One of our DIVAs is heading to Galway and wants advice for Summer ‘09!
“I’m visiting family in Ireland this summer. I’ve been many, many times over the years but always directly to Grandma’s house (do not pass Go). I’ve heard that the dining around County Galway, Ireland is amazing but grandma would never hear of us eating out. I’m thinking I might break that tradition this time. Anyone have any experience in or around Galway with restaurants? – Michelle
If you’re looking for something slightly more understated, than the charming Ceiba Del Mar, also in Puerto Morelos, is an 88 room, all ocean view hotel situated on a nearly deserted beach-once a former coconut plantation-surrounded by a lush jungle.
The casual Mexican design, with its hand carved furniture, wood-latticed windows,and a carved rock depicting the sacred Mayan ceiba tree gives off a homey laid-back vibe (but not skimping on personalized service or luxe amenities.) Comfy airy rooms have cloud-like turquoise and white beds- which are scattered nightly with bougainvillea petals and chocolates- balconies, terraces,hammocks and some even have a private plunge pool so you can really dwell in complete privacy if you wish. (For this reason I heard it’s a fave of many bigstars but they were too discreet to name-drop…’cept for a certain “Tom”.)
A standout is their European waterfront spa. The holistic spa offers a kaleidoscope of treatments ranging from a classic Swedish massage, personalized aromatherapy or a restoring Shiatsu, as well as their version of the indigenous Temascal, which is performed at sunset, on the beach with hot volcanic rocks. In addition, the spa offers a full-scale fitness center, complimentary yoga and aerobics classes, or hiking trails meandering through the adjacent mangroves.
Note: While Ceiba offers one of the best walking beaches, I would not recommend Ceiba as a top choice for foodies, since there are only two restaurants and I was sadly underwhelmed by the food.
After checking out about six other resorts the next day, my hands-down fave was the enormously fabulous (set on 14 acres, including a 500 yard private beach and also adults-only) Paraiso de la Bonita Resort.A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, Paraiso offers 90 extra-large beach front suites and a 22,000-square-foot -like thalassotherapy center and spa, where I could happily spend the whole week.
The dream begins when you are picked up the Cancun airport by one of the resort’s private Lincoln Navigators and handed a damp towel and a cold water bottle of drinking water and whisked 20 minutes away to Paradise.
This romantic hideaway (the owner, a Mexican architect, built it as a lasting gift for his beloved wife) is totally styled out with an eclectic mix of tasteful antiques and whimsical ethnic objets d’art displays, starting with the massive Balinese lions standing guard duty in the foyer. Each suite is totally unique but all are swathed in luxurious fabrics and filled with treasures collected by the owners during their travels around the world, and they all feature exceptional views, private terraces, and oversized glass and marble bathrooms with marble tubs for two and soothing jet showers. Just a sampling of some of the other classy niceties are Frette linens, maid service 3 times a day- Bulgari bath amenities, a variety of passion oils, scented candles, a welcome bottle of Tequila and a bottle of champagne with fresh fruit in room each day.
Although there are only two main restaurants, plus a beach side grill and pool bar if you want to go casual, the caliber of the food is so incredible that I think you’ll be more than satisfied, particularly when you dine in La Canoa, their AAA 4 Diamond Award winning Gourmet Restaurant offering “Cuisine de los Soles” – a fusion of styles based on spices and chilies which is guaranteed to excite your palate as well as your mind with their beautiful presentations.
Not content to simply offer a plebeian “all- inclusive” , Paraiso provides “Endless Privileges™” for their guests. The full list of these exclusive services is quite lengthy, so I have enclosed the link for you to salivate over, and perhaps carry with you to pull out at the office next time you need a 1 minute relaxing mind getaway
But I knew it was true love when I first glimpsed their Zoëtry™ Wellness Spa. They offer the only certified Thalasso Spa in Mexico and the first in North America, where believers attend this non-denominational temple of healing and rejuvenation. Thalassotherapy is based on the belief that ocean is the source of life and the therapeutic use of warm seawater, seaweed, thermal clay, plankton and phytoplankton are the basis of many relaxing Thalasso treatments .
If you’re after a more lasting result, then stop in and check out their “anti-aging” center, where they take aesthetic procedures a step further by incorporating a host of cutting-edge age-management treatments. There is an on-site doctor who will oblige you with everything from cosmetic procedures (including the ever popular Botox or Restalyn) or perhaps the more controversial Swiss cell therapy.
You’ll also have many choices for burning off calories the old fashioned way at their beach side exercise center, fitness classes, yoga or swimming pool. Don’t miss the unique Mayan healing ceremony of the “Temazcal” . This ancient ritual includes a traditional steam with herbal essences, held with a Shaman who guides you through the various stages of this unique and unforgettable experience.
