Inspiring Travel and Wellness. Join me for adventures above and below the ocean, exploring nature, luxury travel experiences, spa and wellness activities.
I love Castles! Gothic architecture is so enchanting, like a Fairy Tale come to Life. I was so excited to visit Lyndhurst Mansion in New York state. Nicknamed Lyndenhurst for the beautiful linden trees on the property, it is formally known as the Jay Gould estate for people without any imagination, named for previous Railroad tycoon owner. For the rest of us, this country house and surrounding 67 acre park is an American mini-Castle waiting to be explored.
Encinitas is a quiet beach town located 25 minutes North of San Diego, far away from the crowds and traffic of LA. This beach town is full of amazing views, epic surfing, and Meditation Gardens.
The Self-Realization Fellowship does not sound like a place that I would ever visit. I imagined skinny, creepy guys with shaved heads that could be in a trance or asleep. There are large columns topped with huge gold flowers along the road surrounding the Fellowship Temple in the middle of Encinitas, California. A friendly surfer recommended a visit, so I walked around to the entrance.
First trip to Las Vegas? Or, has it been awhile since your last visit? Here are a few tips and basic suggestions to help ensure your visit is enjoyable and FUN!
Determine what kind of vacation you are looking for before you book your trip. If you are looking for a wild time to party and are willing to pay top dollar, then New Year’s Eve, any week in March for Spring Break, Fourth of July, Memorial day weekend, and Labor day weekend are the best. The long-weekend exception is Thanksgiving, since most people want to eat turkey at home with the family, Vegas is less expensive, less crowded, fewer families, and super fun.
If you are like me, and you would rather a better value for your accommodations & prefer to avoid the crowds and lines, then I suggest weekday visits, off-season (when kids are in school, both college kids and younger kids since some families insist on bringing children to the city of SIN). Double-check for large conventions in town during your visit. It is probably better to avoid the Vegas Porn convention if you do want to bring your children, or parents for that matter!
Continue reading “Las Vegas 101 (The Basics) | Newbie Guide to Sin City”This time of year can be stressful, we are in a rush to finish projects before year-end, family travelling or just providing the extra “drama” to the day, crowds and traffic for holiday shopping, and many other unpleasant activities. If you are looking for a great way to relax and recoup your energy, then book an appointment at Spa Avania at Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale! Also a great present if you want to give the gift of relaxing. The spa offers Arizona residents discounts on certain services, and it is a beautiful resort for our out-of-town visitors (or locals that need a staycation).
Spa Avania gift certificates were part of my Birthday present this year, and today I needed a facial! Previously, I enjoyed the best deep tissue massage of my life here and the facial was pretty darn good, too.
Updated August 2015 – During an amazing day of group pool time, eating, and treatments here, several friends commented that it is difficult to find the spa. Spa Avania and the mineral pool (pictured below) are located in a stand alone building, southeast from the lobby across from the front parking area. Continue reading “Luxurious Spa Avania in Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona”
There is so much beauty in the desert. Some of it is hidden away, just out of sight. The Desert Botanical Garden is one of those hidden gems. Located in the very heart of metro Phoenix. This tranquil garden showcasing the desert beauty. In addition to daily tours (recommended for October through May), there are evening events for enjoyment year round.
Continue reading “Desert Botanical Garden | Flowering Jewel located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona”
