We’re excited to tell you that we’re merging the GlamJaunt blog with Glam.com’s GlamNest blog so that you not only get great info on travel but also on the most stylish home decor! That’s two for one–and given this economy, who doesn’t need that? Thanks so much for visiting us here and please drop by our new home, GlamNest for the latest in all things lifestyle.

Revered Cabernet producer Silver Oak Cellars has much to be grateful for this year. The winery which is split between two estates, the original property in Napa Valley’s Oakville appellation and Sonoma County’s Geyserville, produces only two Cabernet Sauvignons and is a status wine for red wine drinkers. AND the Napa winery, founded in 1972, has finally reopened after a devastating fire took down the winery in 2006.

Photo Credit: Robb McDonough

Photo Credit: Robb McDonough

The new property is the culmination of the wish-list of the Silver Oak family, from its larger tasting room to its state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. While tours, which are slated to be held twice daily and include a tour and tasting or tour, tasting, and wine pairing, have not yet begun, the winery is already open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm for impromptu $20 to $120 tastings.

Photo Credit: Caitlin McCaffrey

But if you happen to be in town on February 7, 2009,  you can pop in unannounced between 9am and 3:30pm for their Release Day celebration–a festive afternoon of food, live music, and signed bottles from the wine maker.

Reservations are recommended, and required for tours and food pairings.  To book a tour and/or tasting call the winery at 800.273.8809.

Technorati Tags: napa valley, silver oak, winery, tour, tasting, top, cabernet sauvignon, wine

The Napa Valley is known for its R& R restorative powers with its world class spas and seductively relaxed atmosphere. It is also a classy and stylish destination touting one of the world’s top restaurants and a myriad of chic cocktailing hot spots. And until now you have had to choose between the type of get-away you wanted: relaxed and romantic or entertaining and effervescent. Now you can have both thanks to Napa’s Silverado Resort.

The property is currently offering the Four Friends Spa Getaway Package giving you the chance to be pampered, sip wine, and experience the grandeur of the Napa Valley in style all while sharing laughs and making memories with your closest companions.

At only $199 per person, including taxes and resort fees and based on 4 girlfriends sharing a two-bedroom suite, The Four Friends Package includes:

-A Two Bedroom Fireplace Suite (sheer luxury!)
-A 50 minute Spa Treatment and full use of their classic Roman style spa
-20% off of any additional Spa treatments
-Complimentary wine tasting at Black Stallion Winery
-Silverado Resort tote bag

The package rate is available November 23, 2008 through February 28, 2009 For more info call 1-800-532-0500 or visit their website.

Five Star Luxury for Under $20?The Royal Hawaiian, the first-ever luxury resort in Waikiki, is scheduled to reopen in January 2009 after a multimillion dollar remodel. To celebrate the occasion they are rolling their rates back for the first night to the resort’s original opening price, in February 1, 1927, of $19.27. But the grand old dame isn’t stopping there. Also offered is a 1927 Package, which includes:

• Luxury accommodations in a Royal Grove room (First night is $19.27, four-night minimum)

• Dinner for two at the new Azure Restaurant, the premier seafood restaurant in Oahu

• Two Mai Tais at their world-famous Mai Tai Bar

• And a special memento

This special is available from February 1 to June 30, 2009. R

Go here for details  or call 866-716-8110

–Lauren Hall

Technorati Tags: hawaiian, vacation, discount, hotel, special, rate, promotion, waikiki, hawaii, honolulu, oahu, royal hawaiian, resort, grand opening

File this one under incredible culinary adventure. Every now and then, an especially exclusive opportunity presents itself, and for those passionate about the palate, this is one of them. Celebrity chef Mark Bittman is participating in a weekend of culinary delight at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Cancun and you’re invited to chop, sauté, and grill with the master himself. Small detail: you’ll be doing so in a state-of-the-art kitchen overlooking the Carribbean.

