Paradise Valley, Arizona: Find Your Sanctuary

Mercury is in Jaunt Magazine's 8th House - which also means - time to look inward. Since looking inward can be a little tough when you're busy slaving away in the City of Angles, sometimes, we think the best way to look inward is to look upward into the heavens for a little celestial guidance.

That's where the desert retreat comes into play. Astronomical offerings seem to be the latest and greatest summer travel trend at properties located near starry skies and sweeping vistas. So, whether you're watching the sun rise from the tumbling red rocks of Camelback Mountain or gazing up at the stars during a crisp desert night, it's time for a little reflection.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona recognized in 2006 as The Top Resort in the United States by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (and included on T + L's “T+ L 500” list), is inviting guests to celebrate extended summer hours... swanky Sonoran style.

Sanctuary’s Light & Harmony experience offers three distinct activities to experience the resort’s desert locale:

1. An invigorating “Camelback at Sunrise” guided morning hike up the northern slope of Camelback Mountain

2. An “Early to Rise” match of tennis on one of the resort’s five Deco-Turf championship courts

3. An evening of stargazing with a professional astronomer via Sanctuary’s high-powered telescope

You can pick and choose (and that's why we like it).

As the sun warms the day, you can cool off in Sanctuary’s infinity-edge pool (the largest of its kind in Arizona) or relax in the Sanctuary Spa with a Signature Summer spa treatment. Named 2008 “Most Excellent Spa Hotel” by Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, the Sanctuary staff recommends indulging yourself in a Rosemary Citron Body Scrub, which combines a mineral-rich sea salt infused with rosemary, lemon and mint or an Aloe Skin Quencher Body Wrap, combining the soothing comfort of an aloe moisturizer with calming effects of lavender mist after a long hot day in the desert sun.

Sanctuary Infinity Pool, Night

And sunsets in Paradise Valley, well, they're paradise. And we should know, we lived there. Magentas, pinks, baby blues, purples, and plenty of orange. Ricky Lee spoke about them for a reason. Take in the Arizona desert views, contemplate existence, and then have a cocktail at Edge, Sanctuary’s new outdoor bar. The next step in the path to personal growth is always having an honest look within. We hear the Chamomile Breeze, a mixture of gin, honey, and lemon steeped with loose chamomile tea leaves, is a top-notch way to do it.

Finish it off with dinner at their restaurant, Elements, where Chef Beau Macmillan (whose Kobe beef beat out Iron Chef Bobby Flay on The Food Network), whips up seasonal delicacies like slow-roasted kurobuta pork with cilantro pesto, pickled melon & cashew salad, steamed little neck clams with green onion, dashi broth & crispy lob chong or grilled hawaiian opa with cumin, pine nut cous cous, jalapeno, mango and crab.

An evolved menu where desert, island, mediterranean, and asian cultures unite.

Take in the stars for dessert.











Sanctuary’s 'Light & Harmony' experience includes:

* Two (2) nights in a Mountain Vista Casita or Spa Casita
* Breakfast for two daily
* Choice of an activity, per couple/per stay:
* Guided hike on Camelback Mountain
* "Early to Rise" tennis instruction
* Sanctuary Stargazing by moonlight
* Choice of one Sanctuary Summer Signature Spa Treatments (60-minute)
* One dinner in Elements for two

The two-night Light & Harmony experience is through Sept. 12, 2008. $652 for single occupancy/ $1,093 for double.

A little about Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: One of the country’s most lauded luxury resorts, Sanctuary is a striking boutique property, internationally acclaimed for contemporary design, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the native desert history. Condé Nast Traveler's “Gold List” and a “Reader’s Choice” winner since it's opening in 2002.

So it may not be budget, but it is beautiful.

www.SanctuaryAZ.com
1-800-245-2051

Stay tuned next week for the very first in a 3 part series on:
Where to go, What to do, and Where to Shop in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Siyanora, sweetcheeks.

South Africa: #1 Game Reserve in the World

If you haven't seen the incredible footage at Kruger National Park, we recommend visiting Youtube after your little tete-a-tete with Jaunt Magazine.

Why?

Because plenty of amazing survival instincts abound.
And we're all about survival of the fittest (not counting those who amend nature with 'the knife').

Speaking of which, now's the time to give a shout out to Travel + Leisure's #1 in The World.

South Africa's:
Singita Sabi Sand.

Giraffes, lions, zebras, elephants. We're really not sure what more you need, but, perhaps, 45 immaculately designed environmentally friendly lodges deep in the African bush?


Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders are located in the Sabi Sands reserve known for prolific wildlife, while Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni in Kruger National Park, close to the Mozambique border, offer more of the same and stunning wilderness.

We could go on and on about realizing what life has to offer, conservation, the beauty of Africa, the homeland of every single one of us, but instead we'll give you this.

A glass and wood cabin at Sweni Lodge for river views, 4 restaurants, 4 bars, and wine tasting in the 14,000-bottle cellar at Boulders Lodge.

