It's a snowy day, and I need my happy place....

Cinnamon Bay, Virgin Islands

There we go. It's all good.

I found this little nugget in the New York Times Travel section: "6 Caribbean Beaches to See Before You Die."  see link below.  This one is definitely on the list.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/travel/07beachescaribbean.html?src=me&ref=travel

My backyard. Seriously.

Why I will never go on a cruise - Reason #548

Stricken cruise liner arrives at San Diego Bay

4,500 aboard Carnival Splendor subsisted on Spam, sandwiches, canned crab since Monday's fire.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40126918/ns/travel-news/

Follow up story:  http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20101109/US.Cruise.Ship.Fire/

"So, how does a bombshell like me get through security?"

LOVE these luggage tags and bags! Find more at:  http://annetaintor.com/.



The bag says, "inner beauty is for amateurs."

The world is a dirty place....

You know all those wasted little soaps, shampoos and lotions that are left behind in your hotel room?  Sometimes I feel guilty and I bring them home with me, but then I just end up throwing them away at home.  Well, someone has finally come up with an awesome idea:

The organization is called Clean The World and they're gathering up all these wasted products and distributing them to needy people in needy countries. Impoverished people die every day from diseases that could easily be eliminated with proper hand washing and some soap. The cholera outbreak in Haiti is a prime example.  It could be wiped out if they just had some soap.  Clean The World distributes recycled soap products & educational materials to these countries as well as domestic homeless shelters. 

From the web site:  "You can help. Your support gets us one step closer to reaching our goal of saving one million lives each year. Please make a donation or volunteer. And the next time you stay at a hotel, stay with one of our Participating Partners."

Great idea, isn't it?  To read more:  See USA Today article and a link to Clean The World below.

http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/legacy/2010/05/clean-the-world-hotel-program-sheraton-embassy-suites-marriott-gilchrist--soames/1

 www.cleantheworld.org

A little diddy 'bout Jack & Diane.

Jack Nicholson & Diane Keaton

Back in 2003, Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson starred in a little romantic comedy called "Somethings Gotta Give".  Although it wasn't even close to the Academy- Award-winning-high-drama these two are known for, it's one of those movies I watch over and over again for a really silly reason:  I love the sets.  The story is nice too, but seriously, the interior of Diane's character's home in the Hamptons is beyond dreamy.  Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way because I've found countless interior design articles, several blogs, and even magazine covers devoted to the interior design of this house - a house that doesn't even exist (see the Architectural Digest link below). So many people have tried to copy it, it's even referred to as the "SGG house".

The Living Room

Kitchen

Pool

The House

Sadly, as far as I know, a house in the Hamptons is probably not in my future, but maybe I can stay somewhere that might have that same "fabulous beachhouse" feeling and perhaps slightly resemble it?  I think I've found a place.....

Amelia Island is on the Atlantic coast of Florida near the Georgia border.  It's weird to call it an island because it doesn't look like your typical island.  There's only a thin strip of water separating it from the rest of Florida.  Because of that, it's easy to get to - just a 35 mile drive from the Jacksonville airport.  The island has 13 miles of pristine beaches, golf, boutiques & fine dining. It also has a wonderful B&B called Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Fernandina Beach.

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

At first I thought, "ooooo, a little too Amityville Horror for me" but that was before I looked inside....

Guestroom

Another Guestroom

Kitchen

Get me a good book and a glass of wine, stat!

The reviews of this place couldn't be better.  From their web site:  "The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is described by the guide "1000 Places To See Before You Die" as an inn "where the emphasis is on pure relaxation." The Pointe was recognized as one of "the fifty great beach resorts" in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine".  I've also found glowing reviews everywhere from http://travel.yahoo.com to www.tripadvisor.com .  If you're looking for a discounted nightly rate it's listed on www.expedia.com as well (tip: when you search it, don't forget the "e" at the end of the word "Pointe").  Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is obviously perfect for a relaxing, romantic getaway. They even feature a package called a "Babymoon" for expectant mothers with a pre-natal massage for mom and a deep tissue massage for dad. 

Amelia Island might not be the Hamptons, and I might not find Jack there, but it's less crowded and a little more affordable. Meanwhile, I'll keep dreaming and I'll keep looking for more places like this....(sigh).

