WE HAVE A NEW SITE!

Native American Tribal Jewelry

2009-07-25T16:40:00.001-07:00

The 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.
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.
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".

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.

Now, they bring us beautiful silver jewelry that will bring out the Tribal Goddess in you.

Retails $65-$200

www.native-american-indian-silver-jewelry.com

San Diego: A Quick Weekend Getaway

2009-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Rancho Bernardo Hotel

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.
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:

• Overnight stay in deluxe accommodations
• All meals, including the option of dinner at El Bizcocho
• All honor bar beverages and wine amenity
• Unlimited rounds of golf
• One signature spa treatment per person per day
• Tickets to local area attractions
• All resort and parking fees
• On property recreational facilities

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.

www.ranchobernardoinn.com

Tel: 800.770.7329

Bali & Java: The Virtual Spa Escape

2009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Check it out.

www.myspashop.com

Caribbean Escapes: Discounted Flights, Over-Water Spas, & Chic Yoga Retreats

2009-07-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

This hot off the press from an independent island hopper who reps some hidden gems in the Caribbean.
Kamalame Cay, Bahamas - Outer Islands

BAHAMAS & JAMAICA
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.
Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort Room

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?!?

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.

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.

www.kamalame.com
www.kanopihouse.com

Rates for six nights as above including inter-island air start at $2500pp based on double occupancy.

Visit: www.kamalame.com/news/The_Kamalame_Summer09.html for complete details.

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.

Lonely Planet's Travel with Children

2009-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

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:

Tips on choosing the right kind of trip for your family
Details on all kinds of vacations, from Activity & Adventure Holidays to Package Holidays & Resorts

How to keep them happy
Games to make long trips easier, how to create a child-friendly itinerary, and dealing with your child’s ‘culture shock’

Info on living abroad and long-term travel for young families

How to stay healthy and keep safe by a medical expert
A run-down of common immunizations, what you should bring with you in a first-aid kit, and travel related health issues.

Special advice for solo parents and parents with teenagers
Each situation has its own set of challenges and their authors give practical advice on how to stay sane and create boundaries.

Traveler’s Tales
Authors describe their most memorable family trips – and tell you what worked and what didn’t.

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)!

Just don't say I told you to go out and get pregnant...

www.amazon.com

Palm Springs: The New, Super Hip Ace Hotel

2009-07-03T07:42:00.001-07:00

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club

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.

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.

www.acehotel.com/palmsprings

$129-999

Maui, Hawaii: The Best Luxury Lover's Getaway

2009-06-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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.
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 really like our quiet sexy time.

From $525-$3,250/night

www.waileamarriott.com
Tel: 1-808-879-1922

Family Travel: Mamapedia

2009-06-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, we've been hanging out with a bunch of real babies.

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.

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!

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.

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.

www.mamapedia.com

The Azores Islands, Portugal

2009-06-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

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!

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Where to Stay?

Most hotels are comfortable, affordable and near the sea, but two places stand out for authentic experience of what life on Flores is like.

Aldeia da Cuada

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.

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.
Aldeia da Cuada (H, B)
T: 351 292 590040
Fax: 351 292 590050
Email: aldeiacuada@mail.telepac.pt
Web: www.aldeiadacuada.com

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.

For more information and reservations contact:

Azores Express
Tel: 800-762-9995
www.sata.pt

Azores Islands/Portugal's official tourist board site:

www.visitportugal.com and www.drtacores.pt

Taschen's Simple Diary

2009-06-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

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.

$15.00

Available in stores on June 20, you can get in your pre-order by visiting:

www.simplediary.com

NYC: A Boutique Hotel in the Heart of the City

2009-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

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.

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.
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.

Room rates from $179

www.fitzpatrickhotels.com

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.
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.

Seven Nourishing YAROK Serums include:

· 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.

· 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.

Treatment is $100.
Individual serums for take-home use $60.

www.hiroharaguchi.com

Punta Mita, Mexico: A Luxury Villa Rental For You

2009-06-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Quiero un romp conmigo?

Rates:
Low Season (April 1st – Oct. 31st): $1,950.00 (3 nights minimum)

High Season (Nov. – Mar. 30th): $2,950.00 (3 nights minimum)

Holidays (Christmas and New Years with a minimum stay of 7 nights.
Easter, Thanksgiving and Spring Break with a minimum stay of 5 nights.): $4,600.00

www.casakalika.com

Essaouira, Morocco: Organic Beauty for Women, One Nut at a Time

2009-05-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Goats Climbing An Argan Tree, Morocco

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.

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.
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.
Essaouira, Morocco

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.
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.

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.
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.

Aarbia Amzil
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.”

Fatima Achkich
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.”

Essaouria’s Hotels

L’Heure Bleue

Essaouira’s first luxury hotel. It even has a heated pool!

2, rue lbn Batouta
011-212-24-78-34-34
Rates @ $400/night
www.heure-bleue.com

Villa Maroc
This is the oldest hotel in the city and offers spa treatments with the aforementioned liquid gold... argan oil.
10, rue Abdellah Ben Yassine
011-212-24-47-31-47
Rates from $120/night
www.villa-maroc.com

Essaouira Dining

Lunch
Try the fish stalls around the sea for lunch. It's fresh and you can't miss fresh fish.

Dinner
After Five for fusion food using local ingredients
5, rue Youssef El Fassi
011-212-24-47-33-49

To purchase Kahina, Giving Beauty's kick-ass products made with argan oil:
Retails from $15-$72.

www.kahina-givingbeauty.com

Travel-Sized Skincare Set: KaplanMD

2009-05-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

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.

In short, we give it two cheekbones and a clear chin’s up.

Retails for $75

www.kaplanmd.com

Honolulu, Oahu: The Best Boutique Hotel in Waikiki

2009-05-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

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.
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 (we love that!), 80" inch projection televisions, flat screen HDTVs, dimmable lighting, and iPod docking capabilities.

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.
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.

Rates @ $179/night
Sun & Fun Package starts at $199/night

www.hotelrenew.com

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."

Ruffage/Morio's
2443 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-2042
(c) Kathleen Walling Fry

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.

Bar 35
35 N Hotel St
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 537-3535
www.bar35hawaii.com
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.

If you're looking for more nightspots to enjoy, check out this link:

Our Favorite Honolulu Nightclubs

http://www.enjoyhawaiivacations.com/honolulu-nightclubs.html

Virgin Atlantic: Le Tourment Vert!

2009-05-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

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 Le Tourment Vert announced its partnership with Virgin America as it becomes the first airline to serve absinthe cocktails in the sky.

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.

Tres chic.

“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 so discriminating, Porter, particularly when it comes to our alcohol.

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.

So we say, "Get green with absinthe, not envy."

www.virginamerica.com
www.LeTourmentVert.com

Bali, Turks & Caicos, & Bhutan: Exotic Yoga Retreats

2009-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yoga 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. 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.

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.
Uma Paro - Bhutan

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.
Yoga Pavillion Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

2009 Retreats:

July 12-18
Uma Paro
On Top of the World Yoga and Meditation
Judy Krupp

October 25-31
Parrot Cay
Heal & Fortify: Body and Soul
Elena Brower

December 10-16
COMO Shambhala Estate
Insight Yoga in Beautiful Bali
Sarah Powers

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.

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.

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.

For more information, visit:

www.parrotcay.como.bz
www.cse.comoshambhala.bz
www.uma.como.bz/paro
www.comoshambhala.bz

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Hot Bar at the Copacabana Palace

2009-05-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hey little Jaunt lovers, this one's hot off the press. The iconic beachfront landmark, Copacabana Palace, opens their new Bar do Copa!

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.
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.

Lindo maravilhoso!

www.copacabanapalace.com.br

Mediterranean, Crystal Serenity: Cruising With Nobu

2009-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

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.
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 completely free to guests (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.

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.

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?

The 12-day “Byzantine Accolades” itinerary visits Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos, and Athens.

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.

To view the itinerary, onboard programming, and Crystal Adventures excursions:

www.crystalcruises.com/cruise_itinerary.aspx?CID=9316

See you in Turkey, turkeys!

www.crystalcruises.com

Honeymooning in the Maldives: Luxury Over Water Villas

2009-04-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

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...
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!

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.

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?

$750 per night, per villa.

www.angsana.com
1(800) 591-0439
Email: reservations-velavaru@angsana.com.

Jet Blue's Discounted Airfare Sale

2009-04-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Sample fares from Long Beach (each way):
- Las Vegas ... $29
- Oakland ... $29
- San Francisco ... $29
- Sacramento ... $39
- Seattle ... $39
- Portland ... $49
- Boston ... $79
- Fort Lauderdale ... $99
- Washington, D.C. ... $99

Sample fares from Burbank (each way):
- Las Vegas ... $29
- New York City ... $99

Sample fares from San Diego (each way):
- Salt Lake City ... $49
- Seattle ... $59
- New York City ... $99

To book directly through JetBlue Airways, click here:

http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?574246-22860667

Cabo, Mexico: Full Moon Party @ The Marquis Los Cabos

2009-04-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

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.

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 Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos.

For $40 per adult and $30 for children (age 4 - 12), drinks are additional.

For more information, call 1-877-238-9399.
www.marquisloscabos.com

Juicy Couture's "Pink Passport" Sale

2009-04-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone secretly knows… if you want to truly 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.

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.

So Jaunt says, “Be Juicy (since every real 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 and high-end looks ready for that wine tasting tour in Tuscany.

*Grand prize winner's package value is up to a maximum of $3,000
**Note the sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United States

Cape Town, South Africa: 'The Nelly' aka. The Mount Nelson Hotel

2009-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Is that really? No... it couldn't be. I think I've found... The Gates of Heaven?
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.
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.
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.

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.

Room rates begin at $650/per night.

www.mountnelson.co.za or call 800-237-1236

San Francisco: InterContinental Hotel's Hot Deal "The First Anniversary Package"

2009-04-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

InterContinental San Francisco Guest Room

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 First Anniversary Package, an amazingly low nightly rate of just $88.80 per person, 2 person minimum.

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.

For Reservations: Call 415.616.6500 and make sure you mention 'The First Anniversary Package.'

Thailand & Hong Kong: Last Minute Flight and Hotel Deal

2009-04-08T01:41:00.001-07:00

Okay Angels, it's time to fly by the seat of your pants. This one's a bonafide winner. The price of a luxury vacation to Phuket and Hong Kong has been cut to $1599 -- that's over $1000 OFF regular rates. The offer includes 6-nights in 5-star hotels and flights on top-rated airline Cathay Pacific.

The new sale, launched on March 28th by Globotours, is significantly lower than similar luxury packages and includes valuable extras.

The offer includes:
- All flights on Cathay Pacific:
(LAX-Phuket, Phuket-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-LAX)
- Monday-Thursday departures April 29-June 14 or Aug. 16-30
- Three nights at the Banyan Tree Phuket
- Three nights at the Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
- 90-minute massage at the Banyan Tree
- Half-day Hong Kong Island tour
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers in Phuket and Hong Kong
- Hotel taxes and service charges

Plus, for all bookings made by Wednesday, April 8 - that's TOMORROW - A FREE air extension to Beijing can be added! I mean really... a shrinking economy has got to be good for something!
Banyan Tree Phuket Guestroom

In case you've been flying coach on Continental, Cathay Pacific is 1 of only 6 airlines to receive a 5-star ranking in the prestigious Skytrax survey (Holla at your Boeing). The Banyan Tree Phuket was also named a "Top 10 Asia Resort" by Conde Nast Traveler, "Best Overseas Resort" by Luxury Travel magazine, and "Top 5 Asian Props" by the world renowned Jaunt Magazine.
Harbour Plaza, Hong Kong

For more information and to book through Globotours: 800-988-4833. Agents are available 9AM-6PM PST. FYI - The reservation center is closed on Sundays.

Now make mama proud and please, stop 'plannning' to be spontaneous. It's... embarrassing.

Park Hyatt's Healthy Living Menu

2009-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

In a rush, but don't want to down an omelette on the way to the airport?

Recognizing that Jaunty guests want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Park Hyatt hotels has teamed up with renowned Brazilian nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, to combat the lack of quick healthy options with the launch of their Healthy Living menu. We think these drinks look great. We also think the Park Hyatt is underrated when it comes to service and quality.

Noted for her nutritional work with international sports figures in her native Brazil and abroad (David Beckham among them), and drawing on her background in physiology and sports biochemistry, Teixeira has developed a selection of smoothies and juices exclusively for Park Hyatt. Teixeira has crafted these fresh organic concoctions to target specific ailments that frequently plague the weary traveler, from immune system deficiencies to jet lag. The menu includes descriptions of ingredients and their specific health benefits, as well as recommendations on the best time of day to consume each selection.

The Healthy Living at Park Hyatt menu includes smoothies and juices such as:

GOOD ENERGY JUICE contains carrots, apples and spinach, which assist in balancing blood sugar levels and supporting digestion.

DIGESTION JUICE is prepared with high fiber fruits such as kiwi and pineapple, which make food travel slowly through the digestive tract, enhancing the absorption of important nutrients.

ANTI-JET LAG JUICE contains kale, which is effective for detoxification, and pumpkin seeds, which assist in producing the body’s sleep hormone – melatonin.

So we say, "Chug it! Chug it!"

www.park.hyatt.com

Krabi, Thailand: Anantara's Yoga Wellness Retreat

2009-04-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sing along with me... "Om-believable in every way..."

Anantara, taken from the Sanskrit word meaning 'without end,' symbolizes the sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality that is at the core of the Anantara experience. Located throughout Asia and the Middle East, Anantara Resorts and Spas is our latest luxury (for a reasonable price) find. With properties on Koh Samui, the Golden Triangle area in the country’s north, Maldives, Bali, Phuket, and, get this... Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa on the island of Sir Bani Yas off the coast of Abu Dhabi, it's that deliciously secret Yoga retreat you've been dreaming about.

Their property, on the shores of Changlang Beach along the Andaman coast of Thailand, is the newly opened Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa and we've chosen to highlight because they're extending their “Wellness 360” program to include two different week-long retreats offered in October (plenty of time for you to start planning your trip now). Each retreat features instruction and consultations with leading experts in the fields of Pilates, yoga, dance, osteopathy, and Ayurveda. Participants will work with specialists to cultivate healthier choices to encourage balance of mind, body, and spirit that can be incorporated into a daily routine and practiced beyond the retreat. In addition to professional consultation and tailor-made exercise programs, guests will enjoy daily yoga, Pilates, and dance movement classes.

Included in the Wellness 360 Retreat package is one session with osteopath Dr. Geraldine van Boxmeer; an Ayurvedic consultation with renowned practitioner Kavitha Hulmani and resident naturopath Dr. Gopal; and a “wellness cuisine” cooking class with the resort’s resident chef, Kelly Brennan. One Anantara massage and an additional spa treatment of choice are also included in the package.

Wellness 360 Retreats will be held on the following dates:
October 5th to 12th
October 12th to 19th

Rates begin at $3,592 per person, which includes: seven night’s accommodations; round-trip airport transfers; all meals; daily classes, and selected therapies and consultations.

http://sikao.anantara.com/Si-Kao-Wellness-360-Retreat/default.aspx

Can I get an Om?

www.anantara.com

Amsterdam: citizenM - Luxury on a Budget

2009-03-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Finally! Affordable European travel is back. Explorers, culture-seekers, professionals and shoppers, take note.

citizenM – short for 'Citizen Mobile' – is a hot new line of modern, luxury budget hotels in Amsterdam (and soon more parts of Europe). When it comes to design, think IKEA clean meets Capellini chic. Known for their style, great value, and excellent locations in Amsterdam, citizenM offers the latest technology, a social atmosphere, a funky fresh setting, comfortable bed and great pillows because, as they say, 'you can never, ever underestimate the pillow.'
Approachable, sleek, and worldly, how do they do it?

The answer lies in their construction called ‘Industrial Flexible Demountable’, rooms are pre-made in their own special factory off-site. This factory ensures that citizenM’s rooms are of a comparable quality to that of a luxury yacht or private jet. Only the best materials are used and their modular system combines functionality with comfort and design. Their goal just might be the future of design in the hotel industry. Keep your eyes open as hotels are planned across Europe – in all major cities – such as: London, Barcelona, Glasgow, Berlin, Stockholm, Brussels, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow, Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, Budapest to name a few.

From €89 and up.

www.citizenm.com

A Moveable Feast: Silversea's Luxurious Food & Wine Cruise

2009-03-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here at Jaunt we think one of two ways. 'Only the best' or 'Only the most authentic.' When we find something that marries the two together (and involves five-star culinary fare), we get hungry to share with the masses. Yes, Silversea is the best cruise line in the world and we say, "If it's good enough for Isabella Rossellini, it's good enough for the jauntiest of the jaunty." Voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, Silversea is offering a foodie lover's wetdream (get it?), a collection of the world's most flavorful destinations expertly paired with the culinary world's hottest talents.
These moveable feasts are perfect for sophisticated travelers who enjoy high-end dining as much as the adventure of luxury travel. In case you've never hit the high seas aboard their ultra-luxury liners, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities in an intimate setting. The best part? All-suite vessels! The Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and recently launched in December, the Silver Spirit. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.
Silver Shadow Room

The enlightening café lifestyle of Paris in the 1920s (immortalized in A Moveable Feast) stayed with American writer Ernest Hemingway throughout his life … wherever he traveled … and for Silversea guests, this year's 11 Culinary Arts voyages promise similar opportunities for personally enriching experiences that will linger after the journey ends. These unique culinary theme cruises showcase the artistry of award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including the internationally acclaimed chefs of Relais & Châteaux, the exclusive collection of 480of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.
Dining on the Silver Whisper

Established in France in 1954, the family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world share a passion for exceptional quality. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and discover a special place in a variety of destinations.
On the culinary sailings, celebrity chefs will display their talents during dynamic and informative cooking demonstrations where guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes. Chefs include the likes of Rick Tramonto, partner and executive chef of Chicago’s Tru, a Mobil Four Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant; Eyvind Hellstrøm, owner and chef of Michelin Two Star Bagatelle in Oslo; and Anne Desjardins, the chef/co-owner of CAA Four Diamond L'Eau à La Bouche in Ste-Adèle, Québec. The Culinary Arts enrichment voyages also feature escorted provisioning trips to international markets, food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner. Throughout these special voyages, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.

