Provence, France – (July 9, 2010) – Set in the heart of Provence amid lush vineyards and olive groves, the refined-rustic Hotel Crillon le Brave is offering oenophile’s the rare opportunity to participate in the annual Vendange (grape harvest) with an all-inclusive** three-day weekend package.

A relaxed haven of simple sophistication, the five-star property consists of seven beautifully restored stone houses, dating from the 16^th and 17^th centuries, that are linked by bridges, cobblestone walkways and hidden courtyards. The authentic Provençal accommodations include 23 rooms, seven suites and a two-bedroom house, each decorated with a mix of contemporary furnishings and shabby-chic accents. In addition to the hands-on Vendange experience, guests can explore the hotel’s terraced gardens and take a dip in the swimming pool, tour the historic village on complimentary bikes, or play on the nearby tennis and boules courts. The open-air spa at Hotel Crillon le Brave offers a selection of therapeutic body treatments using Cowshed spa amenities.

The southern region is famous for its food, and Hotel Crillon le Brave’s restaurant does not disappoint. Set in a rustic cellar with an open fireplace and terrace, the restaurant serves up flavorful regional cuisine such as gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb) and ragoût de gambas (shrimp stew) by Chef Philippe Monti. Local Rhône wines like Gigondas, Vacqueryras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape enhance the experience.

Package Details

When: The Vendanges package is offered at Hotel Crillon le Brave two weekends this fall:

• September 16 – 19
• September 30 – October 3

What:

• Three nights of accommodation
• Breakfast and dinner each day
• Two half-days of involvement in the grape harvest of the acclaimed Château Pesquié vineyard (where evidence of wine cultivation dates back to the 14^th century!)
  • Picking and transporting grapes to the caveau (wine vault)
  • Learning about the different kinds of grapes, ideal time for harvest, the wine-making process and taste analysis from winemaker and estate owner, Paul Chaudiere
  • Wine tastings and an outdoor picnic in the gardens of the Château

Price: €1300 for a standard room or €1550 for a deluxe room based on double occupancy.

* Space is limited to 16 participants per group.

**Wine and other beverages are not included with dinner.

To make a reservation, call +33 (0)4 90 65 61 61 or email reservations@crillonlebrave.com.

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Hotel Meninas, Madrid

Set in the Opera House area, one of the best locales for sightseeing in Madrid, is the boutique four-star Hotel Meninas.  Its central location makes for a great base camp while exploring one of Spain’s most historical city.

The 19th century building is a protected landmark. It’s exterior is quintessential Madrid, yet its interior boasts the most modern amenities and contemporary style. Each guest room is designed in contemporary flair. I was hosted in room 504- the 5th floor being the top floor of the hotel.

Each of the rooms are designed to make you feel at home, complete with flat-screen satellite TV, a DVD player, room safe, and stocked mini-bar. I’m a big “bathroom inspector”, and was happy to find a beautiful contemporary marble bathroom with all the “fixins”.

In this 37 room hotel there are 8 junior suites, and “family” rooms that are spacious enough to house four people, non-smoking rooms, and also rooms for the disabled, which in Europe is hard to come by. There is also a spa and roof top pool with views of the city.

Being a techno-geek, with the need to constantly be connected, and what I loved is the free internet access in the rooms, and Wifi in the lobby area.  Another amenity on the house!

There is a restaurant in the old wine cellar called the Meninas Restaruant. They also serve a continental breakfast for $15.00 Euro.

I stepped outside the hotel’s doors- made a right then a quick left into the east square- Plaza de Oriente. Within a few blocks squared, choose from Italian, Argentinean, Tapas bars, Sushi, outdoor cafes, all with in walking distance of the Meninas.

Hotel Meninas

Campomanes 7

28013 Madrid

Tele: 915412805

Skype: hotelmeninas

reservas@hotelmeninas.com

www.hotelmeninas.com

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I happened across a TV show one night about small businesses looking for investors in their companies. They had to stand in front of several “sharks”/investors and pitch their products.

One company caught my attention, and the woman who believes in all good things come from Positive Energy Transfer (PET). With that- I jumped to the website to find some pretty cool trinkets.

Soul’s Calling was founded by President Gina Cotroneo in Dallas in 2004. The company creates and markets a “fashion-with-a-purpose” accessory and gift line.

I simply love the recycled flip flops. Cute, Stylish and a “PET” message worth wearing. The soles boast indentations, which when walking on a soft sand surface share the words, “Love” and “Earth”… try a pair on for size and let the positive energy trail behind you…

You can find them at Soul’s Calling: http://bit.ly/aEvEqo

Available in Women and Men sizes

$22.00 US

www.soulscalling.com

I was recently hosted at the beautiful newly opened 392-room Mandarin Resort in Las Vegas, located at the new CityCenter.

