Luxury Hotels & More...Much More

Hotel Mazarin: An Indulgent Oasis

2013-11-20T12:31:00.002-08:00

New Orleans is a city of beauty, history and indulgence. You feast on the beauty of your surroundings as well as the culinary bounty. This tiny slice of France in the USA lures jazz lovers, foodies, party goers and more into its daily bacchanal. So finding an oasis of calm within the historic French Quarter is a blessing indeed.

The Hotel Mazarin is such a place. Named after the great 17th Century French statesman, the property exudes Parisian finesse. The large inner courtyard features a stunning fountain whose soothing sounds serenade the guests. I could hear the gentle gurgling of the fountain from my room which was directly off the courtyard.

Pictured below is the facade, typically New Orleans, of the Hotel.

Complimentary Breakfast is served in the courtyard pictured below.

And wrought iron detailing like this is featured throughout the courtyard.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and renovated. Those of you who know me know that bedding and bathrooms are the first things I look for in a hotel room. These crisp white immaculate sheets were a perfect retreat from the bustling scene in the French Quarter where the party rages on till all hours of the morning, New Orleans style.

The colors and the tropical vegetation in New Orleans is one of the things I treasure most about the place...if you block out the cars, and the modern dress, New Orleans is the sort of place that takes you back in time. Take one of the many carriages rides on offer in the historic district and you can almost hear the swish of ladies gowns against the cobblestone pavements...

The Lobby pictured below is a paragon of French gilt and marquetry.

But my favorite time in New Orleans is, as the French call it, "l'heure Bleu" that moment at dusk when the sky changes colors...pink, blue, purple...the old buildings take on a life of their own as they harmonize with the light show above, everything seems magical. I spent some time in the courtyard of the Hotel Mazarin to enjoy those fleeting dusky moments, I looked up and watched the masterpiece in the sky, knowing I only had about half an hour before night settled in, just enjoying. The fountain was singing, the chatter of guests could be heard through the French doors, the faint glow of the 18th century lanterns lit the pages of my book which by now was more of an accessory than anything else, the electric vibe of excitement as guests were busy readying themselves for that night's revelry...all coincided to create a memory of the place which I shan't soon forget. Indeed, the Hotel Mazarin will live on in my mind long after the words of its namesake, the Cardinal Mazarin, are but a distant memory.

If you're planning a trip to New Orleans, the Hotel Mazarin has it all: perfect accommodations, location and charm.

www.hotelmazarin.com

Live Like a Gatsby...

2013-05-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ah...Jay Gatsby...handsome, rich, elegant...a perfect wisp of F.Scott Fitzgerald's imagination. The Great Gatsby is definitely a Summer novel, the smell of the ocean is nestled within its pages, and with the advent of warmer weather upon us, I turn to its debonair hero for inspiration. So, where would Mr. Gatsby go to get away from it all for a perfect weekend? Definitely, somewhere on the Northeast, definitely something by the sea and definitely the sort of place both casual and elegant but trying to be neither...

The Tides Beah Club, along the coast in Kennebunkport, Maine would have been Gatsby's perfect hideaway...it also happens to be mine! Bright whites and plush furniture with nautical accents set the sleek, modern vibe of this luxury seaside resort located on Goose Rocks Beach. The rooms are crisp and clean, the linens heavenly, the decor is very 'JFK on vacation chic' and the rugged beauty of the beach is unparalleled. Turn off your cell phone, leave the computer at home, all you'll want to do here is lie on the sand with a good book, go for leisurely bike rides and forget the hustle and bustle you left behind in the real world.

I recommend an ocean view room, it may cost a little extra but it's worth the added expense. And if you really want to treat yourself, then the Jonathan Adler Suite will make your getaway extra special. The private deck directly overlooking the ocean and replete with bright yellow lounge chairs is the perfect place to sip a cup of coffee while you watch the sun rise. Fall asleep as you hear the waves crash against the shore...

For all you foodies out there, pay a visit to the Tides Beach Club sister property "Hidden Pond" and check out their restaurant "Earth". It's a mecca for foodies and I'd heard so many rave reviews I decided to experience it for myself. Food and its connection to the earth, a vital relationship we too often overlook, is sacrosanct at this restaurant. This farm to table experience allows the freshness of the ingredients to speak for themselves, even the decor is inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings. Ingredients are sourced from organic gardens on the property and James Beard Award-Winner Ken Oringer has gone out of his way to make sure you experience the authentic flavor of fresh produce. Interesting items on the menu include snacks such as "Relish board, cauliflour, fiddle heads, Vidalia's and Kimchi asparagus" or local "Fried Nonesuch River Oysters with padron pepper relish and sage". I had a chance to speak with fellow diners at Earth and they all seemed to concur that for a foodie, Earth was something of a religious experience. After dinner, head out to the bonfire surrounded by Adirondack chairs where guests sip wine and roast marshmellows around the open fire...it's the perfect nightcap.

If you love the ocean as I do, then the Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport, Maine is for you. Nothing beats hearing the waves crash upon the sand from your window, watching the sunset on the horizon, or even going for late night walks on the quiet beach... And if you squint and use your imagination, you might even catch a fleeting glimpse of Jay Gatsby himself getting away from city life, throwing on his chicest pair of Khakis and dreaming of Daisy as he stares into the ocean and the distance beyond...

I highly recommend the Tides Beach Club
http://www.tidesbeachclubmaine.com/

Adour DC

2012-12-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

"The Unbearble Lightness of Being" it's one of my favorite books by Milan Kundera, it could also be the leitmotif of my meal at Adour Restaurant located in the St. Regis D.C. last month. The setting was lavish, the St. Regis lobby exudes Old World Washingtonian refinement and Restaurant Adour was starkly modern, sleek and elegant. Located only a few minutes walk to the White House all the elements conspired to make for a perfect evening.

Adour is one of the famed Alain Ducasse's signature restaurants, run by Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier, and I was very keen to make my own assessment of it. Light, light, light...everything was incredibly light. For a French restaurant where heavy sauces usually reign supreme this is quite a feat. At a special dinner, like this one, I usually start to feel weighed down after the first course...not here. Lightness to me is a sign of finesse, refinement, it's not the absence of flavor but rather an intensity of flavors that are not brought down by heaviness. The other unique quality was the efficient and prompt service. A "fancy" dinner can run you 3-4 hours long and while I'm not one to be rushed, 4 hours of sitting, eating and intense protocol can leave one feeling groggy. At Adour, the lapses between the courses were perfectly timed, not short enough to feel rushed but not long enough to get restless. It made a huge difference in the pace of the meal and of my enjoyment of it.

