Alaina Yoakum is a Marketing, Communications, Social Media and Event Planning expert with over 20 years’ experience. When she’s not traveling the world or spoiling her two children at home in Northern California, she loves to help clients promote their brands more effectively through winning strategies, catchy copy, dynamic designs, and unforgettable events. 

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to grab your favorite gals and escape. The endless to-do lists, piles of laundry and constant homework monitoring just gets to be too much.

So when Holman Ranch invited me and a friend to stay at their breathtaking 400-acre historic property, I jumped at the chance. And what a treat it was! When it comes to crafting the perfect recipe for a girlfriends’ getaway, Holman Ranch has all the right ingredients.

About Holman Ranch

Set in the hills of Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch is less than a 13-mile, 30-minute drive west of the coast and tourist hot spots like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-mile scenic drive and Point Lobos, where you can often spot sea lions.

Holman Ranch is a premiere location for weddings, corporate retreats, family gatherings, and special events – not to mention unforgettable, indulgent girlfriends’ retreats. An overnight on a stunning ranch with picturesque views? Check. A private wine tour and tasting? Check. Private massage therapists and manicurists? Check! They’ll even plan an ATV ride through their vineyards, hayrides, dummy cattle roping – you name it! My friend and I knew we were in for a treat – we couldn’t wait to start our tour!

Savoring the Wine & the Views

After checking into our ranch guest house, my friend and I lounged on our beds, enjoying the sweeping views of the valley outside and the rustic touches of the décor inside. Next on the agenda was a top highlight of our stay: A private wine tour and tasting with Nick Lowder, who owns and operates Holman Ranch along with his wife, Hunter.

Nick took us on a stroll through the enchanting grounds, past a blue-tiled swimming pool built in 1931, and into the wine caves. There, we tasted some of their award-winning wines – straight from the barrel. My favorite was their bold and rich 2010 Pinot Noir Hunter’s Cuvee. I was also impressed by their commitment to sustainability in how they grow, farm and produce their organic wines. Their 21-acres of vineyards yield grapes to make a range of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. You can purchase their wines online, or better yet, join their Estate Wine Club for benefits like a two-night stay on their ranch.

Star Power

After a glass or two’s worth of wine and a mini power nap in our room, my friend and I reunited with Nick for a tour of the rest of the Holman estate – accompanied by a glass of their scrumptious Chardonnay, of course! We enjoyed the sunset in their blooming gardens and then entered the circa-1928 restored stone hacienda. Inside, Nick told us tales about the ranch’s illustrious history and how it once catered to Hollywood royalty, including Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and Vincent Price.

As a fan of old black and white films, it felt luxurious to walk along the same paths and lounge in the same rooms as those heavenly stars. It reminded me of a movie I loved as a young girl, called Somewhere in Time. In it, a man becomes obsessed with the portrait of a movie starlet who lived long, long ago. Using hypnosis, he inexplicably travels back in time to an old hotel in the early 1900s, where he meets – and falls in love with her. Inside the Holman Ranch hacienda, among the old paintings and period furniture, it felt like we’d been transported to that bygone era, when women wore long slinky gowns and men wore tails.

Fabulous French Fare  

The food wasn’t the only thing that was good – I loved the decor and antique signs at this bistro!

The luxury continued as we got whisked to town in a chartered bus to Nick and Hunter’s restaurant, Wills Fargo Steakhouse and Bar, for one of the best meals we’d ever had. We started our culinary journey with a sublime bowl of French onion soup, followed by roast chicken with a heavenly potato gratin. My friend, who is typically a picky eater, surprised me by ordering seconds of the side! We ended the meal (reluctantly) savoring the molten “Fondant” Au Chocolate and a vanilla ice cream with a twist – it was made using olive oil from Holman Ranch’s olive groves.

Full credit for this exquisite meal goes to their Executive Chef, Jérôme Viel, a classically trained French chef born in Brittany and who has been studying the culinary arts since the age of fifteen. Given how delicious the food is, it’s no wonder!

All in all, Holman Ranch is the perfect combination of luxurious, modern amenities and old-world charm. If you’re planning a getaway with one friend or a dozen, I highly recommend Holman Ranch and Vineyards.

To learn more about Holman Ranch and Vineyards, check out their website, visit them on Facebook or read their blog.