It’s the place where to me, dreams are made of. From the entry point to poolside, service delivered is stellar. This is the place where staff hear your name once, and from that first introduction, you’re called by name- a subtle difference between “just a hotel” and a first class resort.

Las Vegas just got better!

Rooms are modern, with city and pool views. Bathrooms offer contemporary soaking tubs for two. I will say, I’m a techy but had a little bit of trouble with the one touch lighting system- however, if “you get it” like my husband did, you won’t be meaning to turn off the lights instead of pressing the switch to open the floor to ceiling window coverings that are a one touch command.

Tiny nuances that make this place luxury, safes in the rooms actually have a plug for charging your electronics, 20 pool cabanas offer large flat panel televisions, surround sound, bathrobes, slippers and snacks, complete with mini-fridge for entertaining friends.

The  27,000 square foot, two-level Spa facility with 17 treatment rooms including seven private couple’s suites includes a fitness center and hair salon. (I had Celine Dion’s hair stylist give me a blow dry. It’s base camp for her when Celine is not performing).

MOzen Bistro offers up an eclectic mix of Asian fare and sushi, and a not to be missed high-tea at the Tea Lounge with views. Don’t miss dining at Twist,  the extraordinary cuisine of three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Basically- you never have to leave the resort of sheer bliss! You won’t feel like you’re in Las Vegas, complete with no casinos in sight (thankfully).

Wanting a getaway of pure luxury in “Sin City”? The Mandarin Oriental will be exactly what you are looking for!

752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

+1 (702) 590-8888

I’m back in Zurich this week. I LOVE this pristine city in Switzerland. When I got the call to experience Swiss Air’s new Airbus A 340 plane and San Francisco to Zurich route, I jumped at the chance to come back to one of my world favorites and a couple day stay at Baur Au Lac!

Baur Au Lac is nothing short of spectacular. I’ve written about the hotel in the past, even included it for my Valentine’s round-up piece last February, but if I had thought it couldn’t get better, well, it did!

Opened last month is their new Terrasse Lounge and bar, which is so uber-chic, complete with Ferrari and Bentley owners allowed to park strategically in front of its entrance, sets the scene for some of Zurich’s most elite people watching.

I sat down with our intrepid group of journalists at six o’clock, sipped sparkling wine and took it all in oh-so-happily, because… this is when Zurich’s newest hot spot at its best.

When:

Daily from 10:00 am- midnight (summer only)

Where:

Baur Au Lac

Tearrasse Lounge and Bar

Talstrasse1

Ch-8001 Zurich

+41 (0)444 220 5020

http://www.bauraulac.com

Tripadvisor.com is now offering lists for Top Celebrity Resorts worth experiencing. So, will this service attract travelers looking to grab a piece of celebridum? Would you buy into this?

