw7FQdFdeMOyvaR3RU9pnW/s320/Hip+Morocco+-+Luxury+Hotel++-+Le+Heure+bBeue+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340331517688632466" /></a><br />Essaouira’s first luxury hotel. It even has a heated pool!<br /><br />2, rue lbn Batouta<br />011-212-24-78-34-34<br />Rates @ $400/night<br />www.heure-bleue.com<br /><br />Villa Maroc<br />This is the oldest hotel in the city and offers spa treatments with the aforementioned liquid gold... argan oil.<br />10, rue Abdellah Ben Yassine<br />011-212-24-47-31-47<br />Rates from $120/night<br />www.villa-maroc.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Essaouira Dining</span><br /><br />Lunch<br />Try the fish stalls around the sea for lunch. It's fresh and you can't miss fresh fish. <br /><br />Dinner<br />After Five for fusion food using local ingredients<br />5, rue Youssef El Fassi<br />011-212-24-47-33-49<br /><br />To purchase Kahina, Giving Beauty's kick-ass products made with argan oil:<br />Retails from $15-$72.<br /><br />www.kahina-givingbeauty.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-41764244543318044432009-05-20T01:06:00.000-07:002009-05-21T16:48:13.520-07:00Travel-Sized Skincare Set: KaplanMD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssfzcG3-8YnTH5DkHCtTjeniG9Stsyk31AYzq7hGh8cs_H3NDSdgxcay0z-7E3LlddiFapHLExA6BXvNKlpnJ6NRNceKreI3sa2nC-GUfiaFnsdONfBIZLKz4uoLzLKEdoEuoTZRzeEgU/s1600-h/Travel+Sized+Skincare+Set+Kaplan+MD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssfzcG3-8YnTH5DkHCtTjeniG9Stsyk31AYzq7hGh8cs_H3NDSdgxcay0z-7E3LlddiFapHLExA6BXvNKlpnJ6NRNceKreI3sa2nC-GUfiaFnsdONfBIZLKz4uoLzLKEdoEuoTZRzeEgU/s320/Travel+Sized+Skincare+Set+Kaplan+MD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337814797998051058" /></a> Finding the right travel-sized face products isn’t easy, we should know. We have sensitive skin that goes nuts during our international travels. One minute we're dry, the next minute, we're oily. So, as we ready for our summer jaunt to the Middle East (and attempt to cram all of our face products into one bag), we came across Beverly Hills Dermatologist, Dr. Stuart Kaplan, M.D. who has created the kaplanMD Travel Kit for times just like this. The kaplanMD Travel Kit contains all the products in the kaplanMD skincare collection in smaller sizes. You have his gentle Cleansing Lotion, Revitalizing Toner, Day Cream SPF 15, Replenishing Night Cream, and Perfecting Serum. The products can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks and won’t irritate your skin like those cheap over-the-counter products.<br /><br />In short, we give it two cheekbones and a clear chin’s up.<br /><br />Retails for $75<br /><br />www.kaplanmd.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-48445394270790537032009-05-16T15:22:00.000-07:002009-05-18T01:41:33.271-07:00Honolulu, Oahu: The Best Boutique Hotel in Waikiki<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_vUAnS3Y8Lh1PRatxmaKAEjXhMgiAuI6Nn1mH8KLriYIczjZMdv_iVT_LAHB4S-DLjjsF50DgXOGtemWFCujsBKxhKn7BlrRRfUQFS0F3Ka6CmCaI2wNZnQACU_224ER4sRXdHJP1qY8/s1600-h/Waikiki+Boutique+Luxury+Hotel+Renew+Premier+Ocean+View+King+Room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_vUAnS3Y8Lh1PRatxmaKAEjXhMgiAuI6Nn1mH8KLriYIczjZMdv_iVT_LAHB4S-DLjjsF50DgXOGtemWFCujsBKxhKn7BlrRRfUQFS0F3Ka6CmCaI2wNZnQACU_224ER4sRXdHJP1qY8/s320/Waikiki+Boutique+Luxury+Hotel+Renew+Premier+Ocean+View+King+Room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336555913317491170" /></a> When most of us think of Waikiki, we think of Japanese tourists in matching Bermudas, Reyn Spooner shirts, and that big old statue of Duke. Though not much has changed in Waikiki since the 70's, it's one place everyone needs to see at least once in their lives. Far from the relatively tranquil atmosphere of Maui or Kauai, it carries an interesting edge that surprised me. That said, I journeyed around the place to find the best boutique hotel close to all the action, but far enough away from throngs of tourists or bad 'stuck-in-the-popcorn-ceiling past' design. That's when I came upon a little gem called... Hotel Renew.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzBVzJDySQxcLsKG67MROUqeehNwYfW3s0TAx0tNLxqpASDRlJ6QX-hO-NijeBQwSK3zRi-yboPI2L2TejtdnELPisGABRz-HQwwInENNuke3MLNYQVHsa4mn9ZbhH8p1k6uQ-G7zBRAX/s1600-h/Waikiki+Boutique+Hotel+Hotel+Renew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzBVzJDySQxcLsKG67MROUqeehNwYfW3s0TAx0tNLxqpASDRlJ6QX-hO-NijeBQwSK3zRi-yboPI2L2TejtdnELPisGABRz-HQwwInENNuke3MLNYQVHsa4mn9ZbhH8p1k6uQ-G7zBRAX/s320/Waikiki+Boutique+Hotel+Hotel+Renew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336556015816974578" /></a> Priding itself on high design and personalized service, the staff not only helped me navigate a bus route, but they even offered to walk me there. The property, the first designer boutique hotel on Oahu, was designed by Jiun Ho who has certainly created a casually elegant oasis of tranquility - think a more quiet, peaceful W property - a calm contrast to the energy of Waikiki. Of the 72-room hotel with Japanese touches, all rooms offer luxurious, contemporarty amenities like feather beds, bathrobes, eco-friendly bottled water, in-room refrigerators, oversized beach towels, state-of-the-art in-room technology, including complimentary wireless throughout the hotel (<span style="font-style:italic;">we love that!