B-ring it on for New Year’s Eve with the “Hot Box”

B-ring it on for New Year’s with a fine bottle of champagne (the Diva prefers Cristal, and perhaps a feisty red like Merryvale Cab) along with a special boxed meal from San Francisco’s  Fork and Spoon

The newest “Hot Box” is typicallya Valentine’s Day favorite, but they are packaging a special one  for NYE filled to the brim with a feast any classic food lover will crave.

Your “Madman-esque” dinner for two includes: House-Spiced Nuts; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Sauce Remoulade; The Wedge Salad with Radish, Bacon, Pickled Carrots and Rogue River Blue Cheese Dressing; 12 oz. Beef Wellington with Chanterelle Mushroom Duxelles and Himalyan Black Truffle Cream Sauce; Classic Creamed Spinach with a Touch of Horseradish; Pomme Duchess Potatoes; and, Individual Chocolate Lave Cakes with Preserved Cherry Compote.

 If that isn’t enough to ring in the New Year in Style, the box will also include poppers and noise makers, just to make sure when you watch the ball drop, they can hear you! Just heat up a few things and you are ready to celebrate. Cost is $195 plus tax for two and it must be ordered by 12/28 at 4 PM.

Pick up your Hot Box and Fork and Spoon Productions (“www.forkandspoonproductions.com“) , 2161 3rd Street, SF Limited Supply. Order now by calling 415-552-7130.

Fabulous Zoomer Fins for snorkelers on your list

These fins rock, so light, easy to pack and fit like a glove. Best fins I ever had, you and anyone on your Christmas gift list will dive for them.

FINIS, a world leader in technical swimming products that maximize your fitness potential and technique, announces the immediate availability of Zoomers® Fit Swim Fins, swim fins that encourage easy propulsion and active legs while you swim.

Comfortable and lightweight, these fitness fins use a Surflex material that floats the legs for an ideal body position. The fitness-oriented fins use patented Zoomers® technology to generate easy propulsion in the water so that you can increase leg strength while making swimming easier.

Available in multiple sizes for a custom fit, these encouraging swim fins are available now for $27.99 at www.FINISinc.com/zoomers-fit/.

 

“As a fitness swimmer it’s very important to have the correct body position during your workout to prevent muscle injury and to maximize your workout potential,” says John Mix, President of FINIS. “Our new Zoomers® Fit fins are the softest of our fins and provide a swimmer with a tool that will improve their overall swim technique and results.”

The Zoomer® Fit feature a closed-heel design which creates a soft and secure fit, and a short blade construction that promotes a shorter and faster kick specific to swimming. By being buoyant, the Zoomers® Fit encourages an elevated body position to keep the legs active during your swim. The Flex Box on the underside of the fins will catch water during the up-kick, targeting and strengthening the hamstrings and glutes.

 

Vintage footwear fit for a Diva discovered on etsy.com

 Stumbling along look what I found, these are just too cool. And she’s got boots and all sort of diva-divine vintage clothing and accessories. Check it out and tell her the Diva on the Go sent you.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64396880/vintage-leather-platform-patchwork

These are VintageLeather patchwork platform Wedge clogs with wooden heels.
Very Chic Very Vintage In excellent Vintage condition
size 7
steve madden
please note that these are wooden  cannot be  ship at a lower price because of the weight.

Christmas Scenes

Christmas trees in the lobby of the Four Seasons Beverly WilshireWishing all my readers the most joyous of holidays, merriest of Christmas, happiest New Year and best times of your lives. Joy to the world!The holiday menu at TheBlvd at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills

 

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posted on December 7, 2011
by Patti Pietschmann
filed under Uncategorized
tagged as Christmas scenes, decorations for holidays, Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, joy to the world

The new stunning bar at the reinvented Hotel Bel-Air

New bathrooms at the Hotel Bel-Air

Read more:http://www.examiner.com/travel-diva-in-los-angeles/a-sneak-preview-of-the-hotel-bel-air-wow-what-a-transformation-part-1

More Great Gift Ideas for Your Holiday Shopping

Patti’s Annual Holiday Gift Guide, Bigger, Better, More Exciting Than Ever

 

Patti’s Holiday Gift Guide From Beauty Products to Cookies

 

Holiday Shopping Just Got Easier with Patti’s Prattles Annual Guide

to  great gifts that go outside the box from head to toe beauty products, techno gadgets, Flip Video camcorders, clothes, cookies, candies and more…..

Yep, once again your intrepid beauty blogger unearthed some awesome supplies for you to try and give for gifts for under the tree or in the stocking (yes, I still hang my stocking and Santa fills it, too).

First the amazing Zia Natural Skincare’s Apple Refining Mask–which really perked up my skin after one use. The fruit-based product improves texture,reduces  lines and discoloration and contains organic apple juice, lemon juice and willow bark. Costs $23.95 at health foodstores or at www.zianatural.com.

I followed this with Zia Natural Skincare’s Seaweed Lift Serum for normal, dry or aging skin.Made with vitamin A, red marine and blue green algae extracts and a co-enzyme I never heard of, Q10, it completed the job and left me ready for clubbing, also perfect to use both after a night a town, lifts you right up. $36.95, www.zianatural.com.

For my body I applied Zia‘s Ultimate Body Firming Botanical firming gel, man does it smell and feel good with its blend of caffeine, vitamins, ginkgo and licorice root. Supposed to tone and smooth, $17.95.

Another anti-cellulite, toner that seems to get the job done is Perricone MD’s Ala Body Toning Lotion SPF 15, which protects from the sun while possibly eliminating ugly stretch marks. $75 at Neiman Marcus,  Nordstrom, Sephora or www.perriconemd.com.

Then I plumped my lips with Perricone MD Cosmeceutical’s Lip Plump, $35.00, look out Angelina, you’ve got competition. Yeah right. Anyway it’s available at www.perriconemd.com or at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora et al.

Good Hair Days

To complete my beauty routine I tested Citre Shine Shine Miracle Split End Mender, again it worked miracles on my over-colored tresses, and it‘s only $3.99 at CBS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target etc. Next I held my do in place with Jason Finishing Spray–first time user and it’s great. Smells wonderful with Aloe Vera & Bergamot scents and it’s long lasting, light weight and non-aersol. www.jason-natural.com. For clubbing scenesters, got2b from Schwarzkopf is just the ticket to ride. The 24 hour Xtra hold shine and mousse  and the styltini after hours 24 hour Laminating Shine Hairspray provide the perfect powder room touch up. www.got2b.com. They make great stocking stuffers, too.

I just sampled a great cosmetics line from Naturally by Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers–love it. Slathered the Body Butter (Buerre Pour Le Corps) from neck to toes and am feeling so soft and smooth all over–not to mention heavenly-scented. It‘s made with cranberry Moro Orange and other natural ingredients and is completely free of parabens, mineral oils and synthetic dyes. What’s best, it really does leave your skin tingling. Only $12, too, for a 6.4  ounce jar. You’ll love it for yourself or for gifting this holiday season. www.uppercanadasoap.com, 800-548-4097.
Want to make your bathroom smell like a spa? Get a package of
 Verikira Naturals Holiday Natural Aroma Shower Steamers – little scented balls that you put in the shower or near the bath tub that emit wonderful aromas that turn bathing into a luxurious, relaxing aromatherapy experience.  Verikira Naturals® (www.verikira.com) NaturalAroma Shower Steamers are phthalate-free shower steamers made with the finest natural ingredients and pure essential oils.  Start your shower, unwrap the steamer, and place it to the back or corner of the shower floor.  As the moisture activates the steamer, the essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey.  And they almost gift wrapped in gold, red, and green aluminum foil!  Fragrances include: Cinnamon & Clove Comfort, Peppermint Awakening, and Eucalyptus Revival (my favorite) - and cost $24.00 for a 5.5 oz. set of 5).  Also, along with Verikira Naturals profound commitment to wellness and passion for creating truly superior products, Kira Peterson, the creator,supports iimpoverished, malnourished, and orphan children through various non-profit organizations throughout the world.  With every sale, Verikira Naturals donates a portion of all profits to carefully chosen nonprofit organizations whose purposes align with Peterson’s core values – organizations that work to support human health and wellness. So you’re doing something for yourself, for those on your Christmas shopping list and for mankind.

 Here’s a cute idea from Hershey’s — Holiday tips like including a cookie recipe with your party invitation;  providing gift wrap materials to turn the party into a ‘gifting’ cookie exchange party,  recipe cards and unique gift tags FREE at: www.hersheys.com/recipes/baking-hints-tips. 

Speaking of Sweets–how about giving them  Nana’s healthy cookies. Just tasted the product and yummy. We’re talking No dairy, refined sugars, eggs, cholesterol, transfats–totally good for you, albeit loaded with calories. Lucky for me I check the cal count before devouring an entire peanut butter cookie, 190 for half, you do the math, so decided to quarter them up to spare the waist line and keep the hips under control. Not easy on the willpower but doable. And they’ll gift wrap for the occasion. Here’s some ideas: A dozen 3.5 oz. Nana’s Cookies and a Nana’s Cookie CompanyApron or a baseball hat for $48.50 at www.nanascookiecompany.com. 

 

 

And there is a Nana, aka: Miriam Diamond, a woman commited  to healthy, natural food. In 1980, her 16-year-old son (Robert) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  At this time, Miriam began to change her family’s diet and lifestyle to one that included a healthy and nutritious menu.  Although her son lost his battle with cancer, Miriam continued to create recipes for those on a restricted diet or those looking for a healthy snack alternative to sugary cookies.  She began baking Nana’s Cookies out of her home kitchen in 1992.  She offers six product lines and 29 flavors. “I knew I had made it in the cookie business when I received a phone call directly from Madonna”, said Miriam Diamond, owner and founder of Nana’s Cookie Company, “But more importantly, when I started to receive cards and letters from who were so grateful to be able to give their children a treat and not risk their health, my heart knew I had made it.” 

 Interested? Check out  www.nanascookiecompany.com or call 858-273-5775.

 

 

 

 

 Want to make personalized greeting cards or buy some for gifts, check out  www.socialbutterflydesigns.com – where you’ll find custom designs and precious treasures to keep or give. 

A Diva’s Day at New York’s Galaxy Day Spa’s Will Rhim

The Galaxy Day Spa ranks as New York’s Sexiest Sanctuary at  least for Linda Covello, jet setting, world famous photographer who succumbs to its salubrious allure regularly and can’t get enough of Will Rhim’s masterful massages…..

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s Flatiron District– steps from the intensity of a burgeoning neighborhood– but a galaxy away from the hustle and bustle, Galaxy Day Spa provides a sanctuary of sanity.

While the little charmer offers the gamut of day spa treatments, Linda says she’s hooked on  Will Rhim’s masterful massages.

Photo by Linda Covello, Linda Covello Photography, www.lindacovellophotography.com (check out her awesome web site)

Galaxy’s in-house therapist Rhim’s rubs turn this  fast lane lady whose high pressure photographic career and globe- trotting keep her moving non-stop. Like yours truly, Linda is a slave to massages and has had her share throughout the country and the world—from the Queen Mary2 to Hong Kong, Bora Bora, Paris, London Val D’Isere and beyond. She ranks Rhim right up there among the top. “He’s a lithe, quiet and serious man who performs massage therapy as a sacred art,” she sighs. “He even sets the mood with dim, candle lighting and unobtrusive music, even orchids place in beautiful bowl.

Linda Covello’s Sensuous Galaxy Scenario:

She lays face down inhaling aromatherapy oils :tea tree oil or lavender that clear her and relax her senses. Will’s strong hands grip the soles of her feet and slowing inch up her legs, warming her muscles and relieving all tension. Linda temporarily leaves this earth for nether land.    You feel his concern and mastery in the alternately tender and firm touch of his strong fingers and palms.  He has great strength and he applies pressure as if he is communing with your anatomy and knows precisely how much can be withstood.  His massage never feels too light or too hard.  It is always just right.  He stretches the legs and arms, twists limbs firmly yet gently, rotating the lower spine with so accurate a precision that my poor, wasted L5 disc feels warm and relieved in a way that no chiropractor has yet managed to achieve for me.  I let myself go into his care completely, my limbs totally limp and given over to Will’s ministrations.  For ninety minutes I experience and out of body transcendence and when I finally open my eyes and sit up.  I am flush with warmth of mind and body.  I leave the room a new woman, a warrior relieve of all tension and anxiety. Rambo turned to mush.

Patti’s Prattling:

My east coast readers or anyone planning a trip to NY and want a great massage should plan to book a session with this master masseur. It’s not easy finding a great massage therapist when you travel—take it from me, I know I’ve had the best of rubs and the worst. So it help when someone like Linda makes such a strong recommendation. And for any skeptics out there, she pays for her treatments. Although one would hope Will would toss her a freebie after reading her glowing review

Galaxy Day Spa, www.galaxydayspa.com, 7 West 25th Street, NY 10010, 646-429-9542

Specialty facials using  Biodroga and Essensa;  manicures and pedicures that are rendered with care and expertise.  The Deluxe Spa Pedicure, an intensive treatment which combines far eastern massage with aromatic exfoliation, left my calloused heels soft as velvet, not a simple task on worn out feet that had just walked the streets of Venice for days in flip flops.

www.galaxydayspa.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Diva Does the Ruby Princess

Okay I’m back and you can read all about my experiences at www.thesavvyseafarer.wordpress.com. It was great fun, the Ruby Princess is a knockout and well you just have to read about it.Your divaonthego is heading to Fort Lauderdale to have a first look at the spanking new Ruby Princess, please check out my savvyseafarer post on wordpress for more cruise news.  And come back next week for all the details. I’ll be joining fellow journalists and assorted industry folk on a two day cruise to nowhere after a festive christening ceremony. I love these sneak previews and can’t wait to tell you all about it.

And it’s not just another “Love Boat”– 

Princess Cruises chose youngsters  Trista and Ryan Sutter to name the Ruby Princess. The couple who met on ABC’s hit reality series, The Bachelorette, the most romantic franchise on TV since the Love Boat, mark their fifth wedding anniversary this fall. The Ruby’s inaugural theme centers  around “romantic moments and milestones.”

According to Princess Cruises:  Trista and Ryan, one of the best-known romantic duos in recent broadcast history, are the first and only couple from the The Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises who have actually gotten married.  The Sutters also recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Max.

“Princess Cruises has long stood for romance and reconnection, and so we’re delighted to have Trista and Ryan christen Ruby Princess as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises.  “While slightly unconventional, their courtship and marriage was exciting to watch as it unfolded, and we think their fascinating love story epitomizes our inaugural theme of celebrating romantic moments and milestones.”

Trista and Ryan Sutter met in 2002, when she was America’s first Bachelorette.  The Bachelor and The Bachelorette on ABC-TV were the first and are still the most popular reality dating shows in which one man or woman searches for their soul mate out of 25 potential suitors.  Over the course of the show, the bachelorette bestows roses on those bachelors she wishes to continue dating.  Trista presented Ryan with her final rose and he then proposed on the show’s finale in November 2002.  The couple wed on December 6, 2003 in an elaborate television ceremony watched by 26 million viewers, making it one of the most widely viewed episodes in the history of reality TV and one of ABC’s top rated shows of the year.  After their highly visible courtship, Trista and Ryan moved to Vail, CO, where they currently reside with their son, Max.  In addition to frequent TV interviews and promotional appearances, he is a firefighter and she is a stay-at-home mom and designer for her new diaper bag line, Trista Baby.

“We’re incredibly honored to be invited to be the godparents of Ruby Princess,” said Trista Sutter.  “It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since we got married.  This is a wonderful way to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and also to remind people about the importance of marking not only the key milestones in a relationship, but also making time to incorporate romance into our everyday lives.  We are so excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

The 3,070-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers.  Passengers will also enjoy Princess’ other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini’s Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary.

The new cruise ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen’s center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies — perfect for enjoying a scenic Caribbean islands cruise.

During Ruby Princess’ inaugural season she will make seven-day weekly sailings from Fort Lauderdale, FL to the Western Caribbean.  Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas.  Next spring the ship will move to Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.

 

 Some updates on the Ruby Princess–

New services: pub lunch, exclusive breakfast for suite passengers, enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.

 

ve christening ceremony. I love these sneak previews and can’t wait to tell you all about it.

“The new features aboard Ruby Princess are a perfect example of our commitment to provide passengers with the widest array of intriguing options to customize their cruise vacation,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president.

Many of the ship’s enhancements are slated to become staples across the Princess fleet following their debut on Princess’ newest ship.  Among the new features being introduced on Ruby Princess:

Wheelhouse Bar Pub Lunch – On sea days, Ruby Princess’ Wheelhouse Bar will be transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare.  A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman’s lunch and cottage pie, will complement a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness.  Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sabatini’s Breakfast for Suite Passengers – Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s.  Beginning with a “Good Morning Mimosa,” the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over potato & vegetables with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles.  Suite passengers can enjoy this new amenity, along with the restaurant’s dramatic top-of-ship views, from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Artisan Cheeses at Vines – In addition to serving more than 30 wines by the glass and seafood appetizers that have made Vines a passenger favorite, the atrium-area bar on Ruby Princess will now feature a selection of domestic and imported artisan cheeses.  Twelve varieties – including unique choices such as boschetto al tartufo bianchetto, reblochon, and cambozola – will be featured each day for a nominal fee.  Vines will also host a series of lively events where passengers can meet members of the ship’s staff, and will continue to offer wine flights and parings.

New Enrichment Programs – A number of new ScholarShip@Sea enrichment programs debut aboard Ruby Princess to expand passengers’ horizons, whether they aspire to host the perfect party or increase their maritime knowledge.  The Art of Entertaining offers passengers the opportunity to learn party-planning tips from lifestyle expert Susie Coelho via a multimedia presentation hosted by the cruise director.  Navigation@Sea focuses on the history of navigation as well as the complexities of plotting the route of a modern cruise ship, with a presentation by the ship’s navigator.  Mixology@Sea lets passengers channel their inner bartender with a hands-on course taught by the ship’s bar manager.  For star gazers, the new Astronomy@Sea program provides passengers with the opportunity to explore the night sky through a telescope on the top deck, with the expert guidance of a ship’s bridge officer.  Developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art makes 500 years of art come to life with a special hour-long presentation.

Two New Production Shows – Ruby Princess audiences will be able to enjoy two new Princess-produced shows in the ship’s theater.  “Broadway Ballroom” presents the music of the ‘Great White Way’ with a ballroom flair, pairing the songs of hit musicals with dance numbers ranging from foxtrot to rumba.  The show also features the talents of a costume designer and choreographer from the TV hit “Dancing with the Stars.”  Meanwhile, “Once Upon a Dream” uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen a sea.  The audience will accompany a young woman’s journey as she dreams of everything from a tea party in an English garden to singing camels in the desert, and even a trip through a waterfall and brief nightmare before waking to a new day.

The Audience Gets in the Act – A variety of new audience-participation events will also debut on the ship, giving passengers a number of ways to seek their 15 minutes of fame.  Karaoke fans can go a bit farther with Love Boat Legends, where they are actually transformed into a famous artist of the past.  So You Wanna Be A Rock Star? moves beyond pre-recorded Karaoke tunes to give audience members the opportunity to rock out with a live band on stage.  Oceans of Talent puts passenger talent center stage – whether they play a musical instrument or want to try out their comedic timing.  The Wake Up Show takes Princess’ popular morning show with the cruise director to a new level with an irreverent talk show format, live band, special guests and an opportunity for passengers to join the “studio” audience, as the show is taped in the evening before its broadcast the next morning.

A Few Fine Touches – A number of new service touches will be introduced to delight passengers.  In the Horizon Court buffet, new waffle stations will offer fresh cooked-to-order waffles at breakfast and throughout lunchtime, and the buffet will also begin serving complimentary lemonade as a beverage choice.  In the evening, passengers will find a selection of canapés in several of the ship’s public lounges.  Passengers arriving back from shore will be greeted with chilled face cloths, and by the pool, “misting stewards” will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.

Kid Stuff – Young passengers can enjoy a new Wizards Academy, an exclusive presentation from the award-winning California Science Center. This enriching new program lets children explore the connection between science and magic in a fun and participative environment.  Kids will also enjoy activities and projects from popular arts and crafts company Klutz, or participate in Yoga for Kids, a healthy and fun course designed specifically for children.

Wireless Internet and Cell Phones – Expanding on Princess’ Internet and phone connectivity, Ruby Princess will offer laptop users additional wireless hotspots around the vessel, including staterooms.  The ship will also be equipped so that passengers can use their personal cellular phones, if they have international roaming plans, while onboard.

Ultimate Ship Tour – A new exclusive opportunity to experience an array of “back of house” areas that are key to a ship’s daily operations, the Ultimate Ship Tour will give passengers the unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas with visits to the ship’s engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, funnel, bridge and other spaces.  In addition to getting a rare insider’s view of many areas typically seen only by the ship’s crew, participants will receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.

Ruby Princess also includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess’ signature adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts and Minds wedding chapel.  The ship will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.

1-800-PRINCESS, www.princess.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Souks and the City: Two Divas Takes on Mysterious Marrakech

Linda Covello takes a camel ride in Morocco….

 Photography by Linda Covello  (www.lindacovellophotography.com)

 A little over-exposed, but cool, shot of Linda Covello….

The Divaonthego has been to Marrakech a few times–most via cruise ships. While Octogone Terre was not in my intinerary I did bed down in ultra-posh, wildly opulent La Mamumia–Sir Winston Churchills favorite vacation haunt. I also did the obligatory souck excursions and soaked up the atmosphere as did globetrotting photographer Linda Covello–one of New York’s finest in the field–who provided her take and fotos from her most recent trip.  First read the press release, then Linda’s recap. Interesting. We both agree it’s mysterious, bustling, crowded, claustrophobic, dusty with incongrously  posh, with incongrously posh,  swank hotels and resorts just far enough from the fray providing decadent delights fit for royalty. OCTOGONE TERRE RESORT & SPA OFFERS LIST OF TOP 10 ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH Marrakech, Morocco (November 11, 2008) — Octogone TERRE Resort & Spa in the stunning Palmeraie Desert knows a thing or two about romance. Named one of “Morocco’s Sexiest Hotels” by ForbesTraveler.com, TERRE provides a luxurious sanctuary complete with exquisitely decorated rooms, impeccable hospitality, a gorgeous pool, creative dining, and a tranquil spa for guests. The management of Octogone TERRE has created a list of the most romantic things to do in Marrakech for honeymooners and couples wanting to experience the spellbinding romance of Marrakech.   For couples seeking a romantic getaway that’s different from the usual trip to Hawaii or the Caribbean, Marrakech offers a hypnotic and magical atmosphere straight out of the Arabian Nights. Its fabulous palaces, lush palm groves, wonderful restaurants, tranquil gardens, ancient city walls, and colorful bazaars combine to weave a magical spell that charms and seduces visitors.  Amidst such seductive surroundings romance is sure to heat up. • Watch the sunrise or sunset over Marrakech floating in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the city with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and expansive desert as the backdrop. Don‘t forget the champagne! Visit http://www.octogonehotels.com/newsletter/ for the complete list of the “Top 10 Romantic Things to do in Marrakech.”  All activities can be arranged through TERRE Resort & Spa.   ABOUT OCTOGONE TERRE RESORT & SPA Octogone TERRE (Earth) Resort & Spa is a secluded luxury five-star getaway located at the doors of the famous palm grove “Palmeraie” just 7 kilometers outside of Marrakech and on the road to Casablanca. Everything at TERRE — from the architecture to the cuisine — is an innovative blend of old and new enabling guests to step into the past and be immersed in true Moroccan style while being pampered with all imaginable present-day luxuries. The 52-room luxury suite property is set on almost 12 acres of land in its own small village. Facilities include three restaurants, a full-service spa, an infinity pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, golf putting area, and access to a nearby world-class golf courses. For reservations, call: (480) 503-8022 or (800) 915-4012 or visit the website: www.octogonehotels.com.   • Indulge in a couples hammam spa treatment at TERRE’s Sultry Spa, where the unique octagon-shaped hammam is the only one in Marrakech that allows couples to experience the centuries-old steam bath ritual together. Enjoy a signature Octogone Royal Hammam and Floral Bath ritual where couples unwind in the steam of the hammam, before a relaxing ginger scrub followed by four-hands body massages using essential oils and fresh mint. The treatment is capped off in a bath scented with rose petals while sipping pomegranate and lemon juice cocktails. • Using Marrakech as a base, set out on a camel trek across the stunning Sahara with a crew of Berber and Tuareg guides • Pack a picnic lunch and go on a day excursion to the Atlas Mountains visiting picturesque villages and artisans markets along the way or head towards the sea to explore the coastline of Morocco and the charming beach in Essaouira. • Take a sunset ride through the West Palmeraie desert in a calèche (horse-drawn carriage).  TERRE can prepare a pre-dinner cocktail or mint tea and Moroccan cookies to enjoy during the ride. TERRE’S TOP 10 ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH

And now for Linda’s take on Marrakesh….”So funny how words and pictures can create the illusion.  Marrakesh was an amazing place, but it’s so interesting that when you have to sell a place to tourists all the embellishments that go into it.  And leaving out all the ugly realities!  The vast poverty and destitution all over the place, the market stalls with the spilling entrails, the pushy souk sellers, the mud, the sewage.  The funniest bit was the part about the berber souks in the Atlas Mountains.  I have never witnessed a more frightening and unwelcoming situation in my life!  To wade into the roil of the desperate and the impoverished…No Thanks!  And the fact that every kind gesture expects a monetary reward.  I don’t resent that, but it’s uncomfortable and it really makes you conscious of the great economic divide, and there is guilt that goes along with that.  I found the Palmerie to be sad and dried up looking, with near emaciated camels lounging in the mud and flies swarming about.  The state of the resort’s horse stables was criminal.  I loved the place, but I also feared it.”

Palm Springs Goes Hollywood the Second Time Around

  

 

  Okay your divaonthego is fed up with the May-June Gloom of Los Angeles and is checking out specials in sunny Palm Springs– the latest ”It” spot for young Hollywood especially at the Colony Palms and the Riviera Resort & Spa. Both hotels, just a few blocks away from each other, cater big time to the young and restless. The Palms is slightly tamer while the Riviera bursts with wacky, chic decor and high energy.  We joined the crowd and partied hardy.

That’s me in our suite at the Riviera Hotel & Spa to the left.

Palm Springs provides the perfect quick get-away for us Angelenos.  It only takes about two hours by car to escape to this desert hot spot drenched with Hollywood mystic, hip new clubs and restaurants, shops and hotels of all styles, shapes and sizes.

The Tinsel Town connection goes back to the heyday of  Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack and old time movie greats who frequented the area to hideaway, drink, party and even gamble (albeit illegally then, it’s legit now) in  secreted spots. 

The divaonthego’s Palm Springs fling started at the  Colony Palms—a recently restored historic structure steeped in a rather seamy past of gangsters, prostitutes, gambling and all that goes with it.  The management is hardly shy about it, either. The press kit tells all, too, like how Purple Gang mob leader Al Wertheimer built the place in 1936 where he ran a brothel and gambling house.  The place was also a very popular budget spa  called the Palms at Palms Springs until the Spanish, hacienda-style facility was restored by LA designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard .  I was a regular at the Palms and it was a little deja vu returning to the site where a slight exterior resemblance remains.

The big differences are “budget” no longer applies and the preferred customer-demographics –in the latest Palm Spring buzz words—is young, chic Hollywood. I did notice a few guests who might fit the description.  The pulse is rapid, the high-energy staff seems to have been handpicked by good looks and of course youth. The male management team is straight out of Central Casting handsome, but also quite amiable and naturally fast action.

The rooms here always lacked a view and some still do, but the designer did his best to make the interiors so welcoming you don’t notice, although a few people did comment on this.  We had a  comfortable“casita” with a big comfortable bed that practically engulfed me into a deep sleep, and a very inviting patio with a hot tub.  All rooms come with flat screen TVs, WiFi access, AC, and mini bars.

What constitues the “spa” is basically a few attractive treatment rooms (facials, massage, scalp treatments from $60-$175), there’s no sauna or steam, but there are lockers. We had massages from Michael, a very adept therapist whose technique did  the trick. The “Fitness Room” wasn’t up and running neither was the “Speakeasy”—a dungenous area reputedly frequented by the Rat Pack back in the day and will soon become a hip, hot night spot.

The Purple Palm Restaurant acts as the centerpiece for the hotel. Situated aside the huge, attractive pool, it offers indoor/outdoor seating, a creative menu, a fun bar and a great service staff.  The food was three to four star good, depends on what you order. My carpaccio was good and so was my halibut.  They don’t do breakfast during the week and the continental spread left a lot to be desired especially in presentation. It seemed to have just be tossed on a table with no bowls for granola or spoons for that matter. They need to work on this. Apparently they offer a full morning meal on weekends but we were there on a Friday.

In all your divaonthego gives the  57-room Colony Palms 4 stars for comfort, style and potential amenities (some were missing during our stay, but are “in the works”). I like the saline pool, the fire pit, poolside cabanas, oversized chaises where two can recline and the general ambience.

 Colony Palms, 572 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

800-557-2187, www.colonypalms.com. Rates: from $209 to $2,000 (change seasonally). 

 We moved from the Colony Palms to the also recently renovated Riviera Resort & Spa, a wilder, edgier, larger homage to Hollywood’s past with extremely stylized interior designs and décor.  At first glance you’d think you were in Vegas sans casino. The mood is frivolous with a modern chic vibe (according to Nobel House owners of the property), lots of glam that mirrors just about everything about this storied, 24-acre, 406-room property sizzles.  I must add, the service throughout the hotel proved exceptional in every way.

 

A Mecca for movie stars, moguls and Sinatra’s Rat Pack back in the day (circa 1961), $70 million and more than four decades later,  the recreated hotel, draws from its past with Andy Warhol-inspired portraits of yesteryear stars like Frank, Dean, Sammy, Elvis et al. All  highlighted by whimsical, oversized crystal chandeliers, mirror-clad walls, light-infused pillars, lots of circular designs, huge, cushy chairs and secluded nooks. The huge, swirl-shaped  pool sets the stage with humongous chaises, private cabanas and four-poster bed-like lounges positioned around tropical foliage.

 

Your Diva loved the SpaTerre—11,000 square feet of lavish pamper space with a coed Buddha Lounge in which to zone out while waiting for your treatment (endless options from facials to exotic Javanese therapies). The area once set the stage for performances by Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.  We lounged, sipped tea, dipped in the Watsu pool and sat in the Jacuzzi before our therapists fetched us for our treatments. Mine was a blissful Balinese massage—90 minutes of pressure point pummeling with aromatherapy oils that left me tingling and zonked.  My masseuse, Jenny, explained that all treatments are designed by Nobel House, the owner/managers of the hotel, this one was especially rewarding. My husband raved about his “Transformation Facial” – and so did I when I saw how great he looked afterward, he actually glowed. I loved this spa. Only kink was a balky steam bath which doesn’t stay on all the time, but it can be fixed. There’s also an adjacent fitness center with really top quality equipment from treadmills to elliptical machines and it’s free for the using (there is a resort fee tacked onto bills, however, to cover this amenity as well as local calls etc.).

 

After our pamper sessions we swam in the pool, lazed around and headed down to the Sidebar for a before dinner drink. The barkeep proved masterful making the perfect Negroni and Martini.  We dined in Circa 59 , the 3-meal a day restaurant. Our fish course (halibut) was great, a Caesar salad, however needed help,  the dessert(three cheese cheesecake) was yummy and the service perfect. 

 

If you’re into non-traditional, off-beat, edgy and hip,  you’ll  really dig both the Colony Palms and Riviera.  What’s more you can probably get a good deal at either one at least until our flagging economy rebounds. When we checked rates at the front desk they quoted much less than the published fare.

Riviera Resort & Spa, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-327-8311, www.psriviera.com.  Rates range from $249 per night, but call for “specials”.

 

Inviting Zen-like pool at Colony Palms Hotel

The Diva Goes Green With An Organic Do

Your divaonthego is off to get her tresses colored at an exciting, new “organic”  Beverly Hills salon called  The Loft Hair  Lounge & Green Spa. Billed as a “green getaway”, the salon offers healthy  hair care and I can’t wait.  I’ll let you know how it turned out. In the meantime here’s some of the press information I received that tempted me to give the salon a try…

Clay Patané has done it again; and this time, with The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa, at the exciting intersection of Wilshire and Doheny in posh Beverly Hills!  Master colorist/stylist, Clay Patané, has created a “green getaway” with the opening of his new eco-salon and green spa.It’s no small achievement that Patané elected to make every aspect of his salon green.  Every detail of the salon has been selected with a mind toward the environment.  From the all-natural products to the recycling of hair used to contain petroleum spills, from the non-animal-tested shampoos, to the organic fruit and vegetable skin care blends, The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa is the first eco-friendly salon and spa in Beverly Hills. And it’s no accident. As a new father, Patané says, “It was important for me to create a place that I wouldn’t worry about my two-year-old running around being exposed to harsh chemicals and that I do my part in addressing the growing environmental concerns. It’s funny how things affect you when you become a parent.”

 

From head to toe Patané offers all natural, organic products, reflecting his utmost commitment to purity.  This ultimate experience in organic pampering begins with the sulfate and paraban-free shampoos and conditioners from the Unite (Against Animal Testing) line of hair care products; hair is further nourished with the salon’s signature restorative green tea hair masque. Breaking ecological barriers in hair color, the salon is the first and the only salon in Los Angeles to use the all natural YO - color line of products. Made from yogurt, the non-toxic products, hydrate, nourish and protect the hair while providing natural color without ammonia. Even waxing is an organic experience at The Green Spa, where a plant-based line of waxing products is used with stripless wax; Nail polishes are vegan and dbp-free. The Spa’s luxurious, signature Organic Facial exclusively features uber-exotic, Eminence skin care products from Hungary, formulated with a devotion to keeping the planet green with its elixir of herbs and fruits.

 

Patané has opened a one-of-a-kind, one-stop, one-on-one, personalized experience for hair, nails, massage, facials, and spa treatments. To be sure, The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa offers the very best in hair cuts, hair color, straightening, and every other hair-related need. When it comes to hair extensions, Patané brought in the best in the business with Susan Lipson, whose celebrity roster of clients includes mega-stars Drew Barrymore, Christina Applegate and Hugh Jackman. Inside this urban sanctuary is a spectacular, full service green spa wing offering everything from organic body and facial treatments to the most divine healing massage therapy by one of the top pros in the industry.

  

With 4,500 square feet of Mid-Century-Asian luxury, 14 top-notch stylists (some of whom were recruited from world-class salons in New York, Paris, Milan and Madrid), 5 perfectionist-manicurists, 4 trained spa-treatment specialists and two of the best facialists in town, Patané has created a truly unique experience unrivaled for renewal, relaxation, rejuvenation and beauty.

 

While celebrities like Jenny and Amy McCarthy and several members from the “Brothers and Sisters” cast may be clients of Patané’s, there’s no attitude here, just an antidote to stress.  “Pampering reigns supreme at The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa; the goal was to make this a home-away-from-home, an escape, the calm in the daily storm with an environmentally friendly, yet elegant atmosphere,” says Patané. “Whether you spend an hour or the day here, we want our clients to feel relaxed and beautiful. It’s a five star experience.”