Disclosure: Alaina was on a press trip at Holman Ranch, but all opinions expressed are her own.

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Do you ever stop to think about the life you’ve been given? The legacy that has been passed onto you? Do you ever think about the fact that you were blessed with beauty and you can find this beauty in every moment, no matter where you look?

On my recent rejuvenating trip to Kaua’i, where I traveled for the first time, I came into contact with a woman named Puna Kalama Dawson, Hawaiian Cultural Guide to Wellness at The St. Regis Princeville Resort. She reminded me to remember:

How important it is to take the time to appreciate what is directly in front of me.

To be inclusive.

To be humble.

To listen.

To be kind to others but also myself.

To create memories.

And most importantly, to live in the moment – not to count the tomorrows, for they may not come.

The word “Aloha” actually means a shared space, a special moment. As I was greeted with this word during the rest of my stay in Kaua’i, I remembered and breathed in her words. It wasn’t hard – after all, I was in Hawaii.

I had been invited on a Rejuvenation Press Trip. For five-six days, I would get to know the island escorted by representatives from the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau. I was given an amazing opportunity, while there on assignment for several publications, to get to know an island I had never been to.

And I discovered so much about the island, while breathing in Puna’s words and the refreshing air. After a long, cold winter in NYC, I was thrilled to be in the sunshine, amongst amazing women, also there as writers covering the parts of the island we were shown. Kaua’i is the fourth largest of the main Hawaiian islands. Its land area encompasses roughly 552 square miles and only 3% of the island is developed for commercial and residential use.

That fact became more clear to me as I scanned the island from above on a Jack Harter helicopter ride, where I gawked silently at the many wonders of the island, from the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, and the mountain cliffs that rise from the ocean floor to form the magnificent unspoiled Napali Coast. It’s simply breath-taking, and when you are surrounded by all that beauty, it is easy to take in the moment.

The trip was amazeballs, full stop. It was hard not to pinch myself at times, particularly when I gazed at the gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets. We stayed on both the North Shore and South Shore in lovely hotels, sampling the island’s activities and cuisine. Our accomodations ranged from luxurious resort hotels to more moderately priced hotels, from The Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort & Spa to The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas to Kaua’i Beach Resort. They were all beautiful yet different. I experienced a range of adventurous activities from a Kaua’i Sea Tours Napali Coast Snorkel Sail to a Spa Treatment at ANARA Spa Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort & Spa to a downhill bicycle ride on Waimea Canyon with Outfitters Kaua’i to a Waterfall Picnic Horseback tour with Princeville Ranch Adventures to Mountain Tubing with Kaua’i Backcountry Adventures.

I’m going to stop talking as I have a several posts coming out on various sites where I’ll be going into depth about my trip. I’ll post them in the “My Writing” section here on this blog.

Kaua’i is more than rejuvenating. My senses were awakened, memories were created. The sunsets, the waterfalls, the sound of the waves as I drifted off to sleep, horse back riding through wide fields, biking down a canyon at sunrise, witnessing pure spectacles of nature.

I can’t wait to tell you more.

Disclosure: I was on a press trip hosted by the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau. As usual, all opinions are my own.

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Solo travel can be so…

Empowering.

Restorative.

Enlightening.

My recent trip to the Hawks Cay Resort was all of those things and more. For just a few days, I left my family at home, well taken care of, and went to cover the new renovations at Hawks Cay Resort. The resort is on Duck Key, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Key Largo is 46 miles north, and Key West is 61 miles south. It was a 2-2-1/2 hour journey from Miami, where I flew into.

For a few days, I’d explore the hotel with a group of writers and have experiences that are more complicated with kids in tow. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling with my children, but when we want to take a few hours to ourselves to go out on the water or have a quiet meal, we have to worry about childcare and finding entertainment for them. The agenda was full of experiences like jet skiing, fishing, spa treatments, a dolphin encounter, a sunset cruise and a visit to the adult-only pool.

Hawks Cay, while ideal for families and couple getaways, which I’ll be writing about extensively, is also idea for solo travel. It’s the ultimate destination for self care, indulgence and self fulfillment, and it all starts as soon as you get to the airport. The drive is relaxing and full of scenic views. The staff is friendly, and upon arrival, checked me right in. I’d say my visit was akin to being on a private island. It was a few days or tranquility and serenity, not having to be anywhere on a certain time and soaking up the sun (which I desperately needed coming from snowy NYC).

