Roatan

Off the radar, this Honduran island is home to hidden beaches, superb diving and one of the most pristine reefs in the world.

United Airlines offers direct flights and the dollar still buys a lot in these parts. The primary tourism area, the West End, has a host of restaurants, hotels and shops.  Aquarium-clear waters, dolphin encounters, world-class diving and glass bottom boats make this Honduran gem a must see.

Glen Ellen

Just north of San Francisco, in the heart of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, the sleepy town of Glen Ellen is the perfect wine country escape.

Many wineries are close by, including Cline Cellars whose stunning grounds are the perfect place to get lost for an afternoon.  For dinner, the Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar serves California-fusion food in a romantic setting.  After a day of tasting, you’ll be familiar with many of the names on the extensive wine list.  Glen Ellen is what Napa and Sonoma used to be before the word got out: peaceful and undiscovered.

Waikiki

From surf lessons to haute cuisine, you and your sweetie will have a ball unwinding in Waikiki.

 

Overlooking both Diamond Head and Koko Head craters, the Kahala Hotel and Resort was a favorite of Conrad Hilton when it opened in 1964.  The secluded sandy beaches and spacious rooms are famous with the Hollywood set.  Photos of Frank Sinatra, John Wayne and many more adorn the walls.  When H Texas Weddings visited, we spotted James Gandolfini from “ The Sopranos” and Deborah Lin saying “I Do.”

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

White sand dunes and blue tinted water abound on the interior gulf coast of Florida.  The WaterColor Inn sits right on the beach and has beautiful panoramic views, large balconies and ocean views from the shower. Head up the coast to Apalachicola for a glimpse of Florida’s historic and preserved past. This forgotten coast is being rediscovered.

image complements Sweet Tea Journal

Florida’s Gulf Islands

This string of quaint beach towns is the ideal escape

Rent a car to peruse Anna Maria Island.  The folks at Cedar Cove Resort will welcome you like old friends.  If you arrive late, the key will be waiting for you by the office door. A casual meal at Ginny & Jane E’s at the Old IGA will kick off your trip.  Searching for manatees?  A guided kayak tour of Palma Sola Bay with Anna Maria Island Eco Tours should top your list.  Dining at The Beach Bistro and dessert at Euphemia Haye are culinary highlights.

@VisitBradenton

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

ALABAMA’S GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH

DISCOVER PLEASURE  ALABAMA’S GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a wide range of accommodations, diverse attractions and exquisite cuisine, all set in an atmosphere that exudes the Eagle’s lyrics of that “Peaceful Easy Feeling”.

By Christi St. Laurent

Now is the perfect time to discover why Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known as “Pleasure Island.” Travelers to this southern beach resort have compared it to Hawaii, Laguna Beach and the Bahamas. This breathtaking destination has much to offer – relaxation, fun and entertainment. In a day’s drive, you can awaken your senses as you step onto shimmering quartz white sand (Native Texans refer to it as “the good sand”) and enjoy the magnificent turquoise water.

RESORT DESTINATIONS

The Caribe the Resort, The Beach Club, and Turquoise Place Spectrum Resorts make reservations easy and completely stress free with a nice range of accommodations ranging from the “budget conscious” to the “put me in the lap of luxury” traveler. They provide 24-hour cancellation policy, affordable rates year round with peak rates only in the summer. You can completely pamper yourself in Orange Beach at the spacious Turquoise Place condominiums where you get all the comforts of home and then some. Watch the magnificent Gulf coast sunset from the outdoor hot tub on the private balcony your beautifully decorated 3, 4, or 5 bedroom suite. Each is fully equipped with indoor/outdoor kitchens, wet bar; even washers and dryers. Resort amenities include state of the art exercise area, spa appointments, air-conditioned poolside cabanas, Tiki bar and a 450-foot lazy river. The atmosphere and experience will have you booking your return stay before you get home.

EXPLORE

Sailaway Charters – Step aboard with Sailor Skip for an informative two hour nature cruise and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life as he pulls them aboard and into the aquarium. You will marvel at the baby puffers, play with squid and possibly get snorted on by a passing playful dolphin.