</span>), 80" inch projection televisions, flat screen HDTVs, dimmable lighting, and iPod docking capabilities. <br /><br />With close proximity to Diamond Head, Oahu's most photographed landmark, and just steps from Waikiki Beach, Hotel Renew is poised to become one of Oahu's most treasured boutique hotel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAmG66lvKEbyiv17BThN6RMFBNIY2WmIyC55iTZa68V0WQjoe_IASxetp7-eUrDkFA70DsSzV5SoE1Arn7-6FD5D1Bkg8tcpXww1cS4_yiswln5s9rhsPK9UE32v3_VOvBersHrp1mPr-/s1600-h/Diamond+Head+Crater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAmG66lvKEbyiv17BThN6RMFBNIY2WmIyC55iTZa68V0WQjoe_IASxetp7-eUrDkFA70DsSzV5SoE1Arn7-6FD5D1Bkg8tcpXww1cS4_yiswln5s9rhsPK9UE32v3_VOvBersHrp1mPr-/s320/Diamond+Head+Crater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336567121821879986" /></a> This summer, they're also offering the Sun & Fun package including: a deluxe guestroom, a convertible car or Jeep from Enterprise, an organic Hotel Renew beach bag, a pair of Hotel Renew flip flops, complimentary use of beach gear (based on availability), complimentary continental breakfast each morning, and a complimentary cocktail each evening. <br /> <br />Rates @ $179/night <br />Sun & Fun Package starts at $199/night<br /><br />www.hotelrenew.com<br /><br />For those visiting Honolulu, we also wanted to mention a few other great things to do. While strolling the streets near the hotel, we came upon an adorable two-in-one vegetarian restaurant called "Ruffage." During the day, it serves healthy veggie fare, while at night, the space turns into a reasonably priced (and delicious) sushi joint called "Morio's."<br /><br />Ruffage/Morio's<br />2443 Kuhio Ave<br />Honolulu, HI 96815<br />(808) 922-2042<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzRCzjacndqQsZZIHLWe-rDLwtfePgx4cOaw9ywRMyJUQ838m4qGENqcBZg-Tp6ZIZmvynnr6g8gwFSUJFTH7117zcptnUmqOc-y29-4WOIKwGbOk5PrOrOtyTNoiKOqmbvPbtbLTd2J3/s1600-h/Ruffage+Natural+Foods+Cafe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzRCzjacndqQsZZIHLWe-rDLwtfePgx4cOaw9ywRMyJUQ838m4qGENqcBZg-Tp6ZIZmvynnr6g8gwFSUJFTH7117zcptnUmqOc-y29-4WOIKwGbOk5PrOrOtyTNoiKOqmbvPbtbLTd2J3/s320/Ruffage+Natural+Foods+Cafe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336556583524467730" /></a> (c) Kathleen Walling Fry<br /><br />Bar 35 is another two-in-one restaurant/bar that does some amazing beer tastings on Wednesdays where a professional brewer (the owner/founder of Hawaii Nui Beers) walks you through each beer, as well as the brewing process. It's one of the latest hot spots in the newly energized Downtown-Chinatown area.<br /><br />Bar 35<br />35 N Hotel St<br />Honolulu, HI 96817<br />(808) 537-3535<br />www.bar35hawaii.com<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw2a58yuj1eFBRj0KfBZpAWHdYosZsjeTokL6JfxRxZF_xfo5IKY06PQVTmX_B8n62nfyu_CWZsnkzDb19l_bXaoqw648Q6Q7RvzQsL8vphgWiDZuXFAXyd2ByB5sYN3laMfBuPY72gtf/s1600-h/Bar+35+Chinatown+Honolulu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw2a58yuj1eFBRj0KfBZpAWHdYosZsjeTokL6JfxRxZF_xfo5IKY06PQVTmX_B8n62nfyu_CWZsnkzDb19l_bXaoqw648Q6Q7RvzQsL8vphgWiDZuXFAXyd2ByB5sYN3laMfBuPY72gtf/s320/Bar+35+Chinatown+Honolulu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336563595422326290" /></a> Featuring indoor and patio bars, happy hour, DJs and live bands, Bar 35 also has something else sure to please... a pizza place inside the bar, owned and operated by Chef Valentini. His handmade gourmet pizzas are seriously some of the best I've ever eaten. Don't miss the 'Sweet Bangkok' with Chinese Sausage, Sweet Chili Sauce, Cilantro, Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese and the 'French Kiss' with French Brie Cheese, Cooked Ham, Fresh Pesto Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese and Fresh Basil. From Bar 35, there are a number of great spots like Indigo with it's outdoor tiki bar feel and The Loft where DJ's spin wild music and locals (and a few in-the-know vacationers) eye each other in between moves. <br /><br />If you're looking for more nightspots to enjoy, check out this link:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Our Favorite Honolulu Nightclubs</span><br /><br />http://www.enjoyhawaiivacations.com/honolulu-nightclubs.htmlLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-24342404620863248392009-05-12T16:26:00.000-07:002009-05-12T17:30:23.495-07:00Virgin Atlantic: Le Tourment Vert!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKx0BLsvlKWmP3K9b1t0ZdORhe1cMHPsFQXGw3P78KW2d1DhzEo-NO6Iw7bnKcX8Z8KoAPJQZ6wYmu0TTuROXrnTyoJ3JLPevXUzVMv1k3WyiHH-MJ9QxPXV2fckXLp1PDSGZEvcr52KK/s1600-h/Virgin+Atlantic+America.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKx0BLsvlKWmP3K9b1t0ZdORhe1cMHPsFQXGw3P78KW2d1DhzEo-NO6Iw7bnKcX8Z8KoAPJQZ6wYmu0TTuROXrnTyoJ3JLPevXUzVMv1k3WyiHH-MJ9QxPXV2fckXLp1PDSGZEvcr52KK/s200/Virgin+Atlantic+America.