For many years as a youngster my Mum and Dad would take me to tea at this superb property deep in the heart of Warwickshire. Only a stone’s throw from Stratford Upon Avon the hotel offers all the many delights that country house hotels are famous for. The 157 acres grounds themselves are glorious with many secret pathways leading to extraordinary sights of the rolling hills of this shire. Growing up in Warwickshire was for me always an … [Read more...]
Second Date on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Back when my husband ("Mr. TWS") and I first got married in September, 1991 we were given a wedding gift certificate for a ride and lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train. At that time, the Wine Train had been in operation for only two years. We were thrilled because we’d heard so much about it as the new must-do experience in Napa wine country. So the following summer, we boarded the train in Napa for our three-hour ride and gourmet lunch. It was a … [Read more...]
Disneyland for Romance
Having recently married, (an unlikely side effect of Obamacare) I seem to find my brain stuck in amorous overdrive - the unlikely beneficiary being my husband, with an impromptu trip for two to the Magic Kingdom. It’s true that many react incredulously to the idea of adults wanting to frolic in a place so firmly aimed at the juvenile but, as a child from Southern California, I have always loved Disneyland and my affection hasn’t waned one bit. … [Read more...]
Finding Peace and Relaxation at The Oaks at Ojai
The sky was clear blue. It was another beautiful and warm day, like how most days are here in Southern California. The road ahead finally opened up. After about an hour of driving through congested Los Angeles traffic, it was a relief to enter the stretch of the 101 Ventura freeway where it looked like a deserted highway. Taking a road trip on a Monday when most people start their work week certainly has its advantages. I arrived at my … [Read more...]
How I Got My Glow On in St. Thomas
Three if by land, two if by sea. Sorry, Paul Revere, but you got lit up your way, I’ll do it mine. I was at Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas recently, a glorious iconic resort perched high on a bluff and overlooking the capital city of Charlotte Amalie, which a few years ago did a $48-million renovation, jazzing up the spacious rooms (which start around $220 a night), and adding a fitness center, two pools, … [Read more...]
Secret slopes: Europe’s hidden ski villages
If you have always assumed that a skiing holiday is out of your price range, or you've been on a trip but were put off by busy slopes and over-crowded restaurants, then think again as there might be another option. Go 'off-piste' with your choice of resort. Mainstream does not suit everyone, and whilst the big famous resorts are well-established and set up with great facilities, by their very nature they bring in a lot of tourists at peak … [Read more...]
Grand dame hotels are two New England favorites
Elegant, old, stately and welcoming, they are perched high on bluffs overlooking the sea, two New England grand dame hotels with unique identities and charms all their own, especially cozy in the wintry off season when it’s far less crowded. Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, N.H., and Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts, the latter an icon on the Vineyard since 1891, the former since 1874, each … [Read more...]
Visiting Trinidad in the West Indies: Short Notes
Flights to the Island arrive at POS (not the most politically correct airport code in the world) but it stands for Port of Spain. On a good day (without traffic) it takes about 30 minutes from the airport to downtown. There are a number of car rental companies at the airport (economy car pricing runs from about $40 to $60 US dollar). Car rental companies are also available in downtown Port of Spain and other towns on the island. A few things I … [Read more...]
Where to Sleep Tonight – Trinidad
After sleeping in the car the past few nights - I was ready for a change. Night one I hid the car behind a large pile of dirt next to a small road in the middle of the rainforest. Night two, a frightful sleep was interrupted by dark shadows at my driver side window by two guys carrying scary looking weapons. Apparently my choice for my spot of rest was too close to a military base. They were nice and motioned me to move on. Night three I didn't … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Santa Barbaras Playful Version of Restaurant Week, Film Feast, Pairs Nicely with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Santa Barbara, CA (December 20, 2013) Santa Barbaras Film Feast is a unique take on Restaurant Week. Coinciding with the 28th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) January 30th February 9th, 2014, Film Feast participants (restaurants, wine tasting rooms and hotels) offer special tasting menus … [Read more...]
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