“When you tell people you are going to Italy, their hearts melt, whether they have been there before or not.” – Sue Condon, proprietor at Podere Vigiliano in Umbria.
It is with this premise that Sue and I ventured on our girlfriend getaway to the Costiera Amalfitana, relying on a few tips from Susan Van Allens 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go and our sense of adventure.
Centuries of seasons have sifted down to create this heavenly slice of the rich Almalfi Coast layered with ravages of time, rages of passion and ravenous tongues.
Our first encounter is with the debonair General Manager Aaron Kaupp at Palazzo Sasso, a 5 STAR luxury resort built on the foundation of a 12th century castle ruin, as is much of Ravello.
The hotel, perched high on the cliffs, was purchased in 1997 with only one terrace still intact, the rest rubble to the street below. Over the past years the terraces have been carefully restored. A walk through the property reveals the attention to details and the lavish customer experience. Hand painted Vietri tiles tucked throughout throughout caught my eye. Delightful to discover and marvel. Somewhere there is a helicopter landing and far below is a private beach “Sasso by the Sea ” a15 minute shuttle or limo drive from Ravello. Speaking of limo’s, yes. For some that is the only way to brave the roads.
What’s truly different is this hotel is only open from April to October – every year! The first two weeks of April are considered Low Season and have rates to match with sea views starting at $379 Euro to $1600 Euro. Then comes Medium Season til May and then High Season is in full earnest at $530 to $2,300 Euro per night til October 20th. When we visited the hotel in late 2010 it was fully booked in high season – so keep this popular demand in mind when planning your stay.
The hotel boasts 32 deluxe rooms and 11 luxury suites, of which 70% face the breathtaking views.
Enjoy stunning views from the hotel rooms and terraces of red terracotta rooftops and neatly trimmed olive and lemon orchards, each level stacked neatly high above the sparkling Mediterranean below dotted with multi-colored bobbing boats moored along the shore.
One or two terraces down is the open air fitness area and the sparkling pool. The only thing keeping me from diving into the inviting heated pool was the storm clouds gathering on the horizon. The stunning SPA has a hydro pool, Turkish steam bath, assorted beauty treatments and a solarium with Jacuzzi pools.
There is plenty of gorgeous niches to dine al fresco at Palazzo Sasso but with the clouds hovering we opted for the warmth and style at Caffé dell’Arte for a leisurely luncheon. An intimate moorish style dining room attended by the Camenari: Daniele, Franchesco, Victorio and Giraldo. Yes ladies, we were catered to by no less than four Italian gentlemen, clearly long term loyal staff who aim to please the clientele.
We began by toasting to a unique moment in our lifetime with white peach Bellinis (better than the infamous Bellinis at Harry’s in Venice)
Our menu consisted of a salad of fresh arugula with a bitter snap to it, thinly sliced carpaccio exquisitely flavored with a tinge of balsamic on wild bitter greens and three beautifully baked and dressed cannelloni rolls stuffed with ricotta and a dash of Campagna. We ate very morsel – engaging in the studied practice of eating mindfully.
Our waiter Danielle shared with us that the wine we selected was from Costa d’Amalfi Ravello vineyard where vitnerMarisa Cuomo cultivates, collects and presses the wine herself – brava Marisa!
Ahh dessert. The raspberry sorbet sent pleasing shock waves of sweet juices throughout my lower jaw all the way to my ears. The rum soaked Baba was to die for. The lemon sorbet is light and refreshing on top of a crispy flaky pastry layered with white lemon cream and adorned with bits of fresh fruit. Finished with espresso.
Palazzo Sasso is a must stay. If its a bit a rich for your travel budget then plan on dining at this Michelin 2 Star destination and create your very own never-to-be-repeated moment in time.
Travel + Leisure – USA August 2010 – “Named Palazzo Sasso # 1 Hotel in Europe and # 8 in the World in the
2010 World’s Best Awards.
Via San Giovanni del Toro 28
84010 Ravello – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Tel + 39 089 818181
Fax + 39 089 858900
I first traveled to Europe when I was 16. It was the classic family tour, though we spent most of our time in Italy with a few days in Austria and a quick stop off in Germany. Unfortunately my youth or perhaps self-involvement prevented me from truly appreciating the trip. Years, and a world of maturity later, I would love to go back to all those places to re-experience with an open heart and mind. Now not only am I an avid traveler but I have also discovered the joy of exploring cities on bicycle. Fortunately it seems that the bicycle tour is becoming much more popular. Travelers looking for a way to leisurely experience cities and landscapes will be spoiled for choice.
Austin-Lehman Adventures is currently offering two amazing cycle trips in Italy and Austria. The Tyrol Bicycle Tour runs from Innsbruck to Lake Garda. As the company puts it the ride covers three worlds in one: Tyrol (Austria), South Tyrol (Italy with an Austrian twist) and Trentino (Italy).