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335087517724457762" /></a> Either that's a hot green fairy or I've had one too many absinthe cocktails aboard my Virgin America flight. Check this out! Authentic French absinthe <span style="font-style:italic;">Le Tourment Vert</span> announced its partnership with Virgin America as it becomes the first airline to serve absinthe cocktails in the sky. <br /><br />We think there's no better place to ride high, don't you? Le Tourment Vert, imported from Cognac, France, is a real treat, hand-crafted in small batches by master distiller Bruno Delannoy, and made with anise, fennel, grand wormwood (artemisia absinthium) and aromatic herbs including rosemary, eucalyptus and sage. As a tribute to this fine elixir, on May 1st, 2009, Virgin America began serving Le Tourment Vert cocktails complimentary in the airline’s First Class and Main Cabin Select and available for purchase in the Main Cabin. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Tres chic.</span> <br /><br />“Virgin America is reinventing the typical flight experience... and the addition of Le Tourment Vert absinthe is sure to be a hit with our discriminating guests,” says Porter Gale, VP of Marketing Virgin Atlantic. We are <span style="font-style:italic;">so</span> discriminating, Porter, particularly when it comes to our alcohol. <br /><br />Launched in August 2007, Virgin America, in just over a year flying, was named "Best Domestic Airline” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2008 Readers' Choice Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure’s 2008 World's Best Awards. No surprise when you've got hottie Branson at the helm. The inaugural absinthe journey featured the “Mile High Cocktail,” made with Le Tourment Vert, Sprite and a lemon wedge. <br /><br />So we say, "Get green with absinthe, not envy."<br /><br />www.virginamerica.com<br />www.LeTourmentVert.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-71980493115016803302009-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:002009-05-12T17:30:58.095-07:00Bali, Turks & Caicos, & Bhutan: Exotic Yoga RetreatsYoga meet COMO. COMO meet Yoga. Creating some of the finest, most exclusive (and exotic) life-changing yoga retreats in the world, we got a hold of COMO's 2009 list of yoga retreats taught by some of the top yogis in the world. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEieHLpHUtbU3PHAqcLDm8HoavQ2FQkQsEj0RHgdlTHtoLkCbgrLdKRWjICAdqTqC7xhaSmOCYLHR6zrdk4qCUOd2W-eevhNzal0diFpeOjfYucK9MI18_RLIUI81Ttx4O6UZqe3hQALy/s1600-h/Island+Yoga+Retreat"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEieHLpHUtbU3PHAqcLDm8HoavQ2FQkQsEj0RHgdlTHtoLkCbgrLdKRWjICAdqTqC7xhaSmOCYLHR6zrdk4qCUOd2W-eevhNzal0diFpeOjfYucK9MI18_RLIUI81Ttx4O6UZqe3hQALy/s320/Island+Yoga+Retreat" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332500400207492802" /></a> Returning gurus this year include Australian yoga expert Judy Krupp. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore, Krupps' likable humor reflect a relaxed style from original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist. <br /><br />Newcomers joining the A-list roster include Elena Brower and Sarah Powers. Brower is a certified Anusara teacher who opened Virayoga in New York seven years ago. She approaches her students with refreshing levity and caring attentiveness. Her celeb client list includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, and Rebecca Romijn. The California-based Powers has been teaching yoga since 1987. Her style is a combination of a Yin sequence of long-held poses to enhance the meridian and organ systems, combined with a flow or Yang practice, influenced by Viniyoga, Ashtanga, and Iyengar teachings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5So18ZOmsU2JihXT_jKC0M1Wkh6m1y2hWfD418w-RW-E_cl0lwM_pd5XjB35f62cSDsyoDMHJBPZy4QcZsKPEmJN_p5yPelP6ot6P_vqPaBfB6-KwgRF6JCPuSuMx7zu8YRQckq6itiRY/s1600-h/Bhutan+Uma+Paro+Yoga+Retreat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5So18ZOmsU2JihXT_jKC0M1Wkh6m1y2hWfD418w-RW-E_cl0lwM_pd5XjB35f62cSDsyoDMHJBPZy4QcZsKPEmJN_p5yPelP6ot6P_vqPaBfB6-KwgRF6JCPuSuMx7zu8YRQckq6itiRY/s320/Bhutan+Uma+Paro+Yoga+Retreat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333205210931747074" /></a> Uma Paro - Bhutan<br /><br />These intimate workshops provide nearly five hours of daily practice with the masters and are held at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Students at all levels have unparalleled access to these yoga rock stars, as well as to the renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat spas. The weeklong programs include six nights accommodation, most meals, and airport transfer. Single occupancy rates start at $5,681 at Parrot Cay, $3,515 at The Estate, $4,668 at Uma Paro; and double occupancy rates begin at $8,669 at Parrot Cay, and $7,056 at Uma Paro. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDod-m5t6OdObB5_YQ9_EsHlKGnccaMb-bDP-5CCQSthQq3QfaaafuEAHpLDq86LIafVupsA5usN7MVvxEwl7zfNqblbszrRnKrVVnHcyl_8Ajm2sCgxqL812ux24IJ2J1JXdpgwFrfZTZ/s1600-h/Yoga+Retreats+-+Parrot+Cay+Turks+and+Caicos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDod-m5t6OdObB5_YQ9_EsHlKGnccaMb-bDP-5CCQSthQq3QfaaafuEAHpLDq86LIafVupsA5usN7MVvxEwl7zfNqblbszrRnKrVVnHcyl_8Ajm2sCgxqL812ux24IJ2J1JXdpgwFrfZTZ/s320/Yoga+Retreats+-+Parrot+Cay+Turks+and+Caicos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333204200086383874" /></a> Yoga Pavillion Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos<br /><br />2009 Retreats:<br /><br />July 12-18<br />Uma Paro<br />On Top of the World Yoga and Meditation<br />Judy Krupp<br /><br />October 25-31<br />Parrot Cay<br />Heal & Fortify: Body and Soul<br />Elena Brower<br /><br />December 10-16<br />COMO Shambhala Estate<br />Insight Yoga in Beautiful Bali<br />Sarah Powers<br /> <br />We think the chic COMO spaces are optimal for tuning out the rest of the world. At Parrot Cay, the amenities are endless on the remote 1,000-acre island of white sand. Students can take advantage of COMO Shambhala’s Dr. Perricone anti-aging facials, Ayurvedic therapies, Pilates, a gym, tennis, a variety of watersports, and off-island excursions.<br /> <br />In Bali, unlike the conventional destination spa that usually focuses on pampering, The Estate provides a total, 360-degree experience closely tailored to each individual’s needs. Offering comprehensive wellness programs to mend mind, body, and spirit, they employ leading specialists in contemporary holistic health and feature hands-on healing ranging from massage to Ayurvedic and water-based therapies. The Estate also works closely with a Board of Advisors, which includes Rodney Yee and others such as Dr. Robert Thurman and Donna Karan.<br /> <br />The Uma properties under the COMO name represent simplicity and relaxation within a culturally rich and stirring environment. Uma Paro, located in the rolling hills of Bhutan, has a COMO Shambhala Retreat that offers Asian-inspired therapies, Ayurveda, and immersion into the rich Bhutanese culture through expertly guided cultural activities. We always recommend getting on target with a bit of archery. All properties also include healthy, flavorful organic cuisine. <br /> <br />For more information, visit: <br /><br />www.parrotcay.como.bz<br />www.cse.comoshambhala.bz <br />www.uma.como.bz/paro<br />www.comoshambhala.bzLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-76462211651878463662009-05-04T17:40:00.000-07:002009-05-06T16:41:33.793-07:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Hot Bar at the Copacabana Palace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvSP6U_xJwa6d7LGajRtNf64iQrY6ly0rbnYAIMKyIYt8YaMtE7kTtG4KEpcpcTQttRE3ezQd5Sy2_VRSVkbtDnisad_LcOpbR01YXCIJWZZ3we2D-eCQGJ3fy1SGW-_t3YScE25jHWQL/s1600-h/Copa+Bar+Brazil+Nightlife.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvSP6U_xJwa6d7LGajRtNf64iQrY6ly0rbnYAIMKyIYt8YaMtE7kTtG4KEpcpcTQttRE3ezQd5Sy2_VRSVkbtDnisad_LcOpbR01YXCIJWZZ3we2D-eCQGJ3fy1SGW-_t3YScE25jHWQL/s320/Copa+Bar+Brazil+Nightlife.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332139763632861506" /></a> Hey little Jaunt lovers, this one's hot off the press. The iconic beachfront landmark, Copacabana Palace, opens their new Bar do Copa!<br /> <br />Designed by Graham Viney, who also created the contemporary Planet Bar at another hotspot we recently featured, the Mount Nelson Hotel (aka. The Nelly) in Cape Town, it's already a favorite among celebrities like Robbie Williams, Kate Moss and Joseph Fiennes. The spacious Bar do Copa is set to be one of the hot new highlights of Rio’s nightlife with a dramatic birdcage shaped entrance and a meandering pathway made from glistening, golden bronze bricks. With walls and ceiling decorated with thousands of intricate fiber optic lights outlining the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere above, the Copacabana Palace Lounge Bar is a spectacular hotspot to see... and be seen.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOVN2MX_gGYBwFCrrzj_Ct8yyIABMnFZRgt4mkFw8QhHO-3Ypm8vWAnQs4aCzEfXD5ET2cvUB5kIE8rfteOnyNttfzw-SdI5O8vhfdZiS4C_euTLDDNJHUf8QUBytyZGbJxuZyrSPE3mk/s1600-h/Rio+Nightlife+Copa+Bar+Cocktails.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOVN2MX_gGYBwFCrrzj_Ct8yyIABMnFZRgt4mkFw8QhHO-3Ypm8vWAnQs4aCzEfXD5ET2cvUB5kIE8rfteOnyNttfzw-SdI5O8vhfdZiS4C_euTLDDNJHUf8QUBytyZGbJxuZyrSPE3mk/s320/Rio+Nightlife+Copa+Bar+Cocktails.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332140210581725106" /></a> A range of signature cocktails, including the 'Copa' (premium vodka, Limoncello and caviar) and the sexy 'Negresco' (black tea, Vodka, Sambuca Opal Nera, and gold flakes) are being offered alongside two martinis named after Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers who performed together for the first time at the hotel while filming the movie, "Flying down to Rio” (1933). Executive Chef, Francesco Carli, has also developed a new bar menu, consisting of traditional snacks with a modern twist. With a busy live music calendar for all days of the week and its own resident performers, the Copa Jam Band, playing classic and contemporary Brazilian songs along with a mix of international jazz and pop, special guests and DJs are invited each week to liven-up the dance floor.<br /><br />Lindo maravilhoso!