Roam
Bardessono – Yountville
November 12, 2012
I just went to a little birthday shindig in Napa Valley at an incredible hotel…Bardessono. Very high end, very luxurious, very cool. It’s like having your own swanky apartment for R&R in between tastings. Earthy, modern, with your own fireplace and patio. Be sure to book an in- suite massage. It also has a cool bar scene where you can finally order a vodka or a beer (you can only drink so much wine, no?) And a rooftop pool and heated whirlpool. Most dreamy hotel I’ve been to in ages.
Location: Napa Valley, Yountville
Shelter Co. – California
July 9, 2012
Y’all know how much I love teepees. And California. Here’s a company that will set up chic shelter for you and your friends in the form of tents with stylish interiors. Pretty close to a teepee, but with more space. So you can camp out/hang out in style. Perfect for a music festival (you know you’re dying to shack up at Coachella), or a wedding, or just a temporary hiatus from the modern world. They can set up the shelters and restrooms, and can also cater an entire weekend. If you don’t have a venue in mind, they have a list of ideal locations for your reacquaintance with nature. Shelter Co.
Location: California
Rocking Horse Ranch – New York
June 14, 2012
If you are looking for a fun family vacation that young kids will love and you might actually enjoy yourself, check out Rocking Horse Ranch in New York. We just spent the weekend at this “ranch” resort for a family reunion, and kids of all ages were thrilled by it. It was also easy for me to bring my new baby everywhere in the stroller (even in the pool areas) while Big Sister tried out every water slide and pool activity. Each morning you receive a lengthy list of the day’s special activities, from softball tournaments to dance lessons to trail rides to bingo. But the best features are the staple activities that are open all day every day, such as the indoor/outdoor water park, horseback riding, water-skiing, paddle boat rides, arcade, “bungee” trampoline, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and more. For the adults there was even a blackjack tournament, and yes, there is an onsite bar.
Location: new york
Aria – Vegas
May 24, 2012
I started this website several years ago to keep track of the best places to dine, shop, workout, chill out, etc., as discovered by yours truly or a trusted source. Fast forward a growing family business and two kids later, and it’s a lot harder to find the time to write, and even harder to find the time to write well. But hang in there, I might post less frequently (and with less words) but I still have some worthy info for you. Right now it’s Vegas. I managed to spend 36 hours there last weekend, and Aria Resort & Casino gets my vote as a great place to stay. It’s sleek, it’s modern, with a good crowd and contemporary rooms and suites. Plus it’s next to a phenomenal shopping center, as well as some of the best bars (see The Chandelier bar below) and restaurants.
Location: Las Vegas
Maroma Resort – Mayan Riviera
April 20, 2012
Taking a little break to daydream about my next vacation, although with a two-week-old baby I have no idea when that will happen. I can’t wait to plan a trip back to this resort, Maroma, one of the stops on our honeymoon several years ago. Great food, luxurious spa and accommodations, plus a perfect beach. Quiet and peaceful and romantic. About an hour outside of Cancun, so an easy and quick escape from Texas. Here’s hoping we make it back soon…
Location: Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Pura Vida Surf and Yoga Retreats
August 17, 2011
I just got invited on what sounds like the best 40th birthday party ever. A friend of mine is organizing a girls’ week at Pura Vida surf camp in Costa Rica. Daily activities include yoga, surf instruction, spa time, and excursions to local restaurants, etc. They also offer yoga retreats. Pura Vida has been recommended by Vogue and Elle and, well, just read the some of the glowing reviews on their website. Pretty sure you’ll want to sign up for what many have called a “life-changing” adventure/vacation.
Location: Costa Rica
The Backyard Restaurant – Montauk
July 26, 2011
This find is from my friend Piper, who recently lunched here (with kids) and loved it. The Backyard Restaurant is located mostly outside in the gardens of Solé East Resort in Montauk, with a fire pit, tiki torches, day beds, and occasional live music (Thursday night is reggae night and Sunday brunch brings Brazilian tunes). The menu offers fresh seafood from local fisherman, organic meats, and vegetables from local farms. It’s also known for it’s five specialty cocktails, named after the owner’s children. Tell me the Myles doesn’t sound heavenly: Cruzan silver, peach puree, nectarines, mint and lime.
Photo from Hamptons magazine.
Location: Montauk
The Surf Lodge – Montauk
July 25, 2011
One of the best places to drop in for a sunset drink (overlooking Fort Pond) in Montauk. And don’t miss the boutique. The Surf Lodge is also a 32-room hotel that offers a summer concert series, outdoor surf movies, surf lessons, and a popular restaurant. This is its fourth summer and it’s still going strong.
Location: Montauk
Viceroy Anguilla
July 10, 2011
This one is from my friend Bart, who just visited Anguilla. I’ve always been a fan of the Viceroy Santa Monica, but the pictures of Viceroy Anguilla look 1000 times more heavenly. Just as Bart mentioned–The art! The architecture! The view! You are going to want to check out the entire photo gallery on the website. It’s officially on my getaway wish list.
Location: Anguilla
Four Seasons Hotel – Austin
July 5, 2011
A last minute business meeting spurred a 24-hour visit to Austin with the family a couple of weeks ago. Usually we stay at the San Jose, mostly because we can take our kid and our big Labrador, and I also like the hip pool/bar scene and the ability to walk to Jo’s, Guero’s, Stag, etc. But with such late notice it was booked. So we went with the Four Seasons. I was quickly reminded of how brilliant the Four Seasons is for kids. Stuffed animals as gifts on arrival, wonderful rollaways or cribs, kid bath robes and bath products, kid options on the menus, and a family-friendly pool scene. Yet it still manages to feel like a luxurious getaway. While entertaining my two-year-old at the pool I met a few other Dallas parents who had come down for the weekend to do exactly that. I see a lot more visits in our future. And for those of you traveling without kids, it is certainly not so full of families to ruin your serenity. There are travelers of all sorts, as well as locals hanging out at the pool and restaurants. (Trio is especially good for fine dining.) Plus it’s downtown and right on Lady Bird Lake.
Location: Austin