Ducasse is well-known for his Provencal cooking methods which advocate the use of vegetables. Indeed, Ducasse is pushing vegetarian dishes on his menu and I was lucky enough to get a first hand chance to experience push towards all things "nature". Vegetables are more challenging to cook than fish or meat. Allowing each one of their delicate flavors a chance to express themselves is no easy task.

Something you will notice repeatedly on menus belonging to the Alain Ducasse empire are the "Cookpot" dishes. Yes, they are vegetarian but not necessarily for vegetarians. They are cooked masterfully to allow the vegetables to become the star of the dish instead of playing the supporting role. I was continually impressed with the vegetarian dishes at Adour. I started with a Beet Salad, so light, so airy, it was like taking a walk through the garden.

Beet Salad

I followed with the "Crustacean Fregola Sarda" a cuttlefish, scallop, lobster and Sea Urchin emulsion. Unbelievably flavorful, light and exquisitely balanced. If I had eaten nothing else, this dish would have made the dinner entirely worthwhile. But it was onwards and upwards at Adour when I had the "Steamed Chatham Cod" with Quinoa, Hearts of Palm and orange/olive oil emulsion. A masterfully crafted dish.

Crustacean Fregola Sarda

My dinner partner had the Filet Mignon and his reaction bears reflection. I am told, and I believe, it was so tender and perfectly cooked, that a small bite can be, to a true foodie, akin to an out-of-body experience. I will have to order the Filet Mignon next time!

I finished with the Hazelnut Souffle served with a side of orange sorbet: the perfect finish to a perfect meal. The Souffle is a hard dish to pull off successfully. It can taste "eggy" which I don't like or the texture can be less than feather light. But when that perfect balance is struck it transcends the mere title of "dessert". This particular souffle was intensely hazelnut, deliciously light. The orange sorbet complemented the hazelnut flavors unexpectedly but perfectly: a match made in culinary heaven.

A Peek inside the Hazelnut Souffle

If Adour was not a restaurant but a piece of Haute Couture it would be renowned for its clean sobering lines, it would be elegant because of its simplicity, it would favor perfectly cut fabric as opposed to ornate frills and the color palette would be neutral to better allow the wearer to express herself...in short, it would be designed for the thoroughy modern and elegant individual.

http://www.adour-washingtondc.com/

MOZEN Bistro at The Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas

2012-12-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

A relaxed, zen-like atmosphere isn't something one usually associates with the Las Vegas dining scene, but then again it's the Mandarin Oriental and they always do things with a serenely luxurious flair. The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas does not have a loud, smoke-filled casino-like Lobby nor does it have hoards of inebriated tourists crowding its hallways. Let's just say, the Mandarin Oriental is above all that. Instead, it has a sleek, sexy, residential feel to it.

On the third floor of the hotel is the discreetly tucked away Mozen Bistro: a neutral beige color palette and modern, sleek design aesthetic complement the asian-inspired menu. Floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of City Center and a delicious meal with a multi-cultural flair awaits you.

Mozen's menu includes sushi as well as Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes which they call "A Journey Through Asia". Every bite was spectacular. Service was efficient but relaxed, this isn't an 8-course tasting menu kind of an evening: this type of elegance is understated making the experience all the more luxurious but not stuffy. It's less of a "special occasion" dinner kind of a place and more of an "amazing dinner" kind of a venue.

The sushi selections were exquisite, a special mention for the Tempura Shrimp Roll with cucumber, avocado, spicy tuna and green onion: excellent. Of course I had to try a side order of Garlic & Cheese Naan Bread to see what the Indian selections were like. For me, Indian dishes have got to be the best quality for me to appreciate them otherwise I feel as if my palette is being assaulted by too many strong flavors at once. The Naan was the only Indian dish I tried but I could tell it was delicate, aromatic and well-balanced.

I ordered the Uni which was creamy, rich and oh so perfect. Followed by the Salmon, Tuna, Hamachi Ngiri which was the ultimate in freshness. I ordered the Fruit de Mer Fettuccini but after a bite I realized I was so full there was no room for it, so I took it to go and ate it the next day. You know food is great when it tastes just as delicious, sometimes even better the next day.

My one regret is that I didn't have room to try the Thai and Korean dishes...when I'm next in Las Vegas I will definitely stop by Mozen Bistro. One time simply isn't enough. If you're looking for a quiet (for Vegas standards) but sophisticated restaurant with top-notch food this place should be on your list. After dinner I sat in the Sky Lobby at the Mandarin, just soaking up the vegas skyline...like the Mandarin Oriental itself, it was sexy and sophisticated, if ever there was a mirage in the desert: this is it.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/fine-dining/mozen-bistro/

Koi Restaurant in Los Angeles

2012-12-07T11:30:00.004-08:00

It's trendy, it's young, it's delicious...it's Koi Restaurant in LA. Part of a widely successul chain with outposts all over the country from Las Vegas to New York and then beyond to Bangkok, the ambiance was modern, cool, asian-inspired and service was efficient, laid-back and fun. There's a definite vibe and people-watching scene here. The food, a succession of smaller but amazingly fresh dishes, is delicious.

I particularly liked the outdoor courtyard setting with bamboo plants, soothing Zen-like fountains and sexy mood lighting. The menu is comprised of sushi as well as signature hot and cold asian-inspired dishes. They call it "Japanese inspired cuisine with California accents" and that sums it up perfectly.

I tried some of the Koi Signature Dishes, namely the "Salmon Carpaccio with Black Truffles and Citrus Sauce" it was unbelievably fresh and light. Los Angeles weight conscious types can eat this one with zero guilt.

Next I had the Toro rolls: unctuous, melt-in-your-mouth, deliciousness and an explosion of freshness in every bite. But without a doubt, the best part of the dinner was dessert. I often find that Japanese-inspired restaurants don't always live up to the hype when it comes to dessert, but this one was different. The "Koi Sundae" should be featured on the Travel Channel: yes, it's that level of crazy good, over the top presentation that we love watching on TV. The menu says it's vanilla and chocolate ice-cream, warm brownie and fresh bananas but I could have sworn there were a couple of other ingredients like hot fudge, whipped cream and possibly a few others which I've since forgotten. They present it to you in the cup and then turn it upside down in the plate so you can better enjoy ALL the flavors: this is definitely one to be shared.