<br /><br />www.copacabanapalace.com.brLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-7940667841120410832009-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:002009-05-07T01:59:34.451-07:00Mediterranean, Crystal Serenity: Cruising With Nobu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2WTJS6o74kKLzhT2XoX578pGQKMnM8nsUsqvHR-CCnAi_BxC6uHMXFRt4fIWGqR3zCB8jx8HrIS_SuMSANtEg3bTsa5lFnizJt3goO4am9deAkzSaG1p2e4HkFq7P_B3TSguepavfG3r/s1600-h/Crystal+Cruises+Fine+Dining+Nobu+Matsuhisa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2WTJS6o74kKLzhT2XoX578pGQKMnM8nsUsqvHR-CCnAi_BxC6uHMXFRt4fIWGqR3zCB8jx8HrIS_SuMSANtEg3bTsa5lFnizJt3goO4am9deAkzSaG1p2e4HkFq7P_B3TSguepavfG3r/s320/Crystal+Cruises+Fine+Dining+Nobu+Matsuhisa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330975633123744674" /></a> Nobu, we love you. As Dena DiOrio says, "What do sushi, elephants, a great value, and donkeys have in common?" That would be Master Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, our favorite Democrat debate champ, James Carville, and Republican politico, Mary Matalin. Every now and again, we love jaunting around on a cruise ship and calling into port. We'll admit, some cruise lines are for fanny-pack wearing fogies, but this is one luxury cruise experience worth sailing, perfect for sophisticated, politically-savvy, food loving, honeymooners. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYCUSkqo6uzEyAMhLSKZGKzgI-KVDhPf-4M6ItlE_Ge9qMpeUyWqjuoJCSlbZ7U7H9WFKEssm6-XahAiPXIoiJmPMltUOIQw2Uh9ZOmefJFO20rTTM6RDDYk08rA8YHlgSZxK5CIlVvOO/s1600-h/Crystal+Serenity+Geiranger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYCUSkqo6uzEyAMhLSKZGKzgI-KVDhPf-4M6ItlE_Ge9qMpeUyWqjuoJCSlbZ7U7H9WFKEssm6-XahAiPXIoiJmPMltUOIQw2Uh9ZOmefJFO20rTTM6RDDYk08rA8YHlgSZxK5CIlVvOO/s320/Crystal+Serenity+Geiranger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330981838643743618" /></a> Nobu is proud to announce that he's joining Crystal Serenity’s July 28 Mediterranean cruise “Byzantine Accolades,” exclusively creating menus for Crystal Cruises guests. Personally preparing seven Omakase (chef’s choice) dinners at Silk Road, the shipboard restaurant that has featured his cuisine since 2003, these Omakase dinners are <span style="font-style:italic;">completely free to guests</span> (onshore, they have a value of over $90 per person at Nobu’s 25 restaurants worldwide)! Additionally, the famed restaurateur will be signing cookbooks and giving onboard cooking demonstrations. <br /><br />A great excuse to properly learn how to stir it in style, both in the kitchen (and the stateroom), we think it's an ideal and romantic cruise for honeymooners and couples.<br /><br />Spicing it up even more, and we’re not just talking togarashi, one of Washington’s most popular political couples, James Carville and Mary Matalin, will also be onboard for a special debate discussing the topics of the day. Because really, what's a proper Jaunt without good food, an exotic atmosphere, and a lively political debate? <br /><br />The 12-day “Byzantine Accolades” itinerary visits Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos, and Athens. <br /><br />Cruise fares for this sailing start at $6,055 per person, double occupancy, not including port, security, and handling charges of $405 per person. The per diem breaks down to about $538.50/person/night. <br /><br />To view the itinerary, onboard programming, and Crystal Adventures excursions: <br /><br />www.crystalcruises.com/cruise_itinerary.aspx?CID=9316<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73F_U-YtCj5ziMGADEqiEHmBT3b0kNkVfG7WQiECRncbaMh33-Xi4yL_hytMqg5h18LQeuCXttck-9F61u-Uz8U0jGKrlNLbgLwosVM_N26h0lrAeSkC2uGkahyAI6nRuL8FsHxq9mifu/s1600-h/Crystal+Symphony+Pool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73F_U-YtCj5ziMGADEqiEHmBT3b0kNkVfG7WQiECRncbaMh33-Xi4yL_hytMqg5h18LQeuCXttck-9F61u-Uz8U0jGKrlNLbgLwosVM_N26h0lrAeSkC2uGkahyAI6nRuL8FsHxq9mifu/s320/Crystal+Symphony+Pool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330978396091584514" /></a> <br />See you in Turkey, turkeys!<br /><br />www.crystalcruises.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-148179730590219112009-04-28T20:46:00.000-07:002009-04-29T20:32:15.814-07:00Honeymooning in the Maldives: Luxury Over Water Villas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJGA5Dt5du9Ff-SgYQ8F-cae0hwr9DjlrQWaPFUbk_TzCRgq20hGxNDR7stYmkwSBtN2YXbbZlTl0cv-urGH80aSSJ3ua_Eckly0kntxceJLX0yEDQZ0hKudYCyeypV2T3YN0db_uS5rs/s1600-h/Maldives+Banyan+Tree+Over+Water+InOcean+Villa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJGA5Dt5du9Ff-SgYQ8F-cae0hwr9DjlrQWaPFUbk_TzCRgq20hGxNDR7stYmkwSBtN2YXbbZlTl0cv-urGH80aSSJ3ua_Eckly0kntxceJLX0yEDQZ0hKudYCyeypV2T3YN0db_uS5rs/s320/Maldives+Banyan+Tree+Over+Water+InOcean+Villa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329954827647260306" /></a> The first "Floating Resort" in the Indian Ocean... does it get any better than this? The perfect exotic escape for honeymooners and discerning families alike, check out The Banyan Tree's 'Angsana Velavaru' located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, known as ‘Turtle Island’ in the local Dhivehi language. We're excited to be one of the first to announce that they're launching