Dine and Travel

08/08/2024

My latest review is out! Here are some of my favorite destinations that offers a similar sense of excitement, beautiful scenery and delightful culinary offerings similar to Cape Cod, but better!

1. Carmel by the Sea - Storybook cottages, boutiques, wine tasting and fine dining.

2. , Hawaii – gohawaii.com & Hideaway Beach - Kauai's Hidden Gem.

3. Visit Catalina Island Two Harbors - Catalina Island's picturesque Isthmus.

4. Victoria Beach Visit Laguna Beach - Explore the Pirate tower & 1,000 steps beach.

5. MackinacIsland.Net - Mackinac Island Michigan - The Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes.

6. Visit Ketchikan Alaska - the "Salmon Capital of the World".

7. Manasota Beach - Water everywhere you look.

Here's the link to my review:

Cape Cod is famous for its beautiful beaches, and these lesser-known beach destinations are similar in some ways and even better for a getaway.

29/07/2024

Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts Sunset Beach and Pacifica Resorts are so lucky to have Chef Anaisa Guevara at the helm at their fine dining restaurants LaFrida and Peninsula.

In the September issue of Food & Wine Spanish, her name is included in the “Best New Chefs in Mexico” 2024 list.

With a goal to earn a Michelin star, I hope her dream comes true soon when Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel del Allende opens at the end of this year.

Click here to read my review in Luxe Beat Magazine -

Recently while staying at the luxury adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico, I had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Anaisa Guevara. This 33 year old, fe…

12/07/2024

Having just returned from a Swan Hellenic 'Iceland In Depth'
cruise around the Arctic Island, here are the highlights of our trip featured in today's JustLuxe -

What Swan Hellenic promises to passengers onboard their 5-star luxury voyage ships is to 'See What Others Don't." This British cruise line specializes in historical and cultural expedition tours aimed for the sophisticated cruise

08/07/2024

This summer instead of traveling by airplane, car, RV or boat....how about by Amtrak?

In my The Travel review today, read how retirees are traveling more by train to explore the U.S. on these Itineraries -
1. The Ultimate Pacific Northwest - Los Angeles to Seattle
2. Chicago to the Grand Canyon
3. New York to the Niagara Falls
4. Chicago to Glacier National Park
5. Day trips from Virginia up to Boston
6. California Zephyr Trip - San Francisco to Chicago

Why fly or drive when you can save money and enjoy comfort by taking an Amtrak train to these bucket list travel destinations during retirement?

05/07/2024

Well this is going to be a lot of fun sailing with the new Godmother of Royal Caribbean International newest ship Utopia of the Seas, GRAMMY winning artist Meghan Trainer.

She is performing live on the 3-night celebration that I will be covering just days before the new vacation’s official July 19 debut. Want to join me?

52 fans have the chance to sail and hear her perform. Beginning today, Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can enter for their chance to join the celebration on Royal Caribbean’s Instagram channel - https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CyFQ1sPjB/?igsh=ZTB5Y244am1iZ2F2

29/06/2024

In my Go World Travel Magazine review, read about when I stayed at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún All Inclusive, and took a day trip to the Island of Woman, one of my favorite spots to visit when in Cancun.

Take the blue and yellow Ultramar Ferry right below the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun to a charming residential village filled with powdery white sand beaches, brilliant blue warm water, fascinating history, colorful boutique shops, lively restaurants and plenty of golf carts and bicycles to explore the entire island. Mammoth Whale Sharks love swimming in the water around IslaMujeres too.

Take a boat ride from Cancun to discover the things to do in Isla Mujeres from tropical beaches to snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks.

05/06/2024

Travel Idea For Today:

Since the summer Olympics will be in Paris, for those who aren't traveling to watch the games, considering visiting the following
9 Olympic Villages in North America:

1. St. Louis - Chicago originally won the bid to host the 1904 Summer Olympics, but it was moved to St. Louis to tie into the World's Fair.
2. Lake Placid, NY - Then-governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt, opened the first Winter Olympic Games in the US in 1932.
3. Los Angeles - Scheduled to host its third Olympics in 2028. The first was in 1932 and the 2nd was in 1984.