Hawks Cay sits on 60 acres on the islet of Duck Key and consists of a main hotel and separate condo units. I stayed in the hotel with a gorgeous view of the adult-only pool and ocean, one of several. The hotel also has tennis courts, a kids club, a full service marina, a saltwater lagoon for swimming, the Dolphin Connection and much more. My hotel room was spacious and comfortable, with a King-sized bed, flat screen TV, desk with chair, bathroom, Wifi access, a Keurig coffee maker and a lovely porch. I took great pleasure in drinking coffee while sitting outside, really enjoying the silence I don’t typically get while traveling with my kids.

There were many highlights of my visit, ranging from relaxation to water sports. On my first morning, we were taken to the Dolphin Connection. The experience takes place in a protected ecosystem that was built to support and nurture Hawks Cay’s resident pod of dolphins. The experts have been studying bottlenose dolphins since 1990. The resort also offers a more complete experience that involved swimming with them in the water. While our experience wasn’t as comprehensive, together with a certified trainer, we were able to interact with two dolphins which was an absolute delight.

Later we headed to the resort’s marina, which features 85 boats and an ice-cream shop, as well as a Starbuck’s and opportunities to go scuba-diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kite-boarding, as well as fishing charters and kayak rentals. We opted for an afternoon of jet-skiing, letting me glide quickly through the majestic islands. The water was clear and the space open enough to provide a terrific ride. I felt free as a bird pushing the pedals to gain speed, feeling confident that my time on the jet skis will propel me into a better space when I got home.

The next day, we started with a very early day  again on the warm water at the marina, this time boarding a boat with fishing experts who took us into the ocean to catch fish, and that we did. Trout, snapper – they came fast & furious. I did actually get a bit sea sick, which I guess comes with being a woman over 40. Our entire group fished, creating a sense of competition disguised in genuine camaraderie, catching enough for a fabulous dinner. The resort calls the experience “Hook and Cook,” and we enjoyed munching on the fish we caught as a team.

Later, for a bit of relaxing, we headed to the Calm Waters Spa. The spa was voted Best Hotel Spa in the U.S. by the readers of Travel + Leisure in 2009, and I can understand why. I opted for a one-hour facial, which left me glowing. I also took extra time in the sauna and steam room to make the most of my spa afternoon. It was truly the first time in many months that I felt completely relaxed and I hope to take some of that feeling into the operating room next month. To top off my visit, I rented a bike to see the island, which took me through local neighborhoods bathed in rich and vibrant colors. Riding a bike is something I love to do. As I peddle, my brain unhinges.

There’s a variety of restaurants at Hawks Cay, and I experienced all of them. All offer delectable seafood with healthy options. At Alma, which offers a menu of Latin-influenced dishes. The fish dishes were tender and the wine perfect. For a more casual meal and for breakfast, we dined at Ocean, featuring a menu of sustainable seafood, fresh pastas, and signature pizzetas.Their buffet option is a great one for families. For lunch daily, we dined at The Beach Grill, my personal favorite, and munched on fish tacos, burgers and salads. I highly recommend the watermelon salad with mahi mahi. We were able to order from their menu while sitting at the adult pool, too, where I ordered a yummy virgin pina colada.

All in all, my solo adventure to Hawks Cay was invigorating. A brief trip on my own was what I needed to clear my head and come back with a new energy to take on motherhood. I highly recommend a visit.

To book a trip, head to Hawks Cay’s web site: www.hawkscay.com.

Disclosure: I was on a press trip at Hawk’s Cay, but all opinions expressed are my own.

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I’ve just spent a few days in the Florida Keys at a resort that’s ideal for families. While I’m here, I’ve experienced several activities my kids would love – from fly fishing to jet skiing to a sunset cruise to a bike ride beyond the property.

Only there’s one catch – my kids aren’t here. I’m on my own after a pursuit of solo travel. I’m actually covering the resort. It was recently renovated and I’ll reviewing its new features for several publications I write for. I’m on a press trip with four other journalists. Some have kids, some don’t.

There is no question that traveling without my kids offers opportunities to explore and get more more in depth looks than traveling with them. I’m able to wake up and go for a run without worrying about hungry children, too. The experience is altogether different.