Below, with the handy help of Silversea's excellent staff, we've put together a list of the Culinary Arts voyages around the world.

Now hit the high seas and relish the good (foodie) life!

ALASKA & PACIFIC COAST

Voyage 3912: Silver Shadow, May 28 - June 7, Seward to Vancouver, 10 days. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,050. Jonathan Lindenauer -- Bon Appétit magazine's chef de cuisine will be in residence to bring the Bon Appétit Supper Club to life and offer guests a taste of his signature recipes. This avant-garde concept of a stylish, limited-time dining experience will transform La Terrazza into a New York-inspired restaurant.

Voyage 3917: Silver Shadow, July 20 - August 1, San Francisco (roundtrip), 12 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,747. Gregory Short -- Executive chef of Masas, San Francisco.

CARIBBEAN

Voyage 1926: Silver Cloud, October 19 - 29, New York to Barbados, 10 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,397. Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Anne Desjardins -- Co-owner of L'Eau à La Bouche Ste-Adèle, Québec, Canada.

Voyage 3929: Silver Shadow, November 13 - 22, Barbados to Fort Lauderdale, 9 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,047. Relais & Châteaux Chef Stéphane Mazières -- Executive chef of Le Gaïac restaurant at Hôtel Le Toiny, St. Bart's.

FAR EAST & SOUTH PACIFIC

Voyage 3909: Silver Shadow, April 11 - 29, Sydney to Singapore, 18 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $10,496. Relais & Châteaux Chef Mathew Macartney -- Executive chef of Chateau Yering, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

MEDITERRANEAN

Voyage 2915: Silver Wind, May 14 - 21, Barcelona to Nice, 7 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,197. Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Rick Tramonto -- Executive chef/partner of Tru, Chicago.

Voyage 2922: Silver Wind, July 18 - 28, Monte Carlo (roundtrip), 10 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,177. Relais & Châteaux Chef Vincent Nattress -- Executive chef of Meadowood Resort, St. Helena, California.

Voyage 4931: Silver Whisper, October 3 - 10, Venice to Rome, 7 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,616. Lidia Bastianich -- Author, TV chef and co-owner of Felidia and Becco restaurants, New York City.

Voyage 4933: Silver Whisper, October 17 - 24, Monte Carlo to Athens, 7 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,297. "World of Relais & Châteaux" -- Over seven days, these five Relais & Châteaux chefs are set to take part in what is sure to be the ultimate culinary festival at sea:

Jacques Thorel, Auberge Bretonne (La Roche-Bernard, Britanny, France)
Eyvind Hellstrøm, Bagatelle (Oslo, Norway)
Julien Lahire, Auberge du Moulin Hideux (Noirefontaine, Belgium)
Christian Gölles, Gasthof Post (Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg, Austria)
Erwan Louaisil, El Castell de Ciutat (La Seu d'Urgell, Lleida, Spain)

Voyage 2933: Silver Wind, October 18 - 30, Istanbul to Rome, 12 days. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,847. Anton Mosimann -- Chef/owner of Mosimann's, London.

NORTHERN EUROPE

Voyage 1916: Silver Cloud, July 11 - 26, Copenhagen (roundtrip), 15 days. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $11,396. Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Eyvind Hellstrøm -- Chef/owner of Bagatelle, Oslo.

Fares listed are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the itinerary.

www.silversea.com

For information on Relais & Châteaux:
Tel: (800) 735-2478 (U.S./Canada)
TeL 00 800 2000 00 02 (U.K.)
www.relaischateaux.com

Prague, Czech Republic: The Buzz at The Four Seasons

2009-03-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

How sweet it is! The buzz in the kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel Prague is starting to spread. In addition to the 27 (yes, 27!) talented cooks at Allegro, the Hotel's Michelin-star Italian restaurant, there's a rumour that 9.6 million specialty "chefs" have been recruited to make the food even sweeter. But these chefs don't chop, sauté or bake.
In fact, they're bees — literally! — property of Allegro's longtime saucier, Vladimir Milfait. Go Vlad. We love a unique twist on luxury. During prime honey-producing months, he maintains 60 hives, each of them occupying up to 160,000 bees, because that's what it takes to make the 500 kg that'll keep the restaurant dripping in deliciously sweet honey for about a year.
Four Seasons Hotel, Prague

Why so much liquid gold? Well, from pastries to meat marinades and sauces, honey is a key ingredient on the menu. What makes this stuff so special is variety: Vladimir's workforce creates oak, pine, and linden tree honey, all of which differ in scent, colour and consistency. This allows the restaurant's other chefs — vastly outnumbered by their bee counterparts — to select the right flavour for the right dish.

Talk about a sweet retreat for you and your honey.

www.fourseasons.com/prague/dining.html

The Himalayas: Ananda, The Best Destination Spa in the World

2009-03-18T02:44:00.000-07:00

The World's #1 Destination Spa. Ah, so much can be said about a spa at the base of the Himalayas that was once a stunning princely estate ruled by the Shah family. The previous residence of Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal is now ranked by Conde Nast as the World's Best Destination Spa and known, far and wide, to be charged with an all powerful "Shakti" energy. It is said that when Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, they also left "an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu who would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land." Of such significance is Haridwar that it's earned the name among Indian Hindu's 'The Gateway to the Gods.'
Legend has it that the holy Ganga, which flows through this sacred city, has actually been sanctified by the trinity of Hindu mythology (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and, in the days of the British Raj, the palace welcomed noble Viceroys and people of eminence – including, you guessed it, Mahatama Gandhi!
Located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills close to the mythological cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ananda is the spiritual pathway to the ultimate, discovered through the union of body, mind and soul. As their website says, "It is not just a retreat that will leave you breathless with the enchantment of its surroundings, but it will assist in redefining your lifestyle."
Garhwal today remains a land of myth and legend, where every stone tells a story. The earliest historical references to the region are found in the Vedas, paeans to the purity of the Himalayas. Specific mention of the mountains also exist in the Mahabharata, dated around 1000 BC. This is when the protagonists of the epic, the Pandavas, are said to have ended their life on earth by ascending the slopes of the peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini - literally, the "Ascent to Heaven."
So take all that great Indian history and a spa program grounded in Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta combined with contemporary international therapies and world class masters and Ananda is truly the ultimate exotic holistic escape.

Rooms from @ $300-$1300/night
Wellness Package Programs also available

www.anandaspa.com

Taipei, Taiwan: Notes From the Road

2009-03-13T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hot off the streets of Taipei, Jaunt Contributor and Guest Blogger, Sarah Breidenbach, takes us on an inside tour of Asia’s post-Chinese New Year bliss.
(c) Tina Nance

It's been a long time since I've written about life 'n things in Taipei.

Life in Taipei was a rough adjustment after the luxurious US lifestyle tour I took in '08, but I've managed to fall newly, and madly, in love with the place. A friend who has lived here for a long time recently told me that it takes coming back to Taipei several times before you start to understand it. It's true. Taipei does not present beauty up front. It doesn't it hand it to you sweetly and easily. But after enough time, you start to dig the jewels out of the rough. The beauty seeps through cracks and shines forth in your direction.
(c) Tina Nance

That's certainly been my experience lately.

We've just completed the Chinese New Year which always happens in February. Last year I was in Thailand because, well, that's what everyone seems to do when the whole island shuts down and goes on vacation. But this year I stayed home and enjoyed the fruits of our urban monster's slumber. I ate steamed rice flour cakes. (see photo)
I watched hoards of fireworks from the terrace and stepped through the red dusted streets the next morning. The tradition is to let off fireworks that leave a red powder everywhere. The smoke, noise, and lights scare off demons and clear away bad energy so that the year begins with the fresh dew of your heart's desires and clean visions of your mind's determination. I visited the oldest temple in Taipei and filmed the many who were there holding traditional ceremonies. It's a very individual process of lighting incense and setting your own prayers forth. Some walk through archways, touching the dangling strings of giant lanterns for good luck. (see photo)
This all takes place on dark/new moon followed by the lantern festival on the following full moon. OH… the moon this year! It was magnificent! So bold, golden, and pregnant with possibility.

During my free time, I went on hikes and visited various hot springs. There are hot springs in every direction from Taipei. South of here, there is an area called Wulai where there is a river, small town, and beautiful quiet Japanese style bathhouses that serve yummy ginger tea. There are also many hotsprings to the north that are easily accessible by the subway. Beitou is about a 45-minute trip from my home. Most of the hot springs are sulfur based but there are all different kinds including one that sources iron ores from under ground that make the water a beautiful black/burnt orange. At one such hot spring that was quite old, simple, and traditional, I was met with a group of older women in their 60s who spoke no English. This place is known for being cheap and having "good soup" (direct translation from Chinese) which means ‘the water is white and cloudy.’ Full of tasty therapeutic minerals.
The ladies were fascinated with me and couldn't stop staring with curiosity. They helped me bathe before getting in the water. The handled my arms and moved me around. They seemed to know each other like they were regulars coming to soak every night.

They then began asking me questions, few of which I understood due to my poor Chinese but we managed to communicate.

"How old are you?"
"I'm 33."
"No! You can't be! You look 19 or 20!"

This coming from women who look like 40 at age 60. They shared their age after much probing from me.

"Are you married?"
"What?"
"You no... dun dun DUNHHHH..."
"Oh! Ha! No, not yet."

I learned early on that it's better to say "not yet" over any other lengthy explanation of possible values. This got them all giggling and plotting which son they might marry me off to. I then noticed the smell coming from one lady's exfoliate/all body scrub. "Is that coffee?" I asked. She answered by handing me the jar of coffee grounds and helping to put some in my hand. Now, I've heard of coffee enemas but I've never tried scrubbing my skin with it. I loved it. And I marveled at the whole experience because it felt like the first time I had ever had that sort of kind cultural exchange one might hope for in traveling abroad. What can I say? Taipei had been unique in its initial harshness.

There are more stories. Images etched in my mind from daily living and commuting. Things that continue to amuse me and surprise me. Like, crimped puffy hair on the boy working at a fast food shop. (see photo *note megaphone. People ain't afraid to use 'em.)
Like...stripper boots in the middle of the afternoon after a day of shopping at the mall. (see photo)
Like, dogs sitting at the table at restaurants. Like the woman who clears chicken bones from the table top after people have eaten up a storm. (I've got footage.) Like, weird unidentifiable meats at the market just near my house. (See photo.)

And much, much more. It's Taipei and it's downright charming.

If you really want to see a display of Taiwan eating habits, you can have a seat at the Sogo (Shopping Mall) food court. Today I watched a kid place his mouth at the table's edge while shoveling rice into his mouth with chopsticks. I watched a variety of mothers yelling (in whiney pitches) at children. And of course, I watched the innumerable small sized peeps consuming enormous quantities of food with a fervor that might lead you to believe they had been starving for months.

I'm presently nauseous after eating six very fried round octopus balls. I'm a sucker for that crispy on the outside, soft in the inside combination, but the creamy sweet, dare I say, herbed up mayo content with chunks of chewy pus was something I 'loved up' once in a night market, but much less so on this day. For some reason I chose to follow that up with an oyster omelet which consists of small gray slimy guys wrapped in an egg & glutenous rice flour batter that stretches and pulls as you attempt to break up the pile with your chopsticks.
Eating these items in a fluorescent lit mall's basement food court so crowded with people that you often sit 3-4 strangers per table, is enough to make a girl feel light headed. Funny enough, I used to find this sort of thing slightly painful and overwhelming, but now it makes me smile. I find it comforting and familiar. Nevertheless, I think today will mark my quota for such dining since these particular foods are better eaten while taking in the fresh air of a night market.
(c) Tina Nance

Now I sit in the "gay village" waiting to meet my screenplay writing partner to hammer out character developments on a new story. There is a hooka to my right, sitar playing through the speakers and a rose milk tea in my hand. In the distance there is the low humming of dizzying techno beats, cocktail glasses clinking and gay boys giggling. I could be anywhere in the world right now. The only give away was the initial subway arrival when I stepped out to a sea of young people, massive movie screen billboards and what looked like the activities of a large ant colony. There they were being good capitalists on a Sunday evening. Their shining black beetle heads busy taking away well packaged and purchased consumer goods for the queen.
The other giveaway was the sweet scene I witnessed on my way here. I live on the "brown line" of the subway. It also happens to be the only subway line that goes to the Taipei Zoo. Last stop on the line. On weekends this usually means the cars are packed with families. Today, I watched a sleepy mother and daughter who had passed out on a bench, heads collapsed on each other's shoulders, the little girl clutching a stuffed panda bear with a bamboo stem in its hand. They had probably spent most of the day waiting in an endless line to see the newly purchased panda bears from China. The Taipei zoo has limited the number of daily visitors to 2 million - this reported to me by one of my 8th grade students. I think he must be mistaking his number vocabulary but then again, maybe I've just become accustomed to living so densely. I mean there is a monitor in the subway station letting you know how many people have seen the pandas. I suppose I could do the math. But for now I'll just sway, like a willow tree among the masses. The details don't really matter as much as the quirky bits that make up any given day.

Documentary filmmaker, artist, and social activist, Sarah Breidenbach graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology. During the course of her stellar life and studies, she has lived and worked all over the world including: Ireland, Israel, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Mexico, and currently, Taiwan. Sarah has produced, directed, and edited two documentary shorts entitled "With These Ten Fingers" and "Machismo Mata". While we applaud her amazing talent and works, Breidenbach carries on, creating a global community of like-minded people seeking to build a new world through art in action.

Guatemala: Eco-Tours, Local Markets, & Luxury

2009-03-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

Every Jauntophile knows... Guatemala is one of Latin America’s hidden gems. Sandwiched between Mexico and Belize in the north and El Salvador and Honduras in the south, the name itself means 'Land of Trees,' and this hot jungle country is every bit as green as it's name suggests. Poised somewhere between the old and the new, roughing it or Ritzing it, this Central American country combines the unique traditions of Mayan heritage with a urban landscape of bustling cities and lush resorts. Wildly beautiful with towering volcanoes, verdant rainforest, colonial architecture and fascinating beaches, fusing these elements together are the people, the majority descendants of the ancient Mayan. Warm and generous, their spirit is one of welcome. This Central American country is also one of the most indigenous in the world, now distanced from it's unstable 36-year civil war. The best part? In this down economy, you can still get an entire meal for $3.00!
This photo contains a piece of deer meat, Tepezquintle meat (this would be a noctural rodent highly prized for it's rich flavor), a piece of wild turkey, and... a piece of Armadillo! Don't worry, not all the food is this daunting.

So where to stay in this wild jungle paradise of woven ponchos and beaded bracelets? Below are a few places to rest your weary head, a homebase from which to take off and land. Ideally located in Guatemala City and Antigua, each hotel below is a destination unto itself, ideal for couples, business travelers, and families.

Guatemala City
Guatemala is the country’s cultural, political and economic capital. Founded on the site of the ancient Mayan city Kaminaljuyu, the city is renowned for its abundance of archeological sites and rich cultural history. Now with a population of more than 3 million, it is one of Latin America ’s most vibrant urban destinations.
Hotel Vista Real, a member of Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, is the city’s grande dame. Perched above the city in an exclusive residential enclave, the Hotel Vista Real welcomes guests into an oasis of service and style. This all-suite luxury hotel stands out for its elegant artwork and fine dining. Comprised of 123 suites and eight meeting rooms, the Hotel Vista Real is ideal for a weekend getaway or dazzling wedding.

Rates starting at $145
www.vistareal.com
Hotel Princess, a member of Sterling Hotels™, combines a great location in the bustling zona viva with a friendly staff for a reasonable price. Just off of one of the city’s main avenues, Hotel Princess’s 104 guest rooms encircle an inner courtyard that is a haven for business and leisure travelers. The perennially popular Garden Court restaurant and Clancy’s Bar are the perfect places to sample great food and local hospitality.

Rates starting at $129
www.hotelesprincess.com

Antigua
An hour from Guatemala City lies the captivating town of Antigua. Situated in the central highlands, La Antigua Guatemala (“The Old Guatemala”) was the country’s third capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, if you're looking for a beach close to La Antigua Guatemala, a few hours away is the beach of Monterrico where chickens and pigs roam free. In fact, we've even heard they like to dip in the ocean. Talk about au natural. A range of backpacker pensions and 3 star hotels are also available, if you're interested in staying the night.
La Reunion, Antigua Golf Resort, a member of Preferred Boutique™, is the region's most exquisite hideaway. A sophisticated collection of 26 free-standing cottages, each with their own plunge pool, every suite has been tastefully appointed in colonial style. Nestled amid two volcanoes, La Reunion also offers golf on a memorable Pete Dye-designed course. Gourmet cuisine and numerous activities make La Reunion, Antigua Golf Resort the great destination for a complete couples getaway.

Rates starting at $225
www.preferredboutique.com or www.lareunion.com.gt
Porta Hotel Antigua, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™, is located in the heart of the city, an easy distance to explore Antigua’s cobblestone streets, colonial churches and monuments. With 115 guestrooms, the hotel is a lush oasis of soothing greenery. Encircled by trees, the pool area is a popular destination for cooling off after a busy morning of sightseeing or meetings.

Rates starting at $162
www.portahotels.com

Before you start booking your tickets, growing a beard, and thinking you can singlehandedly unite The Americas into one (a la our favorite renegade revolutionary, Che G.), don't forget to visit Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is one of the country’s most prized scenic locations. The tourist friendly fishing town of Panajachel is a great place to take an eco-tour of the area or climb the Pacaya volcano for a glance inside its cone. We also hear that a bus about five kilometers away from Antigua to Pastores is a village known for handmade leather Cowboy Boots.

