In This Issue - entreenews.comentreenews.com/ftp/ENTREE-Summer-2015.pdf · In This Issue : Founded 198 1 ... and wines from Baja. ... each side of Castello del Nero you can enjoy

ENTREE IS PLEASED TO GIVE

our highest recommendationto Esencia Hotel and Spa inTulum, Mexico. This chic

boutique hotel has been called “The bestbeachside resort in Mexico” by CondéNast Traveler and “The most heavenlyhotel on Earth” by The Sunday Timesof London. Originally built as theprivate home of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia is a place where the traditionsof the past come together with a cosmopolitan sense of how to live well today.This aristocratic oasis sits where the Yucatán jungle dissolves into the pristinesands of Xpu-ha, one of the only remaining undeveloped shores of the MayanRiviera. Esencia offers a bold, worldly outlook on how to savor paradise. The

estate’s provenance as a place of leisure for nobility isthe guiding inspiration for a modern reimagining. TheMain House remains the hotel’s centerpiece, aroundwhich footpaths lead to only 29 white-washed villas andsuites where guests enjoy genuine privacy and top flight

Summer 2015

In This Issue: Founded 1981. . .our 34th year

Heavenly Esencia on the Mayan Riviera—bidfor three nights!

Lion World Travel’s five-star luxury experience:“Platinum South Africa”

Wines: Andegavia Cask WinesCastello del Nero, an enchanting haven in

TuscanyA Thomas Hardy experience in Dorset, EnglandRed Carnation Hotels celebrate VIPs (Very

Important Pets)We experience Rome with Through Eternity—

no better guides existRome’s Ristorante Spirito DiVino for timeless

style and cookingBrenner's Park-Hotel & Spa, Villa Stéphanie

and Fregate Island Private

Fabulous Coro Mendocino winesPanama City disappointsThe Mansion on Forsyth Park, SavannahDisneyland kicks off an event of a lifetime, the

Diamond Celebration at the DisneylandResort

SLS Las Vegas is smart and sassyAuthentic French cuisine in the heart of

Orlando at Bistro CloCloSanta Monica’s two finest hotels: Casa del Mar

and Shutters on the BeachFrench classics and more at Bouchon Beverly

HillsMore wines to savor for the summerHot type: books you must have

hospitality. Ideally situated far from huge resortsand the roar of pleasure boats, the immaculate bayof Xpu-Ha is a natural haven where each year seaturtles make their nests. Hotel Esencia invites thehappy few who know how rare it is to find aplace that is truly unique, to make it their homein the tropics. Esencia boasts a perfect slice of

vanilla beach and a super sexy pool. For diversion, be spoiled in the organicspa, visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum, explore the mystical underwater rivers. Foradventure, dive the second largest reef in the world, snorkel, zip line, golf on a27-hole Robert Trent Jones jungle course, ride horses, deep sea fish, kiteboard,and paddleboard. Or do nothing at all. Dining at Hotel Esencia is at once aculinary voyage and a coming home. Meals taken at the Pool Restaurant or theGarden Restaurant are simple yet sophisticated, drawing as much from Mexico’seclectic range of regional cuisines as from thewell-loved comforts of Mediterranean cooking.What is not taken from Hotel Esencia’s owngarden is sourced locally from farmers andartisans in Quintana Roo, or further afield fromthe places in Mexico known for exemplarydelicacies—moles from Oaxaca, fruits fromYucatán, and wines from Baja. And there is a wide variety of restaurants closeby plus bars and night clubs. Even at capacity, one seldom notices other guestsat Esencia. It’s the supremely intimate ambiance and the naturally sereneenvirons that set you at ease and ultimately convince you that the place is allyours. Esencia is nothing short of perfect. The hotel is a proud member of theprestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World. See for yourself at www.hoteles-encia.com. Continuing ENTREE’s popular auction series, we are pleased tooffer a three night stay at Esencia Hotel and Spa. The winner of this auction

will receive a voucher (good for one year)for three nights in a Garden Suite withplunge pool. Breakfasts and two 50-minute spa treatments are also included.The retail value for all this is $3455, taxand service included. Any reasonable bidwill be considered. Of course, as with allour auctions, the offer is subject to

occupancy. Lastly, be assured the ENTREE high bidder will be treated like aprince and princess. Bids should be telephoned to William Tomicki, Editor andPublisher of ENTREE, at (805) 969-5848 or e-mail [email protected].

ENTREE - Summer 2015 2

LION WORLD TRAVEL IS OFFERING A

doozy of a five-star luxury experienceon “Platinum South Africa” startingfrom $4,998 per person sharing. This

10-night itinerary includes all taxes and fuelsurcharges, and incredible savings of more than$4,460 per person on packaging componentsseparately. The journey begins in Cape Town, named one of the New YorkTimes’ “52 Places to Go in 2014.” Spend five nights in Cape Town exploring itsscenic beauty and cultural attractions. Guests then spend three nights at a 5-starprivate game lodge, experiencing twice daily game drives where Africa's majesticwildlife roam free, making this a truly incomparable “Platinum” South Africatrip. For five nights, relax in superb luxury at the award-winning TwelveApostles Hotel and Spa, where thoughtful touches and generous hospitalityenhance this unique location. Explore three nights on safari in exceptional 5-star accommodations at Lion Sands Kruger National Park Tinga or NarinaLodge, one of Travel + Leisure's “World's Best,” including six game drives.Since this is a "Big Five" reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino andbuffalo is likely. Extras include: an indulgent High Tea by the Sea at TheTwelve Apostles Hotel and Spa; exciting scenic helicopter flight along theAtlantic seaboard; gourmet three-course dinner at award-winning AzureRestaurant in Cape Town; a relaxing 30-minute massage at Lion Sands KrugerNational Park Lodge; inspirational visit to Henna Pre-School in the Sabi Sandsarea —the objective of Henna Pre-School is to provide schooling and educationfor children under the age of five and to provide disadvantaged children wholive within the Huntington Community with two meals a day while at school."Platinum South Africa" is on special with prices starting from $4,998 perperson, including roundtrip airfare from 26 major US cities and connecting onSouth African Airways from New York or Washington, D.C. This price also

includes all taxes and fuel surcharges, domestic airfare,and transfers. "Platinum South Africa" is valid fortravel on selected dates in September, October,November and December 2015 and January, Februaryand March 2016. For details and reservations, contactLion World Travel at (800) 387-2706 to speak to one

of their Africa specialists, or visit www.lionworldtravel.com. Lion World Travelis the leading tour operator from North America specializing in group andindividual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of the renownedTravel Corporation, which also includes: Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, BrendanVacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and


Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. In its 51st year, clients continue tobenefit from Lion World Travel’s destination knowledge, expertise, and emphasison customer service. With their safari specialists all having first-hand knowledgeof Africa, Lion World Travel can confidently assist clients in creating an Africanadventure that fits their specific interests as well as their budget. Extraordinaryservice, affordable luxury and value are what keep people coming back to LionWorld Travel.