But don’t get me wrong: I started traveling with my kids right out of my womb. They’ve circled the globe and have traveled with me and my husband many times. I get immense pleasure out of showing them my favorite spots and seeing new places at the same they do.

But traveling alone gives me something much larger than life, and every now it’s important to stop and remember what it gives me. For one thing, it feeds my wanderlust and allows me to connect with myself on a very real and intimate basis that I can’t do when the kids are around.  It also allows me to be more experimental and adventurous. Riding a jet ski two days ago in the Keys gave me an opportunity to not only feel young again but also to tour the islands surrounding the resort, something I most likely wouldn’t get to do with my kids in tow.

My kids don’t limit me – they’ve actually helped me gain perspective on life. Since they were both born, I better see the possibilities in life. I see what’s out there in the world, and I want to spend every waking moment doing, seeing, going, experiencing.

So how I travel without guilt? My kids are older, but it’s still not easy. I leave everything back home as organized as I can, knowing in my heart that things may not go according to plan. But I also know that they will survive. I will come home refreshed and happy that I am furthering this extension of my career.

Riding the jet ski refreshed and reminded me of everything I love about getting out and seeing the world. I am going home shortly and I believe my family will also benefit from my time away.

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Last year I went on a trip to Asia with a really good girlfriend of mine. I wrote about my travels primarily on gogirlfriend.com and you can go back and read my stories there. The trip was everything that I’d hoped it would be…and then some.

For two weeks, we ventured into the unknown – truly, as neither of us had been to this unique part of the world – and it was sublime. Before we went, we created this amazing document on Google Docs, which we titled “Holly & Alaina’s Midlife Crisis Trip 2013” which we referred to constantly during our travels. It was a list of suggested places to visit by friends and family members who had traveled to the parts of Asia we were going to. It was very comprehensive and all the ideas were spot on and really complimented the kind of travel we were both seeking. We were two moms on a mission to have the time of our lives. That’s all we wanted and it made for very happy travels. We saw, we ate, we took it all in one step at a time.

I’ll never forget the night we came together in Hong Kong will forever be etched in my mind. I had spent the entire day walking the streets and getting to know the city prior to Alaina’s arrival and had drifted in a very deep sleep when she walked through the door. But the image of her walking in is still vivid and as memorable as it gets. We traveled so well together and such an amazing time in a city that neither of us knew. So here I bring to you my blog post on “How to Have a Sublime Midlife Crisis Trip in Hong Kong”.

These are truly insider tips!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

– Get travel insurance.

– Bring mosquito repellant.

– Tap water not safe and no ice in drinks, except top hotels.

– Book train tickets ahead.

– Prices vary widely for tours. Vast majority offer similar tours. Not recommended if you want to see the country and people.

– Haggle for everything.

– Rickshaws can overcharge tourists. Agree price before getting in.

– Taxis are metered and not expensive. Some drivers need persuading to turn them on.

– Show address to taxi driver. Lots of copycat establishments.

– Should check room and bed in hotel. Single room may have single bed. Double room may have 2,3 or 4 beds single or double beds.

– Bargain for rooms, rates fluctuate according to demand.

– 10% government tax added to price. Top class adds a further 5% for service.

– Security a problem in hotels. Keep valuables on you at all times.

– Don’t buy drugs on the streets; they can turn you into police.

– Dong prices will be lower than dollar prices. 20,000 dong to $1.

– Take a GOOD camera. The visuals are outstanding.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE – DO NOT MISS THE FOLLOWING ON HONG KONG ISLAND:

–       Happy Valley tram – Ride it to the end & back again – get on in western or central and ride the Sit up top in front. Great street scenes at night.

–        The Peak* or Victoria Peak in Central – Great views of the South China Sea. Take tram up, walk around top and back down.

–       Aqua Luna – 45 minute boat tour cruising the harbor. Get it at Pier 1 by the Cultural Centre.

–       Central Mid-Levels Escalator – Longest covered elevator I’ve ever seen. Get off at any level (29 stops) and shop or eat.

–       Man Mo Temple – Oldest and most important Taoist temple – walk west on Hollywood Rd. Great antique/junk shops.

–       Stanley Park – Fun market.