Here's a handy guide for Guatemala's Eco-Tours:

www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/guatemala/
www.atitlanresource.com/travel_agencies_eco.htm
www.enjoyguatemala.com/tours.htm

In addition, a trip to Guatemala wouldn't be complete without a jaunt to the ruins of El Mirador and Tikal in the northern Petén region. The nearby city of Flores serves as the ideal base for any trips into Petén. In the village of Chichicastenango, the Thursday and Sunday market are the best ways to gain insight into Guatemala culture as indigenous groups come from around the country come to sell their handmade multi-colored goods. For hotels in Flores, we recommend checking out:

Flores Hotels
www.destination360.com/central-america/guatemala/flores-hotels.php

Oh, and for those of you with, how shall we say, more 'discerning tastes,' here's another list of swanky Guatemalan digs:

Guatemala's Ultra Luxury Hotels
www.kiwicollection.com/luxury-hotels/guatemala
We think Casa Palopo is one fine spot overlooking Lake Atitlan, set against a backdrop of three volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro.

Riviera Maya: Mandarin Oriental's Wellness Yoga Retreat

2009-02-27T22:40:00.000-08:00

Face it. You need a quick escape. Recharge that battered spirit. Elevate that funky mood. Take the OM out of ominous. We can feel it. We're there too. These days, everywhere we turn and everything we see is doom and gloom. Aside from trekking in the Andes and eating hot noodles in Saigon (which takes a bit more than four days), the Yoga Wellness Retreat at the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is a surefire way to relax and feel good about spending your hard-earned cash. When you give to your spirit, the Universe gives back. Did we mention that the honorable Rishi Bharadwaj of India is teaching? Well, he is... and he's 15 years of yogic magic.
Alas...

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya presents its 2009 Wellness Yoga Retreat, a four-day holistic program featuring guided meditations, yoga classes, yogic diet and nutrition sessions from:

March 26 to 29
May 28 to 31
June 25 to 28

A relaxing weekend break at an award-winning spa and resort located on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula? Si senorita. Eso es la vida perfecta.
Leading the Yoga Retreat is Yoga Instructor Rishi Bharadwaj, a native of India who comes from a family of yoga experts. Rishi will guide guests to determine the best possible programs to continue on their path towards health and wellness. The retreat begins on Thursday evening with a welcome group dinner and opportunity to meet with Rishi and fellow guests. Throughout the weekend, guests will experience Asana and Pranayama yoga sessions, diet and nutrition classes, quiet time for meditations, group discussions and bask in the luxurious accommodation at Mexico’s most sophisticated resort.

A naturalist’s paradise, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is nestled in mangrove reserves and tranquil lagoons highlighted by a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayan.

The resort is only 10 minutes north of the always happening Playa del Carmen with dining, entertainment, and boutiques, just a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.

The “Wellness Yoga Retreat” includes:

· Three-night stay at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya
· Yogic breakfast daily and one group dinner
· Choice of one spa treatment
· Morning and evening yoga sessions
· Daily meditations
· Diet and nutrition classes
· Participation in daily fitness activities
· Complimentary use of Heat and Water Therapies
· Round-trip airport transfers

Now how's that for OM-nificent?

Rates from $2465 (single occupancy) and $3340 (double occupancy)

www.mandarinoriental.com

Chicago's Best Eco-Boutique Hotel

2009-02-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

We fell in love with Chicago when we went to see Cats at the Shubert Theater as a small kiddie. Deep-dish pizza, jazz, Carmine's and good old Midwestern values... what's not to love? So when we hunted around for the best boutique digs in Chi-Town, a little birdie alerted us to a European inspired hotel just a block off of Michigan Avenue. Unique among it's competitors in that it's still family-owned, The Talbott Hotel has all the sophisticated charm of a bygone era coupled with the modern conveniences of today.

A cozy wood-lined lobby, roaring fireplace, large rooms, plasma TV's and superlative service make this property feel like you're in an upscale English club. The best part? It's just one of five hotels to receive Green Seal Certification by the City of Chicago in recognition of their commitment to "sustainability without compromise." Their "greenficient" efforts stretch beyond the basics - it's 100% carbon neutral. Having just completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment of all the hotel's 149 rooms and suites, it's the warm, luxurious base from which you can enjoy all of Chicago's shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
Owner, Basil Kromelow, inherited the property when he and his dad Jack bought it together as Basil's first project back in 1965. Apparently, Basil always wanted to own a boutique hotel so he converted the old apartment hotel into a luxury boutique hotel that reflected the boutique hotels he fell in love with across Europe as a kid. As such, many of the antiques inside are purchases from Kromelow's own shopping trips to Europe. Still visible in the hotel, Basil even greets and interacts with guests, unlike far too many Blackberry-obsessed proprietors these days.

On the corner of Rush street, you'll find famous restaurants like Gibsons (www.gibsonssteakhouse.com) and Carmine's (www.rosebudrestaurants.com) where we recommend the Baked Clams, Chicken Marsala, and Eight-Finger Cavatelli. No, we won't tell you what it that is, you'll just have to find out for yourself.

Guests also have free access to the 55,000 sq foot Equinox in the 900 North Michigan building just a block away. If that's not swanky enough, those who participate in the Green program by selecting the "eco-mode" on their thermostats (which automatically adjusts the room temp when guests come and go, in addition to alerting housekeeping not to change sheets everyday), they'll receive a 1 month carbon credit for their home to continue the Green lifestyle they embraced at the hotel.

If our staff wasn't galavanting around the globe right at this very moment, we'd stop by again just to give Basil a big old Chicago bear hug.

www.talbotthotel.com
Rates start at $179 (in low season)

A Vietnam Bargain: The Exotic Vodka Adventure

2009-02-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Usually, when we think vodka we'll be honest... we think of Ruskies (and forty year-old housewives), but this ultra-premium Vietnamese rice vodka quickly caught our staff's attention for another reason altogether. What does Vietnamese vodka have to do with vacations, you ask? Well, we're here to tell you. KAI Vodka, the world's only ultra-premium rice vodka handcrafted in Vietnam, has announced a special Vietnam travel package in conjunction with Pleasant Holidays.
So drink up! KAI, distilled in northern Vietnam from the rare and highly prized yellow blossom rice that grows only in the country’s Red River Delta, is the first product of its kind to be exported from Vietnam, while KAI Lychee is the only vodka to be infused with the sweet subtropical lychee fruit. The country’s 600-year history of making vodka only adds to KAI’s exotic mystique. Designed to give le vodka connoisseur the chance to experience and learn about its unique origin, we say... vodka with a cultural incentive? We're into that.
The KAI Exotic Vietnam Adventure (KEVA) is a custom packaged excursion that offers tours from 8-14 days including round-trip airfare, all transfers and tours, accommodations, and featured meals at KAI Vodka’s recommended culinary and nightlife destinations along the way with carefully selected Vietnamese translators and guides. You'll visit all the hot spots like Saigon, Hanoi, and Halong Bay allowing guests to experience the rich culture, vibrant towns, and phenomenal beauty.
The KEVA Eight Day Package includes:

· Round trip air from Los Angeles or San Francisco on Cathay Pacific
· Overnight accommodations
· Cruise of the Halong Bay
· Sightseeing in Hanoi and Saigon
· A blend of classic and contemporary excursions
· Select meals
· Transfers, gratuities, and taxes

Starting at only $2,649 per person - $3,575 per person for 14 days, it's also a real bargain.

KAI Vodka’s Managing Director Marcus Bender had this to say: “Vietnam has become one of the top 10 travel destinations according to Condé Nast Traveler and seduces visitors with its exotic mystique. A true fusion of eastern and western cultures lies at its heart, blending over 50 different ethnic groups, including Chinese and French influences. It is this rich and complex influence that is the essence of KAI Vodka."

Jaunt says: "True dat!"

LA-based Pleasant Holidays have developed the perfect Vietnam experience blending city and country, relaxation and adventure. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and select dinners of traditional and contemporary cuisine, as well as ‘must see’ tours of off-the-beaten-path adventures, are all included. They'll even advise travelers of restaurants, nightclubs, and adventures in each city.

So maybe it's time for Jaunt to get over it's 'only Ruskies and 40 year-old housewives drink vodka' thing, no?

That would be a 'Vâng.'

www.kaivodka.com

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: The Holistic Yoga Wellness Retreat

2009-02-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

This just in from The Marquis Los Cabos, one of our favorite Cabo properties, located right off 'The Corridor' on the southernmost tip of the Baja península where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. To celebrate it's ability to soothe you, they're now offering the first of its transformational travel events. The Guru Getaway Series with renowned mind/body wellness instructor Kent Burden will take place from May 17-21, 2009. The 230 + room resort, just minutes from the Old World village of San Jose del Cabo and the town of Cabo San Lucas, has one of the best spas and fitness centers in the area (a 15,000 square foot retreat to be precise).
In addition, their exclusive gourmet restaurant, Canto del Mar, has one of the only Michelin-pedigreed chefs in Cabo. Our EIC stayed here about two years ago and was blown away by the fresh bread and fruit basket delivered each morning, the fantastic dinner service, and the excellent views. Since its 2003 opening, Marquis Los Cabos has earned the travel industry's most coveted awards including "World's Best" (Travel + Leisure); "Gold List Award" (Conde Nast Traveler); and the Five Star Diamond Award for its Canto del Mar restaurant. Marquis Los Cabos is also a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos.
The Holistic Wellness Getaway incorporates yoga, Qi Gong and Pilates instruction; a visit to an organic farm with cooking lesson; an art walk and progressive dinner in San Jose del Cabo; a waterfall hike and tai chi instruction; Real Food, Aztec Calendar and Modern Day Hunter/Gatherer lectures, and a horseback meditation ride into three days of mind/body activities that promise to encourage "personal growth" and "self-actualization." Who couldn't use some of that in these trying times?

With more than 25 years of fitness experience, Kent Burden has worked one-on-one with Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winners and NFL and NBA champions alike. His mind/body program created at California's Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was voted by Spa Finder Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards as one of North America's top mind/body fitness programs. A certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, Yoga instructor, Spinning instructor, water fitness instructor, Systematic Touch Trainer and Massage Therapist, you're, you guessed it... in really good hands. For more information on Kent, check out his website:

www.mylifefitness.com

The 5 day/4 night Holistic Wellness Getaway is $2,550 per person, based on single occupancy, and includes all lectures and mind/body activities, suite accommodations, a signature welcome drink made of natural local fruits, breakfast daily, gifts upon arrival and departure, box lunches for all activities, VIP roundtrip airport/hotel transportation, and all service charges and taxes.

www.marquisloscabos.com

Four Seasons Seychelles: By the Sea Shore

2009-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Good news, lads and lassies! The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles has opened it's doors. Said to be a 'remote, hillside retreat that embraces the natural simplicity of treetop living,' this brand spankin' new property occupies an isolated position overlooking the idyllic bay of Petite Anse, just 30 minutes from the Mahé international airport. The Republic of Seychelles, East of Africa and North of Madagascar, is a tropical haven of 115 islands scattered across 530,000 square miles of the western Indian Ocean, an archipelago of 41 hilly, granite islands surrounded by low-lying coral islands. Covering a secluded area of 170 acres on the southwest coast of Mahé, the Four Seasons Seychelles consists of 67 villas and suites and 28 Four Seasons Private Residences that descend down a lush forested incline to the private, horseshoe beach of Petite Anse. Creole-inspired design complements the dramatic topography with granite boulders, steep jungle slopes and a shoreline indented with pirate coves. That's right... argghhh, who goes there, Matey? Back in the day, these waters were a favorite among the Jack Sparrows of the water world.
Four Seasons Seychelles Room

Get this... each of the 67 tree-house villas and suites is perched on stilts amid a jungle of coconut, mango, jackfruit and cinnamon trees. How disgustingly exotic is that? Standard features in all villas also include an infinity-edge plunge pool, open-air shower, glass-walled bathroom and expansive private outdoor living space with sunset views over the Indian Ocean or surrounding landscape. At the base of the Resort, black granite boulders, powder-white sand and tropical foliage combine with the azure blues of the sea and sky to create a vivid image of exotic island perfection. To keep you looking good and feeling good, there are also plenty of water sports, water trails and off-site activities like tennis, trekking, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and paragliding. It's also a perfect paradise location for weddings, from a simple blessing on the private powder-white beach to a civil ceremony among the frangipani. Say it again after me... frangipani. Now isn't that fun?
Four Seasons Seychelles Exterior

The Resort’s main restaurant, ZEZ (Creole for a zither), offers a breakfast buffet of Continental and Asian dishes with a full American breakfast and speciality dishes available à la carte. Dinner takes on a Mediterranean air, featuring Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Turkish and Lebanese dishes. The restaurant focuses on simple cuisine and deep flavours and offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, extra virgin olive oils, tapas, mezzes and speciality Arabic breads. An extensive wine list features 250 wine labels from the Old and New World since no vacay is complete without a lonnnngggg list of fine wines.

Oh, and their beach... one of the top ten beaches in the world. So stop complaining about the snow, the economy, your husband, and your weight and get lost in the Seychelles by the sea shore.

Rates from €1,000/night

www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

Paris, France: A Boutique (Tres) Chic Art Hotel

2009-02-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hotel Des Academies

Jaunt says, “Take your lover to Paris this year!” Since we live for hunting down the hottest deals and coolest hotels, we came across this artsy little gem located right on the left bank in the 6th Arr. Walking distance to the Jardin de Luxembourg, Saint-Germain-de-Pres, The Louvre and almost every other romantic attraction, Hotel des Academies et des Arts is a 20-room boutique art hotel that pays homage to the artistic heritage of both the building and the neighborhood. The owners brought together several artists to create an original backdrop for contemporary works of art and recently opened a tea room lovingly called 'Chez Charlotte.' We also hear it's the only hotel in Paris to serve famed French pastry chef Pierre Herme's macarons. Psst... rumor has it that Modigliani and Gauguin once slept here when they were art students across the street at the Academie de Grand Chaumiere.

If that’s not enough to make you want to channel your inner Cezanne, we really don’t know what is.

www.hoteldesacademies.com

Rates from €190

New York City: Another Valetine's Day Getaway

2009-01-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

Trump International New York City

Talk about a room with a view. Does it get any better than feeling on top of the world, Trump style? We're feeling so amorous lately that we're pulling out all the stops and preparing you for the Big V Day. Check this baby out. Trump Hotel Collection is offering an ‘Enchanted Evening’ Package where guests staying at any Trump Hotel Collection property can make this Valentine’s Day even more special with a trio of romantic amenities – a bottle of chilled Champagne, decadent handcrafted chocolates, and a bouquet of one dozen long stem roses – included with a one-night stay. The “Enchanted Evening” Valentine’s Day Getaway package is being offered at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago and Trump Hotel Las Vegas Feb. 13-15, 2009. Take in the stunning city views from spacious residential-style rooms with fully equipped gourmet kitchens where you can whip up your own little treats a la Martha Stewart (only imagine yourself looking more like Alessandra Ambrosio). If cooking isn't your thing, you'll have access to world-class dining, spas, and the signature services of a Trump Attaché, your own majordomo, ready to fulfill (almost) all of your aching whims.

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York rates start at $595. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago rates start at $595. Trump Hotel Las Vegas rates starting at $209.

Isn't your Boo worth it?

www.trumpintl.com

Santa Monica, California: A Valentine's Deal...

2009-01-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

Oceana Santa Monica, California

Happy Friday, my little Jauntophiles! Time seems to be flying faster than clam in high tide, so we're here to remind you about the always dreaded and shamelessly hopeful holiday... Valentine's Day! The perfect time to indulge in a romantic getaway, The Oceana in Santa Monica, with her seaside views and ocean breezes, is offering SoCal couples the perfect escape to celebrate. Guests can count on Oceana for a sexy evening including an in-room couples massage, strawberries, chocolate, and champagne. An ideal romantic setting for cocktails around their signature heart-shaped pool decorated with floating votives and red roses, it's only minutes away from LA, but couples will feel transported to a relaxing, beachside oasis.
The “Love is in the Air” package includes:

· One night stay in one of Oceana Santa Monica’s ocean view rooms
· Complimentary valet parking
· Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries delivered upon arrival
· In-room couples massage
· Cocktail hour with music in the courtyard surrounding the hotel’s heart shaped pool
· Breakfast in bed in the comfort of your hotel room
· Late check out on February 15 (because you'll need it)

A great respite from the city, Oceana Santa Monica is one of LA’s hidden hideaways giving guests the comforts of home with the luxury and sophistication of a chic boutique hotel by the beach. It was completely transformed in fall 2007 to offer extra-large guest suites, many with ocean views, the Ocean Lounge restaurant, featuring a menu of fresh California cuisine from local farmer’s markets and purveyors, a heated outdoor pool, an intimate lounge area with a fireplace, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a well-equipped oceanview boardroom (a favorite for either business meetings or personal vacations). Steps from the sand and minutes from the trendy shops and restaurants along Montana Avenue, Oceana’s beachside location gives couples the chance to hang by the ocean or stroll along Santa Monica's charming streets.

Price per couple @ $499

www.hoteloceanasantamonica.com
Tel: 310-393-0486

Bangkok, Thailand: The Metropolitan's Chic Bargain

2009-01-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

While it may be the dead of winter, it’s summertime south of the equator, baby! So you know what that means? It may be brisk and windy outside, but somewhere on the planet the deals are hot, hot, hot. Like its counterpart in London, the Metropolitan Bangkok is cutting travelers a break. A City Room (normally $260 per night) can be had for just $99 per night – 62% off! Similar savings are on hand for a Studio Room, now $119 down from $300 (60% off), and a Metropolitan Room, now $150 down from $320 (53% off).

From the modernist façade to the staff’s Comme des Garçons uniforms and DJs spinning tracks at the trendy Met Bar, this is a hotel with serious style. The Metropolitan is ground zero in Bangkok, a sultry city that’s become a go-to spot for flocks of hip international travelers, Tucked away on South Sathorn Road in the city’s Central Business District, the hotel is minutes from the city’s main shopping areas and a 40-minute drive to the International Airport.