5 star Africa.

Kruger National Park
27-21/683-3424
www.singita.com

Once you get your game on, don't you dare forget to give a little back. Here are a few sites for conservation and volunteer travel in South Africa to round out your life-changing trip.

www.i-to-i.com/south-africa

www.volunteertravel.com/southafrica.html

www.caresa-lesotho.org.za

Hamba kahle.
That's goodbye in Zulu to you.

California Wine Country: The Russian River Road Less Travelled

Ah, that tender little fruit of the vine. How she struggles to bear the sweetest fruit... we adore her spirit so.

Every so often, those of us at Jaunt like to think of ourselves as Plato's humble followers, fantasizing our future only to realize our full potential. We strive to live an all-organic life where what comes into our minds and bodies also radiates from us. Whether that means food, wine, wild ideas of pure love, or the quest to achieve our soul's most absolute beauty and truth - we are lovers, not fighters. Which is also why we're here and not practicing law. Though noble it may be. We *might* even go so far as to proclaim to our lover, just like Philostratus, "Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine, Or leave a kiss within the cup, And I'll not ask for wine," but we're not that enlightened... yet. After all, we want the kiss AND the cup, and if you know anything about Greek symposiums, we're pretty sure they involved a little bit of both. But wine country... it sure does make us dream of a small, intimate group of chiseled Athenians (in white togas) slowing feeding us grapes as they fan us with giant palm leaves.

You too?

(sort of like this - only not a cartoon)

So, we're back from the 4th of July holiday, feeling amorous, in love with the vine, and better than ever. There's something in the air that feels good right now and what's the best thing to do when that happens? Enjoy it while it lasts. That means two things: good wine and the open road. Not at the same time, of course, but here's what's on our agenda.

You comin'?

The Russian River Valley aka. The (Wine) Road Less Travelled. For those unfamiliar, that's Northwest Sonoma County, home to 150 wineries and 50 lodgings, just 50 miles north of the Golden Gate.

Mill Creek Winery, Russian River Valley

We're saving our tasty wine picks for another in-depth profile on our favorite Pinots from Paso and the always alluring Viogniers of France and Sonoma (like the newly released Thumbprint Cellars 2007/Preston Vineyards), but first, here's a perfect 3-day tasting adventure that our friends at the Russian River Valley put together for their favorite traveling winos. Whoops. Did we say winos? We meant wine aficionados.

Now start packing.

Day 1
Alexander Valley

10:00 Field Stone Winery
Sure it's early to taste, but that's what you do in wine country. Just don't leave without trying their port!

11:00 Hanna Winery
Mediterranean architecture with a tasting room high on a knoll offering spectacular views of the valley.

12:00 Jimtown Store
The perfect local wine country lunch - sit out in the back patio with it's grape arbors to keep you cool.

1:00 Hawkes
Leave your car at Jimtown and stroll next door to meet Jake and Laura Hawkes new tasting room.

2:30 Downtown Healdsburg
For an afternoon of window shopping and more tasting if you'd like. Quaint shops - bookstores, Powell's Candy Shoppe, Season's in the Vineyards housewares and more... plus 12 wine tasting rooms surrounding the historic town square.

5:00 Cocktails at Barndiva - sit out in the back patio and enjoy the beautiful weather.

6:00 Back to your room for some (ahem...) R & R

8:00 Dinner at any number of highly acclaimed restaurants like:

Cyrus
Madrona Manor
Manzanita
Zin

Day 2
Dry Creek Valley

10:00 Mauritson
A family with a long tradition of winegrowing in the Dry Creek Valley. We like those family stories and so will you.

11:00 Pedroncelli
Another longtime winemaking family - celebrating their 77th year. Sounds lucky, doesn't it?

12:00 Dry Creek General Store
Not to be missed. Get a lunch to go, then picnic just down the road at...

12:30 Passalacqua Winery
Fantastic views of the valley from their picnic area with outstanding wines.

2:00 Ferrari- Carano
Spectacular setting, beautiful gardens, and variety of tasting levels depending on your interest.

4:00 Relax back at your hotel then see where you can find some live music, possibly the Hotel Healdsburg, Palette Arts Café, Madrona Manor or Barndiva.

For listings, prior to visiting the area, check out:

www.healdsburgmenues.com

8:00 Casual Dinner
Healdsburg Bar and Grill - the BEST hamburger or flat bread pizza in wine country - and a great local wine list.

Day 3
Russian River Valley

One easy tour is to simply find your way to Olivet Road and visit the wineries all on the road. Stop in the morning and get a boxed lunch at:

Oakville Grocery
Big John’s Market or Ansteads

10:00 DeLoach Vineyards
Learn about their bio-dynamic farming and visit their gardens.

11:00 Sunce Winery
Meet the owners Janae and Frane as you taste your way through their varied wines.

12:00 Hook and Ladder
Former SF firefighter Cecil DeLoach now has a new winery.