 

Open seven days a week, The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa is located at 110 N. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA.   310-275-9002 or visit www.thelofthairlounge.com

                                                            # # #

Now recognized as one of the top colorists/stylists in Los Angeles, Patané established his credentials after training for color with Kim Vo at Prive and then with Stuart Gavert at Umberto.  In 2007, After five years of television appearances on “Extreme Makeover”, “How do I Look?” and “Before and Afternoon Makeover” while working at Kim Vo’s, B2V Salon, Patané took his burgeoning celebrity clientele and opened his own salon in Eagle Rock, “The Loft Hair Lounge,” which was quickly awarded the “Greenopia Award” as one of the most eco-friendly businesses in LA. His dedication to saving hair, skin and the planet continues with the opening of his newest venture, The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa.

The Diva Gets a Good Hair Day

Wow, my hair never look better after my session at  the new Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa in Beverly Hills–however that’s not me below but I will be posting a photo of my new, spiffy do…that’s Clay, the owner of the Loft and colorist extraordinaire doing someone’s hair, the other is a photo that truly reps the salon. Here’s one of  Liz doing someone else, wish I’d brought that camera….

 

 

Pun intended, it was a lofty experience. My hair needed help.  When I heard they only use organic products and were dedicated to fostering “green”, I knew I had to go there. And I was right. I loved the place from the minute I stepped into the highly stylized salon. The staff was welcoming and so were the little nooks and crannies where you can wait for your appointment while sipping some mighty fine coffee I might add. Bless their hearts they brew a good, strong, tasty cup of Joe. 

Anyhow Clay and his assistant Liz took me under their wings and did a fab make-over in a couple of hours, all naturally of course.  I left my hair in Clay’s hands to do with what he wanted. He selected a deep brown with nifty lighter highlight using non-amonia,  yogurt based hair coloring and  Balyard paint on color. No tin foil, no long stretches under the hair dryer, all comfy, cozy with me catching up on magazines and sipping that rich coffee. A little buzzed, I might add. Anyhow Liz did the shampooing with all natural “Go 365″ that left my hair silky and shiny. She also added an awesome scalp massage that left me swooning. Then she blew out my hair in a new style. I didn’t think my hair could look like that, straight and smart, and my husband remarked, “sexy and great.” Wish I’d taken my camera so I could show you, because I will never be able to replicate it on my own. Twenty-four year old Liz did it effortlessly and but painstakingly straightening out every strand. She was my new best friend. Actually, like her boss, Liz is a pure delight. No attitude, no edginess about this place which looks like it belongs in a fashionable section of New York and with a little lower prices.  Color ranges from $80 to $130, highlights  are $150 to$20O. Cuts range from $85 to $115 for women and $45 to $75 for men. 

The full-service salon also offers body massages, face and scalp rubs, waxing, hand and feet treatments, lash and brow extensions, tints,etc., facials and lots of bliss.

Clay and his life partner are proud parents of a baby and planning on another, he credits the birth of their son with his ecological enlightenment. “We want to live a good legacy,” he beamed while showing me the photo of his handsome mate and son.

The Loft Hair Lounge & Green Spa also features Eminence handmade organic skin care products of Hungary, really wonderful, natural scented cosmetics available for purchase there. www.eminenceorganics.com.

110 North Doheny Drive, just north of Wilshire Blvd. on the east side of Doheny, 310-275-9002

Merry Christmas To All and To All a Prosperous New Year

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYAL FOLLOWING. I HOPE YOU  ENJOYED LAST YEAR’S ENTRIES AND CONTINUE TO COME BACK FOR MORE DIVAONTHEGO REPORTS. LET US ALL PRAY FOR JOY, PEACE AND MORE LOVE IN THE WORLD; THAT  2009  PROVES TO BE A BETTER YEAR FOR EVERYONE AND THAT OUR TROOPS COME HOME SOON, OBAMA BAILS US OUT AND WE  ALL CONTINUE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

PATTI PIETSCHMANN, THE DIVAONTHEGO

Frederick Holley, RIP

Frederick Holley, whimsical, wonderful, kind-hearted artist created his “Vaginal Art” in the 70s, of which I am a proud owner.  His passing represents a loss for the world of another good man, of which there seems to be too few these days.

Here’s more of his work….including  a portrait of Patti, your divaonthego and one of Frederick’s muses….

 

 

Vega$ Baby, Wassup?

Well lots happening in sin city–the lascivious, lecherous, lusciously decadent gaming capital of the world. First Steve Wynn opened his new Encore hotel and while your Diva on the Go couldn’t attend the press opening, I’m planning a visit soon. It looks awesome.

Lots of hotels are sweetening the pot for players with deals, like MonteLago Village, Lake Las Vegas which recently created a new lodging rate structure. The longer guests stay at the hotel, the more they save. The new lodging pricing takes 10 to 30 percent off daily rates, depending on the number of nights booked. When guests book two nights, they get 10 percent off each night,  three night stays get you  20 percent off all three nights and four or five nights will earns a 25 percent off each night, a rate that is equivalent to receiving a free room night. Visitors who book 6 or more nights receive 30 percent off each night’s stay. For example, through March 5, a Luna Studio, which normally is $89 per night midweek, is now $80.10 per night for two nights midweek, $71.20 per night for three nights midweek, and $66.75 per night for four nights midweek (which amounts to one night free). 

MonteLago Village also is introducing substantially lower price points on its packages, good both mid-week and weekends now through March 5.  Per night prices start at only  $64.50 per person for a Luna Studio for the Bed & Breakfast Package, $174.50 per person for the Golf & Spa Package, $144.50 per person for the Tuscany Golf Package, $189.50 per person for the Gondola Dinner Package, $149.50 per person for the LLV Golf Package and $199.50 per person for the Spa Package. 

The unique new price structure will allow Southern Nevada travelers to enjoy the area’s abundant recreation at an ideal time of year. Activities such as water sports— including sailing, fishing and gondola cruises—a choice of golf courses as well as hiking and biking on the surrounding nature preserve make for a relaxing getaway. For lodging reservations at MonteLago Village,  call 866-399-2753/702-564-4700 or visit www.montelagovillage.com.

USA Hudson River Emergency Brings Back Memories of Southwest Flight 1767

On April 30, 1996 I was in an emergency landing on a flight that originated in Las Vegas and was bound for Burbank, California. We never made it to our  destination but we did finally land safely. The landing gear was stuck, the pilot contacted headquarters and the decision was made to try various methods of  fixing the situation. Two of the scariest maneuvers I’d ever experienced. The first was series of “roller coasters” in the sky, in an effort to jar the errant gear. Didn’t work,but scared the you know what out of most of us passengers. The second was two “touch and goes”, the pilot  heads for the runway at full speed, bounces the wheels and takes off again in an attempt to jar the wheel lose.  We did this two times. After two hours flying around unsure whether the plane was going to land and dumping fuel into the Pacific Ocean the pilot and crew braced us for an emergency landing, much like the USA Air pax must have gone through. We landed on a wing and prayer, flat on the plane’s belly limping off to the side with a runway covered in foam.  It was scary, stressful, one of the worst flying experiences of my life save for the fact that we all survived physically. Which brings me to the point of this–anyone who goes through such an ordeal MUST SEEKS COUNSELING. The post traumatic stress is debilating and hits when you least expect it. I am still suffering the affects more than a decade later.

God bless Sully for getting everyone out alive and ditto to the Female captain and male co-captains on my flight.

Deep Discounts Hit Travel Industry Big Time

On  Land, Sea,  and Golf Course

 

And so it begins….

Deep discounts to lure money strapped travelers like $9 Golf promo at La Costa & Cool Specials in Santa Ynez 

 

  

La Costa Resort and Spa is offering  $9 golf fees from now through February 28, 2009, to in-house guests. FYI: green fees typically begin at $175 per person.

 

Room rates begin at $259 per night for a plaza room plus  $22 daily resort charge. The $9 golf fee includes green fees and cart rental. Reservations can be made at 1-800-854-5000 or at www.lacosta.com.

 

Golf at La Costa

La Costa Resort and Spa has enjoyed an international reputation as the place for championship golf. It is the only resort in Southern California that boasts two 18-hole tournament-caliber courses on property, both designed by legendary golf architect Dick Wilson. Golfers who play La Costa’s courses walk in the footsteps of the greats – Nicklaus, Woods, Palmer, Trevino, Player, Miller and Crenshaw. Both North and South courses feature lush fairways, flawless greens and plenty of challenges, including large, high-lipped bunkers on many holes, expanses of water and sneaky streams with fast bent grass greens.  The North Course is 7,094 yards, par 72, with a slope of 141, while the South Course is 7,077 yards, par 72, with a slope of 140. Extensive practice facilities and an attractive club house complete the golf experience.

 

About La Costa Resort and Spa

Nestled among the  coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 552 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and 76 deluxe one- and two-bedroom suites, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two acclaimed restaurants – Legends and BlueFire Grill and two championship golf courses. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.

 

 Visitors to California’s Santa Ynez Valley Get 2 for 1 Savings—

The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association (SYVVA) has announced a new offer today rewarding winter visitors with “two-for-one” savings at a dozen area businesses. “Winter is one of the best times to visit the Santa Ynez Valley,” says SYVVA president Douglas Ziegler, owner of the Santa Ynez Inn, “Our weather is warmer, skies clearer and hills greener than most of the country—and we’re only two hours away from LA. People need a break. This ‘Double Your Pleasure’ promotion is a great excuse for a getaway.”

          To obtain a copy of the “Double Your Pleasure Santa Ynez Valley Savings Certificate,” go to www.SantaYnezValleyVisit.com and click on the icon to view and print the savings. “It’s incredible to get two guest rooms or two wine tastings or two food items for the price of only one,” says SYVVA Executive Director Mary Harris, “It’s easy to click and print out the PDF that describes all the savings offered and visitors can print out as many savings certificates as needed to use throughout their stay.”

          These SYVVA members are offering “Two-for-One” savings Sunday-Thursday through March 19, 2009. 

TWO WINE TASTINGS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

          FOLEY ESTATES VINEYARD & WINERY TASTING ROOM www.foleywines.com; LUCAS & LEWELLEN VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM www.llwine.com; MANDOLINA TASTING ROOM; www.llwine.com; SANFORD WINERY www.sanfordwinery.com; and WANDERING DOG WINE BAR www.wanderingdogwinebar.com

LODGING

          RANCHO OSO GUEST RANCH & STABLES www.rancho-oso.com (Two nights in a cabin, covered wagon or full-service cabin for the price of one night—valid any night except February 13-15; subject to availability, reservations required); SANTA YNEZ INN www.santaynezinn.com (Two hotel nights for the price of one (subject to availability, not valid for existing reservations); SOLVANG INN & COTTAGES www.solvanginn.com (Two nights for the price of one OR two rooms for the price of one (subject to availability, not valid for existing reservations).

FOOD

          HADSTEN HOUSE RESTAURANT www.hadstenhouse.com  Two desserts for the price of one dessert.

OLSEN’S DANISH VILLAGE BAKERY www.olsensdanishvillagebakery.com Two Danish pastries for the price of one pastry of equal or lesser value. RED VIKING RESTAURANT Two entrees for the price of one entrée of equal or lesser value.

FUN

          PERFORMANCE FITNESS SOLVANG  www.PerformanceFitness.biz Two All-Day Fitness Passes for the price of one pass—includes use of 17,000-sq ft premier fitness facility & group exercise classes.

 

          The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association is a non-profit membership organization formed in 2001 to conduct marketing activities promoting tourism in the communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. For further information: contact Mary Harris, Executive Director at mary@SYVVA.com or call 805-686-0053; toll-free 1-800-742-2843 or www.SantaYnezValleyVisit.com.

Silversea Cruises Sweetens the Pot

$1,000 shipboard credit ain’t hay

Silversea Cruises sweetens the pot with a $1,000 per suite “Onboard Spending Credit” promotion on select voyages in Alaska, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean this summer.  

The  limited time $500 per person (or maximum $1,000 per suite) Onboard Spending Credit offer is food on bookings  made on or before March 31, 2009.  The special promotion is available on the following:

ALASKA:   Silver Shadow cruises departing May 28 through September 12 (Voyages 3912 – 3923).

NORTHERN EUROPE:  Silver Cloud cruises departing May 30 through September 19 (Voyages 1911 – 1923).

MEDITERRANEAN:    Silver Wind cruises departing April 15 through June 26 (Voyages 2911 – 2920) and Silver Whisper cruises departing May 19 through June 20 (Voyages 4912 – 4916).

To take advantage of the Onboard Spending Credit offer, the guest or travel agent must request promotional code WWSBC500 at the time of booking. 
The promotional offer  allows guests to apply the Onboard Spending Credit toward their onboard purchases without limitations; this includes any spa treatments and shore excursions (none are excluded).  In addition, the offer can be combined with other available discount promotions, including Early Booking Incentive, Advance Payment Bonus, Silver Sailing, and Free Air programs.  

For example, the Onboard Spending Credit is available on Silver Wind’s May 14, 7-day Mediterranean cruise (#2915) sailing from Barcelona to Nice with calls in Valencia, Corsica, Livorno (overnight stay) and Antibes.  Promotional cruise fares start at $3,196 per person — a savings of 50% — plus free roundtrip economy air transportation is also available from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities.

“This new summer promotion is designed to reward travelers with an extra perk that provides added value and flexibility,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “With the Onboard Spending Credit they have the freedom to apply the savings toward a rejuvenating spa treatment, a sumptuous gourmet dinner in our Relais & Châteaux Wine Restaurant or an enriching shore experience — the choice is theirs.”

The Onboard Spending Credit is being launched simultaneously with the introduction of new branding and other enhancements to the line’s shore excursions.  The changes have been created to emphasize the new flexibility, unique qualities and personalized service that characterize the tours.  Under the new umbrella name of “Silver Shore,” the optional tour programs include:

** Silver Shore Excursions — intimate and rewarding small-group touring.

** Silver Shore Collection — unique and exclusive in-depth explorations of local history and culture.

** Silver Shore Expedition — adventurous and educational tours for the active explorer.

** Silver Shore Concierge — during the cruise, the Tour Manager and, on many sailings,  the new Destination Specialist (a position created in conjunction with the upgraded Silver Shore programming) are available to assist with knowledgeable suggestions, personalized planning and hassle-free coordination of all private, independent touring, including sightseeing, sporting activities, and securing behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals, and more.

Starting in the next few months, the Silver Shore Concierge service will also be available in advance of sailing.  The company will announce more details about this enhanced service at a later date.

** Silver Shore Privato — private car service that can be reserved on board or in advance of sailing via Silversea.com/MyVoyage.

Guests might choose to apply their Onboard Spending Credit toward a “Silver Shore Privato” tour of fascinating St. Petersburg.  They’ll spend the day exploring the city’s history, opulent palaces, and museums at their own pace, in a private, air-conditioned car with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Or, in Alaska, they might use their credit toward an exhilarating “Silver Shore Collection” air adventure over the spectacular Misty Fjords by private aircraft, or use it to explore Juneau’s glacier-carved fjords at their own leisure aboard a private catamaran with personalized itinerary.  These are just a few of the exciting optional Silver Shore adventures that await guests this summer.

 

Honeymooning in Hawaii

Patti’s Guide to Honeymooning in Hawaii

A lover’s retreat at Hotel Hana Maui

 (My husband and Ihave been to Hawaii  several dozen times–each visit unfolded like another honeymoon). 

 Aloha all newlyweds and future brides and grooms heading to Hawaii for the big honeymoon celebration. No doubt you’ll love this tropical paradise with its swaying palms, sensational sunsets, verdant mountains, azure-colored seas and aloha spirit. 

Like all Divas your Diva on the Go knows all the best places to go. 

 Great Beaches—The sugar coated sands of Kailua on the eastern shore of Oahu. “Airport” (which the locals named to protect their secret), Maui’s top swimming-snorkeling-sunning beach, snuggled along a sandy quarter-mile strip next to Kaanapali Resort. Lanai’s Hulopoe Beach where you can lose yourselves in a tranquil cove while watching pods of dolphins play in the surf. Any one of the contiguous tiny beaches on Kauai’s sunny southern shore at Poipu-Baby-Brenneke where gentle waves and soft sand sedate the senses. Hapuna Beach at the Hapuna Prince Hotel with its soft sands and crystal clear waters. Hamoa Beach at Hana Maui, “the most perfect crescent beach” according to author James Michener—reachable by a breathtakingly beautiful 2-½ hour drive to Hana Maui. Romantic Dining–A romantic repast lovingly created super Island chef Gerard Reversade, at Gerard’s in the charming turn-of-the-century Plantation Inn in Maui. Choose a cozy table inside the intimate dimly lit dining room or outside under starry skies on an adorable patio set with white wicker tables and chairs. Your taste buds will tingle with every bite of dishes like Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms in a puff pastry, roast pork, filet mignon or fresh Island fish prepared to perfection and ooh la la, a chocolate mousse filled with profiteroles. 174 LaHainaluna Rd., LaHaina, Maui. 877-661-8939, (www.gerardsmaui.com). Dreamlike fantasy feasts served at a Kauai beach of your choice catered by Heavenly Creations (www.havenlycreations.org, 877-828-1700). You’ll feel like you just stepped of the set of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous while your personal attendant pours the wine, and serves an aphrodisiacal spread like pineapple shrimp kabobs, grilled fish or chicken with Macadamia nut sauce, filet mignon, Macadamia nut baked Brie, chocolate decadence and other savory dishes. Sensational Snorkeling—Head over to Black Rock at the end of Kaanapali Beach where colorful tropical fish swim straight up to your mask and nibble bread from your hands. On Maui go to Laperouse Bay; on the Big Island nothing beats Mauna Kea and Hapuna beaches’ crystal clear, lava-encrusted waters. Waikiki’s best snorkeling spot, San Souci Beach, across from Kapiolani Park, also known as “dig me” beach for the bikini-clad eye candy is also favored for the clear water and great view of nearby Diamond Head. Consuming Shopping–Shop ‘til you drop at Ala Moana, Oahu’s prettiest and most illustrious mall. You have a choice of 200 shops and pricey boutiques like Chanel, Juicy Couture, DKNY, ESCADA etc., along with plenty of places to fuel up with everything from sushi to hot dogs. (ww.alamona.com). Pound the pavement along Maui’s famous Front Street. The place to go for funky stuff and souvenirs, this century-old street teems with adorable boutiques, jewelry shops, art galleries and souvenir shops (www.visitlahaina.com). For higher priced goods browse (that may be all you can do at those prices) The Shops at Wailea (Fendi, Gucci et al). But there’s also a Gap and Banana Republic and even an ABC Store for tighter budgets. (www.shopsatwailea.com). Marvelous Mai Tais—Enjoy Hawaii’s national cocktail under a towering Kiawe tree at the Halekulani Hotel’s enchanting House Without a Key seaside terrace fanned by balmy breezes and entertained by gentle hula dancers swaying to the rhythms of live musicians. The murderous Mai Tai is so potent you’re guaranteed to see that green flash as the sun hits the sea. Just one of these potent potables is guaranteed to motivate your mojos. To try it at home mix 1/3 Orgeat syrup; 1/3 orange Curacao; ½ rock candy syrup; ¾ Amber rum, ¾ dark rum; 1 ¼ lemon juice, ½ oz of lemon heart and ½ oz of Bacardi 151 (float). (www.Halekulani.com), (808-923-2311). Super Spas – Captivating, cozy, sensuously swank, the honeymoon-friendly, outrageously romantic Honua Spa at the Hotel Hana-Maui raises the bar for discerning couples who prefer solitude and personalized service. Tucked away in a lush, tropical paradise at the end of Hana Highway on the eastern coast of Maui the stylized sanctuary offers native treatments using spiritual local plants, minerals and waters that arouse the senses to new heights. (www.hotelhanamaui.com), 808-270-5290 or (email:spa@hotelhanamaui.com). Bliss out at the knock down gorgeous Spa at Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island with a romantic side-by-side Lomilomi massage in an open air thatched roof hut. (www.fourseasons.com/hualalai.com), (888-340-5662). Or at the Four Seasons’ fab facility in Maui with rapturous, mood-enhancement Hawaiiana treatments like a Wai Aulia—a floating massage performed on a cocoon bed, guaranteed to motivate your mojos. (www.fourseasons.com/maui), 808-874-8000 or 800-332-3442.

The Spa Moana at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa, another pamper pleaser indulges couples with opulent body treatments that combine coffee, sugar, honey, seaweed, lavender, macadamia and kukui nut oils. Massage lessons are available in case you’d like to do each other. www.Maui.hyatt.com (808-661-1234, ext. 4500; (800-55-HYATT). Picture Postcard Pool—Aesthetically attractive, the oval-shaped Ryo Urano-designed mosaic pool at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki–the most romantic man made swimming hole in the Islands with its colorful Hawaiian orchid, comprised of more than a million tiny tiles, painted on the bottom. The ocean side pool is so inviting that couples often spend countless hours just sitting on the side of the pool, arms tightly wrapped around each other or holding each other in the water. (www.halekulani.com) Cool Culinary Treat– Shave Ice rules as the statewide delicacy. And get this, one of the best can be found at W&F Washerette in Kahului, Maui (125 S. Wakea Avenue, 808- 877-0353). Order the pineapple, cherry or rainbow spiced with a scoop of Azuki beans and/or ice cream on the bottom of the cone. Yummy. Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore is another local favorite serving scrumptious flavors such as mango, papaya and lemonade. Rad Rooms with a View—Any ocean front room or suite at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, especially those on the private Club Floor–where on a clear day you can catch glimpses of the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe, the lush West Maui mountain range curved gracefully out into the sea and even ti8ny Molokini, Molokai and Lanai. (808-874-8000 or 800-332-3442, www.fourseasons.com/maui). Waterfront rooms at pretty Hapuna Prince with spectacular views of the Big Island’s rugged Kohala coastline and the sea. (800-882-6060) All beachfront accommodations at the Halekulani Hotel where visions of Diamond Head dancing off the blue Pacific are so magical you’ll never want to leave your lanai. (800-367-2343, www.halekulani.com). Fun Stuff— Feel the fireworks for real at an Aloha Friday’s King Jubilee celebration at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Showtime begins at sunset with a Village Guard Precision Rifle Drill followed by a poolside jubilee show and after an hour or so fabulous fireworks illuminate the star-filled Hawaiian sky. 800-HILTONS. (www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com). Snowboarding — (yes you read this correctly) over pu’us (volcanic cones) on magical Mauna Kea on the Big Island you can do two mile runs with 2500’ to 4500’ of vertical, coupled with a 360-degree panoramic view of Mauna Kea’s moonscape, the Pacific Ocean and Maui’s Haleakala. Polish off your snowboarding excursion with a dip in the warm surf at one of the many beaches below. (www.skihawaii.com, 808-885-4188).

Heavenly Hana Maui–drive to romantic road to heavenly Hana–miles of picture postcard vistas of waterfalls, verdant mountains, the blue Pacific smashing its waves against the rugged shoreline. Then bed down in a hotel designed by Eros

 Get a Massage- in your room (my husband and I had side-by-side rubs that were simply the best), or in the pretty facility

Most Hawaii-Romantic Means of Transportation—Snuggled up in comfy seat in First Class on Hawaiian Airlines where you feel the Ho’onanea (welcoming, pleasure) the minute you step on the plane. Feast on Hawaiian Menus, created by top Island chefs like Beverly Gannon, that might begin with crab stuffed jumbo prawns and follow with grilled Maui onion salad, bacon wrapped turkey filet, sesame crusted scallops, or rack of lamb-born and end with a white chocolate cranberry cheesecake. Yum. Relax dreamily while flight attendants pamper you with champagne, wine or other adult beverages. What’s more your baggage if the first off the plane and you have privileges at the airlines Premium Club waiting lounge. 800-367-5320, www.hawaiianair.com.

Facing Facts About Facials

Let’s face it, everybody, including Britney, Paris, Hilary, Angelina, et al, will eventually show signs of aging. Some with opt for drastic action like plastic surgery, lifts, nips and tucks. However you really can stave off Mother Nature’s ugly side with regular facials, especially if you start taking steps when you’re young. Your Diva here has been having regular facials since I was 22. Part of it was for research for my beauty writing, but I also learned earlier enough that this was a good thing and way to trick the clock.

So whether you’re 22 or younger or older, it’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your skin. Here’s the realy skin-ny on the subject:

  

 

The Truth About Facials

 Face it.  Save for the genetically blessed, most of us need extra help in caring for our complexion.  This goes double for anybody with sun damaged or maturing skin. While following a skin care regimen at home is a good start, cleansing and moisturizing alone won’t do the trick.  Keeping your complexion in tiptop shape requires professional care.

 

“The perfect facial begins with a complete skin analysis to determine the proper applications for each individual, and unfolds like a beautiful orchestration which focuses on every detail,” according to Ole Henriksen, internationally renowned face-saver of the stars whose client list at his Los Angeles, California day spas reads like a lineup of Oscar presenters at the Academy Awards. We’re talking famous figures like Kirk Douglas, regular since 1975, Lauren Bacall for about as many years, and fresher faces such as Rene Zellweger, Mark Wahlberg, Naomi Campbell, Charlise Theron, Jessica Alda, Sly Stallone, Maria Carey, and Hillary Swank.  “A true complexion treatment thoroughly eliminates impurities in the skin, tightens the pores, tones the muscles and texturizes the skin through the use of gentle peeling agents and special massage techniques like lymphatic drainage and acupressure.”  “But we must never forget the importance of continued pampering throughout the treatment, “ emphasizes the soft-spoken Danish-born dynamo.  “I don’t believe in gimmicky fluff and fold facials that don’t deliver what the customer deserves,” he warns.

 

Contrary to popular belief, facials are not exclusive to women. More men than ever are getting facials, according to Henriksen, who claims 25% his clientele are male.”  Men also want to look good in today’s youth-driven society. And since men are more prone than women to neglect their skin, many seek the services of a professional to get them on the right track. So you guys out there reading this shouldn’t slough it off. And gals it wouldn’t hurt to give may want to give your boyfriend or husband a nudge. I convinced my mate to get facials about 10 years ago. He kicked and screamed at first. “Facials are for women,” he moaned, but quickly changed his tune after his first experience. “Wow, that was great,” he cooed, “I actually fell asleep.” 

 

I began my frequent facial regimen nearly 20 years ago (I started young). For me, it’s an indispensable indulgence. Especially now that facial treatments have evolved from what were once perfunctory, cookie cutter procedures into more individualized treatments. Estheticians are better trained and have more advanced tools to perform their skills like highly developed power products that peel, oxygenate, restore, exfoliate and rejuvenate, and specialized machines such as microdermabrasion and Lasers that dig deeper into the dermis to generate more definitive results.

 

According to the experts, everybody beginning from about age 16 and on, should have a professional facial at least once a month to help slow down the signs of aging. Of course we can’t stop the aging process, but regular facials will help reduce deep lines and wrinkles. Think of it like brushing your teeth, we need to after meals, we go to the dentist to have them professionally cleaned so use the same rule to maintain your complexion. 

 

Louise Bianco, a veteran esthetician known as the  “miracle maker of the stars” for her unique facial contouring treatments, credited with keeping some of Hollywood’s most famous faces looking good, is a firm believer in facials as both a preventative measure and educational tool.  She insists her clients follow a professionally designed regimen at home in-between appointments. “Because everybody’s skin is different, it’s important to consult an authority to prescribe products most suitable for your skin,” Bianco advises.  “It’s essential to cleanse and moisturize your skin twice a day, but some skin types require more intense serums and applications,” she continued. Bianco contends that regular facials by a skin care practitioner provide relief from stress; helps firm facial muscles, holds the pull of gravity at bay and even delays or averts the need for cosmetic procedures.   “However,” she adds, “healthy, vital skin also requires regular exercise, drinking lots of water, eating right and getting your beauty sleep,”—a mantra she repeats regularly to her clients.

 

Sidebar

If you’ve never had a facial, it’s not too late to start.  And if you happen to be reading this while sailing on one of the Yachts of Seabourn, it’s as easy as visiting the onboard Spa.  The inviting sanctuary is the perfect place to begin taking care of your skin. You can select from an extensive menu that includes luxurious offerings as: La Therapie HydraLift Facial, a 50 minute session that helps reduce lines and wrinkles; Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Facial, which offers a similar boost by the use of a specialized lifting massage and Japanese silk mask saturated in collagen booster serum; Elemis Aromapure Time for Men Facial, a 50 stress-reducing minutes of unadulterated luxury that cleanses and rejuvenates. It also includes a heavenly scalp massage.

 

Contact the gurus:

OleHenriksen face and body products and treatments can be found at more than 350 spas throughout the world.  His flagship day spa provides a little oasis nestled in an upscale mini mall at 8622A Sunset Boulevard, 310/854.7700 and at the deluxe Shutters Hotel at 1 Pico Boulevard, 310/458.0030. OleHenriksen international locations include: the Hotel Side—a favorite stop-over for rock stars and musicians on tour– at Drehbahn 49, 20354 Hamburg Germany, 49-(40) 30-99-9562; The Bluebird in London, 350  Kings Road, 020 7351 3873,  situated in a hip and trendy mall;  OleHenriksen Face/Body Bangkok in the GMM Grammy Building 50 by the Four Seasons Hotel, 66-26 65 99 45; and the Cromwell Hotel on Copenhagen’s charming waterfront. For additional information call:  800/327.0331 or on the web: www. OleHenriksen.com

 

 

Louise Bianco, after nearly 30 years in her Beverly Hills days spas, Bianco moved shop into his charming San Fernando Valley home where she continues her miracle making on the faces celebrities, writers, producers, moguls and ordinary folk such as yours truly.

818/786.2700, 800/782.3067, www.louisebianco.com

 

 

 

 

Pamper Yourself with a Week at The Golden Door

Anyone who reads my musings know I’m a huge fan and supporter of the Golden Door Health Resort in Escondido, California. It’s simply the best spa in the world as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been fortunate to have spent many weeks enscounced in the Japanese-style splendor of this pamper, fitness, health and spiritual sanctuary.  I used to go twice a year–back in the anti-recessionary days.

 Sure it’s expensive but it pays off big time to lose yourself — along with any excess weight, stress or negative thoughts–at this brainchild of spa doyenne Deborah Szekely who opened its gilded doors decades ago and immediately attracted a rich and famous clientele who also became loyal supporters/return guests and friends of the Golden Door like myself. 

 What Makes the Door Special
(Let me count the ways)

1.  A handpicked staff who pampers and coddles

2.  The best exercise regimen on the planet including awesome mountain hikes combined with state of the art equipment and a top notch fitness staff.
3. Gourmet, calorie, fat and salt -controlled food.
4.  All-inclusive amenities: daily massage, facials, manicure, pedicure, body treatments, herbal wraps, makeup, hair, skin care.

5. Pretty Japanese-style rooms that are kept spotless by able-bodied attendants who seem to come and go seamlessly when you’re not looking to fill your water pitcher, plump your pillows, straighen out your bed and more.

6. And the warm and wonderful staff to bring it all together.

Reserve a week May 31 to June 14 or September 6 to December 27, 2009 and receive our 2008 rate of $7995 Other special-rate weeks include Memorial Day Week May 24 – 31 $7495 Summer Focus Weeks June 14 to September 6 $7495 3-Day Spa Interlude July 5 – 8, August 16 – 19 $3625 4-Day Spa Interlude July 8 – 12, August 19 – 23 $4725 Thanksgiving Coed Week November 22 – 29 $7495 New Year’s Week December 27, 2009 – January 3, 2010 $7495 **Bring-a-Friend reservations must be made after January 1, 2009 for visits between January 4 and May 24, 2009 and friend’s name must be referenced at the time of booking. Not valid February 15 to 22, 2009. Call Debby- at 800-424-0777 or e-mail reservations@goldendoor.com  visit www.goldendoor.com

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The Diva’s Recession-Friendly Bag of Beauty Tips

 The Divaonthego doesn’t go anywhere without her bag of beauty essentials. And like everybody these days, she keeps an eye out for bargains like these…. 

Sumita eyeliner

  

I just discovered one of the best makeups on the market for my skin type, it’s

Natural FX Water based Foundation with SPF 15, it spreads on like silk and provides complete coverage of those areas you want to hide from view. I love it, love it.    The company also has a Bronzed FX Mineral Bronzing Powder and Nouveau 10 fps, Mineral Foundation Powder that are exceptional. Had fun trying them all on for Valentine’s Day date. Of course there’s much more to choose from at www.coverfx.com.

 

Another new product worth mentioning and getting your sponge and brushes on is Helio Mineral Cosmetics.  The company sent me an assortment of foundations, concealers, blush, bronzers, shadows and lip balms to sample and I love them all. They go on nicely and look great. Check out the extensive menu at www.heliominerals.com.

 

More  new stuff from  Mixology–this company offers fabulous Loose Mineral Foundations, Mineral Veil/Setting Powder, Eye Liner, dry and wet shadows at affordable prices. I only sampled the shadows and one of their special brushes and I like it. Check out their Beauti-licious Club at www.mixologygmakeup.blogspot.com.  

 

All the makeup in the world won’t help you look good unless you…..

Hydrate,hydrate, hydrate– for a glowing complexion, high energy and de-toxing.   It’s my mantra and I’m sticking to it. But I hate water and it’s always an effort for me to drink enough, but that’s before I discovered ZICO Coconut Waters. They not only taste better than the plain stuff but they have more potassium than bananas and lots of added benefits. I was hooked after my first 60-calorie carton of Zirco Natural. I also like the
mango and  passion fruit, but prefer the natural. All have same calorie count and cost about $2 per drink.

 

 Made from 100 percent pure  coconut water ZICO Coconut Water is more effective than water for full-body rehydration and contains none of the added sugars or flavors associated with other sports drinks. It also contains more potassium than a banana and five essential electrolytes. What’s more, in terms of other spa treatments such as facials, drinking ZICO can help maximize effects by producing beautiful skin from the inside out. ZICO is packed with cytokinins which are powerful antioxidants that detoxify the skin by removing free radicals from the body. They also aid in the regeneration of new skin cells and help clear debris from older cells, leading to healthier, younger-looking and softer skin.
 Check it out: www.zico.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping your essential beauty products at hand is a must when you’re constantly on the go!  That’s why these products are never too far away from me.

 

1-Beauty Benefits 100% Natural Lip Color in Barely There ($5.99).  This nude shade is the perfect compliment to any outfit.

 

2-Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Lip Gloss ($4.95).  A yummy tropical treat, this gloss keeps my lips shining all-day long (that is, if I don’t lick it off first!)

 

3-Black Radiance Velvet & Glow Illuminator in Modern Glamour ($4.99).  The perfect all-over shimmer.  Use it as blush, to highlight eyes or even on lips, this is the ultimate multi-tasker.

 

4- Wet ‘n Wild Mega Eyes Defining Marker ($3.99).  Can’t live without your black liner?  This liquid liner is perfect for on-the-go application. 

 

5-Black Radiance Starry Eyes Shadow Stick in Deepest Plum ($3.99).  Purple is the new “it” color, especially in cosmetics.  This shadow stick makes flawless application a breeze.

 

6-Wet ‘n Wile Wild Shine Nail Color in Eggplant Frost ($.99).  Always carry your polish for quick touch ups.

 

7-Tropez Volumizing Mascara ($1.99).  Plump up your lashes for the perfect day-to-night look.

 

8-Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion (travel size $2.50).  Keeping hands silky smooth has never been easier with this natural lotion.

 

9-Modella Patent Perfect Wristlet Blue ($3.97).  This little guy is perfect to store all the essentials.  Throw it in your purse during the day and use it at night for a fashionable wristlet! (Additional colors: white, black and pink)

 

 Please also check me out at www.pattipietschmann.blogspot.com.

 

 

The Diva’s Day at the Swag Fest

I scored a great pair of earrings and a tiger’s eye ring at this booth…..