The offer, valid through the end of April, is subject to availability. Room reservations must be booked and fully paid seven days prior to arrival; while payment is non-refundable, it can be changed or revised subject to availability. To secure these rates, one must book for a minimum of two consecutive nights, and rates are room only (exclusive of breakfast) and subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

www.metropolitan.como.mz/bangkok

Tokyo, Japan: Shop Til You Doroppu

2009-01-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

A Ganguro Girl - Tokyo, Japan

Doesn't she just look precious? Almost like a Japanese version of Jessica Simpson... on acid... in an Anime porn. We love her so. We also can't seem to get enough of Tokyo. Can you tell? Apparently, neither can our Devi Goddess Heroine Gwen Stefani. So here goes. Together, with Guest Contributor, Adam Fuller, your guide to the best spots to shop 'til you doroppu (at least we think that's how you say it in glorious Nippon).

TOKYO SHOPPING

HARAJUKU
(JR Harajyuku station/Omote sando station/Yoyogi koen station / Meiji Jingu mae station)

This is where Gwennie found inspiration for her line, Harajuku Lovers. Just think... you might even leave looking like this Cosplay girl:

Cosplay, short for 'Costume Play,' is where teens and young adults dress up to look like their favorite Anime characters. Go on a Sunday around Harajuku Station - that's the focal point for this fun fad. Though Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street), check out the Meiji Shrine nearby and Kiddy Land, one of the most popular toy stores around.

www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

SHIBUYA
Get ready for sensory overload. The busiest intersection in Japan, this is the place you’ve most likely seen in movies or commercials with tons of people, lights and huge TV screens on the fronts and sides of skyscrapers blaring advertisements and announcements to the masses. Shibuya is one of (if not the most) popular places in Tokyo for trendy restaurants, shopping, bars and nightlife.

Shibuya 109 Building (ichi-maru-kyu)
A trendy shopping center filled with clothing boutiques. This huge, grey building with a big 109 sign on the top is a landmark. You should see it or run right into it walking away from Shibuya station and veering to the left. Shopping in Shibuya is plentiful. Your best bet is to check out this site for a rundown. Though most people I know just love to wander around and find the gems on a whim.

PARCO
(c) www.sparklette.net

This department store sells everything from trinkets from stalls, to food, and fashionable clothing. Don't get confused by all the crazy naming... the one above is parco part-2, but there's also parco part-1 and parco part-3 nearby.

Seibu Department Store (03-3462-0111)

Akihabara (JR Akihabara station)
This is also the center of Japan’s electronics with over 500 shops. About 30% less than the regular prices, and yes, you can bargain your little heart out.

Aoyama (Tokyo Subway Gaien-mae station or Aoyama ichome station)
Japan Traditional Craft Center (03-3403-2460)
Here you can find traditional crafts from all over Japan. Prices are high, but it's well worth the visit.

Tsukiji Market (Tokyo Subway Tsukiji station) Okay, so maybe you thought all the shopping was just for clothes, but this is the biggest wholesale fish market in Japan.

International Arcade (03-3571-1528) at Hibiya station is another cool place to go.

SHIMOKITAZAWA
Forget the crazy consumerism of Shibuya for a day and check out the hippest part of Tokyo. Retro pop vintage stores, music clubs and noodle shops, this is Tokyo’s Greenwich Village. With clubs like The Village Vanguard Diner, Haight Ashbury, Las Vegas, and Mojo Rising, you’ll get a hint of the homage to all things Western too. A maze of music and art, catch sight of the area while you can. Word on the streets is that developers are pushing for a road that will split the cool area in two ☹
DAIKANYAMA
Brazilian born Alexandre Herchcovitch has his hot store in this fresh area.

La Foret (03-3475-0411) – tres chic and packed with fashionable goodies

FLEA MARKETS
Togo Shrine Flea Market is a great place if you’re looking for antiques. Go on the first, fourth, and fifth Sundays

Yoyogi Park Flea Market - Sunday

Last, but not least, we found these handy websites for true shopaholic:

www.angelfire.com/id/croon/nikki/shibuyashopping.html

www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/tokyo_shopping.html

Adventures in Bhutan: COMO's Uma Paro

2009-01-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, kiddies! It's been a long holiday, but we're back from all the eggnog, champagne, latkes, holiday hams, and cakes to give you news on the one of the hottest locations for yogi starlets and young lovers… the always beautiful Bhutan.
The Terrace at COMO's Uma Paro

So, as sugar levels start to stabilize, the new year leaves us hungry for something invigorating, authentic, and meaningful. That leaves us with Uma Paro’s eleven Adventure Retreats that are sure to shake off the post-holiday blues. Expanding from the nine programs in its inaugural season last year, the series includes two new itineraries – A Multi-Activity Adventure (August 1-8) and Bhutan Through a Lens (November 21-28). In the former, thrill-seekers may choose from any or all of the following: whitewater rafting, fly fishing, a round of golf in the grounds of Trashi Choe fortress, an overnight camping trek, mountain biking, and a Bhutanese archery tournament while the latter has guests traversing the beautiful kingdom with camera in tow. Aspiring photographers could not ask for better subjects than the landscapes, prayer flags, monasteries, and villagers of the region; however, guests will want to save a few frames for the Uma Punakha lodge. This retreat will be the first to utilize COMO’s new 11-room lodge that’s complete with a restaurant and COMO Shambhala spa and is a five-hour’s drive from Uma Paro.
Bukhari Restaurant at COMO Uma Paro

Rates range from $3,280 - $6,112 for single occupancy to $5,292 to $10,054 for double, depending on the package selected. All rates include 7,10, or 12 nights accommodation at a combination of Uma Paro and other tourist standard hotels or camps previously set up for trekking adventures. Meals, excluding beverages, are included as well as picnics and mineral water on days out. Government taxes, royalties, visas, and entry permits are all arranged by Uma Paro in advance; these costs are factored into the published rates along with all transport within Bhutan.

Sign up now while there’s still space!

www.uma.como.bz/paro/default.asp?section=545

Tokyo, Japan: Sightseeing & The City

2008-12-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

This week, Guest Blogger and Jaunt Contributor, Adam Fuller, takes us to Japan where picked up his belongings and went on a whim to live in a foreign land with little more than a travel book and a hankering to learn about the culture. In this installment on his Tokyo series, he gives us a hint of the local sights. A graduate of the Arizona State University with a degree in Journalism, he’s currently in Santiago, Chile writing for The Santiago Times. Where does he get his great love of travel? “I spent significant chunks of childhood living in countries throughout Africa (Mali, Sudan, Chad and Rwanda) and studied in Spain and Japan. Foreign culture is a way of life, as well as a passion.”

TOKYO SIGHTSEEING
SENSOJI TEMPLE: ASAKUSA
Wandering the narrow, sometimes dark, sometimes lantern lit, sometimes neon lit streets in Asakusa you realize you are officially in Japan. Asakusa was the center of Tokyo a few decades back, now giving way to the more modern and trendy areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, but still maintaining its traditional and charming character. It hosts a great selection of restaurants and plenty of places to buy souvenirs.

KAPPABASHI STREET
Known as 'Kitchenware' street, is full of stores selling traditional Japanese bowls, sake glasses, and chopsticks. It's also the street that sells fake food displays that restaurants use in their front windows so foreigners who can’t read the menu know what they’re getting into – truly funny gifts. The vendors lining the walkway to Sensoji Temple (while very crowded) have lots of cool stuff to take home. The streets and alleyways in the Asakusa area have shops for almost anything – kimonos, swords, trinkets, clothing, food, electronics…the list goes on. The dollar stores in Japan (hyaku-yen: 100yen) are also clutch sources of cool, cheap, “authentic” gifts. Great for your Uncle Leo who’d never know the difference anyway.

UENO PARK
Located right next to the Ueno train station is huge, pretty, and packed with about 300 stalls selling fish, vegetables, bags, shoes, watches, clothes, you name it. Museums, a zoo, street performers, concert hall, merry-go-round, and a baseball diamond where local recreational teams and friends playing for “fun” – the players take it very seriously and the result is hilarious. It’s gorgeous when the cherry blossoms (Sakura) are out – usually the last couple weeks in March. If you shop here, you can also save some money.

SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN
Large, serene park and garden – a very Japanese experience. The Shinjuku area is also a very popular place for shopping, bars, restaurants, nightlife.

Stay tuned for next week's picks for where to shop in Tokyo!

Tokyo, Japan: Hip Hotels and Sweet Deals

2008-12-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

This week, Guest Blogger and Jaunt Contributor, Adam Fuller, takes us to Tokyo where he picked up his belongings to live in a foreign land with little more than a travel book and a hankering to learn about the culture. Where does he get his great love of travel? “I spent significant chunks of childhood living in countries throughout Africa (Mali, Sudan, Chad and Rwanda) and studied in Spain and Japan. Foreign culture is a way of life, as well as a passion.”

I left for Japan in March 2007 to teach English in Koga, Ibaraki – a small town an hour and a half north of Tokyo. I knew no Japanese (except for domo arigato Mr. Roboto), bought a travel book (that I never read) and got on the plane just looking for a change. Why Japan? Why not? It was easy to find a good paying teaching job, I’d never been before and figured Japan’s about as big a change as you could get. I had no idea what I was getting into.

The transition and adjustment to such a different way of life was pretty tough. It’s a very regulated and restrained society with a surplus of rules, both spoken and unspoken. Seats are assigned at movie theaters, looking people in the eye is sometimes disrespectful, and etiquette often takes priority over logic. There’s a lot of work, very little relaxation and “the system” tends to make things (of any nature) take a while to get done. On the other hand, Japan is incredibly safe, virtually crime-free and clean. The subways and trains are spotless and ALWAYS on time. The crowded streets are remarkably quiet and the people are polite, helpful and once they open up to you, they’re some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
I left Japan a year later, proficient in basic Japanese, with a Japanese girlfriend (who speaks NO English and was the main motivation for me to become proficient in Japanese), and a love and appreciation for one of the most unique and strangely appealing countries I’ve ever been to.

It’s obviously impossible to experience all aspects of Japanese culture on a vacation. However, a nice two week trip is enough to have fun, get a good feel for the country and get back home before going crazy from culture shock. Here are some helpful tips on where - and how - to stay.

TOKYO HOTELS

THE CAPSULE HOTEL
Ikebukuro Plaza

Claustrophobics need not apply.
2-12-3 Ikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Near JR line Ikebukuro Station in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo
Phone: 03-3590-7770
Price: 3,500 yen/night ($35) includes your own sleeping capsule which:

• Is a bit longer than a coffin and tall enough for you to sit up and crawl around in.
• Contains a futon mattress, alarm clock, radio, TV, small reading light, pillow and blanket.
• Is arranged with other capsules in rows, stacked two-high in the sleeping rooms on each floor of the hotel.
• Your own locker in an adjacent room on the same floor as your capsule.
• Bathroom (sinks and toilets) on the same floor as your capsule and locker.
• Access to the public bath/shower/spa/sauna located on the bottom floor of the hotel – very relaxing and refreshing.
• Your own kimono for the night

Pros: A cool, very unique Japanese experience. Clean and quiet, it’s cheap, convenient, fast check-in, and no curfew. They’ll even accept guests as space permits. I checked in at 11:30pm with no reservations and no hassles. Located in the center of Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most popular, fun and vibrant areas. It’s initially weird when you walk into the overpopulated, dark and humming sleeping room of your floor, but once you’ve crawled into your capsule and shut the curtain, you’re off to slumberland. Only in Japan can you be stacked among hundreds of people and still feel alone.

Cons: The front desk speak very little English, female guests are not permitted. Some capsule hotels have women-only floors and take female guests, however many others (like the one I stayed) don’t. These restrictions are definitely something to keep in mind and inquire about when searching for hotels in Japan. I’ve found that it's usually the cheaper places such as capsule hotels and hostels that have this Men Only policy.

Not much space, but if you have to have a big area to stretch out in:
• You shouldn’t be in Japan
• You shouldn’t be at a capsule hotel in Japan

Don’t be surprised that you must take off your shoes and put them in a locker in the lobby before you enter the hotel. From then on it’s all socks and slippers. Get used to taking your shoes off upon entering most semi-traditional/traditional indoor places in Japan – it’s a sign of respect.

Here’s a good listing of capsule hotels in Tokyo: http://gojapan.about.com/cs/accommodation/a/tokyocapsule1.htm

ASAKUSA CENTRAL HOTEL
1-5-3 Asakusa, Taitou-ku, Tokyo
Asakusa area of Tokyo – see website for map/access
Phone: 81-3-3847-2222
Email: ach@pelican.co.jp
www.pelican.co.jp/asakusacentralhotel/eng/index.html
This was the first place I stayed when I arrived in Japan and it was perfect - especially since my company was paying the tab for all us new hires. It’s a nice hotel in a great location. The Asakusa area is one of the most popular locations for tourists and locals. It’s comfortable and convenient, no curfews, quiet comfortable rooms, friendly front desk staff that speak enough English to answer any questions and ensure a pleasant stay.

Single rooms start at 9,135 yen/night ($90) includes: dorm-sized hotel room with your basic hotel amenities (twin bed, desk, chair, TV, closet, phone, private bathroom/shower, room cleaning), internet modems are available and there’s wireless access in the lobby. Access to public bath/shower/spa/sauna (men only).

CONRAD HOTEL TOKYO
1-9-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-7337
Phone: 03/6388-8000
Housed in the Shiodome Building, this 222 room hotel houses four restaurants, 2 Gordon Ramsay, China Blue, Kazahana for Japanese fare, and a swanky bar and lounge called TwentyEight. Accents of dark oak with space age style. Japanese lighting with blue and green hues, motorized blinds, dual sinks, rain shower heads, an indoor pool, and plasma screen TV’s, bring modern East meets West flair.

www.tokyo.conradmeetings.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL - TOKYO
What many consider the ‘tops’ when it comes to swanky digs and superb service, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo has floor to ceiling windows and views overlooking the Imperial Palace garden to the West and Tokyo Bay to the Southeast. The opulent hotel’s location has direct subway access via Mitsukoshi-mae Station on the Ginza line to all major points of the city. Tokyo Station, the world-renowned Ginza shopping district, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange are all within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Creating a distinctive ‘Sense of place’ is a core guiding principle of the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, located in Nihonbashi, the centre of the city formerly known as Edo. Japanese designer Reiko Sudo utilized the idea of‘ Woods and Water’ to form the underlying design construct.

www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO AT MARUNOUCHI
1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Phone. 800/332-3442
Japan: 03/5222-7222
Next to Tokyo Station, this property is intimate and convenience at it’s best, providing a small enclave away from the Tokyo madness.

www.fourseasons.com/marunouchi

IMPERIAL HOTEL
1-1, Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558
Reservations: 81-3-3504-1251
This hotel came in at #22 out of the 50 Asian Hotels in T+L’s latest World’s Best Awards. T+L tends to play it safe, but here’s what you’ll find here. Over 12 different places to dine, all French, Japanese, and Chinese. So, if you want to spend $400/night on a conventional-looking, yet modern with conveniences room, this is a good spot.

From around $422/night - 45,150 yen

www.imperialhotel.co.jp

HOTEL NEW OTANI
4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyuda-ku, Tokyo (see website for map/access)
Phone: 81-3-3265-1111

Snazzy, Luxurious, upscale digs, it has a stunning 400-year-old Japanese garden that once belonged to a feudal lord on 10 acres with waterfalls, ponds, latticed bridges, and bamboo groves. Everything is brand new and it’s a beautiful hotel in a great area. Way out of my league as I haven’t actually stayed here, but I had friends visiting who did and they loved it. When the Boston Red Sox and Oakland A’s came to Japan for the 2008 MLB season opener, this is where they stayed – big league baby!

Rates start at $360 - 36,005 yen

www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/index.html

HOTEL SOFITEL
2-1-48 Ikenohata in Ueno
Tel. 800/221-4542
Japan: 03/5685-7111

This might be Tokyo's most unique-looking hotel built to look like five trapezoids stacked on top of each other. A boutique hotel with only four rooms on each floor it’s a secret stunner with views of Shinobazu Pond. Not in the most happening area, but decent and reasonably priced for a night or two.

HOTEL OKURA
2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tel. 800/223-6800
Japan: 03/3582-0111
www.okura.com/tokyo

A classic, this hotel has refined atmosphere with rooms overlooking a small garden. Located across from the U.S. embassy, it’s always attracted U.S. dignitaries and celebrities, including the Henry Kissinger, Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.
www.okura.com/tokyo

PARK HOTEL TOKYO
Shiodome Media Tower
1-7-1 Higashi-Shimbashi
Minatoku
Tokyo 105-7227
Japan
Some of the best rooms in town. Sleek, chic, a member of Design Hotels, they even have a salon that uses more than 30 different varieties of 100% natural essential oils from Florame, a French company known as an expert in organic essential oils. They also offer something really unique. Constance Spry, a flower school that also serves the royal family. Responsible for national ceremonies, it’s the English authority with the longest history in flower arrangement. Ginza shopping district can be reached within 10 minutes walk and rooms are decorated with Moniques Le Houelleur’s natural artwork and features color coordinated curtains and bedcovers. Bathroom amenities include the THANN Aromatic Wood collection.

Rates from $161-$420/night

www.parkhoteltokyo.com

PARK HYATT TOKYO
3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tel. 800/233-1234 in the U.S.
Japan: 03/5322-1234
Made famous by Lost in Translation celebrity, it’s one of the most stunning hotels in Japan. Rooms are large, views are incredible and food is known as being among the best in Japan. Not to be missed: the 66-ft. indoor pool on the 47th floor with views of Tokyo.

www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com

RYOKAN SHIGETSU
1-31-11 Asakusa
Tel. 03/3843-2345
Considered a modern, Japanese style Inn, Ryokan Shigetsu is in a great location in historic Asakusa, it’s right next to the famous Sensoji Temple. Moderately priced, old world meets new world with natural woods and artwork. Japanese inns often have you sleeping on a futon, but if you don’t want to do that, stay in one of Shigetsu's Western-style rooms. Frommer’s says not to pass up the public bath with views of the five-story pagoda.

FUJIYA HOTEL IN HAKONE
Tel. 0460/2-2211
Outside of Tokyo, this spot is great for a romantic getaway and considered one of Japan’s ‘most majestic’ properties. Established in 1878, it’s Japanese and Western architecture and romance at it’s best with a landscaped garden for moonlit walks.