Click on this link to read where else to visit in the U.S. and Canada, plus learn some interesting facts about the Olympics.

These iconic North American Olympic Villages are worth visiting when exploring the cities in which they're located, from St. Louis to Vancouver!

04/06/2024

For those of you who know me, Visit Catalina Island has a very special place in my heart. It was a joy to write my latest TheTravel article - Santa Catalina Feels Like The Caribbean.

If you haven't been to Avalon in a while, there are exciting new things to see and do. Here's a rundown of why Love Catalina Island on the Catalina Express is the closest Caribbean vacation experience, and only 26 miles across the channel from Long Beach -

Only 26 miles across the sea from Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island offers a lively Caribbean vibe.

30/05/2024

Visit Greater Palm Springs is sizzling with deals during their DineGPS Restaurant Week on May 31 - June 9, 2024. Here's a guide of where to Stay, Sip, Spa and Swim -

To kick-off the summer season, Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, is offering locals and visitors 10-days of special culinary opportunities. This an…

25/05/2024

Check out my new TheTravel article - 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Pasadena From A Local -

Known as "The City of Roses," Pasadena is 25 minutes northeast of downtown Los Angeles. As a local, here are some things to know before visiting!

21/05/2024

While on a Savor Seattle food and cultural tour, our guide Matt shared so many fascinating facts about the Pike Place Market, its vendors, farmers and artisans. Here are the highlights featured today in Luxe Beat Magazine - https://luxebeatmag.com/savor-seattle-original-food-cultural-tour/

Visit Seattle, Pike Place Market, Pike Place Fish Market, Pike Place Chowder, Starbucks, , Rachel's Ginger Beer, Seatown Rub Shack & FishFry and others

Seattle is a waterfront city filled with Pacific Northwest coastal charm and fresh seafood. One of the best ways to enjoy the flavors of the Emerald City is by taking a Savor Seattle Food Tour. Mik…

07/05/2024

The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts still has tickets through May 19, 2024. Take Mom to see what the talented 30 interior designers and landscape specialists have done to reimagine the Pasadena Landmark Potter Daniels Manor.

Purchase a Happy Hour ticket on Fridays starting at 4 pm for a fun Date Night. On May 10 at 6 pm, tour the house and then enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live music by a string quartet, or on May 17, jazz singer Sharmila Lash accompanied by guitar will perform at 6 pm.

Tickets in Sunday include Brunches with Bottomless Mimosas. For Mother’s Day, harpist, Anya Garipoli, performs on May 12 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Mother’s Day Special Brunch: $75

Nestled near the Pasadena Arroyo is this year’s Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This stunning multi-million dollar Tudor-style estate was once the West Coast winter home of Gethat in 1902, …

03/05/2024

Please do not respond to a message from me saying that I have Strep Throat. I don't need money, I am well, and have not emailed, text or posted a message to you.

03/05/2024

Anyone going to the Big Island of Hawaii this summer?

Here is my 10 Best Big Island Restaurant in Hawaii Guide featured today in Go World Travel Magazine. https://www.goworldtravel.com/10-best-big-island-restaurants-in-hawaii/

Highlights in my review include:

1. Different dining options at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
2. Toes in the sand at Lava Lava Beach Club - Waikoloa
3. Two different Hawaiian Luau experiences - OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4. Drive-thru coffee at HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
5. Mai-Tais at Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort

Discover the best Big Island restaurants in Hawaii from casual beach food to fine dining and Lauas with breathtaking views.