–       Admiralty – Home to the Pacific Place shopping and hotel complex.

–       Hong Kong Park  – Best for some peace and quiet.

–       Hollywood Walk of Stars – 8PM with the crowds and see the Light Show of HK Island (every night of the year).

–       Intercontinental Hotel Lobby Bar – The view is THE view.

–       North Point – Hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, but almost no tourists, great shopping, great value.

WHAT TO DO IN KOWLOON: 

You must visit Kowloon Peninsula.  Take the Star Ferry between Kowloon & HK Island. Great views as you cross. 

– High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel – Best afternoon tea. Sit on top floor for view. Elegant, has feel of Hong Kong in 1950s.

– Wan Tai Sin Temple. – Spectacular temple in Wong Tai Sin District (~15 min by train from Tsim Sha Tsui or ~US$8 by taxi). All taxi drivers & residents know it. Have your fortune read or get help from a ‘Feng Shui’ Master.

– Temple Street Night Market – Shopping / eating / fortune telling / cheap fun stuff / knock-offs) in the Yaumatei district, home to Tin Hau Temple and Jade Market, is rich with tradition.

– Kowloon Walled City – Originally a Chinese military fort, the Walled City became an enclave after the New Territories were leased to Britain in 1898.

– Harbour City Shopping Center – Myriad of stores, not cheap.

– Mongkok – Shopping for both tourists and locals. One of the most ‘local Chinese’ places in all of Hong Kong, featuring good street markets incl. the famous Ladies (night) market, the goldfish market and Fa Yuen Street markets.

– Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens near to the Diamond Hill MTR, just one stop away from the Wong Tai Sin Temple.

AWESOME DAY TRIPS:

● Lai Chi Wo – Hakka Village, cab ride thru the tunnel, close to China border.

● *Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery –  Sha Tin, cab ride. You have to climb 400 steps. A steep climb to reach, but efforts are rewarded with over 12,000 Buddhas both outside and inside the temple.

● The Tsang Tai Uk walled village

● Che Kung Temple

● Hong Kong Heritage Museum

● Man Fat (10,000 Buddha) Monastery

● Lantau Island – The biggest of the more than 200 outlying islands is Lantau, with the Tung Chung area, the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Po Lin Monastery and Disneyland.

● Lamma Island – 3rd-largest island hosts large western population and great seafood restaurants – to get to Lamma, take a ferry from Central (~20-30min one way). Freshest seafood/fish ever! There are 2 different boat docks in Lamma, make sure you take the right one.

EATING: 

■ Tim Ho Wan  – Best Dim Sum. Flat 8, Ground Floor, Phase 2, Tsui Yuen Mansion, 2-20 Kwong Wa St. the “Dim Sum Specialists”.

■ Chili club – In wanchai – dive-ish – 88 Lockhart rd, GreatThai 1/F.

■ The China Club – Dim Sum – Phase 2, Tsui Yuen Mansion, 2-20 Kwong Wa St.

■ Zuma – Phenomenal sushi. 15 Queen’s Rd West.

■ Lok Yu – Decent dim sum, but go for the people watching. 24 Stanley St. It’s “old‑school all the way” at this “ancient dim sum palace”, a local “institution”serving “authentic” Cantonese bites and “traditional” dishes in a “classic” art deco–style “teahouse” setting.

■ Red Pepper – Wonderful Szechwan food. 7 Lan Fong, near Causeway Bay.

■ Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao – Causeway Bay (HK side) Yummy noodle dishes & dim sum. Near Causeway Bay.

■ 208 Otto – Italian in Sheung Wan. 208-214 Hollywood. Near Man Mo Temple.

■ Lan Kwai Fong: Great place to kick back and relax. Popular expat place. Near Man Mo Temple.

■ Posto Pubblico – Italian, great vibe.

■ Lily & Bloom -Western, Lan Kwai Fong. Hotel Lkf By Rhombus, 33 Wyndham St. This new bar and supper club takes its inspiration from NY at turn of the century with a luxuriously retro look incorporating wrought iron and blown‑glass.

■ Va Bene – Best western restaurant:  17 Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

■Post 1997 – In Lan Kwai Fong – great place to kick back and relax, old fav. Not interesting food – but good place to relax. Popular expat place.

■ Posto Pubblico – Italian, great vibe.