Those preferring to focus their attention solely on Italy can opt for the Tuscany Bike Tour , a 7 days ride crossing through Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, and Artimino. Having watched Under the Tuscan Sun way too many times I might have to opt for this one but oh what a choice to have to make.
************
Our Guest Blogger Ashley Erdman has recently returned to the US after three and half years living and working in London. An activist, writer and world traveler Ashley will shortly be heading to New Zealand to work on organic farms and cycle around the islands. You can follow her adventures and travels on her blog: bedheadednomad
In this homage to the masters – every floral arrangement is a unique and exquisite interpretation!
For five days, March 15–19, the 27th annual Bouquets to Art features 150 floral exhibits inspired by the de Young’s permanent collection. The Fine Arts Museums’ largest fundraiser features floral demonstrations, seated luncheons, teas and a benefit drawing of luxury prizes. This year, Bouquets to Art, sponsored by the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums, celebrates the much anticipated exhibition Balenciaga and Spain and its worth traveling for! For more information on the schedule go to www.bouquetstoart.org. Purchase tickets to the various events held during this fresh and lively exhibit!
* Tuesday through Saturday, March 15–19, from 9:30 am–5:15 pm
* Extended hours on Friday, March 18, until 8:45 pm
* Museum members-only night on Wednesday, March 16, from 6–8 pm
One of the legendary masters behind these living works of art is our new friend Regula Allenspach Weill. She has been selected for Bouquets to Art for many years running and will be in Gallery 15 this month representing the American painter, “Sam Francis“.
The sun is shining in the big City by the Bay! And we just took a colorful, inspiring virtual stroll with Tara and her adorable family. Tara Whitney is a professional photographer out of Orange County who clearly finds inspiration in the natural beauty of everyday life.
The seduction has begun. Valentines is over two weeks away – but the slow steady beat of LOVE marketing is coming at all of us from all sides. Flowers, Jewelery. Romantic dinners. And THE all time slugfest of Chocolate in its many forms.
But this particular Ka-Pow is tempting, tantalizing and down right hard to stop thinking about.
It’s DROGA ConfectionsPut Your Money on Honey – salted caramels made with Northern California wildflower honey, embedded in pure dark chocolate. Four heavenly chunks to savor over and under…
Handmade in small batches from 100% natural ingredients out of San Francisco by a fellow entrepreneur, Michelle could use a bit of LOVIN support! Place your orders online or shop at these Callifornia (so far) shops. And think in multiples – as it will save on your likely re-orders.
Northern California
Andronico’s Market
1200 Irving St
San Francisco, CA
Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th Street
San Francisco, CA
Draeger’s Market
222 E. Fourth Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
S. California
Goods
1748 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I use to pride myself on my tried and true shortcuts at airports – particularly at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). I could arrive and breeze through security, families with strollers, and avoid the newcomers to the art of flying.
Lately my shortcuts are getting cut short. Like CLEAR going under within a year of signing up, though there is word of a revival. I won’t hold my breath until it’s back at SFO or ever at LAX!
And I won’t be giving up all my secrets here in the hope that recent changes will be temporary. But finding myself in longer lines and under more scrutiny, I have more time to observe my fellow passengers and myself as we all deal with the inconsistent security process.
Just three weeks ago, flying through LAX, I was detained and “female” searched because I was wearing a ankle length free flowing skirt. Literally two pieces of clothing. A tee and a skirt, standing in my bare feet. This is after I cleared the scanner without a beep. I asked what the problem was. The answer was “loose clothing”. I was detained for 16 minutes while they waited for a female to come pat me down. I was furious. SFO had cleared me in the same skirt without a hitch on the way to Los Angeles. I tried to maintain my composure, but in reality I was seething, snarling and behaving much like my cat when she is backed into a corner.
After these experiences I scheme on my future ensemble to outwit the security who seem determined to make me stand aside for the understaffed “female” search. Last year my issue was several expensive bras I had invested in for support and shape. I set off every gate. Every time. I was so weary at one point I just decided to remove my bra entirely. Trust me, this is not a good look for me.
On this trip to L.A. I found myself behind a young man with a capacity filled KEEN backpack. It projected off his shoulders with a life of it’s own. He breezed by the first two security who review your “carry on”‘ for size. I was reprimanded for not stuffing my purse into my carry on deep enough. I caught up with him and studied his pack. I realized and remarked on the fact he did not remove his computer as we edged closer to the maw of the scanner. His KEEN bag was TSA checkpoint friendly, he just opned the flap and passed it through. I was made much more aware of this important feature because another passenger was panicking about his miss-placed computer.
Maybe, just maybe, this kid discovered a great short cut.