Your divaonthego’s day at the swag fest.  It was a glam afternoon mulling around at the “Be The Change Oscar Lounge Presented by Sense Beautiful Science“–one of the many swag fests put on mostly for celebrities to promote products that hopefully they’ll wear on their famous persons. I love these events, which I attend yearly.
This year’s lounge was based at the Pali House in West Hollywood–an upscale residence hotel.

I started at Shemoni and worked my way upstairs where I scored a pair of MBT boots that will be sent to me so I don’t have them now but they are worth waiting for. These are the best, most healthful footwear you can wear. I already own two pair of MBTs athletic shoes and love them so can’t wait for my new black leather boots. Once the nice folks from MBTs fitted me for my boots I moved on to a Tarot card reader who gave me a rosy outlook, that was good. After that I got lash extensions put on by a member of MM Makeup Mandy, http://www.makeupmandy.com/, they look sexy, this was followed a mini massage and mani from Mobile Spa–a nation-wide company that does in-home or office manis, pedis, massage and spa parties. http://www.mobilespalosangeles.com/, or 888-685-0885.

Next I visited a lovely designer at the Ogie Kanogie display who gave me a cool blue, strapless slip on dress. The creation of two So Cal girls, Ogies makes mostly cool coats which you must check out at http://www.ogiekanogie.com/. Since I’m not a celeb I didn’t score a coat,  but Leeza Gibbons did (seen to the right). I like the dress  though, it is cute and fits literally like a glove.

I also visited Storm London, a jeweler that creates unusual, innovative designs. They said they’d send me a watch that I fell for, can’t wait it’s really nifty. After I stopped by ADA handbags where to die for bags were displayed but alas only gifted to celebs, but they did give me a slim leather wallet. Check out their stuff at http://www.adahandbags.com/.

And before I left the lounge I stopped to meet the sponsor, Sense beautiful science which offers a line of natural skin-care products that the literature says is “combines purifying botanicals in protective liquid crystals, pure plant bio actives designed to revitalized cells and make skin appear younger and healthier. The company’s brochure claims extensive research and results. I’ll be the judge as I start my regimen with the generous bag of face and hair goodies they armed me with. I also got a handy, travel 5X magnification fold out mirror and polishing gloves. So come back for details. http://www.beautifulscience.com/.

As always the glam affair, put on by Melanie Segal of Platinum Publicity with Sense Beautiful  Science was a big hit with the celebs, writers and other invited guests who go to grab the swag, see and be seen.

Attention Angelenos You Can Now Fly to Monterey

 It Happens in Montery….

 NEW NON-STOP JET SERVICE FROM LOS ANGELES AND SAN DIEGO ALLEGIANT AIR LAUNCHES MAY 3

Monterey County “Smile Recovery” Packages Sport 150+ Value Packages for Travelers- Starting May 3  Allegiant Air, LLC, is offering flights to the  Monterey Peninsula Airport from San Diego and Los Angeles international airports.

This marks  the first and only air service offered between these two markets; the carrier celebrates with introductory one-way fares as low as $39.00*. Allegiant Air will operate three flights weekly, departing Los Angeles and San Diego on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Total flight time is approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Reservations: 702.505.8888; www.allegiantair.com. The May 3, 2009 launch coincides with Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau’s new “Smile Recovery” packages, available through May 31, 2009. More than 150 steals and deals are available county-wide including rock bottom rates at seaside inns, up to 30 percent off lodging at world class resorts, golf bargains and tasty savings on a hot list of local restaurants. Dive in, the water is just fine at www.SeeMonterey.com/deals. Power to the Pocketbook In picture-perfect Pacific Grove, the newly-renovated Anton Inn steps up with a $100.00 off the best available rack rate. Just blocks from the 17-Mile Drive and Asilomar Beach, this quaint inn is the perfect respite for a romantic retreat. Nearby, Asilomar Conference Center puts California State Parks in the spotlight with overnight accommodations, a box lunch for two and parking pass to four local gems including Point Lobos State Reserve and Julia Pfeiffer State Park for $169.00/dbl. In Monterey, the newly-renovated Spindrift Inn lures guests with a rock bottom $149.00/dbl. rate. Perched on the Pacific along Cannery Row, this hideaway is ideal for active travelers who want tap into kayaking Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, biking the Recreational Trail or taking in the new Secret Lives of Seahorses exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (April ’09). Nearby, Portola Hotel & Spa offers overnight lodgings and two two-day passes to the aquarium for just $149.00/dbl. If a little more luxe is in line, pop into Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa for a gracious stay in a deluxe guestroom and two rounds of golf with transport to Poppy Hills Golf Course for $258.00/dbl. Other great bets include the 50 percent off rack rates at the Chateau Coraline Retreat & Spa on the verdant River Road wine tasting trail when guest book two night’s lodging and two spa treatments. Carmel Valley’s luxurious Bernardus Lodge kicks things up a notch with a complimentary third night for guests who book two nights. The added carrot -

 $100 food and beverage credit toward the lodge’s award-winning Marinus or Wickets Bistro. In Big Sur, the newly-renovated Ventana Inn & Spa puts things in perspective with a gracious 40 percent of best available rates. Check in and check out with expansive views of the Pacific coastline, co-ed Japanese tubs and stellar Allegia Spa. Seaside’s Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center is another sure bet with suite accommodations and dinner and breakfast for two for just $147.00/dbl. midweek. Golfers looking to sharpen their handicap can tee up at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Jr. signature course in the heart of Monterey, for $65.00/round including golf cart, Cobra golf club rental, and range balls.+

Rules of the Road

* Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by March 11, 2009 for travel completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Offer not available May 22-25, 2009 and July 2-6, 2009. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.60 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $13.50 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $13.50 per passenger, plus $10.00 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call center. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at time of booking, a fee of $15 for first checked bag and $25 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag per person, per segment will apply. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. +Packages based on availability, restrictions and black-out periods apply.

 VISITOR INFO

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and over 200 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area’s major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).  www.SeeMonterey.com.

Opi Opens New Nail Salon in San Fernando Vally

Get readyfor the  new Opi Salon on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, California. More to come after my mani pedi. In the meantime here’s the

Nitty Gritty

ROB/B, an OPI Concept Salon

It’s the first Concept Salon in the United States. 

 100% green, Gold LEED Certified, ROB/B is a breakthrough salon model,

 grounded in the nail care standards consistently set by OPI.

“Everyone has asked for it, and now we have a salon that takes OPI’s world-renowned quality and literally pours it into distinctive professional services,” says Robbie Schaeffer, CEO of ROB/B, son of OPI President and CEO George Schaeffer and nephew of OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann.  Robbie highlights that the key to showcasing nail care at its best is combining OPI’s product excellence with professional treatments, provided by expertly trained technicians, in a safe and sanitary, yet refreshingly relaxing environment.  In addition to top of the line manicure and pedicure treatments, ROB/B hosts results-oriented facial and massage treatments.

A certified nail technician, Robbie melds years of hands on experience in the beauty industry into ROB/B and shines a spotlight on nail care, technology, trends and service.  He acknowledges client well being is paramount.  Every treatment is complemented with a menu of nail amenities.

 There’s even two VIP rooms complete with steam and stand up Vichy Showers for manicures, pedicures, facials and/or massages and one VIP room just for  manicures and pedicures

 

Another  room  is dedicated to facials and massages,with steam and aromatherapy, stand up Vichy Shower and a rooftop patio for outdoor services for four or more (manicures, pedicures, massage and facial).  Available for private parties (complete with sound system and BBQ)
ROB/B is located at 12246 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604. www.robbsalon.com.

A Diva’s Birthday at Morongo

My husband surprised me with two nights at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and it was truly a surprise. I loved it. I was jonsesing for gambling but didn’t feel like flying to Vega$ baby so  he found a special Player’s Package on line (came with free gambling money, some meals, room and a few extras), he also booked me an afternoon of spa treatments and voila the perfect solution. It was one of the best birthday celebrations.  I became a member of the Winner’s Club where you get cash back and/or perks for your play. I’m happy to report that I actually left a winner. Got a payoff on the $1 slot.

The hotel has a friendly, non-Vegas-like ambiance. Our room was huge, spanking clean and had an awesome view of the mountains from a large window.

There’s two large pools, great sunning deck area, cabanas, a nicely equipped gym and super spa with steams, saunas, whirlpool and cold plunge.  My massage was excellent and also part of the package, and after looking at the prices, I highly recommend getting a package.  Massages at the Sage Spa run from $85 to $205!

  The food was better than expected, especially the breakfast buffet.  The penthouse restaurant has awesome views of the desert but since it was so warm out and the room is enclosed we decided to go into Palm Springs where we ate outdoors  at Kaiser Grill, which  turned out great because a street fair was in progress and we had front seats. It felt like a major celebration with hunderds of people, live music,  and revelry.  Kaiser Grille, an inexpensive indoor/outdoor has a swinging bar  and excellent barkeep and wait staff.  I had a glass of top Chard at the bar for only $3.50, can’t beat that these days (the wines by the glass at Morongo were nearly 3x that). 

Morongo is located at 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA 92230–it’s on an Indian reservation. www.morongocasinoresort.com.

The Diva Does The Stylish Montage Hotel Beverly Hills

The Divaonthego just spent the night in a gorgeous suite at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills and loved it!  Stylish, and elegant with an old world charm, the Montage redefines luxury from a seamless check-in to the every, perfect, minute detail–save for a balky flat-screen television. 

The 201-room, Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotel sits smack in the center of Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle—a premium area of upscale shops and restaurants—and pretty much caters to the type of clientele those establishment attract ie: wealthy and wise world travelers.  In fact Mr. Kasikci personally selected the clothes hangers to accommodate his bespoke attired guests. Okay a bit over the top, but this is one discerning managing director.

So let’s start from the top.

Check-in—the parking valet alerts the front desk of our arrival so the minute we reach the desk we are escorted to our suite when the preliminaries are handled. Nice.

The  room—a Garden Suite ($795 a night) with  625 square feet of living space furnished with two flat screen TVs, one designed for your Internet comfort, king-size bed with special pillows, large bathroom with two sinks, tub and great shower—stocked with aromatic Agraria toiletry (love the soap and body wash and moisture cream, but the shampoo and conditioner were harsh on my hair), big brown, cushy robes and slippers) and  an inviting balcony overlooking  Canon Garden.

The Spa—ah, what a 20,000 square foot treat. I had a 4 o’clock treatment so went an hour earlier to sit in the steam and mineral whirlpool that is all saline and no chlorine. The facility is understated elegant, nothing glitzy. The piece de resistance was Joseph, my therapist who treated me to the best massage ever—and this from a Diva with thousands of rubs to compare to.  My treatment  was a 60 minute Elements of the Earth Wrap which included a body scrub, clay body mask,  and a deep tissue Shiatsu/Thai massage that left me limp and rubbery. I could barely make it back to my room.

But I did. My husband had a Scientific Rest Facial which is done in a retro Barber Shop designed   to make you feel like you took a two hour nap. Well he sure appeared refreshed and  had this glowing report:   “Facials freak out lots of men. Not only is there the still-lingering pussy factor–a guy getting a facial!–but also the extra anxiety caused by having to enter a spa setting designed for women. Often a man tiptoeing into the spa will be the only male there. I have been that guy many times, so I know. But little did I realize that facials for men have a long history in this country, dating back to the railroad terminal barbershops that were commonplace in the 1930s and 1940s. There, men could get their shave and a haircut, along with what William Gornik told me was a treatment aimed at rejuvenating the harried (and sometimes hung over) businessman. It was called a “scientific rest facial,” William said, and it had the same result as two hours or more of sound sleep. I learned all this while seated in an updated barber chair at William’s Gornik & Drucker barbershop on the lower level of the new Montage Beverly Hills hotel. Here, this men-only facial is called a deep cleansing skin treatment, lasts 45 minutes, and costs $75. After giving me a critical once-over, William swathed my face in hot towels, applied an Egyptian clay mask, rubbed cocoa butter into my beleaguered skin, applied a two-handed vibration massage to face, neck and shoulders, painlessly plucked out blackheads, cleaned up sideburns, applied more potions and lotions, and left me both relaxed and alert. 

Gornik has had a Beverly Hills barbershop nearby for years, with a local clientele, some of whom prefer the Montage location. It’s a real plus for hotel guests, but a little hard to find since there are no signs yet to lead one to the spot and only a discrete small barber pole marking the entrance. But William is a genuine gentleman’s barber who wields the straight-edged razor with aplomb, has lots of fine Hollywood stories to tell, and vintage Ella, Frank, Tony and Dean in the background. He’ll even tell you about the opening scene to the original “Oceans Eleven” that was shot at his barbershop”. Richard J. Pietschmann reporting on thedivaonthego.com, pietsch3@aol.com.

Apres treatments we ordered wine and sat on the balcony overlooking the gardens musing about our therapies and relaxing before dinner. It’s all good….

Then it was  off to dinner at Muse, a New York/European style restaurant with a super wait staff and chef.  The room is a dark and handsome loft that overlooks  Parq—the hotel’s three meal a day eatery.  We started with fresh house made pasta with maitake mushrooms, Ahi appetizers and moved to a perfectly prepared salad and halibut washed down with a bottle of fine Testarosa Chard. For dessert we opted for a plate of yummy cookies.

After a stroll around the city, we headed up to bed for a great night’s sleep  nicely cushioned by 100 percent down pillows.

The next morning—after a workout in the super fitness center which has everything this fitness fanatic could hope for– we decided to do something camp and strolled over to the world-famous Nate ‘n Al’s Deli a favorite hangout for Beverly Hills industry denizens and out of town celebs (Larry King sat in a booth near us). I had a disappointing bagel (not NY style enough) but Richard loved his fried eggs and potato pancake. The coffee passed muster (we are both very fussy about our cup of joe).

The Montage has an inviting rooftop swimming pool so be sure to pack a bathing suit, you’ll also need a bathing suit to use the coed mineral pool in the spa

Montage, 225 North Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-7800, www.montagebeverly hills.com.

Brochure rates: from $495  for Superior to $7500 for Presidential Suite. With this you get complimentary shoe shine using John Lobb polish applied by a certified John Lobb butler who took a 22 hour training course. We didn’t partake of this amenity but I can imagine.

Spa Treatment Prices: sticker shock here, $195 and up but if you have to ask… and well the therapists are truly hand-picked top notch.

 

Beautiful flowers placed in our suite by Ali, what a guy.

The Golden Door Offers Super Summer Specials

Call me the Spa Queen, fitness diva or pampered princess but I love spa breaks especially the week-long kind offered at the salubrious, luxurious, ultra-serene Golden Door in Escondido, California where I’ve been recharging my batteries  on yearly treks for over 20 years.  The Japanese-influenced, transcendental sanctuary set in a valley framed by gorgeous mountains is simply the best of its kind barring none.
And that’s the truth, why else would the rich, famous, beautiful faces flock there –many to get in shape and look their best for their movie roles or  awards ceremonies.

It’s always fun to run into a celeb and I have from Sally Struthers and Joyce DeWitt to Pat Kennnedy and beyond. Whether a luminary or ordinary (but rich enough to afford $8,000 a week), the 40 female guests who frequent most of the Door most weeks of the year save for a few men’s weeks, bond during the 7-day retreat. Unfortunately the ties usually melt shortly after.

I went there Easter Sunday for a glorious week of atonement (no alcohol, healthy food, lots of activities that egins with earling morning mountain hikes followed by a full menu of exercise classes, personal training, gym, swimming, volleyball, pilates, and  Yoga with lots of  personal pampering in-between like massages, facials, foot and hand treatments, body scrubs, herbal wraps, hair care, makeup, steams, saunas and more for one albeit stiff weekly price–worth every gold coin.

Anyhow the Door just announced super summer specials you can’t afford to miss. Check it out:

 

2009 Summer Weeks – $7,495 with Special Programs and Guest Presenters 

SPIRITED WALKER® with Carolyn Scott Kortge June 14 – 21. A simple walk around the block can turn into a journey of discovery.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS WEEK with Judith Greer Essex June 21 – June 28. Art-making puts life’s issues in perspective so you can experience life’s joy.

WATER WEEKS July 19 – 26 and August 30 – September 6. Bring out your “inner mermaid” while strengthening and toning.

INNER DOOR WEEK with Annharriet Buck July 26 – August 2. Draw on supportive group energy to achieve life-altering insights.

LABYRINTH WEEK with Dr. Lauren Artress August 2 – 9 (Special Rate: $6,000) (Bring A Friend does not apply) The labyrinth has been celebrated through the centuries for its power to quiet and focus the mind.

Hot, hot,  hot . . . Cooking Week with Chef Dean Rucker!!
GOLDEN DOOR COOKS AT HOME with Executive Chef Dean Rucker August 9 – 16. Become a Golden Door At-Home Cook. We’ve built an entire week around your training!

EAT WELL. MOVE DAILY. BE HEALTHY with Drs. Wendy and Jason Bazilian August 23 – 30. Science, culture and philosophy of eastern and western medicine and nutrition blend to help you improve your health.

THE “FITPACK” AND ”YOU” BOOK WORKOUTS with Joel Harper September 13 – 20. Work out with the celebrity fitness trainer and creator of the famous “FitPak” and New York Times best-selling “YOU” books workouts. $7,750

AND–Bring A Friend. Share a week with a friend or family member and you both receive an additional $500 discount. Friend’s name must be referenced at time of booking.
More Cool Specials. 
3-or 4-Day stay. (Bring A Friend does not apply)
3-Day Spa Interlude August 16 – 19 $3,625
4-Day Spa Interlude August 19 – 23 $4,725
Fall Special  October 11 – 18  $6,000 (Bring A Friend does not apply)
Thanksgiving Week  November 22 – 29 $7,495
Holiday Special   December 6 – 13 $6,000 (Bring A Friend does not apply)
New Year’s Week  December 27, 2009 – January 2, 2010  $7,495

All Other Weeks In 2009 available at the 2007 rate of $7,750

Factoids:   The Golden Door is located just outside of San Diego near Escondio about a 2 to 3 hour from LA where I live, but I don’t drive, I take Amtrak  from Union Station and relax in a cushy Business Class seat  where I read or view the awesome coastline as we chug along.  A driver from the Door picks me up at the Oceanside Station, which is only 20-minutes from the resort.

Check it out www.goldendoor.com.

• A peaceful, remote sanctuary, discreetly tucked away on 377 acres of rolling terrain, five miles north of Escondido, California
• World-class spa facilities, including nine treatment rooms, an herbal wrap area, hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam room, and hot tub
• Asian-inspired architecture and philosophy, inspired by the ancient Japanese Honjin inns, famed for their gracious welcome and guest care
• 40 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, each with private patios and uniquely restful amenities that foster serenity
• Meticulously landscaped grounds, complete with traditional Japanese gardens, koi ponds, and a million-dollar antique collection
• Premier fitness facilities, including 3 poolside aerobic gyms, a hilltop gym for private fitness sessions, a new 4000 square foot Fitness Pavilion housing a 2000 square foot equipment gym, spinning gym, and additional aerobic gym; two swimming pools and a Kiatsu water therapy pool; tennis courts; and solarium
• 20 miles of switchback hiking trails, winding through avocado groves and ponds, suitable for all levels of expertise

Getting the Golden Door Glow

A Journal From a Week at the Golden Door…

I’ve been home two weeks now and can truthfully aver that yes I’ve kept that Golden Door glow. I am now also armed with the new Golden Door cookbook, Golden Door Cooks at Home by Chef Dean Rucker so I’m keeping up the healthy living attitude.  There’s over 100 recipes, each easy to prepare or at least Chef makes it sound that way that range from yummy breakfasts to desserts. What’s more they even let you in on nutrition and fitness secrets and tips from the exclusive health and fitness resort . You really must order a copy right now: www.goldendoor.com.

My Golden Door week began Sunday, April 12–arrived at Oceanside via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner—a smooth, uneventful ride in business class–where I was met by a driver who whisked me to the Door in 20 minutes flat, where I left the world behind for seven days of pure bliss.

Saturday April 18 All Good Things Come to an End and so I leave the Golden Door. aglow from head to toe, via Amtrak’s Surfliner from Oceanside to Los Angeles.

Do come back for a complete wrap-up of my week and what I got out of it.

Friday April 17

Pretty much repeat of yesterday with hike, b’fast (waffles and chicken sausage), stretch, Gentle Yoga, personal training session with Brett, makeup (pic posted soon) and now off to lunch by the pool, it warmed up here…come back later for updates. Lunch was great as usual, fresh salmon salad and a cookie for dessert. Rest of day exhausting: makeup, scalp treatment, herbal wrap, massage, dinner (fresh salmon again, but I had a choice and chose it, really delicious finished with a flaky, yummy banana, apple strudel.

Thursday April 16 over the hump day at the Golden Door

Day 5

(you really need to follow my journal daily, which begins at the bottom, hey makes you think)

Okay spa brain really set in. Relaxed, unwound, loose, light, toned and pampered. That’s what the Golden Door’s all about.

Did the 5 mile mountain hike followed by a session in the steam bath and hot tub. Then back to room for breakfast in bed: Mexican-style scrambled eggs in a whole wheat tortilla, fruit (melon, that alas wasn’t ripe enough, unusual for here), coffee. Then off to see Brett, my main fitness squeeze who sets me straight with weights and then stretches me out real good…

Brett sets gym up for cardio-boxing class….

Okay left Brett and came to PC to update you on my progress. Feeling good today, having a friend join me for lunch today. Marta, the maitre d’ of the kitchen whose been here forever and is fantastic at her job–which entails sometimes putting up with primo-divas (I’m not one of those). Anyhow Marta’s setting Glenn and I up by the Koi pond with today’s special: Bento boxes. Okay here’s Glenn obviously enjoying his Bento Box lunch. Glenn said his friends were concerned he wouldn’t get enough to eat and should eat before coming. Chef Dean showed them, Glenn didn’t even finish, nor did I. But we did have room for the Door’s delicious cookies–yep you get cookies.That’s the Koi pond. I hated to see Glenn leave but hey I had a body scrub scheduled and I don’t miss treatments even for best friends. And glad I didn’t. Carolyn, a striking, blonde-haired Irish export was fantastic as she massaged/scrubbed and oiled my weary body.

After the scrub it was time for my pedicure with ace manicurist Teresa, a Viet Namese export who ends her treatment with a fabulous foot reflexology massage. And then it was off to my room for my 5 PM rub by CJ, alas it would be my last from this cool dude as he gets Friday and Saturday off and is replaced by Eric, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of being massaged from. That’s grammatically incorrect, but geez this is a blog.

Dinner followed: salad and fresh fish (forgot what variety, but it was delicious)and corn meal cake that was quite tasty. After the ritual walk to the gate there was a woman who gave hand writing analysis, I skipped it. Not because of lack of interest but I wanted to write this journal which I hope you’re enjoying.

Day 4 At the Golden Door in Escondido, California

Wednesday, Tax Day and I’m plotzed, in spa speak it’s called ‘hump’ day. Actually slept in and skipped the hike, which although I love this activity, my body said “no.” But this is the Golden Door and you are on your own to go with your personal flow, which I’m doing. See below for full account….

Diane Allan and Suzie Fernandez teach classes at the Golden Door

I’m back at the Golden Door in Escondido, California. It’s been a year since my last visit and I was jonesing for some chic r and r and I’m getting it.Arrived the afternoon of Easter Sunday via Amtrak Surfliner from Los Angeles. I sat in a cushy seat in Business Class, made cell phone calls, read, listened to my Mp3 Player, chatted with the hostess, a lovely Afro-American women with great wit and style. She served pax complimentary wine, water, soda and there was also coffee, tea and snacks, but I didn’t bend to temptation as I was en route to a salubrious week. The Door’s driver picked me in Oceanside for the short ride to the beautiful bronze gates that enter me into a transcendental world far from reality.

I checked into my Japanese-honjin Inn style room, slipped into a kimono and met the other 17 female guests for dinner–gourmet spa cuisine of salad, fish and yummy guilt-free Key Lime dessert. The Door usually takes 40 people weekly but this being a holiday and a recession (it’s pricey)….

Day 2 (Monday)

up at 5:30 for 6:45 mountain hike (5 miles), back to room for breakfast in bed (aah), but not for long, up and at ‘em for back and stretch class, Aerobics, Pilates, lunch, hike (1 1/2 miles), facial, steam, herbal wrap, massage and dinner–a spa cuisine masterpiece by chef Dean. We started with a perfectly seasoned salad with ingredients from the Door’s organic garden and moved on to chicken roulade which was so good it was hard to believe it was low-cal, low-salt, and finally a cannoli, yes they serve dessert and it was divine. After dinner we walk to the gates that open to the real world, but we keep it closed, reality doesn’t exist here. Then a lecture on
how to get the most out of your workout and nutrition but sorry to say opted to go to the steam bath and then read my Robert Parker Spenser Novel in bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Another glorious day at the Golden Door. Slept well and off to the 5 mile mountain, followed by a session in the hot tub , quick steam and breakfast in bed. Yummy cheese toast this morning with fresh strawberries from the Door’s organic garden. Then off to Stretch class, ooooh, felt good and a wild and wacky Boomer’s Aerobics taught by Diane (seen above) to the music of the 60s – 80s. Cool. Then did my own thing (dyot) which including lots of Facebooking and Twittering.

Meet my personal trainer at Noon, Brett, he’s the best, had him last year, or he had me, does great stretch out, which I need after all the exercise I’m doing here.

My wonderful workout with Bret was followed by a fab facial from Ashton. You have choices here and I opted for full cleansing treatment. Divine.

I followed with a session in the Steam to prepare my muscles for a massage from CJ, a cool surfer/biker dude who gives a mean, deep rub that turns me into rubber. Feeling lazy, I decided to have dinner served in my room–another great Golden Door amenity.

Read in bed until sleep came, which actually wasn’t realized soon enough which is why on

Day 4

I slept in and missed the hike. After my oatmeal breakfast in bed I took the Stretch class, it helped. Then I went to the Samurai gym for short sessions on the treadmill and elliptical before meeting up with my PT Brett. My bad, body wouldn’t respond, so he had no alternative but to stretch me out real good.

This was followed by more steam, herbal wrap, more steam, relaxing. I figure it being Wednesday and Tax Day I’d really let myself go into a transcendental state of bliss. It works well here. It is such a beautiful, bucolic setting set in a little valley surrounded by mountains, with lots of lush foliage, orange and avocado trees and of course that organic garden.

Well it’s nearly lunch time. It’s cold out today so no dining by the pool, decided to feast in my room. Wish you were here.

For rates and info go to http://www.goldendoor.com/, there are special weeks and min-weeks offered throughout the year, keep in mind it’s an all-inclusive rate.

 

Day 6 of the Diva’s Week at the Golden Door Saturday April 18 All Good Things Come to an End and so I leave the Golden Door via Amtrak’s Surfliner from Oceanside to Los Angeles. Do come back for a complete wrap-up of my week and what I got out of it. Friday April 17 Pretty much repeat of yesterday with hike, b’fast (waffles and chicken sausage), stretch, Gentle Yoga, personal training session with Brett, makeup (pic posted soon) and now off to lunch by the pool, it warmed up here…come back later for updates. Lunch was great as usual, fresh salmon salad and a cookie for dessert. Rest of day exhausting: makeup, scalp treatment, herbal wrap, massage, dinner (fresh salmon again, but I had a choice and chose it, really delicious finished with a flaky, yummy banana, apple strudel. Thursday April 16 over the hump day at the Golden Door Day 5 (you really need to follow my journal daily, which begins at the bottom, hey makes you think) Okay spa brain really set in. Relaxed, unwound, loose, light, toned and pampered. That’s what the Golden Door’s all about. Did the 5 mile mountain hike followed by a session in the steam bath and hot tub. Then back to room for breakfast in bed: Mexican-style scrambled eggs in a whole wheat tortilla, fruit (melon, that alas wasn’t ripe enough, unusual for here), coffee. Then off to see Brett, my main fitness squeeze who sets me straight with weights and then stretches me out real good… Brett sets gym up for cardio-boxing class…. Okay left Brett and came to PC to update you on my progress. Feeling good today, having a friend join me for lunch today. Marta, the maitre d’ of the kitchen whose been here forever and is fantastic at her job–which entails sometimes putting up with primo-divas (I’m not one of those). Anyhow Marta’s setting Glenn and I up by the Koi pond with today’s special: Bento boxes. Okay here’s Glenn obviously enjoying his Bento Box lunch. Glenn said his friends were concerned he wouldn’t get enough to eat and should eat before coming. Chef Dean showed them, Glenn didn’t even finish, nor did I. But we did have room for the Door’s delicious cookies–yep you get cookies.That’s the Koi pond. I hated to see Glenn leave but hey I had a body scrub scheduled and I don’t miss treatments even for best friends. And glad I didn’t. Carolyn, a striking, blonde-haired Irish export was fantastic as she massaged/scrubbed and oiled my weary body. After the scrub it was time for my pedicure with ace manicurist Teresa, a Viet Namese export who ends her treatment with a fabulous foot reflexology massage. And then it was off to my room for my 5 PM rub by CJ, alas it would be my last from this cool dude as he gets Friday and Saturday off and is replaced by Eric, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of being massaged from. That’s grammatically incorrect, but geez this is a blog. Dinner followed: salad and fresh fish (forgot what variety, but it was delicious)and corn meal cake that was quite tasty. After the ritual walk to the gate there was a woman who gave hand writing analysis, I skipped it. Not because of lack of interest but I wanted to write this journal which I hope you’re enjoying.

Day 4

At the Golden Door in Escondido, California Wednesday, Tax Day and I’m plotzed, in spa speak it’s called ‘hump’ day. Actually slept in and skipped the hike, which although I love this activity, my body said “no.” But this is the Golden Door and you are on your own to go with your personal flow, which I’m doing. See below for full account…. Diane Allan and Suzie Fernandez teach classes at the Golden Door I’m back at the Golden Door in Escondido, California. It’s been a year since my last visit and I was jonesing for some chic r and r and I’m getting it. Arrived the afternoon of Easter Sunday via Amtrak Surfliner from Los Angeles. I sat in a cushy seat in Business Class, made cell phone calls, read, listened to my Mp3 Player, chatted with the hostess, a lovely Afro-American women with great wit and style. She served pax complimentary wine, water, soda and there was also coffee, tea and snacks, but I didn’t bend to temptation as I was en route to a salubrious week. The Door’s driver picked me in Oceanside for the short ride to the beautiful bronze gates that enter me into a transcendental world far from reality. I checked into my Japanese-honjin Inn style room, slipped into a kimono and met the other 17 female guests for dinner–gourmet spa cuisine of salad, fish and yummy guilt-free Key Lime dessert. The Door usually takes 40 people weekly but this being a holiday and a recession (it’s pricey)…. Day 2 (Monday) up at 5:30 for 6:45 mountain hike (5 miles), back to room for breakfast in bed (aah), but not for long, up and at ‘em for back and stretch class, Aerobics, Pilates, lunch, hike (1 1/2 miles), facial, steam, herbal wrap, massage and dinner–a spa cuisine masterpiece by chef Dean. We started with a perfectly seasoned salad with ingredients from the Door’s organic garden and moved on to chicken roulade which was so good it was hard to believe it was low-cal, low-salt, and finally a cannoli, yes they serve dessert and it was divine. After dinner we walk to the gates that open to the real world, but we keep it closed, reality doesn’t exist here. Then a lecture on how to get the most out of your workout and nutrition but sorry to say opted to go to the steam bath and then read my Robert Parker Spenser Novel in bed. Day 3 (Tuesday) Another glorious day at the Golden Door. Slept well and off to the 5 mile mountain, followed by a session in the hot tub , quick steam and breakfast in bed. Yummy cheese toast this morning with fresh strawberries from the Door’s organic garden. Then off to Stretch class, ooooh, felt good and a wild and wacky Boomer’s Aerobics taught by Diane (seen above) to the music of the 60s – 80s. Cool. Then did my own thing (dyot) which including lots of Facebooking and Twittering. Meet my personal trainer at Noon, Brett, he’s the best, had him last year, or he had me, does great stretch out, which I need after all the exercise I’m doing here. My wonderful workout with Bret was followed by a fab facial from Ashton. You have choices here and I opted for full cleansing treatment. Divine. I followed with a session in the Steam to prepare my muscles for a massage from CJ, a cool surfer/biker dude who gives a mean, deep rub that turns me into rubber. Feeling lazy, I decided to have dinner served in my room–another great Golden Door amenity. Read in bed until sleep came, which actually wasn’t realized soon enough which is why on Day 4 I slept in and missed the hike. After my oatmeal breakfast in bed I took the Stretch class, it helped. Then I went to the Samurai gym for short sessions on the treadmill and elliptical before meeting up with my PT Brett. My bad, body wouldn’t respond, so he had no alternative but to stretch me out real good. This was followed by more steam, herbal wrap, more steam, relaxing. I figure it being Wednesday and Tax Day I’d really let myself go into a transcendental state of bliss. It works well here. It is such a beautiful, bucolic setting set in a little valley surrounded by mountains, with lots of lush foliage, orange and avocado trees and of course that organic garden. Well it’s nearly lunch time. It’s cold out today so no dining by the pool, decided to feast in my room. Wish you were here. For rates and info go to http://www.goldendoor.com/, there are special weeks and min-weeks offered throughout the year, keep in mind it’s an all-inclusive rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brett stretches me out one last time….aaaah…

Diane and Suzie Q flex their Golden Door muscles….

Day Tripping to Oxnard, California

From historic landmarks to modern day restaurants, freshly-picked strawberries to interesting side trips, Oxnard  offers lots of surprises and fun for visitors to this seaside California community where you Diva on the go just spent three delightful days.

One of the original Five and Dimers still stands in the heart of the town.

 

Strawberry fields forever

Strawberry fields abound in the area and  fresh picked berries are sold at the weekly Farmer’s Market and  along the major highways that lead to Oxnard. We bought a bundle for ourselves and friends. They are soooooo sweet and delicious.

Tasting some mighty fine wines

A really big surprise was the Herzog Wine Cellars which we toured before settling down for tastes  with winemaker Joe Hurliman, a fun guy who obviously knows his grapes. Loved the Reserve Chardonnay with it’s vanilla nose and big, buttery taste, and the Syrah Edna Vally 2005, Alexander Valley Cab Sauvignon. They offer tastings  for a fee. We also ate at the Winery’s fine Tierra Sur restaurant, which impressed your Diva with exceptional fare prepared by Chef Todd Aarons, executive chef with an notable background.  Unfortunatley I only got to sample  a specially arranged menu which precluded me from selecting  what I might have ordered  from the yummy-looking menu.  I loved his Mesclun salad with baby greens, sugar snap peas, beets and balsamic vinaigrette.  I liked my chicken dish which was substituted for the duck course (your Diva doesn’t do duck), but would have preferred sometjng more interesting. Next time. It’s definitely worth a trip back, maybe for dinner. Herzog Wine Cellars, 3201 Camino Del Sol, www.herzogwinecellars.com. You should know that there are many little wineries around the area along with tour operators who offer personalized visits like Roadrunner Shuttle & Limousine Service, www.rrshuttle.com;  Santa Barbara Wine Tours, www.sbwinetour.com.

There’s a charming quaintness about Oxnard especially in  Heritage Square — an area built in 1985 to preserve the historical and architectectural ambiance of the turn-of-the-century city. 

 We even met the mayor,  Andres  Herrera (seen talking to visitors above) a charming man who has done much to improve  and help revitalize the city  which he is obviously very proud of.

The  highlight of  the trip, for me, was the day-long visit to Anacapa Island, one of the Channel Islands National Parks That’s my mate, Richard  and me during our two hour hike around the island.

We were on the island during  nesting season and witnessed slews of  mother Seagulls sitting on their eggs or protecting their impossibly adorable  young. Should you, however, get too close they will fly over your head and poop on you (no joke) so Richard has a remedy, he fought them off by waving his hiking poles….