■Lei Garden – Fab traditional Cantonese – best one is in Houston Ctr, Tsim Sha Tsui East (for dinner or dim sum). In Kowloon.

■Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao  in Harbor City, Kowloon (in ferry building) – yummy noodle dishes & dim sum. In Kowloon.

■Din Tai Fung – Best soup dumplings in town – nice for lunch, in Kowloon Silver Chord Bldg. 20 Canton Rd. In Kowloon.

■T’ang Court – Fab traditional Cantonese in Kowlooon Langham Hotel (great for dinner or dim sum). In Kowloon.

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After having lived in and near NYC for many years, I certainly know how cost prohibiting a visit may seem to some people.  But as I’ve mentioned here on this blog many times, there are tricks of the trade to explore the best of NYC without breaking the bank. I’ve partnered up with CityPASS this month to shed light on a few ‘underground tips’ when it comes to conquering the concrete jungle.

Choosing the Right Hotel

Although, NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, you will find yourself wanting to lay your head somewhere comfortable. Before spending your entire vacation budget on a hotel, do a little investigating by calling ahead or searching online for accommodations that fit within your budget.

Another option to maximize vacation budget is to consider finding a hotel that may be near some spots you plan on visiting. A hotel within walking distance of several stops on your itinerary may seem more expensive; however, you may wind up saving beaucoup bucks on transportation costs or cab fare, by choosing nearby lodging. To help estimate what you may spend, you can use the Taxi Fare Finder website to estimate far costs. You can then weight these costs against what you believe you might save by staying at a comparatively cheaper hotel verses one with swankier accommodations. You just may discover that a closer, seemingly more expensive hotel may save you a bit of cash in the long run.

Citi Bike Share Program

When the long city blocks become too tiresome for your feet and taking a cab isn’t an option, there is one particular form of transportation that is easy, efficient, exercise and exciting. The New York Citi Bike system is a bike share program that offers thousands of bikes at hundreds of strategically placed stations all around the big city. Bikes are available 24/7, 365 days a year. This form of transit allows visitors to be in control of their own adventures and has become increasingly popular among New York City citizens as well. Citi Bike memberships cost $9.95/day, $25week and $95/year. If you think you might enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of The Big Apple full on, the Citi Bike share program is perfect for you, and even the little ones!

If you enjoy the sights and sounds of the big apple, the Citi Bike share program is perfect for you, and even the little ones.

Saving Money One Meal at A Time

New York City plays host to a spectacular array of cuisine. The city is full of famous restaurants, deli’s, bars and everything in between, but sometimes prices can be rather steep. Below are some quality “chow down” spots that will leave you quite satisfied with your food and your bill.

• Fiore’s Pizza– 165 Bleecker St, Lower Manhattan. Plain slices starting at $2.50- a small price to pay for some of the best thin-crust pizza in the city.
• Hybird– 75 Ninth Ave, at 15^th St, Meatpacking District. Old school fried chicken drumsticks, egg dumplings, cupcakes, biscuits and more.
• Blue Collar– 160 Havemeyer St, Williamsburg. Cross the bridge for this hamburger joint that brings homestyle food back to its roots old fashioned patties, dogs and shoestring fries, all for under $5.
• Glady’s– 788 Franklin Ave, Crown Heights.  A bit off the beaten path, this sandwich shop offers big portions, quality ingredients and unique creations.

When New York City is calling your name and your looking to have some fun and still save some cash, let CityPASS help you experience The Big Apple for all its worth.

Disclosure: This sponsored post was written by Dan Patterson, Director of Internet Marketing for CityPASS.

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Disclosure: My visit was sponsored by Vail Summer but all opinions are my own.

During a recent stay at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a Rock Resort on a weekend getaway, I was completely transported from every day life. From the minute I walked into the lobby, just me and my bags (no kids in tow), I knew I was in for a treat. Clearly I knew that in the winter, the hotel is a winter oasis for skiers, but I really didn’t understand how nice it (or Vail) would be in the summertime. Between the service, decor and proximity to central Vail, I was set. The property is steps from the Eagle Bahn gondola and Born Free Express lift; Vail Village is a short (5-10 minutes) in town, a shuttle ride away (which happen to be free all day, all night) and there are plenty of great restaurants, bars and shops close by.