29/04/2024

Last week at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Visit Napa Valley, I was so inspired to write this review featured today in - https://luxebeatmag.com/girls-napa-valley-getaway-at-meritage-resort-and-spa/

After a multi-year $25 million dollar reimagine, The Meritage Resort & Spa recently debuted its new wine country experiences at the resort. Not only is this the first resort visitors …

23/04/2024

Driving through the majestic redwoods down to the silver tip cresting waves of the Pacific Ocean was a dream in a Lucid Motors Air Pure model. Here's my automotive feature in today's JustLuxe -

Designed in California, Lucid Motors is the quintessential California electric vehicle to drive up to a red carpet event or through towering redwood forests to picturesque Pacific Ocean beaches. During a recent Hollywood movie premier along

22/04/2024

Last week I was in Mexico at the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya. Since I travel so much, I write my reviews quickly while the experience is fresh in my mind. Here is my first review featured in JustLuxeof the SE Spa in the Zen Jungle at the resort - It is one of the most spectacular Spa Experiences in the world.

While most spas around the world have you enter a locker room, put on a robe and then guide you to a dark four wall room with one door, SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a unique Zen-like spa expereince. Guests have the option to enter

11/04/2024

For all my friends with EV's (Electric Vehicles), here's my newest guide to some of the most scenic drives in CA, OR and WA. Check out where to plug-in and not have charge or range anxiety. Plus there are some fun stops along the way, restaurants and hotels for an overnight getaway! My review is featured today in TheTravel -

California has the most EV-friendly cities making it, and its neighboring states one of the best states for a scenic EV road trip.

08/04/2024

Last week while traveling solo to UNICO 20N 87W Riveria Maya, Cancun, I experienced so many different wellness workshops, had a wild monkey climb onto me for a ride on my back, drank goop smoothies, and met some amazing and talented men and women. Here's my JustLuxe review of week -

The adults only, all-inclusive UNICO 20°87° Hotel along Riviera Maya recently wrapped up their second annual Aura Wellness event. From March 29 to April 4, 2024, the five-star resort offered guests a weeklong wellness

28/03/2024

For those looking to getaway on Easter and enjoy a great meal, here are some of my favorite spots. Let's hope the skies open on Sunday for Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts and festivities - https://dineandtravel.me/2024/03/28/5-so-cal-easter-getaways/

12/03/2024

Traveling to Florida this year? Here's my review of the Best Beaches in Florida For Shell Hunters - https://www.thetravel.com/best-beaches-in-florida-for-seashell-hunters/

Be sure to visit Sanibel Island, Manasota Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, Florida, Honeymoon Island State Park, Stump Pass Beach State Park, and Caladesi Island State Park.

Long stretches of Florida's beaches sparkle with seashells touching the Gulf's shores and Atlantic coastline, perfect for shell hunting!

07/03/2024

I enjoyed an exquisite dinner with Wolfgang Puck and H.R.H Prince Robert of Luxembourg at Spago Beverly Hills to kick-off Sunday's Academy Awards Oscar worthy Governors Ball dinner with Clarendelle wines.

Here's my review of the ahi tuna cones, quail, turbot, Wagyu steak and pineapple strudel with a golden chocolate Oscar!

Once again H.R.H. Prince Robert of Luxembourg’s Clarendelle Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion will have his elegant red and white wines poured to the stars attending this week& #821…

01/03/2024

I love my yoga class at Descanso Gardens led by wonderful Joyce Fischer-Shuman! Every season at the park is enhanced with the beauty of the flowers. Spring is in the air with flowers blossoming, birds nesting and visitors oohing and aahing.

17/02/2024

We are back home! One of the highlights of our Hawaiian adventure was seeing enormous Manta Rays gobbling up schools of silver fish next to the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa. Here's my review featured in Luxe Beat Magazine:

Every evening stealth-like black and white manta rays soar from the depth of Keauhou Bay up to the newly renovated Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. The resort shines a light on the waves gently cra…

02/02/2024

Spa Desert Springs JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa debuted their refreshed state-of-the-art spa to include a one-of-a-kind Wellness Lounge.