P.S.  The soundtrack for Something's Gotta Give is equally dreamy.  Listen to some samples & pick up a copy here: 
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/Somethings-Gotta-Give/e/827969091128

http://www.elizabethpointelodge.com/

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-993861-elizabeth_pointe_lodge-i

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/spaces/2007/07/somethingsgottagive_article

Ski AND Sun?

Taos Ski Valley

Think skiing.  Now think of a skiing destination.  Let me guess; you're thinking Park City, Utah or maybe Aspen, Colorado...right? Ever considered New Mexico?  Honestly, I didn't even realize it snowed there (geography was never really my thing) ....and there are mountains?!  Surprisingly, there are plenty of places to ski in New Mexico. The mountains are beautiful and the weather couldn't be more perfect for those who like to ski but don't like to be cold.  What?! (Yeah, we're out there).  In New Mexico, you can ski all day and then retreat to the bottom of the mountain for warm, sunny weather.  How great is that?  Most of the resorts are family owned and operated creating a casual, easy going attitude and plenty of personal service.  Here's the best part:  The cost of skiing in New Mexico is significantly less than what it costs in those hoity toity, "go to" locations. So, if you're looking for some family fun this winter that won't cause your wallet to spontaneously combust this may just be the "lift" ticket you're looking for (wink).  

Dragon Fly Estate

I found this southwestern style vacation rental in the Taos Ski Valley located right between the town and the mountains. It sleeps 8+ .  Perfect for a couple of families to hang out in together.  Here's the link: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p180420

If you're looking for more of a resort style vacation try:  http://www.angelfireresort.com/winter/

Sandia Peak Tramway

Check out the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque. From the web site: "At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color, and your vantage point from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest affords an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment." Sounds nice, doesn't it?  I visited this area in the summer and went mountain biking. I'm not an out-doorsy girl and I was scared to death but WOW! what a thrilling and memorable experience. Great town, too.  Fabulous food.  See http://www.sandiapeak.com/

Here are some other sites for more info, snow reports, live mountain web cams etc.:

http://www.skinewmexico.com/

http://www.skitaos.org/

http://www.skisantafe.com/ 

May I have the rockstar discount, please?

I'm not much of a bargain shopper.  When it comes to clothes, for instance, if I find something that is drastically marked down I usually think:  a.  There's something wrong with it or b. It's hideous.  Not so with travel.  Everyone is looking for a deal, but sometimes a deal is looking for you. Check out:  http://www.sniqueaway.com  a new private sale travel site. Part of the Trip Advisor.com family, Snique Away offers their members deeply discounted accommodations at some of their top rated luxury hotels: read 50% off.  There is no cost to join - you just have to be invited by a friend (I'll be your friend) or request a membership invitation directly from the site.  They offer only 4 & 5 star properties that have the best Trip Advisor reviews and only a few are offered at a time.  The sales only last one week or until they sell out, so you need to be prepared to act quickly.  You also earn a $25 credit to your account whenever someone you've invited books a trip.  Here's an example of one of the deals available right now:

Galley Bay, Antigua

Check out the tree houses

The Galley Bay Resort in Antigua.  It's a gorgeous all-inclusive resort in St. John.  A deluxe beachfront room is normally $965 - the Snique Away deal? $409.  You're thinking: "but, I have to be ready to leave tomorrow, right?" Not the case.  You can book a vacation in February if you want.  The rate may change slightly but it's still a great deal.  Some dates require a 5 or 7 day stay, some don't.  Their calendar makes it very easy to see when you can get the deal that's just right for you and your travel plans. This information is available up front, as well as great tips and advice from previous guests, suggestions for things to do, where to eat etc.  Of course, like any discount travel site, you need to pay in full, up front and there are no refunds or exchanges.

Snique Away offers sales on hotels and resorts all over the world.  Right now they're featuring beautiful hotels in Savannah, Georgia, Boston, Mass. even Curacao. Upcoming sales include Negril, Jamaica, Punta Cana and Miami. As I mentioned, locations change from week to week so check in often to find a favorite destination or get inspired to travel somewhere new.  For some reason, I'm thinking..... Antiguaaaaah.

http://www.sniqueaway.com
http://www.tripadvisor.com

We paid for this?!