CRUISE

Cetacean Cruises – Cruise out to the Bay with Captain Bill Mitchell for an incredible dolphin experience you will not soon forget. It’s amazing to see the friendship bond between man and dolphin in such a beautiful, natural environment and you will come to understand why I now call Captain Bill “Dolphin Whisperer.”

RELAX

Sanroc Cay Marina – Whether you want to shop, dine at the local restaurants (Café Grazie, Louisiana Lagniappe), listen to live music (Hula Hula Tiki Bar), take a guided fishing trip with Reel Surprise Charters or just stick your toes in the sand, SanRoc Cay Marina has a little something for everybody. If you want to explore your creative side and enjoy interactive arts, then visit Beach Cite Studios, where you can paint, sculpt, make jewelry, dance, sing or take a culinary cooking class.

DISCOVER

Magnolia Springs, Alabama – Grandma Floy Michalka preserved her figs in jars, and Magnolia Springs preserved sweet southern charm in this historic location with original buildings and homes built in the 1800’s. The Magnolia River was once the highway for steamers and paddle wheelers and is currently the only river mail delivery route in the United States. The people who call Magnolia Springs home will wrap you in sincere hospitality and humble generosity. David Worthington found his life’s destiny in 1996 when he renovated the original 1897 Sunnyside Hotel and opened the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Of course at the end of the day, it’s all about just relaxing, enjoying good food and having fun. If you’re looking for a casual beach experience with lots of food and drinks, waterfront views and live music where you can let loose with family and friends, then check out one of these local favorites; the Hangout, Lulu’s, Harbour Grill and Original Oyster House. If you’re feeling more in the mood for ambience, breathtaking views, fine dining, exquisite cuisine, great wines, all served up by some the area’s world renowned chef ’s, then spend some time at Cobalt, South Beach Bar & Grill, and Shipp’s Harbour Grill.

ANA Airline’s Lounge takes you away

Moist towel-ette?  Check.

Complimentary Internet?  Check.

Set to a pallet of black, gray and white, the ANA International Lounge in Japan’s Narita airport is a calm respite from the hustle and bustle of international travel.

 

Unlike other lounges, when you enter the ANA lounge, calming spa-type music subtly sets the relaxation tone.  The lounge is created with low walls similar to upscale office cubes.  The walls create “pods” of six to eight chairs and plush couches.  From this vantage point, you can head to the bar, or simply sit and watch the airplanes prepare for take off.

The food takes center stage here.  H Texas arrived at 8:00am on Thanksgiving Day.  Despite the time, there were several choices of wine and local beer on tap.  Egg salad sandwiches, rice puffs, rice cakes, and several sweets were available along with Pumpkin and Miso soup.

Other amenities include: International money changing machine, payphone, computers, concierge, and duty free shopping.   This lounge helps make International travel a breeze.

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Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa

FOCUS ON LOCAL INGREDIENTS: French Polynesia

424241 7233

www.letahaa.com

It takes a full day of travel to arrive in French Polynesia.  It is worth the trip.  Part of the prestigious Relais et Châteaux collection, Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa transports you to another world.  Stay in a villa on stilts over lagoon waters, snorkel from your back patio and swim to a private motu (island).  When you want to relax, the spa is a well-being haven.

What’s Hot Now?

Vanilla, an important crop in this area, is also an important ingredient in spa treatments.  The Vanira Noa Noa starts with a flower and vanilla foot treatment and is followed by a full body and scalp massage with warm Vanilla oil.  The healing properties penetrate the skin leaving you relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to swim with the sharks (and stingrays).