If you want to hang with the beautiful people in Los Angeles then Koi is the place to go for a light but memorable dinner.

www.koirestaurant.com

Life after Everest...the Restaurant

2012-12-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

In a city like Chicago, a mecca for foodies, Chefs are continuously vying for that prime spot amongst the top ten restaurants in the Windy City. Chef Joho, a native of Alsace and owner of restaurant Everest, has continually maintained his place amongst the luminaries of the Chicago food scene. With a name like Everest, the pressure to remain at the top of one's game must be significant. After hearing a lot about the restaurant, I decided I was long overdue for a visit.

Located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange the restaurant is reservations only and accesible by a private elevator. Perched high above the proverbially unwashed masses Everest soars over the Chicago skyline, metaphorically looking down on the city. This is a sanctuary of food, a sacred culinary space. If loud conversation, a couple of drinks and a quick dinner is what you're after, you may be disappointed. To really make the most of this experience, be prepated to devote several hours to the meal, don't rush, take time between the courses, savor the rare wines from France, have a civilised conversation and be prepared for a perfectly timed choreography of waiters placing and removing plates or delicately pouring vinatge wines. Everest is a member of Relais & Chateaux/Relais Gourmand, Les Grandes Tables du Monde, Traditions & Qualite, Academie Culinaire de France and Maitres Cuisiniers de France and they don't let you forget it. So, I recommend making an evening's entertainment out of it...after all, if one climbs Mount Everest I advocate taking the time to enjoy the panoramic view, take a moment to savour that Master of the Universe feeling...

After a few delicious amuse-bouche I began with the Home Smoked Salmon Naturel, Herbed Alsace Fleischnagga amd Melfor Aigrelette. The salmon was delicate, as I believe it should be, and perfectly balanced. I could have eaten five more of this dish without tiring of it. This dish was recommended on the menu as a signature dish for Chef Joho and one that has helped found his reputation...now I understand why.

For my main dish I opted for the vegetarian option and it was everything I had hoped: light, elegant and satisfying. This Cromesquis of Yukon Gold Potato, Topinambours with Truffle Coulis was a supremely well-executed dish.

I followed with the Composition of Midwest Farmstead Cheeses which was a distinguished homage to the area.

My Grand Finale was the Alsace Vacherin with Valrhona Chocolate and Bartlett Pear Glace with Vanilla Coffee Coulis coupled with the 1976 Chateau de Canterrane...what a spectecular ending. Like a well-executed fireworks display the meal went out with a bang, as all great meals should.

Yes, this is a meal replete with full French protocol, hushed whispered tones and an army of knowledgeable waiters surveying the tables. After having spent the evening atop Mount Everest, seemingly atop of the world and Chicago's infinity view the descent back to earth, down those 40 floors and into the cold Chicago night was not easy. Everest is a once in a lifetime Chicago experience.

www.everestrestaurant.com

St. Regis Monarch Beach

2012-12-04T09:07:00.001-08:00

Nestled within verdant acres of land along the Pacific Ocean shoreline the St. Regis Monarch Beach offers some of the most visually striking vistas in the area, if not the country. I arrived in the early evening and after a flight from chilly New York, the balmy breezes coming off the ocean, the grandeur of the Italianate fountains and the sheer beauty of the luxuriant flora and fauna was quite dazzling.

As soon as you come up the driveway and are greeted by a battalion of polite, white-unform clad gentlemen amidst the splashing of massive water fountains you know you have arrived somewhere special...you start to feel pampered like a royal and there's a new spring in your step as you contemplate the paradaisical surroundings.

It's quite a large resort complex with a private beach club, three swimming pools, oceanside golf course, spa and six ocean-view restaurants on-site so if you're looking for intimate, this isn't it. Au contraire, this place has grandeur written all over it. There is a definitive sense of "You have arrived".

The Butler Service, a signature feature of all St. Regis Suites worldwide, includes packing and unpacking luggage, garment pressing, shoe shine and any other requests you may have. My personal favorite was the beverage service and wake-up call. I requested a 7am wake-up call which translated into a white-gloved butler ringing the doorbell as the sun was rising over the ocean and bringing me coffee and tea. I opted to be served on the ocean view balcony and it made the "good" in "Good Morning" a lot more sincere.

I took the resort tram to the private beach after lunch. I could have sat under my private umbrella on a plush lounge chair and ordered drinks from the Monarch Bay Club but I decided a stroll along the shore was what was called for. There were under a dozen people on the beach so the feeling of exclusivity was perfect for drinking in the exquisite beauty of the surroundings. But there were other ways I could have spent the afternoon: at the award-winning Spa Gaucin, playing golf or surfing. But the ultimate way to soak up the Orange County relaxation and all the beauty the St. Regis Monarch Beach has to offer is lounging by the pool. The infinity pool replete with large gurgling fountain is a wonder to watch, by day or night. It hands down wins the prize for most beautiful pool in the country...time stood still as I lay in my plush lounger and had to pinch myself to find out if such natural beauty was indeed for real or if I was dreaming.

The St. Regis Monarch Beach resort is a mecca for golfers, a paradise for beach goers, a dream for surfers and the realization of a perfect dream for pool loungers like myself! The only problem will be finding the courage to leave the comforts of this earthly paradise. After a visit here I am starting to think St. Regis may very well be the Patron Saint of the rich and famous.

www.stregismb.com

JALEO: Spanish Tapas in DC

2012-12-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

Quite simply, this was one of the best meals I have had in a long time...a really long time. It's hard to put it into words because all I can come up with are cheesy superlatives like "amazing" "delicious" and the like. Jaleo is a Tapas restaurant overseen by celebrity Chef Jose Andres. Renovated in March 2012 to coincide with its 20th Anniversary, the decor and the food is fun, provocative and just plain delicious.

It's not fancy, it's trendy. It's an authentic slice of Spain in the heart of DC. When I visited in October there were more than a few Spaniards at the Restaurant: they had obviously got the memo this was THE place in the nation's capital for a real bite of Spain.