A backpack is not the first bag I would consider. I’m a maturing professional women who has not worn a backpack since the early eighties. Plus I have never thought busty women look good with huge straps embracing their chest. But times are changing and so is bag design.
So I looked into the specs. “The KEEN Airport Way features a special pocket for your laptop so it does not need to be removed to pass through security. Extra-cushy straps to take some of the bite out of long travel days, and a complete organizational pocketing system with padded pockets for your cell phone, camera or MP3 player.”
I think the EXTRA features are: no wheels to catch on the seats, plenty of capacity for an entire purse plus more and easy to toss up into the bulkhead. The straps sit nicely and its lightweight. The black olive/rust combination is nice.
Plus an easy short cut pocket for my steel wire bras. Now I just need a strapping young man to wear it for me.
Come and join Sabrina and her dear local pals Jenny and Alberto for five days where liberation, love and laughter will reign.
Get inspired with this video!
Join Sabrina Ward Harrison at the beautiful La Feniche, a Bed and Breakfast sweetly nestled just outside of the busy area of Positano, Italy. Surrounded by lush vegetation, La Fenice represents the “Old Positano,” away from the bustling town allowing one to embrace the beautiful solitude of nature. A few minutes of walking will bring you into the central most part of the town.
See the glorious coast by boat with Alberto, exploring coves, hidden beaches and the secret history of this gorgeous part of Italy complete with swims into grottos. Also visit “The Path of The Gods”- the area of the Lattari mountains that unwinds in the silence of the mountainous calm, with scenery of haunting panoramas, meandering trails through places of incomparable beauty, rich with history and culture, where we will have a picnic lunch cradled between the sea and sky. Positano in September is also the most magnificent time to go with the crowds thinning and humidity dwindling. The weather is wonderful and flowers are still in full bloom.
Breakfasts will be on a terrace overlooking the dazzling Mediterranean, while nightly dinners will take place at the cozy Valle Dei Mulini beneath lemon trees.
When: September 2 – September 7, 2010
Cost: $2700 per person
This includes workshop costs, double occupancy for Bed and Breakfast, breakfast,
dinner, boat excursion around the stunning coast, hike through the “Path of the Gods,” picnic and farewell dinner.
There will be art and writing most days along with excursions exploring the area.
This is an amazing retreat package of yoga, Pilates, strength training, and cardio at Sundance Resort in Utah if you can be spontaneous! It’s a special offer via ideeli for members only, so you will have to join to purchase.ideeli is a shopping site for fashion, home and accessories.
Here are the Essentials
* Four-day, three-night exclusive fitness retreat at the Sundance Resort for $2000 (original price $3800)
* Celebrity trainers Autumn Calabrese and Michelle Lovitt
* Savings of 47%
* August 13th-16th 2010 in Sundance, Utah. ONLY
* Women-only; rooms are single-occupancy Sundance Resort suites.
* Power Up Sundance donates a percentage of profits to the Redford Center, www.redfordcenter.org.
* Airfare to and from Salt Lake City and shuttle service to and from the airport to Sundance Resort NOT included.
“I love training with Michelle because she has so much energy and enthusiasm. You are sure to accomplish your goal with her.” Courteney Cox
Use my link invite to join ideeli – and then once a member > bid on the Sundance Power Up offer. Hurry though – this offer is only good thru tomorrow – Wednesday January 28th!
Want to spice up a romance? Meet up with a secret lover? Literally soak in the dark memories of passionate times past?
Check out Prohibition, a sexy Speakeasy!
Access is a bit funky! Enter the corner “wine shop” and head right–straight to the 1930s style phone booth. Step in, lift the phone receiver, and prepare for the rear panel to swing open to reveal the inner sanctum a step below.
Where: 340 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA a block north of the main square. When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
This refuge is a cool respite after a long day at work or wine tasting in the valley. Drop in before dinner on the square. We hit the Barn Diva – so apropos – and loved it!
The nominations are in and 10 lucky ladies have been chosen as finalists for the Las Olas Surf Scholarship! Nominations proved there are 1,000′s of inspiring women in the world today. The judges narrowed it down to 10, and now it’s your turn to vote for the nominee that deserves the scholarship the most. Or at the very least learn about some really brave women and possibly connect with a new friend.
The Las Olas Surf Scholarship winner receives a seven day/six night surf safari, including daily surf and yoga classes, spa treatment, daily breakfast and ground transportation at Las Olas, Mexico, airfare, Sherpani luggage set, and $500 Athleta Sportswear Gift Card.
To cast your vote, go to the finalists page, read the nominee’s amazing entries and fill out the form selecting your favorite. Only one vote per email address! The finalists essays will be posted for online voting through July 15, 2010, and the winner will be announced on July 29, 2010. Click here for more details on the contest.