 

The Ritz Carlton Club and Residences

Vail, CO

theresidencesvail.com

877-525-3620

The Ritz Carlton Company continues to push the envelope by appointing Tom Hays as the first and only Wellness Concierge at the worldwide company. From his home base at The Ritz Carlton Club and Residences in Vail, CO, he says, ”wellness is very high on people’s list of what’s important to them.” The seed of the Wellness Concierge concept is to anticipate needs. There are so many trends, from hot yoga, Pilates, P90X to the Tracy Anderson Method, active spa goers can have their own, favorite routine. “We cannot provide all of those things internally, so our concept is to provide solutions,” he says. “I do not teach Pilates, but I will schedule it for you.” And so it goes, Hays offers consultations on nutrition, allergies and diet restrictions. “When you come to the Ritz, you should not have to change the lifestyle you are in the course of living,” he says. At the same time, Hays and his team help guests explore new healthy options.

What’s Hot Now?

Poolside Yoga “Sun salutations should take the cue from the early morning sun,” says Hays. When the sun is low in the sky, the temperature is cooler. “We salute the sun with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.”

Body Sculpting An older crowd attends this class because the focus is not on lifting weights, but using your own body weight to provide resistance. The class is filled with push-ups, pull-ups, planks and balancing on the stability ball. This low-key class doesn’t result in high sweat; rather, it focuses on neuromuscular training, injury prevention, toning and definition as opposed to physical, functional training.

The Spa at Four Seasons Provence

FOCUS ON DAILY FITNESS

Var, France

www.fourseasons.com/provence

33-04-94-39-90-00

 

The luxury, five-star resort is continuing to reinvent its wellness initiatives by offering a six-day, all-inclusive package.

What’s Hot Now?

Personalized Well-Being Program This six-day experience focuses on daily fitness regimens, slimming spa treatments and healthy cuisine. The package also enlists a nutritionist to create a balanced and complete plan for each person. Three hours of fitness instruction and one hour of guided meditation per day are included. Some of the fitness programs include Pilates, Body Sculpt, Aquafitness, Stretching, Fitball and Posture and Aquagym.

MOKARA spa

FOCUS ON BEAUTY: Houston, TX

www.omnihotels.com

713-871-8181

Spas across the country are offering their own version of B & Bs. But, at the MOKARA spa at the Omni Hotel in Houston, B&B stands for Brow Designs and Blow Outs. Typically, you would have the brow boot camp and the blow out simultaneously.  The brow boot camp is completely customized based on the state of your brows. The blow out bar styles can be customized based on your lifestyle, or whether or not you are on your way to a special event.

What’s Hot Now?

 

Brow Boot Camp According to Spa Director Laura Latronico, “The brow design experience is a definite way to enhance any woman’s face, in a fashion-forward, non-invasive atmosphere.” First, meet with a brow specialist who leads “boot camp” for unruly brows. The shape of your face and brows are analyzed and shapelier brows are designed. She pencils in your new shape, showing proper angle or arch. If applicable, a “no-tweeze zone” is identified.

NuFACE Facial Toning True magic happens via “NuFace.” Some call this handheld device a “Pilates trainer for your face.” The tiny machine delivers small electronic pulses to the forehead, eyebrows, and upper and outer eye, re-educating muscles and giving tired eyes a lift.

Blow Out Bar Treat yourself to a shampoo and blow dry. We all know our hair looks best when coifed by an expert. This is a perfect pick-me-up for active spa goers.

Weekend in Wimberley

Looking for a quick getaway with a nod to yesterday? Chill out in Wimberley.  By Laurette M. Veres

Chill Out

A little off the beaten path, you drive on dirt roads, over one-lane bridges and dodge armadillos, possums and deer. What a great get-away.

It was a little stressful finding our cabin.  After navigating winding dirt roads with numerous switchbacks and deer sightings, we found our cabin and headed to dinner.  It took me a while to wind down. Just off the main drag, Ino’z Brew and Chew’s picturesque setting is the perfect location to enjoy a hill country sunset.  The open-air deck looks down on the Blanco River.  At first glance, I think the tables are too close to each other, promoting socializing and I’m not here to chat; I’m here to get away. As the final rays of the sun peak through the Cypress trees, I realize everyone here knows each other.  Before long, this Houstonian finally starts to wind down.  The tuna-stuffed-tomato is just the right size for a light lunch or dinner.  Soon, we converse with the family at the next table.  And the table next to them.  Along the river, there is a ceremony.  Is it a wedding?  No, women have joined together to thank God for the rain.  Yes, people in Wimberley have time to say thank you for rain.