Things to keep in mind when looking for a hotel:
Many hotels in Japan (especially the more traditional ones) have curfews and lock the front doors at a certain time each night. If you’re like me and are more inclined to grip-it and rip-it, finding a cheap place to sleep on the fly isn’t very difficult in the bigger cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka), but if you end up in smaller cities and towns along the way don’t be surprised if you end up paying about 6,000yen/night ($60).

AKASAKA PRINCE HOTEL
Designed by Kenzo Tange, this 700 room plus hotel also features an impressive 13 restaurants. Only in Japan. 
1-2, Kioi-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8585
Phone: 81-3-3234-1111
www.princejapan.com

As you can see, Tokyo is chock-full of hotels so, if you don't see anything you like above, here is a great Japanese website with plenty of photos, along with another list of hotels that may also be up your alley.

www.japanguidebook.com

More Recommended Hotels:
Shinagawa Prince Hotel  
Royal Park Shiodome Hotel  
Shiba Park Hotel  
Dai Ichi Inn Ikebukuro  
Shinjuku Prince Hotel  
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel  

Stay tuned for next week where we'll uncover what to see and where to shop in Tokyo!

Maui, Hawaii: Surfing Goat Dairy

2008-11-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

Sure, Hawaii is best known for it’s beaches and surf culture, but little do most people know that after a long day windsurfing Maui’s Kanaha Beach, you can take a short trip to Kula to sample some of the best goat cheese on the Hawaiian islands. They say, "Da Feta Mo Betta" which, in Hawaiian slang means, "Better than Feta." We agree. That's why we're recommending a light lunch and a milking tour at Surfing Goat Dairy on the slopes of Haleakala crater. I'm tellin' you now... there's no better way to remedy that depression than some honest goat milking. I milked them with my husband and, of course, he was a natural. The kid's will love it too.
Owned and operated by German expatriates Thomas and Eva Kafsack, Surfing Goat Dairy represents one of only two goat dairies in the state located on 42 acres with almost two-thirds dedicated as pasture, giving the Dairy's three bucks and over than eighty does plenty of space to roam. Surfing Goat Dairy houses over 25 different varieties of cheese and soaps and they’re also organic so that means… no hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, or colors.
Winner of 16 National Awards including “Best Goat Cheese spread in North America 2004, 2005 & 2006, you can chose from Daily Tours, Evening Chores & Milking Tours ($12/pp), or Grand Tours ($25/pp), a 2-hour experience where you can feed and milk a goat, see the cheese making process, and sample most of the cheeses produced at the Dairy.

www.surfinggoatdairy.com

Surfing Goat is served at top restaurants and hotels on the island and beyond including:

THE ARIZONA BILTMORE HOTEL, Phoenix
FAIRMONT KEA LANI HOTEL, Wailea*
FOUR SEASONS RESORT, Wailea*
GRAND WAILEA HOTEL, Wailea*
HALEKULANI HOTEL, Honolulu
HOTEL HANA, Hana*
HYATT REGENCY RESORT, Kaanapali*
PIONEER INN, Lahaina*
RENAISSANCE WAILEA BEACH RESORT, Wailea*
RITZ CARLTON HOTEL, Kapalua*
NAPILI KAI BEACH RESORT, Napili*
SHERATON MAUI, Kaanapali*
THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS, California
THE WESTIN MAUI, Kaanapali*
WAILEA MARRIOTT RESORT, Wailea*

Maui, Hawaii: HST Windsurfing

2008-11-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

Our crew of Jauntaholics is an adventurous bunch. We like to ride fast and feel the wind in our hair and our sails...

Which is exactly why we swear by the instructors at HST Windsurfing. A trip to Maui really isn't complete without a trip to Kanaha Beach to learn to windsurf or kiteboard. We've done both. As a result of our absolute adoration of water sports, we now contribute regularly to Kiteboarding Magazine.

To learn how to kiteboard, you'll need at least a week or two on the island so that you can get some good wind and take three or more lessons. The good news? All kiteboarding lessons are private and one-on-one with the first lesson running about 3 hours long, depending on conditions. Be sure to ask about their 3 day Learn to Kitesurf course. It's 9 hrs. over the course of about three days for only $599. That's what we did and thus began our addiction to wind. We won't lie... it's a costly hobby to learn, but once you do, you'll feel like Superman (or Wonder Woman) zipping through the Hawaiian skies to kite some sweet waves. Ask for Daniel, if he's available. A veritable Swedish stud with a firm eye on the waves and your safety, you'll be in good hands as the waves challenge your swimming skills.

If you have a little less time and a little less cash to spend, we also recommend trying your hand at windsurfing. The good thing about windsurfing is that you'll likely ride a wave your very first lesson. Our instructor, Jack, another foreign fox, is a great first time guide who will certainly make you come back for more.

WINDSURFING LESSON RATES

LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 LESSONS
All entry level equipment included
CLASS 2.5 HOURS, 2 or 3 students with 1 instructor $79 each person
2 class lessons, 5 hours $158
3 class lessons, 7.5 hours $229
4 class lessons, 10 hours $299

PRIVATE LESSONS 1.5 hours One-to-one. $105
Privates are recommended for Levels 3 and up.
Hire an instructor for the whole day $450
2 hrs private instruction with Matt Pritchard $250

KITESURFING LESSON RATES
All lessons are taught at lower Kanaha Beach Park and include all kite equipment, helmets, integrated impact vest/harness and water shoes.

Cost is $75/hr.

So have a Mai Tai, some lazy beach time in Wailea, grab a bite in Paia, and surf the great winds of Kanaha. If you don't, you'll simply have to admit to yourself... you're never going to know Maui like a local.

1-800-YOU-JIBE (968-5423)
www.hstwindsurfing.com

Maui, Hawaii: An Insider's Restaurant Guide

2008-11-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Every summer as a child, my family would escape the blistering heat of Arizona to vacation in the Hawaiian Islands. A little R&R and the yearly Western Trial Lawyers Convention brought us to the laid-back tropical paradise of pineapple plantations and sugarcane fields. The summers defined my youth and fostered an island spirit within. Years later, it would do the same to my parents. They picked up and moved to Maui. As a tribute to the islands that I know and love, Jaunt Magazine will be running a special series on where to eat, stay, and shop in Maui and beyond.

First up: Your Restaurant Cheat Sheet, Maui Style.
NICK'S FISHMARKET
Fairmont Kea Lani Resort
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 879-7224
www.tristarrestaurants.com
First and foremost, we love the Fairmont Kea Lani. It just might be our favorite hotel on the island. An all-white Moroccan inspired design, enormous suites, and home to a restaurant with some of the freshest and widest selection of fish on the island, what's not to love? The food at Nick's continues to live up to it's excellent reputation. A perfect spot to dine with couples or your significant other/spouse, you may walk away spending $200 or more for a couple dining with wine, but it's well worth it.

SANSEI
Kihei Town Center
1881 South Kihei Road #KT-116
Kihei, Hawaii 96753
www.sanseihawaii.com
(808) 879-0004

Believe it or not, much to our chagrin, there isn't much sushi on the island. Sansei is the best, hand's down. Using unique twists like Ginger Lime Butter and Cilantro Pesto, they're even on par with some of LA's top sushi spots. If you don't mind waiting in a long ass line for about 45 minutes before they open at 5pm on Mondays, you can even get half-off.
KIMO'S
845 Front Street
Lahaina, Maui
(808) 661-4811
www.kimosmaui.com
Fish and chips, their famous burger, a seared ahi appetizer... it's another classic Maui staple right on Lahaina's waterfront. PS. They've also got adorable soft cotton tee-shirts on sale right now. Worth feeling like a lame tourist when you slip it on and look like a sexy surfer girl.
BUBBA GUMP'S
889 Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 661-3111

Yes, it's a chain. We know. The things we love most about Bubba Gump's in Maui are the following: The buckets of Cajun Shrimp and it's sweet location on Lahaina's waterfront. End of story.

CAFE MAMBO
30 Baldwin Avenue
Paia, Maui 96779
(808) 579-8021
www.cafemambomaui.com
Three words. Hot Chicken Salad. Two more. Duck Salad. Four more. Maui Burger & Beer Combo. This is my family's favorite healthy lunch spot after a nice workout, day of shopping, or windsurfing in Kanaha. You can get two of the best salads on the island (if not two of your favorite salads in the US), and you'll be waited on by smiling girls from the mainland or Waylon, our favorite cook in the kitchen.

MAMA'S FISH HOUSE
799 Poho Pl
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-9764
www.mamasfishhouse.com
No, it's not a steal, but it, too, is a classic. My husband and I even shared an appetizer and an entree - it was plenty of food for the likes of our little Euro bellies. So, if you're not a typical American who eats their entire enormous plate of food, Mama's might not break the bank. The place for another romantic dining experience.
SAIGON CAFE
1792 Main St
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 243-9560
The best - and most authentic - Vietnamese food on the island is tucked in a small corner of Wailuku. You just might miss it if you're not a local. This is a great place to stop before you fly home for a quick bite if you're staying in Wailea or Lahaina. Ask for Wing Wing (or Nguyan Nguyan). Friends (like the Revis') call him Chicken Wing. He'll make you laugh, he'll make you cry. Every dish on the menu is fresh and excellent.
DA KITCHEN
425 Koloa Street
Kahului, Maui
(808) 871-7782
Only five minutes from Kahului Airport, Da Kitchen is in a mini-mall near most of the windsurfing and kiteboarding shops of Kanaha Beach. Serving up traditional Hawaiian food like lomi (salted salmon chopped with tomatoes and onion), lau lau, Kalua pork, chicken long rice, poi and plate lunches with teriyaki chicken, Korean Kobe ribs, hamburger steak cutlets or fish tempura (served with rice and macaroni salad), prices are as low as $6.00-$8.00 and 2-3 people could easily eat one meal.

Next up: The best digs on the island to rest your weary head.

Part III: Palmyra's Ruins & The Aleppo Underground

2008-11-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Fresh from the press! Part III of Singapore-based Contributor, Hajar Ali's series on Syria.

When I left Damascus for Palmyra, I was told by the helpful doorman that traveling by bus was a comfortable, cheap alternative. I immediately grabbed a ticket.

Air-conditioned and, indeed, comfortable, the best part of the trip had to be the dates passed around in wooden boxes with mother-of-pearl inlay. If I remember correctly, they were also screening a Hindi movie.

Arriving in Palmyra, I’d stayed at a hotel highly recommended by Lonely Planet (The Cham Palace remains the closest to luxury accommodation available in Palmyra). There was a group of Italian tourists checking into the hotel at the same time and I spent a part of my first night in Palmyra in fear as I overheard two Italian ladies whispering in the hotel corridor.

My first introduction to giallo, a type of slasher horror flick typified by a developing background romance and spectacular sceneries of the Italian countryside, was Pupi Avati’s ‘Casa dalle finestre che ridono’, revolving around the creatively sadistic plots by two Italian sisters to entrap their latest torture victim. Hearing two female voices whispering in Italian brought to mind certain scenes of the movie.

The next morning (and evening) was spent touring the ruins of Palmyra where I encountered a guide who spoke, among other languages, Aramaic, a language spoken by Jesus and is still spoken in ‘isolated pockets of Syria’ in Ma’aloula. A veritable source of information on the ruins of Palmyra, he approached me while I was walking around near the entrance of the ruins. A morning (or evening) spent touring the ruins of Palmyra with him was well spent, never mind what the other guides tell you. I encountered another group of Italian tourists who’d asked their Italian-speaking guide to ask my English-speaking guide why I was travelling on my own. It was the same kind of concern the Italian ladies I’d met at the Lebanese-Syrian border and travelled around with in Syria had shown.
Palmyra, Syria

Why was I travelling alone? Wouldn’t it be better to travel with friends or parents? Well, sometimes, you just have to go it alone. Nights in Palmyra were uneventful, spent going through the tourist stores selling armor suits, old rings and porcelain pieces. The bus from Palmyra to Aleppo the next morning was nothing like the Damascus-Palmyra transfer. I took the bus with a few men - and goats - in an older bus with windows bearing a cobweb-like pattern from being hit by errant pebbles. We encountered little children on the journey practicing their shots by throwing little pebbles against the bus windows which, in retrospect, felt just a little like an earlier scene in the movie, Syriana, where an American lady travelling on a tourist bus was accidentally shot by a child practicing his shots on a rifle. I tried not to imagine these film recollections were ‘signs.’

Arriving in Aleppo, you’re immediately cognizant of a deep, rich history. A capital city that contests Damascus’ claim to being the ‘oldest continuously inhabited city in the world’ with a complex, intriguing history. Staying at the Baron Hotel (instantly recognizable by every local - particularly useful if you’re wont to getting lost), I was to spend my next few days in Aleppo exploring the citadel, locating an underground bar in the pedestrianized streets of Aleppo which the waiter insists was a way for the house’s original inhabitants to connect to the citadel during the multiple sieges laid on the city and experienced an authentic hammam session.
Underground Bar in Aleppo, Syria

Checking into the historic Hotel Baron, walking through the same hallowed hallways and reveling in its faded glamour, one can feel the cozy, family-like nature of the hotel management. From the receptionist to the waiter, who serves you breakfast every morning, everyone seems to have worked in that hotel for the longest time. I found my first room to be ‘too noisy’ , the second one which they’d suggested (and moved my bags to) ‘too creepy’ as it involved walking past an unlit hallway with unused furniture.

I was then shown another room- with a beautiful Juliet balcony lit by fairy lights. The balcony overlooks the busy main road, no doubt, but I figured by then that the hotel does have a road frontage and was won over by the balcony. I could see the brightly-lit stores across the street and the constant stream of alternately-honking traffic from my balcony.

Solitary moments in balconies with a view, even in cities I felt ill-at-ease (which Aleppo certainly was not!), make up some of my best memories in hotels I’d stayed in. My room at the Laleh Hotel in Tehran (what used to be the Intercontinental pre-1979) had a small balcony overlooking the garden and I spent, figuratively, my brightest moments on this balcony in a city I’d felt overwhelmed by.

The traffic on the streets of Aleppo must have ceased by a certain time as I was usually woken up in the mornings by the sound of birds near my heater grilles and the sound of traffic, increasing in both its frequency and loudness. My first day in Aleppo was spent with the Italian ladies, visiting Aleppo’s Citadel and capping off a visit accompanied by a most informative guide, with a chat with friends of the Italian ladies whom we’d met in the café opposite the citadel. We’d made an appointment (or rather, they made an appointment and I tagged along) to meet again that night at a friend’s house, which, the Italian ladies tell me, is beautiful, tasteful, and ‘like a museum.’

Stay tuned for Part IV of Hajar's Syrian escape...

Loreto Bay, Mexico - Spa and Yoga Retreat

2008-10-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Step out from the protective shade of a thickly thatched palapa, greet the day with a sun salutation, and feel the warm rays carry over majestic mountains as they dance upon the glistening waves.

Say Namaste to Loreto Bay in Baja Sur, Mexico, the UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western shore of the Sea of Cortez and home to The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the first of the California missions and the 300-year-old jewel of Loreto.

Imagine if Cabo was still the blush on the peach. This is Loreto Bay. No group of fanny-pack wearing tourists slamming shots, no waiting an hour in line for Customs. Here, you can do yoga, take in serenity, do a little whale watching, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even explore some local cave paintings.

Accommodations are available in a variety of full-service hotels, charming inns, and privately-owned one- and two-bedroom condominium residences.

Conveniently positioned between the Sierra de la Giganta mountains, The Loreto Bay Resort, a 8,000-acre community, neighbors the quiet fishing town of Loreto and offers its newest escape: a three-night spa and yoga package introducing guests to the quieter side of Baja.
So check out three nights of luxurious guest room accommodations at the Inn at Loreto Bay; a full meal of healthy offerings, multiple yoga sessions with a certified instructor; one facial and reflexology treatment; a full one-hour massage; a choice of one manicure or pedicure with foot or hand therapy; one back and neck massage; and other relaxation services. And did we also mention... the resort is eco-friendly?
Alaska Airlines also announced an increase in scheduled service from Los Angeles to Loreto. The new scheduled service will double the number of seats flown into the destination on a weekly basis beginning November 9, 2008 via two flights (Sundays and Thursdays) with 144-passenger, 737-400 equipment, and two additional 70-passenger flights on Tuesdays and Fridays operated by Horizon Air.

$880/per person
Based on double occupancy and valid for travel now through December 20, 2008

Vaya con Gurus.

www.discoverloretobay.com
www.gotoloreto.com
Tel: 1-877-522-9466

St. Barth's Baby: The Hotel Guanahani & Spa

2008-10-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on a private 16-acre peninsula is just the piece of paradise you've been saving for. Catherine Zeta Jones, Paul McCartney, and P. Diddy... they're all big fans of this laidback, yet so chic it's elite, 8 mile island. With fourteen beaches, a year-round temperature of anywhere from 72 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and enough beautiful people to fill several clubs in NY and LA, St. Barths is simply one of those 'Places To Go Before You Die.'
Hotel Guanahani Aerial View

Jaunt Magazine's hot hotel pick for honeymooners, the jet-set, and loaded families alike is The Hotel Guanahani & Spa, a charming, luxurious paradise with the only full-service spa on the island. Set amid lush tropical gardens in between two white sand beaches; one facing a reef-protected lagoon, the other facing the Atlantic ocean, Guanahani's 68 rooms are all in bungalows facing the sea. Hollah! Or, to be a bit more hoity-toity (after all, we are talking about St. Barth's) we say, "Bon Jour, Bebe!"
Hotel Guanahani Butler Suite

For the truly exclusive, try out the Butler Suites, each with a private pool, large dining area, and sun terraces with full views of the sea. All rooms are fashioned in modern Creole style - rare dark woods and pastel shades. Pampering is one of our most popular pastimes so that means, unwinding at the full service Clarins Spa and getting coiffed at Frederic Fekkai's onsite full-service salon.