On the way back to land we spotted hordes of dolphin but alas my photos didn’t come out so use your imagination…..

Okay I have to go now but I’ll be adding more stuff later so come on back to hear about other things we did in and around beautiful downtown Oxnard.

 

For everything else you wanted to know about Oxnard visit:  www.visitoxnard.com

 

Fuel for the Trip was provided by area restaurants listed in order of personal favorites:

 Tierra Sur, at Herzog Wine Cellars, with its super chef , Todd Aarons has the potential for a 4 star rating. Since I was an invited guest with a fixed menu (spicy purple haze carrot soup with coconut and mint cream, which was a fave rave of our group; duck confit with tomato rhubarb and stuff which I didn’t try, opting for a chicken version of the same that was fine;  and a Magrath farms frozen strawberry custard with a Moorpark blueberry beignet (I ate the custard, it was good). I would have preferred to order what I wanted,  but what I had had major promise.

  

Moqueca, a waterfront Brazilian restaurant where we consumed lots of different dishes–all good, not exceptional, but worth a visit when you’re in the mood for ethnic cuisine. I ordered a steak for my entree that was cooked right and tender but unexciting. The flan and peanut butter Pave De Amendoim were awesome, though. 3550  S Harbor Blvd., Suite 201, www.moquecarestaurant.com.  2  1/2 stars.

  

Capistrano’s Restaurant, the fine dining room at the  Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort. We ate in private wine cellar-like room with a beautifully set table, the Caesar salad earned 4 stars, but the rest of the meal lacked pizzazz. My salmon was okay but over-cooked and while they called it “mango salmon” there wasn’t enough of the tropical fruit to give it flavor. They do a mean dessert presentation and the Herzog wines paired well during the long evening.  www.embasssysuites.com. 3 stars

 

La Dolce Vita in Heritage Square is a charming spot with an adjacent wine tasting room, Rancho Ventavo Cellars (www.rvcellars.com),  where our evening began with samples of their Spanish reds (they don’t do whites, much to my Chard-loving chagrin). But I must say I enjoyed the Pinot Noir, which was also served at dinner. We dined upstairs at La Dolce Vita. Unfortunately my angel hair pasta, that accompanied chicken piccata, was mushy, really overcooked, the piccata lacked Italian brio. One of my dining companions complained his pasta was also overcooked. However others in our group seemed to take great pleasure in the repast especially the warmed chocolate chip bread pudding with caramel sauce and glazed walnuts (I opted for the mango sorbet). All a matter of taste. Anyhow it’s worth a try if you’re in the area. www.theldv.com. 2 stars

 

Trip headquarters– we were based at the Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge, a first for this travel diva used to more luxe confines like Ritz Carltons, Four Seasons, Montage, Hotel Bel-Air et al , that sport spas, fitness centers, two bathroom accommodations  with double basin sinks (our studio apartment had one tiny bathroom but it did come with a full kitchen, flat screen TV and a queen size bed with a  rather lumpy, soft mattress). I can appreciate its appeal to  budget seeking families especailly considering the fextensive complimentary breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, oatmeal,cold cereal, really good ripe,fresh fruit mix, granola, breads, pastries, beverages). The hotel has two pools, tennis courts, a miniscule fitness room and Jacuzzis.  Rates vary in this recessionary era but our studio was about $180 a night with all the added taxes etc. www.residenceinn.com/oxrri.

 

We also took a reminder look at the Embassy Suites, where my husband and I stayed several years ago, this is a more luxurious and Diva-friendly property with added amenities and better appointed suites. Perks include free morning meals (eggs cooked to order, not mass-produced vats, and lots of other choices)  and two drinks and snacks at the evening cocktail party. But it’s smack on the beach and boasts that it is the only all-suite facility on a California coastline beach.  Your diva definitely recommends this for more discerning travelers (there’s a spa, fitness facility, restaurants, boutique), and beach

 buffs, it’s literally steps from the sand. Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, www.mandalaybeach.embassysuites.com

 

I was truly amazed with the amount of diversions available in and around Oxnard. It’s truly a must-see destination, especially the Channel Islands….
 

 

 

A Day in the Life of A Diva On The Go

She rises late, like 8 ish, stretches out on a mat in her home  office, does some body toning work with weights and resistance bands and heads out for a hike up Runyan Canyon–a popular spot for local denizens, celebs, industry-types and dog lovers.  Back home, quick laps in the pool before breakfast of fresh melon and raspberries topped with almonds.

Off to her see her hair stylist, Tammy Kranzo, owner/operator of  three6Nine, a charming Valley salon–with a Big Sur meets Provence ambiance– where the super talented Tammy Kranzo works mane magic on clients from far and near.   She’s  been snipping, coloring and doing her hair for more than a decade and is hands down  one of the best stylist in Los Angeles.  Which is why a loyal coterie drive over the hill from Beverly Hills, take the freeways from Palm Springs and  even fly in  from New York to have her do their hair.  Her allure is an eagle eye  for creating personalized hair styles that fit each customers’ personality. The charming shop has none of that Beverly Hills attitude or for that matter prices and what’s more, each styling comes with a heavening shampoo and head and neck massage.

Three6Nine, 21132 Costanso St., Woodland Hills, CA, 818-347-1900, fax: 818-347-2182

Coiffed and feeling fine the Diva does the usual grocery shopping with a sidetrip to the mall and ends up at her favorite jewelers, Valley Discount Jewelers, a family-owned business and neighborhood favorite where ordinary people, celebrities and movie set directors head when they need  bling cleaned, repaired, or specially created for themselves or film and TV sets.  A jeweler you can really trust,  Greg Kalajian, creates exquisite pieces out of anything. I  brought him two  diamond rings and a broken diamond pendant which he transformed  into two exquisite necklace pieces for me. He extracted  the diamonds from my rings and made this beautiful pendant….He has also restrung  my pearls, repaired broken rings, bracelets and earrings for me,  and is my main squeeze for watch batteries. I have lots of watches and he charges the least of anyone in town, $4.50.  They also carry a large assortment of jewelry, clocks and collectibles. Greg behind the window where he designs, creates and repairs bling.

And his pretty wife.

Valley Discount Jewelers, 12119 Magnolia Blvd.m Studio City, 818-761-8832. 

The Diva was happy with her new bro0ches. Then a little more shopping and home to feed Elmo, the cat, work on my blogs,  do laps in the pool, join hubby for cocktail hour, followed by a cozy  dinner (he made) and TV. It’s all good.

Kauai On My Mind

The Diva on the go is  jonseing for a trip to Kauai. It’s been a couple of years since our last visit.  While I love all the Islands, Kauai holds a special place in my heart. 

Have you been there? If so I’d love to hear your experiences and will with your permission print them in this entry.  Email me at ppietschma@aol.com.

The Diva’s No Brainer Guide to Flying First Class

The Diva’s No Brainer Guide to Flying First Class

 Or Flying Coach is for dummies….

For this Diva, flying First Class—or at least Business—is the only way to go especially on flights lasting 5 hours or more. I stop at nothing to get that upgrade, using miles, paying for upgrades, smiling, crying, stomping my feet and most of the time it works. I hate coach.

 

Why? Let me count the ways.

First of all checking in.  Most carriers allocate special check in not only inside the terminal but outside where you can be dropped off and go right in. Once in it’s usually a breeze going through the first class check in line. After which you are often escorted to a faster, dedicated first class security line. Then you get to board before coach passengers and can settle into your cushy seat, often with a beverage while you await take-off.

And speaking of seats, depending on the flight designation: i.e.: Premium Class, Deluxe First, or simply First, seats can recline anywhere from 60 degrees to flat. 

 

When flying solo on Delta I often go online to check out the aircraft because certain ones have one seat in the middle which means you are all by yourself for peace and quiet. I like to take domestic flights that are heading abroad because the airline usually uses planes that have more luxurious first class sections. This means better seating arrangements, food and more premium wines (I enjoy the grape when I fly).

 American, which I also fly often, has seats that go way back to almost bed configuration on domestic flights, usually those flights that are heading for Europe.

 

Disembarking is also more pleasant when you’re a First Class pax. You get off the plane before everybody and your luggage usually arrives first, but not always.

 

Refunds or itinerary changes are also easier when you purchase or use miles for an upgrade. Most carriers allow no fee changes or at least give you back the value of the fare.  You also get to check at least one bag free of charge (two if in First).

 

Of course there are times First Class fails. One such instance was a recent flight on USAir to Philadelphia. It was a morning trip and I ordered an omelet. When the flight attendant brought me my tray it had cereal and fruit. “I didn’t order this,” I explained. To wit she nastily replied, “We had to serve our “premium passengers” first, and you don’t have enough miles so you get second choice.” Obviously this did not go over well with me having forfeited 30,000 miles for my upgrade. I had a similar incident on the same carrier  only this time it was for a fully fare First Class ticket and man was this Diva ticked off. So much so I wrote to the airline and they sent me a First Class upgrade certificate on any flight. Still left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak.

 

There have been a few instances when due to mechanical problems I have had to land in a airport that wasn’t my destination and overnight.  In those cases, when I had a First Class ticket I was always put up in a hotel and given food vouchers. Some coach passengers weren’t as fortunate.  A few times when this happened on American the company actually refunded me miles for the inconvenience.

 

But most of the time you are treated better in the front of the plane.  Hawaiian Airlines, which has a fine reputation of Aloha-like service throughout its Ocean-crossing flights, goes out of its way to please First Class passengers. I have flown them many times and was never let down. The food is created by top Island chefs and almost always excellent for airline food. They pour decent wines and are very generous and attentive. The seats recline comfortably.

 

First Class is a non brainer when flying to Europe, Asia or the South Pacific. It’s just too many hours to be cramped in coach.  I love the International carriers that provide night clothes and beds covered in down comforters.

 

I’m flying Virgin American for the first time soon and have booked their Main Cabin Select (Business Class in most airline jargon), I’ll let you know how it goes. I joined the airline’s Elevate frequent flyer club and can upgrade the day of departure to First Class for $150 if seats are available, I’m going to try it.

Sizzling Summer Specials in Palm Springs

One of my favorite Palm Springs haunts just became more affordable with these sizzling summer specials:

   For starters:  Riviera Family Package

Comes with welcome gift, choice of passes for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or Knott’s Soak City  and:

• Pizza and a Movie (Large Pizza, Soft Drinks, In-Room Movie of Choice)
• Daily Breakfast
• Children 12 and under eat free all summer long
• Complimentary Upgrade

 Rates start at $189 per night, plus tax and gratuities, call: 866-588-8311. Valid now through September 30, 2009. Offer is based on availability and number of family members included in the reservation. “Pizza and a Movie” refers to one large pizza and one 2-litre bottle of soft drink. Package includes one (1) On-Demand movie of choice valued at $14.99.

 Living Desert Package

 

Includes a visit to The Living Desert – a 1,200-acre zoo, endangered species conservation center, natural history museum, nature preserve, botanical garden and wilderness park all rolled into one. It’s an amazing place to come face-to-face with mountain lions, wolves, javelinas, bobcats, golden eagles, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, leopards, big horn sheep – all living in a natural setting nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

 And Daily Breakfast (children 12 and under eat free all summer long), complimentary upgrade.

Rates start at $135 per night, plus tax and gratuities.

Betty & Veronica Palm Springs Package  this fun getaway inc;ludes: 

Overnight Suite Accommodations

• “Martini Dinner” for Two at Circa 59
• Daily Breakfast
• Passes for Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Copy of Betty & Veronica Comic Book

 Rates start at $229 per night, plus tax and gratuities.  

In addition to these three special summer packages, Riviera Resort & Spa and the Palm Springs locale have so much to offer vacationers this summer. At the resort, children 12 and under eat free when ordering off the children’s menus; SpaTerre welcomes all to enjoy its treatments; family-rated movies are shown poolside with complimentary floating devices and treats; Wii, Xbox and lawn games are offered as well as free-play on tennis and basketball courts; and Riviera is pet-friendly to boot. Also, off-property attractions are diverse and vacation-friendly: Living Desert Zoo, Knott’s Soak City; Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Desert Museum along with many boutiques, dining venues, art galleries and outdoor activities.

 About Riviera Resort & Spa

Following an extensive $70 million modernization, Riviera Resort & Spa – a legendary 24-acre property that was once a playground for the likes of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Elvis Presley – reopened to the public in October 2008. The restored resort, originally 475 rooms, now features 406 masterfully-revamped guest rooms and luxury suites – outfitted with handsome retro furnishings; chic marble bathrooms; flat-screen plasma TVs; wireless Internet access and private patios or balconies – set amidst lushly-landscaped gardens with intimate courtyards. Other resort highlights include:  SpaTerre, an 11,000-square-foot retreat with cross-cultural and global treatments; and an array of inventive food and beverage offerings, including the signature Circa 59; the outdoor Bikini Bar adjacent to a spectacular pool; the swank Starlite Lounge; and sidebar, offering tantalizing cocktails in an atmosphere of sleek sophistication.

           I love the ambiance, friendly staff and the fabulous spa, fitness center and pool at this resort. And the food is terrific, too.

Riviera Resort & Spa,  1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs,  www.psriviera.com;  760.327.8311.

 

# # #

The Diva Loves LA

I Love LA

Which is why I write and update ACCESS Los Angeles (Harper Collins Publishers) — the 13th edition is in bookstores and available online at sites like www.amazon.com.  It pretty much guides you through the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area from downtown (and yes there really a thriving area in that part of the city now) through mid-town, Beverly Hills, WLA, and down to Orange County and across the sea to Catalina Island.  So order a copy now. In the meantime my friends at the Los Angeles Visitor’s Bureau put together

The  “Top 100 Vacation Deals.” for summer available through August 31, 2009.  For a complete listing of hotel offers, visit www.discoverLosAngeles.com/vacationdeals.  This is the Bureau’s recommendations:

            Stay in the middle of the action and save up to 40 percent with a Hollywood Getaway at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel or Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa.  Choose from online exclusive getaway packages including two nights of accommodations, a seven-day unlimited ticket to enjoy all the new entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary parking and roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood.

            Wind down with a midweek or weekend stay at a choice of 16 Westside hotels.  Escape to The Sofitel Los Angeles, where visitors who book a guestroom by July 5, 2009 get their fourth night free, in addition to a picnic basket.  If performing arts or a studio tour is on your travel itinerary, visit Inter Continental Los Angeles Century City, where guests who stay a minimum of two nights receive breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a tour of Sony Studios or two tickets to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  Rates start at $269.  In Beverly Hills, The Residence Inn treats travelers to an American Express gift card valued at $50, complimentary AMC movie tickets for two, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast for two starting at $229.  At the Holiday Inn Century City, travelers who book two nights obtain the third night free.

For the ultimate ocean-side retreat, take advantage of beachside getaways at Hotel Casa Del Mar with rates starting at $395 per night based on space availability, Le Merigot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa highlighting two Swedish massages with guestroom rates starting at $459 based on space availability, or Shutters On the Beach which offers a $50 hotel credit and guestroom rates starting at $525 per night based on space availability.

            Discover culture in the heart of downtown Los Angeles with Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s “I Love (Downtown LA)! Package for two which highlights a one night stay priced from $179 per night based on space availability, breakfast and tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art, tickets to the Grammy Museum and vouchers to visit the ESPN Zone.  Other attractive downtown hotel deals include Wilshire Grand Los Angeles’ “Beat the Heat,” whereby the guestroom rate is based on the high temperature of the day of your stay with a $20 room upgrade and 20 percent off hotel dining.  At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & 

Suites, guests relax in a deluxe guestroom, savor a three-course pre-fixe dinner for two at LA Prime Restaurant and obtain complimentary overnight parking.

In addition to these exclusive packages, travelers can obtain up to 50 percent off on LA’s top cultural, dining, entertainment and other top attractions.

            Head to Hollywood for a night at the theatre with 35%-50% off theatre tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood. While in the area, enjoy $5 off regular Adult/Child admission to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood Wax Museum, or treat yourself to a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée when dining at the renowned Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard.

While in downtown, embark on a larger-than-life feature film adventure with $2 off Adult admission and $1 off Children’s admission to an IMAX movie at the California Science Center IMAX Theater, or enjoy $3 off admission to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Stop for lunch at Zucca Ristorante, an upscale Italian establishment, currently offering a $19 lunch special and $5 parking for guests of the restaurant.

Chill out on the Westside with a complimentary appetizer while dining at Crustacean, one of Beverly Hill’s finest eateries, or experience 2-for-1 general admission to the Skirball Cultural Center.

Soak in the sun at the city’s top seaside eateries with offers including 15% off the total bill at I Cugini’s in Santa Monica, or a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Geoffrey’s Malibu. Take in the sites and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk with 15% off an unlimited-ride wristband at the popular weekend beachside destination, Pacific Park. 

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city Government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.  For more information about “Los Angeles Top 100 Vacation Deals,” visit the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

More Sizzling Summer Specials in the Southland

Sizzling Summer Specials at THE GRAND DEL MAR 

If you live in the Southland, hop in your car or take the Amtrak Surliner and head over to The Grand Del Mar  for some fun in the sun. The Mediterranean-inspired resort offers attractive, high style accommodation,  a Tom Fazio-designed golf course,  proximity to San Diego family attractions, hiking/walking trails, biking, horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing.

The hotel features fine dining at   Addison, a grand Spa  and to enjoy it all, appealing packages such as:

 The Grand Golf Getaway– unlimited golf (with cart) for two players at The Grand Golf Club from arrival until departure the following day, one night’s room accommodations, overnight valet parking, daily breakfast for two and 20-percent discount on retail purchases throughout the resort. Rates start at $670 per night (exclusive of tax and gratuities).

 The Grand Spa- with its emphasis on renewal and rebirth, offering comprehensive programs and á la carte services. Includes one night’s room accommodations, overnight valet parking, $350 spa credit for use toward services or products at The Spa, daily breakfast for two and 20-percent discount on retail purchases throughout the resort. Rates start at $695 per night (exclusive of tax and gratuities).

 Grand Bed & Breakfast– one night’s room accommodations and overnight valet parking, daily breakfast for two and 20-percent discount on retail purchases throughout the resort. Rates start at $395 per night (exclusive of tax and gratuities).

 Family Fun– create family-time and fond memories, this package features one night’s room accommodations, overnight valet parking, complimentary Children’s Menu dining for up to two children ages 8 and under at Amaya or Poolside; and one four-hour program for up to two children (ages 4 to 12) at The Explorer’s Club. Additionally, one connecting guestroom is available at 50-percent off the Family Fun package rate. Rates start at $465 per night (exclusive of tax and gratuities). Please contact reservations at 1-888-314-2030 to add a connecting room to your reservation.

 The Grand Life– I love the name of this packaged, designed for those who simply want to relax and enjoy a leisurely stay. Includes accommodations for a minimum of three nights; $100.00 resort credit for use in The Spa, The Grand Golf Club, at any of the six dining venues or resort shops, and overnight valet parking. Rates start at $999 for three nights (exclusive of tax and gratuities).

Call: 1-888-314-2030 or book online at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

 

Los Peñasquitos Canyon and the Pacific Coast Invite Active Participation

 

Nearby to The Grand Del Mar, guests may select from:

 

Canyon to Waterfall Hike. Discover prehistoric pasts, an abundance of flora, wildlife communities, flowing creeks and waterfalls, and scenic vistas along this guided four-mile hike.

 

Adventures on Wheels. Cycling and mountain biking provide fast-paced outdoor adventures – participants can bike the scenic paved trails located conveniently next to the resort, or enjoy the more than 37 miles of mountain biking trails located in the adjacent Los Peñasquitos Canyon.

 

Horseback Riding – The Adobe Experience. Explore Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve’s scenic terrain and unique landmarks, including a restored Adobe Ranch House originally built in the early 1800s, on a guided 2.5-hour horseback adventure.

 

The Grand Beach Service. The resort’s complimentary beach service offers an easy way to soak up the San Diego sun, and includes roundtrip transportation to/from Del Mar’s 15th Street Beach; set-up of beach chairs and umbrellas; beach towels and bottled waters.

 

Cave Kayaking. Guided kayaking tours of the La Jolla Sea Caves and the fascinating marine paradise of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

 

Kayak and Snorkel La Jolla. Kayaking and snorkeling adventures allow guests to get up close and personal with the gentle leopard sharks, Garibaldi and other local fish.

 

Surf’s Up! Surfers of all aptitudes can head to the beach for private surf lessons with locally acclaimed Surf Diva. Adult, kids, family and group lessons are all available; surfboard and wet suit rentals included.

 

Mesa to Sea Hike. A guided two-hour hike from the famous cliff top groves of Torrey Pines State Reserve to the pristine beach below.

 

Cliffside Walk. Participants enjoy a two-hour guided coastal hike along La Jolla’s historic Cliffside Trail and learn about sea life, nesting birds, Native American lore and beach culture.

 

For more information or to register for hikes and other activities, please call the resort’s concierge at 858-314-1988.

 

Onsite Activities Abound

 

At The Grand Del Mar, there are tons of active enticements on the property. Two pro-style tennis courts beckon tennis buffs, while the resort’s four heated pools – with underwater speakers and a friendly outdoor pool bar – provide a relaxing retreat for the aquatically inclined. The resort’s spectacular 18-hole course offers championship caliber golf, while the 21,000-square-foot spa features an array of treatments, as well as an expansive fitness facility and movement studio. Here, guests can choose from an array of classes, such as Yoga, Pilates, Spin or Total Body Workout. Others may opt for tennis clinics, golf lessons or a quick fitness walk around the resort’s beautiful grounds.

 About The Grand Del Mar

Situated amid a private preserve in Coastal North San Diego County, The Grand Del Mar opened its doors in October 2007 and features: 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites; San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course; two outdoor tennis courts; a 21,000-square-foot Renaissance-inspired spa; four swimming pools; regional dining, including Addison, the award-winning restaurant; an enclave of residential Villas; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space. www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

Surf City Seeking Surfboarders For September Centennial

HUNTINGTON BEACH SEEKS SURFBOARDS IN THE SAND

 A surfer’s paradise, Huntington Beach sports 8.5 miles of sandy seacoast. A booming beach town, the popular pier section is  undergoing  a  multi-million dollar renovation that includes a 31-acre oceanfront development called Pacific City. 

OnSeptember 19,  Surf City USA® Celebrates Centennial, Surf Culture and the Coastal Environment  with a major event,  SURFBOARDS IN THE SAND, that commemorates the surf culture of the area, as well as those who protect our oceanic and coastal environments

The event begins at noon  onSaturday, September 19, 2009 at the Huntington Beach Pier and is expected to draw thousands of surfers with surfboards in one massive group on the sand, along with  surfing legends and local dignitaries

Endorsed by surfing’s elite including Peter “PT” Townend, pro surfing’s first world champion, SURFBOARDS IN THE SAND (www.SurfboardsInTheSand.com) invites surfers of all generations to place their long or short boards in the sands on the beach next to the famed Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach, California on Saturday, September 19, 2009. Thousands of participants with their boards will stand together on the sands of Huntington Beach to demonstrate their support for preserving our coastal environment and to pose for a photograph to be shot by professional sports photographers and published worldwide in Transworld Surf magazine and other national publications. Sponsored by the Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau, SURFBOARDS IN THE SAND is an inaugural event celebrating surfing culture and promoting awareness for sustaining the coastal environment. A portion of event proceeds will be contributed to the Surfrider Foundation and Orange County Coastkeeper organizations in support of their service to the ocean and beaches of Southern California. “Every surfer and anyone who loves the ocean should join us in Huntington Beach on September 19th at noon to be a part of history and to benefit the environment,” says Peter “P.T.” Townend, pro surfing’s first world champion and official spokesperson for the event. “Surfboards in the Sand highlights Huntington Beach’s commitment to the surfing culture and coastal environment that make Surf City USA unique in the world.” Individuals and groups who would like to be part of this historic event in Huntington Beach on September 19, 2009 should register online now at www.SurfboardsInTheSand.com. Those who are not able to be in Huntington Beach on September 19 can show their support by purchasing commemorative SURFBOARDS IN THE SAND T-shirts online, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting Surfrider Foundation and Orange County Coastkeeper.

For more information, contact HBMVB Vice President and COO Donna Mulgrew at donna@surfcityusa.com (via telephone at 714-969-3492) or “P.T.” Townend at activempire@aol.com (714-742 0355) Or visit us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/SurfboardsintheSand. About the Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau The Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau (AKA Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau) is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, Surf City USA®. One of Southern California’s premier coastal destinations, Huntington Beach is the ideal location for a California family vacation or relaxing weekend getaway. With 8.5 miles of wide-open white sand California beaches, Huntington Beach is a destination of choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. To plan your Surf City USA® vacation, or to learn more about Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau website at www.surfcityusa.com or call 800-729-6232 for information.

You can also pick up a copy of my latest ACCESS Los Angeles  (Harper Collins publishers and edition 13) to learn more about Huntington Beach and environs and the greater Los Angeles area.

The Diva Does Dodger Stadium

The Diva and Richard in the Stadium Club enjoying a sumptuous buffet and mighty fine Chard.

Our friend Tom took us out to the ballpark last night for a Dodger-Astro  game. LA won.  I was a reluctant participant at first seeing that I’m a major NY Yankee/American League fan. But the Diva on the Go is up for anything and this proved much better than expected. Largely due to the company.  It was my first outing to this ballpark and I must say I was impressed. The facility underwent major renovations recently and it’s all good.   It was Tom’s annual Georgetown U get together and began with a dinner buffet  at the Stadium Club   followed by  the game. We had nifty right field seats in section 46. Didn’t get to catch any balls but one did fly close and was caught by a fan. I assume he was a fan as he was cheering a lot fo the home team.

Got to see Manny,who’s pictured here out in the field huddled with other players. He struck out but also got a double.

FYI: the team moved to LA in 1958 but the stadium wasn’t fully operative until 1962. It has seen many changes like a $20 million renovation in 2005 which  added 1600 seats and improved dining venues as well as Martini Barnear the Dugout Club–which we didn’t get to sample. www.dodgers.com.

The Diva Does New York

The views  from our suite at the New York Palace–my new favorite Big Apple Hotel.

It was an eventful week away. All  came up roses until our Avis rental car was stolen. But let’s start with the good stuff first.

We flew Virgin America to JFK–our first time on this carrier. It was okay. Seats a bit cramped in main cabin (really coach) but didn’t look much better in “main cabin select” or “first class”.  Had to buy food–opted for chicken wraps which were pretty good for $9 each.  Anyhow it got us there on time.

First stop the New York Palace–now operated by the prestigious Dorchester Collection, the architecturally-stunning, 805-room, 88 suite-hotel–formerly the Helmsley Palace (you remember Leona don’t you?)– sports one of the most accommodating staff’s in town (at least they treated us well).  The decor reflects the  neo-Italian Renaissance style originally commissioned by Henry Villard in 1882 when the regal mansion was built. Each public area exudes an old world charm with ornate touches like bronze dore moldings, intricate mosaics, gilded capitals and stained glass windows.  But even with all that jazz it’s hardly stuffy. Sophisticated, yes, but accommodating.

We had a massive suite on the 41st floor in the “Towers” which offers private check-in and privileges. We also opted for the executive lounge add on and were thrilled we did.

The suite life:  huge living room WiFi, views, two baths, one big one with tub, shower, two sinks, luscious Acqua di Parma  toiletries, comfy bed covered in divine, upscale linens; flat screen tvs, robes, slippers and of course hair dryer etc. .t even has a kitchen. There’s a great workout room included in the 7,000 square foot Spa & Fitness Center with a full complements of equipment–almost unheard number of treadmills, weight machines and options and it’s free for guests including a locker room with steam bath and showers, workout clothes to borrow, toiletries and best of  all it’s free for hotel guests. The Spa is gorgeous and offers head to toe treatments in a peaceful, luxurious environment.

We needed the gym to counteract all the tasty food, we could have used a massage but alas two days weren’t long enough to fit everything in, next time. We did get lots  of exercise walking around the city. We even did museums. We were actually in town during Restaurant Week and had a price fixed three course lunch at Alto, nearby for $24 each, unheard of here. We did the museums, took out Mexican one night from Chipotle nearby and even watched a Yankee game on the flat screen.   

To the left is the Executive Club Lounge–we made good use of this elegant spot for  breakfast, lunch and evening drinks and snacks.

And a glorious dinner at Gilt……..the piece de resistance

Where we had a romantic table with a view of the knock down gorgeous room. Richard (my mate) sipped a Martini while I started on a bottle of mighty fine Talbot
Chardonnay. We dined on a truly amazing  English pea ravioli–delicate and delicious, perfectly prepared halibut with poached oysters and baby veggies, Tangy  Ono ceviche,  moist and delicious black cod, authentic NY cheesecake (man it was good) and Strawberry short cake. Since we just flew in from the west coast and were guarding against jet lag we skipped coffee but I sure was jonesing for a cup.

SomeGilt-toids:  two Michelin star rating, housed in Landmark Villard Mansion. New American cuisine created by executive chef Justin Bogle.  Gorgeous appointments 8,000 bottle wine cellar, artisanal breads, real 14 K Gold bar.

NY Palace FAQs:  The gracious courtyard provides the perfect intro to this old-world hotel with designs reminiscent of 15th century Italian .

455 Madison Ave., NY 10022; www.newyorkpalace.com; www.dorchestercollection.com

 –So as heretofore mentioned, we flew to NY on Virgin America. The price was right–no matter what cabin class you select you get to choose any seat(a nice touch). We arrived on time. The pilot carefully avoided turbulent skies and it was quite smooth over the country (I watched his maneuvers on the video screen, at one point he flew over Canada to avoid bumps).  We flew coach, something your Diva doesn’t do eagerly but made an exception since we flew back in style on American Airlines in Business/First–sat in two center seats that reclined comfortably with big fluffy comforters to keep us warm, actually top quality wines and pretty good food for an airline meal. The flight crew was tops and kept on their toes making sure we were well tended to. Tip is to make sure you book a flight that comes in from Europe because it’s usually a bigger jet with a better First and Business Class section.

Okay the stolen car put a damper on an otherwise super trip. It happened in a town called Ronkonkoma, Long Island, at the train station where the car was parked from 9:30 AM to well we don’t know when the theives made of f with it,but it was gone at 5:30 PM the same day when we returned to the train station. Never happened to the Diva on the go in all her years of travel. Guess there’s a first time for everything.

 Memories of the NY Palace stil dance in our heads.

Stay tuned I’m not finished, come back for more….and I tell you all about our stolen rental car.

 

 

Princess Cruises Spices Up 2010-11 Pacific Rim Itineraries

 Princess Cruises–one of your Savvy Seafarer’s favorite cruise lines has sweetened the pot with new exciting, new South Pacific and Hawaii Sailings in 2010-11 on the gorgeous Sapphire Princess.

Fall 2010 to spring 2011sailings aboard Sapphire Princess  include two leisurely Pacific crossings between California and Sydney, plus additional Hawaii cruises.

 

“Due to the enthusiastic response to our 2009 Trans Pacific sailing we wanted to offer additional opportunities to experience this unique itinerary,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.  “The two new month-long sailings visiting 13 tropical ports of call will give cruisers a true taste of the idyllic South Pacific.”

 

Swartz added that increased interest in roundtrip Hawaii sailings prompted Princess to add several more of these sailings to its west coast lineup as well.

 

The new Sapphire Princess voyages include:

 

• 2-day Pacific Coastal (Vancouver to San Francisco) – September 20, 2010
• 30-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (San Francisco to Sydney) – September 22, 2010
• 29-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (Sydney to Los Angeles) – October 23, 2010
• 10-day Mexican Riviera (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – January 5, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – January 29, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – February 26, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – March 26, 2011

The new sailings are currently open for sale, with fares starting at $199 per person for the new two-day coastal cruise.  Hawaiian Islands sailings begin at $1,995 per person, and Pacific crossings begin at $4,195 per person.

 

To accommodate the new cruises, which were added as a result of shifting demand in the west coast cruise market, Princess has cancelled 15 previously scheduled Mexican Riviera sailings.  An additional 17 Mexican Riviera sailings are still available during this time period.

 

Info:  1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises/

 

 

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service.  A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days.  The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

 

 

 

The Diva Mourns the End of an Era

The Hotel Bel-Air, one of the Diva on the Go’s favorite haunts shuts its secluded doors at the end of September to undergo a  mega make-over, which the Diva fears will completely morph out the place.  

Precipitated probably by the relatively newDorchester Collection ownership , the 91-room ultra chic hideaway will most likely emerge as a mere shadow of its former self.  Let’s hope they don’t gut the charm and ambiance or the luscious lake with its white swan inhabitants.  

I’ve bedded down there, had en-suite spa treatments, lounged by the peaceful pool, dined indoors and outdoors at many lunches and dinners, breakfasted on a private patio and sipped wine and champagne at the Bar. 

I’ll probably go for one last look before the slaughter begins. And hey it probbly will turn out okay, change is good right?

I also wrote much of the copy for the hotel’s web site: www.hotelbelair.com, so check it before it checks out.

The Diva Drops In for a Drink on the Rooftop of the Peninsula Beverly Hills

 

What a wonderful spot to meet for drinks on a summer’s afternoon–perched on the rooftop of the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel with an awesome view of the city and beyond… I wanted to shoot the pool but the security guys wouldn’t let me photograph lest I might capture one of the “beautiful” people sunbathing or chatting on cell phones in the privacy of their cushy cabanas.  Real eye candy  bronze, toned and self assured men and women enjoying la dolce vida at the Pen, because they still can (reference to the economy if you don’t get it). 

 Anyhow I met my long time friend Karen Murphy for a mighty fine Steel Chard.  We’ve been pals ever since she was the youngest PR person on the block manning the department for the Hyatt in Maui. Now she has her own major PR firm, Murphy O’Brien with her husband, and handles the Pen hotels, too, among many upscale clients.  That’s Karen Murphy,  one of my favorite people and special  friend.  While  the Steel Chard cost $16 a glass, it’s  certainly worth the price considering the quality of the wine and the setting. Food is also served on the Rooftop  during the day and it’s really good, too. 

That’s yours truly, Patti the Diva with Karen at the Rooftop bar.  Non-guests aren’t allowed by the lovely pool, but can sit at tables in front of the guarded gate that leads to the pool/cabana area.

FYI: rooms and suites at this hotel are exceptional. Your Diva has tried each variety from regular room, suite to private bunaglow and we’re talking the lap of luxury with great service and attention for a price of course. But worth it and in these times you might be able to work out a deal.

The Peninsula Hotel, 9882 S. Santa onica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-551-2888 or 800-462-7899. www.pbh@peninsula.com.

The Diva Checked out the Andaz in WeHo And Liked It

The new suites have great views and a little alcove by the window with TV.

Although I haven’t stayed there yet, I’ve been to the Andaz, West Hollywood, a few times for wonderful dinners at the RH.  I returned recently to see what all the hoopla over the new suites was about. I found out, they are really cool albeit pricey.  But if you got the bucks and want to bed down smack on Sunset Strip within walking distances of trendy, hip spots like the House of Blues, nifty restaurants (Mirabelle) and super shopping (Sunet Plaza), this place is for you.  It also seems to appeal to a young, attractive clientele who gather at the bustling bar before dinner at RH or night clubbing along the Strip.

 The hotel dishes out lots of fun amenities like welcome wine served throughout the day for new arrivals, mini bars stocked with free soft drinks and healthy snacks, free local calls, a great gym, hopping bar and chic, stylish appointments and one of the best restaurants in the city. There are 20 smartly-designed suites from one bedroom kings to King Suites that range from $245-$475 a night.  While there’s a flat screen TV in the bedroom there’s also a tube just by the window where you multi-task–look at  TV or checkk out at the view of Sunset Blvd.