Wake Up and Shop

Get lost in San Marcos’ Premium Outlets.  Most major brands have outposts here.  We visit a few, just to make sure the prices are lower. All this shopping makes us hungry.

The line at Centerpoint Station is long and for good reason.  Half of this establishment is an Americana memorabilia store with fun brands like Brighton and Vera Bradley. The other half is a counter service casual eatery. The fresh salad is brimming with bacon, pecans, strawberries and feta cheese.  It’s the buttery bread that makes the burger so flavorful and has earned the accolade “best burger in Hays County.”

Great Grapes

In the heart of the hill country, Trattoria Lisina is an unexpected, rustic Italian oasis.  Reminiscent of an Italian Villa, this is the closest you’ll come to Tuscany in Texas.  Enjoy wine in the tasting room, or try to snag a seat in the sold out dining room.  Enjoy Veal or chicken marsala, prime rib, asparagus and gelato or tiramisu.

Moreover, enjoy the slower pace of life. Where diners aren’t anxious to get their checks and always make time for desert.

Essentials:

Ino’z Brew & Chew, 14004 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, 512-847-6060

Centerpoint Station, S IH 35, San Marcos, 512-392-1103

Trattoria Lisina 13308 FM 150 West
Driftwood, 512- 894-3111

 

 

Spa Montage Deer Valley – Sundance Festival Starts Today

FOCUS ON BREATH: Park City, UT

Spa Montage Deer Valley

www.spamontage.com

435-604-1300

SpaMontage Deer Valley welcomes athletic visitors to the 35,000-square-foot, holistic-minded retreat. Each service begins and ends with a focus on breathing, aptly called the art of breath. Although there is a spa menu, the highly accredited spa therapists are trained to interpret your body’s personalized language. According to Loren Kornreich, spa director, the goal is to completely customize offerings to the point where there will be no menu. The wet area is where the ritual begins. For heat, you can choose between a trip to the steam room or sauna, and then follow with a cold shower before entering the Jacuzzi. Repeat this series three times for deeper relaxation.

What’s Hot Now?

Thai massage Through a series of assisted stretches, your body is pushed to limits you might not reach on your own. This is done on a floor mat, or an abbreviated version is offered on a massage table.

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Ten Thousand Waves

Leading the world in wellness treatments and relaxation, Ten Thousand Waves is four miles north of Santa Fe on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This rugged, Southwestern spa features top-notch, Japanese-style treatments along with hot, mineral water baths.  “We always recommend a tub,” says Mary Johnson, public relations manager who has been helping visitors relax for more than 25 years. “It helps you relax and warms the muscles, preparing you for any treatment.” This is the first step in the cleansing process. Private and group baths are available.  All of the treatments here are customized to individual needs. The following facial can be customized and you can add the foot massage to any standard massage.

What’s Hot Now?

Japanese Facial This treatment includes cleansing products, masks and exfoliations. The differentiator is the amount of massage done to the face. Each lotion is massaged into the skin to increase the rate of absorption. Techniques include light stroking, kneading and percussive movements. “It’s like someone is dancing tango on your face,” says Johnson. Further regenerate your cells with a CryoStem Cell Treatment in which a serum is frozen until applied to your skin to stimulate collagen production.

Ashi Anma Foot Massage Imagine 25 minutes focused on your feet. This new treatment is crafted after the finger-pressure massage readily available in Japan and helps move energy through the body. Your feet will tingle long after the treatment is over.

www.tenthousandwaves.com

505-982-9304

30A Songwriters Festival

 The Bangles, Indigo Girls, Rodney Crowell, Fastball, Matthew Sweet, and Sam Bush to co-headline the three-day event along Florida’s Gulf Coast in South Walton

The 30A Songwriters Festival announces headline acts for the January 13-15, 2012 event including Indigo Girls, Rodney Crowell, The Bangles, Shawn Mullins, Sam Bush Band and Matthew Sweet.  Theses acclaimed songwriters will join more than 120 talented artists from across the country to share intimate moments with friends and fans along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton along  Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The three-day music festival will feature more than 125 musicians and over 250 performances in venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to spacious outdoor amphitheaters amid a backdrop of brilliant white sand beaches, turquoise waters and stunning architecture.