The largest hotel spa in Visit Greater Palm Springs now offers a lounge with 15 different types of wellness for your body and senses lounge chairs. Before or after a treatment guests can cuddle with a soft and comfy blanket into one or all of the following three types of chairs:

A Mind-Sync Lounger in a zero gravity position with a noise-cancelling headset. There are 6 different meditative sounds that include a sound bath experience with rain, the ocean and nature.

The sleek NuWave Zero Gravity Wave Lounger provides optimal head, hand and foot comfort to help improve the circulatory system and help ease back strain. I choose the Therabody Massaging Goggles offering pulsating massage points and warmth to sinuses. These can help to soothe headaches, and relieve eye strain.

The third lounger is a Ceragem M2 Massaging that includes cutting-edge technology, offering a heat optional massage. This chair is equipped with six automatic modes to suit a range of needs to one's neck, back, hips, thighs and even abdominal circulation.

30/01/2024

I'm going to the LA Times Travel Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend, are you?

The Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show begins the first weekend in February on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles. It’s an ideal opportun…

29/01/2024

I am back from the 3- Night naming ceremony cruise onboard Royal Caribbean International longest and largest . This ship is AMAZING for all ages.

My JustLuxe review today is about Soccer Icon Leo Messi christening the ship with his Inter Miami CF team dressed in pink jerseys. Learn why legendary footballer David Beckham selected the flamingo color pink.

Emmy-award winning host Mario Lopez led the ceremony with Royal Caribbean's Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Captain Henrik Loy, Master of Icon of the Seas.

The Icon of the Seas introduces the world's best vacation with stops at A Perfect Day At CocoCay.

The world's largest cruise line Royal Caribbean International, recently welcomed sports icon Lionel "Leo" Messi onboard their newest ship, Icon of the Seas, during the ship's naming ceremony in Miami. Hosted by television

26/01/2024

The entertainment onboard Royal Caribbean International’s new is show-stopping. Besides live music in bars and lounges, there is a hilarious Comedy show, an entertaining Pirate parade, and four amazing original productions led by Senior Vice President Entertainment and Royal Caribbean Productions, Nick Weir.

In the water show Aqua Action!, four of the cast members are Olympians including high diver Freddie Woodward and artistic swimmer Rachel Presser. Grace Eldridge is an exquisite 3D aerialist.

Starburst is a burst of Element Beauty on ice with Olympian ice skaters.

Wizard of Oz features London musical star Ruby Dollner as Dorothy.

Each show features multimedia content lighting up the air, ice, water and onstage in the Royal Theatre, Aqua Dome, Absolute Zero, and Music Hall.

11/01/2024

Last Saturday we boarded the Regent Seven Seas Cruises newest ship, the Grandeur. The "Most Exclusive Address At Sea" lives up to its name, especially in the Penthouse Regent Suite. The expansive 4,443 square feet features two grand bedrooms, and two and one-half bathrooms, three walk-in closets, a living room with a faux fireplace, a dining room, kitchenette, butler service, and wraparound veranda.

The pièce de résistance is the in-room Spa. There are ocean view heated loungers, a shampoo sink, a treadmill, a grand circular steam shower with multiple shower heads, and a hot sauna. Sink into warm water while relaxing in a luxury stone bathtub overlooking the sea or relax outside in a multi-jet whirlpool. For $11,000 a day they provide complimentary in-suite spa treatments. Here's my review - https://www.justluxe.com/travel/luxury-vacations/feature-1977047.php

04/01/2024

Just before NYE, Rick and I dined at Mastro's Beverly Hills. It's worth the splurge to kick-off 2024. Sitting up at the rooftop Penthouse at a table near the piano player tickling the ivories was one of many highlights. Here's other highlights in today's Beverly Press Park Labrea News -

  We ended 2023 in spectacular fashion with a memorable dining experience at Mastro’s Beverly Hills. Three floors...