You and your girlfriends live for your annual warm weather getaway, however with the all the financial downturn you’re having trouble putting it all together. You’ve already done the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cabo and Hawaii, and need someplace equally fantastic that won’t break the bank.
Why don’t you surprise your gal-pals by planning an upscale, “all-inclusive” trip to Riviera Maya.(That’s right, I said “all-inclusive” but the Riviera Mayan way is light years beyond Princess cruises or Club Med.) Only a decade ago, the Riviera Maya was virtually unheard of, but fast-forward to today and the 75 miles of snow-white beach south of Cancun, starting at Playa del Carmen all the way to Tulum, is sprouting luxury hotels faster than breeding bunnies. Many of these offer unbelievable all-inclusive plans that free you from the stress of all the planning minutia. This way you’re free to choose to chill beach side with your friends while you catch up on all last year’s happenings sipping( free) umbrella drinks, or when/if that gets old, you can take advantage of the variety of activities and adventures that are available–with no unpleasant sticker shock surprises awaiting you upon check out.
Riviera Maya has so much to see and do that its easy to find something that all your home girls will enjoy. Scuba-Susie will love the fantastic diving and snorkeling (the world’s second largest coral reef is found here.) History-buff Holly will insist that you explore at least one of the important Mayan archaeological sites –perhaps Tulum? And Party-girl Patty will be in heaven with the selection of trendy boutiques and nightlife at the nearby town of Playa del Carmen, while you’ll be perfectly happy lazing in the sun, reading your book by your infinity pool, lifting a finger only to order lunch and perhaps ask your private concierge to make you a spa reservation for later.
Best Affordable Luxury Hotels:
1. Royal Hideaway Playacar, Playa del Carmen
I stayed at the Royal Hideaway Playacar, the first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award, where I happily rambled around the beautiful 13-acre layout of lawns, bridges, streams and sand. Whirlpool bathtubs and Etro toiletries, walk-in closets, and comfy beds hit all the right notes for those seeking the optimum bang for their bucks. Lavish coffee and tea spreads, cocktail hour, complimentary room service, mini-bar, first-class spa, a DVD library, Complimentary Internet access in the Business Center, even a free overnight shoe-shine (for flip-flops?) up the all-inclusive ante.
The resort gets top honors for their personalized service starting at the reception area where you are greeted warmly with a glass of bubbly and a cool towel. Each villa pod has its own concierge that will bend over backwards to make your stay pleasant. Mine thoughtfullystarted out by asking if I wanted an early wake-up call so I could join the next morning’s outdoor yoga class.
The wide range of culinary choices is a welcome bonus since too many all-inclusives offered only a couple of restaurants or even worse, an endless parade of tired tacky buffets at all meals. Here, your girls can pick a different cuisine every night from their six a la carte specialty restaurants, ranging from Pan-Asian, Carribean, Mexican, Italian fine-dining to a full Dinner theater with banquet setting, lively entertainment and a 4-course meal. Along with the unlimited meals, alcohol, juices and snacks are also included so you’re just minutes away from “catering” a spontaneous gabfest over cocktails and hor’s doeuvres. There is a breakfast buffet, which was filled with gorgeous fruit selections well as heartier entrees, which I thoroughly enjoyed dining al fresco, watching the sunrise.
There’s no disco on site (phew–makes for much more pleasurable sleeping) but if you want to go boogie, your concierge can get you evening passes for the club at the Occidental Allegro right next door.
Note:
* Not all the rooms have a beach front view, plus it’s quite a small beach since this area has been thrashed by several hurricanes however, I barely missed it however, with the wide range of pools, cabanas and outdoor lounging areas available.
If you are going to be in the Bay Area next month, you’ll want to be sure and reserve your tickets to join the League of Women Voters of San Francisco at the “Women Who Could Be President” gala reception on February 12, 2009, from 5:30 to 8 pm at San Francisco’s City Club,155 Sansome Street.
The longstanding award honors an accomplished group of women who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service in the community. The celebration will be hosted bypast honoree Cheryl Jennings of KGO-TV and chaired by Chandra Friese- two dynamo’s in their own right. You’ll be excited, empowered, and enthused after hearing the inspiring words of this year’s honorees:
• Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment
• Michela Alioto-Pier, Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
• Diane Jones Lowrey, Director of Marketing at Levi-Strauss and community leader
• Lisa Stevens, Executive Vice President, Regional President of Wells Fargo
• Carolyn Wente, Leader of Wente Family Estates and Philanthropist
Funds raised by the gala reception benefit the League’s voter education programs. Ticket cost is $89 for
members and $150 for non-members, which includes a membership to the League. Complete details about the
reception and honorees, including biographies, are available at the League’s website.