Since we're also fans of more adventurous pursuits, we love their full range of land and sea activities including boat rentals, kite surfing, water sports and tennis. Hungry too? Not a problem, the superb global cuisine is overseen by world traveled, French Chef Philippe Masseglia, at the Guanahani's restaurants, Le Bartolomeo, and L'Indigo. The Hotel Guanahani & Spa is also known for catering to families and couples, providing both Kindergarten and Junior’s programs free of charge, offering couples with kids a welcome respite in an idyllic setting on a coconut grove.
Hotel Guanahani Garden Suite

Room rates range from:
$462 to $7,327
360€ to 5,700€

www.leguanahani.com

Pst... a little fairy also told us about two other hot spots not to be missed:

Le Ti, located in Pointe Milou, where you can eat and party with a different theme every night of the week. On Mondays, you can feel like you're in two places at once... St. Barth's and Marrakesh with their 'Marrakesh Party.' On Tuesday night, the theme? 'Night Fever' and the dress code is appropriately 'wigs and color.' The owner, Carole, even goes retro on Wednesdays for the notorious Plastic Boots Party. Expect to dance on some tables. In a very Euro chic kind of way, of course.
Reservations are recommended: 05 90 27 97 71 or info@ksplaces.com

Maya's is another local dining favorite. Elegant, yet beautifully understated, the menu boasts all the fresh fish and Creole cooking you can handle in a delicious and 'uncluttered' fashion.
www.st-barths.com/mayas

So, if you've got the dollah bills or the Euros, this is how you ought to be spending it, nay?

We say, "Oui."

Aromatic Journeys: Awaken Your Senses

2008-10-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

AQUA CANCUN
Stroll past two sparkling white Rolls Royce Phantoms through the sliding glass doors into paradise. Inlakesh. That’s how the staff of this ultra-chic Cancun resort greets you. In Mayan it means, “We are different faces of each other.” And this is what it means to ‘Feel AQUA.’ At peace and one with the environment. From the custom aromatic oils pumped throughout the hotel to Watsu treatments, Ashtanga Yoga, Regional Cooking Classes and your choice of two superb restaurants, Siete and MB, home to James Beard Winner, Michelle Bernstein’s stellar boite...

This certainly ain’t your parents run-of-the-mill Cancun resort. Think the W’s modish elegance meets Ritz-Carlton’s flawless service. Fans include the likes of Paris Hilton, Kim Cattrall, and… me. When they say awaken your senses, they truly mean it. Right down to a nightly choice, delivered straight to your room, of six aromatic oils blended specifically for the hotel.

www.feel-aqua.com

FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI at WAILEA
Intoxicating, sensual, and unique. Just like you. Sure, anyone who’s anyone knows about the Four Seasons Resort Maui, but do they also know about their brand-spankin’ new demi-blending scent analysis? Through a discussion with your mélanger, along with an in-depth computerized test, personalized perfume sessions target elements of your personality and aspects of your health that directly affect the scents - and senses - you’re drawn to. Ajne Rare & Precious, the expert all-natural and organic essential oil perfumerie out of Carmel, California, is run by husband and wife duo, Jane Hendler and Rex Rombach, and Handler personally trains each mélanger at the Four Seasons Resort Maui to guide you during your prêt-à-porter fragrance consultation.
Hendler is one of the few accredited Certified Master Essential Oil Therapists in the nation and has been called the 'Star Perfumer' by US Weekly. Some of her clients have included Jessica Biel, Reese Witherspoon, Alanis Morrisette and Rob Lowe. In addition to owning their own lavender farm in Carmel Valley, Jane and Rex work with small growers from around the world to obtain the organic and sustainably-harvested fruit, flower, leaf, grass, wood, lichen, fungi and spice oils that Jane transforms into parfum, lotions and skin care preparations in her Carmel laboratory boutique. Hand-blending each formula to a customer’s specific needs, Handler also developed a signature scent for Four Seasons Resort Maui, Palena`ole, available at the Spa’s retail.

Custom blend and consultation from $250

www.fourseasons.com/maui/

So bring the sweet smell of vacation home with you.
OJAI VALLEY INN
Feel like a guided aromatic meditation? Might we recommend a personal aromatherapy session with Renate, the on-site Artist-in-Residence, at the Ojai Valley Inn's Artist Cottage and Apothecary? This German beauty will guide your senses through a holistic journey of self-discovery in a variety of media, whether it’s pottery, painting, drawing, wreath-making, or, my personal favorite, scent. Allow for time alone or share the experience with your family and friends. I had the pleasure of being guided through an afternoon of aromatic self-discovery with my husband - who just happened to develop my current favorite anointment he lovingly called ‘Orchard Floor.' It was the perfect experience to end a perfect birthday weekend. Each scent is composed of essential therapeutic oils which you can also introduce into lotions, gels and creams that will carry your own name. Also worth mentioning... The Personal Mandala class, another Signature Ojai Experience, recommended at times of transition or when seeking clarity. Quiet and introspective, with insightful feedback from your instructor, these sessions reveal a deeper meaning to what lies on the paper.

From $150

www.ojairesort.com

Part II: The Sweet & Spicy Souks of Syria

2008-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Part II of our newest Contributor, Singapore-based, Hajar Ali's series, continues to give us a taste of the Middle East with her take on Syria's sweet and spicy souks.

A trip to the Souk Hammadiyeh isn’t complete without a trip to Bakdash, an ice cream store that’s virtually an institution in Damascus. It’s the place for family get-togethers, couples going on dates as well as a celebratory venue for engagement parties.

Bakdash sells only one type of ice-cream, a delicious white concoction with a generous coverage of pistachio.

The souks were a maze of stores and my disoriented mind was unable to distinguish between the various souks. I recall travelling through various aromas of soaps and spices, staying with the Italian ladies as they negotiated over the silver jewellery, going through stacks of table linens and deciding which jallabiyas to buy for female friends and family members back home. In reality, the souks were divided into the Souk Al Hamidiyeh, the most prominent and most popular amongst tourists, the Souk Midhat Pasha, the Souk al-Bzouriyeh (as the area where the soaps and spices are to be found) and the Souk al-Harir. It’s probably best to enlist the help of a good guide who’d be able to bring you to Ghraoui, the manufacturers of the best dried fruits and chocolates in the world, if Paris Salon du Chocolat Awards are anything to go by...

www.ghraouichocolate.com

Tony Stephan’s antiques store at No 156 is also renowned for having the finest quality at the best prices. With a range of textiles, mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture, antique Bedouin jewellery, and intricate copper and brassware visitors have included dignitaries like Jimmy Carter and Nancy Kissinger. In addition, check out the ultra-chic Villa Moda, a boutique converted from a 17th century stable, stocking labels like Stella Mc Cartney and Azzedine Alaia.

The street food on Syria was amazing- a welcome departure from the mezze I’d been having for breakfast, lunch and dinner so far in Syria. Once, we’d stopped by a street stall to buy something resembling falafels and the store keeper had in turn plied us with slices of hot thin-crust pizza (so good we’d asked for the name, of which I can’t remember now) and vehemently refused our attempts to pay for the pizza. Travelling is one activity where you’d always gain more from your interaction with locals, the other travelers you meet along the way and the richness of experiences than what you’d be able to give in return, but Syria is one of the places where the feeling of taking more than what you give gets rather overwhelming.

Two days later, I temporarily parted ways with my travel companions- they were headed to the Krak des Chevaliers and I, having fallen under the spell of Zenobia, the Warrior Queen, was headed for Palmyra. We’d arranged to meet in Aleppo, staying at the Hotel Baron, which we’d all agreed would be an interesting choice of accommodation given the history behind it.

Hotel Baron, was, in its heyday, host to some of the most illustrious individuals of its time. Stepping off from the Istanbul-Aleppo train connection (which still runs today), were individuals like Agatha Christie, T.E. Lawrence and Charles Lindburgh...

A fascinating jaunt into the past... and a welcome embrace to the future.

To be continued...

MEK Denim: The Journey of the Jean

2008-10-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Talk about The Sisterhood of the Traveling Jeans! This denim line has taken traveling to the next level with a concept - and fit - second to none. I mean this with every fiber of my being when I say... MEK Denim has some of the best styles - and fit - that I've ever come across. The journey of their jeans is simple - each style is appropriately inspired, and named, after the Owner's favorite locations around the world.

Feel like a casual jaunt to Boulder? There's a jean for you. How about a hanging in Dubai? They have a sheik style with your name on it. A night out in Cape Town? No problem! Let your jeans do the traveling with you.

What was the inspiration for the journey of the jean?

"I travel a lot and I have discovered so many facinating places and different cultures which have been rich sources of inspirations for me," says Founder/Owner, Kevin Chen. "I design every pair of jeans from MEK Denim as an homage to those destinations. I take my visual impressions, the color and flavors of that place and try to capture them in the style of our jeans."

After graduating from FIT in the early 1990s, Chen immediately started designing with a line of cashmere sweaters and men’s dress shirts and ties for a private label. He then worked on the retail side of the industry with a chain of boutiques. "It was a way for me to understand the different aspects of the business before I was ready to launch MEK in 2005," Chen explains.

And understand he does. Right down to tasteful embellishments, the perfect amount of stretch, and well-placed pockets that lift that saggy or flat bum straight to the skies.

So why did he choose to design jeans?

"Primarily because jeans know no boundaries. They are so versatile and wearable from casual days to nights out on the town. And yes – they’re the best thing to wear for traveling!"

We agree with you, Kev.
And we're not just Jauntacholics,
we're Jeanaholics too.

Retails from $115-$135

www.mekdenim.com

Part I: The Road From Lebanon to Syria

2008-10-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Souk al Hammadiyeh
Damascus, Syria

Say hello to our newest Contributor, Singapore-based, Hajar Ali, the founder of Urbane Nomads (www.urbanenomads.com), a niche travel agency that seeks to deliver the most unique travel experiences, whether in localities yet to be discovered or favored tourist destinations. Urbane Nomads actively promotes new, exciting design, taking an active interest in the culture and history of the area with intelligent tours that aim to go ‘under the skin’ of the place.

Two years ago, I spent more time than scheduled in Lebanon, experiencing a relatively sedate New Year’s Celebration in Beirut, affected both by the somber political mood in the wake of Hariri’s assassination, a sullen economy, and an increased hostility towards neighboring Syria. I’d crossed overland to Damascus via the Lebanese-Syrian border a few days after the New Year.

Over my next few days in Syria, the UN commission investigating the assassination of Hariri would seek out an interview of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, its foreign minister Farouk al-Sharaa and former Syrian vice-president Abdul Halim-Khaddam in connection with Hariri’s assassination. Spilling over from a pro-Hariri demonstration I’d witnessed in Beirut, there were increasing calls for Syrian troops to move out of Lebanon. By the end of my stay in Syria, I witnessed the mobilization of Syrian soldiers and the increased prominence of UN vehicles on the streets of Damascus.

In contrast to Beirut’s landscaped sidewalks, clean streets and fresh, clean air, the streets of Damascus felt chaotic, the air dank and it was all too apparent I had crossed over to another country. The taxi driver couldn’t seem to find my hostel and after what seemed like an hour on Damascus’ chaotic streets, I’d changed my mind about staying in a hostel. I’d thought of Damascus’ boutique hotel installation, Beit Al-Mamlouka, but didn’t want to risk confusing the driver again so I went with Cham Palace Damascus, an indigenous chain of luxury hotels that I thought would be instantly recognizable.

That seemed to be the right call when I found myself comfortably ensconced in the lobby of Cham Palace within the next twenty minutes. Checking into the hotel was an instruction in Syria’s artisanal culture. Everything from the lobby to swivel chairs and the lift were decorated with an elaborate inlay of mother of pearl and ivory characteristic of Syrian decorative style. The Lebanese designer Nada Debs (www.nadadebs.com) had found international acclaim incorporating the decorative mother of pearl and ivory inlays within the more contemporary medium of Lucite as opposed to the traditional wood-inlay combination.

www.chamhotels.com/palace_damascus.html

In the lobby, I met two Italian ladies who had smiled kindly at me at the Lebanese-Syrian border while we were awaiting our entry visas. One of them invited me to join them to visit the Omayyad Mosque and Souk Hammadiyeh later in the afternoon. I was glad for the company and help navigating around the city. I have an awful sense of direction, completely unable to make sense of a map and anyway, have always thought it more useful to ask locals or long-time residents for directions rather than go around with a huge map in hand.

We were headed for Souk Hammadiyeh, but not before stopping by Omayyad Mosque. The legends and mythology surrounding Omayyad Mosque are fascinating. Muslim tradition believes that the severed head of John the Baptist is contained in a silver capsule in the prayer hall with an alternative theory being that it is the Knights Templar that has possession of this severed head. The tomb of Salah ad-Din, or Saladin to Crusaders, is located within the compounds of this mosque. The eastern minaret, or the minaret al-Issa, is believed to be the place where Prophet Issa (Jesus PBUH) will descend, on the wings of two angels, during a time of crisis to lead believers in their battle against the Antichrist.
(c) Martin Gray
The architecture of the Omayyad Mosque, like most mosques, derives solely from geographic shapes, complimented by high ceilings, providing an almost zen tranquility to the space. Various architectural elements are telling of the various influences on this mosque - the open courtyard, a place you might want to spend some time during dusk for its beautiful atmosphere (and excellent photographic opportunities), has been attributed to the influences of Yemeni temples as well as a pre-Islamic Kaa’ba (today the centre of the Islamic pilgrimage, or hajj) and the ‘accentuation of the main nave’ was seen as a direct influence of Omayyad architecture. (source: Muslimheritage.com)

Walking down to the nearby souks, one encounters everything from delicious candies - the Syrians apparently take their sweets very seriously if the proliferation of sweet shops on the streets of Damascus are anything to go by - and dried fruits, soaps, jallabiyas (loose female clothing) and the most attractive blown glass art abound. Olga, one of the two Italian ladies who kindly invited me along, remarked: ‘The Venetians learned the art of glass blowing from the Syrians’. I was tempted to get the water jars, with a beautifully prismatic colour pattern retailing at a price that most of you reading this would have dismissed as ‘nothing, but I was afraid it wouldn’t survive the journey, given the multiple road transfers I was planning on...

Stay tuned for Part II of Hajar's Middle East jaunt!

Jerusalem, Israel: Hanging in the Holy Land

2008-09-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

There's one thing I must confess. I married a lovely Israeli man... and I still haven't made it to the Holy Land. My inner-Heb cries, "If I should forget Jerusalem, my left hand should fall." Or something like that. In case it sounds pathetic, keep this in mind... we've only been married for a year and we're planning The Big Trip now. That said, as a travel writer, I can tell you all about the top hotels in the world with eye-popping amenities that cost anywhere from $300-$1,000/night, but that doesn't mean I don't a) go ga-ga when I find a good deal and b) want to know where the real locals stay.

In my quest, I queried a man whose knowledge of Israel, quality (and that doesn't always mean 600-thread count Frette linens), and, most importantly, authenticity, is second to none. That's right... my husband.

So here's a little secret gem that's definitely not your generic luxurious, five-star hotel, but rather, an Arab-Israeli owned boutique hotel.

Concentrated in only a few hundred feet are Al-Aqsa Mosque, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher (where even the most die-hard American Jew isn't immune to the holiness of Christ's stomping grounds), and, of course, The Wailing Wall, the most important sacred sites of the top three monotheistic religions.

What my main man likes best?

There's a wine bar in the entrance, it's cheap (anywhere from $30-$100/night), and a REAL spot for those wanting to see Jerusalem, even if it means you'll likely hear street-sellers in the morning and the hustle and bustle of Jews - and Muslims - living peacefully side-by-side in the heart of the Holy Land.

As Whoopi on Virtual Tourist says, "Some of the double rooms have a balcony out to the busy street and also have two floors in the room. These are great! The whole hotel is also very relaxed and cozy with lots of things hanging on the walls, everything from garments to photos and poetry. Lots of sofas and chairs everywhere and it gives you the feeling of being in some nice, but weird old lady's house. Just outside you find everything you need from internet cafes to stores, restaurants, market and tourist attractions."

And really, when you're in the Holy Land, what better place to be?

45 Bedrooms, cable satellite in the lobby, on-site laundry, an internet lounge open 24 hrs., a safe deposit box, and a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the roof-top.

Tell them Jaunt Magazine sent you.

www.newimperial.com

Santa Fe: Your Romantic Vacation Cheat Sheet

2008-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

We bet you've never contemplated your belly button in the center of Tent Rocks before.

Or how about made love in an adobe den under the multi-hued skies of Santa Fe?

So what, we ask, are you waiting for?

It's not hard to feel like you're on vacation in a place where the calm envelops you with a warm embrace. Here, fine art and dining are as approachable - and enjoyable - as that lovely girl with a wide grin smiling from across the crowded room. Ladies and gentlemen, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the next best place to vacation (and invest your retirement money). There's a reason stars like Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts love this state so here are Jaunt Magazine's top picks for a great spa/art/adventure away from this rat race.

Santa Fe Hotels

The Inn and Spa at Loretto is one of our top picks right in the center of town. Impressive adobe architecture and easy access to all of Santa Fe's attractions, makes this property a favorite for Jaunt staffers. Special packages with spa, ski, and golf amenities are also available for Girl's or Boy's Getaways. Priced around $300-$400/night.

www.innatloretto.com

Inn of the Anasazi, a Rosewood Hotel, has massive hand-carved doors, sculpted stairways and sandstone walls as part of their authentic Southwestern Pueblo touches characterizing an intimate 57-room hotel. They also offer award-winning dining and an ideal location near the city’s historic central Plaza. Four-poster beds and other handcrafted furnishings grace each of the beautifully decorated rooms, along with cozy gas-lit kiva fireplaces. Rooms start at $309/night.

www.innoftheanasazi.com

Encantado, an Auberge Resort: This exceptional new retreat opened this August in a spectacular setting at the foothills of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, seven miles north of downtown near the Santa Fe Opera. Featuring 65 casitas luxuriously appointed in New Mexican native adobe style with private terraces, outdoor fireplaces, state-of-the-art technology and sweeping views of the Rio Grande, Los Alamos, and the Jemez Mountains, Encantado also introduced Santa Fe’s first world-class resort spa, a gourmet restaurant and an expansive outdoor sculpture garden. For those wishing to explore Santa Fe, Encantado also offers complimentary Mercedes-Benz car service and easy access to the city's famed art galleries and restaurants with its centrally located Concierge Lounge offering VIP services. Rates start $425/night.

www.encantadoresort.com

Galleries/Museums
Leading galleries of contemporary art have quickly made a home in the new Railyard District, including Zane Bennett Contemporary Art, which has moved from Canyon Road to a striking new two-story gallery space on South Guadalupe Avenue. The gallery has represented contemporary masters from Richard Serra to Robert Motherwell, and Louise Nevelson to Robert Rauschenberg.

