Divas!

A new year means new destinations. What’s hot? What’s not? Here is where I would absolutely go in 2008…

1. Dubai: With 23% of the world’s cranes helping to build the world’s tallest building, best hotels and largest shopping malls, Dubai parades its fantasy to an ever more dizzying tune. Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence–a stay at the only 7-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab. I just got back and miss my two butlers and Rolls Royce Phantom and driver…

2. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: Why kill yourself zooming across the flat Serengeti plain when the Big 5 are all stuck together in a single, beautiful crater? There is no better safari destination than this Crater, full of all the animals you want to see, including the rare black rhino (there are 9 in Ngorongoro), and legions of lions (we saw 11 in one day including 2 babies, and two young amorous adults in flagrante delicto!).

3. Cartagena, Colombia: If you want a beautiful Caribbean beach, why go east when you can go south? The historic town is stunning, the ambiance romantic and sultry, and the accomodations can be quite lavish.

4. Jordan: I’m calling it Middle East light: it has all the charm and history of the Middle East under the enlightened regime of a true progressive. Feel safe and secure as you blow your mind with sites from the Old Testament, ancient Romans, Crusaders and that most fabled rose city, Petra, perhaps the world’s most beautiful monument.

5. Croatia: Hip beaches, the Euro vibe, refreshing natural beauty…Croatia has it all. Its dramatic coastline rivals any for sheer attractiveness, and the talent on the beaches and in the nightclubs rival a fashion catwalk. To shop, to dine, to see and be seen, Croatia is IT.

6. Belgrade, Serbia: This is not your grandmother’s Paris! Amazing nightlife, the beautiful people flock to outdoor cafes and clubs. European but with an eastern flair including its Cyrillic alphabet, Belgrade will entice you with its prime locale on the Danube.

7. Zanzibar: This up-and-coming exotic beach destination is not quite developped, not yet. Whether you’re a honeymooner looking to get lost in this tropical paradise or a back-packer looking for a cheap bungalow, Zanzibar’s bar-none, breathtaking beaches will satisfy even the most discerning of beach-combers, and with a nightspot or two dedicated to its hometown hero Freddie Mercury, you can always kick back with a brew. 

8. Panama: With a water system that our country built and a currency called the dollar, for Americans, going to Panama is like, well, not going anywhere at all. With all the attractions that neighboring tropical Costa Rica offers, Panama also boasts that once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Canal, that marvel of engineering. And you can drink the water!

9. Southwestern South Dakota: Have you not been to this fabulous corner of the plains? This part of the state will amaze with the largesse of its offerings: Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, Everwood, Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Monument, and Sturgis’ infamous motorcycle rally. Great for rockin’ road trips as well as family getaways, you will soon sing South Dakota’s praises.

10. Sapporo, Japan: Come for the brewery and stay for the Snow Festival! Enjoy tremendous spas (onsens) where you can soak in steamy natural mineral baths surrounded by snow. The Snow Festival celebrates that famous Japanese attention to detail as locals erect dazzling live art perfectly carved in snow blocks.   

The quality of London’s restaurants has become increasingly high profile over the last few years and London is now recognized as one of the great restaurant destinations of the world.

But my pick for London’s Steamiest Chef is Brett Graham. Brett began cooking at the tender age of 15, where his first job was at a simple fish restaurant in Newcastle, Australia.This eventually led the 28-year-old Australian Chef to opening The Ledbury’s kitchen in Notting Hill, London, where he was awarded a Michelin star only nine months later.

His French inspired food incorporates Asian touches as well as his Aussie sensiblilites– not to overdo. A perfect example can be found in his Balsamic-roasted Lamb with Miso and Garlic Eggplant; and Banana Poached in Beurre Noisette with Banana Parfait and Malt Loaf Ice Cream

Wine Note: The excellent list includes twenty-plus wines by the glass, 33 halves & a detailed selection from around the world. Be sure and save room for the cheese course.