their first standalone collection of water villas in July 2009! Feted for its turquoise lagoon, spacious pool villas, and one of the few resorts in the secluded southern reaches of the Maldives, it's a scenic 40-minute seaplane (yes, seaplane!) journey from Malé island. The 34 uber-luxurious InOcean Villas are located just a half a mile from the island of Velavaru where the resort’s original 79 villas are located and range from 1,885 square feet to 3,122 square feet. We love that the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping, and bathing areas offer an absolutely unobstructed panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Each swanky two-story villa is also reminiscent of a stylish loft with contemporary design accents. We think you ought to relax on an airy outdoor deck with a hammock suspended over the sparkling azure waters and swim in a 200 square-foot infinity pool. Like this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KnoTU3819wkBDh7X4-_SCBm5Dq4xSPJNVqUBClceOKAegySbNVu7lrD6IobVV6sDPr034KeSMKUAlDF21ErfsV_l2kgNoTFgMeMPnMDBW3VVWk_gNA0f8eyZ77BK3C0FTp0ZBx0Zlmy0/s1600-h/Maldives+Over+Water+InOcean+Villa+Bungalow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KnoTU3819wkBDh7X4-_SCBm5Dq4xSPJNVqUBClceOKAegySbNVu7lrD6IobVV6sDPr034KeSMKUAlDF21ErfsV_l2kgNoTFgMeMPnMDBW3VVWk_gNA0f8eyZ77BK3C0FTp0ZBx0Zlmy0/s320/Maldives+Over+Water+InOcean+Villa+Bungalow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329957218323893906" /></a> The Premier InOcean Villas and two-bedroom Sanctuary InOcean Villas each have extended decks into the ocean, complete with a cozy pavilion for lounging or yoga practice (since we know how much you all love your yoga). Modern amenities include a flat screen TV, stereo system with iPod docking station, and wireless internet. Hell, it's hard enough to find a reliable wireless connection on the mainland!<br /> <br />In addition, Azzurro, the resort’s new gourmet Italian restaurant and bar, has been added toward one end of the InOcean Villa cluster and guests can enjoy complete access to the facilities at the main resort on Velavaru Island like dining at Funa and Kaani restaurants, cocktails at Kuredhi Bar, culinary classes, Angsana Spa treatments, diving, guided snorkeling safari, wakeboarding, and, our favorite eco-resort feature... a dedicated Marine Lab which organizes hands-on activities for environmentally-minded travelers like coral planting, reef cleaning and marine biology classes.<br /> <br />Angsana, managed by The Banyan Tree, truly caters to the modern traveler seeking style, luxury, and eco-awareness. Comprising of contemporary chic retreats, each property is designed to deliver vibrant experiences which also exude the spirit and conscience of its environment. A stylish eco-resort in the Maldives with one of the only Marine Research Labs in the world onsite... along with a hammock suspended in the ocean? Does honeymooning (or canoodling) get any more high-end and feel-good than this?<br /><br />$750 per night, per villa.<br /> <br />www.angsana.com<br />1(800) 591-0439<br />Email: reservations-velavaru@angsana.com.Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-49227723190057845062009-04-23T16:45:00.000-07:002009-04-29T18:50:11.764-07:00Jet Blue's Discounted Airfare Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsJbH8i21aQerCU2mEw4dW7Z8R8BWIhzmf5xm_XD8eBJ6TGUXE5gt4WnEKCfzJ7qaIEjG7nVHLlvZ_aiTFyaXk__a-voxLLPfdzBXQm6utBl79mCnUxTP-Q1PrHTBp5oSHKi1YTGODatb/s1600-h/Jet+Blue+Discounted+Airfare+Sale.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsJbH8i21aQerCU2mEw4dW7Z8R8BWIhzmf5xm_XD8eBJ6TGUXE5gt4WnEKCfzJ7qaIEjG7nVHLlvZ_aiTFyaXk__a-voxLLPfdzBXQm6utBl79mCnUxTP-Q1PrHTBp5oSHKi1YTGODatb/s320/Jet+Blue+Discounted+Airfare+Sale.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328038536590518610" /></a> This just in from the folks at TravelZoo! Fares from Long Beach, Burbank and San Diego have been reduced to $29-$99 each way in a 1-day sale announced by JetBlue today. Flights to the East Coast are as low as $79. The sale is for travel April 30 - June 10, but only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and tickets must be booked by 11:59PM MST tonight. <br /><br />Sample fares from Long Beach (each way):<br />- Las Vegas ... $29<br />- Oakland ... $29<br />- San Francisco ... $29<br />- Sacramento ... $39<br />- Seattle ... $39<br />- Portland ... $49<br />- Boston ... $79<br />- Fort Lauderdale ... $99<br />- Washington, D.C. ... $99<br /><br />Sample fares from Burbank (each way):<br />- Las Vegas ... $29<br />- New York City ... $99<br /><br />Sample fares from San Diego (each way):<br />- Salt Lake City ... $49<br />- Seattle ... $59<br />- New York City ... $99<br /><br />To book directly through JetBlue Airways, click here:<br /><br />http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?574246-22860667Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-38338895290547721042009-04-21T15:39:00.000-07:002009-04-21T15:58:06.839-07:00Cabo, Mexico: Full Moon Party @ The Marquis Los Cabos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZbX5H4AaLxt1D7STIsKGRbxWB48O-PVTA50tg-TG8Lm6hQ0i8oaLnvnJI-IZhQjnzaAGtKkUW3pO9rJXpCt8T2I5ljP6ixk-voS5xhtnnGvjx0ACQpmzuqXq13homfiz7BNZjv2Edphm/s1600-h/cabo+mexico+full+moon+party.