The extremely limited package be served up over November 16-18, allowing 8 couples the chance to mix and mingle with the How To Cook Everything author as he shares his instruction and tricks of the trade during hands-on cooking lessons. Guests will get cooking alongside Bittman in the hotel’s culinary center that boasts views as hot as its stainless steel Viking appliances.

The class schedule will feature a course on the cuisine of the Yucatan, which will include a trip to local fish and produce markets where participants can snatch up the freshest ingredients before returning to class. After the ingredients become meals, they’ll be taken outside to the terrace where they’ll be washed down with a selection of Mexican wines.

One of the other highlights of the weekend is an outdoor barbeque with the James Beard award-winner, chased by a sampling of the hotel’s collection of more than 100 tequilas. Attendees will also experience a traditional Mexican brunch and a day-trip to visit local eateries followed by relaxation, Ritz-style, with leisure activities and a couple’s massage at the hotel’s award-winning spa. The day will be capped off by a “dine-around” at the hotel’s AAA five-diamond restaurants, featuring menus created by Bittman.

It costs $5,800 per couple for two days but that’s a lot of flavor packed into one weekend. Plus it allows for suite accommodations at the famous five-diamond hotel.

Truly, a tempting morsel for gastronomic adventurers and gourmet newbies alike.

One of the largest (the fifth largest in the U.S., actually) is The Canyons resort in Park City, Utah. Luckily, it also delivers in terms of comfort and entertainment, with three luxury hotels on the property and a staggering selection of winter activities to ensure its 8 mountain peaks, 5 bowls, 6 natural halfpipes, and 3,700 skiable acres don’t go to waste. When not hitting the slopes or learning the ropes at the ski and snowboard school, guests can be found dogsledding, snowshoeing, fly-fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or gliding along on a sleigh ride.

Amidst the flurry of activities is a selection of dining that ranges from casual to fine. One of the most extraordinary dining experiences is available at the Lookout Cabin. It sounds like a rustic lodge but at 9,000 feet above sea level, it’s an amazing setting in which to be served a gourmet lunch with a jaw-dropping view of the Wasatch Mountains.

Back at more earthly elevations, diners enjoy other gourmet creations at The Cabin restaurant located within the AAA four-diamond Canyons Grand Summit hotel. This ski-in, ski-out retreat also has the quintessential luxe ski lodge touches like an outdoor heated pool and inviting gathering areas. Other accommodation options include the Sundial Lodge (shown below), located at the heart of The Canyons, and the new Silverado Lodge. A daycare facility is also on-hand seven days a week to entertain the cubs during ski season.

Canyons has created a package they’ve aptly nicknamed the Bailout Special but officially, it’s called the Ski Free with Bonus Cash package. Basically, you book in any of their hotels and for each night you stay, you’ll receive two free lift tickets and $25 in bonus cash to take the edge off expenses like meals, ski rentals, ski school, spa treatments, or whatever you choose.

A few nights throws in a nice little holiday jingle of bonus cash and saves hundreds in lift ticket costs, considering a single adult lift ticket runs $79. And if you’ve got a child six or under, their ticket to ride is free anyway. For those who like that extra dose of pampering between the suite and the slope, there’s also the Grand Summit Spa and Health Club.

Jane Krakowski’s Travel Faves

What is one of your favorite places to travel to?
JK: “I tend to be more of a city vacation girl because I like to experience things that are very different. Foreign cities are so exciting and vivid with their ethnic culture. I’ve been known to take the beachy vacations as well. I was really blown away by Istanbul when I went there because it’s so different than anything we have here and the culture we have here, but it’s also so beautiful and culturally rich, there’s so much going on there. That’s definitely one of the highlights. Japan was a highlight because it’s so different than anything we have here. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a lot of places so it’s hard to pick. I would like to go to all of them again if I had time in my life and to many more.”

When it comes to packing, what is one of your travel must-haves?
“I always bring a camera because I think that’s wise so you can remember the trip when you get home or when funny moments happen.”