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles described the 2011 event as “a series of magical moments unfolding over the course of the long weekend – old friends reuniting, new friendships being born…Large audiences and performers enjoying days and nights of music, storytelling both poignant and humorous, spontaneous jams, Southern hospitality, delicious food and wine.”

The third annual festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), presented by Visit South Walton and sponsored by Seaside and 30A.com, has quickly grown into one of the premier songwriters festivals in the country.  Representing diverse styles ranging from folk and country to rock and alternative, the 2012 line-up features nationally-acclaimed songwriters and musicians including The Bangles, , Shawn Mullins, Matthew Sweet, Indigo Girls and Fastball as well as David Wilcox, Steve Forbert, Mary Gauthier, Sam Bush, Randall Bramblett, Tommy Talton, Jeffrey Steele, Chely Wright, Chuck Cannon, Corey Smith, David Olney, Davin McCoy, Lori McKenna, Tommy Womack, Kevn Kinney, The Shadowboxers, Larkin Poe, Emily Lynch, Joseph Arthur, Matthew Mayfield, Rachel Platten, Callaghan, David Berkeley,  Garrison Starr, Jeff Black, Joe Leathers, Ben Glover, Billy Montana, Chas Sanford, Brian and Karyn White, Greg Barnhill, Forrest Williams Band, Kyle Jacobs, Kelsey Anna, Reed Waddle, Meg Huthchinson, Brigitte Demeyer, Daphne Willis, Shannon Whitworth, Suzi Ragsdale, Georgia, Ashleigh Flynn, Joanna Cotten, Bryan Kennedy, Matthew Kahler and over 75 more.

“What sets the 30A Songwriters Festival apart from others in the country is, one: we create listening rooms in truly unique beach resort venues and two: we book musically diverse artists,” said Russell Carter, event organizer and chair and president of Russell Carter Artist Management. “Rodney Crowell and the Bangles have both scored numerous number one hits, but I am willing to say that only at the 30A Songwriters Festival are you able to hear Rodney sing  ‘It’s Such a Small World‘ and  ‘I Couldn’t Leave You If I Tried,’ and then run across the street and hear the Bangles belt out ‘Eternal Flame,’ ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ and ‘Manic Monday.’ Rodney will perform with a full band as will the Indigo Girls and Sam Bush. Matthew Sweet will perform “Girlfriend” in its entirety to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the release of the platinum certified album. Audiences who truly enjoy music will not want to miss this event.”

Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton meanders along the Gulf of Mexico through charming beach neighborhoods, including Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach as well as state parks and more than a dozen rare coastal dune lakes.

“The relaxed, laid back vibe of the beachside resorts along scenic Highway 30A creates the perfect atmosphere for this world-class event,” said Jennifer Steele, event organizer and executive director of the CAA. “South Walton already celebrates a thriving arts community, which includes a vibrant music scene and an abundance of talented musicians. We are delighted to bring such high-caliber songwriters, performers and up-and-coming artists from around the country to 30A to play for music savvy audiences.”

Proceeds from the 30A Songwriters Festival benefit the CAA.  Early bird ticket pricing of $100 for a three-day pass is still available for a limited time. For more information on the 2012 festival, including a full list of artists, venues, accommodations packages and how to purchase tickets, visit 30asongwritersfestival.com. To learn more about South Walton and Scenic Highway 30A, log on to visitsouthwalton.com, 30a.com or sowal.com.