THE TREADR IGHT FOUNDAT ION WAS

created as a joint initiative between TheTravel Corporation’s family of brands,The TreadRight Foundation is a not-

for-profit working to ensure the environment andcommunities visited remain vibrant for generationsto come. To date, TreadRight has helped support more than 35 sustainabletourism projects worldwide. The foundation’s guiding principle is to encourageresponsible tourism development through conservation, leadership and supportfor communities. TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, ConservationInter national and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives includesponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World LegacyAwards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empoweringindividuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise. To learn more about pastand current work at TreadRight, visit TreadRight.org.

OPEN WITHOUT FURTHER ADO: ANDEGAVIA CASK WINES

(www.Andegavia.com), the first ever sustainably-packaged luxurywine brand. Packaged in chic, beautifully designed eco-friendlycasks, Andegavia wines look as good as they taste, making them the

perfect addition to party tables and the ideal gift for wine lovers year-round.Sourced from the top winemakers in Sonoma and Napa Valley, Andegavia nowoffers three wines: dark cherry and blackcurrant 2012 Bartlett Special EditionNapa Valley Merlot Blend, bright, crisp 2013 Lundfelt Dry Creek ValleySauvignon Blanc and rich and complex 2013 Merrill Russian River Valley PinotNoir, a delicious wine with wild berry flavors, a velvety mouth feel and asmooth finish. For about $60 you get a three liter plastic “cask” (equal to fourbottles) in a smart box, ready for pouring. Andegavia wines in this format willstay fresh for up to four weeks. Buying wine this way makes a lot of sense: thereduction in packaging, production and shipping costs are far better thanexpensive glass bottles www.andegavia.com.


SPRING AND SUMMER ARE ACTION-PACKED SEASONS IN TUSCANY AS

truffle hunting, mushrooms and chestnuts give way to golf, countrywalks and evening wine tastings. The countryside changes color fromred and gold to green and yellow. Castello del Nero, not far from

Florence, is the ultimate Tuscan experience, a privately located and lovinglyrestored 12th century estate on the 740 acres of rolling hills, lush olive grovesand verdant vineyards of the Castello del Nero Estate. This is the perfect five-star setting for an unforgettable stay. Situated in the town of Tavarnelle Val diPesa, in the heart of the Chianti wine region, this is an ultra-luxury hotelperfect for romantic holidays, gastronomic journeys, fairytale weddings andcomfortable business conferences. Featuring Tuscany’s first destination ESPAbraded spa, Castello del Nero is also an enchanting haven in which to relax andrevitalize the body and mind. From the moment of arrival you will find thiswonderful retreat captures the true essence of Tuscany whilst offering the mostluxurious accommodations and highest levels of service. Castello del Nero hasundergone a complete reconstruction with care and dedication to conserving itsoriginal aspect, bringing back to light noble blazons and fireplaces. The originalfrescoes, vaulted ceilings and fireplaces are located in common areas and guestrooms alike, exuding the charm and history of the noble estate it was. Fromeach side of Castello del Nero you can enjoy the beautiful Tuscan hills withviews of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Castello del Nero hasluxury accommodation unlike any other property in the region. The 50 roomsand suites are unique with all the services and comforts of the world’s mostluxurious hotels. Rooms and suites painstakingly restored, furbished withelegance and completed with state of theart technology. The hotel’s one or twobedroom suites, some with king beds.Rooms in the suite category have specialbenefits such as complimentary softdrink mini-bar, and daily entrance perperson to the ESPA Heat Experience.The Del Nero Presidential Suite isimpressive in size and the perfectaccommodation for two couples travelling together, for family reunions or for aspecial gathering. Located on the top of an ancient stairway, the Del NeroPresidential Suite is a piece of history with its original terracotta floor thatdates back to the 17th century and several stunning frescoes on the walls andceiling, carefully restored. The Del Nero Presidential Suite boasts a stunningview over the Italian gardens and countryside, and consists of a spacious livingroom with two double bedrooms, two spacious bathrooms, original fireplaces


and an additional living room. The spacious main living room with Del Neroand Torrigiani coat of arms is located between the two bedrooms and providesthe ideal setting to spend precious moments in the company of family orfriends, while enjoying a private breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located in theformer stables of Castello del Nero, the one Michelin star La Torre Restaurantshowcases a meticulously researched menu, designed to deliver the best ofItalian and Tuscan traditions with fresh and genuine ingredients bought fromlocal farmers, and herbs taken directly from the Castello’s organic garden,carefully tended by the Chef himself. The innovative a la carte menu offers alarge range of dishes elaborated by Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro,based on Mediterranean flavors, and created by using fresh local products.Bespoke service by an eagle-eyed staff is at the heart of the guest experience inLa Torre Restaurant and the restaurant is led by Maitre d' Tiziano Siggillino.The central feature of the elegant dining room is an exquisitely decoratedfireplace which complements the high arched ceilings and terracotta tiled floors.This restaurant enjoys spectacular views through its large French windows thatoverlook the panoramic terrace and the breathtaking landscape of the estate.During summer, service at La Torre Restaurant moves to the Garden Terrace onwhich guests can dine al fresco and enjoy a magnificent view over the Tuscanhills. These charming venues are open in good weather for buffet breakfast,which features a wide range of fruits, cereals, cheeses and homemade breads andpastries, as well as à la carte cooked items. Guests can also enjoy typical Tuscandishes for lunch and dinner at La Taverna located in the former castle’s kitchenor at La Taverna by The Pool while enjoying the heavenly panoramas. The Bar

is cozily located inside the castle and offers variousrooms where guests may give in to the temptation offeeling like Barons in their estate sipping on one of thewine list’s many reserve cognacs. The bar menu alsoincludes a fine choice of grappa, whiskies and cocktailsand snacks which are served all day. As you descend theancient stairway to wine cellar you know you are aboutto experience something very special. From lavish recep-tions to informal olive oil and wine tasting in Chianti,

this intimate and refined Tuscan winery locale is available for your enjoyment.We highly recommend the Castello’s extra virgin olive oil tasting. One-hourwine tastings cost $74 per person and include four Italian wines, a perfectaddition to the Castello del Nero Experience. The comfortable spa, doubtlesslyone-of-a-kind, offers finely-tuned personalized treatments, heat experiences,heated vitality pool, relaxation area and a fitness suite with the most modernand sophisticated equipment. All the machinery is extremely user friendly and


equipped with individual LCD screens featuringsatellite TV. The signature treatment at ESPA atCastello del Nero is the 110-minute Castello delNero Relaxation Ritual (usually $350) thatcombines the natural anti-oxidant benefits oflocally-produced extra virgin olive oil with seasalts for a full body exfoliation. Tuscan lavender isinfused in warmed olive oil for a Balinese-influenced massage, which evokesdeep relaxation. The outdoor heated Swimming pool is located in front of theSPA, boasting a magnificent view of the valley and lakes below. Two tenniscourts, illuminated for night play, are available. On property there is also asmall chapel ideal to celebrate weddings. The castle’s location is convenient forvisits to the mesmerizing cities of Siena and Pisa. Complimentary shuttle serviceis offered to/from Florence or Siena at scheduled days and hours. Want more to

do? The menu of activities include cookingclasses designed by Chef Giovanni; trufflehunting with a licensed truffle hunter; oliveoil artisan and winery visits including thefamed Antinori Wine Estate; hot air balloonrides; horse riding at the Agrifoglio Riding

Club; exploring the countryside on rental Vespas; tennis lessons; rental bikesand bike tours; golf at the 18-hole Ugolino Golf Club or 27-hole CastelfaldiGolf Club; guided tours to museums and local attractions. The Castello has itall—at the highest levels, for all ages, in a magical setting. An experience of alifetime. Visit www.castellodelnero.com.

THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF EVERSHOT, SURROUNDED BY ROLLING

England’s Dorset hills, is deep in Thomas Hardy history. As manywould know, Hardy was a famous English writer and poet born inthe 1800's. But did you know he was an architect before he was

successful enough to pursue his literary career? In fact, the drawing room wingat the beautiful Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa wasdesigned by Hardy himself. Fans of his works simply must take a visit to thisvillage, which he referred to as Evershead in his novels. The Acorn Inn, referredto as “The Sow and Acorn” in Tess of thed'Urbervilles, is a perfect resting place for aperfect Thomas Hardy experience. This 16thcentury quintessential English Inn has tenbedrooms, each individually designed andnamed after Hardy characters and places. Sit


by a roaring fire in winter and enjoy a pint of Real Ale in the beer gardenduring the warmer months. Take a stroll around the village past Tess Cottagewhere she breakfasted on her way to visit Angel Claire’s parents. And for themore energetic, there is a beautiful four mile circular walk around MelburyDeer Park. At the end of your day, return to the cozy bar and perhaps relax inthe inglenook in which Tupcombe sat waiting for news of Betty in “The FirstCountess of Wessex.” The Thomas Hardy Experience includes: accommodationin a four poster bedroom; full English breakfast; Dorset Cream Tea in theDrawing Room at Summer Lodge; choice of a pint of Real Ale or a glass ofPimm's; three course dinner in the award-winning restaurant; Entry to MaxGate and & Hardy's birthplace. Prices from $435 per room per night inclusiveof VAT and based on double occupancy. Entry to Max Gate & Thomas HardyBirthplace is subject to national trust opening times. This offer is subject toavailability and general terms and conditions. Valid until 23rd December 2015.Visit www.acorn-inn.co.uk/inspiring-experiences/Thomas-Hardy-Experience.

FOR MANY TRAVELERS, EMBARKING ON THE NEXT ADVENTURE MEANS

bidding a bittersweet farewell to their beloved four-legged familymembers. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, however, is not onlypet friendly but also proudly pet-centered; every property offers a

range of luxurious items and servicesdesigned to ensure an indulgent vacationfor all pets (as well as their owners). Floormats, plush bedding, specially preparedmenus, and food and drink bowls areavailable in every Red Carnation property as well as dog walking and sittingservices. On-site Pet Concierges are readily available to recommend the bestlocal grooming and veterinary services, and many hotels are within walkingdistance of public parks and beaches that are just begging to be explored. InLondon, The Milestone Hotel and ‘41’ take pet offerings to an entirely new levelwith exceptional services such as birthday celebrations (complete with a specialtybirthday cake), custom-made beds and duvets, sumptuous pet bathrobes andnightly turndown treats. Other hotels also offer exclusive pet packages, includingSummer Lodge’s (in beautiful Dorset) “Pampered Pooch.” This package can beadded to any dog-friendly room and includes homemade biscuits, Lily’s Kitchendog food menu offerings, a dog wash station, dog beds, food and water bowls,“woof” towels, and a list of nearby parks, beaches and coastal walks. RedCarnation Hotels’ Founder and President Beatrice Tollman is a passionate doglover and she has imparted this passion to her staff. Several properties even havetheir own feline and canine mascots who keep guests and staff company. Summer


Lodge’s resident cat, Felix, often sits at the reception desk to assist with check-in. The Oyster Box in South Africa is home to Skabenga, a handsome cat whowandered into the property 10 years ago and decided not to leave. In Ireland, theiconic Ashford Castle is home to Garvan and Cronin, twogorgeous Irish wolfhounds, and a small community of bothhorses and falcons. Meanwhile, at The Egerton House Hotel inLondon, Milly, the Jack Russell, is a sociable favorite who oftenfields requests from guests asking to play with her. The RedCarnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection offive- and four-star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset,Guernsey, Geneva, Palm Beach, South Africa and Ireland. Each property has itsown individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment,culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities central to Red Carnation’s ethosthat win them so many prestigious awards—splendid luxury, generous hospi-tality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate serviceand loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all theirguests. For more information about The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, visitwww.redcarnationhotels.com or e-mail [email protected].

WE WOULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED THAT ROME COULD BE EXPERIENCED

in such depth and intensity with the help of a guide. ThroughEternity is not just another tour company; it's an experience onits own. In fact, during our experience in Rome with this caring

company, everything was perfect from the first moment; every single detail wastaken care of and us, the six and only guests of each tour, were at the center ofit all. Priority pass and avoidance of lines was so important because it freed somuch time to see the things we had to see. No long lines, no sweat, no anxietiesof being able to see everything...five hours of full immersion in what is in ouropinion the world's most beautiful city. Howwould such an experience take place if we didn'thave thoughtful and expert guides? They areactually the ones that make the experience worthit...instead of just looking around and guessingabout monuments and events, the guides atThrough Eternity take you on a magnificentjourney that goes back through centuries. How they portray Rome’s treasures istruly impressive; in fact, they made it so vivid, it's as if we were living thoseevents in that moment; as if we were going back in time. We still rememberwhat they so colorfully described and if we go back and visit those same sites,or see them on television or in a book/newspaper, we can recall exactly their


history and meaning. The guides showed anddescribed only the meaningful, and painted a pictureof actual history without any meaningless chit chat,making it a truly enlightening experience. To seethings as everybody else would is ok; to see thesesites with Through Eternity means to see them from adifferent perspective, like the inaccessible under-

ground of the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel before the public arrives arehard to forget; to witness the sites as most of the people haven't or wouldn'tmakes the Rome experience unique and made us feel very privileged. For amoment we felt we were true Romans; we connected with Rome’s deepest roots.Established in 1999, Through Eternity created their in-depth tours after recog-nizing the need. Rather than rushing through the Vatican museums with eyesclosed and reaching the Sistine Chapel disconnected from its beauty, visitors areallowed to discover and admire what Raphael and Michelangelo studied andpraised; immeasurably enhancing the experience. 15 years of success is a tell-talesign, that Through Eternity has effectively provided quality and meaningfultours for tourists to Italy. Always inspired and motivated by their visitors,Through Eternity delivers exceptional customer service and tours. Other tourlocations are Florence, Siena, Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. For more information,www.througheternity.com.