The Ledbury
127 Ledbury Road
Notting Hill
London
W11 2AQ

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7792 9090
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7792 9191

Website | Email

Here is the destinations that I talked about today on “And the Women Gather” radio show on WMCU 1080 AM in Miami.

We will start with my favorite Club Med

With their Petit Club Med (2-3 years) and Mini Club Med (4-11 years), your children will have the time of their life discovering the region in which you are visiting and engaging in sports and activities they have never attempted before.  And while their having the time of their lives, parents can enjoy amenities and programs created just for them. Unwind with relaxing spa treatments, expert tennis lessons, amazing scuba diving or just a quiet area on the beach to get lost in a book.
    
Punta Cana
DOMINICAN REP (THE CARIBBEAN)    
    
Cancún Yucatán
MEXICO (NORTH AMERICA - MEXICO)
    
Ixtapa Pacific Ixtapa Pacific
MEXICO
    
La Caravelle
GUADELOUPE (THE CARIBBEAN)    
    
Sandpiper
U.S.A. (NORTH AMERICA - MEXICO)

Go to www.clubmed.com    

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort  

 
Why so great for Christmas:  For those kids who haven’t finished their letter to Santa, in-room stationary while be available to complete their wish list and secure a spot on Santa’s Nice List.  Children may then drop off their letter to the resort’s concierge, who will ensure that the letter is delivered to the North Pole in time.  

         
Cost per person:  The Escape Family Time package starts at $139 per night for a family of four, including free meals for children under 12.   
How to get there:  Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort is located just seven miles from Miami International Airport.

Christmas or family specials:  This holiday season, families can enjoy quality time together without straining their wallets with the Escape Family Time package at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort.  The package includes overnight accommodations in a garden-view room with two double beds and free meals for kids under 12, when accompanied by an adult.  Available through December 19, 2007, rates for the Escape Family Time package start at $139 per night.*  For reservations, please visit www.doralresort.com and use rate code MAJ or call (877) 89-DORAL and mention rate code XXFJ.
*Based on availability, advanced reservations required.  No more than four children dining at once; they must order front Kids’ Menu only; meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

Why so great for Christmas: Pritikin is at the forefront of the wellness resort trend and was recently featured on The Today Show and in USA Today.  The resort is not only a great spa and warm weather vacation, it also teaches families how they can live healthy and lose weight after the holidays.

Cost per person:  Single Occupancy: $5,224 for one week; $9,274 for two weeks
Double Occupancy: $7,951 for one week; $13,437 for two weeks

How to get there: Located in Aventura, Fla. just outside of Miami, the resort is accessible from both the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale airports.  The resort is located at the Yacht Club at Turnberry Isle. 19735 Turnberry Way in Aventura.

Christmas or family  specials: From December 22nd through March 22nd Pritikin is offering $500 off per guest per week.

Click here for more inforamtion.

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Why so great for Christmas:  Those looking to check everyone off their naughty and nice list won’t have to travel far as Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located less than five minutes from the area’s premier shopping hub featuring the Galleria Mall and the trendy and historical Las Olas Boulevard, and only 25 minutes from the famous Sawgrass Mills Mall, the largest mall in Florida and the fourth largest in the U.S.    
Cost per person:  The Holiday Resort Credit Package starts at $249 per night, based on double occupancy and a three-night stay.
How to get there:  Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is only ten minutes from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport.