TripAdvisor.com thinks so…

~~~

“While travelers may visit a celebrity-owned hotel hoping for a brush with fame, these top celebrity-owned properties offer more than just star power,” Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said in a release. “Excellent accommodations, mixed with a famous owner’s personal touches, have earned these A-list hotels high marks with TripAdvisor travelers.”

1. Rustic luxe with Robert Redford: Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah

What would you expect from the original Horse Whisperer but a sprawling ranch? Situated at the base of Mount Timpanogos on 6,000 acres of rolling hills and babbling brooks, the Sundance Kid’s retreat has TripAdvisor travelers raving about the resort’s rustic beauty, excellent service, and outdoor activities.

Ranked No. 1 in Sundance, Utah. Average nightly rate: $600

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: romantic retreat, honeymoon

2. City chic with Robert De Niro: The Greenwich Hotel, New York, N.Y.

It’s a long way from the gritty streets featured in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Many guests note the understated elegance and complimentary in-room snack baskets found at Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel in New York City. Located on a quiet street in Tribeca, De Niro’s hideaway features 88 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, plus a Zen-like indoor pool enclosed in a 250-year-old Japanese bamboo farmhouse.

Ranked No. 104 in New York, N.Y. Average nightly rate: $580

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: stylish decor, romantic retreat

3. Rejuvenation retreat with Olivia Newton-John: Gaia Retreat & Spa, Brooklet, Australia

Olivia Newton-John gets physical with this 20-room, boutique retreat, which features a fitness center, pool, tranquil grounds, healthy food and of course a full-service spa.

Ranked No. 1 in Brooklet, Australia — Package deals start at $1,825 for two nights, shared accommodation for two people

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: relaxation, spa vacation

4. In the jungle with Francis Ford Coppola: Blancaneaux Lodge, San Ignacio, Belize

Seems he didn’t get enough of the jungle during the 14 months he was filing Apocalypse Now in the 1970s. At Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in San Ignacio, Belize, is situated in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The lodge’s high-end cabanas and villas enhance the natural surroundings with thatched roofs, open-air living areas, and hammocks.

Ranked No. 5 in San Ignacio, Belize — Average nightly rate: $315

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: staff/service, honeymoon

5. Life’s a beach with Gloria Estefan: Costa d’Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach, Fla.

The former Miami Sound Machine front-woman hasn’t strayed too far — Gloria Estefan is running this hotel just two and a half hours north of Miami. Costa d’Este boasts a beachside location, pool, spa, and a Cuban restaurant.

Ranked No. 7 in Vero Beach, Fla., — Average nightly rate: $320

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: prime location, beach/sun getaway

6. Haute travel with Donatella Versace: Palazzo Versace, Main Beach, Queensland, Australia

Become one of the beautiful people, darlink. High fashion and hospitality join forces at Donatella Versace’s trendy Palazzo Versace resort on Australia’s Gold Coast, of course. All aspects of the resort were designed to reflect the Versace brand, including high-end freebies like mini bottles of Versace perfume. With so much lavishness in one place, it’s no surprise that one TripAdvisor traveller wrote, “From the moment I stepped out of the limousine to the moment I walked through the doors too leave, it was pure luxury. Opulent furnishings, faultless service and sheer attention to detail made this hotel the Most Outstanding of All Time on my list.”

Ranked No. 1 in Main Beach, Queensland, Australia — Average nightly rate: $535

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: cleanliness, stylish decor

7. Mission possible with Clint Eastwood: Mission Ranch, Carmel, Calif.

When actor and director Clint Eastwood purchased the historic Mission Ranch in 1986, he saved 22 acres of prime real estate on Carmel’s Monterey Peninsula from development. But this isn’t your typical spaghetti western digs. Eastwood, who owns a home nearby, is still spotted on occasion at Mission Ranch, a farmhouse with 31 rooms, ocean views, and sheep grazing in the meadow.

Ranked No. 2 for Specialty Lodging in Carmel, Calif., — Average nightly rate: $200

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: location, culture/sightseeing

8. Cabin fever with Kate Pierson: Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel, Mount Tremper, N.Y.

After roaming around the world, lead singer for the B-52s, Kate Pierson caught cabin fever and decided to open her own love shack, Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel, near Woodstock, N.Y. Visitors have their choice of kitschy 1950s’ camp cabins, or vintage Airstream trailers.

Ranked No. 1 in Mount Tremper, N.Y. Average nightly rate: $150

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: location, pet-friendly

9. Seaside trendy with John Malkovich: The Big Sleep Hotel, Eastbourne, United Kingdom

You too can be John Malkovich for a night, or at least sleep like him. TripAdvisor travellers admit that they were attracted to Hollywood heavyweight John Malkovich’s Big Sleep Hotel because of the budget-friendly prices, seaside location, and trendy reputation. While many travelers praise the hotel’s overall value and excellent free breakfast, opinion is divided on the funky decor, including photos of John Malkovich and furry curtains.

Ranked No. 8 in Eastbourne, United Kingdom — Average nightly rate: $90

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: stylish decor, pet-friendly

10. Rockin’ yourself to sleep with Bono and The Edge: The Clarence, Dublin, Ireland

Purchased in 1992 by rockers Bono and The Edge of U2, The Clarence Hotel in Dublin, Ireland is adjacent to Temple Bar, a popular nightlife area. Although most travellers praise the hotel’s location, some cite the evening noise as a problem. But what would you expect from rock stars?