First of all, we need to talk about the quality of the ingredients. I have always had a personal gripe with American ingredients, I find they can be bland. But Jaleo imports many of their specialty items like anchovies and patanegra from Spain and the difference in flavor is indescribable. It feels like your palette has been living in black and white and all of a sudden everything has exploded into technicolor. Yes, it's that good!

Endive with Oranges, almonds and goat cheese...who knew it could be this good?

Bunuelos de Bacalao: There was liquid Bacalao inside this, the outside covered in honey aioli

Store bought anchovies in the U.S. can be overly salty, rather skimpy looking and dare I say it "hairy", making us think that anchovies are not that great a product. But restaurants like Jaleo are here to remind us that yes they are, in fact they are amazing, unctuous, meaty, and extraordinarily tasty...when they are imported from Spain.

Of course, there's always Patanegra, the traditional Spanish ham served on Panne con Tomate (bread... delicious crusty bread, with diced tomatoes) so good it could make grown men cry. Fatty, salty, melt in your mouth deliciousness.

Many of the dishes on the menu here are typical Spanish comfort food with an artistic flair. But the absolute highlight, I specify because there were many throughout this lunch, was dessert. I was fortunate to taste two desserts: "Pan Con Chocolate" which is a chocolate flan with caramelized bread, olive oil and brioche ice-cream and "Flan El Estilo Tradicional De Mama Marisa Con Espuma De Crema Catalana" a classic Spanish custard with espuma of catalan cream and oranges. I could tell you about the delicate interplay of flavors, or the master craftsman who created this miracle of a dish out of such simple ingredients but it would all boil down to this: it was mind-blowingly good!

Flan El Estilo Tradicional De Mama Marisa Con Espuma De Crema Catalana

Pan Con Chocolate

If you are a foodie, you need to check out Jaleo. And even if you're not a food enthusiast, after a meal here you will soon become one. Some meals are fabulous but you forget about them, others live on in your memory as this one will for me. When you're next in D.C. by all means visit the museums, look at the White House but there is also a new mandatory stop in the guidebook and that's a meal at Jaleo!

www.jaleo.com

1789 Restaurant in Georgetown

2012-11-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

1789, it was the year of the French Revolution, the Rights of Man were finally surfacing and Napoleon was still a young, obscure Lieutenant in the shadows. On the other side of the pond George Washington was President of the United States and the venerable Georgetown University was first founded. Fast forward to 1960 when a Georgetown Alumnus, Richard McCooey, purchased a federal home dating from the 1800's in Washington, D.C's historic neighborhood of Georgetown and the upstairs evolved into Restaurant 1789. The classic French menu and equestrian decor soon became a favorite with well-heeled Washingtonians and so it still is...The majority of diners during my visit last October were celebrating a Graduation from nearby Georgetown University or a Wedding Anniversary and as far as I could tell, there were many beautiful memories being made that night.

Today, the Restaurant's culinary future rests in the capable hands of Chef Anthony Lombardo as it has since August 2011. I had a chance to talk to him over the course of my dinner a few weeks ago at 1789. What interests me in a culinary artist is not the ingredients, the techniques or any of the technical details of the craft. I want to know what drives the spirit of the Chef, what sparks the passion in a dish. After all, when we go to a restaurant we are looking for more than just food: we're looking to make memories and we want food to be transcendant, so that it's no longer a form of sustenance but a work of art.

I was impressed with Chef Lombardo's passion for creativity and even more so by the discipline and love that go into his Kitchen. I found Chef Lombardo to be charming, in love with his work and eager to share his raison d'etre with his customers, and it shows! Every bite was infused with classic craftsmanship, quality ingredients and...oh yes, love, that elusive ingredient that transports a dish to the next level of culinary excellence.

The standout dish of my meal was the Appetizer of Nantucket Bay Scallops with roasted Parsnip Puree, Kale & Oxtail Ragu. The fresh delicacy of the scallops was in stark but delicious contrast to the rich, onctuous oxtail ragu.

My main dish was the Icelandic Cod with braised red cabbage which was equally excellent although by this point I was quite full and therefore not able to enjoy it as fully as I should have.

Prepare to spend the entire evening at 1789, it's an experience. You will leave sated and deliciously full. Especially after the chocolate profiteroles pictured below. They come in a group of three, each with a divine ice cream filling.

Trendy, hip, molecular gastronomy this restaurant is not. But if you want the Classics, food that doesn't try to be cool for the sake of it, Limoges china instead of minimalist decor then 1789 is for you. Everything from the equestrian decor down to the plates is very much as President Washington might have approved of himself. Restaurant 1789 is like a beautiful Chateau...it harkens back to a bygone era, remains faithful to its heritage and in an age of constant fluctuatons it clings steadfastly to its traditions with aristocratic restraint.

www.1789restaurant.com

Hotel Bel-Air...Luxury Oasis in Los Angeles

2012-11-14T13:24:00.001-08:00

It's pure Hollywood glamour in its most unadulterated form...the famed Hotel Bel Air, now part of the Dorchester Collection, is where celebrities go to hide away in Bel Air's most beautifully manicured gardens. As soon as I pulled up the driveway I knew I was in for something special...this is no ordinary 5 Star Hotel, that would be an insult. Its hallowed gardens and now renovated bungalows once housed Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly...oh no, this isn't a hotel...it's a legend come to life!

What amazed me the most was the intense peacefulness that pervades every corner of the property...I felt like I was the only guest but later found out the hotel was fully booked. I strolled past the renowned "Swan Lake" nestled quietly within the property's 12 acres, observed the tropical flowers in the gardens, and sat under cupola's and secret alcoves feeling as if I had just stepped onto a Hollywood movie set...the old MGM execs could not have planned it so perfectly.

The Bel Air sign as you pull up the driveway...you know you are entering a garden paradise sans pareil

Swan Lake...nature's ballet...

The sleek lobby...

A Suite Living Room

The Gardens by night...

The restaurant...check out that incredible marble fireplace

The Grace Kelly Suite Living Room...just like the Princess herself: elegant, sleek and quietly stylish...