Facts:   257 room, most with a view. Formerly the Hyatt on Sunset, the company recently re-branded the fa,ed 1970s hotel. The name means “personal style” in Hindi which Hyatt translates as meaning the latest in”style, service and high-touch innovation. Location, location, location — smack in the heart of urbane WeHo where you can actually walk to restaurants and hot spots like House of Blues and to the trendy and chic shops at Sunset Plaza. RH, super, hip, happening three meal a day restaurant with great food, atmosphere and pizzaz.. Super staff sans titles–like Michel Morauw, a gracious host who acts like the General Manager without a the moniker. Attractive packages prevail like “Love Goes Around” where couples get $100 hotel credit, welcome gift and daily breakfast. “Sit Back and Relax”, comes with a $200 hotel credit and more, check them out at www.westholywood.andaz.com. Andaz, 8401 West Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-785-6056.

Not your everyday meeting rooms, the ones here are posh, comfortable and outside the box, with photos of Ozzy Osborne lining the walls…

The Diva on the go highly  recommends Andaz.

Supporting Small Local Theaters

Friends raved about  the little theater productions they’ve been attending in Los Angeles. So much so my husband and I went on line and checked out the offerings.  Both fans of film noir and parody we agreed on a play called   Kill Me, Deadly.

 The film noir spoof was amazingly well staged, wildly entertaining and left us hungering for more. I was wowed by actress Kirsten Vangsness’s (fresh from  my favorite CBS  Criminal Minds, where she plays a wacky but brilliant FBI researcher) portrayal of Mona, a wily, winsome murderess. But the entire cast held their own in this clever spoof.

Theatre of Note, 1517 N Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323-856-8611, www.theatreofnote.com. 

 

We’re  planning to attend more plays at the Theatre of Note as well as some of the other small LA playhouses like:  “The Lounge Theater,the loungetheatre.com, and  Cavern Club Theatre in Los Feliz  (www.cavernclubtheatre.com) and others. 

An Evening Without Monty Python

As an  over-the-top Monty Phython fan I couldn’t contain myself when I heard about a new play opening in Hollywood tomorrow night (Wednesday, September 23) called “An Evening Without Monty Python”. I immediately went to www.tix.com to book seats.  I love Monty Phython’s humor and every movie, TV show, play or recording I see or hear proves hilarious.

She show produced by “WestBeth Entertainment” by “kind permission of Monty Python” features Jeff B. Davis, Jane Leeves, Alan Tudyk, Rick Holmes and Jim Piddock–a star-studded cast celebrating 40 years of Monty Python’s  Flying Circus and the publication of “Monty Python Live!” –a book by the Pythons about life on the road. 

Billed as a “paeanastic laudatory exaltation of the works of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, “An Evening Without Monty Python” runs just a few nights, a the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, 1615 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California –through October 4, so if you’re fans, get your tickets NOW. The show opens in New York for 5 performances on October 6-10 at Town Hall, 123 West 43r Street, www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Come back on Friday for a full review from your divaonthego.

Hawaii Happenings It’s all Good

 

The Divaonthego’s Hawaiian Discoveries

Deals, News & More about the Islands

What’s new on Oahu– The Island of Oahu, known as the Heart of HawaiiÒ, sets the rhythm of the islands and leads by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis. Below is a glimpse of what’s new on Oahu: Hotels & Resorts The island of Oahu has fabulous hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets. Oahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable.

The Divaonthego’s Hawaiian Discoveries

Deals, News & More about the Islands

 Amazing package from  OHANA Hotels & Resorts’ “OHANA Room & Meals Deal” – $149  at any of  four Waikiki properties includes  daily breakfast and dinner (with tax and tip included) for two at seven participating Waikiki eateries: Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber,  Keoni by Keo’s, Round Table Pizza and Giovanni Pastrami , American IHOP, the Shore Bird; and Kani Ka Pila Grille.

Rates:    start at an amazing  $149 per night plus tax   now through December 21, 2010. 

Stay at any  OHANA Hotel & Resort and enjoy a wealth of amenities such as:

• Free Internet access, which includes free wi-fi in the lobby and most common areas of all OHANA hotels in Waikiki. Additionally, wired access is available in OHANA Waikiki East, OHANA Waikiki West and OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber guestrooms.
• Free local phone calls
• Free U.S. and Canada phone calls (for the first 15 minutes)
• Free use of the in-room safe
• Free in-room coffee and tea
• Free daily local newspaper at the reception desk
• A free OHANA drawstring beach tote (one per room) perfect for toting sunscreen and a towel to Waikiki Beach
• Free rides aboard the Waikiki Trolley’s Pink Line which takes travelers throughout Waikiki and to Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana Center.

Check it out at: www.ohanahotels.com, email: reservations@ohanahotels.com, phone: 800-462-6262. 

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk –the 38-story, 462-room hotel is scheduled  to open in early November 2009. Decor  highlights include  Koa wood and granite and marble finishes,with many units sporting  full kitchen with Bosch, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.  For wining and dining:  BLT Steak, famed chef Laurent Tourondel’s first restaurant in Hawaii, as well as The Lobby Bar and an outdoor café. The Spa at Trump will offer signature and island-inspired services and treatments, and the Trump Attache will offer personalized guest services, including a Beach Attache to attend to guests’ needs while they enjoy ocean activities and Baby Attache who will address the wants and needs of younger guests. Additional amenities include a library, waterfall and infinity plunge pool, and fitness center.

Serenity Spa Hawaii, located at the newly remodeled Outrigger Reef on the Beach, has re-opened following a multi-month renovation. The 45,000 square-foot spa’s rebirth includes newly decorated treatment rooms, the addition of a men’s changing room, and a new menu of services utilizing the environmentally conscious line of Aveda products. Couples treatments, kids packages and full salon services are also on the menu. Guests at the Sheraton Waikiki can now enjoy Oahu’s first hotel infinity pool, which opened on Sept. 3, 2009. The Infinity Edge Pool is 128 feet in length and features unobstructed views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. The pool will also feature its own bar, the Edge of Waikiki, which will offer live daily and nightly entertainment beginning on Oct. 15. The Infinity Edge Pool is considered an adults-only pool, while Sheraton Waikiki’s other recently opened Helumoa Playground pool is ideal for families with children. The first of its kind in a resort environment, Link @ Sheraton Waikiki combines the functionality of a business center with the activity of an entertainment center to provide guests with a place to interact with each other and connect with their friends and families while on Oahu. Link @ Sheraton Waikiki provides free 24/7 Internet and wi-fi access to its guests in a cozy, at-home setting that encourages guests to relax. Nightly rituals, such as Game Night, provide additional opportunities for guests to interact and have fun with one another while on Oahu.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort recently completed a $52 million renovation to its guestrooms, suites, spa, meeting spaces, and porte cochere. The guestrooms and suites epitomize the resort’s signature “Kahala Chic” design. Amenities include silky heavy thread count Egyptian cotton linens custom designed by Frette of Italy and Floris of London bath amenities with the signature Kahala fragrance. Two newly refreshed signature beachfront sister suites, the Kahala Beach suite and the Kahala Kai suite, are in the most private area of the resort. The Kahala Beach Suite features Nicole Miller furniture and is large enough for formally entertaining up to 50 guests. The second-level Kahala Kai suite has a cozy beach cottage feeling with decor from the Ralph Lauren Polo Collection.

 Aston Waikiki Sunset is set to complete a $13.5 million makeover. Renovations will include: a fresh color palette, redesigned kitchen with granite countertops and new appliances that include refrigerators with ice makers and glass-top stoves, a combination microwave oven/range hood, new furniture including a desk and a taller bedroom dresser, Hawaiian-themed artwork by local artists, and new energy-efficient air conditioning units. Other renovations include a 6th floor hospitality lounge where guests have access to free wi-fi, a 52-inch flat screen TV, private shower and dressing area, retiled pool and resurfaced tennis court. In celebration of its 25th anniversary this fall, the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower, a condominium resort, is conducting improvements to its suites. As part of the renovations, the suites will receive upgraded kitchens, new bedding and new paint. The Wyland Waikiki officially reopened as Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach, the first Courtyard property on Oahu. The hotel is operating under a franchise agreement with Lodging Capital Partners LLC, owner of the property, and will be managed by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. The 400-room property features two swimming pools, Spa Pure day spa, a 24-hour fitness facility, entertainment room, business center, small boardroom, and dining at Spada Restaurant & Bar and Kimobean Hawaiian Coffee Company. Previously known as Honolulu Prince Hotel, Aqua Waikiki Pearl recently completed a $5 million refurbishment into a boutique hotel. Aqua Waikiki Pearl offers some of the largest rooms in Aqua’s inventory, as well as options for families and extended stay guests. The Ilikai Hotel reopened to guests on July 24. Hotel Management Services, LLC will manage the hotel and receive a variety of support services from Aqua Hotels & Resorts. www.visitoahu.com.

The Diva Does Spa Luce at the Hollywood Renaissance

Illustration by Mona Safer Edwards

The Divaonthego is off to sample the year old Spa Luce at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa. I’ve booked 80 minute couple’s massages for my husband Richard and I. I will be reviewing the spa so come back on Tuesday for a full report.

It does sound devine, 6400 square feet of  luxury with  ”celebrity-inspired”  treatments and top quality creams and elixirs from Sonya Dakar Skincare, Somme Institute and Red Flower. 

They also have a Red Carpet Spa Package designed for you know who..that includes an overnight in deluxe view room, wine and truffles on arrivl, 80 minute anit gravity facial, mani, pedi, two Martinis, breakfast for two and valet parking. 

A la carte pampering possibilities include a 5-part Japan Ritual massage which employs therapeutic flower oils, furit essences and minerals from earth and sea.  Apparently you’re purified with yuzu mimosa sea algae, deeply scrubbed with gingergrass, polished with nutrient rich rice bran and hydrated with rose, camellia and plum. My goodness it sounds exotic and yummy.  The grand finale is a shiats rub with kinmoxei wild lime silk oil that wakens you back up.

If you need cleansing the Hammam Ritual is another 5 part session which starts with a cleansing of Moroccan mint tea nd silt, then a vigorous scrubbing with coffee, oile stones and fresh lemons and a wrap in rich rhassoul clay. Hmmmm. Then you get a Turkish massage of cardamon, jasmine,bergamot, amber and cloves. What will they think of next.  Sound pretty herbacious to me.

Hey I’ve been spa trekking for years and pretty much have had everything done to me, tried on me and explained to me.  So I am really looking forward to a simple 80 minutes of salubrious massage side by side with my honey. I think they throw in a Martini and a whirlpool. Not sure. I’ll let you know.

The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa at Hollywood and Highland Center, 1755 N. Highland Avenue, 323-856-1200, www.renaissancehollywood.com.

Check out my column at:  http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner~y2009m10d2-Halloween-WeHo-Stylethink-stilettos-boas-men-in-drag

The Diva Goes to Spago for Restauant Week Special

The Dining Diva at Spago Beverly Hills

My husband and I love Spago but not the prices, so when we heard they were part of DineLA Restaurant Week and offering a  $28 price fixed three course menu, we jumped at the opportunity to go back.

It was all good save for a little creative accounting with our check. While the triple course menu is listed at $28, when the tab came there were four  added $1 for this and that which confused us.  The captain explained that is was “internal” accounting, but geez Louise, can’t you do this behind the scenes.

That aside, we loved our meals: Proscuitto and Burrata Mozzarella with roasted pears, old Balsamic and Micro Arugula Salad (me), Maine Lobster and Spinach Raviolini with confit cherry tomatoes, basil and shellfish butter (Richard, my husband), Pan-Roasted Chatham Cod with cranberry bean ragout, pancetta, wild mushrooms and mascarpone emlusion (both of us and man was it delicious).We washed it all down with a feisty Ramey Chard, and ended with a platter of dreamy cookies and an apple caramel upside down cake.

You have until Friday Oct. 16, 2009 to eat at Spago for less–or at any of the other 250 participating DineLA Restaurant Week restaurants (www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek

www.wolfgangpuckrestaurants.com.  If you’re into star-spotting by the way Spago’s the spot, this is celebrity central any day of the week especially on Fridays.

Also check my examiner.com out at:  http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

Hilton Waikoloa Package Even Wows the Diva

 

Your Diva on the Go is always a bit dubious about  hotel “packages.” Many just aren’t as good as they sound. However, the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii, is offering an enticing deal guaranteed to save you a bundle. I’m on it.

 

For only $399 per room nightly two can live large with  daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel (even romantic room service), and a meal  “off campus” at any of the fine restaurants spread out in the charming Waikoloa Village thrown in. 

My husband Richard and I have stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village many times and love  the spacious accommodations with their luscious lanais overlooking the blue Pacific.   Your  pamper-pursuing Diva however really digs the spa with a fully-equipped fitness center and salubrious treatments. Once we splurged on romantic seaside rub which took place in a quaint thatched roof hut overlooking the sea.  The sweetly scented plumeria and other tropical blossoms filled the  balmy air and set the mood for the theraputic/relaxing massages. We could hardly walk back to our suite after.  

We also like walking around the  nearby shops and sampling all the fun restaurants like the Water’s Edge,  Imari, Lagoon Grill and Boat Landing Pavilion, Orchid
Marketplace, Roy’s and more.  
As is common with specials  Restrictions Apply:

Offer can’t be combined with any other program or discount, three-night stay required, valid through March 31, 2010. * Cannot be combined with any other program or discounts.  Minimum three night stay required.  Valid from July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010.  Blackout dates: Dec. 20-31, 2009. Beverages included, but Alcohol excluded. Kirin & Kimo Bean excluded. Dinner includes up to three courses per person, with a maximum of one entrée as a course. To book the Inclusive Exclusive Package at Hilton Waikoloa Village or for more information visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com  or call 1-800-HILTONS.  Use booking code P2.

                                                   About Hilton Waikoloa Village
 Hilton Waikoloa Village a 62-acre Pacific resort offers housing 1,240 attractive  guest rooms with views of  Waiulua Bay  features three fresh-water swimming pools; an ocean-fed snorkeling lagoon; waterfalls and waterways; locally inspired treatments at the Kohala Spa; Dolphin Quest educational center; nine dining outlets; a Museum Walkway; Camp Menehune children’s program; Legends of the Pacific Luau; an 18-hole seaside putting course and expansive tennis complex.

Hilton Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Beach Resort offers a wealth of diversions from cultural to nautical. You can snokel, scuba, swim,  learn to hula or play the ukulele lessons, head out on  historic Petroglyph tours or play golf on  two championship courses.

 

The Diva Treats Her Main Man to a Birthday Desert Fling

I treated Richard to a two night stay in a villa at Grand Champions in Indian Wells, California, for his birthday, complete with spa treatments and a World Series win by the New York Yankees. Well, it just happened that the last game was played on his birthday eve and we ordered room service so we didn’t miss an at bat. Glad we opened a bottle of fine champagne, too, because it was an apt celebration to our team’s victory and the beginning or myhusband’s birthday bash.

I booked him a “Gentlemen’s”  facial and deep tissue  massage at the hotel’s  Aqua Serena Spa (www.aquaserenaspa.com)  and while at it an Anti-aging ritual and deep tissue rub for myself, especially since anyone celebrating a birthday gets a free 50 minute treatment when accompanied by a companion who purchases one (so it’s half price essentially, and all were well worth it.

Took him to dinner at Sirocco Restaurant at the Renaissance Esmeralda, next door to Grand Champions) on his birthday and again we lucked out with a price fixed $35 tasting menu that was superb from appetizers to desserts with a glass of wine each thrown in plus yummy desserts. 

I had proscuitto and melon, we both had pastas, risotto,  Mahi Mahi) and an amazing creamy dessert with fresh fruit .We splurged on a big uttery bottle of Rombauer Chard which made a perfect accompaniment.  Also sat on the fireplace warmed patio prior to dinner where he enjoyed a perfect martini an me a so so glass of wine. The pre-dinner drinks and dinner set  me back  about $200 but he’s worth it.

And what’s more we stopped at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa on the way back to LA where I’m a slot machine member and I actually won. The casino gives you credit for play and I had enough for the lunch buffet, which is quite an amazing spread for $11 per person. We rode home happy.

For more info go to www.hyattgrandchampionscom;  www.renaissanceesmeralda.com.

The Diva’s Picks for Holiday Dining, RH at Andaz is a good start

With its open, airy design and mid-century vibe, RH at Andaz West Hollywood provides a whimsical yet  sophisticated setting. So relaxed and yet urbane, it offers a fun place to sit back and enjoy some creative cuisine with friends or family.   Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault, master of  market-to-table menus has concocted some festive meals to enjoy during the yuletide season…

 Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24, served 3 to 11 p.m.

RH will offer a festive four-course menu featuring Chef Archambault’s own family recipes using California’s ingredients. Price is $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included).

Aperitif:  Foie Gras Crostini, plum and fig chutney, pineau des charentes

1^st Course:  Boothbay Harbor Lobster Parmentier, garlic, sea beans and salmon roe

2^nd Course:  Seared Santa Barbara Halibut, artichoke hearts, gold chanterelles, baby spinach

3^rd Course:  Foie Gras-Stuffed Petaluma Chicken Breast, butternut squash,

chestnut and chicken jus

Dessert:  Bûche de Noël

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, served 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas Brunch will be served along with a festive menu of “spirit-filled” cocktails. RH’s customary brunch items will be offered, including favorites like French-style Scrambled Eggs with smoked salmon and dill; Breakfast Salad; Homemade Crispy Duck Confit; and Gary’s Artisan Pork Sausage. (The restaurant will also be open for dinner with its customary menu.)

New Year’s Eve – Thursday, December 31

• 1^st Seating: 5 p.m.
• 2^nd Seating: 8 p.m.

Bid farewell to 2009 by indulging in Chef Archambault’s celebratory four-course New Year’s Eve menu. Reservations required. Price for the 1^st Seating is $70 per person; 2^nd Seating is $110 per person, which includes Champagne toast at midnight. Tax and gratuity not included.

Aperitif:  Poached Fanny Bay Oyster, smoked salmon, tiger lemon jelly

1^st Course:  Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine, plum and fig chutney, warm homemade brioche 

2^nd Course: Seared Diver Scallops, butternut squash, chestnut and celery,

chicken jus, black truffle

3^rd Course:  Roasted Petaluma Duck Breast, porcini, gold chanterelles,

sautéed baby heirloom potatoes, garlic and parsley, pineau des charentes sauce

Dessert: Homemade Dillon Rum Baba, bourbon vanilla whipped cream

 Happy New Year…forgetabout football and head out to the RH at Andaz between 10 AM and 5 PM for some good eats…

Enjoy  brunch chased down by some  detox cocktails  such as a green smoothie, mint berry juice and fresh limonatta, or more adult beverages like RH BloodyMarys, Margaritas, Martinis or screwdrivers.

 RH Restaurant & Bar at the Andaz West Hollywood,  8401 W. Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA,    reservations: 323-785-6090, web:    www.andaz.com

Bear Big Adds Ice Skating Rink to Winter Fun

Big Bear now sports a 5,000 square foot outdoor Ice Garden Skating Rink– the first of its kind  in Big Bear Lake since Iceland closed its doors 3 decades ago, and the first outdoor ice rink since the Spalding Big Bear Woods Ice Rink disbanded in the 1930s.

The Diva hasn’t put on a pair of skates in a long time, but just might get back on the ice since they’re also offering lessons–and I will need some.  Anyhow for those of you who can, take the kids and check it out.

 “One of the top most requested questions we get from visitors, is they want to know if there’s a place to go ice skating here in Big Bear,” said Big Bear Lake Resort Association Visitor Information Service Director Rebecca Hrabia. “The age old question has finally been answered. Yes indeed, Big Bear now has an ice rink!”

 The new ice rink gives visitors another option for winter fun. It’s an activity the entire family can enjoy together, a romantic outing for couples, excellent exercise for all ages and a therapeutic remedy for city dwellers who just want to unwind. Ice Garden Skating Rink is open for recreational skating seven days a week starting December 11 through the first week of April, weather permitting. The Rink’s open from 12 noon to 6 PM  Sunday through Thursday and 12 noon to 8 PM. Fridays and Saturdays.

Single skate session prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children 13 years of age and under. Skate rentals are $4 per person. The pond style outdoor rink offers skating lessons for all skill levels and holds special events, skating exhibitioIce Garden Skating Rink is the newest winter attraction in Big Bear Lake this winter. The 5,000 square foot outdoor ice rink located in the heart of Big Bear Village opens tomorrow Friday, December 11. It is the first ice rink in Big Bear Lake since Iceland closed its doors 3 decades ago, and the first outdoor ice rink since the Spalding Big Bear Woods Ice Rink disbanded in the 1930s.

For more Big Bear Lake information check out www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR (1-800-424-4232). ns, hockey clinics and 3 on 3 pond hockey tournaments. To get all the details on planning a winter getaway to Big Bear Lake and to book reservations online, log onto www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR (1-800-424-4232).

The Grand Del Mar A Resort Fit for a Diva

The Diva, draped appropriately in silk and designer duds,  felt right at home as she walked through the extravagant entrance of the Grand Del Mar, a $300 million, and 249- deliciously comfortable room resort situated in northern San Diego County.

Although its about as opulent as it gets, there is no sense of pretentiousness evident. Highlighted by a vibrant Mediterranean-Roman pan tiled roof and finely-tuned touches such as cast stone, copper, layered light, custom woodwork, glazed tiles, the resort conveys a surprising down-to-earth ambiance.

 I usually pick up a sense of a place from the check-in experience—which moved seamlessly from arrival at the elegant entrance where the attentive valets whisked our bags and escorted us to our posh Palazzo suite–a magnificent two bedroom affair with a huge balcony overlooking the golf course and mountains.

We were welcomed with champagne and snacks set neatly on the wet bar which separated a little area with a microwave and mini-fridge. Upholstered ceilings—a décor touch new to us—hinted at the unadulterated opulence of suite. Marble counter tops, gold-colored fixtures, rich woods, Italian linens, a sumptuous sofa, comfy chairs, flat screen TV, king bed, two full bathrooms with tub, shower, big, fluffy robes, slippers and upscale spa amenities completed the leit motif.

After we unpacked we walked around the interior which was decorated like a Christmas wonderland with gorgeous Yule time trees, poinsettias and lavish decorations. Even the outside areas were decked out for the season with more Christmas trees and ornamentation. We checked out the spa, a comfortably lavish facility with men’s and women’s areas. The female side provides peace and serenity with a gorgeous fireplace warmed lounge area appointed with canopied lounges, steam, sauna, lockers, Jacuzzi and of course showers and toiletries (all complimentary for guests). The adjacent spa pool was so inviting we aborted our tour to go get our swim suits.

We took a soak in the oversized Jacuzzi, which is surrounded by cushy lounges, did laps and headed into our respective spa areas for steam baths. I picked up the extensive, uniquely-designed spa menu and must confess the prices were a bit shocking with facial therapies starting at $175 to $270 plus a 20 percent automatically-added tip. But then considering the source and the quality of the treatments you do get what you pay for. Our 90 minute massages (which we had the following day) proved among the 10 of the all time list of this spa snob-maven-diva whose indulged in pampering all over the world.

We had reservations for dinner at Amaya, the hotel’s three meal restaurant, and decided it was best to boost our appetites with workouts in the perfectly equipped fitness center. Trust me when I tell you this hotel takes attention to details seriously. This Diva isn’t easily impressed and can be known to be a tad edgy at times. Our first meal at the Grand Del Mar was dinner at Amaya—an atypical three meal a day restaurant with a sophisticated setting.

 The experience proved flawless in every way, save for a slight problem with the air conditioning over our booth that left me chilly but was quickly remedied by the manager who brought me a shawl. Our meal was fabulous starting with Richard’s perfect martini and my glass of Lewis Chard. The food portion of the evening began for me with carpaccio of Balik salmon with candied onions and crème Fraiche and Richard’s Catalan-style shrimp with chile and lime broth, followed by braised short ribs cannelloni with beech mushroom ragout and a perfectly prepared veal chop and seared sea bass. We shared a cheesecake for dessert that was well worth the caloric splurge.

The next morning we participated in thehotel’s complimentary nature hike around the adjacent Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.  The 90-minute trek, led by a naturalist (Dylan) explores the natural wonders of one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal canyons in San Diego with its 500,000 year old soils of vernal pools to 140 million year old sedimentary rock deposits. We climbed and trekked through varying terrains lush with 500 plant species, sycamore trees, live oaks, scrub oaks, birds, brooks, and a boulder-studded waterfall with volcanic rock.

 Dylan provided captivating narratives about the various Indians (La Jollan, Kumeyaay and San Digueno) that inhabited the area 7,000 years ago.   There we are (Richard and the Diva poised on the hike)…

This tour is not to be missed. We spend much of the afternoon in the Spa where I happily succumbed to the magical movements of David who worked out my sore muscles with 90-minute Athletic enhanced with aromatherapy oils, hot towels and much TLC. It was amazing.

The evening was spent over a much anticipated, leisurely dinner at the award-winning Addison, a fitting showcase for noted chef William Bradley’s culinary skills dramatized by iron and glass doorways trimmed with 22 karat gold accent, 20 foot high pyramid ceilings, and a limestone fireplace imported from Italy.

 The restaurant receives regular raves not only from the media and pleased clientele,  but the hotel staff each who are treated to Bradley’s multi-course menu. “It’s awesome,” beamed the valet who drove us from the hotel to the Clubhouse where Addison is situated. “You are in for a treat.” And we were.

You can opt to let Chef design a 7-course personal feast or choose your own selections. We opted for the latter. It was all good from Richard’s Martini and my Lewis Chard (okay I love the stuff) to the amuse bouche—a fondue of Parmesan, champagne and cream with curried yogurt spiced with orange– and beyond. We  tasted each other’s courses: butter baked salmon, rack of lamb, Japanese Hamache, Dover Sole, and pear confit ad black fig brulee with English bitter toffee. Each serving impeccable save for one episode where my salmon tasted like it fell in the salt shaker—apologies were proffered and a replacement made.

 I should point out that seasoning is left to the chef. No condiments are on the tables. None needed as recipes are fairly fussy and well sauced. Prepare to dine well and shell out at least $100 per person for a decent sampling with wines (of which there are many with a savvy sommelier (Jesse Rodriguez) to make suggestions and do pairings.

 The Grand Del Mar sits inland just jorth of San Diego. On site  diversions include a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, tennis, the 21,000 square foot Renaissance-style spa, four swimming pools, and hiking, cycling and fine dining. Please check out the slide show as photos are definitely worth 1000 words. www.theGrandDelMar.com , 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA. 858-314-2020.

The Diva Does the Miyako Hybrid Hotel

When I stepped into the new Miyako Hybrid Hotel it felt like I’d left LA and gone to Japan. 

 Gracious kimono-clad receptionists greeted us softly with welcome smiles. The lobby speaks the Orient and everything about the highly-stylized 208-room reflects a yin and yang serenity.

 Hard to fathom such graciousness smack amid a bustling commercial area in Torrance, California, 25-minutes from downtown Los Angeles and a stone’s throw from LAX. We actually went to the hotel to sample the much touted Gonpachi Restaurant Sushi Bar & Lounge.

 We decided to tie it in with an over-night to see exactly what a “Hybrid Hotel” was all about. The whole experience proved rather pleasant. Your basic business traveler facility, there’s no pool or recreational facilities, but a spa and fitness center are in the works, and there’s free Internet connection, two computers available to guests, and shuttle service to and from the airport.

Unless you’re doing business at one of many Japanese corporations (Toyota, Honda and the like) that line Western Avenue, or need a place to plop on a LAX layover, you might be better off just going to Miyako to sample the Japanese fusion cuisine offered at Gonpachi.

The Diva loved her room.

 Comfortable and beautifully appointed , the bed actually engulfed us into a wonderful night’s sleep.   Nice touches include  coffee makers, ultra fine linens, 46 inch flatscreen TVs,, luxurious soaking tubs in which I indulged for a long bath, heated water bidets, and a special system that shuts off electricity when you leave the room (with the exception of a special plug for cell phones etc).

The management prides itself on being “green” and makes special other efforts such as labeling trash baskets for recycling and changing sheets every three days.

 We sampled Gonpachi early in the game—it had opened only two weeks prior to our visit, December 2, 2009. We were told the menu and the wine list weren’t yet completed. Named after “Shirai Gonpachi”, the main character of a Kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese Theatre, the restaurant has an authentic edge. We ordered several items and enjoyed every attractively presented bite from the house, hand-made soba and udon noodles, to plates such as Sunomono –thinly sliced japanese cucumber in tosazu, Meiji Tofu, silken tofu with shibazuke sauce, crispy fried chicken with ponzu sauce, Gindara Saikyo Yaki–grilled miso-marinated black cod, kobe beef and mushroom cooked in hoba leaf (this was particularly fantastic), mixed seaweed : sweet sesame vinaigrette, Red Snapper Carpaccio with blueberry, garlic chips and yuzu kosho(also amazing), Kobujime–thin sliced halibut sashimi on kelp with daikon radish and red chili peppers (couldn’t get enough of this but had to save room), Flying Dragon–spicy tuna roll topped with unagi tempura and guess what? Cheese cake for dessert that was outstanding. It‘s definitely worth checking out when you get a yen for really good Japanese cuisine. And, if you’re really into all these Asian, check out the adjacent Mitsuwa Marketplace—where you can pick up anything from Japanese spices to fresh fish, takeout food, clothing and even Shiseido cosmetics. Miyako Hybrid Hotel, 21381 S. Western Avenue, Torrance, 310-212-5111, www.miyakohybridhotel.com.

Since I’m sure  you’re curious, “Hybrid” according to the company suggests eco-friendliness which is carried through with solar-powered electrical system, environmentally responsible and recycled construction materials. Miyako refers to “a flourishing center of business and entertainment.” Miyako Hybrid is the newest member of the well-respected Japanese hospitality chain.

New Year’s Eve at Michael’s Santa Monica

 Just got this message from  Michael’s Santa Monica, one of my favorite places for super delicious and romantic dinners.  The perfect, candle-lit spot for couples to ring in the New York–or to give her a ring….

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve 2009 with an awesome party at Michael’s Santa Monica. The joint will be jumping, looking more beautiful than ever. The drinks will be flowing, with Champagne included with your meal. And the kitchen, led by executive chef Mikey Stern, will be humming, producing special menus featuring our renowned fresh, seasonal, regional California cuisine. General manager Mike Nicol and sommelier Andrew Turner will provide great service and wine advice about our award-winning wine list. Take your pick of two separate seatings: First Seating (reservations available between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm): 5 courses, $95 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity), including one glass of Champagne. (Click Here To View Menu) Second Seating (reservations available starting at 8 pm): 6 courses, $175 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity), including free-flowing Champagne and dancing past midnight to music from renowned jazz musician Don Allen and his band. (Click Here To View Menu) For reservations, please phone Michael’s Santa Monica at 310-451-0843. Or make your reservations through . Tables are limited, so please book quickly. We hope to see you here for a great New Year’s Eve Party!

 

Forward email This email was sent to ppietschma@aol.com by info@michaelssantamonica.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Michael’s Santa Monica | 1147 3rd Street | santa Monica | CA | 9043

Setting Sail on the Crystal Symphony

The Divaonthego packed her  Titan bags for a cruise onboard the super luxurious Crystal Symphony from Miami to Costa Rica. One of two mid-sized luxury liners operated by Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises (www.crystalcruises.com), the newly refurbished Symphony offers an upscale experience for 922 passengers–the perfect size for the Divaonthego who just can’t get her sea legs around those mega ships that carry thousands at a time. Not that she hasn’t sailed on the bodacious boats, but she prefers more compact vessels. 

We’ve been on this ship before, but not since her most recent facelift (Dec. 09) so we’re looking forward to seeing how she’s changed, not that there was anything wrong with her before, but we all need nips and tucks as we age. So stay tuned for more on our Symphony experiences. You will also find my Symphony musings at www.savvyseafarer.wordpress.com and on my LA Travel Diva at Examiner.com:  http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

 I love this luggage. My newest acquisition is the  feisty little 20″ 2-wheeled 9.3  lb. Business Trolley. Perfect for a  17″ laptop  it’s available at www.titanluggageusa.com  for $320

 The Axxiss series is styled in classic black nylon with genuine leather trim and ncludes a business trolley, and business cases that accommodate 15.4″ and 17″ laptops. All products feature laptop compartments and are thoughtfully organized to cater to the needs of business travelers who demand both function and style. TITAN® Axxiss is covered by a Titan® 5 year warranty.

 Because we live in Los Angeles we decided to fly to the ship a day earlier to avoid any delays, even though the Symphony sails at 9 PM. We just wanted to be sure. So we surfed the web and came up with what sounds like an ideal hotel for our overnighter, Kimpton’s EPIC–Hotel–a  boutique waterfront hotel, is locate at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay.  The 54-story, elliptical-shaped high-rise has 411 guestrooms and suites, including two luxury corner Presidential Style Suites, 24 one-bedroom corner suites and 24 junior suites.  All suites feature custom furnishings and fine fabrics, as well as private balconies with glimmering views of Miami and the bay.  Additional in-room amenities and services include: Fine Italian linens with luxurious triple sheeting and throw blankets, LCD flat screen televisions. Spa-inspired luxury bath amenities from Acqua di Parma, twice-daily housekeeping service, High-speed wireless Internet access.

The Divaonthego Cruises to Costa Rica on the Spruced-up Crystal Symphony

We sailed from Miami to Costa Rica on the spiffed-up Crystal Symphony(pictured here, your Diva on deck)–one of two luxury liners operated by LA-based Crystal Cruises and just about the best in show or seas.

 Crystal Cruises, a Los Angeles-based global itinerary cruise company redefined luxury when its first ship, the $250 million, 960-passenger Crystal Harmony in 1990 and her sister ship the Symphony in 1995 two of the poshest, mid-sized ships of the time (the Harmony has since been taken out of service).

 The cruise line continued to impress with the introduction of the super swank Crystal Serenity in 2003– a larger, jauntier version with 1,070 passengers. Back in her day the Harmony ruled the seas with a panache rarely found on a cruise ship.

She had style, flair, impeccable service, upscale accommodations, and a remarkable 342 staterooms with verandahs, equaled only by the Crystal Symphony, and later the Crystal Serenity. My husband Richard and I were among the inaugural passengers onboard the Harmony when she made her bow from Vancouver to Alaska. We had sailed on many ships prior to the Harmony but at that time in 1990 few in any proved comparable.

 We were also on the first cruise of the Symphony from New York to Los Angeles–a three week voyage that actually left us wanting more. In fact we had tickets on a flight from Acapulco to LA just in case we were ready to disembark sooner–but we weren’t. We loved that ship.

 Which brings us to the present and our most recent return to an even refurbished, reinvented, highly orchestrated Crystal Symphony. We did 11 sun-soaked days and balmy nights sailing from Miami to Tortola, Antigua, and Aruba and through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica. Refreshed from one of her most recent facelifts (she’s gone through a few since making her bow), the Symphony helps redefines the cruise line once again with its new comfortably chic floating country club/resort hotel styling.

 We sailed on a Saturday night at 9 PM and spent two days at sea before docking in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands where we booked a ship-run snorkel trip ($50 each) that’s I’d rate about a 7 on a scale of 1-10.  Next port Antiqua, where we booked a snorkel and kayak excursion for roughly the same price–which I give a 4 on the same scale.  Not enough time in the water, too many hours in a bus with a boring driver who kept stopping to point out meaningless stuff. Hey the Diva has a low threshold for boredom and I was anxious to dive into the water. Also even though food is always readily available on board, we missed the buffet.