Patrick Heusinger on Travel

Patrick Heusinger (Blair Waldorf’s cheating summer love Lord Marcus on “Gossip Girl”) tells us he loves finding spots that no one knows about. Keeping it simple, he enjoys traveling to upstate New York to a little bed and breakfast, then disappearing out on the lake. As far as tourists in NYC, he tells us he tends to push them out of the way with a lot of punching and kicking. Kidding! Patient man he is, he goes with the flow. “You have to embrace it,” he says. “It’s good for New York City.”

Sabine Singh Goes Back to the Future

All My Children’s Sabine Singh couldn’t pinpoint a favorite destionation, but she did dream big when we asked her about it, replying, “I’d like to explore a time travel, that’s where I’d like to travel to. I’m thinking that’s what it is. I’d like to do some time traveling back and forth. I want a DeLorean, I want Christopher Lloyd, get me some back and forth, I’d like to do some of that kind of traveling.” Alrighty then!

Matthew Settle’s Bucket List

Matthew Settle had the longest list of favorite places he loves to travel to, (even where he wants to die!) and offered up a few most interesting finds: “On my list is the Himalayas, but my favorite place so far, I really like Bali. I’m still a big fan of Mexico. There are a lot of parts of Mexico that you don’t associate normally with travel, but there are some places off the beaten path that are exquisite. Turkey was really nice, Egypt is fun. I went to the Valley of the Kings once in Luxor and I met a king. He was still there. He was inside of the wall. Actually it wasn’t a king, it was a priest. You never know what you’re going to find when you’re traveling. I was doing a show for the History Channel and I stuck my camera through a hole in the wall, took a picture, and low and behold, there was this priest who had been buried alive. And I still have the picture on my computer. It’s such a wild picture, it was just really odd. Traveling is so much fun because you never know what you’ll discover. But there’s a difference between touring and traveling. Traveling to me is like immersing yourself in a place long enough where you can kind of get the vibe of being a native. Italy is still one of my favorite places. I want to die there.”

Technorati Tags: travel, celebrities, favorite, top, destinations, Jane Krakowski, Patrick Heusinger, Sabine Singh, Matthew Settle, interview, conde nast readers choice awards, 2008, glam media, glam.com

If your ideal winter holiday includes bikinis over blizzards, golf clubs over ski clubs, and a suntan over a wind burn–not to mention savings over spending–consider California’s Death Valley National Park where hiking, swimming, golfing, and affordable fun are backed by temperate days and gorgeous eves.

ONE HOT DESTINATION
Located on the California/Nevada border, approximately 120 miles from Las Vegas and 300 miles from Los Angeles, Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, with annual rainfall of about 2.5 inches.  The reason for Death Valley’s extreme climate is found in its geography. There are four major mountain ranges between the Pacific Ocean and Death Valley.  When winter storms move east from the Pacific Ocean, they must pass over these mountain ranges to continue east.  When the rising clouds cool they produce rain or snow on the western side of these mountains. When those clouds reach the eastern side of the mountains, however, they no longer have as much moisture.

Death Valley is also one of the hottest places on earth, so break out the bathing suit and sunscreen! The highest recorded air temperature was 134 degrees–at the Furnace Creek Ranch in July 1913. The summer of 1996 had 40 days with temperatures over 120 degrees and 105 days over 110 degrees.  The park’s depth, shape and minimal plant cover all contribute to the park’s extreme temperatures. Death Valley’s famous spring wildflower show can begin as early as late February, when much of the country is still frosty.

With warm, but not overly hot, climes and gorgeous vistis, it’s no surprise that the winter months are prime for travelers to explore the continental U.S.’s largest national park, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be mashed in with a crowd.  With 3.3 million acres and a surprisingly low visitor rate, there is plenty of park to explore.