Only $399* with no minimum length of stay. And solo bookings are a-okay! That is Tango Diva’s kind of deal! Plus RT pick up from airport! Divas use code: SUNTD to get this special rate. Call 800.232.3969 as you will not find this package on their web site.
Package includes:
o Afternoon “Art Walks” that allow you to enjoy the ever changing art at Miraval
o Introduction to the pleasures of Organic Wine with complimentary wine tasting alfresco
o Indulge your epicurean side with daily cooking demonstrations
o Enjoy the freedom of our Signature Programs such as Quantum Leap and The Equine Experience
o Upgraded accommodations available in our luxurious new sustainable rooms with sexy outdoor showers and oversized roman tubs for an additional $200 per person, per night
Package also includes three gourmet meals daily, one $125 spa service or round of golf per person, per night of stay and complete use of resort facilities.
* Rate is $399 per person, per night of stay based on single or double occupancy. Exclusive of tax and resort amenities fees. Valid for stays in between January 22nd through May 13th, 2009. Not applicable to groups or preexisting reservations. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Blackout dates apply.
On Saturday, February 14, couples across LA will be billing,
cooing, sipping bubbly, exchanging roses, and doing all the polite things
expected of them by the Valentine Industrial Complex. Yawn.
Why not be two of the lucky oddballs who will be exploring the other side of
love on Esotouric’s most bizarre true crime and cultural history tour, BLOOD
& DUMPLINGS instead? Because love isn’t all red paper hearts and gooey
ballads, bent knee proposals and stars in your eyes. Sometimes love reveals
itself with a knife in its hand and flesh in its teeth, and on this tour of
the Eastern San Gabriel valley, passengers will meet some of the Southland’s
most memorable victims of romance.
Among them: the young bride who vanished before her wedding day and was
discovered rotting under her parent’s house, the lesbian roommate who kept
her ex-gal pal pliant with frequent jabs of the needle, James Ellroy’s
ill-fated mother Geneva whose search for male companionship ended violently,
the miffed wife who beat her crippled hubby to death with brass knuckles on
their front lawn, and the b-movie actress whose late night visit to Phil
Spector’s spooky castle would prove to be a very bad idea indeed.
But BLOOD & DUMPLINGS isn’t all romance gone wrong. Starting from the
premise that the secret heart of Southern California’s weirdo culture beats
strongest in the Eastern San Gabriel Valley, the tour introduces passengers
to such fascinating local characters as the Man from Mars Bandit, the hippie
leader of the local Nazi party, and indie filmmaking icon Timothy Carey,
whose notorious “The World’s Greatest Sinner” was shot on location in 1960s
El Monte. The tour also includes a stop at the former site of Gay’s Lion
Farm, an incredible mid-century tourist attraction that symbolized the deep
love lion tamers Charles and Muriel Gay shared with each other and their
pride of cats.
WHAT: Valentine’s Day edition of Esotouric’s Blood & Dumplings Crime Bus
Tour
WHEN: Saturday February 14, 12pm-4pm
WHERE: Tour departs from Philippe the Original, 1001 N. Alameda Street
COST: $63, including valentine’s candy and dumplings (vegetarian options
available on request)
INFO: http://www.esotouric.com or call 323-223-2767
Obama supposedly will be eating many of Ol’ Abe’s faves for his first official meal as President… but after reading the menu, I think I’ll pass–although I’d join him for the California wines.
Lunch will be served in Congress’ Statuary Hall, with all the insiders: the First Family, along with the Vice President, congressional leaders, Supreme Court justices and members of the new Cabinet.The 2009 inaugural luncheon has been designed to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809) and will feature foods Lincoln would have eaten or enjoyed. The first course will be served on replicas of the china from the Lincoln Presidency.
The menu for this year is:
First Course: Seafood Stew
Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Second Course: A Brace of American Birds (pheasant and duck), served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes
Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Third Course: Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glacé
Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée,”
California Champagne
Why should you use a travel agent? Here are just a few reasons…more to follow
1: Travel agents offer freebies, upgrades and special perks for the same or better price than you can find online
2: They are there for you when your flight is cancelled or your hotel is overbooked. Who are you going to call if you booked on an online website and just another number to them?
3: They have a network of options that far surpasses what you might find online
4: Many have been there, done that or know another agent who has and can give u the real scoop!
5: Most great travel agents do this for a living! They have the time to do the research, that is unless you are retired or have nothing better to do.
6: Will an online website let you know the price has dropped???
7: This is your vacation!!! Isnt it worth trusting a professional?
To be continued. For questions, contact Alyse 415-892-5076
