An Exquisite Evening at El San Juan Hotel

I recently enjoyed an exquisite evening of dinner, dancing, and (a few) drinks at the newly remodeled and quite fabulous El San Juan hotel located in Isla Verde area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Now part of the Fairmont luxury properties, this vintage resort oozes classic Caribbean opulence and splendor.

An Exquisite Evening at El San Juan

El San Juan hotel offers cozy spots for a romantic evening, and a healthy nightlife for an exciting night out.  Saturday night may be filled with fashionable activities like formal school dances (Prom), wedding receptions, or other celebrations.  Or check for out some of the upcoming events at the Cabaret lounge.

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Exploring the Champagne Region of France

Champagne is my go-to beverage for celebrations, Sunday brunch, a quiet night in, and every other occasion that I can think of. 

In February 2002 I spent a week in Reims, France to explore part of the Champagne region.  The main purpose of my visit was to enjoy as many varies of Champagne as I could!  I called to reserve my cellar tours (before online reservations), booked my hotel (through a travel agent), and rode the TGV train from Paris Gare de l’East to Reims.  My hotel was a short walk from the train station, and I stopped at a local café for dinner and pastry.

Between Champagne tastings and cellar tours, I managed to visit the Palais du Tau and nearby cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims.  I walked to most places with the occasional taxi ride.  Exploring the city as a solo female traveler was easy and safe.

The down side of travelling solo all those years ago (before smart phone with built in cameras) is that I have a fuzzy memory and very few, poor quality photos.  Admittedly, the photos were made even worse by the massive amounts of Champagne consumed during operation.

My friend Lisa recently went to the Champagne region, and was kind enough to share her experience and photos. 

During a recent trip to Europe to visit family, my husband and I snuck away to France for just a couple of days.  We thought about visiting Paris, but then I ruled against it… I wanted to go to the Champagne region instead.

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VIVO Beach Club, Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico | Beach, Beer, Brunch, and Reggae

Opened in April 2016, VIVO Beach Club is a beach front property in area of Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico with pristine white sand beaches, private pool, world class entertainment, and a variety of dining options.

Located on the outskirts of San Juan, this white sand beach is close to the heart of the city while feeling like you are away from it all!  Located mere minutes from the San Juan airport in Isla Verde, guests can enjoy perfect Caribbean water immediately upon arrival to the island.  VIVO Is fast becoming a popular destination for locals and visitors.

VIVO Beach Club Sunday Brunch January 2019 – Photo by Bonnie
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Page Springs Cellars and Wine Tasting | Arizona Wine Making

One of the best kept secrets in Arizona is the growing wine making community.  My Sister and I recently took a girl’s getaway trip to Sedona, and I made sure to include Page Springs Cellars on the road trip.  Page Springs is located between Sedona and Cottonwood, just 10 miles southwest of downtown Sedona.

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Page Springs Cellars Front Patio

Page Springs is a small, family owned vineyard.  The grapes are grown in vineyards surrounding the Cellar and nearby land, sectioned by varietal.  Breaking from Arizona expectations, Page Springs is most similar to the Mediterranean climate, without as much humidity.

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Fern Winter Tasting Menu | St Regis Resort Puerto Rico

winter-tasting-menu-2016

During our recent four-day stay at the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, we ate a fantastic meal at Fern restaurant:  a six course Tasting Menu with wine pairings for a Friday night dinner.

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