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZbX5H4AaLxt1D7STIsKGRbxWB48O-PVTA50tg-TG8Lm6hQ0i8oaLnvnJI-IZhQjnzaAGtKkUW3pO9rJXpCt8T2I5ljP6ixk-voS5xhtnnGvjx0ACQpmzuqXq13homfiz7BNZjv2Edphm/s320/cabo+mexico+full+moon+party.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327278271161024610" /></a> A full moon over my Mexi. Finally, there's an interesting (and chic) nightlife option in Cabo! The Marquis Los Cabos Resort, a 237-suite beachfront property located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California península, has introduced Astronomy Nights, where every full moon after dusk local naturalists will introduce guests to the wonders of the Los Cabos night skies, including planets, constellations, a nebula and more. For a full hour, the hotel will turn out all the lights, adorning public places with candles to conserve energy and for a better view of the stars. Our favorite part? The Astronomy Night will include a lounge party with live Latin jazz and fire pit on the beach, Mayan astronomy lessons with two local naturalists Maria Elena Muriel and Julio Cesar Mendez and Mexican canapés, such as smoked marlin tostadas, ceviche, kabobs (tuna, shrimp, red snapper, beef, chicken, vegetarian), and desserts. Astronomy Nights, also open to the public, will take place on the beach at Marquis Los Cabos Resort in the Cabo Real section of Los Cabos during every full moon from 7pm-9pm on: May 9th, June 7th, July 7th, August 6th, September 4th, October 4th, November 2nd, and December 2nd.<br /><br />In case you're unfamiliar, the resort features a 15,000 square foot holistic spa and fitness center, an exclusive gourmet restaurant where one of the only Michelin-pedigreed chefs in Cabo, and has earned "World's Best" (Travel + Leisure); "Gold List Award" (Conde Nast Traveler); and the Five Star Diamond Award for its Canto del Mar restaurant. They're also a member of the <span style="font-style:italic;">Leading Hotels of the World</span> and the only member of <span style="font-style:italic;">Leading Spas of the World</span> in Los Cabos.<br /><br />For $40 per adult and $30 for children (age 4 - 12), drinks are additional.<br /><br />For more information, call 1-877-238-9399. <br />www.marquisloscabos.comLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-850809317233187092009-04-19T22:01:00.000-07:002009-04-23T16:53:04.074-07:00Juicy Couture's "Pink Passport" Sale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu0Z88PWRRBTTJ9YF4_RW-Ub4Cqh7HncleCR5fLYI3nZBQhs7QiBVcylA9C75Xd476kfX_4pWwutYEkadmAoMVqN8KNamqi6VLG92zXn5maoFMl_NUjUe78YXQNzgpf0vE8GJvSslrVTc/s1600-h/Pink-Passport-lg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu0Z88PWRRBTTJ9YF4_RW-Ub4Cqh7HncleCR5fLYI3nZBQhs7QiBVcylA9C75Xd476kfX_4pWwutYEkadmAoMVqN8KNamqi6VLG92zXn5maoFMl_NUjUe78YXQNzgpf0vE8GJvSslrVTc/s320/Pink-Passport-lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326637769558921714" /></a> Everyone secretly knows… if you want to <em>truly</em> be comfortable traveling on a plane, you wear your Juicy lounge pants. With classic loungewear, fragrances, accessories, and haute couture, after ten + years in the biz, Juicy is still the go-to favorite among slinky celebs and soccer moms. <br /> <br />As a tribute to their love of the jaunt, they’ve lovingly announced the launch of their "Pink Passport" travel-inspired shopping initiative. As part of the "Pink Passport" journey, customers will be presented with a two-fold opportunity; an exclusive 20% off in-store discount and a ticket to pick up the Juicy Couture Pink Passport. Each time a customer spends $200 or more on full price items at any Juicy Couture store, they'll receive a stamp in their passport and will automatically be entered to win the ultimate travel sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will be awarded with a dream trip to a Juicy Couture destination of choice. For two runner ups, prizes will include a Juicy travel tote bag filled with sunglasses, fragrance and other travel themed goodies from Juicy. The unique travel-inspired discount commenced April 1st, 2009 and is valid in all Juicy Couture locations, focusing on specific North America cities: New York City (NY), Las Vegas (NV), Aventura (FL), Boca Raton (FL), Merrick Park (FL), San Antonio (TX), Honolulu (HI), Waikiki (HI) as well as support for Asia, Dubai, Milan and soon Bruton Street - ultimately enticing shoppers to build Juicy Couture into a seamless shopping experience whether on Fifth Avenue or Hong Kong. <br /> <br />So Jaunt says, “Be Juicy (since every <em>real</em> man wants some meat on those bones) and buy Juicy (since theirs look the best on that booty).” You’d be hard pressed to find another brand that has both practical, comfortable travel wear <em>and</em> high-end looks ready for that wine tasting tour in Tuscany. <br /> <br />*Grand prize winner's package value is up to a maximum of $3,000<br />**Note the sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United StatesLayla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-73658743007656128282009-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:002009-04-20T00:28:54.509-07:00Cape Town, South Africa: 'The Nelly' aka. The Mount Nelson HotelIs that really? No... it couldn't be. I think I've found... The Gates of Heaven?