Whenever I've gone on trips with friends there's always someone in the group who says, "it doesn't matter where we stay, we won't be there that much anyway".  Ummm...yeah it does and yeah you will!  While I appreciate the easy going attitude (especially when I'm the one trying to find a place that everyone likes) the hotel room can easily make your vacation or nearly break it.  No one wants to spend valuable vacation time bickering with front desk staff trying to find a room that doesn't stink, doesn't have bugs, a bigger or better bed, better view, blah, blah, blah.   

Elysian Chicago

I LOVE the moment when you have that card key in your hand, you swipe it through the door lock (...at least 3 times because it never works on the first try) you swing open the door and there it is!  It's either a "wow!" or "oh, this is nice" or "omg, we paid for this?"  If it's me, I want the "wow".  I'll settle for "oh, this is nice" but it's really the "wow" I'm after.  I need pleasant surroundings to come home to at the end of the day - a clean, spacious place to shower, a fluffy bed.  C'mon! you're on vacation, your room is a big part of that - it's so much more than just a place to stash your luggage.

I found two fantastic web sites for unique places to stay if you're looking for somewhere special and not your typical big box, unfriendly, giant hotel conglomerate.   Check out: www.myboutiquehotel.com and www.chicretreats.com.  Both offer great suggestions for small, charming hotels all over the world.  Chic Retreats was started by Lulu Townsend who developed an interest in small boutique hotels while working at her parent’s hotel in Italy.  Although she lists some hotels in the US, most of the places she recommends are all over Europe.  My Boutique Hotel offers both luxury and budget boutique hotels in a variety of cities all over the world, but it seems their focus is in Paris.  Below are some examples of featured properties from each website.  You won't find these on Expedia or Travelocity......

Boathouse at Knott's End, Cumbria, England

Boathouse Interior

Harmony Boutique Hotel, Mykonos, Greece

Chateauu Les Charmettes. Midi Pyrenees, France

Baur au Lac hotel, Zurich, Switzerland

The way I see it - the minute you're on your way to the airport - you're on vacation.  Make the most of it.  Do things out of the ordinary; take a limo instead of a cab, have a cocktail in the morning, people watch while you wait for your flight, and definitely stay somewhere special. Treat yourself.  Isn't that the point?

Charlie Sheen is an idiot.

A well cared for room at The Plaza

 We all know he isn't the greatest husband, dad, actor, person, fill in the blank. But to add  "hotel room trasher" to his list of accomplishments is just more bad frosting on a nasty cake.  The fact that he wrecked a room at The Plaza....well, it's just so very wrong.  TMZ, of course, has photos of the aftermath:  http://www.tmz.com/2010/10/26/charlie-sheen-hotel-room-gallery-photos-pictures-trashed/.  Although the photos are blurry and probably taken with someone's camera phone on the sly, you can clearly see that the jerk broke a chair, ripped down some curtains, and apparently had a few heaters in the process.  All totaled - about $7,000 worth of stupidity.  C'mon, Charlie.

When it opened in 1907, The Plaza was the most prestigious address in New York.  The nightly rate then was $2.50. Back then it was called home by the Vanderbilts and the Hemmingways  of the world.  Today, it has achieved landmark status in New York and books have been written about it's magnificent history, and that nightly rate has climbed a bit... to $995. The Plaza IS the epitome of class and not just because of it's price tag. Unfortunately, there's no dirt ball filter for the Sheens of the world. 

For the rest of us, who only dream of staying there, we sneak in on a lovely Saturday afternoon just to take pictures of the lobby.

But I'm not bitter....much.

http://www.theplaza.com/

I need a holiday...in Rome.

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

Inspiration.  It comes out of the blue.  Whether it's a scene from a movie, a lyric in a song, or maybe a photo in a magazine.  Sometimes it's something as silly and small as an address mentioned in a 57 year old movie that generates a little spark...and off we go.....

"Via Margutta 51" - a line uttered by Gregory Peck (as reporter Joe Bradley) to a cab driver and later to Audrey Hepburn in a scene from Roman Holiday. Was it real?  Does it still exist?  Yes and yes. 