Christmas or family specials:  This holiday season, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is putting a little extra money in guests’ pockets with the Holiday Resort Credit Package.  Travelers can take flight with the snowbirds and head south to the beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale while enjoying holiday savings.  Guests who book a five-night stay at the beachfront resort will receive a $300 resort credit and those who book a three-night stay will receive a $150 resort credit.  Resort credits can be used at the resort’s five restaurants, various shops, the renowned Spa at Harbor Beach and for all resort activities including scuba diving and snorkeling along one of the best off-shore dive locations in the United States.  Based on availability, the Holiday Resort Credit Package is valid from November 16 – December 26, 2007.  Rates start at $249 per night, based on a three-night stay.*  To book the Holiday Resort Credit Package, please visit

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort

Why so great for Christmas:  Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will also be hosting a myriad of holiday activities from Christmas caroling in the lobby by local students to sharing Christmas stories with complimentary hot apple cider.  Even Saint Nick will make a special appearance to hear all last minute requests!  The Spa at Marco Island will help guests ‘pep’ up their holiday with a special Peppermint Pleasures menu.  Peppermint pedicures, peppermint facials and peppermint massages will surely help guests unwind.  
 
Holiday visitors will trade snowmen for sand castles as international master sand sculptor John Gowdy leads sand castle building lessons on December 19.  The world-class instruction will prepare visitors for the first-annual Sand Sculpture Building Contest the following day, with over $3,000 in prizes, including:
•    Four-night stay for two in Gulf-front room
•    Rental car and parking for four days
•    Couples’ massage or two 50-minute spa treatments
•    Round of golf at The Rookery at Marco Island
•    Dinner for two at Kurrents, Marco Island’s signature restaurant
•    Daily breakfast for two, for up to four days
•    Unlimited water sports for two
•    $100 resort shopping credit
           
Cost per person:  Nightly rates start at $189, based on double occupancy.     

   
How to get there:  Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is located directly across from Miami on the Gulf Coast.  Along 41, the drive usually takes about two hours.

Christmas or family specials:  Santa along with sand-and-sun-lovers alike are all flocking one place this holiday season, the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort.  The resort’s gift to guests this year is a night on the house.  The fourth night is FREE with any stay of four nights or more December 15 – 21, 2007.   Nightly rates start at $189.*  For reservations and more information, please call 800-GET-HERE or visit www.marriott.com/mrkfl   and use promotional code HOL.

Family Friendly Santa Fe, New Mexico

Like so many things in Santa Fe, Christmas is celebrated just a little differently here. The combination of Western, Hispanic and Native American traditions blend into a holiday celebration not duplicated anywhere else.

The history, diverse culture, and high desert landscape makes Santa Fe a great fit for a rewarding family vacation.  More than 62,000 people reside in Santa Fe, N.M., and many of them are small. Children, in fact, thrive in the clear air, reliable sunlight, storied cowboys-Indians-and-Spanish-mission culture, and the low-slung adobe outlines of this casual resort town in the high desert. You’ll see parents tagging after their youngsters on mountain trails and in museums, galleries and sculpture gardens.  
The following list is a guide to the most family-friendly resort destinations in Santa Fe.  

Santa Fe Sage Inn
With its fenced-in pool and reasonable prices, this is a great spot for families.

• Complimentary Delux Continental serving pastries, bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, juice & coffee, hot & cold cereals. Breakfast from 6:30am to 10:00am.
• Business Center with Complimentary Wireless Internet Access
• Complimentary Parking Accommodates Large Vehicles
• Recently Renovated Southwestern Superior Guest Rooms
• Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool
• Pet Friendly Lodging: $25 per pet, one time, non-refundable
• Refrigerator Available: $5 per day  
• Superior Guest Rooms with 1 King or 2 Queen Beds. Standard Guest Rooms with 1 King, 1 Queen or 2 Double Beds

Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma

Located in the Riviera Maya, 30 minutes outside of Cancun.  Azul Beach was recognized by Travel + Leisure Family as the “Hip Gourmet Inclusive” boutique hotel.