WHERE TO STAY

The park’s four lodges, two RV parks, and nine campgrounds provide overnight accommodations for Death Valley visitors.  Concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates three lodges –Furnace Creek Inn (pictured at the top of the story), Furnace Creek Ranch (above), and Stovepipe Wells  – as well as an RV Park. Campgrounds are managed by the National Park Service.

WHAT TO DO

At Furnace Creek Inn, guests can swim, relax, or linger in front of an outdoor fireplace at the tranquil, garden-flanked pool, which is kept at a comfortable 82 degrees by a warm spring.

More sporty types can tee off at the Furnace Creek Golf Course; At 214 feet below sea level, the course is the lowest in the world. Because the golf ball does not fly as far as it does at sea level and higher elevation courses, players must adjust their club selections as well as their mental approaches. The course also features small greens, strategically placed Palm and Tamarisk trees and water on nine holes.

Nature nuggets will love the hiking opportunities. Although there are no formal trails, paths carved out by past travelers are easy to follow. The National Park Service conducts interpretive programs daily including guided walks and naturalist talks. The programs begin at the National Park Service Visitor Center next to the Furnace Creek Ranch.

Most park visitors make the 55-mile drive from Furnace Creek to Scotty’s Castle to take a tour of the park’s Moorish-style structure and to learn the convoluted, entertaining tale of how the castle came to be built. The story involves a secret gold mine; a millionaire and his religious, musical wife; and an utterly charming con artist.

Scotty’s Castle

For information on Death Valley National Park call 1-888-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757 or visit Furnace Creek Resort’s website.

Technorati Tags: death valley, hotels, accommodations, affordable, vacation, where to stay, what to do, golf, california, national park, best, winter, getaway, wildflowers

Four Seasons is synonymous with world-class luxury but with their exclusive refuge on the Hawaiian island of Lāna‘i now hosting a lavish Ladies Who Luxe package, they’ve outdone themselves.

And when Four Seasons does luxe, they don’t fool around.

Situated where the emerald island hugs the azure Pacific, buffered only by red lava cliffs and secluded champagne-hued beaches, the property boasts an unparalleled location that is the definition of paradise. Just 13 by 18 miles in size, the island is a virtually-private playground for guests, green sea turtles, reef fish, and dolphins.

Now Four Seasons has taken their famous penchant for luxury and fine-tuned it for stylish women who want to ditch the dudes for a top-notch escape.

The first package is truly the ultimate. Called Ladies Who Luxe, it’s a five-night break for two that includes transportation from Oahu to Lāna‘i on a private jet (or private yacht from Maui, if you’re aquatically-inclined), private island transportation, and a personal “It Girl” concierge. It also includes two “Getaway Survival Kits” (a Tory Burch tote bearing a PINK Vodka & martini set, tabloid magazines, SPF, a $500 shopping pass to Lāna‘i City’s retailers, and Benefit’s BADGal kit).

It also includes daily access to a cabana, a surfside yoga session, an after-hours spa experience, a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, a golf or tennis lesson, and a gourmet cooking class with the executive chef – all private. Rounding out the amenities are a fully-stocked refrigerator, daily breakfast, and five-course dinners with wine that have been personally prepared by the executive chef.

You’d definitely want to go in half for the $56,000 starting price but with five days of that caliber of pampering, it’s the kind of purchase that’ll buy life-long memories. If you’re on a more realistic budget, the other package, Simply Chic, is also pretty incredible – and much more attainable.

Starting at $3,200, Simply Chic is a four-night package for two that includes an edited “Getaway Survival Kit” with sunscreen, tabloids, and the PINK goodies in the Burch bag, two 50-minute spa treatments, and daily breakfast. And with the environment being what it is, glam touches like these are simply icing on the cake.