Via Margutta

Although the interior of Joe Bradley's apartment was a studio set, the exterior scenes were shot on the real "Via Margutta".  It turns out that this street has an remarkable history.  Famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Stravinsky and Puccini lived and worked in apartments and workshops on this very street. (Ok, art is not my thing and the only name I'm familiar with is the first one, but it's still pretty cool.)  Some of these buildings, which have been around since the 1800's, have been converted into hotels -see the link to Rome Luxury Suites below. The hotels (or suites) are owned and operated by the great grandson of the Marquis Francesco Patrizi who built these studios for the likes of Fredrico Fellini and others to live and work in originally.  There are three properties, one on Via Margutta a few doors down from Gregory Peck's apartment (pictured) and two on neighboring streets.  These buildings are protected by Italian Ministry of Culture and have been painstakingly remodeled for today's traveler.

Luxury Suites

Up and coming artists - no doubt looking for a little of that famous inspiration - used to call Via Margutta home, although, due to increased tourism to the street (largely because of this movie) it's become a wee bit expensive for the average starving artist. The street is now known more as a place to buy expensive art rather than create it.  Via Margutta, however, does hold festivals every year to celebrate new artists and perhaps discover the next Pablo.  The festival 100 Pittori in via Margutta (100 painters on via Margutta) takes place every April and November.

Hand-crafted bags

Today, Via Margutta is filled with high end art galleries, antique shops, cafes, and "small" designer stores; one owned by relatives of Bulgari (jewelers) and even a small Valentino store around the corner.  There's also a shop called Saddlers Union that makes and sells hand crafted leather goods, read: handbags.  Imagine getting a custom made, Italian bag personalized with your name or initials.  Let's see....a handbag from Rome or a t-shirt from Rome...hmm..what will it be?

Via Margutta is near other very popular tourist sites in Rome.  The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are within walking distance. So, if you're looking for a good, centralized place to stay while in Rome, this could just be the place for you.  It was good enough for Mr. Peck - I mean Joe Bradley.

Now

Then

Then

Now

The Spanish Steps

(sigh)

Some time ago, I came across an article written by a woman who visited several historical locations from Roman Holiday.  She offers some good tips on how to see it all.  Here is a link to that article: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome/vs_roman_holiday.htm.

Audrey with her Oscar for Roman Holiday

There is also another great site that lists all of the locations from the film and a description of each:

http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/roman-holiday-tour-5090.html 

Below are some Rome hotel sites, hotel reviews and suggestions for things to do and see while you're there.
Ciao, Bella!

http://www.romeluxurysuites.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/travel/12checkin.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=via%20margutta&st=tcse 

http://www.hotelsinrome.net/

http://www.hotelart.it/

http://www.saddlersunion.com/ 

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2786178-via_margutta_rome-i 

http://www.top10inrome.com/category/events

Just in case you happen to score tickets...

The World Series is upon us. I don't necessarily favor one team over the other - my Twins aren't in it so...whatever.  I do love Josh HamiIton of the Texas Rangers (what a fantastic, life-affirming story, that guy) and I absolutely adore the city of San Francisco. There's something about the city by the bay; the air, the trolley cars, Fisherman's Warf, the sea lions (that somehow know they're posing for pictures and work it) and the great people-watching and the FOOD. I love North Beach - San Fran's version of Little Italy. I could sit at a sidewalk table at an Italian restaurant all afternoon.....and I actually did once.  It was wonderful...and so was Mario. Oh, that sounds bad.  Seriously, he was just my waiter. He was very polite.  Really.

Me... after a whole lotta pizza.

Anyway, my favorite hotel in San Francisco is the Hotel Monaco.  It's colorful and lively and just...well, fun!  You can't help but be in a good mood when you walk in this place.

Lobby

Restaurant

Guestroom

Fantastic service, a wonderful location, affordable - it's perfect. Some reviewers of the hotel complain that the rooms are a bit small, but we didn't find that to be true at all. It's right in the heart of the city, close to fabulous restaurants, shopping etc. - Hotel Monaco is a safe bet.  Tonight's game? we'll wait and see....



The Poser

 http://www.monaco-sf.com/