ROME HAS SEEN THE RISE AND FALL OF

Empires. It has heard Cicero speak,watched over the Papacy and seen thebirth of the Italian nation. The spirit

of Rome does not endure, however, in greatstone pillars and museums, but in carefully-hidden treasures like the Ristorante SpiritoDiVino. Spirito DiVino encapsulates timeless class and quality. Its wine cellardates from the first century BC, a Roman cavern filled with Italian wines fromtwo centuries to suit all tastes. The selection of food itself blends old and newtastes to great effect. For example, the crème brulée uses an historic recipewithout the torched crust and a smoother taste. The pork with apple andseasonal vegetables is cooked using an ancient Roman recipe. The kitchenfollows a Slow Food ethic, and the emphasis on freshness and local marketproduce really shines through when it comes to the main courses: the fish dishessuch as the excellent linguine con ragù di mare all use fresh fish from thatmorning, and the tomato sauce is made from fresh tomatoes. This does notmean that the cooking is outdated or quaint: the dishes are served with presen-


tation worthy of a top London or New York restaurant, and the forgottenrecipes seem fresh and inventive. Chef Eliana Catalani, an ex-virologist whoworked with Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, makes sure to addexperimental touches that give new life to traditional cuisine, such as chickenwith a Tandoori-influenced salsa. The restaurant itself exudes history. The brickpillars and passageways within the restaurant show its age (it dates from 900AD), and a glass panel near the entrance covers an old well. Externally, the onlysign that the battered door hides a treasure of excellent cuisine is a small signwith the name of the restaurant. Ristorante Spirito DiVino is Rome's truelegacy: timeless cuisine that draws on the past to produce superb dishes withmodern style, all tucked away in an ancient, atmospheric building. If Romansate at the Spirito DiVino, they must surely have lived well. Ristorante SpiritoDiVino can be found online at www.ristorantespiritodivino.com. Located at ViaDei Genovesi 31, Trastavere, Rome. A five-course meal will cost around 50euros per person. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.We recommend booking via [email protected].

BRENNER’S PARK-HOTEL & SPA, VILLA STÉPHANIE AND FREGATE ISLAND

Private are part of the magnificent portfolio of Oetker CollectionMasterpiece Hotels. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, www.brenners.com,the iconic spa destination property located in Baden-Baden,

Germany, recently opened an on-site spa Villa Stéphanie,www.villastephanie.com and dedicated medical care center, Haus Julius. Poisedto set the bar for a new standard of spas, Villa Stéphanie is directly connectedto Haus Julius and located at Brenners Park, adjacent to the main building in aprivate house spanning five floors and dedicated solely to the spa. The openingof the Villa Stéphanie marks the completion of the most comprehensiverenovation project of the past 20 years. Featuring a design that has beenperfected in terms of space and content, the hotel’s successful concept ofproactive health management will continue to be rigorously pursued in this newfacility. Villa Stéphanie offers an integrated approach to health, combiningbeauty, well-being and medical needs. The new spa and medical center willforever redefine the standard of excellence for spa facilities worldwide. Crucialfor the various kinds of treatments and services on offer, Villa Stephaniecomprises three spectacular suites for overnight stays, each of which includetheir own spa suite for relaxation andin-room therapies, as well as 12 deluxedouble rooms. In addition to a jumbosauna, Kneipping bath, private fitnesscenter, hammam, Ladies Sauna, private


park, sunken garden, there willalso be a plunge pool ideal forrehabilitation measures. HausJulius offers a vast array of traditional and modern diagnostic techniques andtherapies, the space is directly connected to Villa Stéphanie and will work withthe innovative spa to provide guests with a holistic approach to well-being andhealthcare. The dedicated medical center will offer QPNT nutrition coaching,weight loss and detox programs, and performance diagnostics (body analysis,lactate measurement), as well as a unique physiotherapy concept. These areaswill be overseen by qualified specialists, medically-trained masseurs, beauticians,sports scientists and experts in the field of nutritional health. Fregate IslandPrivate is a secluded paradise located in the Seychelles, four degrees south ofthe equator and 35 miles off the Mahé coast. Nestled amidst the flora and faunaby the sea are 16 residences crafted in balau wood, each with private pool andbeach buggy. Guests are greeted by personal butlers who are dedicated tomaking sure every possible desire is fulfilled. Fregate Island Private has sevenextraordinarily beautiful beaches, coral reefs and jungle trails; it is an Eden ofdiscovery for children and adults. The Rock Spa offers indulgent massages forpure escape and revival. www.oetkercollection.com/Fregate�

CORO MENDOCINO IS A COLLECTION OF ULTRA-PREMIUM RED WINES

produced to showcase the rich heritage and unique characteristics ofMendocino County, a diverse area that encompasses a variety ofclimates and soils, and boasts a mixture of multi-generational

winemakers with deep Italian roots alongside newcomers with extensive andvaried backgrounds. The 2012 vintage marks the 12th release for CoroMendocino, and includes wines from eight diverse Mendocino Countyvintners—Fetzer, Barra, Parducci, Clos du Bois, Golden, Brutocao, Testa, andMcFadden, all proud, dedicated and respected winemakers. Established in 2000,Coro is the only American example of winemakers coming together to setstandards for a class of wines to represent a particular wine region. Expect full-bodied complex wines from these makers. The christened label and blend knownas “Coro”—named and inspired from the Latin root for “chorus”—is the firstwine of its kind to set blending and aging parameters for a wine distinctive toits region in the United States. We tasted them and found outstanding qualityand character—smooth, lush, intense rich, long and stylish. These wines “sing”on the palate. Every Coro wine is a signature blend, individually handcrafted inMendocino County from 100 percent Mendocino County grapes, in strict accor-dance with the production protocols and bylaws set forth by ConsortiumMendocino. Zinfandel, the county’s heritage varietal, must make up no more


than 70 percent and no less than 40 percent of the wine. Nine other types ofgrapes may be included, typically Rhone or Italian varietals. All CoroMendocino wines are aged a minimum of one year in the barrel and one in thebottle before the world is permitted to taste them. Even then, no one can sipuntil the winemakers in the Consortium have blind-tasted every wine and deter-mined that the wine is worthy of the Coro label. For more information aboutCoro Mendocino, call (707) 485-8885 or visit www.coromendocino.com. COROwines are priced around $40 each and bottled impressively with a handsomesilver incised seal above the label. You can purchase each individual wine fromeach winery directly or all of them from SIP Mendocino,www.sipmendocino.com.

WE FOUND MUCH OF PANAMA CITY, PANAMA TO BE A CROWDED,filthy and chaotic place. Amid the sparkling high rise buildingsare an equal number of cacophonous construction sites wherenew skyscrapers are being erected to fill in every last piece of

negative space on the city skyline. Walking on the streets is a constant battle foryour own health and safety; sidewalks—when available—are piled high withgarbage, rife with holes to fall in, and flowing with raw sewage. Normally, youmust walk in the street where constant vigilance is needed to avoid being struckby a crazed bus driver. If your destination is farther than a few blocks away,jump in a taxi and marvel at how the driver weaves in and out of seeminglyrandom lines of cars, like the tooth of a precision gear in an Escher-likewrithing mass of steel, rubber and glass. The driver, while ignoring all signs andsignals, with fractions of an inch to spare on each maneuver and a little luckmay end up getting you whereyou have asked to go. Vulturescircle overhead. So off we went insearch of a decent hotel. GracePanama's website mentions thatits location is in the "twist building." To the average gringo, you may gravitateto this nearby landmark, but in fact, Grace Panama is located 3 blocks away anon-helical structure where nearby towers and construction efforts all butcompletely obscure the gigantic silver "Grace" from any nearby vantage. Havingonly opened a few months ago, no one knows where this hotel is, including thehapless taxi driver you’ve hired to take you there. We arrived well before check-in time, but were offered Champagne and an option for early check-in which wedeclined. After having walked around the area to pass the time we returned andfound sanctuary in the beautifully decorated and air conditioned lobby. Acouple of glasses of Champagne later and we had almost forgotten about the


