Retreat to Winter Wonderland, Lake Geneva of Switzerland

Summit of Leysin, Switzerland - Lake Geneva Region
Summit of Leysin, Switzerland

Winter in northern CA is experiencing delays. Midway into January, we are finally getting some cool weather. Though not nearly enough snow where I live, but at least Summit of Leysin, Switzerland is enjoying my snowy winter.

The luxury alpine resort at Les Diablerets in the Lake Geneva Region is covered in a deep blanket of fresh snow (yes, the fluffy kind).

With eight feet of snow to date, also known as the Canton of Vaud, the Lake Geneva Region is located in Southwestern Switzerland. With entertainment and recreation other than just skiing, the area is also home to museums, restaurants and shops; something for the artistically-hungry, the foodies, and the shoppers.

With stunning mountain views across Lake Geneva, cozy chalets serving authentic cheese fondue, and fast scenic rail connections from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the mountain villages in less than two hours, the Lake Geneva Region offers the ultimate Swiss ski vacation.

Thanks to more than 500 miles of marked ski runs, the resorts of the Lake Geneva Region can offer slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities.

Currently 37 resort properties in the Lake Geneva Region are offering a Free for Kids offer that gives children age 9 and younger a complimentary ski pass and free accommodations in their parents/accompanying adult guardian’s room.

Take advantage of the snow while it lasts. Fluffy snow beats a thin layer of dirty northern California frost any day!

For additional news and information about the Lake Geneva Region, visit www.lake-geneva-region.ch 




Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary – Maui, Hawaii

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary - Maui Hawaii

The Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui, was once a royal fish pond. Known in Hawaiian history as the twin ponds of Kapuoho in honor of King Kapiiohookalani.

King Kapiiohookalani started building these ponds over 200 years ago for storing and fattening fish.  The twin ponds were named after his children, Kanaha and Mauoni.

The Kanaha Pond is also an important breeding location for three endangered Hawaiian birds: the Hawaiian duck, the stilt, and the coot, as well as the endangered sphinx moth.

Located on 143-acres, this preserve is a stopping point for Canadian geese as they migrate south for the winter. About 200 stilts make the two-foot-deep pond their permanent residence.

In 1951 the Hawaiian government formally designated the pond as a bird refuge. This pond was designated a registered natural landmark in late 1971.




Shadow Creek – Golf At The Bellagio in Las Vegas


Photo: Shadow Creek

Bellagio presents the upper echelon of Las Vegas golf. Be sure to indulge your love for the game of golf. The World-famous Shadow Creek golf course, legendary Primm Valley site, and various Partner Courses each offer a distinctive experience to suit your specific level of play. Now go grab your golf clubs and head to Bellagio Golf.

When you stay at the luxurious Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas you get to play golf at the world famous Shadow Creek course and the legendary Primm Valley site. This rare privilege for hotel guests, includes limousine transportation and a personal caddie.

The Bellagio hotel also has affiliations with several other golf courses. So take a much needed break from gambling and indulge in the game you love, for a weekend away. It’s going to be wonderful weekend.

These golf courses are manicured to perfection. The greens are lush, the lakes are cool, and the water features are breathtaking. The sun shines bright in the beautiful blue desert sky that’s always shining in sultry Las Vegas.

The palm trees sway in the soft blowing wind, which sends the aroma of the plants and flowers your way as you swing and hit a perfect… hole-in-one shot.

What are you waiting for .… FOUR!




Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Munich, Germany

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Munich Germany
Courtesy of: Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Munich

Mandarin Oriental Munich Hotel is a hotel of quiet luxury, tucked away in a side street, yet centrally located near the famed Maximilianstrasse, in Munich Germany.

Spending time at this luxury hotel is truly a tourist’s heaven. The Mandarin Oriental is located in Munich’s historic area. Since it’s location is off the beaten path, it offers a quiet and peaceful setting.

This German lxuury hotel offers wonderful personalized VIP service and sincere know how to treat a customer right.

Travel + Leisure voted the Mandarin Oriental Munich Hotel as one of their top 10 of the World’s Best Hotels. You will find an elegant gem of Neo-Renaissance charm, which has been entirely renovated, and the highest levels of personalized service in the city.