Gebert Contemporary recently expanded from its Canyon Road gallery and sculpture garden to add a Railyard District location with 6,000 square feet of “project space” that can encompass monumental sculpture and painting as well as video and installation pieces. Gebert specializes in the contemporary abstract painting and sculpture of an international group of established and emerging artists.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary, is the only American museum devoted to a female artist. Hollah! One of the most significant artists of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was devoted to creating imagery that expressed what she called “the wideness and wonder of the world as I live in it.” The largest single repository of O'Keeffe's work in the world, with a collection of nearly 3,000 works, including more than 1,000 O’Keeffe paintings, drawings, and sculpture, the museum displays works by this great American modernist. Over 140 artists have been also exhibited at the Museum including Frank Stella, Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol and Arthur Dove.

Santa Fe Restaurants
Learn about the rich culinary history of the "City Different” with a restaurant walking tour and progressive lunch starting at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, the authority on Southwestern cuisine. The tours are led by native Santa Fean, television host, and chef/guide, Rocky Durham. Then it’s out for a guided tour to three of Santa Fe 's most prestigious dining destinations:

Amavi, recently voted 'most romantic restaurant in Santa Fe' in the May 2008 issue of the Santa Fean. Chef/owner, David Sellers and his wife, Heather highlight regional specialties from the cuisines of Italy, Spain and France.

www.amavirestaurant.com

Tom Kerpon, Executive chef of Rio Chama, will share some of his secrets about his award-winning regional cuisine that has made him one of Santa Fe's favorite chefs!

www.riochamasteakhouse.com

Coyote Café, where the new chef/owner Eric DiStefano, formerly of Geronimo, will prepare a dish and share some of the rich history of the world famous Coyote Café. Phenomenal food and the chefs were so charismatic and generous with time, preparation instruction and portions!)

www.coyotecafe.com

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Casa de Sierra Nevada

2008-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I love cochinita pibil. I'm not really sure what it is about Mexico that keeps me coming back for more. One such location - a veritable carrot in front of my hungry horsey mouth - is the protective colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The fortified town, first established in the 16th century to protect the Royal Route inland, reached its apogee in the 18th century when many of its outstanding religious and civic buildings were built in the style of the Mexican Baroque. Some of these buildings, masterpieces of the style that evolved in the transition from Baroque to neoclassical, acted as a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged their cultural and artisanal influences. Founded in 1542, the town of San Miguel de Allende sits at 6,400 feet above sea level and the streets of this colonial town are lined with palacios that today are a mixture of residences, galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
One and a half blocks from the main city square of San Miguel de Allende, my pick for hotel properties is the boutique Casa de Sierra Nevada, a mixture of 16th to 18th century Spanish colonial buildings. With 31 rooms and suites spread among five colonial mansions, including a 17th century fort, and the former residence of San Miguel de Allende's Archbishop in the 16th century, all we can say is... talk about living la vida purista. The hotel's buildings, situated around the town rather than one location, creates an experience akin to living in a beautiful, historic apartment with new amenities and genuine Mexican hospitality.
Known for countless years as a center of art and literature, famous mexican artists and ex-pats flock to the cobble-stone streets and historic enclave to perfect their art and find peace and inspiration. With sculpture, glass-blowing, silversmithing, and photography workshops all within local reach, check out the link below for some spectacular art programs that will be sure to lift your creative spirits and make you say...

"Hay que dejar tiempo para el esparcimiento!"

Which basically means something like: 'All work and no play sure makes Juan (or Juanta) a real snoooooze.'

http://www.casadesierranevada.com/web/omig/omig_courses_art.jsp

Carry It On: Timbuk2's Travel Ninja

2008-09-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

So you wanna be a travel ninja? Ah, my son, well look no further. Hot on the horizon approaches Timbuk2's brand-new Travel Collection. With innovative designs, it possesses the weapons any ninja demanding fast access to the gate and calm mindfulness through security demands. Even the slowest airport security time warp is no match for the advanced skills facilitated by:

* External laptop access
* Stealth pockets for fast access to boarding pass and passport
* Accessories designed to transition from in-bag to gray-bin to seat-back pocket with ease
* Colors that stand out on the luggage conveyor belt, but blend in like a local in town

Capacity and compartments are built with a one-bag strategy in mind to help spend less time at baggage check and more time checking out the scenery. Designed with speed in mind, The Checkpoint has a bike inspired custom chassis with removable skate wheels. The aesthetic of the Checkpoint is uniquely Timbuk2, standing out compared to legions of droid bags, yet built for stealth efficiency with the following features:

Removable skateboard wheels
Internal shoe pocket
Internal compression
Felt lined internal secret pockets
Outer Security checkpoint organizer pockets (w/ 1 quart bag)
An external, easy access ticket pocket
Available both in medium and large sizes

$250.00 - 22" Checkpoint
$275.00 - 25" Checkpoint

Now go, my fellow ninjas. And travel right.

www.timbuk2.com

Venice, Italy: The Gondola Massage: Hotel Cipriani

2008-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

l'amante. i baci. i fiori.
lover. kisses. flowers.

While perusing the latest luxuries in some of the most romantic cities in the world, we spotted this entirely unique Venetian experience, perfect for the swanky solo traveler, blushing newlyweds, or any hot-to-euro trot couple. The new “Gondola Massage” at Hotel Cipriani, one of the finest hotels in the world, is offering a 40-minute massage focusing on the back, shoulders, neck and face in a private venue near a hidden corner of the Venetian lagoon. A specially-designed mat has been embraces the shape of the gondola for comfort while the hotel’s appropriately named 'Casanova Spa' therapists have blended together a special oil - rich in vitamin E and F with a high SPF sunscreen, coffee oil and peach milk - to protect the skin under the sun. The experience ends with a foot massage and the opportunity to relax in the hotel’s garden with iced tea or a glass of crisp pinot grigio.

How's that for romantic, il mio tesoro?

From $590, booked directly through Hotel Cipriani’s Casanova Spa.
www.hotelcipriani.com

Napa Valley, CA: The Yoga Boot Camp Retreat

2008-08-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yoga. There's simply nothing like stretching, breathing, meditating, and focusing on your inner-core. Forgetting to remember. Aligning oneself with peace. And, since most members of our trusty staff at Jaunt love their yoga (and their wine), we recently thought, 'Hey, wouldn't it be great to do a yoga retreat in Napa?'

After careful consideration, this Napa Valley Yoga Boot Camp caught our eye.

It's a 4 day - 4 night upscale "Napa Style" Boot Camp Training Program at a Private Vineyard Residence Estate in the beautiful Wine Country of Northern California. Consistently rated as one of the "Top Ten Travel Destinations" in the world, the vineyard country climate and relaxing atmosphere is the perfect place to shape up your Body and have fun doing it Napa-style.

Morning hikes through the vineyards, aerobics, yoga, hatha, power, pilates, swimming, and yes, massage, The Napa Yoga Boot Camp is an all Inclusive package, offering only the freshest, healthiest foods. Meals are personally prepared by an in-house Gourmet Chef where you'll learn the hottest tips of diet, supplementation, and fitness. 'Experience a spiritual journey you'll never forget!' they say.

We believe 'em.

Camp is limited to 10 women per session so, as they say, get with "The Program" and book your training dates early in advance.

www.NapaValleyYogaRetreats.com

Hong Kong: Your Hotel & Hot Spot Cheat Sheet

2008-08-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Part III, the last of Jaunt Contributor, Victoria Yanakos's Asia Series, is a special little treat. Your Cheat Sheet to a weekend around Hong Kong.

From decadent restaurants with sweeping city views to all-night bar hopping, this is the perfect city to satisfy every lavish Eastern craving. By Victoria Yanakos

A great way to start your jaunt is to check into the sumptuous Shangri-La Hotel. Excessive elegance, from the ubiquitous chandeliers to the world-class dining at Nadaman and Petrus, this hotel is the personification of five star. You must check out the pool on the 8th floor for an afternoon dip surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of the financial district.

Island Shangri-La
56/F Pacific Place,
Supreme Court Rd
Central, Hong Kong
www.shangri-la.com

Petrus - amazing views, impeccable service
852 2820 8590

Nadaman -life changing sushi
852 2820 8570

Another option is the hip LKF hotel located in the busy Lan Kwai Fong area. A modern boutique hotel with big soaking tubs and easy access to Hong Kong nightlife, this hotel can be a great jumping off point for a tastefully boozy weekend.

Hotel LKF
33 Wyndham Street
Lan Kwai Fong,
Central, Hong Kong
www.hotel-LKF.com.hk
(852) 3518 9688

Just outside the LKF hotel you are surrounded by dozens of upscale restaurants, galleries, bars and a slew of ex-pats ready to party. A few places to check out are....

Zee Stone Gallery
43-45 Wyndham Street
Central, Hong Kong
www.zeestone.com

Wagyu - lounge, restaurant
No. 3 G/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street
OR 3-5 Old Bailey Street
Central, Hong Kong
wagyu@biznetnigator.com

Tivo Wine Bar
G/F Yu Yuet Lai Building
43-55 Syndham Street
Central HK

Vino Restaurant
G/F Egin Building
41-43 Elgin Street
Soho, Central Hong Kong
(about a 10 minute walk from LKF area)

Outside of the central district, two other awe-inspiring restaurants are Pearl and Aqua. Both with spectacular city views and food to match, they submerge your senses in the addictive energy that is Hong Kong.

Pearl
1F Peak Tower
128 Peak Rd
The Peak, Hong Kong
852 2849 5123

Aqua
"addictive cuisine"
"uber glam bar"
29=30 Floors, 1 Peking Rd
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
852 3427 2288
www.aqua.com.hk

And after the night out, be kind to your liver and throbbing head, and make a stop at the Flying Pan for eggs and other hangover helpers. With three locations, stumbling to one of them should be relatively easy.

The Flying Pan
Central- G/f 9 Old Bailey St
Wan Chai - 85 Lockhart Rd
Discovery Bay- The Plaza
www.the-flying-pan.com

From the sushi at Nadaman to the views at Aqua, the cocktails in LKF and shopping in Kowloon, finding an outlet to let go in Hong Kong is easy and well worth the trip. When it comes to shopping in Hong Kong, it's as prevalent as the hangovers. For art and antiques, check out the area along Hollywood Road.
For designer wares, the Landmark Mall is a predictable option (both of these are in the Central District). For more interesting and varied shopping, head to Kowloon across the river. Check out the Aberdeen and Harbour at night by taking a cruise or hit Repulse Bay which offers a popular beach. Hopefully, it won't be too messy from the excessive littering left over by the visitors over the weekends. Victoria Park, which was built in 1888, also leads to Victoria peak which is 1350 ft above the sea level, and here you can get that awesome panoramic view of the city.

For more nightlife suggestions, the editors at Jaunt Magazine recommend checking out:

www.hiphongkong.com
www.hkclubbing.com
www.lifestyle.hk

And, if you really want to get in the mood, Layla Revis, our trusty Editor-in-Chief says (with a wink), "I once had a crush on Hong Kong Fever. If you don't know who he is, I have two words for you. Notorious. MSG."

Carry It On: Dermalogica's Concealing Spot Treatment

2008-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

So you've just traveled 8+ hours to Paris for a little bit of work (and, okay, one hot inter-continental blind date) and guess what's staring back at you from the mirror of your humble pension near Les Tuileries? You guessed it. A nasty under-the-skin blemish that won't come to a head. Have no fear. Dermalogica is here!

During our many travels, the staff at Jaunt has learned a thing or two about packing light. No unnecessary cosmetics, no overstuffed suitcases, but here's the one thing we can't travel without. So important to our repertoire of natural beauty, we had to mention our solution to the pesky skin problems that come hand-in-hand with dry cabin air and humid, smoggy cities.

Dermalogica's Concealing Spot Treatment
An intense treatment with a natural-looking tint that quickly conceals and clears breakouts. Upon contact, concentrated Sulfur and Zinc Oxide help clear skin by eliminating bacteria associated with acne while clearing excess oil and congestion in the follicle. Niacinamide, Zinc Gluconate, Yeast and Cinnamon Bark extracts, Caffeine and Biotin purify and inhibit overactive sebaceous gland activity while soothing irritation. Salicylic Acid sloughs off dead skin cells that contribute to clogged follicles, helping to prevent future breakouts. The best part? There's no artificial fragrance or color. And trust us, it works. Matte, easily blendable, and drying, it's the perfect alternative to greasy foundation or traditional concealer.

A little goes a long way.

And really, when you're traveling the distance, looking flawless sometimes takes a little bit of work.

$31.00

www.dermalogica.com

Coronado, CA: The Hotel del Coronado

2008-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

When it first opened in 1888, The Hotel del Coronado aka. 'The Del' was considered the premier vacation destination on the California coast. Visiting as a child, my mother would point to the Navy jets flying overhead, regaling me with stories about the base right next door that my grandfather once commanded. I took in the historic mystique, in awe of a place that really did feel fabled.

Back in the late 1800’s, guests would arrive to The Del by rail, checking into the plush resort on the sea for the crisp salty air that was said to restore the spirit. Now a landmark, its history is impressive. Remember Some Like It Hot?

Yes, Marilyn Monroe stayed here.

It even has its very own ghost.

In 1892, Kate Morgan checked in and never checked out. Possibly jilted by her husband or a lover, she was said to be 'upset.' After spending five lonely days waiting for a man who never arrived, she was found, dead on the beach of a gunshot wound. They said she committed suicide, but her death was never solved.

According to Christine Donovan, The Del’s historian and author of the book, Beautiful Stranger: The Ghost of Kate Morgan and the Hotel del Coronado, Kate is a relatively harmless ghost, but more dramatic tales also abound. Like the time a young couple – away for a romantic Valentine weekend – experienced a string of supernatural occurrences, culminating in their covers being ripped off in the middle of the night by a ghostly apparition. Pillows have been stacked strangely, lights have been turned on and off, and Kate has been seen walking down the hallways, through the garden and along the beach.

Ghostly sightings aside, the Del was recently named the ‘best family beach destination in the U.S.’ by The Travel Channel as it offers a little bit for everyone, particularly now, with the year-old development of the new high-end Hotel del Beach Village next door.

The brand-new contemporary villas can fit couples or families that feel like indulging in a bit more privacy (and a bit more luxury) than the main building. With private decks with outdoor fire-pits and plunge pools overlooking the sea, to butler service and full-kitchens, it’s the chance to splurge without having to board a plane to the tropics. Echoing The Del’s famous turrets and red-shingled roof, the Beach Village has already captured the attention of several Hollywood A-listers like Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick, Josh Hartnett, and Reggie Bush.

Last year, the Del also unveiled a new spa where guests can organize special “after hours” celebrations like bridal showers, anniversaries, or birthdays. Canoodle, munch on canapés, take a sauna, and sip champagne on chaise lounges while some chocolate lava cake and an after dinner foot-massage.

Or head to ENO, a chocolate, cheese, and wine tasting room, where for $13, you can get yourself the ‘SEXY LADIES’ wine flight which includes five different tastings like a 2005 Nora Albariño from Rias Baixas Spain and a 2006 J Vineyards Pinot Gris from the Russian River Valley. I also opted for the ‘EUROPEAN UNION’ cheese tasting with my all-time favorites: Manchego, Old Amsterdam Aged Gouda, and Pecorino Cortones. Before you leave for home, try the famous Hotel Del brunch, an all-you-can eat buffet extravaganza with the most dazzling range of foods I’ve seen in years. You might not want to eat the night before. Or the next day.

Just don’t forget to knock on someone’s door in the middle of the night, run quietly down the hall, and hide. Someone’s got to keep the ghost lore alive, right?

Prices for the Beach Village Villas range from $850-$5,000/night.
Prices for a Spa Terrace 2-hour Reception range from $1,800 to $2,700.

www.hoteldel.com/beachvillage

Carry It On: Mysmartpac Travel Toiletries

2008-08-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

We'll admit it. We're brainiacs. Or, at the very least, we love a big brain. In our world, being smart is second only to being kind so we decided to feature this handy travel pack perfect for the long (smart) weekend away.

mysmartpac, a new collection of disposable personal care products is designed for people on-the-go, providing carry-on ready (TSA 3-1-1 compliant), disposable, high-quality personal care products for the discerning traveler who's sick of having to use hotel brand shampoos or throw away half-bottles at the airport. Made in the U.S.A. with high quality ingredients like sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin E, and Shea butter, in case you're worried that it's wasteful, the packaging is made of 70-80% hard paper supplied by SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified paper vendors. The SFI program practices sustainable forestry on all the land they manage and influence millions of additional acres through the training of loggers and foresters in management practices and outreach programs. In addition, the box is made of polypropylene because it doesn't poison the environment after disposal (as it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms). The boxes are also made of about 30% post industrial waste. The tubes reseal and last for up to six (6) uses.

Available in both HIS and HERS.

HIS contains: Anti-Oxidant Face Cleanser, Shave Gel, Post Shave Cream, Body Lotion, Hair Gel, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush and Triple Blade Razor. Fragrance: Morning Fresh.

HERS contains: Anti-Oxidant Face Cleanser, Anti-aging Face Cream, Body Lotion, Hair Gel, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush and Triple Blade Razor. Fragrance: Violet Kisses.

The best part?
Suggested retail price $9.95 - 12.95

www.mysmartpac.com

Denmark: Hybrid Living & H2pia

2008-08-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Villa Hybrid, H2pia

Holy Hydrogen... homes? Yes, last year, just as the debate about the efficiency and affordability of alternative energy sources began to 'heat up', developers in Denmark also began conceptualizing their very own way to solve the problem. Say hello to H2PIA, the world's first hydrogen powered community! After the successful re-development of Stockholm's Hammerby Stad, we're not surprised that the Nords are continuing to shine when it comes to design and efficiency.