The Bel-Air estates were purchased by Alphonso Bell in 1922 and transformed into a hotel in 1946. Almost immediately it became a spot favored by the rich and famous and well...in that respect it hasn't changed. Even the air one breathes feels a little more rarefied at the Hotel Bel Air...it's just pure glamour...she's like a rare Madeira wine in a sleek new bottle...I can't wait to visit this vibrant but nonetheless legendary hotel once again

www.hotelbelair.com

The James Hotel Chicago

2012-11-09T08:15:00.002-08:00

It's sleek, sexy and modern...The James Chicago is one of a trilogy of hotels, the others are in Miami & Soho, and it has everything the young business or leisure traveler might want. A quirky mid-century modern theme can be found throughout with designer furnishings for emphasis. Situated minutes from the Magnificent Mile the location is perfect for shoppers!

My Suite had two bedrooms and a living room, a projector TV in one room and the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in! The color palette of beiges and neutral tones really set the mood for a relaxing stay in Chicago. It's a great place to come back after a hectic day and just re-group!

Service was excellent and staff was always eager to help. The hotel offers complimentary use of bicycles for guests but as it was late October and I was told they were no longer available due to the weather- I confess, I was disappointed, I had been looking forward to biking along the Chicago Lakefront. That's alright...there's always next summer!

Here are some pictures to give you a vibe for the place...

The Penthouse Suite...notice the Eames armchair...

Staircase and restaurant on the left...sleek and modern

The uber modern details...

Crisp white bedding...spartan but plush

Quirky modern decor

The Lobby...I sat here for hours as I arrived before check-in time. The gentleman at the desk graciously offered me a coffee while I waited...great service!

Mini-Bar...notice the mid-century decor prevalent throughout

The second bedroom in my Suite...can be used as a lounge or a bedroom...VERY comfortable!

Next time you are in Chicago and you want a comfortable, modern and plush hotel to stay in give The James Chicago a try. It's small enough to give you a real boutique feel but large enough to give you all the anonymous privacy you might want (I find that really important). It's a great alternative to the stuffy grand dame hotels in Chicago..it's young, hip and trendy.

www.jameshotels.com

The Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC

2012-11-08T19:10:00.002-08:00

Thomas Jefferson and I go way back, so to speak. When I first read about his four year sojourn in Paris on the eve of the French Revolution, we bonded via our love of all things Francophile. When I started to read his works, I began to admire the audacity of his mind. And when I found myself at Monticello, his beloved home in Charlottesville, Virginia on a research fellowship I fell in love with the same green hills he had ridden on, the beautiful vegetable gardens he had planted and the lush countryside he had so admired during his lifetime.

So, when I found myself in Washington, DC staying at "The Jefferson", a unique Relais & Chateaux property that defies the generic definition of hotel, I started to find the Jeffersonian string of coincidences that had brought me there almost uncanny...everything I thought I had once looked up to in this intriguing founding father was nothing compared to my newly found unbounded enthusiasm for the third President of the United States.

Staying at "The Jefferson" is like being personally invited in the great man's home...only better. The sumptuous decor is 1780 meets 2012 with all the intricate detailing of a Classical structure and all the modern amenities to make it worthwhile. Framed letters in the founding father's own hand are elegantly displayed along the walls along with white marble busts of the man himself. Delicate drawings of Monticello are woven into the crisp decor, modern luxury and history at the service of one another.

On any evening, important Washington types sit in luxuriously draped alcoves over a power lunch at Plume, the hotel's critically acclaimed restaurant sipping on Madeira wines dating from as far back as 1810 that Jefferson himself would have undoubtedly approved of. Discreet elegance is the goal throughout the lobby, the library and the many private spaces available to guests for business meetings. But make no mistake, The Jefferson harbors no generic overtones similar to the many conference style hotels...oh no, that is not the vibe here. Au contraire, guests will experience all the glamour of secret service like privacy and all the perks of royal treatment, or perhaps I should say presidential treatment...

The House Car aka a Luxury SUV will take you to dinner or wherever else you need to go, while suited men with earpieces hover over you as if to watch over your safety...take that, Mr. President! But enough talking...a picture is worth a thousand words!

The impressive Lobby

The Greenhouse...Breakfast or High Tea anyone?

Every corner was exquisitely decorated

The Bedrooms...Oh TJ (Short for Thomas Jefferson) how I miss you!

This wasn't my room but it looks pretty damn gorgeous!!!

Check out the drawing of Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's beloved home in Virginia) on the pillowcase...god really is in the details...

Plume, the highly acclaimed restaurant on property. Checkout the mural at the back: it's a drawing of the vegetable garden and beyond at Monticello...to the left is Montalto...

A private alcove at the Plume Restaurant...elegant, discreet...I'm in love with this place!

The Lobby

One of many private rooms...small, intimate and ultra-luxurious. Wood paneled walls, plush leather sofas, state of the art technology...the detailing was fabulous...notice the Native Indian drawings on the walls, Thomas Jefferson also collected Native artifacts, drawings and the like...

The attention to detail at The Jefferson is incredible. If you want to be pampered in D.C. this is THE address! I don't think I could ever stay at another hotel in this nation's capital...in fact, I would rather stay home than betray my love for The Jefferson, a palatial property that defies description...

www.jeffersondc.com

Hyatt New Orleans: A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite...

2012-11-08T10:28:00.002-08:00

New Orleans: Jazz bands and horse-drawn carriages, Old World Charm and down home Southern cooking...It's tough to reinvent a classic but the team at the newly renovated New Orleans Hyatt has managed to do it with style, panache and a distinctively modern flair.

Located right next to the Superdome, the location sets it apart from the run of the mill French Quarter properties yet within easy access to everything the historic district has to offer. My suite was expansive, modern, luxurious and boasted an incredible view of the Superdome.

If you plan to be in New Orleans on business or otherwise: this is a modern oasis in a city of Old World charm...

The Regency Club for select members...with your room key this luxurious lounge serves breakfasts and snacks (complimentary) all day long. There is also a TV Lounge (not pictured here) which I used a few times.

Deluxe Suite...and sweet it was!

King Room

Queen Room

Presidential Suite

If you're in New Orleans for business, a conference or even just for fun then the newly renovated Hyatt New Orleans will give you a modern, lucurious and crisp experience that is sometimes difficult to find in some of the more quirky hotels in NOLA's French Quarter.