Then we  hit St. Lucia where we just strolled around town, followed by  Aruba, an island blessed with silky, white sand beaches and warm, azur-colored seas. We actually took a local us to a beach for $5 roundtrip for both of us, and swam, snorkeled and strolled along the shoreside on our own.

The highlight of course was the Canal transit,. Even though we’ve did this dozens of times it never gets old.

The most noticeable décor differences are around the pool or Lido deck and in the casual Trident/Lido Cafes which have been transformed into a country club-like setting of white wicker furnishings with oversized sofas, colorful throw pillows and the most comfortable lounges and chaises at sea.

The long lap-friendly Seahorse pool now boasts an oversize Jacuzzi. The indoor pool is gone replaced by a wicker furnishing where you can enjoy fare from the Trident Bar and Grill. We had the best-placed deck 10 penthouse stateroom, a 365-square foot room that sits a little aft of mid-ship.

 The Divaontheog  grew accustomed to larger staterooms (Silversea and Seabourn) but I size didn’t matter  considering we had one of the best butlers (Greg) and stewardesses of all time.  All cabins on this ship are acceptable but I do enjoy the privileges that come with a penthouse category like the butler, a mini-bar that is stocked one time free with 3 bottles of wine, a bottle of champagne, two bottles of booze of your choice and unending amounts of beer, soda and bottled water.

 The king size bed proved almost too comfy. There’s also plenty of storage, a walk-in closed with bathrobes and slippers waiting, a newly redesigned bathroom with much needed and appreciated dual-vanity sinks, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, Aveda head to toe toiletries and plush Frette towels.

 Richard and I are seasoned seafarers and travelers and like most of Crystal’s passengers we’ve done dozens upon dozens of cruises (I’ve actually logged over 200 mostly taken for research for cruise guides and articles I’ve written over the years). That said we have a different slant on cruise vacations than most folks. For starters we like to dine in our stateroom often.

 Which is easy on Crystal (full meals are served on request in all category cabins), and especially enjoyable when you have a butler like Greg who quickly cases you out and is accommodating. The cruise was so smooth and the nights so warm that when we did have dinner in we ate on the balcony where Greg set up gorgeous tables with Frette linens, fine China, glasses and of course our wine.

We pretty much like to check out ports on our own and find it often less expensive and more convenient. However we did take two excursions on this voyage (more about them in Part II). We rarely go to shows (although we made exceptions here, more tk), we never take elevators (burn more calories walking), and usually do our own thing.

 For its 20th anniversary Crystal placed bottles of special reserve Billecart-Salmon champagne in penthouse cabins. Just happens to be one of our favorites which we just managed to enjoy with dinner on the verandah one night.

It all began with an uneventful American Airlines’ flight from LA to Miami where we overnighted in the perky EPIC Hotel, a boutique, hip, happening hot spot with great rooms with balconies and views, a good restaurant, top notch fitness center, spa (we didn’t have time to test), large, inviting, saltwater pool and cozy deck, friendly staff, free morning coffee and evening wine and close to the Port  of Miami where our ship was waiting (actually less than a $10 cab fare away).

Check out the line at www.crystalcruises.com . Also check out: www.savvyseafarer.com and  http://bit.ly/2P9nFf for more of my musings about this cruise and other travels.

FYI: Crystal Cruises covers the seven seas with a handful of sailing from Los Angeles that this year includes: A February 14 sailing from Miami to Los Angeles, a 17-day cruise from LA to Sydney on Feb. 28; a 19 day Panama Canal voyage from LA on Nov. 2, a 7-day Mexican Riviera sailing on Nov. 21 and a 14-day voyage to Hawaii from LA to Hawaii on Dec. 22..

The cruise line attracts a middle-aged and older, well-heeled, frequent traveler type, mostly loyal, repeat passengers who after sampling Crystal refuse to  abandon ship. Fares are in the upper industry range and vary across the board depending on many factors making it difficult to quote. You really need to go to the web site to get an idea: www.crystalcruises.com.

Movie, Dinner & Free Parking For $60 Offered for Special Date Night At the Grove LA

Date night at LA’s Grove: a movie, dinner and free parking for $60 a couple

 Hey, what a deal. A movie, dinner at any of 7 restaurants and free valet parking for $60 a couple at the Grove at LA’s Farmer Market. The special, on-going promotion tagged, “Date Night”  can be booked by calling the Grove’s concierge at 323-900-8080. 

 I just booked Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro for my husband Richard and I for Thursday night. We liked the menu that includes a choice of two starters: Romaine heart salad, roasted beet salad, organic mesclun of French onion soup; two entrees: fish & chips, chicken & mushroom crepes, buccacatini au meatballs, or turkey escalope; and one dessert: crème caramel or berry cobbler. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 When you call tell them what movie you want to see and the time, and when  and where you’d like your dinner reservation booked, they do the rest. You can eat before or after the movie. Whatever time you select you won’t have to wait in line to get into the theater, as you pass will allow you to walk right in. You’ll need to reserve your Date Night with a credit card. Caveat emptor: if you don’t show up your credit card will be billed for the full price, so be sure to cancel if necessary.

 When you arrive at the Grove, go to the Concierge station and they will present you with a special package that includes a certificate and tickets. According to David Swift, head of marketing for the Grove, “We’re hoping this will be a staple at the Grove.” “We’re trying it out to see how it works.” Sounds pretty good to me since movie tickets alone run $15 and that’s 30 bucks a pop right there.

There’s one small glitch, some restaurants offer three full courses a person, others are providing full entrees but shared appetizers and/or desserts. It gets a little confusing. The menus are posted on-line at www.theGroveLA.com , you’ll need to navigate it a bit. Go to the bottom of the home page and watch for the changing photos, then hit the one that says, “Date Night.” The 640,000 square foot, Art Deco’ Renaissance -style Grove is located between West Third Street and Beverly Blvd. In addition to movies and restaurants, the complex houses shops and boutiques anchored by Nordstrom. Call: 888-315-8883 for general information; 323-900-8080 for concierge services.

A Few of The Divaonthego’s Favorite LA Restaurants

As the Dining Diva and  Diva on the Go, I am often asked what restaurants or places I like best.  So I decided to start making a list.

Here are a few of my top 10 places to dine in Los Angeles. I have quite a few more but I’ll divulge them another time:

Cecconi’s–  When Morton’s stood here years ago, it was the tinsel town spot to go, work the room and be scene (sic). There’s no difference since it became Cecconi’s, except in the décor and menu, of course. The place roars with the young, good looking, and restless crowd. Celebs, industry folk and wanna be’s still work the rooms—there’s a coveted terrace and indoor seating. The food is more reasonably-priced than Mortons was, but just as good. The chic marble, wood and chandeliered Italian eatery caters to a celebrity crowd from lunch through dinner. But just about everybody steps through the front door looking like a fashion plate. It’s loud and lively with great food like wood-oven baked meatballs ($10), ahi tuna tartare, Alaska salmon carpaccio ( $14), eggplant parmigiana ($19), pappardelle with homemade sausage and wild mushrooms ($20), sides of spinach ($6) and Broccolini ($6) and a chocolate cake for $9. The food is moderately high-priced but adult beverages can break the bank. Even a glass of milk costs $6! Man that’s milking the cow. Open daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, brunch on Sunday. 8764 Melrose Avenue, 310-276-5205). 310-432-2000

 Mr. Chow — What can we say about this wildly popular Hollywood hangout that hasn’t been said in the last 30 years. In case you haven’t heard. It’s simply one of the best Chinese restaurants in country where classic dishes are served in a clubby, lively setting by an impossibly efficient wait staff. A favorite haunt of tinsel town’s old timers and young, up and comers, Mr. Chow’s panache is equally divided between the superb food and it’s room working clientele. Sometimes there’s so much table-hopping going one wonders when these people eat. From won ton soup to noodles, fried rice and Peking duck, everything’s delicious here, go with a large group and order lots of dishes. Dinner daily, lunch is served Monday through Friday. (344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-278-9911. www.mrchow.com/beverlyhills.

 Spago– Celebrity uberchef Wolfgang Puck’s penultimate power spot caters to a coterie of regulars straight from the pages of Hollywood’s elite A-list who go as much to enjoy the fantastic food as to be seen and “work the room”. Be sure to order Puck’s famous designer pizza starters and then prepare to feast on some of the finest crafted California cuisine in the State. Celebs pretty much get first dibs to primo patio seating and 8 o’clock reservations. Every morsel of Spago’s ever-changing menu is a culinary delight. Dinner daily, lunch Monday-Saturday. (176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-385-0880. www.Wolfgangpuck.com).

Mastro’s– Steaks prepared to perfection take top billing at this chic restaurant (as do many of its famous people who frequent it). Stained glass, rich woods and deep colors provide a provocative atmosphere where carnivores can enjoy 40-ounce porterhouse, 18-ounce Kansas City strips, veal porterhouse or other cuts of tender beef. Side dishes are equally yummy, especially the Gorgonzola macaroni, sautéed mushrooms or French fries. There’s relaxing upstairs bar/lounge where you can enjoy generous sized drinks while before or after dinner. Dinner served daily, no lunch. (246 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-888-8782, www.mastrossteakhouse.com

 Matsuhisa–  Sushi gone wild should be Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s motto with the dozens of delicious offerings on his vast menu. Not only will this prove the best Japanese food you’ve ever eaten, this side of Asia anyway, it most likely will prove the most expensive. It’s not easy getting a reservation at this tiny spot; so do check with our concierges. (129 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-659-9639, www.nobumatsuhisa.com). Koi Asian fusion gone exotically, exceptionally wild could be the theme of this outstanding, hip and happening, celebrity packed dining emporium. The feng shui-styled dining area adorned with Buddha’s, bamboo and Zen-like ornaments provides the perfect showcase for each glorious dish. The crispy salmon salad or tangy tuna tuna tartare are the star starters and the Kobe filet mignon or Toban Yaki black cod lead the entrees. Dinner daily. (730 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-659-9449).

Wilshire Restaurant– An over-the-top interior designed by Thomas Schoos combined with young eye candy fashionistas and brat pack celebrities makes this a great place to see and be seen. And the food’s pretty good, too. The décor creates a seductive tableau defined by dark woods balanced by canvas-covered ceilings, exaggerates images reflected from antique mirrors and sheer curtains billowing in breezes of the open-air patio. Recessed nooks and crannies provide intimate seating for romantic occasions enhanced by torch lit flower boxes, blazing candles perched on walls, sideboards and tables and intricate latticework. There’s even a posh cigar lounge to enjoy an after dinner smoke or cognac. The seasonally changing farm fresh cuisine is consistently good with choices from veal short ribs to black bass and Maine lobster. (2454 Wilshire Blvd., 310-586-1707, Open Monday through Saturday for dinner Monday through Friday for lunch. www.wilshirerestaurant.com).

Crustacean — Shellfish lovers will literally eat this place up. As its name implies, crustaceans are the name of the game here, served in an aquarium-like atmosphere—the fish tank is actually built into the floor and functions as a walkway from the entrance of the room to the tables. Bring a crowd so you can sample everything on the menu. It’s all good. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. (9646 Santa Monica Blvd. South, Beverly Hills, 310-205-8990).

Vicente — Now that’s Italian! Authentic old country cooking with California flair is served at this charming, outrageously popular Brentwood restaurant. It’s the food that contents, from pizzas and pastas to artfully prepared vegetables, and the service that satisfies. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. (11930 San Vicente Blvd., 310-207-0127, www.vincentiristorante.com).

 Melisse–  The perfect spot for special occasions, Melisse is all about food and ambiance. We always catch a few young couples obviously celebrating their engagement, or even getting engaged. Dinners are leisurely. Plan on spending two or three hours savoring super chef Josiah Citrin’s California/Mediterranean cuisine, which he says is “based on classical French techniques” and all natural ingredients, which he buys from local farmers. . This is the restaurant that foodies and food critics rave about and rightly so. Citrin’s food is fantastic. There are tasting menus (Highly Recommended) or a la carte choices that range from sweet pea soup with Greek Yogurt mint mousse; risotto done with asparagus and morel mushrooms in a red wine reduction; ricotta gnocchi; amazing white asparagus, wild king salmon that’s to die for, a trio of veal loin, veal spare rib and braised shank that makes your mouth sing with every bite. Carnivores will love the various Wagyu Kobe beef selections done with truffles or shiitake mushrooms. And everybody will dig desserts like sticky toffee pudding with mocha malt ice ream, coffee Tia Maria and orange consommé; raspberry-apricot tart with pistachio bavarois and raspberry sorbet that was awesome; or the lemon gratin with sugar crisps, mandarin crepes and vanilla caramel shake. Bring a big appetite folks you’re in for a treat. There’s a great wine list, but if you go for the tasting menu, it’s wise to defer to your waiter for pairings. Although somewhat pricey, the $95 three course-tasting menu is actually a bargain when you consider the quality of the food and presentation. Not exactly for the budget conscious, Melisse is designed for lovers of fine food. Not to worry if you’re new to the gourmet game, the wait staff is great and will patiently walk you through the menu. 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-395-0881, www.melisse.com.

Bon Appetite!

LA hosts new deluxe hotels, eco-spa opens in Santa Monica and more

There’s a whole lot of happenings going on in and around Los Angeles, and your Diva on the Go is right on top them….

 Not a town that rests on its laurels, Los Angeles is booming with new hotels and attractions like the J.W Marriott and Ritz Carlton that side-by-side at the $2.5 billion L.A. Live sports and entertainment complex, 

The Marriot which opens in March, after a short delay, will have 878 rooms, 52 suites, a 4,000 square foot fitness center (yes!), an outdoor pool and a Gallery Collection with 77,000 square feet of meeting space. www.marriott.com.

The Ritz-Carlton (I adoree this chain), which opens soon, has 123 rooms, 14 suites and a full-service spa which the company claims is the only one of its kind in downtown Los Angeles. The hotels also sports a signature Club Floor Lounge—one of my favorite amenities offered by Ritz Carlton, which I have sampled from New York to Hawaii. For the initiated, Club Lounge privileges are available for an extra fee and include light breakfast, lunchtime snacks and afternoon cocktails and hors d’ouevres. www.ritzcarlton.com.

 The Divaonthego will be checking out both properties when they are fully operative in March , and filing a full report right here.

Meanwhile to keep up with competition the Holiday Inn at LA City Center (adjacent to L.A. Live), is undergoing a $10 million facelift and a name change to Luxe City Center Hotel. The property will be fitted for all the right stuff from a fitness center to outdoor pool, business center and restaurant. Heading west to Santa Monica, the Loews Hotel has reopened the Ocean Spa & Fitness as an “eco-conscious facility with all sorts of environmentally friendly materials like Ecoresin panels made from 40% post-industrial recycled resin, reclaimed-wood furniture and more. www.loewshotels.com.

In Beverly Hills:  The Spa at the Beverly Wilshire, (A Four Seasons Hotel) is launching Christopher Drummond beauty– t  a “smarter” brand of makeup, as an Oscar tie-in complete with a pre-Academy Award party.

After years of research and industry experience, working with some of the biggest names in beauty, Christopher says he  realized that titanium dioxide, bismuth oxycloride and zinc oxide were the culprits, so he created  brand that doesn’t fit in a category: beyond mineral makeup, Christopher Drummond Beauty products are a healthy alternative to mineral makeup and traditional makeup – free of chemicals and preservatives, that are good for you, look great, will not cause acne, and are appropriate for even the most sensitive skin.

 “I believe that knowledge is power and we have the option to educate and empower ourselves. Being a part of the Beverly Wilshire is completely in line with our message, because spa employees have the power to educate their customers about what they are putting on their skin,” said Christopher Drummond. “Every choice we make, from the food we eat, to the cosmetics we use sends a message about us, and people need to be sure that the messages they send are the ones that really reflect how they feel about themselves, their health and their world.” Check out the product line and great photos at:  www.christopherdrummond.com

Fall/Winter Color Collection: Straight off the runways. Christopher Drummond pulled the best looks from recent runway shows, which included a sexy, smoky eye mixed with a rich gem-inspired story to create the Fall/Winter Color Collection for Christopher Drummond Beauty. Includes luxurious colors with beautiful textures in all-natural, chemical free products. Items include: Feline/Charcoal, Amethyst/Purple and Mystique/Blue Grey Eyeshadows; Matte Fraiche/Mauve and Matte Tres Chaud/Warm Red Blushes; Noir, Cafe, Plum and Peacock Eyeliners; and Cinnamon, Brazilian Berry and Luscious Lip Glosses. ($17.50-$28)

Gift Set for Women: The Gift Set offers three foundation colors, the Sade Pele Radiance Booster, Bronzer, the Silky Flat Top Brush, and a 1/8 ounce bottle of the new Revitalizing Facial Serum. The Gift Set is perfect for the woman who is afraid of the commitment of buying one full-sized product ($95)

Creme/Cream Veludo Velvet Foundation: For very fair skin, the Crme Foundation is a shade lighter than the Christopher Drummond Luz/Light, and contains shades of pink and less yellow for those with a cooler tone to their skin. ($65)

The Montage Beverly Hills Lays out the Red Carpet During Oscar Week

As happens each year at this time, the  Montage Beverly Hills is spreding the proverbial  red carpet for celebrity out-of-towners who stay there during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. 

Of course ordinary mortals  who happen to be caught up in the cross hairs,  and are lucky enough to score a room there during Hollywood’s biggest, most hyped, ginormous week,  can  also enjoy such luxuries as: Services of the “Bow Tie Butler” who does exactly what it sounds like, helps gentlemen tie their ties. Everyone gets personalized note cards; a monogrammed director’s chair in their room to use while preening; and to relieve stress, the spa’s open longer for facials, massages and body pampering (at additional fees). FYI: I’ve had, hands-on, some of the best facials and massages at this facility.

 The spa is gorgeous and the treatment menu creative with salubrious selections such as:

 “Essential Waters” — that starts with hydrotherapy bath infused with essential oils of neroli, bergamot and sandalwood coupled with underwater massage serves as the relaxing prelude to a soothing, long stroke, warm-oil massage,  ending  with exfoliation and a revitalizing Vichy rain shower. “Montage Anti-aging Facial” — that combines an antioxidant serum with a firming and contouring facial massage and a marine mask to firm and lift. “Body sculpting” –Mineral-enriched mud is combined with a contouring and lifting connective tissue massage, followed by a cool mud compress, to encourage the removal of cellular wastes and improve the skin’s appearance. ·

Seamstresses and laundresses trained in the care of fine fabrics are in-house to attend to any last-minute alterations or garment pressing requirements.

· Hair styling and coloring appointments are available at the onsite Kim Vo Salon and the in-house barber shop, Gornik & Drucker, who have been ministering to the famous and infamous since 1936.

 · Complimentary shoe shines by butlers certified by world-famous bespoke shoemaker John Lobb. · The valet department staffs two distinct arrival areas to ensure additional privacy for guests.

· An ever-alert security department  to keep the paparazzi at bay, with  all entrances and exits kept private and secure. Just in case you were worried.

 · A well choreographed  transportation department making to ensure seamless  limousine arrivals and departures so that Oscar® guests can expect on-the-dot service.

· The gift shop has fully stocked with creature comforts such as breath mints and additional supplies of socks and stockings.

Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, (310) 860-7800, www.montagebeverlyhills.com

Diva Discovers Diva-delightful 2 for 1 Deal at Four Seasons Westlake Village

Your Diva On the Go just had to check out the Double the Fun special at the Four Seasons Westlake Village Hotel. I mean spa treatments, dinner and assorted services  for two people for the price of one.

How could I resist. The spa offering was enough to get me packing my bags.

I mean this is one of  the prestigious Four Seasons chains, a swank property with a world class spa and diva-delights galore. A hotel where even Internet discounted room rates start at $239 a day for “moderate” accommodations and rise to $429 for a Premier spread.

The ongoing “Double the Fun” promotion works like this: one person books spa treatments, the second person gets the same treatments FREE. The two of you go to dinner, one meal is complimentary (excluding alcohol or gratuities). Whatever service you pay for is free for the other guy or gal–quite the recession buster.

We opted for a superior king which is $250 a day on Friday and Saturday and $339 during the week, which, on this promotion amounted to $125 daily. 

We also booked “Therapist Choice” massages that would normally cost $145 a person and amounted to half that.  The 40,000 square foot spa at the hotel is a-one and so are the therapists. Mine was Lora who despite her diminutive size managed to pummel and pamper me to my taste for a deep massage–ditto for Richard’s masseuse, Mae.

“Organic Protection Facials”, normally $165 a pop, cost that for both of us, as did any salon or spa service we opted to book.

Spa facilities include steam, Jacuzzi, amenities, fluffy robes, lockers, showers, and gorgeous relaxation lounges stocked with assorted beverages and fruit. There’s also an indoor pool nearby and a top notch fitness center with all the latest equipment.

We managed to rack up about a $120 tab in the Asian Restaurant, ONYX, which was reduced to $60 since one of us got to eat “free.”

The 270-room Four Seasons provided a welcome addition to the burgeoning Westlake Village area when it opened four years. Nestled near the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains it rests roughly 35 miles northwest of LAX and about 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.

Don’t let the rather drab exterior deceive you, once you get past the entrance you walk into all the opulence that is Four Seasons—marble, wood,  signature Four Seasons floral arrangements,  fine art and upscale furnishings and appointments.

Its claim to fame is the California Health & Longevity Institute, which sits adjacent to the Spa and offers medical, dietary and life style training and screenings. Many house guests are participants in the program, but you don’t have to stay at the hotel to enroll.

Guest rooms are well put together with the obligatory flat screen TVs, fine linens, coffee makers,  mini-bars, marble bathrooms stocked with plush robes and towels, but not lots of toiletries. There was one bar of soap and one hand lotion on the sink,  a bar of soap on the tub, and a bottle of shampoo, condition and body  wash in the shower.

In addition to the Asian restaurant, the hotel hosts Hamptons, a fine dining experience offering healthy gourmet cuisine or regular menus. The setting is warm and elegant the food’s usually good and fairly pricy.

I loved the Lobby Restaurant where we had healthy breakfasts. I opted for the tofu scramble; Richard had the buckwheat pancakes, both tasty. We truly appreciated the waitress who obliged our request for strong coffee with just that.  Business people on the go can also take out food  from a little area at the entrance of the Lobby Restaurant that offers assorted whole fruit ($1.50), pastries ($2), granola with yogurt ($6.50), bagels for $2 (add $8 for salmon), fresh juice $6 and espressos or coffee ($3.50).
And if you’ve booked the Double the Fun Deal, you get one free of anything you order.

In addition to the Spa the hotel sports two pools (one indoor, one out).   Gorgeous gardens, on the back grounds, add a transcendental ambiance enhanced by 25,000 varieties of flora, 50-foot high sequoia trees surrounding the waterfalls, boulders imported from the River Kwai and an original Chinese poet’s house pagoda for meditation or special events.

The hotel serves as a pleasant getaway for Angelenos craving a quick escape, especially during the Double the Fun promotion.  Basically there’s no limit to how many spa treatments, meals, etc. you can enjoy for half the price when there are two people participating.

Hard to beat that.

The Four Seasons Westlake Village,  Two Dole Dr., Westlake Village, 818-575-3000, www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage.com.

The Divaonthego Loves Her New MBTs

I’ve been wearing my new  Baridi White MBTs  for about a month now.

I didn’t think I’d like them at first. The company altered the shoes for a lower pitch. But I changed my mind. They’re great. I wear them to the gym and keep them on while I run the treadmill and do the EFX machine.

They look cool enough to wear around town and are fit to walk, hike or work out in. MBT launched a whole new line of shoes from sandals to athletic styles, so check them out on the web site. These are the best shoes for your feet. I know I now am the proud owner of four pairs.

 I’ve been writing raves about MBTs for a few years now–ever since I scored a pair at an Oscar Swag party. Once I tried them I loved them so much I went out and bought another pair for me and one for my husband Richard.

Richard has a knee problem and was suffering from a plantars faschitis (sp?) anyhow the MBTs enabled him to continue taking morning and afternoon hikes with me. 

Check out www.MBT.com to learn all about these amazing shoes and see the latest designs.

Let’s Raise a Toast to Ol’ Blue Eyes at the Rivieria Resort & Spa

In a fitting tribute to Palm Spring’s favorite son, Frank Sinatra,

Photo courtesy of www.bing.com

  The  Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs  is featuring  favorite cocktails of  Ol’  Blue Eye’s and his pack beginning on the 14th of March. 
 

 Little known fact:   Frank Sinatra signaled the start of cocktail hour by raising a flag pole, situated between two palms on his Palm Springs Estate. Once the flag was up the rat pack knew it was time to party.

 In honor the Ol’ Blue Eyes’ ritual, the Rivieria Resort & Spa, in Palm Springs, continues  the tradition with daily happy hour specials at the Bikini Bar with innovative cocktails along with a class Jack Daniel’s cocktail.  The hotel is also ringing in the tippling hour with Sunday specials at sidebar and live entertainment from the Art of Sax on Sundays, with mixologists concocting adult drinks like the Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Cherry Polka Dot Bikini (Grey Goose, Le Citron Vodka, Bacardi Cherry rum and lemonade. Also on the menu. The Candy Man, Sammy Davis Jr’s favorite  Rum Daiquiri (Bacardi blended with mango, strawberry, peach or lime; and Sinatra’s favorite Jack Daniel’s Single
Barrel Whiskey cut with water over ice, poured in an old-fashioned glass.

Bikini Bar’s open for Happy Hour from 5 to 6 PM. 

Live Entertainment from Art of Sax:   Sundays, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sidebar Small Plate Special:  Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m.

 Riviera Resort & Spa, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, (760) 327-8311, www.psriviera.com

 

 

A Birthday Celebration at La Quinta Resort And Spa Fit for a Diva

That’s the Diva at Morgan’s at La Quinta Resort &Spa  holding up a new, spiffy backpack purse her husband gave her for her birthday. It was just one of many treats.

Seems like going to the Desert for my birthday has become a tradition. Last year I spent it with Richard (herefore mentioned husband) at Morongo. And that was great,too.Breakfast on the balcony.

La Quinta sets off a magical charm when you enter the Spanish-style lobby to register, everybody’s so nice, the atmosphere so relaxed and you feel more like you out of the country than just a 2 hour drive away from Los Angeles.That’s a view from the Freeway.

I just posted the whole article, save for a review of Morgan’s–the resorts fine dining restaurant, which is worth the drive from LA just for dinner–on my examiner.com site, plesase check it out:  http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner 

I’ll give you a few highlights:(The decades old resort has nearly 800 guest rooms of various sizes and shapes, all with flat screens, fireplaces, some balconies,some patios, some private pools and Jacuzzis, all charming and comfortable and priced from $199 in season to a $5,000 for the top suite).

What’s to Like:

Bedding down in our Starlight Casita (the maids made a special welcome swan out of towels) with a balcony providing magical mountain views and privacy for relaxing or enjoying room service breakfast. Great fritatas and perfect scrambled eggs.

Dinner in Twenty6 (delicious salmon), massage (Jeremy went deep) and steam at the charming,  23,000 square foot Spa; working out in the Diva-approved fitness center (has all the right stuff).

Swimming in the clean, warm pool that’s just a few steps down stairs from our bedroom. Took a photo but it got deleted, bummer. But trust me, the pools are great.

Dinner at Morgan’s

Transcendental atmosphere framed by snow-capped mountains, fertile with grapefruit trees, stately palms, plants, flowers with musical accompaniment of chirping birds.

Lots of action with locals flocking for drinks and/or dinner. Lots of hotel guests, energy, yet plenty of privacy.

The nice people at the resort.

Dislikes: the $27 resort fee; the $25 entry fee for the Spa if you’re not getting a treatment; the chintzy towels provided in the room for use at the pool. Need big,fluffy ones.

Factoids: Once a maven for movie stars and moguls from Frank Capra to Greta Garbo, La Quinta Resort & Spa provides the perfect escape from LA, or out of town. You can fly into Palm Springs Regional Airport, to LAX or drive (go to www.google.com for map from your area).

Location: 49-499 Eisenhower Drive,La Quinta, CA. 800-59-3828, www.laqunitaresort.com

I’ll be reviewing Morgan’s at www.thediningdiva.wordpress.com and at my examiner.com site, because it’s too good to share space with.

My Favorite Health Club, the SportsClubLA

I have worked out in health clubs, gyms and exercise studios throughout LA, but none compare to the offering at the SportsClubLA (www.thesportsclubla.com)– it’s simply the best when it comes to equipment, classes, style, cleanliness, friendliness, professionalism and bang for your buck.

It may cost more, but it’s worth it.

There are two locations in LA, one on Sepulveda Blvd. in West LA and one in Beverly Hills on Camden Drive near Wilshire. The latter location is a mini version of the Sepulveda flagship, but still more than adequate with its array of equipment, classes, workout areas, steam rooms and spa.

The Diva’s Days of Pampering and Pumping at the Golden Door

Day 6 of the Diva’s Week at the Golden Door

Monday April 20 at home…
Slowly making my re-entry into the real world. It’s not easy. I did get up and hiked, but not as early, more like 8AM, and I exercised and swam–so the Door’s still with me.  But I had lots of catch up on email, snail mail, work, husband etc.

 I still keep the Golden Door Glow, I feel rejuvenated, lighter, tighter, toned and wonderful. It’s just an incomparable week, and did I tell you the tab is all inclusive unless you want tennis lessons or after hours treatments. They even provide a full wardrobe of workout wear as well as kimonos that you can wear to dinner, robes, slippers, toiletries and hats, jackets, windbreakers and gloves for cold mornings. Transportation from San Diego airport’s also included. And of course they feed you three spa meals daily, snacks, beverages, and extra portions or snacks on request.
 
Saturday April 18 All Good Things Come to an End and so I leave the Golden Door via Amtrak’s Surfliner from Oceanside to Los Angeles.
Do come back for a complete wrap-up of my week and what I got out of it.
Friday April 17
  Pretty much repeat of yesterday with hike, b’fast (waffles and chicken sausage), stretch, Gentle Yoga, personal training session with Brett, makeup (pic posted soon) and now off to lunch by the pool, it warmed up here…come back later for updates. Lunch was great as usual, fresh salmon salad and a cookie for dessert. Rest of day exhausting: makeup, scalp treatment, herbal wrap, massage, dinner (fresh salmon again, but I had a choice and chose it, really delicious finished with a flaky, yummy banana, apple strudel.

Thursday April 16 over the hump day at the Golden Door

Day 5

(you really need to follow my journal daily, which begins at the bottom, hey makes you think)

Okay spa brain really set in. Relaxed, unwound, loose, light, toned and pampered. That’s what the Golden Door’s all about.

Did the 5 mile mountain hike followed by a session in the steam bath and hot tub. Then back to room for breakfast in bed: Mexican-style scrambled eggs in a whole wheat tortilla, fruit (melon, that alas wasn’t ripe enough, unusual for here), coffee. Then off to see Brett, my main fitness squeeze who sets me straight with weights and then stretches me out real good…

Brett sets gym up for cardio-boxing class….

 

Okay left Brett and came to PC to update you on my progress. Feeling good today, having a friend join me for lunch today. Marta, the maitre d’ of the kitchen whose been here forever and is fantastic at her job–which entails sometimes putting up with primo-divas (I’m not one of those). Anyhow Marta’s setting Glenn and I up by the Koi pond with today’s special: Bento boxes. Okay here’s Glenn obviously enjoying his Bento Box lunch. Glenn said his friends were concerned he wouldn’t get enough to eat and should eat before coming. Chef Dean showed them, Glenn didn’t even finish, nor did I. But we did have room for the Door’s delicious cookies–yep you get cookies.That’s the Koi pond. I hated to see Glenn leave but hey I had a body scrub scheduled and I don’t miss treatments even for best friends. And glad I didn’t. Carolyn, a striking, blonde-haired Irish export was fantastic as she massaged/scrubbed and oiled my weary body.

 

After the scrub it was time for my pedicure with ace manicurist Teresa, a Viet Namese export who ends her treatment with a fabulous foot reflexology massage. And then it was off to my room for my 5 PM rub by CJ, alas it would be my last from this cool dude as he gets Friday and Saturday off and is replaced by Eric, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of being massaged from. That’s grammatically incorrect, but geez this is a blog.

Dinner followed: salad and fresh fish (forgot what variety, but it was delicious)and corn meal cake that was quite tasty. After the ritual walk to the gate there was a woman who gave hand writing analysis, I skipped it. Not because of lack of interest but I wanted to write this journal which I hope you’re enjoying.

Day 4 At the Golden Door in Escondido, California

Wednesday, Tax Day and I’m plotzed, in spa speak it’s called ‘hump’ day. Actually slept in and skipped the hike, which although I love this activity, my body said “no.” But this is the Golden Door and you are on your own to go with your personal flow, which I’m doing. See below for full account….

Diane Allan and Suzie Fernandez teach classes at the Golden Door

I’m back at the Golden Door in Escondido, California. It’s been a year since my last visit and I was jonesing for some chic r and r and I’m getting it.

Arrived the afternoon of Easter Sunday via Amtrak Surfliner from Los Angeles. I sat in a cushy seat in Business Class, made cell phone calls, read, listened to my Mp3 Player, chatted with the hostess, a lovely Afro-American women with great wit and style. She served pax complimentary wine, water, soda and there was also coffee, tea and snacks, but I didn’t bend to temptation as I was en route to a salubrious week.

The Door’s driver picked me in Oceanside for the short ride to the beautiful bronze gates that enter me into a transcendental world far from reality.

I checked into my Japanese-honjin Inn style room, slipped into a kimono and met the other 17 female guests for dinner–gourmet spa cuisine of salad, fish and yummy guilt-free Key Lime dessert. The Door usually takes 40 people weekly but this being a holiday and a recession (it’s pricey)….

Day 2 (Monday)

up at 5:30 for 6:45 mountain hike (5 miles), back to room for breakfast in bed (aah), but not for long, up and at ‘em for back and stretch class, Aerobics, Pilates, lunch, hike (1 1/2 miles), facial, steam, herbal wrap, massage and dinner–a spa cuisine masterpiece by chef Dean. We started with a perfectly seasoned salad with ingredients from the Door’s organic garden and moved on to chicken roulade which was so good it was hard to believe it was low-cal, low-salt, and finally a cannoli, yes they serve dessert and it was divine. After dinner we walk to the gates that open to the real world, but we keep it closed, reality doesn’t exist here. Then a lecture on
how to get the most out of your workout and nutrition but sorry to say opted to go to the steam bath and then read my Robert Parker Spenser Novel in bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday)
Another glorious day at the Golden Door. Slept well and off to the 5 mile mountain, followed by a session in the hot tub , quick steam and breakfast in bed. Yummy cheese toast this morning with fresh strawberries from the Door’s organic garden. Then off to Stretch class, ooooh, felt good and a wild and wacky Boomer’s Aerobics taught by Diane (seen above) to the music of the 60s – 80s. Cool. Then did my own thing (dyot) which including lots of Facebooking and Twittering.

Meet my personal trainer at Noon, Brett, he’s the best, had him last year, or he had me, does great stretch out, which I need after all the exercise I’m doing here.
My wonderful workout with Bret was followed by a fab facial from Ashton. You have choices here and I opted for full cleansing treatment. Divine.