Ranked No. 74 in Dublin, Ireland — Average nightly rate: $270

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: young singles, nightlife

Weather either makes or breaks a holiday. If you’re looking for sun, you want to make sure your days are sun-filled. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, you will be hoping for the best ski conditions out there.

I have various means of checking historical data, and what the weather “could” be like duting a seasonal trip- could being the operative word.

We all know we can only predict weather on some of the shoulder periods (off-season) only as good as the historical data we’re provided. Even the weather experts get it wrong sometimes.

I came across this site, some of you may all ready use. It’s called Weather2travel.com and it’s pretty comprehensive.

Once you are on the site, you will be abl e to choose a location on the world map.

Choose from a list of countries. The information then breaks it down city by city in the country you have chosen. Choose the city name your considering, and up comes a chart not only about weather highs and lows, but also water temperature, winds, hours of sunshine, and percepitation.

You can also choose current weather conditions, and up to five days forecast.

So, before you start planning your much deserved holiday, Weather2go.com will be a great planning tool to keep on hand.

Here’s the link: Weather2go.com

It’s a rare occurrence that I’m  home these days. Being a travel journalist takes me to far flung places around the globe, and at any given time, I can be away for two months at a time. “Home” is actually what I call base camp, because it seems to be more and more, my place to come down off my adventures and unwind.

Of course, that means catching up on laundry, cleaning, spending time with my husband and 8 animal-kids. It’s really no vacation of course, because I’m also working from here. So, when David Lee, from Gobackpacking.com said he was coming to Los Angeles, during the time I’d actually be here, I was thrilled. It would be my excuse to live some local adventures, some which I hadn’t experienced for years, and a few since childhood!

Dave of course had a checklist of things to see, and then I added some insider ideas where we locals go.

We started off with the night of his arrival at a swanky sushi restaurant called Katsuya. Katsuya has several locations around Los Angeles. It’s the place to spy celebrities and on any given evening (we were there on a Wednesday night)- a bevy of sports cars ranging from Ferraris to Bentleys.

Traffic is always heavy in Los Angeles, and knowing when to try and go on off traffic times can be iffy. So, Thursday being one of L.A.’s worst traffic days, we decided to move some things around and see Hollywood, and the very touristy area on Hollywood Blvd at Highland. The massive Kodak Theater, Grauman’s Chinese Theater , and then a coffee at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. We did manage to get to the lookout area to see Hollywood sign in the morning. The look out point off of Mullholland Drive, near the Hollywood Fwy- off Cahuenga Blvd. beware that the turn is only has about with parking for 6 cars or so. If timed wrong, you’ll hit what we did, a series of tourist vans and buses. The look out offers panoramas, with beach views, too.

There are many places to choose from in Hollywood to eat. But, if you’re looking for stars, they won’t be anywhere touristy. Look for non-touristy restaurants on a piece of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood called, Sunset Plaza. There’s everything from French fare from Le Petit Four, to Chin Chin Chinese food, to Cafe Med for Italian.

We headed to the Santa Monica pier, and we snacked on truffle french fries at the beautiful Casa Del Mar hotel’s bar, complete with ocean views.

Thursday night, my friend Kristin Luna- from Camelsandchocolates.com, dropped into town on assignment. We ended up in Malibu at the famous Tony Tavernas restaurant, in the Malibu Country Mart. Typically, on any given night- this is where you could see a star or two.

Friday- again, with traffic considerations, Dave and I headed for Beverly Hills. I showed him the town, he thought it smaller than he pictured in his mind, we walked Rodeo Drive, but really- local’s hit Canon and Beverly Drive to eat, play, and shop. We headed onto South Beverly Drive for a peek and taste test of Kim Kardashian’s Famous Cupcakes. All I can say- she’s my new superhero marketing maven. WOW!

We headed to my two other haunts after lunch at The Grille on the Alley, where in most cases when I’m in town, you’ll find me. 1. Barney’s Greengrass atop Barney’s New York. Another great celeb siting spot, (we saw the Govenator there), and 2. Sprinkles Cupcakes. Ode to Wednesday’s and Sunday’s= dark chocolate with coconut. Hands down- the best cupcakes in Los Angeles. (Yes, sorry to say Kim, they beat your cupcakes, however, you have the marketing maven thing sewn up!)

Friday’s dinner was dinner at Santa Monica’s locale’s hang out, Tex Mex Mexican Restaurant.

Saturday came all too quick. dave’s last day consisted of  a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory, great views- Fat Burger for a tasty lunch, a tweet-up at The Farmer’s Market, followed by a night with Marty and Elaine from The Dresden Room. I love this place. You might remember the Dresden Room highlighted in the movie, Swingers, and Target commercials featuring Elvis Presley and Priscilla look-a-likes (that’s Marty and Elaine) singing kitschy renditions of Muskrat Love and Staying Alive by the Bee Gees. Don’t let all the kitsch fool you, they are both accomplished musicians. That night we had the honor of listening to them perform some smooth jazz, and professional guest singers were highligted from the crowd.

Always a night to remember when visiting The Dresden Room.

I’ve been jaded living here in Los Angeles. It took a visit from my friend, Dave to bring back my love for this city. Sometimes, it helps to find adventures in your own back yard, being a local tourist for the day, to appreciate where your “home” is.

From Apia, Samoa’s capital on Upolu, then onto the second Samoan island, Savai’i, Stef takes you there through the eye of her camera…

A Photo Montage from the capital city of Kigali to Lake Kivu and beyond…