With just 73 rooms and suites, the amazing Mandarin Oriental Munich Hotel promises the most personalized of services. What’s more, the beautifully redesigned rooms are some of the largest in the city, so you can lounge in the lap of luxury.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Munich Germany suite view
Courtesy of: Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Munich

All the rooms exude understated luxury and unapologetic comfort. Each has state-of-the art technology, including wireless LAN connectivity, flat-screen televisions in the bathrooms and surprising touches of luxury, such as exclusively designed bed linens, paintings by celebrated artist Wong Kee Chee and heated mirrors that stay mist-free.

The hotel’s restaurant is a place that everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. The atmosphere is beautiful and so romantic. The chef Mario Corti did an amazing job.The restaurant also offers over 400 wines from all over the world.




CraftSteak Steak House at the MGM Grand

Craftsteak Steak House Restaurant - MGM Grand Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of MGM Media

The CraftSteak Steak House is located at the luxury MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

CraftSteak is a bit gimmicy in that they serve “Kobe Beef”. Due to regulations, it is not 100% real Kobe beef, but is still pretty darn good.

The quality of food is superb, and the variety and larger portions were great. Between the two of us, he dined on two or three small appetizers, three steaks, numerous side dishes, as well as a variety of homemade ice creams for our desert. We were also served several palette cleansers between our servings.

The CraftSteak Steak House restaurant service was stellar. The waiter was an older gentleman who had a very strong accent. He sounded somewhat like a vampire, but was just brilliant.

The waiter recommended the the mashed potatoes and said they were “ridiculous”. That was no mistake as they were incredible. It was like an equal mix of cream and potato and the taste was quite intense. They were great.

The CraftSteak steaks were in one word – terrific. The meat is extremely tender and flavorful. The steaks seemed to have been oozing “goodness” out of them. Juice galore. We got three steak cuts, a New York Strip, a Fillet, and one other served with the tasting menu. My only regret was not getting the Steak Tartar as the suggested first course. The waiter switched to a Foie Gras since we were pussies when it came to eating raw meat.

CraftSteak is on the expensive side, but it is a memorable meal and will let you get in some “Kobe Beef” which will be one of the most flavorful tender cuts of meat you have ever eaten. I would definitely go there again, and take some friends here to pop their “Kobe” cherry.




Fleur by Hubert Keller Restaurant at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

Fleur by Hubert Keller - Mandalay Bay restaurant - Las Vegas
Fleur by Hubert Keller – Mandalay Bay

The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas features famous culinary chef Hubert Keller, and his fine dining establishment Fleur by Hubert Keller.

Hubert Keller previously closed down his Fleur de Lys restaurant for re-modeling. Guests can enjoy a relaxed ambiance that extends from the venue’s attractive design to the fine dining cuisine.

Fleur by Hubert Keller is open for both lunch and dinner, as Hubert Keller brings delicious and contemporary flavors from his world travels.

Critically Acclaimed Chef Hubert Keller was born in France. Chef Keller trained and worked in France, Brazil and the United States. Back in 1986, Hubert Keller became co-owner of Fleur de Lys Restaurant in San Francisco, California.

Now the innovative chef debuts his latest fashionable epicurean experience.

Fleur by Hubert Keller definitely marks a new culinary concept by celebrating exquisitely tasting, International small plates.

This luxury restaurant features gourmet small plates that are packed with powerful bites of flavor. This will be the initial small plates concept for famous Chef Hubert Keller.

The Fleur’s contemporary menu is inspired by Keller’s numerous travels to Italy, Spain, Asia, North Africa, South America, plus his homeland France.

Fleur by Hubert Keller - Mandalay Bay restaurant - Las Vegas
Fleur by Hubert Keller – Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs meal

Fleur will offer its guests a new dining experience from the Bravo “Top Chef Masters” cheftestant, in a welcoming and casual-chic environment.

Fleur is described as “global tapas” restaurant. Fine diners will notice the large open bar, in addition to an outdoor-feeling patio that overlooks the spacious Manadalay Bay casino.

Comprised of 5,500-square-foot of space Fleur by Hubert Keller features a decor of earthy color palette of warm greens, rustic reds and woody browns to transform Fleur into a cozy retreat.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit – http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/fleur.aspx or call 702-632-9400.




Terre Blanche Resort, Provence – A Brief Guide

Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence
Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence

The luxury Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche Provence exudes natural luxury due to its fine weather and landscapes, inviting visitors to feel truly indulged.