Though someday suburb, called 'H2pia' is completely geared towards balancing energy needs and, if it comes to fruition, will certainly lead the way to a model future of truly fine living. Here's how it works. Residents collect their own energy via solar and wind sources that then charge hydrogen fuel cells that then power both the home and automobiles. The various structures within the neighborhood have been designed so that 'their curves maximize returns on energy collection.' And if we know one thing in life it's this... curves maximize collection.

Villa Unplugged

With different living options available depending on family size and needs, Villa Unplugged is created for families that enjoy nature and open spaces. The villas are not connected to the common energy grid and they manage their own storage of hydrogen and production of energy for the home and the cars. Villa Unplugged is completely self-sufficient with energy as the heat comes from solar panels that also produce electricity together with wind turbines. Part of the electricity is used for producing hydrogen for the fuel cells in automobiles. The rest of the hydrogen is stored and used later in in-house fuel cells for electricity and heating during periods with insufficient sun and wind.
Villa Plugged, H2pia

The inhabitants of Villa Plugged, however, get 100 % of their energy supply from a central energy producer. This is how most people in Denmark live today. Villa Plugged contains a communal residence for the younger town residents. Plugged constitutes 'an open, creative and inspiring milieu, created by young people – for young people.' As the name of the area implies, this part of the city is ‘plugged into the socket’ and gets electricity and heat from the central energy supply. Villa Plugged gets electricity and heat from the central energy supply of H2PIA, which is placed in H2PIA Public.

Villa Hybrid is a family residence where the concepts from Unplugged and Plugged are combined. The families produce their own energy but are also connected to the common energy grid. They can also supply the grid with any excess energy. The hydrogen car is another central element of Villa Hybrid. When it's parked next to the house, its on-board fuel cell produces large amounts of power which is delivered to the common energy grid, thus contributing to the balancing of the family’s energy consumption and production. The houses in ‘Hybrid’ are intended to be luxurious, with panoramic views, style and comfort.

We don't doubt that the Danes will do it right.

Last, but not least, H2PIA Share is the town center with a mix of shops, public spaces, businesses and recreational areas. As their site notes, "In H2PIA, a large part of the inhabitants are self employed, a fact that creates possiblities for new lifestyles that combine work, leisure and fun. Share allows for a context of optimism, creativity, joy of life and confidence in the future.

Peter Qvist Lorentsen, architect of the project and partner at PQL Studio, the design studio at the helm of H2PIA, isn't yet sure what part of Denmark the concept will be realized, but at the moment different Danish municipalities are interested, as are other places abroad. "And we are also still waiting for calls from different EU-foundations," Lorentsen says. "So, the construction of H2PIA has not started yet and therefore the project has been delayed. In the meantime, we're fine-tuning the concept.

Regarding the prices, Lorentsen says the buildings will only be a little bit more expensive than normal house prices in Denmark. "The reason is that the houses will be very very well insulated and be added with energy saving technologies as heating reuse systems etc.," he explains. "That means the buildings will get a minimum energy consumption. Regarding the prices of technologies for energy production (solar heat, solar cells, wind turbines, fuel cells etc.) it all depends on what extent we can get financial support from different national and EU foundations."

So we'll cross our fingers the Foundations are listening.

H2PIA - www.h2pia.com
PQL Studio - www.pql.dk
HOW2LIVE - www.how2live.dk

Mexico: The Tides Zihuatanejo Yoga Retreat

2008-07-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

We just like saying: 'Zihuatanejo,' don't you? Makes us feel authentic. So here's a little yoga gem we uncovered from the boys and girls at Kor Hotel Group. In October, The Tides Zihuatanejo hosts its first Yoga Retreat where guests can get their very own custom-created wellness weekend. Fostering spiritual re-awakening and social companionship, celebrity instructor Tom Morley (of Exercise TV) will lead inspired asanas and sun salutations in one of the Mexico’s most seductive resorts.

The first in a series of 5-Day Yoga Retreats at The Tides Zihuatanejo, takes place: October 3 – 7, 2008.

"Yoga brings people together and I'm thrilled to be a part of Kor's first yoga retreat at The Tides,” says Tom Morley, the highly-respected instructor whose sessions draw the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Helen Hunt. For over 10 years, Morley has redefined the traditional approach to yoga by adapting the practice to individual preferences, drawing from styles like vinyasa and yin, breathing, meditation, partner yoga and dance to bring a vibrant sense of joy, humor and ease to his sessions.

Hugging the white sands of Zihuatanejo Bay's Playa la Ropa, The Tides Zihuatanejo is filled with tropical gardens, waterfalls and an expansive beachfront, the perfect serene locale for deepening personal practice and self-searching. Two-story, terracotta-tiled casitas and thatched palapa cabanas merge with the gardens and waterfalls that enfold them. Pst... suites include their own outdoor infinity pools. Two gourmet dining venues and three bars make The Tides’ elegance complete. In addition to an immersion in yoga, you can also opt for culinary classes with Executive Chef Paco Isordia, sailing, surfing, Scuba diving, ATV tours, jungle canopy rides, or cultural tours.

The Tides’ Yoga Retreat includes:

Four nights of accommodations include:

Two beachside yoga classes, am/pm daily (Private sessions available upon request)
Healthy gourmet meal plan (yoga breakfast bar and group choice of lunch or dinner)
One daily 60-minute restorative massage of choice at The Tides Spa
Closing night “Sense of the Night: Yoga Meets Dance” beach celebration, with DJ-spins including trance/dance, live percussionists, food and libations
Transfers to and from Zihuatanejo airport
lululemon gift bag

Superior Room, The Tides Zihuatanejo

Rates range from:
Superior Room - $2,100 single occupancy/$3,100 - double occupancy

Beach Suite - $3,500 single occupancy/$4,4000- double occupancy.
Rates exclude tax and service; package subject to availability.

So go get your OM on.
And grab a margarita for me while you're at it.

Reservations:
(866) 905-9560
www.thetidesresorts.com

Cambodia: From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

2008-07-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

Part II of Jaunt Contributor, Victoria Yanakos', trip to South East Asia has landed her at the top of one of the world's most popular temple destinations... Angkor Wat. Now, if she could only figure out how to get down.

Fear of Heights
By Victoria Yanakos

Turns out I'm afraid of heights. Well, not so much "heights" as the falling very fast from them. I realized this about half way up the 70 or so "steps" to the top of one of the Angkor Wat temples.

It seemed like a good tactic for getting away from mobs of Japanese tour groups and their incessant picture taking (of which my climb - in a skirt- is now part of at least a few albums). Now at the top, apparently unmoved by my mid-way epiphany, I have a whole new perspective of the situation. I'm actually much higher than I realized, and the "steps" are only about 6" deep and covered in sand. This wasn't a problem going up, but add gravity and flip flops and the descent feels much less safe. So here I sit, writing a journal, reflecting on Cambodia, and slowing devising a plan to get down...

Even in comparison to other parts of SE Asia, Cambodia has an irrationality that is wholly its own. Tuk-Tuk (rickshaw) from the bus station to hostel, $3. Tuk-Tuk for the whole day? $5. Thousands of people trying to sell me pineapple, no one able to sell me bug spray. Whiskey Sour is a vodka drink. Happy Pizza is a drug (pot). "Local specialty" on the menu: tarantula. No safety regulations for anything (hence why I am now stuck at the top of one of the temples).

For a country that has endured such devastation, oppression, torture, and is in a perpetual quest for genuine rebirth, it is no wonder that things in Cambodia may feel a little off. But the people are warm and laid back and the country beautiful, even amid the lingering scars of war.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

PHNOM PENH PENSIONS/HOSTELS

OKAY Guesthouse
#3BE, R# 258, S/K Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
okay.2001@hotmail.com
Tel: 855-12 300 804
Clean, very helpful staff, predictable hot water (for Cambodia budget lodging this is saying a lot!)
$5-$15

Sunday Guesthouse
Tel: 211623
97PH 141
Very helpful, friendly English speaking staff, good deal for the price
$5-$17

PHNOM PENH RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, ETC.

Camory Cookie Boutique
#167 Sisowath Quay
sales@camoryfoods.com
www.camoryfoods.com
Amazing cookies! Proceeds go to Cambodian orphanages

Amara Spa
Corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 110
spa@hotelcara.com
Great drinks and cafe outside, posh spa inside

Chow
At the Quay along Sisowath
www.chowcambodia.com
Chic bar, modern vibe, smokers welcome

Kmer Saravan
No. 16Eo, St Sotheraros (3)
vuthy_vann@yahoo.com
Best Kmer food I've had! Try the curry dishes and banana flower salad - wonderful!

Happy Herb Pizza
#345 St Preah Sisowath
Tel: 023 362 349
It is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Make sure to specify if you want your pizza Not Happy, Happy, or Very Happy.

SIEM REAP HOTELS (the town serving Angkor Wat Temples)
FCC Hotel, Siem Reap
If you're looking to splurge:

The FCC properties in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are design-driven and luxurious.
www.fcccambodia.com

The Hotel De La Paix
The perfect place to indulge in a weekend of decadence or even just a mixed drink at the sexy bar downstairs.
http://www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com/index.php
$330 - $750/night

For budget-conscious digs:

Shadow of Angkor Guesthouse
Tel: 964774
353 Pokambor Ave
shadowofangkor@hotmail.com
This is where I stayed. A great location overlooking the river

Or check out these websites for more guesthouse/backpacking suggestions:

www.canbypublications.com
www.travelfish.org

THINGS TO DO - SIEM REAP

Le Tigre De Papier Cooking School
letigredepapier@hotmail.com
Bar St
Courses $12
A great way to get in touch with the culture, courses include a trip to the market

Kmer Kitchen Restaurant
The Alley
Tel 964154
Visited by Mick Jagger and with one of the best pumpkin coconut soups on the globe, this place should definitely be part of your visit to Siem Reap

Of course, while in Siem Reap, the main attraction is the Temple of Angkor Wat. They sell 1-day, 3-day and 1 week passes. Don't bother with a tour, hire a tuk-tuk for about $10-$15 a day, buy a book, and go at your own pace.

Next stop... well, when I was originally writing this, it was "land" but now? Looks like it's Hong Kong, baby.

Vancouver Island, Canada: Free Spirit Spheres!

2008-07-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

We don't know why, but we're always strangely drawn to capsules, pods, and spheres. And, just to prove we're not alone...

Welcome to the world of Free Spirit Spheres!

Set amid the tall trees of Vancouver Island's rainforest, it's, you guessed it, a tree house for adults. Jaunt says, 'Finalmente.' Built with an un-tamed vision of nature and engineering, you'll feel like an Ewok swinging from the canopy and crawling from your tree sphere at dusk.

Handcrafted spheres are suspended like pendants from a web of rope and, as their website says, "They occupy a truly unique place in the world while providing a habitat for the un-tamed spirit that exists in all of us."

So just how un-tamed are you? If you really want to make a statement, you can purchase a pod or components to build your own. Recommended uses include: Healing, meditation, photography, leisure and game watching.

Spheres, Eve and Eryn, are available for overnight rental and promise a truly unique, jungle experience. Approximately 30km north of Parksville on Vancouver Island along the Inland Island Hwy (#19), near Qualicum Bay. The acreage is on private property close to Horne Lake Caves, Georgia Strait and Mount Washington.

Rates: $125-$175/night

Free Spirit Spheres
Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
Tel (250) 757-9445
Cell (250) 951-9420
Email: tom@freespiritspheres.com

www.freespiritspheres.com

Vietnam: A Note From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

2008-07-19T15:49:00.001-07:00

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Today, one of our favorite Jaunt Contributors, Victoria Yanakos, says, 'Good Morning, Vietnam.'

"Where are you from?" in Vietnamese, 'tá» cÃ¡i³tc báº¡n Ä' translates to mean: "from what water do you come." Inspired by this beautiful sentiment I spent the past few days sailing on Ha Long Bay and enjoying a respite from the city.

Swimming in the bath-like water, drinking with the locals, bruising most of my lower body jumping off the cliffs (note: no correlation to the Mekong whiskey, I just couldn't figure out how to fall that far and get my feet to go in first), and sleeping out on the water... perfection.

Another Vietnamese sentiment I picked up this week is "same same." For instance, I ordered yogurt for breakfast, she brought me pork. The explanation : "Oh no, no yogurt, I make you pork. Same same." How do you even argue with this? Public buses are another culprit.

Me: You go to Ngo Hyen st?

Bus Driver: Yeah, yeah, Ngo Hyen Street

20 minutes later, many km's away from Ngo Hyen Street, I'm in front of a handicraft shop that appears to be owned by the bus driver's brother.

Bus Driver: No Ngo Hyen St. Here, same same.

One final thought on Hanoi before I leave this wonderful city: crossing the street. Or rather crossing the death gauntlet of hundreds of motorbikes who yield to no one. Having refined my skill for this in India, and taking a cue from the locals, the basic protocol is to confidently step out into traffic with a deep-rooted belief that the bikers will stop. A. they don't and B. this only works if the streets aren't flooded - which they were last night. Suffice it to say, I survived a rather comical collision soaking wet but otherwise only minorly scathed.
Hanoi, Vietnam

As a solo traveler in this country, everything has this spectacular way of feeling like a free for all. It's rather wonderful never knowing exactly what you're in for. I subscribe to a travel philosophy that organized tours (at least for me) are never the most genuine way to experience a culture or a country, however, never has this been a more challenging theory to live than in the Mekong Delta.

As it turns out the jungles and canals are significantly more expansive, and difficult to navigate, than you might expect.

Arriving by bus to My Tho, the most trafficked of the four islands that make up the Delta, I was feeling good I could do this on my own and not have to spend the day with a bunch of westerners with an "English" tour guide (read: if you stop paying attention to him for even a moment, the English starts to sound suspiciously like Vietnamese). Many of the boats at the harbor are already commissioned by tour companies, and, as such, inevitably chaotic, making stow-away status relatively easy.

The idea was to take the boat to Ben Tre- another of the islands, then bail for more genuine travel. I'm not sure where we landed, but after wondering around dense jungle for the better part of the afternoon, I thought that perhaps a row down the canals might give me some orientation. I was able to convince (read: pay) one of the local workers by the water to lend me his boat - but only briefly I assured him. After getting myself thoroughly lost and soaking wet from the short but intense monsoon rain, I was relieved to see the owner of the boat calling to me from the shore. Without discussion, he summoned his son (I assume) to come row the boat on my behalf. Humbling? Yes. Necessary? Immensely.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam

He took me all the way back to My Tho where I boarded a public bus back to Saigon. Perhaps, in retrospect, a tour would have been a more efficient way to explore the Mekong Delta, but when you're traveling - and lost in foreign waters - the experience is all that matters, right?

Even being an eternal optimist you can only be propositioned so many times (every two feet in Vietnam - and this is not an exaggeration) before suspicion becomes your instinct of choice. The form of solicitation though has an entertainment value that far exceeds any hassle, and as such joins my list of all things wonderful in SE Asia. Aside from the ubiquitous moto taxis (of which there are 100's on each block) that never miss a single foreigner to offer a ride, ("where you going ma'am. I give you good price.") some of the other more discrete "sales people" are far more creative with their pitches. "T shirt, T shirt, cocaine?" is my favorite to date.

Another successful tactic is the "start conversation under false pretenses, offer obscure service, then ask for money" approach. Sitting in the park yesterday apparently this landed me (and every other girl, and a few guys, in my hostel) a pedicure. Abate the somewhat painful service; it's nice to be able to help. Slightly derailed from Hanoi (don't fall asleep if you have to make a bus transfer), I enjoyed the past several days soaking up the insanity of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and exploring the canals and jungles of the nearby Mekong Delta. Moving on to Mu Ne, and writing from the sand outside my bungalow with waters from the South China Sea cooling my feet, Vietnam continues to amaze me.

HANOI HOTELS

Especen Hotel
28 Tho Xuong & 41 Ngo Huyen St, Hoan Kiem district Hanoi
Tel: 0.4.8244401
www.especen.vn

Good clean rooms, en suite bathroom, good location, $12- $20/night

City Gate Hotel
10 P Thanh Ha
8280817
www.citygatehotel.com
Warm friendly owners, very clean rooms
$10- $20/night

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

If you're looking for luxury, the Intercontinental just opened their new property built entirely over the serene waters of historic West Lake. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is adjacent to the famous 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda and the hotel features 359 guestrooms showcasing contemporary Vietnamese design at its best.
$200/night

www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/hanhb

HANOI RESTAURANTS

Cha Ca La Vong
14 Cha Ca Street OR
107 Nguyen Trong To St
8.239 875
You will be the ONLY westerner here. Truly local, amazing "grilled fish" (which is the key note dish of northern Vietnam)

If you need a break from Vietnamese food...

FIVE bistro is predictable, comfortable and actually has good wine!

Five
5 Hang Be, Hanoi
049263761
info@so-nam.com

HO CHI MINH CITY HOTELS

Hotel127
83687612
madamcu@hcm.vnn.vn
127 D Cong Quynh
$12 - $25/night
Clean, friendly, lots of less typical amenities for budget accommodations, such as satellite TV and in room fridges

Guest House California
837 885
guesthousecalifornia-saigon@yahoo.com
Laid back, clean, rent moto bikes and bicycles on site

HO CHI MINH CITY RESTAURANTS

Quan an ngon
138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
Quan Mot TP HO Chi Minh
825 7179
10 kitchens, every Viet food imaginable, very local and very good! Try the papaya salad and spring rolls. I hope you like pork, it's in almost everything.

Massage - HCMC
Try the spa at Hotel Liberty 4
265 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1 HCMC
8 364 556

For about $8 USD, you can get 60 min full body massage, 30 min foot massage, and unlimited access to jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room... and only minimal Karaoke. :)

Next stop? Cambodia!

Paradise Valley, Arizona: Find Your Sanctuary

2008-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

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