oppressive heat, mangy dogs, and blaring car horns we had battled before ourreturn. The concierge and bellhop were very helpful and accommodating.Throughout our few days at Grace we were always able to learn about localactivities, arrange transport and get information about the hotel and its services.When our room was ready, we were helped with our bags and taken to ourroom. The elevators were spacious and unbelievably fast. Activated with yourkey-card, only your floor and the common areas are accessible for increasedsecurity. The room was spacious, modern and full of luxury amenities. Nice,minimalist artwork decorated the walls. Wood panels and mirrors tastefullydecorated the pastel blue walls and comfortable furniture completed the look.All lights could be controlled from the bed-side table as well as from the frontdoor. Fast wireless and wired internet was available. Beds were large,comfortable and covered in feather pillows. The outside wall was one, giant,tinted window. With no need or desire to open a window or step onto abalcony, a small solarium protrudes from the corner of the room and providessunlight and panoramic views of the city. On the writing desk we found apersonalized welcome letter and a delicious little snack of cookies, chocolatemousse and a chocolate covered strawberry. Every evening we received a newnote which included activity suggestions and a local weather forecast for thefollowing day along with another sweet treat to enjoy before bed. That evening,we were too exhausted to complain when we discovered that our beds had notop-sheets. After leaving a note for the cleaning staff the following morning wehad the complete bed we desired for the remaining nights. Is this the normalway they make their beds or was it a mistake? We guess we’ll never know. Thebathroom was very nice. In a country where there is often no hot water or goodwater pressure, we were finally able to take a decent shower. The large walk-inshower fitted with a rainfall showerhead was delightful but it took a smalladjustment to the water heating system behind the sink to get the temperatureabove tepid. While we were working on it, we also turned down the waterpressure on the sink since it had the force of a fire hose. A small note aboutsaving the environment by only washing towels left on the floor was ratherhumorous as there were no towel hooks. We made due by hanging our towelsover the edge of the shower wall. We forgot to mention, there is NO bathroomdoor. Even newlywed couples need privacy sometimes. Sheesh! On the tenthfloor, there is an outdoor pool area with plenty of shaded chairs, tables andbeach towels. Any hope of getting a tan is dashed by the giant building beingerected across the street which blocks all of the afternoon sun. The pool is smalland shallow, but not overly chlorinated and provides a great escape from theheat. At this height, most of the noise from the busy city below fades away. Thevultures weave and soar between the buildings at this level as they scan the


streets below for fresh carrion. A visit to this area in the evening provides acomfortable, breezy view of the city at night and is a quiet place to enjoy adrink in the fresh air. Also on the tenth floor is a selection of meeting roomsand a small gym complete with modern equipment, showers and changingrooms. On the ground floor, just past the lobby is a full service bar andrestaurant. Soft lighting, fresh flowers and immaculately set tables made for arelaxing dinner experience. The menu features many choices for all tastes. Weenjoyed a fantastic meal of perfectly cooked seared ahi and grilled sea bass andsplit a less-than-great strawberry cheesecake for dessert. The service is attentiveand helpful, though they were admittedly a bit distracted and absent during theSuper bowl halftime show which coincided with our dinner. In the morning, abreakfast buffet is offered which includes fresh juices, baked goods, cereals,eggs, smoked salmon and fruit. All of the food is well prepared and fresh. Weregularly saw sharply-dressed people walking from the bar with fancy blendedcocktails on their way up to the pool. Though the prices of these delicious foodand drink options are high for Panama, the service and quality made up for it.In spite of the few minor issues mentioned above, we had a very nice time atHotel Grace and would gladly visit it again if it were not located in the most-unsavory Panama City. Visit www.gracehotels.com/panama. We invite ourreaders to respond to our unhappy views about Panama City if they’ve had adifferent experience.

SAVANNAH IS, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN, SIMPLY ONE BEAUTIFUL CITY TO

visit. The architecture, the history and the food, though, are just threeof the reasons to go there. Another would be a stay at The Mansion onForsyth Park. This small, elegant hotel is set across the road from a

quiet small park. Add to this the convenience of downtown accessed via aserene, five minute stroll past majestic oak trees and, already, it makes for anenticing place to lay your head. The hotel restaurant, 700 Drayton, has a smallmenu that reflects excellent cuisine. Thestaff epitomizes everything we have cometo believe about southern hospitality.Their politeness and willingness to assistwill remain with you long after you havereturned home. The comfort and sumptu-ousness of the rooms create a feeling ofcomplete relaxation. Hanging throughoutthe hotel are historic original paintings adding to its individuality and vitality.The Mansion is definitely a hotel to return to as often as possible. The Mansionis one of several hotels owned by the Kessler family as part of their Autograph


Collection. It's the first we have visited, but it definitely will not be the last.The Mansion on Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Street, Savannah, GA 31401, (912)238-5158, www.mansiononforsythpark.com.

KICK OFF AN EVENT OF A LIFETIME, THE

Diamond Celebration at the DisneylandResort. In May, Disneyland kicked off anevent of a lifetime, their Diamond

Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Every day it’snow a party there, a party that’s been in the making since Walt Disney firstopened the gates to the Happiest Place on Earth, July 17, 1955. It’s now timeto pull out all the stops to celebrate six decades of magic and plan a visit. Youcan expect three new amazing nighttime spectaculars that bring to life thestories, characters, music and magic they love—in all new ways: “Paint theNight,” the new nighttime electrical parade, has been described as a river ofcolor flowing down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. “DisneylandForever” is a new fireworks and projection show that is so immersive, theexperience starts at your toes and reaches high into the sky above. At DisneyCalifornia Adventure, “World of Color—Celebrate!” is bigger than ever andnow features award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris. Neil joins MickeyMouse and they take guests on a fun-filled journey of exploration of WaltDisney’s life and his dream of Disneyland. Pack these two guides before you go:THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND, $18.95, publisher: KeenCommunications, by Bob Sehlinger and Seth Kubersky makes Disneyland one ofthe most accessible theme parks in the world. With advice that is direct,prescriptive, and detailed, it takes the guesswork out of the reader’s vacation.For a day or a week, there is a plan for any group or family to enjoy the enter-tainment instead of spending endless time in lines. Comprehensive informationis presented in a way that permits easy comparisons and facilitates decision-making. Detailed plans and profiles of hotels, restaurants, and attractions arepresented in “at-a-glance” formats, providing for effortless communication ofthe most salient information. Profiles are supplemented by indexes. In short, aplan for every reader. From the publisher of THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE toDISNEYLAND also comes THE DISNEYLAND STORY: The Unofficial Guideto the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream, by Sam Gennawey, the tale of howWalt Disney’s greatest creation was conceived, nurtured, grew into a source ofjoy and inspiration for generations of visitors. Despite his successors' battleswith the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt’s visionmaintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it WaltDisney's way. Both are available on Amazon.com.