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAjdIH-vqtTervOUuI4guD1MW0g4Rx0rRU4PrMBkhyphenhyphenSg1kxbfYJErgmwFs6lnLLlGg0ZfCPjBT6OecSwVTEv178egV98Rgq9vadHme4zYBSszB4lIguB70SYg0ZwfQKjkNDkUqGzLsUi6/s1600-h/Mount+Nelson+Entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAjdIH-vqtTervOUuI4guD1MW0g4Rx0rRU4PrMBkhyphenhyphenSg1kxbfYJErgmwFs6lnLLlGg0ZfCPjBT6OecSwVTEv178egV98Rgq9vadHme4zYBSszB4lIguB70SYg0ZwfQKjkNDkUqGzLsUi6/s320/Mount+Nelson+Entrance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325093494791257250" /></a> Or close. It's... The Nelly! Can a hotel's nickname get any better than that? Bono, Alicia Keys, Kate Moss... if they're gonna fly off on a jaunt to Cape Town, they say, 'Might as walk through the pearly white gates' (or rather, the fancy white columns). This is where they rest their weary heads: The Orient-Express' iconic Mount Nelson Hotel (also known as 'The Nelly'). Just check out that prime location with sweeping views of South Africa's famous Table Mountain. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKogf2l_obKWSID0lvazZGVB10NU95W7fcGO9sRgVmhU9G6ryV9eNyKqa8kEgAEiKaH3mrB3y-EVYM813XyHJPnFrwekMzsdRTAEkHkPGIl1F8jCa6aHzoRRS0yA7h1MmlQi8zTI3uxUj/s1600-h/Mount+Nelson+Luxury+Cape+Town.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKogf2l_obKWSID0lvazZGVB10NU95W7fcGO9sRgVmhU9G6ryV9eNyKqa8kEgAEiKaH3mrB3y-EVYM813XyHJPnFrwekMzsdRTAEkHkPGIl1F8jCa6aHzoRRS0yA7h1MmlQi8zTI3uxUj/s320/Mount+Nelson+Luxury+Cape+Town.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325091310936893506" /></a> South Africa... what can we say? It brought us Nelson Mandela and the hope for freedom, now realized. So we say, begin the day with a stroll through their gardens and you'll no longer need to imagine yourself 'Out of Africa' because, yes, you've arrived. Next, head to the renowned Librisa Spa for The African Wellbeing Experience beginning with a lavender soak and concluding with a vanilla and wild ginger massage. That should work up your appetite. We also recommend, for those who can (and can't) afford to stay the night, tea time with five different kinds of teas, tiny finger sandwiches, savory quiches, scones, cakes of every shape and size, and big bowls of strawberries, fruit salad and blueberries.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOourJVlOTj1pik6sqOZmJZlFTED01yCqg9BGI6eaWCj_kgElTOYhKtCXU2Hv-SCkQxrjNfKdtIiYeW472GUgl8rxp324OUtg_29O8mO51qpv-lkNi0nop4CVzKvd3G9pYDA6kUvvjDN6D/s1600-h/Cape+Town009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOourJVlOTj1pik6sqOZmJZlFTED01yCqg9BGI6eaWCj_kgElTOYhKtCXU2Hv-SCkQxrjNfKdtIiYeW472GUgl8rxp324OUtg_29O8mO51qpv-lkNi0nop4CVzKvd3G9pYDA6kUvvjDN6D/s320/Cape+Town009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325091805146739282" /></a> Prepare for a night of stars at the Mount Nelson’s Planet Champagne Bar where you can mingle with stylish Capetonians and other guests from across the globe while sipping exotic cocktails under a twinkling fiber optic Milky Way. <br /><br />It won't come cheap, but we can tell you this much... you'll be hard pressed to find a better spot overlooking Table Mountain on the tip of this promising continent. <br /> <br />Room rates begin at $650/per night.<br /> <br />www.mountnelson.co.za or call 800-237-1236Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205720547678848294.post-52954831661913556162009-04-13T14:30:00.000-07:002009-04-18T03:37:34.596-07:00San Francisco: InterContinental Hotel's Hot Deal "The First Anniversary Package"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B-u79ha3vBW016PgVEQe-62q4dIBnhdoCK6ueMjEp_6jj8A8LL6mAVJKBjosiA9eNuke1iQQ_w5XgTaQkPpx6J2E7_LH7R31AKYoeEhnEp_NpCxGZqKPlRKWPEB66gOhPQI-V-urr3XQ/s1600-h/InterContinental+San+Francisco+GuestRoom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B-u79ha3vBW016PgVEQe-62q4dIBnhdoCK6ueMjEp_6jj8A8LL6mAVJKBjosiA9eNuke1iQQ_w5XgTaQkPpx6J2E7_LH7R31AKYoeEhnEp_NpCxGZqKPlRKWPEB66gOhPQI-V-urr3XQ/s320/InterContinental+San+Francisco+GuestRoom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324293552543923970" /></a> InterContinental San Francisco Guest Room<br /><br />Since we love luxury, particuarly when it's on a budget, we had to fill you in on this sweet deal good until... the end of the year! As a tribute to the InterContinental San Francisco's First Anniversary, InterContinental San Francisco is offering their <span style="font-weight:bold;">First Anniversary Package</span>, an amazingly low nightly rate of just $88.80 per person, 2 person minimum. <br /><br />The package includes a lavish Buffet Breakfast for 2; cocktails in Bar 888 for 2; overnight valet parking (a $50 value); an I-Spa gift bag and a $50.00 gift card for use in the I-Spa. <br /><br />For Reservations: Call 415.616.6500 and make sure you mention 'The First Anniversary Package.'Layla Revishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965783265681294157noreply@blogger.com