1:00 Harvest Moon Winery
Find out about the different wine and olive oil classes they offer... as you plan your next trip! Sit in the back and enjoy your boxed lunch and sip your favorite Harvest Moon wine.

2:00 Time to head back to the airport...
If time permits, stop at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center and tour their culinary gardens, perennial gardens or demonstration vineyard.

Now really... who needs toga-wearing grape feeders, when you have Jaunt Magazine?

Or, better yet, why can't you have both?

www.wineroad.com

A Carefree Spa Retreat: The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, AZ

Feeling Carefree? It's in the stars. As we amp up for our next spa wellness retreat, we caught wind of an all new four-day/three-night 'Carefree Spa Getaway' package at The Boulders’ Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona and knew we'd have to throw caution to that wind and give ourselves a little 'us' time. Enveloping guests in a holistic experience that claims to be 'nothing less than life changing,' the package includes astrology, hikes, rock climbing clinics, cooking classes, spa treatments AND meditation, all designed to tune the body, inspire the spirit, and open up that precious mind. Phew. We could use somma that. It also draws emphasis on the power of the universe -- something we're always down to delve into. Available only once a month, during, you guessed it... the Full Moon.
The 2008 dates are:

June 19-22
July 17-20
August 14-17
September 18-21

The Carefree Spa Getaway package includes:

• Daily morning group hike in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert
• Unlimited fitness classes and a Professional Fitness Assessment
• Three 50-minute spa services (choice of massage, wrap, facial, scrub
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, Golden Door Spa Tea and dinner)
• Daily lectures on nutrition, health, fitness, wellness and astrology
• Interactive Cooking Demonstration
• Group activities such as Labyrinth Walks, Yoga/Meditation in the Organic Garden, and Boulder Rock Climb
• Welcome gift and nightly turndown gifts that include a “Carefree Companion” with a personalized daily agenda, pedometer & walking program encouraging 10,000 steps a day, a fitness class schedule, and recommended reading guide.

Gastrological Dinners (a combination of gastronomy & astrology), are also planned during the Fall & Spring Equinox and Summer/Winter Solstice. An evening of celestial wonder in the resort’s Organic Garden, guests get to experience a gourmet dinner under the night sky with renowned astrologer, Tom McMullen, who explains the symbolic language of Astrology, the movement of the constellations, and how the planets influence our lives.

We love this exclusive desert hideaway and The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders for many reasons. The main one being that Arizona is a land filled with a spirited past. Not to mention the fact that the spa drew it's inspiration from the ancient Honjin inns of Japan where weary travelers sought sanctuary. Incorporating elements of feng shui and the Zen-like ambiance of the original Golden Door while staying true to the Native American influences of The Boulders, it has a labyrinth, a Tipi for guided meditation, an affirmation rock for individual guest reflection, fitness center, mind, body and movement studios, a café and sweeping views of the 12-million-year-old boulder piles, along with Black Mountain.

What else?
160 guest casitas, 55 one-three bedroom villas, 7 restaurants and a lounge, 2 championship Jay Morrish-designed golf courses, and 8 tennis courts (including three classic clay and five premier cushion courts).

Only 12 guests will be accepted each month.

So really, if you're not going to listen to us, listen to Uranus.
(Sorry, we couldn't resist)

Rates start at $1,399 per person or $1,199 double occupancy.

www.TheBoulders.com

New York Getaway: The Lodge at Woodloch, PA

Everyone thinks you have to go to the Hamptons for a quick getaway from the stress of the city, but little do they know about a secret gem Jaunt Magazine uncovered only 90 miles (that's two hours) from NYC in the beautiful lake region of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Surrounded by 75 acres of scenic woodlands and a private 15 acre lake, we're talking about the Lodge at Woodloch.

Inspired by Adirondack and Western lodge architecture, The Lodge at Woodloch features stunning lake views, walls of windows, an internationally recognized destination spa, four fitness studios, and soaking pools with hydro-massage WaterWalls. Just what you need to momentarily forget about that VC deal or a boss that won't stop breathing down your neck.
The Indoor Pool

The Lodge’s philosophy of ‘awakening’ teaches guests to listen to their inner wisdom through fitness classes, delicious healthy cuisine, chef’s cooking classes, art and watercolor classes in their studio, meditation by a fire circle and taking in the beauty of nature.

There's hiking, kayaking the Delaware River, antique shopping in Hawley, and even championship golf if you want to get your tee on. Innovative five-star spa cuisine comes from award-winning chef, Mark Timms, who places emphasis on flavor and real-life choices while their restaurant, Tree, offers live music every night and an impressive wine list. Oh, and each of The Lodge’s 58 guest rooms has its own private veranda with beautiful views. Check it.

So what are you waiting for? Your boss to suddenly become enlightened?
Unlikely.
You better get on it first.

$350-$450/per person, per night

www.slh.com/usa/hawley/hawlod.html