SLS LAS VEGAS IS ONE OF THE STRIP’S LATEST ADDITIONS, A SMART AND

sassy hotel envisioned by Creative Director Philippe Starck in collab-oration with Gensler and SLS Hotels. It’s large—over 1,600guestrooms in three distinct hotel towers—but each room has its own

unique personality, designed to offer contemporary and stylish settings for anamazing Vegas getaway. We found refined elegance, soft, ambient lighting, andsoothing tones that created a sleek and seductive retreat. There is an unparal-leled collection of acclaimed restaurants, to indulge every taste, mood andoccasion. We dined at Cleo, both legendary and unforgettable, where aMediterranean-inspired reinvention of Tinseltown glamour reigns, new-yet-familiar flavors are enhanced by Old Hollywood charm. At Cleo, movingforward isn’t about revisiting the past–it’s about creating culinary classics with amodern twist. Service is sharp as a tack and friendly. SLS has two sweepingpoolside lounges, two premier nightclubs, and exceptional bars and lounges, Allcombine to offer a chic and stimulating nightlife spaces for guests to mix andmingle from dusk to dawn (and beyond). This brand of signature SouthernCalifornia nightlife recipe creates a vibe that cannot be found anywhere else onThe Strip. LiFE, an unbridled celebration ofsight, sound, scene and form is a spaciouslively, fully integrated nightclub. LiFE’s energygoes poolside with LUX Pool. This relaxingopen-air rooftop pool is where a very coolcrowd goes for a seductive environment ofglamour and comfort. Listen to soothing ambient beats while enjoying signaturecocktails and light fare. LUX Pool is the ultimate daytime retreat for thoselooking to relax and soak up the sun. LUX Pool is open seasonally Fridaythrough Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call for a cabana reservation. [email protected] and sbe.com/cleo.

LONGING FOR AUTHENTIC FRENCH CUISINE IN THE HEART OF ORLANDO?At Bistro CloClo, diners can soak in the atmosphere of a Frenchbistro and enjoy a worldly dining experience. Julien Bouchet, theconsulting chef, grew up on the West Coast in the Bretagne region of

France where his love of food was born. He made his way to Nimes in southernFrance to open his own place, Restaurant l’Atmosphere. There he dazzledcustomers with his creativity. We would describe the experience at BistroCloClo as a culinary tour of France with a “bistronomique” style, a modern,high-end “gastronimique” take on French bistro classics. Our evening startedwith Bellinis framboise. We dug into a pâté platter, tuna tartare, and some tradi-tional onion soup. So far, so good. Then we tried a goat cheese and beet salad,


some crepes, and a plate of cognac-flambéed scallops before the main event:fantastique coq au vin, grilled branzino, seafood saffron risotto and orange duckbreast. The bistro carries wines from France, Italy, Argentina and the U.S., alleasy on the wallet from $28-$119 a bottle. There is a wonderful brunch servedhere every Sunday with live jazz to accompany the escargot, sandwiches, omeletsand sweets. CloClo is cozy, warm and intimate capturing all the romance ofFrance. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes that deliver innovativelyenhanced flavors. Service is bright and friendly. An ideal setting for sophisticatedfamilies from the shires on a Disney visit. Visit www.bistrocloclo.com.

OF ALL THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES WE INDULGED IN OVER THE PAST YEARS,none gave us more pleasure than our brief stays in Santa Monica atits two finest hotels, Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach. Avisit to Shutters is like a weekend at the beach with the pier, sand,

surf and fun surrounding you. There is no better party than cocktails in thelobby, usually with music, to watch the sun go down. Then, perhaps dinner atOne Pico, where the hotel’s masterful chefs will do excellent modern Americancuisine with dazzling ocean views. These delicious steak, fish, or pasta dishesare exquisite. The cottage-style rooms and suites are done with a light touch,just as you remember from your childhood at The Breakers in Palm Beach.Only better, cleaner and crisper. Expectappointments like four-poster beds, LCDTVs, CD and DVD players, and wirelessInternet access. Marble baths have jettedtubs with windows that open to rooms.Shutters on the Beach is home to therenowned ONE spa, a very fine spot indeed for relaxing massages and treat-ments. Shutters also provides an oceanfront pool and spa tub, and a health clubwith a steam room. Casa del Mar tells another story but no less sensational.Grand yet informal, elegant but never stuffy, this L.A. beach hotel offers,literally, the best view in town. Its floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlookingthe Pacific coastline will do wonders for your perspective. So will their top-rated Santa Monica seafood restaurant, Catch, with panoramic ocean views andall of the day's fresh catches, all business conveniences, a wide selection ofluxurious Santa Monica hotel rooms and suites, a dazzling lobby buzzing withactivity, a wellness spa, a view of the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, and the feelingof living extremely well. There’s energy here at Casa del Mar, alive and thriving.The Beach Club glamour of Hotel Casa del Mar proves that even luxury cantake a break from formality. Whether you’re on a business trip or a weekendgetaway, Hotel Casa del Mar is a destination poised on the fine line between


your imagination and reality. Terrazza Caféand Lounge at Casa del Mar breezed intoSanta Monica in May. Interior designerMichael S. Smith is behind this new ocean-front creation. Directly overlooking the sea, the 180-degree view is theever-changing backdrop to Smith’s aquamarine and white Café & Lounge.Scattered neatly atop a colorful handmade Spanish ceramic tile floor are tablesof green and blue terrazzo with a variety of chairs covered in eclectic fabrics.When the windows are opened, the space feels as ‘al fresco’ as humanly possiblewhile still being inside. The floor is even heated when needed providing a yearround beachy experience. The crescent-shaped dark and sexy room is accentedwith Christian Chaize’s “Praia Piquinia” photographs, forged blown glasspendant lights and whimsical blue glass sconces from Murano. Smith’s designmasterfully allows the ambience to seamlessly shift from a sun-drenched cafe forbreakfast and lunch to a seductive sunset lounge at night. To perfectlycomplement all the ferns, lanterns and view, Chef Alberico Nunziata drawsinspiration from the Italian and Spanish coastlines with influences from localCalifornia ingredients. Order bar nibbles or from a full menu. Our favorites?Grilled lobster. Pacific red snapper crudo with bottarga—a delicacy of saltedcured fish roe from Mediterranean mullet; or Pacific prawns a la plancha withpanzanella—a Tuscan salad of bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and oliveoil. Drifting away from the traditional, Chef Alberico uses pesto as dressing forhis take on this delicious salad. For the more classic Italian food lover, hisbucatini pomodore (all pastas are done in-house) made with Italy’s famous SanMarzano tomatoes—handpicked at their ripest is considered by many chefs tobe the best in the world for sauce. Or the fungi pizza with roasted chanterelles,burrata and sage with all ingredients purchased locally from the Santa MonicaFarmer’s Market. One of Chef Alberico’s goals, by bringing in a taste of Italy toTerrazza, is to provide even more variety to the choices of cuisine at thecollection of restaurants already at Pico and Ocean Way, by the blue sea. Askyou server to bring you a selfie stick to take photos. Perhaps with the singer atthe microphone who nicely belts out standards, jazz and show tunes in theevening. Visit www.shuttersonthebeach.com and www.hotelcasadelmar.com.