Immediately upon arrival, I was struck by the hotel’s look and charm. The lobby is a combination of mahogany and antiques and offers an element of comfort and style. Service was immediately responsive upon check-in and I instantly felt the vacation vibe settling in.

My room was also exceptionally cozy.  Despite my busy agenda, I milked very moment I had at The Arrabelle at Vail Square.  Decked out in lush antique furniture that is reminiscent of another time and place, the hotel offers unusual touches like pumice stones in the shower, fresh, plush towels (not just 2 or 3 like other hotels, more like 4 or 5 so you never have to ask for more), a Keurig coffee maker, free fresh water, a shower with two valves so two people can shower at the same time (very romantic), plush robes and slippers, fully thick curtains that shield the light from the room, a dramatic balcony with a new of Vail, a flat-screen TV, free Wifi and…ready for this? An electric fireplace built into the wall with an armchair that is easily pulled up in front for rest and relaxation.  I have to say, at the end of a busy day, coming back to the room for a break before dinner to a lit fire (set by the room attendant when turning down the bed) is pretty wonderful.

Breakfast on the balcony, reading the NYT, wasn’t bad either. Looking out at the lovely view of Vail was one heck of a way to start my day.

My zen state that resulted from my stay at The Arrabelle really culminated with a visit to their spa. Voted #19 out of the top 270 spas in the world in the 2012 Conde Nast Reader’s Poll, it was easy to see why.  Guests of the hotel get free access to its relaxation room, whirl pool, sauna, steam room and Swiss showers.  So I took advantage of these facilities each day and also indulged in a aromatherapy massage which was HEAVENLY.  The 10,000-square-foot spa complex also includes a full-service nail salon and a retail shop with professional skin care lines, lotions, soaps, oils, meditation books, cards and other spa products.  The Spa uses only the most advanced botanical technologies in its treatments. Treatments feature organic ingredients, indigenous massages and wraps, rejuvenating facials, and other special amenities.  The Arrabelle Spa is definitely one of the nicest hotel spas I’ve ever been to and I highly recommend a visit.

If you’re thinking of going to Vail this summer (what’s left of it), the Arrabelle is offering a weekday summer saving where you can save up to 33% off when you stay between Sunday and Thursday. In addition, if you spend 3 nights there this summer, you can get a 4th night free.  

If you are organized and want to book early for the winter, book by July 31st and save up to 40% off. Stay 10 or more nights this winter and save up to 40% off. You can also book next year’s winter vacation by September 15th and save up to 33% off.

There are really a lot of reasons to go to Vail, both with and without the kids – I’ll be writing more about them in the upcoming days.  Stay tuned.

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A Photo Journey

Summertime in Colorado is something special, alright, who knew?  Posting about the trip here and elsewhere shortly.

Disclosure: My visit was hosted by Vail Summer but all thoughts expressed are my own.

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Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Ocean Edge Resort.  However, all commentary and opinions expressed are my own.

Last weekend my daughter and I jumped on the Amtrak train in NYC, took it to Boston and drove the rest of the way to Cape Cod.  It took a chunk of time, but we both had a feeling the end result was worth it so we both sat back and enjoyed the journey. A visit at Ocean Edge Resort in a town called Brewster awaited the two of us. We had eagerly anticipated this trip for weeks prior upon further investigation of the hotel’s web site, and my daughter was eager to spend time alone together.

Ocean Edge is a beautiful Cape Cod property (literally) that was built over 100 years ago.  It has been renovated several times since and the experience it offers its visitors is nothing less than transporting.  From its nautical décor to its position on the water, the owners have taken great care to make the hotel an ultimate place to stay for families on the Cape.  From s’mores on the beach to cocktails on the terrace overlooking the bay to strolls on the beach to bike riding on the Cape Cod Bike Trail to eating home made ice-cream in the middle of town, we truly got the real Cape Cod experience in the span of just a few short days.

