North America, Travel
Bouchon, Champagne, Chardonnay, French laundry, Hot Air Balloons, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, wine, Wineries
Inhale deeply. From the aroma of grapes to sexy lounges, Napa offers something for everyone. Whether flying through the air or staying firmly on the ground, you will get “high” in the Wine Country. No longer sleepy and quiet, Napa Valley is a hotbed of new restaurants, gala events, festivals & of course wineries.
One winery not to miss – Raymond Vineyards. Come for the tasting, stay for the day. Sniff their Corridor of Senses. Reserve the tasting tour, then become a winemaker for the day in the blending room and end the day relaxing in their plush Velvet Red Room w/ baccarat chandeliers. (see above) On 90 acres it’s truly gorgeous!
(Courtesy of Google Images)
Hidden Gems in Napa : By appointment only – personal private tastings is the way to go. Lunch helps absorb the wine. Just be sure to reserve ahead and the right travel outfits help you stand out. Just don’t spill any wine on them!
Kenzo Estate – The French Laundry of wineries, this 3,800 acre estate in the hills of Napa is over the top. After a tour be sure to reserve the food pairing from Restaurant Bouchon (owned by Thomas Keller).
If you love bubbly (who doesn’t?) book a Tues. or Wed 11:30 tour at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga. Who said dark underground caves aren’t sexy?
Signorello Vineyards – Summer Pairing on the terrace (Sat and Sun: 1-3)
Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyards – drive up harrowing Diamond Mountain, be rewarded w/incredible views, pools & spectacular wine. For serious wine lovers! Your travel outfits should be chic but comfortable!
New Kids on the Block– In Yountville try R&D Kitchen. With locations in Santa Monica & Newport Beach, this restaurant lends a touch of laid back glamour. Huge outside w/fireplace pit, great indoor bar for artisanal cocktails & burgers. Empire Lounge in Napa announces it’s present w/ flaming torch outside, dark and sultry inside, is the new social hot spot. Drink or dine, open until 2:00 AM.
ADD COOL ACCESSORIES to your trip to compliment your resort wear. Perfect with any outfit. Use the miraculous Flip n Fold to make all you clothing fit into your black Victorinox carry-on bag. Add a turquoise shoulder strap Coach bag (need two hands for balancing wine glasses) w/ your Ray-Ban mirrored sunglasses or black Prada ones. Carry your wine purchase in this unique wine carrier/purse. Add a scarf for cool nights and recharge w/ Johnathan Adler . CLICK ON ANY ITEM TO PURCHASE
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M)) Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Andaz Napa – This boutique hotel, owned by Hyatt, merges seamlessly w/the emergence of revitalized downtown Napa. Rooms mix hardwood, leather & white marble for a country sophistication. Dine at Farm Table Restaurant & drink at their Mercantile Social. A perfect location to stroll downtown. (MS)
North Block – Located in food-centric Yountville (formerly Hotel Luca), this modern boutique hotel w/ its Restoration Hardware look is perfectly situated. Try the “uncorked” spa treatment w/ ground grape seeds & throw on your travel clothes to dine at the Italian Redd Wood attached to the hotel. (S)
Solage Calistoga – Up valley in Calistoga on 23 acres is this luxurious resort with a social conscience. LEED certified w/ free bikes to cruise around in, green cleaning products, composting, natural linens and organic food in their Solbar Restaurant. Holistic, healthy and hot! (MS)
(Coutresy of Google Images)
All modes of transportation work BUT the best thing is to call Designated Driver and leave the driving to them!
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do
North America, Travel
America's Cup, Bay Bridge, Coqueta, Louis Vuitton, Oracle, Sailing, San Francisco, St Regis, Water Bar, Yachts
(Images courtesy of Google)
Be on the lookout… sailors everywhere!
As Journey sings, “When the lights go down in the City and the sun shines on the Bay, do I want to be there…” ABSOLUTELY!
With San Francisco hosting the 34th America’s Cup July 4th – Sept 21st, and starting preparation for the fall social season, (we are) this city is the ONLY place to be right now. For the first time in America’s Cup history, the race is confined to the Bay, close to shore so it’s all about up close and personal. Not a bad seat in the house. Where to start…
The America’s Cup Village on Marina Green, two locations, free access on Marina Green w/ 6,500 bleacher seats & the Yacht Club Peninsula. Offering live viewing of the races from of 1.400 seats. Also cool for kids is the Fan Zone & Digital boathouse where fans can interact in real time all over the world.
Pier 27/29 is the America’s Cup Park. Inside is the AC Pavilion. You can shop – Louis Vuitton store, Puma Yard (shopping), and the AC Shop . You can play (the adult kind) from the Puma Bar. Fantasize about being on one of 13 super yachts docked there. You can rock out in the Amphitheater. This 9,000 seat theater will host major concerts, shows and on race days a video screen. Also a Fun Zone for the kids.