But don't take my workd for it...check it out and let me know what you think!

http://neworleans.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-neworleans/index.jsp?null

Wequassett Resort & Golf Club

2012-09-10T11:50:00.002-07:00

Wequassett: without a doubt one of the top 10 most incredible resorts in the US. The service was exceptional: it's always a good sign when the staff is genuinely excited about their work, it means they are valued by their employers who in turn understand just how important the "little things" are in the hospitality industry.

From the moment the shuttle car picked me up after a long journey I knew this was going to be a unique experience. My driver was charming, pleasant, professional and accomodating- a tall order and yet he managed! Check-in was a breeze and we were shuttled to the room in a golf cart...

The Suite, overlooking the bay, was incredible. The design was impeccably Cape Cod chic with crisp linens and a fresh color palette. A smart room, everything from the music to the fireplace turned on with a remote control. The two balconies left me speechless (and that doesn't happen very often)...crisp white deck chairs with plush cushions overlooking the water and perfect for stargazing at night were among my favorite features.

The bathroom was the best bathroom I've ever experienced- I could have soaked in the jacuzzi tub for days and the completely modernized sound system made listening to music in there an incredible experience. The suite was absolutely perfect in every way: this is not an ordinary hotel for a run of the mill vacation getaway...this is an amazing place where service is paramount and where your everyday problems will disappear.

The pool

Cabanas...

Hot tub and pool...

Suite overlooking the Bay...

Panoramic view

Amazing balconies

Outdoor fireplace

Everything about Wequassett screams "You have arrived!" It is truly an oasis of calm, beauty and yes, luxury. Coco Chanel believed that true luxury was never about being ostentatious but always about comfort and understatement. She would most definitely have approved of Wequassett...as do I...

www.wequassett.com

The Wauwinet in Nantucket

2012-06-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Wauwinet in Nantucket...it's New England's version of paradise. The crisp white wicker chairs on the lawn, the perfectly manicured lawns, the casual chic ambience and, most of all, the world-class service all conspire to make this the ultimate Nantucket hotel.

I spent the afternoon sitting on one of their plush lawn chairs overlooking the water with a warm fleece blanket and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Drinks were served on the lawn using large elegant trays, ladies wore straw hats, the grass was as green as grass gets, the flowers were in bloom...like I said, heavenly!

But after a few days even the most pristine setting can bcome a little stale without a few fun activities on the program, and the staff at the Wauwinet has thought of it all! From bike riding to tennis my favorite activity was the tour of the island aboard the "woody" a vintage car (the antique Chevy is pictured below). Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable about the area, I especially enjoyed our tour of Sconset village.

Complimentary amenities include: jitney service to and from Nantucket downtown, boat rides into town aboard the Wauwinet lady, continental breakfast, port and cheese in the afternoons (a delightful touch) and bicycles.

It may look like a simple country home from the outside, but I can assure you that this Relais & Chateaux property is extravagant in spite of its comfortably chic allure. No detail is left unattended to and personal touches are everywhere.

I could end my review here, but that just wouldn't be right. Of all the amazing amenities at the property there is one that far outshines the rest and that would be the Concierge: Jordana Fleischut. I've been to a lot of hotels and some very nice ones at that, but I've yet to find somebody as professional, as helpful and as passionate about giving the guests the perfect trip. She went out of her way to help me with arranging transportation back home, no request was too great or too small and she made my stay one of the most enjoyable ever- I was so moved I had to give her a hug before leaving. She is, without a doubt, the crowning jewel of the Wauwinet.

http://www.wauwinet.com/

An aerial view of the property...

Those heavenly lawn chairs...

The grounds at dusk are simply magnificent!

The infamous "woody"

The gounds are spectacular...the perfect place for an afternoon drink

I could gush about The Wauwinet for another five paragraphs but you get the gist...if you are going to Nantucket then stay at the Wauwinet...it is THE hotel on the island...

The National Museum of American Illustration

2012-06-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

"La, tout n'est qu'ordre et beaute: luxe, calme et volupte" wrote Charles Baudelaire. This translates loosely from the French as "Here all is symmetry and beauty: luxury, serenity and beauty for the senses." On a recent trip to Newport, R.I. I had the pleasure of visiting a place that embodied all these attributes, a structure that transcended the mere purpose of providing shelter from the elements but provided food for the mind...so just as in Baudelaire's famous poem "L'Invitation au Voyage" I invite you on a little journey to discover the National Museum of American Illustration at Vernon Court...

Located on the renowned Bellevue Avenue in Newport, this Gilded Age mansion was once the summer home of Mrs. Richard van Nest Gambrill. Designed by Carrere & Hastings in 1898 and inspired by the 18th Century Chateaux of France, Vernon Court soon came to be known as one of the most notable houses in the country. Today, its elegant preservation is second to none and the beauty of its salons en enfilade is well; breathtaking. But beyond the exquisite proportions and the French gardens what struck me most was that Vernon Court is not merely a fine tribute to the past but a vibrant homage to the present and future. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this Grande Dame does not wax nostalgic about her glorious past. Instead she is still incredibly beautiful and vibrant but most of all, meaningful and this she owes to the National Museum of American Illustration.

The Museum was founded in 1998 by Judy Goffman Cutler and Laurence. S. Cutler to house their art collection from the "Golden Age of American Illustration". These works are an integral part of the American Heritage and include milestone pieces by artists and illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, Charles Dana Gibson, Howard Pyle, NC Wyeth, Jessie Willcox Smith, JC Leyendecker, Violet Oakley, and over 150 other luminaries. Originally created to be reproduced in magazines and newspapers, posters and advertisements these illustrations slowly transcended their original purpose and those with a keen eye understood the intrinsic worth of each piece as a work of art unto itself. Moreover, each piece marks the growth of American art and history.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe once said "Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space." Nowhere does this ring more true than at Vernon Court and yet it magically encompasses the essence of our own era too. The work of the American Imagists on display gives us a flavor of where we have been as a country but also, where we are going. Many museums look to history for the answers, this one reaches into the past in order to get a firmer grip on the future.

http://www.americanillustration.org/

The Spiced Pear

2012-05-29T18:12:00.001-07:00

The Spiced Pear is The Chanler hotel's signature restaurant in Newport, R.I. As I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I visited the Chanler with my mum. She is lactose intolerant and therefore has trouble finding too many options on restaurant menus...not this time! In fact, her dinner was just as delicious as mine and occasionally some of her courses may even have surpassed my own!