I followed with a session in the Steam to prepare my muscles for a massage from CJ, a cool surfer/biker dude who gives a mean, deep rub that turns me into rubber. Feeling lazy, I decided to have dinner served in my room–another great Golden Door amenity.
Read in bed until sleep came, which actually wasn’t realized soon enough which is why on
Day 4

I slept in and missed the hike. After my oatmeal breakfast in bed I took the Stretch class, it helped. Then I went to the Samurai gym for short sessions on the treadmill and elliptical before meeting up with my PT Brett. My bad, body wouldn’t respond, so he had no alternative but to stretch me out real good.
This was followed by more steam, herbal wrap, more steam, relaxing. I figure it being Wednesday and Tax Day I’d really let myself go into a transcendental state of bliss. It works well here. It is such a beautiful, bucolic setting set in a little valley surrounded by mountains, with lots of lush foliage, orange and avocado trees and of course that organic garden.
Well it’s nearly lunch time. It’s cold out today so no dining by the pool, decided to feast in my room. Wish you were here.

For rates and info go to http://www.goldendoor.com/, there are special weeks and min-weeks offered throughout the year, keep in mind it’s an all-inclusive rate.

Spa Struck By Displays at Spa Magazine’s Annual Event

The annual Spa 
Magazine Spring Event , which yours truly never misses,  was certainly a star-struck affair featuring  headliner spas and cosmetics companies gathered at the posh Montage Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Diva samples a new treatment from Terranea Spa (one of the spa sponsors), it felt so good

Sheila Cluff, owner/founder The Oaks at Ojai, promotes new menu and cutting edge treatments offered at her spa.Sheila showed  her chef’s yummy, 52.6 calorie dessert, a divine chocolate mousse made with tofu. The Oaks at Oaji, www.oaksspa.com.

Miraval Spa also showed its “ground breaking treatments” offered at the Tucson, Arizona resort.  www.miravalresorts.com

Mii Amo at Enchantment, a destination spa in Sedona Boynton Canyon, gave out this little sampler, along with information on its new “Journeys”: Healthy Body Balance, Rites of Passage and Mii amo Master.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs in SoCalm a 150-yea-old  rejuvenation spa promoted the red clay mud baths, underground moisturizing cabes and massages done under oak trees. www.glenivy.com.

The  Huntingon Spa at the Langham Huntingon formerly a Ritz Carlton (where I’ve spa-ed happily in the past), talked about the spa’s facelift and the Chaun Body + Soul philosophy that incorporates traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and cupping) for a holistical experience. www.thehuntingtonspa.com.

Until last night I was unfamiliar with Kohler Waters Spa.  I’d heard of the company but dnot the spa which is actually 10 years old and focuses on, you guess it, water treatments that cleanse the mind and body. www.destinationkohler.com.

One healthy getaway I am very familiar with, The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, touted the variety of natural therapies gleaned from resources of near by Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve (which we checked out and hiked through on our last visit). This is one fab spa with top notch treatments. www.thegranddelmar.com.

And the host hotel, Montage, escorted guests to their  spiffy spa for a salubrious hand, exfoliation treatment.

Take Mom to the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club for Brunch

Treat you mother to a  champagne Mother’s Day buffet brunch at the charming, waterfront Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. I love this spot and she will, too.

She’ll love the room with its floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the Pacific Ocean. She’ll also enjoy the endless champagne and mimosas served with the spread .

 Seatings are at 10:00 AM., 12 noon and 2:00 PM. 

  Price is $54.95 for adults (including champagne and mimosas); $22.95 for children ages 4–11 (plus tax and a 20% service charge).

 BREAKFAST STATION:  Omelet Station Eggs edict Applewood Smoked Bacon, Turkey Sausage Links O’Brien Potatoes with Onions and Peppers Cheese Blintzes with Raspberry Sauce

 SALADS: Chinese Chicken Salad, Caprese Salad, Traditional Caesar Salad Mixed Greens with Caramelized Walnuts, Dried Cranberries and Gorgonzola SEAFOOD SELECTIONS Peel and Eat Shrimp, Crab Claws, Mussels Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Wedges, Clarified Butter and Tabasco

 WHIPPED POTATO MARTINI BAR:  Buttermilk and Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes Toppings: Bay Shrimp, Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion, Chives, Sweet Butter, Sour Cream, Jack and Cheddar Cheeses, White Wine Cream Sauce CARVING STATION Turkey with Gravy, Cranberry Orange Relish, Miniature Rolls Slow Roasted Rib Eye of Beef with Red Wine Demi-Glace, Horseradish Cream and Grain Mustard Salmon en Croute with Champagne Beurre Blanc

 ENTREES : Citrus Glazed Breast of Chicken BBQ Country Meatloaf Tilapia Veracruz with Olives, Tomatoes, Capers and Fresh Basil Penne Pasta Primavera with Roasted Garlic and Chunky Basil Marinara Cheese Ravioli with Cilantro and Lime Cream Sauce Green Beans Amandine, Fresh Vegetable Medley, Artisan Rolls and Sweet Butter

 KNEE-HIGH BUFFET FOR KIDS:  Weenie Wellingtons, Chicken Fingers, Tater Tots, Mac and Cheese, Cheese Pizza, Lime and Strawberry Jell-O Blocks and M&M Cookies BANANA SPLIT STATION Bananas, Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Creams, Chocolate, Strawberry and Caramel Sauces Whipped Cream, Nuts and Maraschino Cherries

And the grand finale  DESSERT EXTRAVAGANZA:  French Pastries, Assorted Cakes and Cheesecakes Chocolate Fountain with Milk Chocolate, Pound Cake, Rice Crispy Treats, Cubed Fruit, Whole Strawberries and Pretzels BALEENlosangeles will also be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sunday, May 9, serving its customary menus.

 The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club – in the Pacific and Bayside Ballrooms 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach

For Brunch Reservations call 310-798-5874 , www.HotelPortofino.com

True Sex And the City Confessions

I  love the cast of Sex  And the City especially Mr. Big,  the hunk,  whom I adore on Law and Order too.

But….

As much of a fan I was of the TV show and movie #1, I

1.  Must confess I just don’t think Jessica’s that pretty.

2.  Most women just don’t dress as scantily in NYC as those girls except to go clubbing, but not to walk around the streets. Gimme a break.

3.   All those one night flings, bringing home strangers, in this day and age of SDS and Aids, gimme another break.

4.  A top notch journalist who does all her work in baby doll pjs on her laptop on her bed, gimme yet another break.

5.  If those women spent that much on shoes and clothing they wouldn’t be able to afford to drinkc  copious Cosmopolitans, martinis and wine at fancy bars or pay rent, cab fares and eat.

6.  Okay it’s just a fantasy, like eating and drinking and never gaining weight, except when Miranda got pregnant.

7.  Not a bitch among the  girlfriends. No back biting, jealousy, et al.  Never happen in edgy, competitive New York.

8. Okay it’s just a fantasty.

9.  My husband actually got me to watch the TV show. I didn’t care for it at first.  But he refused to go to the movie. We watched the first one on TV.

10.  I’ll watch the new movie, when it airs on HBO.

For All Who Text While they Drive, let this be a lesson

Shellac Update: it really works–but taking it off’s a bitch

I must admit I was thrilled with my  two Shellac treatments. The paint dried in a flash. My nails looked great and the polish lasted over two weeks. BUT—taking it off is another story.

You either have to go back to the salon and pay to have it removed where they wrap your nails in  solution0s-soaked cotton balls covered with tin foil and then peel it off.

Or , like I just did, do it at home.   Which I did. It took forever. I  soaked my nails in acetone polish remover, wrapped them in acetone soaked cotton balls and scraped off the polish. It was messy, my nails looked  like s–t after.  They actually took quite a shellac-ing.,

So unless you’re willing to pay for extra sessions, consider carefully. Hopefully the company will come out with a special remover we can use at home.

These are my nails on June 30th after a good “Shellac” job  by Kayce at the Paint Shop in West Hollywood. I must confess that I wasn’t familiar with the Shellac process until I was invited to an event at the unique salon.

And now I’m a believer.  Today. July 9, my nails look as freshly-painted as they did 11-days ago when I had them done at the Paint Shop.  A paint job has never lasted this long on my nails.

Basically Shellac is designed to last for as long as a two weeks without chipping or fading, it’s a multi-process that uses two coats of color and one top coat. Your hands are put under ultra-violet light after each application.

Not only did I love how my nails looked, I couldn’t get over that they dried immediately, I could reach in my wallet for money, car keys, whatever without worrying about messing my mani.

The procedure is done at nail salons all over the country, but I’ll probably go back to the Paint Shop for my next Shellac-ing. The price is $50 and it takes about an hour.

The adorable, Morocan-style shop is run by Julie and Domingo Serquinia, she does nails, he does hair.   Comfy, over-sized chairs, lounge-like areas and a friendly staff add to the charm.

Paint Shop, 7938 West 3rd St., 323-658-1930, www.paintshopbeverlyhills@gmail.com; web site: www.paintshopbeverlyhills.com.

For information about Shellac check out: http://www.cnd.com/Consumer.aspx

There I am dressed to go out with my red Shellac-ed nails.

Martinis & Wine a With the Diva on the Go

The latest Martini at the Bridge at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a special al fresco spot that’s filling the gap while the hotel’s Dakota Restaurant undergoes a face-lift transformation.

A

 dry martini at Ty’s at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore whets the appetite for dinner.

A glass of Chardonnay for moi and a dry Martini  for him at the bar at the Bellavista at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore.

Wine at Ty’s.

The Diva at Ty’s at the Coral Casino at the Santa Barbara Biltmore.

Another perfect Martini at the Loew’s Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Gina’s Italian Cuisine A Real Foodie Find

So there we were wending our way to the Just Inn in Paso Robles when hunger pangs hit and we pulled off the Freeway to find a place to eat in a town called Arroyo Grande.

We walked all three-four blocks of the burg and decided to stop for a bite at an inviting-looking eatery called Gina’s–which we later learned is one of the best Italian restaurants in this neck of California  central coastal woods.

The place was filled with locals who lunch and looked like they really enjoyed it.  We were probably the only tourists in the joint.

What a surprise.  Richard’s freshly made goat cheese ravioli raised the taste buds to new heights, my Caesar salad was better than I’ve had for twice the price, and an authentic cannoli was a good as you can find in the best Italian bakeries in New York.

 Our waitress seemed genuinely pleased with our enthusiasm for the meal, she must be Italian.

Mama mia it was tasty. And all for less than $30 with two amazing espressos and tip.

Gina’s also has pizzas, soups, assorted homemade pastas and specialities like chicken Marsala, chicken  saltimbocco, chicken piccata, scampi gorgonzola and much more priced from $7.95 to $18.95 at dinner, less at lunch.

So if you find yourself between an Arroyo Grande and Paso Robles at 138 East Branch Street (805-481-3266) be sure to stop for lunch or dinner.

WeHo, the Gayest Little City in California…a Photo Journey

The Diva at the Palm Restaurant on Santa Monica Blvd. ij WeHo, the photos were taken before and after my husband Richard and I had the Business person special, a real deal at $23.95 with four courses! See the photo of the menu and more….follow the trail

The walls at the Palm are lined with....

Tasty, so tender, so good.

Trysting in Acapulco

Check out:   http://www.examiner.com/last-minute-deals-in-los-angeles/acapulco-s-hidden-honeymoon-havens  or read the article here:

“You want to go to Acapulco for the weekend,” he asked the young woman sitting next to him in First Class on a flight from New York to Los Angeles.  “Are you serious,” she responded, “we just met.”  “Yup,” replied the good looking guy. 

And so the next weekend, the couple who met while flying  through skies, but had not yet joined the mile high club, jumped on a jet  for a two night tryst in this sort of sin city of Mexico. A city like New York or Las Vegas that never sleeps and where anything can and does happen and pretty much stays there, especially when the man in question is married. Ah-capulco, one of the world’s true trysting places, where Mexicans take their mistresses from Mexico City and thousands of other tawdry affairs unfold.

Male or female, young or old, gay or straight, here’s a few choice places to rendezvous:

Ultra private/romantic:  Banyan Tree Cabo Marques (www.banyantree.com)– the first all-villa spa resort in the region offering deluxe accommodations and world-class amenities. Nestled in the ultra exclusive Cabo Marques, guests enter a sanctuary of the senses when experiencing one of the seven treatment pavilions of the spa complex. Newlyweds can also browse through the Banyan Tree Gallery, a showcase of indigenous arts and crafts from community projects around the world.

Cutsey, cuddly throw back to the 1950s,  the trendy  Hotel Boca Chica, www.bocachica.com  with 36 recently restored guest rooms that feel like a private oasis with a terrace overlooking the bay, hammock and outdoor living space. For a day of romance and relaxation, lovers can indulge in the healing powers of the on-site spa or dance the night away at the hotel’s new nightclub, Coco Wash.

Intimate, private: Hotel Encanto, www.hotelencanto.com , a unique boutique hotel and spa located in the Brisas Marques area of Acapulco, is an ideal escape for honeymooners. This exclusive property consists of 44 rooms, 22 of which feature a private pool, enclosing couples in from disturbances of the outside world. At night, the Hotel lights up with romantic hues of blue, red, purple and yellow that can be viewed from virtually anywhere in the Diamante zone.

The ultimate hidaway:  It doesn’t get more romantic than Las Brisas with its private casitas, some with little pools, all with morning juice and coffee delivered daily, many with stunning views, and the word class Beach Club for lazing away the days. Outside of the hotels, Acapulco offers an array of activities for adventurous duos. Located just outside of the city is the popular beach of Pie de la Cuesta, known for its romantic sunsets and palm-lined coast. Directly across from Pie de la Cuesta is the famous Coyuca Lagoon, a natural fresh water sanctuary where exotic wildlife coexists among the jungle-shrouded canals. The site protects various flora and fauna and offers boat tours for travelers to enjoy. Ideal for water-skiers and fishing enthusiasts, recreational activities can come to a close with a pampering natural mud bath.

Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over nine million visitors annually. Acapulco is exotic yet easily accessible via direct or convenient connections via all major airline carriers from gateway cities across the U.S. For more information about Acapulco, visit www.visiteacapulco.com  .

Caveat: Mexico is undergoing serious drug problems and crime. Use caution and travel responsibly.

Hotels dig into dinelarestaurantweek

 

DineLA Restaurant Week, the twice year culinary event,  returns  on October 3-8 and October 10-15, 2010) and again January 23-28 and January 30-February 4, 2011. ) with a fresh new twist pairing three-course prix-fixe meals at some of Los Angeles’ premier kitchens with overnight stays at some of the city’s most buzzed-about hotels.

“Locals look forward to dineLA Restaurant week as a chance to experience meals from world-renowned culinary talents including Tom Colicchio, José Andrés, and Gordon Ramsey at a fraction of the price,” says Mark Liberman, president and CEO of LA INC. “We are excited to extend this value to economical epicureans throughout California and nationwide. We want travelers to discover Los Angeles as a world-class dining destination where they can eat and sleep like stars without breaking the bank.”

The new dineLA hotel & restaurant packages offer a range of culinary and travel experiences as diverse as the city itself. From a dinner for two at L.A. Market and a stay at the JW Marriott in the heart of Downtown LA’s  L.A. LIVE to an unforgettable gastronomic adventure at José Andrés’ The Bazaar paired with the sleek sophistication of the SLS Beverly Hills, packages will be available from dineLA partners such as

: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE/L.A. Market; Le Merigot/Cezanne; Millennium Biltmore/Sai Sai; O Hotel/O Bar & Kitchen; SLS Beverly Hills/The Bazaar; The Hollywood Heights/The Hideout; The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club/BALEENLosangeles; Westin Bonaventure/LA Prime; W Hollywood/Delphine; W Los Angeles-Westwood/NINETHIRTY; and more.

Reservations are are available online shortly at: www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek

DineLA Restaurant Week is served in three categories and three courses  (Deluxe, Premier, and Fine Dining) with specially priced three-course meals for lunch and/or dinner at hundreds of restaurants throughout the city. 

 Lunch Dinner $ Deluxe Dining: $16 $26 $$ Premier Dining: $22 $34 $$$ Fine Dining: $28 $44

Highly recommended (we do it every time) is the $20 rebate from American Express® that cardmembers receive  by registering with the credit card company prior to the event.  You must go out to eat three times to be eligible. 

 Presented by LA INC. and American Express, dineLA Restaurant Week has been designed to stimulate business and introduce new customers to restaurants located in the many neighborhoods throughout LA County. A dineLA Restaurant Week hotel program is being added this year which will allow hotel properties with participating restaurants to offer special dineLA rates and culinary packages, with the goal to increase regional and national visitors to Los Angeles during Restaurant Week.

Shoe Shots Snapped When They Weren’t Looking

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Candid camera snap shots  by  www.LindaCovellophotography.com

The Diva Goes to a Holiday Housewarming Party

What a bash. We drank mighty fine champagne and Chardonnay, met new people and enjoyed a magnificent sunset. We were also entertained by a wondeful magician: Joe Monti, who performs on cruise ships, at the Magic Castle and other venues.

And we were blessed with a magical sunset:

Merry Christmas From Chef Mavro in Hawaii

My dear friend, Chef Mavro and his sweet wife Donna spread holiday cheer with a heart warming email filled with Aloha–and the Dining Diva had to share with  all of you.

Chef Mavro creates culinary wonders from the heart, dishes filled with loved and creativity, at this eponymous restaurant on Oahu, Hawaii, where your DD dined last month and is still swooning over the amazing courses Chef prepared and spoiled us with.  He is really amazing.

We had this beet soup (at left), it zinged my heart with a blast of flavor.

The dessert below also made our hearts sing…

Anyway if you’re heading to Hawaii soon his holiday menus begin on Sunday, December 19.  ~~~Enjoying a meal at Chef Mavro is an orgasmic experience….

 Direct from the chef’s mouth to you  is an excerpt from today’s email he sent out:

Truffled Egg – a peak experience About truffles, I have a good news and… good news. First, 2010/2011 is an exceptional season for truffles (like wines there is good vintage and bad vintage). The other good news; they are not crazy expensive, maybe the international financial situation? Who cares the reason!

Let’s take advantage of it. I will bring fresh truffles from France until the end of the season sometime in March. The cooking technique of our truffle recipe is inspired from a dish I used to make in Provence during the truffle season. Place the fresh truffles in a jar with half a dozen of beautiful eggs in the shell and seal the jar. After 4 days you can remove the eggs and make a delicious truffled omelette (or scrambled eggs) without using any truffles.

The osmosis process infuses the eggs and your dish gets the most intense truffle flavor. Since we receive our fresh truffles once a week we store them in a large container with uncooked rice (I will let you know what we do with the rice; but this is a different story) and very fresh local eggs from Peterson’s upland farm here on Oahu. When the eggs are infused we crack them and wrap them tight in plastic film and poach them to order. This has the advantage of keeping intact the truffle flavor. I can hear you! You’re saying “this seems very good but…show me the truffles!” Let me finish…The poached egg “osmose” is served with a ethereal potato mousseline with chopped truffle foamed with compressed air. (This is a technique from molecular cuisine that I like to use. I cannot qualify our style as “Molecular” because we are using only natural ingredients and reject any chemicals.

The other reason is; I am a chef from the Nouvelle Cuisine era and I already did my part of BS and I am not going to start again). There’s more to the truffle dish…it’s surrounded with ribbons of Serrano ham, pickled shallot, chervil and finished with a slice of truffle on top of the egg. Not again the best dish in the world… yes! For the wine pairing I expected a Viognier and I voted in the blind tasting for the Alsace Pinot Blanc from Zind Hunbrecht, almost every body did. This was a kind of surprise for a wine from Alsace. It is dry and crisp with apricot and citrus overtones. As we always say at the wine committee, “if you don’t try you don’t know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Unbelievable quality of ahi for our holiday menu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marinated Bigeye Ahi Tapenade Talking about la «crème de la crème» as far as products are concerned what about Bigeye Ahi caught in Hawaiian close waters. You may know that ahi are traveling around the Pacific Rim. So if you tag a fish in California you might find him swimming in Alaska or in Tonga. So why does the Ahi from Hawaii tastes better than the other one if it is the same? I am not sure…maybe because the maturity of the fish? what fish eat? the temperature of the water? how deep the fish swim in Hawaii? the talent of our fishermen? maybe all the above. But when I go to the fish auction and when I see the price that Japanese are ready to pay for local Ahi this confirms my theory. And here is the dish, Marinated Bigeye Ahi, Picholine Olive Tapenade, Quail Egg-Sauce Verte, Espelette. The ahi is seared, topped with a purée of green olive, fried quail egg on fine herb emulsion and a garlic sauce flavored with the Basque Country espelette.

Since we discovered the espelette (chili powder tastes between cayenne and paprika) we want to use it on every menu.

This is not the case with the 2009 L’Hermitage, an elegant wine, a perfect match for the dish especially with the espelette garlic sauce. The winery is moving toward producing very soon a totally organic wine. When you know the challenge for wines to be organic and the effect on the volume of the production; this shows the efforts for the maker to offer a high quality wine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New Kurobuta Pork (shown here) and New Colorado Lamb ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kurobuta Pork, Bacon Wrapped Shank, mustard cabbage, black garlic sauce I’m showing you a photo of our new Kurobuta Pork recipe but I want to tell you a story about our new Colorado Lamb – my new favorite. Colorado Lamb “Djerba,” Brick crusted Moussaka, braised Baby Turnips, Harissa Lamb Jus. One more story; my father’s family left the island of Symi in Greece when he was 5 years old. They were sponge divers like so many in Symi but eventually that wiped out all the sponges. So they joined the Greek sponge diver community on the Island of Djerba in Tunisia which at the time was a French protectorate. My Dad moved to Marseille when he was 15 years old. He was an outstanding home cook and brought with him lots of Tunisian flavors. Among these flavors and ingredients were the harissa and the brick dough. I would like to dedicate this Greek-Tunisian recipe to my late father. The lamb loin is roasted and dusted with a cepe powder. The lamb jus is seasoned with harissa. Of course we make the harissa from scratch. The harissa in tube you find in the market is a very poor quality. If you are from a big city you might find harissa in jar which is much better. If not contact me and I will send you the recipe. The “moussaka” is not a traditional one, just layer sautéed eggplant and tomato wrapped in brick dough (kind of one layer phyllo dough) and crisped in olive oil. We garnish the dish with braised baby turnips from Ma’o Farm in Waianae, Oahu. This is an atomic bomb of flavors and I was concerned about the pairing. Wrong worry! We pick up a Cotes du Rhone Septentrionales the Domaine du Grapillon d’Or Gigondas “Cuvée 1806.” The lamb instantly fell in love with the wine. This is a classic pairing and it works so beautifully and it makes me think that I am going to drink Gigondas with Lamb for the rest of my life! We look forward to cooking for you seven nights a week through the Holidays – including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. To feasts & friends, George Mavro, chef/owner ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quick Links… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reservations confirmed 24/7, www.chefatchefmavro.com , Chef Mavro is located at 1969 S. King St. in Honolulu,  www.chefmavro.com

Merry Christmas to All

Enjoy the holiday, hear the music, rejoice.

Rock Your Lover’s Mojo on Valentine’s Day

Rock your lover’s mojo and amp up your own at a romantic resort with dreamy pampering, massage lessons, champagne and more….

Offered for the month of February at Terreana Resort and Spa, the package include:

Love Yourself Package:  two 30-minute mini services and a glass of champagne or smoothie (pick the bubbly). Cupid’s choices:  Rose Petal Soaking Bath; Chocolate, Vanilla or Rose Body Scrub; Reflexology with Rose Petal Foot Bath; Facial; or Massage. The package costs $150 per person and includes gratuity.

Loving Touch- In Room Spa Package for Couples:  Learn how to rub each other the right way with this in-room lesson by a massage therapist.  After you’ve mastered the techniques, you get to relax in a candle-lit rose petal bubble bath and sip champagne. The 75-minute Loving Touch Experience costs $250 per couple. 

 Couples Massage Package:  a 50-minute couples massage for $100 each is offered from Monday through Thursday and $125 on Friday and Saturday.

Couples Flickering Embers:  You get to canoodle and cocoon  in VIP spa suite by a warm fireplace wrapped up in nutrient-rich, detoxifying volcanic ash and washed off a neutral bath of fragranced essential oils and healing magnesium.  There’s an herbal elixir included along with a balancing abdominal massage of the Hara, the energy center of the body. Warm, comforting marine poultices are placed across the lower back, knees and neck, inspiring a deep relaxation and reconnection. Flickering Embers lasts 120 minutes and costs $325 per person–so it’s for the big spender.

For spa reservations, call 310-265-2740, 866-802-8000 or go to www.terranea.com. 

About Terranea Resort  is located 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, above the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts. Resort amenities include The Links at Terranea, a 9-hole par 3 golf course; The Spa at Terranea, a 25,000 square-foot oceanfront spa; and three unique swimming pools, one with children’s play area and a 140-foot waterslide. Three ocean view restaurants offer a variety of food and beverage experiences including Catalina Kitchen for casual, all-day dining; mar’sel, the free-standing signature restaurant; and Nelson’s, a cliff-side restaurant and bar with spectacular vantage points for whale watching. Designed to reveal the Resort’s dramatic outdoor vistas, Terranea’s conference and meeting facilities include 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Other amenities include a children’s center with interactive programs and several miles of scenic bluff-top trails that connect miles of off-property coastal trails. A secluded beach cove also adds to the unique experiences at Terranea Resort. For more information visit www.terranea.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Chef Mavro’s in Hawaii

Lovers looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day might consider a trip to Hawaii. There’s still plenty of time to book a flight (for added Aloha consider Hawaiian Airlines (www.hawaiaanair.com) and dinner at Chef Mavro on Oahu (www.chefmavro.com).

My favorite chef  (picrtured here with his wife, Donna)  and island favorite, Mavro’s created  automatical  week long 3, 4 and 6 course   menus for the occasion from February 8 th menus (and Grand Tasting) highlighted by an irresistible Valentine’s Pavlova dessert with any menu. 

On February 13 and 14 Chef Mavro has created a “gourmet’s dream” 6-course Valentine Menu ($140) with caviar, oyster, foie gras, truffles, lobster & wagyu beef and of course the Pavlova with the option of specially selected wine pairings ($63).
 

Reservations from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (808) 944-4714 Confirm a table 24/7 on our website www.chefmavro.com.  AAA Five Diamond award 2011; the only Hawaii restaurant to hold the Three Toques 18/20 rating from Gayot; and Honolulu magazine “Chef’s Choice 2011.”  Farm-to-table contemporary regional cuisine.

‘gourmet’s dream’ valentine menu

the best of Provence and Hawaii

February 13 and 14, 2011  

OSETRA CAVIAR & OYSTER

california white sturgeon caviar, poached pacific oyster

celery root remoulade, champagne emulsion

paul & jean-marc pastou, 2009 sancerre, la côte de lury

foie gras parfait

green apple kanten, ume coulis, baby shiso

dr. f. weins-prüm, 2008 estate riesling, mosel

truffle poached egg “osmose”

peterson’s upland farm egg served with a potato mousseline

serrano ham ribbons

domaine zind humbrecht, 2008 pinot blanc, alsace

keahole lobster a la coque

cream of kahuku corn, chorizo puff, crustacean essence

dusted valley, 2009 viognier, yakima valley

or

our sommelier rare wine selection

henri clerc, 2008 puligny montrachet

(add 6.50)

100% wagyu beef

sautéed strip loin & braised short rib duo, no egg béarnaise

red cabbage marmalade, essence of sumida farms watercress

domaine serene, 2006 pinot noir, evenstad reserve, willamette valley

or

our sommelier rare wine selection

château rauzan segla, 2007grand cru classe  margaux

(add 6.50)

pre-dessert 

honeydew in champagne gelée

 Valentine’s pavlova

hawaiian vanilla meringue, raspberry poached in maple syrup

crème fraiche, valrhona chocolate bavaroise

domaine la tour vieille, 2008 banyuls

$140.00

wine pairings 63.00

 chef mavro – 1969 south king street, in Honolulu, jus to outside Waikiki, (808) 944-4714,  www.chefmavro.com.

Spice up your meal with some mighty fine win.

Flying to Honolulu on Hawaiian Air adds to the romance with the onboard Aloha spirit and amazing meals (yes you can still find good food aloft). Cupid’s tip: book in First Class, Hawaiian is offering special up grade fares at www.Hawaiianair.com.

The Diva Discovers Alexander’s for hair

Not your typical salon, Alexander’s for hair, a  family-run operation  that originated as a sort of Hooter’s hair salon for men called Reeder’s Barber Shop, concentrates on making men feel like men and women feel feminine.

Krissy Smith (whose mother, Jeanne Phares owns the shop) worked at Reeders where the requirement was well-endowed women in tight or revealing tops to groom macho men.  A successful formula it was, but alas all good things come to an end and Krissy was right there to pick up the pieces and open shop.

Her Alexander’s for hair, is hip and cool. You feel comfortable, which is important, plus the prices rock. It’s darn cheap at that for what you get.

he chic, but casual shop now favors both sexes. There are flat screen TVs at each styling station selected mostly for men who want to watch sports during preening, but of course women can watch shows of their choice, too.

There’s also wine, beer and soft drinks on tap, snacks and of course a full menu of services from head to toe at what Krissy calls, “five star services at three star prices.”  Indeed the fees posted are very reasonable. “You can get a color and cut for $100,” Krissy beamed.

You can even have a facial or $55  to $75, a back treatment for $65, custom peel for $25, mani/pedi for $35—complete with hand and foot rub and softening treatment), massage for just $75 for an hour and $90 for a hot stone rub.

Then there’s waxing, barbering (shave for $30, beard, beard rim for $15, a buzz cut for $25 and more).

I  was treated to an excellent mani/pedi and my hands and feet massaged and softened to a baby’s skin. I will be going back to try the other services especially since the salon is offering a 30% discount for all my readers of this blog as well as my LA Travel Diva Examiner.com  at:  www.examiner.com/travel–diva-in-los-angeles/patti-pietschmann    through the end of February.

Alexander’s is located at 11515 W Pico Blvd. 310-473-0462, www.alexandersforhair.com.

During Media Day, I  was introduced to Dr. Bernard Gramlic, founder of GRAM Skincare, who performs facial analysis with the Reveal Imager, who treated me to a session and let me tell you, it was revealing. But you’ll have to check out my LA Beauty Products Examiner site www.examiner.com/beauty-products-in-los-angeles/patti-pietschmann  for more on that.

For updates  please subscribe  to this column, just hit “Subscribe” and add your email, it’s free and easy and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Alexander’s, LA’s unisex salon for all reasons – Los Angeles Travel Diva | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/travel-diva-in-los-angeles/alexander-s-la-s-unisex-salon-for-all-reasons-1#ixzz1BQukub94

Alas things went south for the old salon and Krissy, who was an employee at the time, got her family into the act, remodeled the place and changed the name to Alexander’s For Hair.

The chic, but casual shop now favors both sexes. There are flat screen TVs at each styling station selected mostly for men who want to watch sports during preening, but of course women can watch shows of their choice, too.

There’s also wine, beer and soft drinks on tap, snacks and of course a full menu of services from head to toe at what Krissy calls, “five star services at three star prices.”  Indeed the fees posted are very reasonable. “You can get a color and cut for $100,” Krissy beamed.

You can even have a facial or $55  to $75, a back treatment for $65, custom peel for $25, mani/pedi for $35—complete with hand and foot rub and softening treatment), massage for just $75 for an hour and $90 for a hot stone rub.

Then there’s waxing, barbering (shave for $30, beard, beard rim for $15, a buzz cut for $25 and more).

I  was treated to an excellent mani/pedi and my hands and feet massaged and softened to a baby’s skin. I will be going back to try the other services especially since the salon is offering a 30% discount for all Examiner.com readers through the end of February.

Alexanders for hair is located at 11515 W Pico Blvd. 310-473-0462, www.alexandersforhair.com.

Pole Dance Your Way to A Buff Bod

If you look at and listen to Dionne Dominique (pictured here) you’ll want to head out to your nearest pole dancing studio and learn how to shimmy like this super buff 40-year-old dancer/instructor.

Here’s an idea for a Valentine’s Day gift  to give your gal  and you can watch!  It’s an hour-long, in-home pole dancing lesson that teaches how to wiggle and twirl sensuously just like you’ve seen done at those wild strip clubs.

Not only is this one of the most sensuous sessions, an hour burns mondo calories, firms, tones and reaches and touches that all  important Pilates core.

Dionne Dominique of Dionne Star Body charges $100 for an hour in your home and will offer series discount on request. She brings the pole but if you want one of your own she’ll get it for you wholesale, about $300. You can learn three spins and four sexy moves and 4 floor moves in 60 minutes. 

Dionne’s based in West Los Angeles and will  travel  up to 40 miles.

combo of both.

What to wear:    Dionne advises yoga pants or boy shorts and a tank top, need your skin to stick to the pole–you burn about 1000 calories  in one hour of pole dancing–it’s a little more  difficult than  expected.  

Will you fall: maybe some do. Even Dionne fell  performing Scorpions (which is as it sounds), need to squeeze, makes you super lean.

 

   Book a session at: 310-806-2279 or one line at www.dionnestarbody.com

The Diva and the Dirty Martini

Richard's Martini from the well, Martini Bar ($9.50 plus 18% tip)

Acapulco ftom the Diva’s verandah on Oceania’s MarinaArriving in Los Cabos on Oceania Cruises’ MarinaMS Marina in Chiapas, Mexico

Heading through the Panama Canal

Free Bloody Mary's on the Marina during crossing of Panama Canal

Marina makes maiden voyage through Panama Canal

The Diva looking out to Cabo on the Marina

Salmon tartar served on the Marina, like all the food it was exceptional

Diva’s favorite bar stool in the Casino Bar on the Marina

Information: www.oceaniacruises.com,     photography by Richard and Patti Pietschmann

Fall Fashions From Theia That Will Wow You

Photography by Linda Covello, www.lindacovellophotography.com,

Linda Covello covered Theia’s fall fashion show at NY Fashion Week, here’s her first hand report:

Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday with an exclusive preview of Theia’s Fall 2011 collection.  Creative Director Don O’Neill presented his mystically and galactically inspired gowns and dresses to a rapt audience who seemed transfixed listening to him explain how his designs are a reflection of a lifelong obsession with his own Celtic heritage as well as the mythical and powerful Irish national treasure, “The Book of Kells”.  The calligraphy and design motifs within this ancient text are reflected on the fabrics of the luminous dresses and gowns that managed to catch the light in a very mystical way as the models twirled and walked in the bright white showroom.

O’Neill has a lustrous fashion background that includes training with Lacroix in Paris as well as time spent as the steward of the Badgley Mischka Platinum label.  His earliest inspiration comes from his mother and her elegant Bergdorf Goodman dresses and Ib Jorgensen couture suits, which must have lit up the small seaside village of Ballyheigue in Ireland where O’Neill was raised. Now his lovely and ethereal dresses are gracing the sylphlike forms of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. The lovely young Swift just wore O’Neill’s silvery glimmering and shimmering mini dress on October 26^th on NBC’s The Today Show for her album release performance.

Theia’s designs are the perfect compliment to any gorgeous actress making her appearance on the red carpet.

The Diva Didn’t Have to Go Far to Find Her Spa

Le Posh Spa

Holly had me. She took me for all I was worth. My body collapased, I began to doze.  Her melodic movements put me in a trance.  It was a Diva’s dream come true–a facial that only improved my looks but relaxed me to a plutocratic pulp.

The Divaonthe go tried a new spa aptly called Le Posh Salon. I booked the signature facial and lucked out with Holly–although I’m sure the entire staff of this 4 week old LA day spa is as able bodied.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, just shie  of the heart of Hollywood, the  highly stylized spa  seems a bit out of place among the funky shops and eateries that line the area.  But that’s part of the charm.