SUPER CHEF THOMAS KELLER HAS ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS IN

Los Angeles since opening Bouchon in 2010, an elaborate two-storybranch of his once-humble bistro. Expect plenty of French classics, aknockout raw bar with select oysters on the half shell and many other

fruits de mer, plus a deep wine list curated by Vin de Carafe, a unique programthat brings recognition to local wine producers. The restaurant is across from


the lovely Montage Hotel. Downstairs is a casualbistro with zinc bar and outdoor seatingoverlooking Beverly Canon Gardens. Upstairs is abright, airy high-ceilinged room with a classicmosaic floor, antique light fixtures and hand-painted murals by renowned French artist PaulinParis where you will be served classic French likeroast chicken, steak frites, croque madame, pot decrème and lemon tart at their best, inspired byKeller's famed Yountville restaurant. Bouchon’s quintessential bistro farechanges with the seasons and there are always creative selections if you wish togo off piste from traditional French. Dishes are perfectly executed with graciousservice in a tony and celeb-studded atmosphere. While a visit to Bouchondoesn't come cheap, it never disappoints, and, frankly, can save you a trip toParis. Additionally, every Monday they offer a taste of Yountville with AdHoc's famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken. See morewww.thomaskeller.com/bouchon-bistro-beverly-hills.

WINES DRINKING VERY NICELY NOW: 2010 DAMILANO LECINQUEVIGNE

Barolo, $40, a balanced and delicious red that delivers subtle driedorange and berry character with a dusty texture. Plenty of cedartoo. 2010 Animo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an $85 wine

and well worth it for mountain fruit, depth and complexity.

JOSH CELLARS, AN APPROACHABLE WINE COLLECTION FROM JOSEPH CARR,has added two new varietals to its portfolio—a Paso Robles CabernetSauvignon and Lodi Zinfandel. The Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon’spowerful aromatic earthy tones dominate the nose, yielding to bright,

fresh blueberry fruit nuances. The wine is brooding with robust flavors ofcoffee, plum and blackberry which are layered with smoky roasted spice,finishing with a long and harmonious balance. The beautiful bottle features asnazzy copper label and is available at Kroger Stores nationwide for $15.99.Expect notes of white pepper and spice on the nose from the Lodi Zinfandel,with deep concentrated aromas of vanilla bean, oak and blackberry fruit. Thepalate is complex with flavors of juicy blackberries, cardamom and licorice,finishing long with a toasted, almost smoky oak flavor. Josh Legacy is a boldand vibrant dynamite red blend. Each of the Josh versatile wines perfectlycomplements any dinner party, celebration or night in, www.joshcellars.com.


THIS SUMMER, TWO OF ITALY’S LEADING WINERIES HAVE RELEASED THEIR

first rosé wines—Mezzacorona from Trento, and Sicily’s Stemmari—each reflecting native varietals and terroir. Rosé wine is the maximumexpression of the grape and the terroir. It takes centuries before a

specific variety comes into perfect harmony with the environment. For thatreason, these rosé wines come from the most ancient varietals cultivated inLagrein in Trentino and Nero d’Avola in Sicily. Each has a unique character butboth with elegant structure. Mezzacorona’s Rosé, $8.99, from 100% Lagreingrapes, a local variety grown along the Adige Valley north of Trento, whereMezzacorona calls home. The grapes are handpicked in early September; theythen undergo cold maceration for 12 hours before soft-pressing in order toobtain a partial extraction of color from the berries while retaining fresh, fruityaromas. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures to further preservethe fresh, fruity fragrances; after fermentation, the wine remains on the lees for4-5 months to preserve its freshness and roundness. This is a rosé with strongpersonality, freshness and fragrance similar to a fine white wine but with therich fruit and roundness of a young red intended for early drinking. Lightviolet-light ruby red in color, this 2014 vintage wine is ideal as an aperitif aswell as a match to Italian hors d’oeuvres, raw fish, pasta with light ragu, grilledfish, and white meats. The Stemmari Rosé, $9.99, is produced from 100% Nerod’Avola, Sicily’s most famous grape variety, which is cultivated on sandy soils inthe Ragusa province. Careful vineyard management ensures that the grapes areprotected from the hot sun to preserve the natural freshness and acidity of thegrapes. The grapes are picked at the end of August and undergo 6-8 hours ofcold maceration followed by soft-pressing to obtain partial extraction of colorfrom the berries while retaining the fresh, fruity aromas. Fermentation takesplace at controlled temperatures of 16-18 degrees Celsius to further preserve thefresh, fruity fragrances; after fermentation, the wine remains on the lees for 4-5months to preserve its freshness and roundness. Intense violet with mediumruby red in color, Stemmari’s Rosé offers a bouquet of wild strawberry that istypical of Nero d’Avola, with complexity of cherry, gooseberry and red currant.The flavor profile is exceptionally warm and delicate, striking an ideal balancebetween freshness and minerality. Pair this wine with appetizers as well asvegetables, fried fish, fish, and grilled meats. For more information aboutMezzacorona go to www.mezzacorona.it.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS WINES WITH FRUIT-FORWARD AROMAS, HINTS OF

dazzle, an impeccable sense of balance and a body to die for, winesfor every mood from spirited to sophisticated and turning heads alongthe way. The company got its name from the iconic little black dress,


known to be simply timeless, playful yet elegant and ready for anything at amoment’s notice. With grapes from California, Little Black Dress is a wine thatis appealing to classic fashionably-minded women. Masterfully created by thetalented winemaker Zidanelia “Z” Arcidiacono, the Little Black Dress family ofwines (including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Divalicious Pink Pinot,Divalicious Red, Merlot, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir) are versatileand always in style. Brilliantly simple and well-priced, www.lbdwines.com.

HOT TYPE FOR GREAT SUMMER READING: WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES PARIS

the world’s most romantic city for over 150 years? Is it love lockbridge? The legendary Eiffel Tower? In A PASSION FOR PARIS:Romanticism and Romance in the City of Lights, St. Martin’s Press,

best-selling author David Downie sets out to uncover these answers and more.A combination of memoir, history, and travelogue Downie transports readersinto the city’s vibrant culture and into many of its hidden and unknownlocations, weaving together his own with the lives and loves of many greatRomantics and delighting in Paris’ secular romantic pilgrimage sites along theway. This is a top-notch walking tour of Paris, intrepidly researched, entranc-ingly descriptive, ruminative, funny, and revealing, a gorgeously discursive andaffecting homage to Paris’ ‘great Romantics,’ and to the city itself.