Executive Chef Thomas Duffy makes poetry out of food...like any true genius he can take the simplest ingredients and make magic. First of all, let's talk about the quality of the produce...tomatoes that tasted heavenly, herbs straight from the garden that had been picked that day and fish that just melts in your mouth. What a difference it makes when the ingredients are confident enough to speak for themselves with only the perfect amount of interference from the culinary team.

We had the Ahi Tuna on a bed of cucumbers and soy pearls to start...it was like an explosion of Summertime on one's palette: fresh, light and oh so perfect. Then I had the butter poached lobster with truffled leeks...divine! I only wish I could have more room in my stomach to finish my plate: I was so full.

Throughout the dinner service was exceptional: no request was too trivial and nothing was impossible. The Spiced Pear overlooks the water, you can literally hear the crash of the waves from your table but all the while the French chandeliers and molded ceilings contribute to an air of Newport grandeur. There are a lot of very fine restaurants in Newport...but if you want a grand experience overlooking the ocean, the romance of the Spiced Pear coupled with the delicacy of the cuisine is well, nothing short of exceptional.

Chef Thomas Duffy (Below)

http://www.thechanler.com/dining/

The Chanler: New England's Most Perfect Place

2012-05-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Versailles, eat your heart out: Newport's luxury boutique hotel The Chanler brings European elegance to New England the likes of which you are unlikely to find anywhere else! If you want to be treated like Royalty and escape reality for just a few moments, then you won't regret your stay here.

Last week I decided to take my Mum on a little Newport trip. Let me preface this piece by explaining just how picky and discerning a traveler she is...I travel with her a lot and she has never been fully satisfied with any hotel experience: if it's not the bed linens or the food, there's always something that's not quite perfect. So, you can imagine wha a compliment it is for her to rave about a place!

We arrived at noon at the Newport Transportation Center and got picked up by The Chanler's shuttle service: a luxury S.U.V. complete with uniformed driver ready to drive you anywhere you need to go in Newport throughout your stay: already things were looking up! I felt like we had just accessed the famous Platform 9 & 3/4 from Harry Potter and were being shuttled to a magical place.

As soon as we arrived we were offered a glass of champagne and shown to our room, which in this case was The Louis XVI Signature Room. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful rooms in New England and beyond. The four poster bed will make you feel like a real princess or rather a Queen! Everything from the chandeliers everywhere, the fireplace, the paintings to the perfect French Rococco bathroom will transport you to an alternate universe. But the most extraordinary feature was the wrap around balcony with ocean view- simply breathtaking!

We went for a stroll along Newport's famous cliff walk, literally two steps away from the hotel, which overlooks the ocean on one side and Newport's famous Golden Age mansions on the other and for the first time I felt as if Lady Astor and the Vanderbilt's weren't relics of a bygone era that I couldn't relate to, but rather vibrant neigbours who might stop over for afternoon tea...this is how a stay at The Chanler will alter your perception of the world...

Here are a few pictures, it doesn't get any better than this...

The entrance to The Chanler from Newport's famous Cliff Walk...the gardens are perfectly manicured, the hushed whisper of nature at its grandest...here, French poet Baudelaire's words echo throughout "La, tout n'est luxe, calme et volupte" (Translation: Here, all is luxury, tranquility and beauty)

The Chanler lit up in the early evening...yes, it really looks this gorgeous in the flesh...it's a fairy tale come to life.

The Lobby

The Louis XVI Signature Suite...the most beautiful room I have ever experienced! Time stood still for a moment...

The sitting area in my room...

The Balcony with ocean view...

The view...

Everything from the perfectly manicured lawns to the exquisite bed linens was memorable. Most memorable of course was our dinner at The Chanler's restaurant: The Spiced Pear (please refer to the seperate blog entry entitled "The Spiced Pear")

Needless to say my Mum adored The Chanler, from now on it is the only hotel in Newport she will stay in! For her, and for me, this was hotel nirvana...I cannot think of a single thing that could be improved upon...

For all your special occasions: weddings, anniversaries this is THE perfect spot. I know how hard it is to splurge on a fancy suite and I would never give you all the green light unless I was 100% sure this was the best. So, if you have a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday I recommend the Louis XVI Suite...in fact, don't even wait for that special occasion...if you can, book it now because every girl deserves her princess fantasy to come true...even if it's just for a day...

http://www.thechanler.com/

Living like a Vanderbilt

2012-05-13T10:22:00.002-07:00

Newport, R.I...it's a beautiful moment frozen in time. With only a hint of imagination, the gilded age and the glamour of a Summer Season with the Vanderbilts springs gloriously to life. Uniquely American but with European influences, the magic of Newport lies in its ability to bridge the gap between Old and New World atmosphere. Nowhere is this unique osmosis felt more intensely than at the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel, owned and renovated by the tasteful Grace Hotels Group since 2010.

From the moment you step into the Vanderbilt Grace you know you have achieved "hotel nirvana". The Old World decor is distinctly modern and tastefully renovated, the service is second to none and the little things you once thought trifling suddenly make your life seem so much sweeter.

Of course, the crowning glory of the hotel is restaurant "Muse" by Chef Jonathan Cartwright. Under the wing of his culinary genius food transcends its function as a mere mode of sustenance and becomes an art form the likes of which museum curators would covet. The service at the restaurant would make Mrs. Vanderbilt herself a little envious...every detail, every gesture is perfectly choreographed. An army of supremely well-trained servers comes out of the kitchen to serve a handful of dishes with ballerina like grace.

There are lots of wonderful restaurants in Newport but if you want to celebrate that special occasion or want to create an unforgettable food experience then Muse is in a league of its own in Newport, and elsewhere.

Visitors to Newport stroll down the famous Bellevue Avenue and visit the gilded age mansions with whimsical nostalgia as they peer through the past, a glamorous window that closed long ago. But when you stay at the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel that window opens up just a fraction...not in a kitchy touristy way, but with impeccable service and gracious hospitality.

If you plan to visit Newport this Summer, the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel is a must!

http://www.vanderbiltgrace.com/

A few pictures to whet your appetite...

http://www.vanderbiltgrace.com/

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach

2012-04-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a piece I wrote featuring the famous Cafe Boulud Restaurant located in the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club for the Greenwich Post.

http://www.greenwich-post.com/online/columns/love-a-opera/99704-valentines-day.html

And here is the link to the hotel once again...

http://www.thebraziliancourt.com/

I can't stress enough what a special place it is!!!