The property is such a treat in itself that anyone would kill to stay there even without the extras.  A luxurious take on traditional Hawaiian elegance and hospitality, the hotel extends an extravagant aloha with its grand lobby and stunning landscape where expansive lawns stretch below towering trees, and a bounty of peach and magenta blooms bursts like clouds at a lake’s edge.These lush grounds are only surpassed by what lies beyond them – the dream-like natural beauty of Lana‘i’s coast.

Whether you’re living it up with a friend, sister, or your mom, it looks like an unforgettable experience. If lap-of-luxury living is your kind of thing, the packages are valid through December 18, 2009. If I could, I’d be planning my poolside attire already.

When to Go: High season spans Thanksgiving through April. September through November see frequent hurricanes, but if you don’t mind a few tropical storms, you’ll find lower prices and fewer visitors. Summer months primarily welcome tourists, as the thick humidity and sweltering temperatures (though just 10 degrees hotter on average than winter months) aren’t that ideal. In order to reach Green Turtle Cay, you must first fly into Treasure Cay and take a ferry over.

Where to Stay: On a small island just one-and-a-half miles wide and three-and-a-half wide, there aren’t a whole lot of lodging options. Luckily, the ones that are available will more than suit your needs. Our top pick is Green Turtle Club, where guests sleep . Rates start as low as $180 a night, and all rooms are outfitted with a refrigerator, coffee pot, television/vcr unit, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. An added bonus: The ferry from Treasure Cay (where the regional airport is located) stops at the resort’s enrance.

Another comparable option is the Bluff House Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, which while not overly lavish, is extremely comfortable and a favorite of many travelers for its amazing vistas from atop a cliff. Guests can choose to stay in a suite, villa or yachtsman cottage; all offer water views.

Where to Eat: Not surprisingly, you’ll find the most well-prepared food on the island at the aforementioned resorts. Green Turtle Club serves more relaxed meals on its screened-in porch hanging over the water and a fancier dinner inside the club dining room. The dinner menu changes daily, and you need to call in with your order prior to your reservation time. Bluff House’s Club House Restaurant offers comparable dishes in an elegant dining room setting and burgers and sandwiches all day long. For more authentic, Bahamian fare, try Laura’s Kitchen, run by native Laura Sawyer, which serves a lot of fried dishes and some tasty conch salad. A favorite locals’ spot is Pineapples Bar, with cheap eats, great live entertainment, and a promise of fun. Be sure and order a Goombay Smash, which the natives consume like it’s water.

What to Do: Like anywhere in the Caribbean, most activities revolve around the deep blue sea. The diving in the Abacos is simply unmatched in that area of the sea–you’d be crazy to not at least try a Discover SCUBA exploration dive, which doesn’t require certification, through the resident dive shop with legendary divemaster Brendal. Popular dive sites include Coral Caverns, where grouper will follow you curiously as you swim through well-lit caves and its schools of silversides; Coral Condos, home to a dazzling array of microlife; Wreck of the San Jacinto, which sank in the 1800’s; and other spots popular with Caribbean reef and nurse sharks (don’t worry, they won’t harm you!). If being fully submerged scares the bejeesus out of you, opt for a simple snorkel adventure instead. Brendal also offers a myriad of other outings, including sailing excursions and a picnic adventure, in which he free dives for lobster and conch and prepares an outdoor spread on an uninhabited island right in front of you.

Bonefishing is a popular afternoon sport, and many Floridians come down to Green Turtle Cay for spearfishing (a pastime that is not popular with the locals; don’t say we didn’t tell you). Instead of catching the fish, why not frolic with them? Green Turtle Divers offers a wild dolphin encounter on some of the surrounding undisturbed islands.

Or simply find your own unclaimed stretch of sand–there are many spots, like the deserted yet pristine Coco Bay, where you’ll be the only beachgoer in sight–and bask in the Caribbean sun for the remainder of your days.

–Kristin Luna

(All photos by Kristin Luna)

Technorati Tags: bahamas, resort, caribbean, green turtle cay, diving, snorkeling, bonefishing, beach, ocean, sand