Here are a few of the highlights of our visit:

Our room.  We loved our room. We were positioned in a room on the mansion side of the property in one of the hotel’s 90 newly renovated rooms.  The rooms are spacious and decorated with a nautical Cape Cod feel, yet feel quite modern.  The beds were amazingly comfortable, decked out with sheets by a brand called Comphy, and comfortable doesn’t even begin to describe how they made us feel. We also had free Wifi, cable, plush bathrobes and a flat screen TV.   The two of us literally couldn’t wait to get back to the room after our activities for a rest.  We put the furry robes on and just vegetated in pure bliss, either in the room or on our small patio facing a pond in front of the property. We were also just a short walk from the beach and one of the outdoor pools.  I’m not kidding that when we were packing to leave the resort, my daughter begged to stay longer.

S’mores on the Beach:  My daughter was delighted by the opportunity to have s’mores on the beach after the sun had gone down.  It was on our first night and as I sat with my glass of wine overlooking the bay in front of a bonfire, I took in that Cape Cod feeling you get from even the shortest visit. I won’t be forgetting that experience anytime soon.

A Bike Ride on the Cape Cod Bike Trail: For our day of adventure at Ocean Edge, we chose to rent bikes and rode along the famous Cape Cod Bike Trail all the way to Orleans.  It was a 5-mile trip both ways, but the trail is 26 miles long and the trail is flat enough that the whole trip wouldn’t be difficult to do. We made it to the Chocolate Sparrow, a coffee and chocolate store in Orleans and browsed around the shops.

Cooling Off and Burning Calories: After our ride, we cooled off in one of the resort’s 3 outdoor pools (the hotel also has 3 indoor pools in case of rain).  Then we engaged in a fantastic tennis clinic with an instructor named Jim. As the day came to a close, we took a stroll down to the beach.  We picked seashells and dipped our feet in the lovely ocean water. The day was truly a taste of Cape Cod, with all the right toppings.

The resort offers a lot of other activities for families including exercise classes (including yoga), golf (guests have access to the private Nicklaus Design golf course), tours at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, junior sports camps and dive in movie nights.  

Yummy Chow: At Bayzo’s Pub, located downstairs inside the Mansion, an English tavern that is casual dining, we were able to sit back with drinks and enjoy traditional pub fare with a healthy twist for dinner one night.  At the Ocean Terrace, we sat back and dined in the sun, with the view of the Cape in our distance. Outside the premises, the hotel also owns the Linx Tavern, which we took a shuttle to and enjoyed casual fare with Cape Cod flair: fish tacos, shrimp cocktail, fish & chips, roasted scrod and more. I would be lying if I said that everything we tasted wasn’t delicious. Because it was!

Ice-cream: Given my daughter’s sweet tooth, our trip to Brewster Scoop at the Brewster General Store, where they have gorgeous, large scoops of homemade ice-cream, was another highlight of our trip.

Hospitality: Being from the south, I do know good service and I have to say that the service at Ocean Edge is exceptional.  When I discovered that I had a broken iPhone lead, they found one.  When I realized I’d forgotten toothpaste, they brought me some to the room. The service in the restaurants was also first rate.  We both felt very much at home, as a result.

Our room costs $225 a night.  Please note that no meals are included, this is not an all-inclusive. If you plan on heading to Ocean Edge and want something less expensive, the Villages side has 1-2 and 3-bedroom Villas with rates starting at $129 per night. For something even more luxurious, the resort offers a new Presidential Bay Collection with villas ranging in size from 1,000- 1,600 square feet, featuring layers of detail in bedding, built-ins, artwork and accent features that bring a modern feel to the beach side villas, while maintaining a nod to the traditions of Cape Cod. Perfect for multi-generational or large families, these include a Personal Concierge who will even do your grocery shopping! Rates start at $600 per night. Who wouldn’t love that? Yes, please.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.oceanedge.com or call (800) 343-6074.

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I currently have a 3-part series over at a wonderful site called Go Girlfriend. The first part debuted last week and it was about the planning and thinking process that went into my trip before I left. Why did I want to travel without my family and how was my decision perceived.  It’s all in this piece.

Here’s a snapshot:

Every time we told people we were heading on a solo adventure, they immediately assumed we were traveling on business or were having a mid-life crisis. How could I not be traveling with my husband, they asked?

Why is it so shocking, I asked myself? Why so unusual? My kids are now old enough that I knew they’d be fine. More than fine. Nothing would change and when I returned, we’d reunite happily. But then life would go on. And my trip would become a distant memory.

I’m sharing it here, now.  I hope you will stop by and give it a read. Comment there or here and let me know if you can relate.

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