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach

2012-04-24T08:10:00.001-07:00

There are places we remember and there are those that fade away with time. For me, The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club is one that will live on in my memory for a while, the kind of place that will serve as a marker in my mind, a barometer with which to measure others...

Located in Palm Beach, I arrived at the Brazilian Court Hotel after an extremely tiresome journey, but the moment I stepped into the lush courtyard with white lounge chairs and lush palm trees the fatigue disappeared and I couldn't imagine anyone having any problems in such a divine setting.

Baudelaire once wrote "Là, tout n'est qu'ordre et beauté, Luxe, calme et volupté" which translates "Here, all is order and beauty, luxury, peace and indulgence." These words of my favorite poet were speaking very loudly to me as I strolled through the courtyards, the corridors and the rooms of the Brazilian Court Hotel. It manages to transcend the somehow inadequate title of Hotel and elevate itself to a "home away from home" status. This is especially prominent when one sees how private residences and condominium ownerships form an integral part of the Resort. Perfect for long stays, extended trips and inter-generational vacations.

Take a look at some of these pictures...

The paradisiacal entrance...

Poolside Lanai Suite

This is one that I took myself...you all know how I feel about pristine bed-linens: the true marker of a hotel in my book. These were pretty perfect: immaculate, best quality, picture-perfect...what every great hotel bed should be!

Ambience in the sitting areas...

Of course,who can forget Cafe Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud's masterpiece housed on the property and a real jewel of the hotel. To read my piece on Cafe Boulud (lots of delicious pictures) go to the February 1st entry entitled "Cafe Boulud"

If you are planning a trip to Palm Beach then this is the place to stay, it's more than just a hotel it's a destination unto itself. Charles Baudelaire said it best "Là, tout n'est qu'ordre et beauté, Luxe, calme et volupté"

http://www.thebraziliancourt.com/

Pelican Hill Dining

2012-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

The food at Pelican Hill is exquisite. I know, I know...I say that a lot, but it's true! The view will make your heart soar, I'm not being melodramatic: I'm serious and the Italian menu will take you on a delicious culinary journey. They are serious about italian food at Pelican Hill...gelato is hand made using organic ingredients from a local farm every day...and it's exquisite, extremely high quality...and I like to think I'm something of a gelato expert...lord knows, I sample enough of it to know! But seriously now the food here is no joke!

Andrea is the uber-high-end restaurant on the property...the pasta is also handmade and I highly recommend it. In fact, if you make reservations at Andrea it is a food crime NOT to order pasta because it won't taste quite the same anywhere else, at least not in the United States.

The view (above) is so beautiful...it feels like dining on Mount Olympus and eating with the gods...yes, of course, it's expensive but this blog isn't a guide to Cheap Eats it's about getting a glimpse into what can be, it's about the art of travel and everyone knows you can't debase art with talk of money:-) So yes, it's expensive but it's worth it. Steve Jobs once said "I try to live every day as if it were my last." If I were to die tomorrow I would have no regrets about dining at Pelican Hill and take my word for it: nor would you!

The Coliseum Grill overlooks the Pool and it's a little more casual...of course "casual" is a relative term...it was a little chilly in the evening, despite the outdoor built-in heaters, and the waitor brought out blankets which I thought was a beautiful touch...

http://www.pelicanhill.com/

Pelican Hill Resort...The Bungalows

2012-02-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned before I have a passion for hotels and more than anything I love discussing them here with you all! The most important element of any hotel is its rooms...yes, the lobby can be great, the restaurant fantastic but ultimately if you are going to spend the night (and the money) then the room needs to be up to snuff. The High Priestess of any room is undoubtedly the bed and the sermon she preaches are the bed linens. I've said this before but in my book a prerequisite for any 5 star hotel is top of the line Egyptian cotton sheets and a plush mattress. The second prerequisite is an amazing bathroom. Those are the first things I check as soon as I enter a room and of course impeccable cleanliness is a must, that goes without saying!

So, the rooms at the Pelican Hill resort off the coast of Southern California (see my previous and forthcoming posts on the resort) pass the prerequisite test with flying colors. Now it gets trickier to differentiate the amazing rooms from the "in a league of their own" rooms. Decor starts to become important...questions like "when was this last updated, renovated?" start to be asked unconsciously...once again Pelican Hill had state of the art appliances and everything was, well, practically new.

The color palette of California neutrals allows the extraordinary ocean views to play a central role in the rooms, or bungalows as they are called, at Pelican Hill. Indeed, there are no elevators to get to your room only exquisitely lush courtyards leading to bungalows where visitors spend the night. A large fireplace in the center of my room was the great focal point, especially in the evenings...one simple flick of the switch and the sound of soothing flames filled the atmosphere. But most beautiful of all was the extraordinary balcony with ocean view...it will melt the hardest of hearts and turn the greatest cynic into a ridiculous optimist...

http://www.pelicanhill.com/

Golf at Pelican Hill

2012-02-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

Pelican Hill is a golf lover's paradise with courses designed by Tom Fazio. At the Pelican Hill Golf Club they've thought of everything...professional forecaddies, luxurious locker rooms, practice facilities, shoe attendants, golf butler and a million other ways to pamper the golf enthusiast...These pictures are not hyped up versions of what the golf course actually looks like, if anything it is even more beautiful in the flesh. This place truly is a little slice paradise here on earth...

http://www.pelicanhill.com/

Spa at Pelican Hill

2012-02-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Pelican Hill, on the coast of Newport Beach in Southern California, was voted the #1 Resort in the United States by Conde Nast, so when I visited the Spa I had high expectations. There's a lot of pressure when you're Number 1, it's not easy being the best and the staff at the Pelican Hill Spa have practiced their art like a concert pianist practices on his way to Carnegie Hall...

Like any top of the line Spa there were lots of amenities like a cedar sauna, eucalypus steam room and a fountain designed at the perfect angle to allow for the most harmonious trickling of water but my favorite was the Roman salt bath featured below...

The staff cleans this room, changes towels every five minutes...literally. It keeps the room in a perpetual photo shoot ready state which is exactly what you want from a visit to the Spa...picture perfect...

I had a classic spa experience. If you want to get away for the day, this is the perfect place to do it.

wwwpelicanhill.com