Why so great for Christmas: Offers a warm weather environment (expected to be 80 degrees on Christmas day) in an intimate setting (only 96 rooms) so that families can spend quality time together and affords proximity so that each room is under a minute from the beach, the pool, the restaurants, the bars, and basically any other facility on the premises. Azul Beach boasts the Gourmet Inclusive concept, which includes unlimited food and beverages (including premium alcohols) a la carte rather than buffet style in an effort to encourage families to connect with one another during meal times.  At Azul Beach, babies are provided Gourmet Gerber at restaurants and also in mini-bars, where products are also included in the original cost and which are restocked daily.  Each suite is also stocked with a stroller, changing bed, baby bottle warmer and baby spa robe - so parents don’t have to pack these bulky items on their trip.  Azul Beach boasts a Kids Center as well where children receive more than simply babysitting but planned activities that keep them active and in the beautiful outdoor environment.  Azul Beach features full concierge and beach butler service at no extra charge, to all guests, particularly families with toddlers.

Cost per person: $227 per person (includes all meals and beverages)

How to get there: On American Airlines, guests can take a short, direct 1.25 hour flight from Miami for less than $300 per adult during the December high season.

Why? Because it easily “transforms” into dozens of completely different looks–many of which are smokin’ hot! And it’s specially sewn, fitted and designed to stay that way, not just an unflattering sarongy piece of cloth, that never fits properly. The only caveat is you have to have a pretty decent body to carry it off.

Lau says, “I was so excited when I finally figured out the pattern for this most FABULOUS dress ever. I decided to call it “The Transformer Dress”!!! It truly is 30 dresses in one (here I’m only showing a few). It could be even be worn as a skirt as well. Super chic and comfy. You could change the look depends on your mood. Really, how fantastic is that! Since they are all handmade from scratch by me, I can pretty much make any size or length with any colour material (Stretchy material).”
Usually they are either polyblend, cotton jersey, or stretchy silk,which in travel talk translates to: NO Wrinkles and even more important, it will still fit after chowing down on the local cuisine.

I was so excited when I found out that the Transformer is priced at only $75.00 that I immediately called up Bonnie and talked her into making some clever gift certificates, and ordered two for presents. Bonnie will then send the recipient receive a gift-card, instructions on how to take all the necessary measurements, choice of colors, and materials. About a week later, they will open their very own “Haute-Couture” made-to-order dress.
Note to clueless men: How cool and easy is that for a gift idea?

Go to their website and click on SHOP.

Did you know that when you are a Tango Diva member that you can find other Divas to connect with around the globe? Yes! We have over 6,700 members around the world. So say you are going to Miami, you can look up all the Divas in that area and then send them a private e-mail via your MY TANGO account. Right now we have 99 members in the Miami area.

What you need to do:

1. Register as a Diva, you can upgrade to First Class Diva for $35 and get over $300 worth of benefits, including an e-copy of my next book Body, Mind, and Solo: The 7 Steps to Suceessful, Soulful solo travel.

2. Upload your pictures and fill out your profile.

3. Search for other members around the world by going to the top button that says "DIVA" scroll down to "FIND DIVAS" then fill in the infomation.

4. A list of members in that area will pop up, then you can review their profiles and find the members who have the same interests as you do. 

5. E-mail the Diva and now you have a new friend!

Discover a new way to read on the plane!

Oh girl, Sephora is on sale! And don’t you deserve some new make up since you lost your favorite lip gloss in Europe somewhere?

Well, this week, their limited-edition makeup kit that sparkles with diamond-infused hues is up for the taking.

Shine like a jet set diamond when you use this kit that offers endless options for creating a glamorous multi-faceted look. It includes best-selling Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes and Diamond Shadow, the new must-have Diamond Powder hue Champagne and an essential black mascara and transparent lip gloss.

What is comes with:
- The vanity pouch with built-in mirror contains a .07 oz Diamond Powder 11 (champagne)

- A .09 oz Diamond Shadow 301 (diamond white)

- A .24 fl oz Waterproof Lengthening Mascara in 1(Black)

- A .042 oz Aqua Eyes in 1L (Star Black) 

- A .20 fl oz Fascinating Lip Gloss in 1(pearly transparent).

It’s a $110 value kit on sale for $49! Buy it here.