Aruba, On A Day's Notice

Last week, I was forced to cancel a much-anticipated trip to Belize with my boyfriend when he realized (the day before we were meant to leave) that he would not get cellular service in the jungle, and that would be a problem with work.  After a few hours of searching Kayak for last minute deals, we decided on Aruba, one of the few Caribbean islands not yet afflicted by Chikangua, a nasty looking disease carried by Mosquitoes, that Lindsay Lohan recently contracted in St. Barts.

I was a bit skeptical of Aruba at first, but as soon as I got there I realized that Aruba is more than than it's party-girl exterior.  Almost every person we came into contact with was delightful, and each meal surprisingly delicious (even those at the hotel).   We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and while I usually prefer to stay at more unique, off-brand hotels, the Ritz had availability last minute and did a great job at being what it was: a full-service family beach resort.  In fact, Conde Nast recently named the Ritz one of the Best New Family Friendly Hotels of 2014.  

For those of you who, like me, are ADD travelers incapable of just relaxing, the mornings in Aruba are cool and the ideal time for some off-beach adventuring.  On Saturday, we went horseback riding through the cactus-covered interior and over to the rugged east coast, where we tied up our horses on the beach and explored the historic Gold Mine ruins.  Sunday morning, we played golf at Tierra del Sol, a beautiful (but windy!) course along the water on the northern part of the island, which views of the California Lighthouse.

We spent both afternoons at the beach in front of our hotel, sipping pina coladas and cooling off in the shallow, waveless water.  A fleet of staff on Segways distributes complimentary sunscreen, cold towels, popsicles and fruit.   

Not having time to do much research, we ate at two restaurants recommended by our taxi driver on the ride from the airport and were impressed with both.  Driftwood has a casual beachy vibe and serves coconut shrimp and fresh local catch of the day, prepared the "Aruban" way.   Papiamento is a romantic, family-run restaurant set in the garden of a 126-year-old Aruban home.   We heard a lot of good things about Flying Fishbone, and had we had another night, we would have eaten there as well.  

While Aruba might not be my first pick for a young couple looking for something truly secluded and romantic, it's is a family-friendly destination that's easy on the wallet and perfect for a last minute beach vacation.  

Eastern coast of Aruba

Eastern coast of Aruba

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

View from our balcony at the Ritz

Historic Gold Mine Ruins

Historic Gold Mine Ruins

Tierra del Sol Golf Course

Tierra del Sol Golf Club Pool

Stay: Ritz Carlton, Bucuti.

Eat: Driftwood, Papiamento, Flying Fishbone, Passions. 

Do:  Palm Beach (Where the Ritz Carlton is), Eagle Beach, Baby Beach (where the locals go), horseback riding, golf, snorkeling, kite surfing, parasailing, paddleboarding. 

Viceroy Hotel: Caribbean Cool in Anguilla

The Viceroy Anguilla is one of the most visually unique and captivating resorts you'll find in the Caribbean. Perfectly blending modern elegance with architectural sophistication, the interior designer and wife of Viceroy owner, Kelly Wearstler, sets the bar high with her exquisite touches and perfectly crafted, cutting- edge designs.  The hotel is built on a rocky peninsula with breathtaking views of white, sandy-beaches from both sides of the resort and numerous fitness and leisure activities to choose from.

Keep in mind, the crowd draws LA celebrities, "societal" New Yorkers, understated investment bankers and cigar smoking, rose-drinking Europeans at all times of year. The probability of a celebrity spotting is extremely likely.  So grab a Barnes Bay Rum Punch at the Sunset Lounge and find yourself and that celebrity simultaneously mesmerized by the spectacular sunset view. The drinks will continue to flow throughout the night and you'll meet new friends from all around the globe. 

Before heading to the beach and the hotel amenities for the day, enjoy breakfast at the Coba restaurant.  The food is decent, but the unparalleled views of the ocean will make you overlook it. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for Roman Abramovich's massive "Eclipse" yacht. The Russian billionaire has a tendency to park it directly outside the cliff-side Coba restaurant for his own 'weekend jaunt' from St. Barts.

Trust us when we say, everything about this hotel feels state-of-the art luxurious and Caribbean 'cool.' ...If you can afford it, this award-winning hotel is an absolute must! 

Marseilles Memories

This gritty port town, first settled by the ancient Greeks, has an old-maritime feeling and a unique mix of cultural influences unlike any place I've ever traveled.  The highlight of my visit was a trip to the Cours Julien art district, where I explored the maze of eccentric, painted streets, stepping into galleries and shops along the way.  And it is absolutely lovely to stroll along the almost-always sunny port, picking up soaps and Pastis for friends and family back at home.  Named a European Capital of Culture of 2013, Marseilles is easy to access from Paris via the TGV, but could not be more different.  

Stay: Mamashelter, Casa Honore, Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port, Au Vieux Panier. 

Eat: The iconic dish of Marseilles is Bouliobasse, so your biggest decision while here is where to eat it.  I ordered it from FonFon and was delighted by both the food and the stunning views of the port and its many colorful boats, on which the restaurant sits.  Other institutions known for their Bouillabaisse are Chez Michal, Chez Aldo and the Michelin-starred L'Epuisette.  