CAROLYN ROBB’S NEW COOKBOOK, THE ROYAL TOUCH: SIMPLY

Stunning Home Cooking From A Royal Chef (ACC Editions) tells afascinating story. Robb was personal chef to Prince Charles, PrinceWilliam, and Prince Harry for over a decade while living at

Kensington Palace. This book took three years to create, format, layout andpublish, a journey of many ups and downs. It is gorgeous and reflects Carolyn’shumble spirit, a woman who made her way from South Africa to the RoyalPalace, and the first woman chef to the family. Her personal story, as well as herexperiences as their chef, are rich and fascinating, full of both internal andexternal journeys. Lastly, Carolyn is a working mother of two girls and the spiritof this book is about creating amazing dishes that are practical, easy to prepareand give the cook at home the opportunity to treat their family and friends likeroyalty…without breaking the bank. Carolyn included a very special chaptercalled LITTLE BITES: Organic Food for Children, which provide wonderfulrecipes served to Prince William and Prince Harry when they were little.


FRAN SORIN’S (SHE’S THE LONG TIME GARDEN CORRESPONDENT FOR

CBS Radio News and the garden columnist for USA Today Weekend)ground-breaker, DIGGING DEEP: Unearthing Your Creative RootsThrough Gardening reveals new thoughts and refreshed ideas on ways

to reconnect with your garden. Her message: Practice Mindful Gardening. Withthis book, you’ll learn how to essentially de-schedule—your garden tasks. She’sof the firm belief we are all so regimented in the garden with long, unreasonableto-do lists that we completely neglect to connect with the garden, nature, andthe simple pleasures of being outdoors. Her message comes in the form of“garden therapy”—gardens for peace and joy rather than toil and task. Anawakening can be found in the very garden that we tend to strangle with dosand don’ts. She says—“let it go”. She agrees we should strive for aestheticallypleasing and healthy plants—but not at the expense of our sanity. If the“perfect” garden is achieved through peace and mindfulness—Sorin is pleased;but equally so if a garden is far from “perfect” yet the gardener enjoyed timespent. Sorin believes good health and healthy minds are found in the garden—she hopes to elevate that message. She fears so many gardeners have walkedaway entirely because they can’t meet “expectations.” She’d like to bring themback with ways to enjoy plants once again.

THE REBELLION OF MISS LUCY ANN LOBDELL, ST. MARTIN’SPress, is William Klaber’s latest novel and a worthy one. At a timewhen women did not commonly travel unescorted, carry a rifle, sitdown in bars, or have romantic liaisons with other women, Lucy

Lobdell boldly set forth to earn men's wages. Lucy Lobdell did all of thesethings in a personal quest to work and be paid, to wear what she wanted, andlove whomever she cared to. But to gain those freedoms she had to endurepublic scorn and wrestle with a sexual identity whose vocabulary had yet to beinvented. In this riveting historical novel, William Klaber captures the life of abrave woman who saw well beyond her era.

1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE BY PATRICIA SCHULTZ

published by Workman, $19.95, the world's best-selling travel book, isback in a more informative, more experiential, more budget-friendlyfull-color edition. A #1 New York Times bestseller, 1,000 Places

reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide. AsNewsweek wrote, it “tells you what's beautiful, what's fun, and what's justunforgettable—everywhere on earth.” And now the best is better. There are 600full-color photographs. Over 200 entirely new entries, including visits to 28


countries like Lebanon, Croatia, Estonia, and Nicaragua that were not in theoriginal edition. There is an emphasis on experiences: an entry covers not justPositano or Ravello, but the full 30-mile stretch along the Amalfi Coast. Everyentry from the original edition has been readdressed, rewritten, and made fuller,with more suggestions for places to stay, restaurants to visit, festivals to checkout. And throughout, the book is more budget-conscious; it doesn’t forgetstarred restaurants and historic hotels such as the Ritz, but also moderatelypriced gems that don’t compromise on atmosphere or charm are included.

GARY ZUERCHER SPENT FIVE YEARS PHOTOGRAPHING THE BRIDGES OF

Paris at night and another year in historical research for his book.THE GLOW OF PARIS: The Bridges of Paris at Night, an eclecticcollection of extraordinary gelatin-silver photographic prints of the

35 bridges of Paris—nighttime images that are breathtaking. Accompanied by afascinating historical portrayal, the book presents a unique and aesthetic visionof Paris because no one else has ever photographed and written about thebridges that cross the Seine in this way.


Our Favorite Travel Agent: Vivian TaylorReports about the demise of travel agents have been greatly exaggerated. Sure,anyone today can look online for simple travel plans. But for those of you withtravel experience who yearn for more exotic locales and complex itineraries, there isnothing like a tried and true travel professional to sort out complicated arrangementsand be there when things go wrong. For these reasons we strongly endorse VivianTaylor who has over 35 years in the biz and can be proud of her reputation to maketravel perfect always. Vivian cares and is well traveled. She makes her home inDelaware and Cape Town and enjoys valuable contacts throughout the world. Vivianis passionate about saving the elephant from extinction and supports www.sheldrick-wildlifetrust.org with all her heart. She can make almost anything happen effortlesslyand there is not a place on the globe she is not comfortable booking. Her approachis personal and that’s just not a word to her. Because of her intimate knowledge,Vivian Taylor has a special knack to create very special opportunities and experiencesfor her lucky clients. Contact her at (302) 945-7255, (310) 497-2650 or [email protected].

ENTREE is published monthly by ENTREE Travel, 695 Olive Road, Santa Barbara, California 93108, (805) 969-5848, Fax (805)969-5849, William Tomicki, Editor and Publisher, [email protected]. Managing Editor: Hadley Tomicki. Associate Publisher:Edward L. Stephenson. Senior Executive Editor: Syd Summerhill. Executive Editors: Barbara Daugherty, Kameron Seagren.Senior Editors: Tom Buhl, Ron Green, Randall Shulman. Contributing Editors: Alan Porter, Theron Tomicki, Karen Robertson. InMemoriam: Senior Contributing Editor Mark Birley, 1998-2007; Special Senior Executive Editor Elizabeth F. Kagan, ExecutiveEditor Tom Landau. Subscriptions are $75 per year, satisfaction guaranteed. Back issues are available at $10 per copy. SeeENTREE online at www.entreenews.com. ENTREE endorses the services of Luggage Concierge, www.luggageconcierge.com,when you want to meet your luggage there and avoid all stress and hassles by shipping your bags ahead of time. We alsoexclusively use DMC Limousines in New York, (212) 481-6365, for the best chauffeured limousines and service possible. In LosAngeles, we highly recommend Crown Limo LA, www.crownlimola.com, (310) 737-0888. You deserve more than than cheapairport parking. When flying out of Los Angeles and many other major airports, ENTREE always entrusts their car to The ParkingSpot. As the leading near-airport parking company in the nation, The Parking Spot provides full service parking to 21 majorairports in the U.S., with a total of 34 parking lots. When you reserve a space with The Parking Spot, you can expect more thanordinary airport parking. You're getting a superior airport parking experience. Their lots are spacious, fully-fenced, well lit, andopen 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They offer: friendly shuttles every 5-7 minutes, earn free parking with The Spot Club,luggage assistance, complimentary newspaper & chilled bottled water. They'll even detail your car while you're away. Know whatairport you’re departing from? Go to www.theparkingspot.com for a list of all their parking locations.

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In This Issue - entreenews.comentreenews.com/ftp/ENTREE-Summer-2015.pdf · In This Issue : Founded 198 1 ... and wines from Baja. ... each side of Castello del Nero you can enjoy