WHAT2WEAR TO AMERICA’S CUP – CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO PURCHASE
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M)). Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
St. Regis Hotel – Official hotel of the America’s Cup. Ideal location, great bar. Perfect set up to meet the superstars of the sailing world. (MS)
Hotel Zetta – Owned by uber chic Viceroy, this new kid on the block offers the perfect urban retreat. Modern decor, oversized rooms, special playroom (shuffleboard anyone?) located in the heart of Downtown. Perfect for (S)
Argonaut Hotel – Boutique hotel in refurbished warehouse, w/ exposed brick, Frette linens, free wine, WiFi & yoga on the TV. In-room Starbucks. Perfect location with Fisherman’s Wharf right outside your door. Perfect for families (kids love that sourdough bread). (M)
Where2Dine
For sea dogs & landlubbers alike, the shipwrecked-boat-turned America’s Cup Sports Bar on Pier 27 is the perfect place for drinks between races. The world’s largest pop-up bar also serves brunch. Another pop-up is the anticipated Waiheke Island Yacht Club straight from Auckland. Huge airy warehouse, a bit of Kiwi hospitality. As day turns to night, try the new Roka Akor in FiDi for the freshest sushi (flown in from Japan) and coolest whiskey lounge.
What2See
In addition to sailing, eating & drinking don’t miss the new Exploratorium on Pier 15/17. Interactive exhibits of science, arts and perception. Great for grownups too. Experience the new fog bridge!
Bay Lights – A light sculpture’s dream – a 1.8 mile installation. Running the length of the Bay bridge artist Leo Villareal, w/the aid of computer software has created the ability to control 25,000 white LED lights into twinkling, shimmering patterns. Attached by cables, it’s another way SF lights up the Bay!
Save the date! Prepare for Fall! Symphony Gala September 3rd and Opera Gala September 6th. What is better than dining in City Hall?
City Hall in all its Glory
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do
Europe, Travel
Barrio del Carmen, Bullfighting, City of Arts and Sciences, Madrid, Paella, Spain, Spicy
WhyGoNow? Because Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, is the country’s rising star. Travel to this seaside city for its modern edgy culture mixed with Spanish tradition. A gastronomical adventure, amazing nightlife with the raw excitement of bullfighting added in. Home to the breathtaking City of Arts & Sciences (a dizzying blur of beauty), high spirited cafes, great wine & the birthplace of paella. It’s also less than two hours away from Madrid by Spain’s AVE high-speed rail!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M)). Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
SH Inglés Boutique Hotel – Located in Valencia’s financial and business district, staying here is like living in a mini, modern Spanish castle. (MS)
Palau de la Mar – Luxuriously chic w/ modern, elegant rooms housed in a refurbished palace. Perfect location, in the heart of the city. Fabulous interior & huge marble staircase lets you descend in style. Great spa and restaurant. (MS)
The Westin Valencia – Classic Westin style with a traditional Spanish twist. The front and lobby will make any architecture junkie swoon. This hotel is in walking distance of the Mercat Central Market and has all the classic luxury facilities. (M)
Hotel Neptuno – Fit for a king. King Neptune, that is. Directly connected to the beach and boardwalk, the outside looks like Miami Beach, inside pure Spanish. This hotel is perfect for a hot beach getaway with the girlfriends. (S)
Photos courtesy of I-Escape
What2Do
Valencia is split into two completely different districts: City of Arts & Sciences (modern) and La Seu (traditional). Walk through the beautiful, modern district and check out the 45,000 aquatic creatures at L’Oceanografic, visit museums like L’Almoina or the Museu de Belles Arts. Don’t forget Spanish bullfighting at the Plaza de Toros (men look hot in tights)! Party all day and night when you celebrate the Summer Solstice in late June during the Fiesta de San Juan & Noche de San Juan – fireworks, concerts & beach bonfires. Go for a ride in Turia Park with Valencia’s public bike system (much like City CarShare).
Where2Dine
Try paella at La Pepica or L’Estimat on Malvarrosa Beach. Valencia is also Horchata’s birthplace, so go to Horchatería El Siglo in the Carmen to sample the tiger nut drink (not those kinds of nuts) along with another of the city’s creations: the farton, a fluffier version of the ladyfinger. Try Carosel in the Carmen for a new take on traditional Spanish tapas. Alma del Temple is the perfect place for groups of 3+ for their set menu. Don’t worry, wine included! Ca Sento & La Sucural for the best seafood. Small energetic bars are more the norm than large venues, so just walk up and down the streets of the Carmen if you can’t decide!
Where2Shop
Barrio del Carmen is the oldest, most diverse, cosmopolitan area in Valencia. Full of local boutiques, bars and bohemian nightlife. Graze in the Mercat Central Market which is one of the largest indoor food markets in Europe. Shop for art at My Name’s Lolita, Riff, Galería Rosa Santos & the Museu de Belle Arts. Calle Don Juan de Austria is home to boutiques and high-fashion brands like Gucci and Chanel. Calle Colon, on the other hand, is more focused on the works of local designers.
The Wear Girls Go Fishing!
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do & a special thanks to our foreign correspondent Marina Carbonell