When you walk in the door you can feel the vibe, hip, young, engergetic–possibly induced by the free espresso/cappucino bar or the complimentary Vieuve Cliquot champagne (one of my favorites) or the long WiFi bar where you can plop your laptop and go to work or email or whatever you do, but of course why would you  want to when the spa’s intent is  to relax and induce nirvana.

I love the phyiscal place–but it was the facial that sold me. Now if you read my blogs and/or Examiner.com pieces you know that I’ve had lots of beauty treatments all over the world. So I do not  compliment lightly. The Diva takes her facials seriously especially at today’s high prices.

Le Posh uses one of the best products on the market f or their facials: Biologique Recherche, that combined with Holly’s holy hands,  made for a marriage made in facial heaven.  The products really work. My face felt taut and looked younger after the 90 minute treatment, that also included a barely legal scalp massage (it was that rewarding), and hand, foot and shoulder massage s.

Let’s face it, what else is there in life.

Le Posh Salon is located at 7551 Sunset Blvd., LA, 323-851-5559, www.salonleposh.com.

WiFi Bar is free to hook up, drink bubbly or coffee

Truckit Fest at Union Station stars Cheeseball Wagon, Vesuviola and Auntie’s Frybread

 

Foodies rev your engines, the next Truckit Fest is heading to LA’s Union Station on April 3, grab your knife and fork and dig in…

The your eyes are bigger than our tummy event lured  an estimated 5000 local foodies when it debuted March 6 and lots more are expected at this one where vendors such as Cheeseball Wagon, Vesuviola and Auntie’s Frybread will cook up a storm.

The historic train station provides a picturesque setting for e monthly event, which costs just $5 for general admission and $25 for a VIP pass which allows access to the Truck Stop Lounge in the Fred Harvey Room– with a live DJ and table service. Start the day at the Wine Bar. e located in the restaurant’s moody art deco bar where Liquid Assets will provide a selection of Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz, and the menu of Craft Beers includes Stone IPA, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Fat Tire, Newcastle, Corona, Blue Moon, and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA.

New trucks participating in April include Meet ‘n Potatoes, Piaggio, Jody Maroni, Happy Cup, Auntie’s Frybread, The Cheeseball Wagon, Macho Nacho, The Yummy One, Louks To Go, Wrap Me Silly, Ludo Truck, and VesuvioLA. There’s also a shopping section filled with homemade art and accessories is now open to the public (no entrance fee needed), and now includes antiques, vintage and collectable items. TruckIt Fest, Sunday April 3rd, from 11 AM-5 PM at Union Station, 800 North Alameda Street. General admission is $5, V.I.P. is $25, and kids under 12 are free. Valet parking costs $15 and self-parking in the Metro Water District Building is $10.

 Arrive by who Metro and show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or Destinations Discounts card train ticket get $1 off admission. Tickets are available online or at the event. For more information visit www.truckitfest.com or call 866.966.9495.

Kaya Kalp Spa in India Provides a Diva’s Pamper Fantasy

Kaya Kalp Spa sounds so swank, so salubrius, so right for a Diva–yet so far away.  Set on 35 acres of lush gardens not too farfrom India’s Taj Mahal–yet many air hours away  from America–visiting this 90,000 square foot royal pamper palace is no easy chore. 

But from the looks of it, it just might be worth grabbing a  $4, 445 Business Class ticket on Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) –which of course is the Diva’s preferred mode of transportation.

Anyhow this place rocks . Set in a  ITC Mughal Hotel  where  42 outrageously opulent suites house an upscale clientele, the spa speaks of nature, ancient rituals, penultimate indulgence.

And if you can get there, they’re offering quite a deal:  

The Luxury Spa Getaway

A Visit to Kaya Kalp may be considered a journey through a world of regal luxury and pampering. 

 *1 fifty minutes Spa Treatment *Continental breakfast per person *Welcome Wellness Basket in the room. Includes protein Bars, nuts, sparkling beverages, bottle of water, seasonal fruit *4 PM  late check for  $335.00 a night, with a two night minimum stay.

This Spa experience, spread across more than 99,000 square feet, offers guests traditional therapies based on ancient customs in regal surroundings. This is where Mughal opulence comes together with meaningful experiences for the soul. This magnificent oasis of tranquility follows Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water, both important elements in gardens laid out by the Mughal Dynasty.  It was Babar, the first Mughal Emperor, who brought into India his concept of gardens. With running water channels, fountains, fragrant flowers and fruit bearing trees, these were areas meant to be lived in – lulled by the soothing sound of running water, the fragrance of blossoming fruit trees and birdsong – often referred to as the ‘Gardens of Paradise’

At the Kaya Kalp, all these aspects have come together in a close synthesis between indoor and outer spaces. Many traditional influences of Mughal landscaping and architecture can be seen here – running water, fountains and outdoor rain water showers, courts full of greenery open to the skies and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work.

 

The Pomegranate Theme

 

In honor of Mughal Emperor Babar, the pomegranate fruit has been adapted as the theme (liet motif) of this very regal spa. It is widely believed that Babar, was responsible for bringing in a wide variety of fruit including the ‘pomegranate’ to India, across the Himalayas from his home land, Ferghana.

At Kaya Kalp, a ruby red pomegranate trellis is dramatically used along the wall and the ceiling. The same motif is repeated in the white terrazzo flooring inlaid with red engineered stone – stretching diagonally across the floor in a dramatic design concept.

 

The Therapy

 

A visit to the spa may be considered a journey through a world of luxury and pampering – the fabled India that travelers from across the seas, wrote about in their memoirs. In this regal lifestyle, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa captures the spiritual and medicinal legacies of the Mughal Dynasty. For instance, Babar’s legacy of fruit is highlighted through a luxurious ‘Pomegranate Aromasoul Massage’, which serves to detoxify, revitalize and elevate the senses. The ‘Pomegranate Ritual Scrub’, followed by the ‘Pomegranate Infusion Bath’, may be considered the ultimate in relaxation therapies – within a private garden atmosphere while sipping a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate elixir.

 

Therapists at the Spa are trained to reach out through their expert hands, to bring guests the healing qualities of some of the world’s most precious stones and metals. These include the exotic ‘Illuminating Pearl and Gem Stone Facial’ and the ‘Chakra Balancing Gem Stone Massage’. Eight exquisitely designed luxury treatment suites, offer well-known therapies from across the world. ‘The Royal Mughal Hamam’, is the first luxury hamam in India and recreates the mood of the royal hamams of the Mughal Dynasty.

Other known spa therapies include the popular ‘Thai Massage’, the ‘Monticelli Mud Wrap’ and the ‘Mung Bean Soap Massage’. There is also a special suite set aside for India’s very own ‘Ayurvedic ‘ therapies, which include guidance in yoga, Shirodhara, Abhyanga and the famous hot Herbal Poultice Massage. 

The Hair and Nail Spa, is a world of pampered luxury, equipped with the latest state of the art treatments, while the Water Therapy Room offers the essentials of all spas – steam, whirlpool and sauna. 

The Mughal mood is heightened at the open-air 25 – metre lap pool, surrounded by relaxation areas. Set within a garden of fruit-bearing trees, lush green lawns and flowers, this is where specialty poolside treatments are offered.  Refreshments and snacks are also served here, through a special menu consisting of unique recipes in keeping with the mood of the spa. n

India was one of only 12 countries worldwide to win the first Aga Khan Award, instituted in 1980. ITC Mughal was singled out for the award for “successfully achieving consistency with historical context.” The award’s committee described the hotel as “an expression of the culture and rich architectural tradition of the region with an entirely contemporary vocabulary of forms.”

With the addition of the Spa, a whole new dimension has been added to the hotel’s architecture, which was inspired by the use of space in Mughal Architecture, as seen at ‘Fatehpur Sikri’, the abandoned city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In keeping with the hotel’s ambience the new spa, adds to the Mughal mood, through close attention to detailing while maintaining its contemporary idiom.   

 Links: www.starwoodhotels.com– got to Agra Hotels  luxury collection; for air check out deals at:  www.emerates.com.

A Magical Meal at the Belvedere by Chef James Overbaugh

Luscious dessertThe Diva and Chef Overbaugh

Hotel Hana Maui Reopens With New Name

Hotel Hana Maui changes everything

One of my favorite Hawaiian haunts and a major destination for many Angelinos, the heavenly Hana Maui will reopen in June as a mere memory of its former self. The news went out over the coconut wireless while I was island hopping aboard the Crystal Symphony during a 14-day roundtrip cruise from Los Angeles. Once a major jet set hang out and Rosewood Hotel property– where the rich and famous frolicked and played in utmost, casual chic opulence by the sea—the hotel now runs under the name “Travaasa Hana”.

Operated by Green Tea LLC as one of the company’s Travaasa Destinations the 70-room hotel will offer all-inclusive rates starting at just under $600 when it opens in June.

Hopefully the name and rates will be the only major change since this is one getaway that didn’t need to get much better

The $1,000 a pop tequila

The Diva on the go loves good tequila….

Tequila

 World’s Most Expensive Tequila Pop Made with Clase Azul Ultra & Gold Flakes Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (May 11, 2011) – At $1000 a pop, the world’s most expensive tequila popsicle is made with 24 ct. gold flakes and Tequilas Premium Clase Azul Ultra tequila, which retails around $1500/bottle. For those on a budget, there’s straight Clase Azul Ultra for $500 a shot.

 The pop is now available at the 237-all suite Marquis Los Cabos resort in Baja California Sur where it’s served poolside, regularly lauded as one of the most impressive infinity pools in the world. For more information on Marquis Los Cabos, please visit http://www.marquisloscabos.com.

 “From mini-indulgences like the Tequila Pop to indulgent fantasy services and programs, Marquis Los Cabos allows guests to personalize their hotel stay as part of the resort’s new approach to service, ‘Customized Luxury,’” said General Manager Ella Messerli. As the first Distinctive T recipient in Baja California Sur, Marquis Los Cabos hosted the worldwide launch for the Clase Azul Ultra in 2007.

Awarded by the Tequila Regulatory Council (TRC) in Mexico, Distinctive T honors resorts, hotels and restaurants dedicated to promoting the quality, culture and prestige of tequila. Marquis Los Cabos exceeded strict and numerous requirements to obtain and maintain the Distinctive T certification including educating the entire staff on the tequila culture, preserving the authenticity of tequila products and only serving authentic, certified tequila.

About Marquis Los Cabos: The 237 all-suite beachfront Marquis Los Cabos Resort is located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, and is minutes from the authentic Old World village of San Jose del Cabo as well as the lively town of Cabo San Lucas. The resort features a 15,000 square foot holistic spa and fitness center, an exclusive gourmet restaurant where a Michelin-pedigreed chef prepares a nightly prix fixe menu and an extensive collection of Latin American sculpture and painting on display in public areas and guest suites. Since its 2003 opening, Marquis Los Cabos has earned the travel industry’s most coveted awards including “World’s Best” (Travel + Leisure); “Gold List” (Condé Nast Traveler); “Best Value” (Condé Nast Traveler); the AAA Four Diamond, and the Five Star Diamond for its Canto del Mar restaurant. Marquis Los Cabos is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos.

A Photo Journey of Food We Ate During 14 Days on the Crystal Symphony

A martini at the Avenue

Buffalo mozzarella with cavair

The bread basket

Striped bass from Prego

Carpaccio from Prego

Tofu from room service

gnocci from Prego

Laulau from Silk Road

Veal chop ordered in advance from Prego

Divas do get wary wearing the same shabby dress

Get to the gym to fit into this

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Please check out my article at:

Worth dieting and exercising for this one

http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/no-more-formal-night-fretting-slide-show 

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/32ubIW/www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/no-more-formal-night-fretting-slide-show

Simply stunning by Theiawww.theiacouture.com  Follow on twitter @THEIAprChick Wow,  talented photographer Linda Covello (www.lindacovellophotography.com) covered the showing of uber designer Theia’s 2012 resort collection which really made this diva drool.  With all the cruises and tropical trips I take, this is right up my wardrobe alley…check out the goods:Get to the gym to fit into thisWorth dieting and exercising for this one

Journey One Note

The Diva on the go discovers the ultimate travel tool for her laptop, don’t leave home without it…..

If you don’t own it, get it now. Microsoft Office OneNote is the perfect digital “catch all” notebook for travelers, writers on the road, or anyone who just wants to record, organize and jot down notes and ideas along the way.

The OneNote travel-focused template is a click away: http://bit.ly/OneNoteTripbook – Just hit “save, “open and like magic there’ a an oganized digital notebook ready for you to create and manage all things travel. For more details go to: Office blog. Or read this excerpt: One of the most thrilling parts of travel is the planning process.

Even if you’re not  organized, daydreaming about far-away places and weighing your options between all of those cool places you’ve ever wanted to visit can be a lot of fun. Ready to dive into those bulky travel books and endless websites to research your choices for your next vacation? First, consider how and where you’re going to collect and use all of that information.

Travel planning is time-consuming enough without going back to the same websites over and over again. With a reported 93 million U.S. adults using the Internet for travel-related research and planning in 2010, the choices and details involving a family vacation can be overwhelming.

It’s only a matter of time before important websites are forgotten and vital travel information and emails are misplaced. Remember how much time you wasted on your last trip, shuffling through all of the printouts and note scribbles to find your sightseeing tips from friends and coworkers, or any of your flight, hotel, and tour confirmations? Didn’t you wish there was a better way to keep everything in one place?

On your next getaway pack the Microsoft OneNote! .OneNote isn’t just good for all of the research and planning that happens before a trip. It’s helpful once you’ve left home and you need to recall any particular detail at any given moment.

Here are just some of the ways in which OneNote can be a lifesaver when you’re on the road:  Lost your passport? Have a medical emergency? If you scanned copies of your passport, medication labels, or immunization records into OneNote, they’re available to you even if the originals are lost or stolen.

 Hotel mix-up when you arrive? No more vacancy when you decide to stay another day? Book a new deal by using your screen clippings from websites of all of your preferred hotels and restaurants that you previously researched. Don’t want to pack your laptop?

 Save your notebooks to the cloud with a free Windows Live SkyDrive account, and access your notebooks with either the OneNote Mobile apps on Windows Phone 7 and iPhone, or with the free OneNote Web App for browsers on other devices or on computers in Internet cafés.

Traveling with fiends and family? Let them in  to your travel notebook on SkyDrive so they can look up and even add their own information whenever they want or need to.

Go paperless! Why drag out pieces of paper from your stash of printouts and risk losing them to a spilled cup of coffee when you can do an instant search in your digital OneNote notebook? Travel light with OneNote and leave the paper chase at home. Not sure how to customize a downloaded notebook? Office Casual expert Doug Thomas has put together a quick video.

It’s FREE for two months! If you don’t yet have OneNote 2010 on your computer, download a free, fully functional 60-day trial version. I just downloaded it and can’t wait to try it out on my next trip.

Martinis They Make You Feel Good

Bombay Sapphire gin and a whiff of vermouth, shaken not stirred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumed at the bar at Cafe Was in Hollywood, California

A New Playground for the Beautiful People

The Infinity pool

There’s a new playground for the world’s rich and beautiful–a private retreat called Scrub Island, in the British Virgin Islands where you can hideaway by the sea.

Check it out here:  http://www.examiner.com/travel-diva-in-los-angeles/jet-setting-angelenos-are-buzzing-about-scrub-island

Ooh la la a clinique en France for votre skin

 

 CAP D’ANTIBES, France, — Since opening its doors last month, Le Clinique Science & Beaute has garnered glowing reviews from celebrities to stressed out VIPs, executives, athletes and jet-setters.

And why not.  Based on the glamorous Cap d’Antibes and founded by world-famous plastic surgeon to the stars and respected author Dr. Henry Delmar, ‘Le Clinique Science & Beaute’ visitors choose between five or six day ‘cure’ packages, after which, one recent client commented: “It’s the best thing I have done for myself in my life, I went home feeling and looking better than I have in years!”

Delmar said, “The clinic has been fully booked and we have had an incredible amount of interest from people looking for this type of service. It seems we have filled a gap in the market because it’s a totally different approach to fixing health problems. It’s going at an issue from every angle possible, but in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

These packages consist of treatments designed to put your mind, body and soul as a whole into sync and to leave every part of you in optimum condition after a series of intensive treatments from the team of in-house top-flight medical professionals.

Dr. Delmar has hand-picked the best in their field to tend to his clients. His team consists of doctors who specialize in: Western modern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, biology, nutrition, endocrinology, Chinese medicine, osteopathy, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, cardiology, genetics, chiropody, naturopathy and aromatherapy to ensure no area of the client’s health has gone unchecked.

Many visitors have reported that conditions that ailed them for years, that no amount of pills or visits to their doctor could cure, such as insomnia, anxiety, skin conditions, problems caused by menopause and crippling back pain have vanished after a five-day stay at the Le Clinique Science & Beaute.

“We had a couple visit us together and they told us after their treatments that we have saved their marriage,” said Delmar. “The relationship was hanging by a thread and they thought it was because they had lost their libidos and desire for one another after twenty years together. They admitted they even slept in separate bedrooms. We found several physiological problems and dealt with those and they left us happy, full of energy and with a renewed lust for each other.”

Although the clinic itself is based in the high-end Villa Sylvana, guests stay in either the nearby five-star Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or the Inter-Continental Carlton in Cannes – which of course, means they have the added benefit of using the spa facilities, shopping in the designer boutiques on the Croisette or relaxing by the pool being waited on.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.clinique-science-beaute.com

For Bookings:
E-mail: contact@clinique-science-beaute.com
Tel: +33 (0) 49 330 330

 

 

New Luscious Lipstick Launches at the Plaza with Rachel Zoe Presiding

Luscious lips Exude

Your Diva on the go was invited to an exclusive launch of a new lipstick called Exude, that was presided over, at the swank Edwardian Room of the Plaza Hotel, by none other than super woman of all trades, Rachel Zoe.

Rachel Zoe photo by Linda Covello (www.lindacovellophotography.com)

In lieu of jetting across country, I sent my NY associate Linda Covello (www.lindacovellophotography.com) to cover  it. Here’s her report and fine photos:

 

Pro makeup artists, beauty journalists and Zoe mill around the Edwardian Room

The NY Plaza's Edwardian Room set the stage for Rachel Zoe and Exude

It was a real scene at the Edwardian Room during

the debut of this revolutionary lipstick that comes with  a crystal applicator which will retain its shape over time, so women will never have to worry about their lipstick wearing down, melting or crumbling.

That queen of chic, Rachel Zoe, style expert par excellence, gave her nod to Exude before a select group of press in the glamorous setting while scrumptious macaroons and champagne went the rounds.

 A handful of professional makeup artists were in attendance to demonstrate the application and explain the longevity of the colors to the beauty elite. The line consists of lip crème which is available in 9 colors, including a gorgeous nude color which was tucked inside the gift bag, as well as lip gloss in 5 colors. The clever applicator is shaped like a traditional lipstick, but the color is pumped through a small hole in the top and this is what keeps your lipstick ever camera ready. The exceptional formula, which is enhanced with a smooth hint of mint scent, is lightweight, comfortable and moisturizing.  

The swag bag

Exude Lipstick will be offered exclusively at www.exudelipstick.com starting in August 2011 with Rachel Zoe as its brand ambassador.

Only in LA

Seen on Highland Avenue in LA, artist unknown, celeb Christopher Walken

4 good reasons to high tail if off to Las Vegas

Siegel's gold Spike Girls

If you want to thinking more about plunging necklines than plummeting stock markets, here’s 4 good reasons why you should high tail to Las Vegas now:  http://www.examiner.com/travel-diva-in-los-angeles/luck-be-a-

PR Between a Hard Rock and a Hotel

From the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, California

So the Divaonthego went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, California today to learn all about the namesake hotels.

The PR firm was there as was Michael C. Shindler, exec. vp and Blake smith, global music and marketing mgr.

They did a slide presentation but basically told us little about the hotels (and no press kits were provided either), save that the group was expanding, economy willing, to Budapest and beyond. It’s actually in Bali and London and places you wouldn’t expect.

Blake mentioned some hush hush free music amenities will be added to the already in place perks guests get at the front desk during check-in. But he couldn’t divulge except to say if we went to the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel we might catch a hint or two.

Hmmmm, we did get swag, a very large black Hard Rock robe that would go around me three times and maybe more.

Hey I’m not complaining, just would have like a press kit and more info to report about on my LA Travel Diva Examiner page.

I did get cool photos, though of the Cafe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow What a Difference a Make-over makes

Angie gets a make-over, photo by www. LindaCovellophotography.com

Caught your attention I bet. This is a real make-over that was done at

Alma Salon in NYC and captured on camera by the extremely talented Linda Covello.

  Come back for more details and more photos. But before you do checkout Linda’ web site of photos, it will blow you away.(www.lindacovellophotagrahy.com)

More Wow Factor Make-Overs

Meridith is a natural beauty but the make over made her even more stunning

OMG, what a little hair and make up can do to an already gorgeous creature.

 

Photography by Linda Covello (www.lindacovellophotography.com), make-over by Alma New York.

Posting by the divaonthego

Three Women Walk into a Salon and Leave Looking Like a Million Dollars

Three pretty women  walked  into a New York salon the other day and left  looking like a million dollars. An episode of “Sex and the City”?   Not quite.  But I could see Carrie and girls there.

The transformation took place at Alma G. Salon in NYC’s Flatiron district. Ourr heroines are pretty close in profile to the sexy and talented gals from the show that defined what it means to be feminine, feisty and fashionable in the most glamorous city on the planet. 

If you can makeover here like the one these three beauties received from Alma G and her talented team of stylists, well you can take it anywhere! 

Here we go: Angie Bolivar,

Angie

a petite brunette law student currently interning with a law firm in New Jersey, a makeover that was pretty drastic in its scope with a result that was nothing less than cutting edge chic. Angie arrived at Alma’s salon early in the day to consult with the team about the direction she was open to going in.

Angie befoe

Alma described her vision to Angie with her trademark confidence and passion for what she sees as the beauty in the raw that her talents can draw out of an individual. Angie at first seemed very hesitant to commit to this radical change because she justifiably was concerned about the conservative nature of her profession. Alma wanted to take Angie’s look to the extreme with an asymmetrical cut and a shock of vivid blue color. Angie’s hesitation was completely erased by Alma’s assurances that the result would highlight and help define her already gorgeous cheekbones and bring out her inner gamine.

 

 

 

 

Meet Meridith–

Meridith

a lithe and lovely  dance instructor from NY’s  Upper West Side, Meridith was committed to keeping her hair long and was reluctant to lose more than a couple of inches of dry split ends. She too couldn’t resist the  team’s charm. An voila, her brunette locks were changed into  lustrous honey blonde and sunny highlights that brought out her gorgeous eye color and enhanced her rich skin tone.

Meridith is a natural beauty but the make over made her even more stunning

A  manicure with hand painted floral detail by the patient and methodical manicurist Maritza completed Merdith’s transformation from beachy frizz and chipped nails to well tended glamour goddess.

Tammy

And for our youngest transformed lovely we have the sexy Tamy Cruz, a recent high school graduate with plans to attend college this fall to study Marine Biology.   She walked into Alma’s salon defiant to keep her tresses long. She quickly also succumbed to the will and artistry of the woman who knows what is best for personal beauty statements and now sports a super sexy. Alma’s team is very tight knit that aspire to artistic beauty. 

Credits:

 Makeup by Veronica–highly skilled stylist who has mad skills with color as well as cut, but she was the maestro behind the makeup for all three women. Hair styling: Ryan did the cuts for Meridith and Angie, while Alma G. took are of Tamy’s tresses. 
Clothes:  by Don O’Neill for  Theia, the Goddess of Light herself, shimmering creations. 
Photography:  The impossibly talented Linda Covello (www.lindacovellophotography.com)
Research: Linda Covello, who also shot the photos.
Salon:  Alma,  www.almasalon.com –The hair salon and spa of choice for many celebrities … 38 E 21st Street, 212-353-0600.

Angelo David Salon Transforms Ordinary Hair into Mane Masterpieces

Model Reilly Chaffin gets hair cut with Couture fillers, photo by www.lindacovellophotography.com

The fantasy coiff women dream of becomes a reality at  The Angelo David Salon in New York City where luscious locks are  achieved with Couture fillers and hair additions that are customized to each individual lifestyle.   

  Celebrity Hairstylist Angelo David with his movie star looks and soft spoken demeanor treats every client like a celebrity.  He explains  that every day a different hair story walks into his salon.  From a bad color job  or over processing,  he helps restore what was lost to the fullest possible extent. 

Photo by Linda Covello

Patiently and with an acute meticulous style, he uses his signature process  of building hair up in thickness and fullness with the piece by piece addition of each custom couture filler.  The seamless application process is carefully executed, after which the hair is cut and styled just like one’s own natural hair. 

Angelo employs 1 to 20 different types of Couture extensions. No cookie cutter stuff for this talented hair expert who customizes the client’s hair the same way that Vera Wang designs a wedding dress, personally and crafted to each individual lifestyle. 

Angelo making model manes

Glam hair, red carpet hair, whatever your dream hair, there is not much that Angelo and his team of twenty trained stylists cannot do.   Whether you want to go from short to long, thin to thick, or just get your sexy back, hair extensions, when done correctly, can be your best kept secret.

 The look of flawless and genuine hair is achieved with Angelo David’s trademarked Angelo David Couture Hair Extensions and Additions (couture extensions for length; additions and fillers for fuller, thicker hair; fringe for bangs or hairline correction; and wigs) a collection of customizable, 100-percent genuine tresses.  Angelo will first talk with you in one of the salon’s private consultation rooms and discuss your day to day routine, analyze your locks and create a look that will blend seamlessly into your own individual lifestyle.

Voila!

 Angelo is committed to working with hair extensions so it looks like your own hair.  From visible adhesives to an unnatural finish, without expert selection, application and care, extensions will fail to achieve the desired, stylishly flawless look.

Report and photos by Linda Covello,  www.lindacovellophotography.com

 www.angelodavid.com . 48 East 43rd Street #2, NY, 212- 883- 6620

Nirvana at the Ritz Carlton LA Spa

Chaises in the spa

Okay I now you can’t see them, but there are two stone tiled chaises in the steam bath at the Spa at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Los Angeles at Nokia Live and it was heaven for me. I love to steam and these were the most comfortable steam chairs I ever reclined in.

That was only the beginning, an 80  minute massage from Jennifer, a young woman who worked for years at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs–one SoCal’s best spas–was magnificent, truly fantastic.

www.ritzcarlton.comn/losangeles

 

Become an Urban Shopper

– September 6th, 2011 makes the official launch of Urban Sanctuary– the most recent in a long line of innovative projects from L.A.’s leading creative firm- 0Three Media.

Inspired by a combination of the countless “flash sale” websites taking over the internet; Urban Sanctuary will span three days and feature a multitude of interactive demos, displays, activities and entertainment for guests to experience.

Urban Sanctuary is designed to be just what it’s name implies; both an elegant and exclusive meeting place where industry leaders, emerging brands, trendsetting consumers, and the Hollywood elite gather to mix, mingle, sip & shop while raising money for various charitable organizations focused on improving communities & changing lives.

Boasting an elite list of clients + collaborators and offering a truly memorable shopping experience for guests; the members-only shopping club’s sole mission is to create positive change through a unique series of retail events that create, connect, and inspire attendees. At 4pm daily the Urban Sanctuary will be open to consumers as well as L.A. tastemakers who will be offered a sneak peak at this “social media retail revolution.”

They will have unparalleled access to shop luxury and lifestyle brands at a special discounted rate, with a portion of all proceeds going back to the St. Bernard Project, in support of their work to rebuild homes and lives for Hurricane Katrina Survivors in New Orleans.

The September Urban Sanctuary has been specifically tailored to cater to the upscale ‘jetset’ crowd; offering an inside look at the newest offerings from brands that have raised the bar on fashion, technology, leisure and lifestyle products for the trendy traveler. When asked how his concept for Urban Sanctuary was different, 0Three Media founder Thom Vest remarked “I really wanted to create a comfortable and interactive environment where celebrities, media, brands and tastemakers could co-exist while blurring the lines that have confined not only the retail experience but also that of the traditional gifting suite.”

Fin shoes with a kick!

discovered on Facebook

9/11 front page headlines

Virgin America adds service to Palm Springs from SFO and JFK

Palm Springs

 Virgin America starts flying to Palm Springs  (PSP) from San Francisco (SFO) this December, wish it were LAX instead, PS is the Diva’s kind of town. Anyway you are now free to order tickets on line at www.virginamerica.com.

Palm Springs, “Hollywood’s Playground,”  and Virgin America are a match made in the friendly skies. Both foster a pseudo quirky personality with a touch of flamboyance.
The desert resort area offers a moderate climate from now through May, but heats up big time after that. There’s lots to do there from world class golf and shopping to entertainment venues. 
Palm Springs marks the 16th  destination in the award-winning airline’s growing network. As the only California-based airline, Virgin America will bring its unique brand of low-fare competition to the PSP market with a seasonal daily flight schedule operating from December 15, 2011-April 30, 2012.

The airline will offer daily nonstop intra-California flights from SFO to PSP and daily same-plane through-flights from New York to PSP. To mark its expansion to the ultimate winter getaway, today the carrier also launches a “Get Some Playtime” fare sale with SFO-PSP fares from $99* and JFK-SFO-PSP fares from $199.*

 “As the only California-based airline, we’re pleased to launch seasonal service to one of our state’s most popular getaway spots – Palm Springs and the surrounding desert resort cities,” said David Cush, President and CEO of Virgin America. “Our expansion to the region will inject some much-needed competition into the air travel market.

VA offers custom-designed mood-lit cabins and inventive amenities like fleetwide WiFi, power outlets and touch-screen entertainment at every seat. The Red™ entertainment platform offers guests their own nine inch touch-screen TV with 35 on-demand films, live TV, Google Maps, videogames, seat-to-seat chat, music videos, a 3000 track MP3 catalog and an on-demand menu – so flyers can order a cocktail or snack right from their seatback any time during a flight.

 “Virgin America is a world class brand and Palm Springs is a world class destination and we are thrilled to join together and provide this new air service at Palm Springs International Airport,” said Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet.

 

“We work hard to deliver a high caliber airport to all of our tenant airlines and we are confident that Virgin America and its guests will be very pleased with the service provided at PSP Airport,” said Thomas Nolan, Executive Director of the PSP Airport.

 

In honor of its newest destination, Virgin America is offering a system-wide “Get Some Playtime” fare sale. “Get Some Playtime” fares are now available for purchase at www.virginamerica.com and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN.** Tickets must be purchased by 11:59pm PDT on September 23, 2011. Main Cabin short-haul fares start from $49* and new SFO-PSP fares start from $99* (restrictions, taxes and fees apply).

 

“Known for our weather, unrivalled golfing, world class resorts and globally-recognized festivals like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Palm Springs market is a perfect fit for Virgin America’s chic new flight service,” said Scott White, President and CEO of Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities CVA. “The airline’s new nonstop and through flights from both SFO and JFK will lower fares and improve service in our market – and allow more travelers to enjoy all that our unique region has to offer.”

 

Palm Springs, California and the other cities that make up the Desert Resorts destination, is the ultimate desert oasis playground for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, gaming and entertainment. The desert climate guarantees sunny weather and the cities are nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. Palm Springs, Coachella, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta and Palm Desert offer streets lined with palm trees, the best in shopping, art galleries and museums and renowned outdoor dining – all amidst breathtaking scenery. In addition to luxury resorts and world-class golfing, the region has in recent years welcomed an influx of hip boutique hotels and landmark events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Palm Springs has a history as the holiday home of many Hollywood stars from the 1940s on – and is known as the center of “Desert Modernism” mid-century modern architecture. For more on the region, visit: www.PalmSpringsUSA.com

 

In just four years flying, the San Francisco-based Virgin America has expanded to 16 destinations (including PSP), created 2,100 new jobs and swept the major travel awards, including “Best Domestic Airline” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and “Best Domestic Airline” in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008, 2009 and 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. The carrier’s new aircraft offer a host of upscale amenities, including custom-designed seating, mood-lit cabins, power outlets and the Red platform – the most advanced in-flight entertainment system in the skies.

 In addition to a Main Cabin that offers each guest a personal TV, power outlets and a leather seat with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, the airline’s First Class offers plush white leather seating with 55 inches of pitch, 165 degrees of recline and lumbar massagers. The carrier’s Main Cabin Select option offers 38-inches of pitch, free food and cocktails, an all-access pass to media content, dedicated overhead bins and priority check-in/boarding. For photos of the airline’s unique aircraft: http://www.virginamerica.com/about/airline-photos/virgin-america-pictures.html

For video b-roll of the destination and Virgin America aircraft: http://videostorage.prnewswire.com/storage2/preview/52267b_preview.wmv

 

With seasonal service from December 15, 2011-April 30, 2012, Virgin America’s daily PSP schedule is as follows:

FROM	TO	DEP	ARR	STOPS
PSP	SFO	1850	2025	NONE
SFO	PSP	1635	1805	NONE
FROM	TO	DEP	ARR	STOPS
PSP	JFK	1850	0555 (+1)	1
JFK	PSP	1155	1805	1

The Diva’s cruise on the Silver Spirit

Left in the wake of the Silver SpiritGeorge Bunar of AGB Inc. picks us up for ride to LAXCheese served on Air France in First Class

LisbonTiara Atlantic Park, LisbonLisbon

A disgruntled diva grouses about a bad First Class service on American Airlines

The Diva on the go, as my readers well know, rarely flies coach. I will use mileage and money to avoid sitting in the back of the bus. However on one recent flight the system backfired on me. Now my husband says it’s not worth the price of an upgrade. Hopefully this was just one instance of a cranky flight attendant.

Here’s the story as reported on my LA Travel Examiner page: http://www.examiner.com/travel–diva-in-los-angeles/patti-pietschmann, you really should read it before you plunk down cash or mileage to upgrade.

Clad only in a lacy black bra and panties at Wi Spa–a journey into a Korean fantasy

The gorgeous women's area at Wi Spa

Clad only in a lacy black bra and panties, my Korean therapist at Wi Spa worked on my body like a pro, scrubbing it clean and silky. She spoke little and understood even less, but we didn’t need to communicate as she pummeled me to a virtual pulp during a 90 minute Buff & Massage at the most unusual spa (www.wipausa.com) near downtown Los Angeles.

One thing is certain, Koreans take body scrubs and massages very seriously.

Read all about it here: http://www.examiner.com/destination-spas-in-los-angeles/ajumas-and-jimjilbang-are-wi-spa-speak-at-la-s-ultimate-korean-sanctuary-review

Additional  reading on Examiner.com “Ajumas” and “jimjilbang” are Wi Spa speak at LA’s ultimate Korean sanctuary – Los Angeles Destination Spas | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/destination-spas-in-los-angeles/ajumas-and-jimjilbang-are-wi-spa-speak-at-la-s-ultimate-korean-sanctuary-review#ixzz1e02i34Pt

Happy Thanksgiving

Where will the Diva go in 2012?

The Diva on the go has a full plate for the New Year beginning with a glorious cruise on the spiffy Seabourn Sojourn from Fort Lauderdale to Monte Carlo. She’ll be reporting back on this blog as well as at:  http://www.examiner.com/cruise-88-in-national/patti-pietschmann as well as http://www.examiner.com/travel–diva-in-los-angeles/patti-pietschmann, so if you enjoy my writing check out both those sites and come back here to learn more about where a Diva goes.

Seabourn Sojourn’s sister ship courtesy of Seabourn Cruises

In the meantime I want to wish a Happy and healthy New Year to all.

Pray for peace and be kind and generous to each other.

Last minute NYE deals for procrastinating Angelenos from CheapOair

Last minute NYE deals for procrastinating Angelenos from CheapOair.

Thoroughly modern bedrooms