Do: Stroll along the Marseilles port, admiring the whimsical larger-than-life sculptures along the boardwalk and shopping for soaps and Pastis.  Stop by the famous Four des Navettes for some orange blossom navettes (cookies).  Then head to the quirky Cours Julien art district, admiring the murals and stopping into restaurants, shops and art galleries.  Get an olive-oil soap exfoliation at Zein Oriental Spa, an upscale hamman-spa.   If you're craving beach time, check out Plage des Catalans or Plage du Prado.  

Marseilles port

Soaps on Marseilles port

Marseilles port

Fon Fon Restaurant

Marseilles

Pastis on the port

Pastis on the port

Four des Navettes

Cours Julien art district

Cours Julien

Cours Julien

Stay: Mamashelter, Casa Honore, Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port, Au Vieux Panier. 

Eat: FonFon, Le Ventre de l’Architecte, Chez Michal, Chez Aldo and L'Epuisette. 

Spa Retreat in the Poconos

This year, I spent President's Day weekend (also Valentine's Day weekend) at the Lodge at Woodloch in the Poconos.  The weather had been freezing in New York, but we figured, go big or go home, and decided to fully indulge in winter with a cozy mountain trip.  Plus, we wouldn't have to worry about air travel, and the drive from the city takes only a bit more than two hours.  Upon arriving at the Lodge, we were delighted by the roaring fires, rustic decor, and stunning views of the snow-capped forrest from almost every room (including ours).  The "farm to table" food is delicious, and since every meal is included with the room, there's never a need to pay a bill.  A snowy trail out the back of the hotel leads to a tiny hut where you can rent snow shoes and cross country skis and has a perpetual fire roaring... perfect to warm up your feet after an hour of adventuring.   

We spent the second day relaxing in the pool and whirlpools in the Spa, taking a yoga class and getting massages.  The spa offers a wide range of new age activities ranging from Journaling, to "Power Napping," and to "Lover's Touch," a class about partner massage.  I forced my boyfriend to attend "Chakra Bowl Discovery" with me, but he drew the line at "Mandala Drawing," a 180 minute class in which you create your own cosmic diagram. 

If you're looking for a cozy, relaxing winter escape that does not require air travel, this one can't be beat. 

Valentine's Day cookies

Lunch at Woodloch

Pumpkin French Toast for breakfast

Woodloch pool

Chakra Bowls in the hotel lobby

We played these bowls in our robes on the way to the spa.  Quite relaxing!

Snowshoeing around the property

Frozen lake at Woodloch

Aix-En-Provence and Village-Hopping

Last year, one of my best girlfriends from college got married in Megeve, France.  After the wedding, a friend and I traveled to Provence, and it remains in my memory today as one of the most charming places I have ever visited. We spent the first day in Aix, getting lost in the the winding streets, purchasing lavender-scented items and admiring the flower markets.  I also had a taste of my first "French Cheeseburger" from a farmers market, which is cured meat covered in melted cheese on a french baguette.  Later, we sat down for an al-fresco late lunch of oysters and white wine at La Rotunde.  It was lovely.  

While in Aix, we learned that it was lavender season and that we absolutely had to spend a day driving through the lavender fields and visiting some of the many historic villages in the surrounding countryside.  The next day, we rented a car and drove into the countryside, with a list of recommended villages in hand.  Some of my favorite villages were Roussillon, Gordes, Saint Remy de Provence, and Bonnieux.  Outside the village of Gordes is the Senaque Abbey, where you'll take the obligatory photo of the lavender fields in front of the Abbey.  However, I would advise that you be open to anything that catches your eye.  We randomly pulled into a small, family-run lavender farm for no reason other than their adorable donkeys.  We ended up chatting with the owners and purchasing some lovely homemade lavender oils there.  

We spent our final day in Cassis, a picturesque waterfront village a few hours drive from Aix.   We took a boat out to see the Calanques, incredible rock formations along the cliff, and the driver of the tour boat put his microphone in front of me and made me sing for the entire tour group.  We then had one of the most delicious meals of my life at Villa Madie, a Michelin starred restaurant with stunning views of the water and rusty cliffs.  

A trip to Provence during lavender season (June to August) is a bucket list-worthy adventure full of gorgeous scenery and delicious food, an unexpected and delightful alternative to the typical southern France beach weekend. 

Aix Flower Market

Aix Flower Market

Aix Flower Market

Senaque Abbey

Roussillon

Roussillon

Cassis

Cassis

Cassis

Cassis

Cassis

Calanques in Cassis

Cassis

Stay: 28 A Aix, Hotel Le Pigonnet, La Pauline, La Petite Maison de Carla, Sous Le Tilleful.

Eat:  Aix: Chez Thome, Les Deux Garconnes, L'Hostellerie de l'Abbeye de la Celle, Le Close de la Violetta, and Mitch.  Cassis: Villa Madie.