Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley Chic. Artistic. Serene. A stay at the Casa Velas boutique hotel is everything that makes Puerto Vallarta the toast of the travel world. A refined hideaway like those built shortly after Liz joined Richard during his filming of the 1964 movie “Night of the Iguana,” and catapulted this coastal …
Monterey County on California’s Central Coast beckons visitors to find their own paths to adventure. With a breadth of different adventures and escapes, no matter the path – wellness, family, outdoor and epicurean – it all leads to the same place—an inspirational and memorable experience. The Wellness Path: Connect Within and Find Your Center Combining …
There’s no place like SoCal’s San Diego for the winter holidays, where guests can warm up to sunshiny days, uncrowded beaches, and inviting laid-back vibes. Evan Hotels’ Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla are the perfect coastal retreats to soak …
Story and photos by Barbara Beckley Ahh…relaxing under a palapa, cerveza in hand, watching the surf wash onto the golden beach. Paradise? I think so. I was in Sayulita, a fishing village-turned bohemian art colony and world recognized surf break – on a jungle-clad bay along the Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, an …
By Barbara Beckley Wine tasting. Hot air ballooning. Tasty cuisine. Stylish accommodations. Now you can add “Wine-Bottle Art” and “blend-your-own-wine” to the list of reasons to visit Southern California’s award-winning wine region, Temecula. Sitting under a grape vine-covered arbor, I thought “outside the lines;” wielding my paintbrush with care to create wisteria blossoms circling …
Graceful, purple-hued rows of sweet-smelling lavender transport us to romantic European destinations—the south of France or the hill-clinging villages of Tuscany. Breathtaking scenery aside, lavender has long been coveted for its pleasurable impact on nearly all the senses—from taste and aroma to its calming qualities. You don’t have to travel all the way to Provence …
Story & photos by Barbara Beckley Looking for a stylish – and affordable – new stay in Orange County? Look to the Sonesta Irvine. Newly revamped and renamed following a $20 million “extreme” make-over – this ultra-chic 339-guestroom/suite hotel is ideal for both fun and business stays. I recently overnighted and was impressed. The …
Travel season is here. Time to explore. To check off that bucket list and maybe unearth a few secrets from those who know best. The internet has put a dent in the travel book market, but not for those books that are filled with personal adventures, history and unknown treasures. Consider some of these books …
By Barbara Beckley Am I dining in Spain? No, it’s Greece. No, France. Yes, Yes and Yes… More than an exquisite meal – and it’s that, too – the “360: An Extraordinary Experience” is a magical trip around the world. Once seated, we’re transported to Princess Cruises’ exotic ports of call, immersed in the sights …
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance and love are on our minds, and our lovebirds are getting ready to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Candy? Flowers? No need to plan your special celebration this year. Leave that up to the romance specialists at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. The island of …
Those who traverse the west are fortunate that they don’t have to fly to Japan or even Washington D.C. to view a spectacular display of cherry blossoms. Just head to the Portland Japanese Garden this spring for an eye-full of joyful pink and white blossoms. The arrival of spring in Portland Japanese Garden is accompanied …
Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley The winery is in Sonoma. The Tasting Room is in Burbank! Unique concept. And best kept secret for wine and jazz buffs. We get to enjoy curated Sonoma wines – paired with fine cuisine and sophisticated entertainment – just by driving down San Fernando Road! “A small entrance. But …