 

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FOCUS ON WELLNESS: Santa Fe, NM

BODY, Santa Fe

An emphasis on healing and wellness has always attracted people to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Trend-setting BODY is a destination for well-being and health, offering massage, classes and an organic café and boutique. Massages are customized to individual needs by the healers who deliver them.

What’s Hot Now?

Eat Raw If you have been afraid to jump on the raw food train, BODY’s organic café is the perfect place to tempt your palate. The menu pushes the envelope with tantalizing vegan, raw and organic options. Don’t miss the raw enchilada; it is surprisingly enchilada-like. A tortilla is created from a dehydrated puree of veggies. Amazingly spicy, the red chile sauce will trick your taste buds into thinking they are in the Mexican Riviera.

Nia Short for “neuro-muscular integrative action,” is a mixture of martial arts, yoga and dance. Sessions begin with deep-breathing exercises set to soft music. Movements are slow and steady. As the music gradually speeds up, so do the ballroom dance-type steps (heel-toe-slide-dip). “Sometimes you vocalize,” says Spa Services Manager Lynse Rubin. During a Tae kwondo-style kick, you might be asked to emit a “huh!” or shout “yes” while throwing your arms skyward. “It’s touchy-feely and playful,” comments Rubin, who adds that this is their most popular new class.

BODY; www.bodyofsantafe.com  505-986-0362

 

CELEBRATE MILESTONES: St. Thomas, USVI

@RitzCarlton

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

www.ritzcarlton.com

340-775-3333ext 8606

St. Thomas is an American territory offering stress free travel to the Caribbean. A hop, skip and a jump across this small Island lands you in the lap of luxury: The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas. Not your grandfather’s Ritz, you don’t need a tie as you enjoy the glorious grounds, infinity pool, world-class spa and superb accommodations.

What’s Hot Now?

Babymoon Always ahead of the curve, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is focusing on an underserved target market, expecting parents. The Resort Reconnect^® package for moms-and dads-to-be is designed to give them some alone time before the baby arrives. This exclusive offer includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, spa credits and a menu of spa experiences tailored specifically for mothers-to-be. She’ll love the Mellow Mamma and Yummy Tummy treatments.

Anniversary Celebration December marked the resort’s 15^th anniversary and you can enjoy the commemorative Crystal Anniversary Celebration package. “We are delighted to share this significant milestone with our guests. The Crystal Anniversary Celebration package captures the very essence of the resort with an experiential vacation that exudes the magic of the islands,” says Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas. Enjoy the Presidential Suite and Seaside Cabana couples massages, and the signature CrystalRain Therapy that revitalizes your skin with organic exfoliating crystals while a seven-head Vichy shower warms your body.

Hotel Monaco, Denver

Mile High Escape
By Laurette M. Veres

Hotel Monaco: A Kimpton Hotel is a quaint boutique hotel located in downtown Denver. The evening H Texas visits, we feel extremely welcome. We receive a bottle of wine at check in, but don’t open it yet. Happy hour is in full swing in the lobby. “Just a welcome for our guests,” we are told. The party includes free chair massages. My photographer challenges me to Wii bowling – right in the lobby. I win. This place is fun.

The rooms are exquisite; colors are cool: brown and orange. An accent blanket in animal print continues the modern feel. The location is even cooler, right in the heart of vibrant and bustling downtown Denver, near the LoDo entertainment district.

 

For dinner, we consult yelp and head over to Osteria Marco. The meats are cured in house and homemade cheese fills the menu. The extensive drink menu features Absinthe (aka The Green Fairy) served in the traditional manner with sugar and ice water.

Brunch on Sunday morning at Panzano is spectacular, and convenient. Panzano is attached to the hotel. We enjoy fresh-baked bread, mimosas, turkey sandwiches and tomato soup. Fresh and rested, we head west on I-70 to enjoy a week of skiing.

Essentials:

Hotel Monaco Denver, 800-990-1303; monaco-denver.com
Osteria Marco, osteriamarco.com

For starters, dogs are welcome here. Before you reach check-in, a chalkboard welcomes the in-house pooches.

Arkansas

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