Famous for its unique pallet of colors and scenic splendor, it’s no wonder that Provence has been the inspiration for countless artists including Van Gough and Cezanne.

The landscape is nothing short of fairytale, with wild flower meadows and ancient oak woodland acting as a backdrop to world famous beaches and elegant villages.

From the breathtaking peaks of the Alps to the golden sands of San Tropez, the variety of Provence’s landscape makes its charm easy to appreciate.

The gorgeous landscape gives rise to the production of equally gorgeous food, prepared as a selection of mouth-watering regional delicacies which are served in the suitably luxurious restaurants of the region.

Food is to be taken time over and savored, with a feast of local delights to choose from prepared by chefs with generations of culinary knowledge at their disposal.

The wines of the region are likewise to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, particularly the sophisticated and award winning rose produced there. Tours of a vineyard are also a wonderful way to spend the day, with the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the vineyards, and, of course, taste the wines.

Classic French markets are to be found in abundance throughout the region. Spend the morning perusing the colorful stalls and choosing items for an extravagant lunch.

Nothing can be done in Provence without the feeling of luxury, including a wine and cheese picnic in a secluded spot amidst the rolling valleys or coastal beach coves.

Luxury hotels such as the stunning Terre Blanche beautifully complement the regions traditional elegance. Nestled between sprawling valleys and mountains, the thoughtfully designed hotel blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, combining the unique color pallet of the region with the luxury of exemplary service and amenities.

Surrounded by the relaxing scents of lavender and the soft colors of pastel meadow, such resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche are carefully designed with tranquility and comfort in mind.




Gate of the Sun – Madrid Spain’s Famous Central Square

Puerta del Sol - Gate of the Sun - Madrid Spain
Puerta del Sol

The Spanish called it the “Gate of the Sun” and for visitors to Spain’s Puerta del Sol, they’ll know exactly what the Spaniards were talking about.

The Gate of the Sun gates were once the main entrance to Madrid Spain. Like many medieval towns of that time period, it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall and it is through the gates that entry to the city was gained.

In this way, it was well known to traders and visitors from all over the world. After the walls around Madrid were removed, it remained as a meeting place. Interestingly, the location is still the major meeting point in Madrid.

Spanish architecture looms big through out Puerta del Sol, speaking of a past of opulence and grandeur. One famous example is a very large sculpture of a bear eating fruit. The fruit the bear is eating is reported to be from the Madrone tree where the scenic city of Madrid derives it’s name from. The iconic bear itself is a great symbol for the people of Madrid.

One of the city’s most important Madrid buildings is the House of the Post Office. It’s the central focus for the city’s New Year celebrations. Also there is a paving slab where the six main Spanish highways originate. Because of this, the location is an excellent spot to begin exploring not just Madrid, but the entire country of Spain.

Leaving Puerta Del Sol, it’s only a short walk to other popular Madrid attractions such as Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. The Parliament building is also nearby and the Metro is easily accessible from the area.

Madrid offers many side streets that offer shops, restaurants, and many other attractions. Any visitor should spend as much time as possible touring this area. During the warm Madrid evenings, it’s the best time to go as the bars and cafes that line the historic streets. They will be full of both tourists, local citizens as well as many street performers who come to entertain.




Rumor Boutique Hotel Las Vegas – “Fantastic Four” Mega-Suites

RUMOR Las Vegas hotel - Camouflage mega-suite bathroom
RUMOR Las Vegas hotel – Camouflage mega-suite bathroom

Rumor Las Vegas is the trendy 150-suite boutique hotel, located across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Opened in 2010, the Rumor Las Vegas décor of their front lobby and lounge is hip, sexy and fun, featuring contrasting shades of charcoal accent with purple hues and select ornate, yet simple touches.

Named the first true boutique hotel in Las Vegas, Rumor Las Vegas features four chromatic, luxury mega-suites. Each suite at Rumor Las Vegas will showcase its own unique design and feel. Weekday pricing is scheduled to begin between $350 and $500 on the weekends.

These new luxury suites will face towards Rumor’s signature 30,000 square foot courtyard, decorated with hammock-strung matured swaying palm trees, grassy knolls and pools.

In addition to the suite’s distinctive color scheme, they will also feature dynamic and impressive, yet complimentary hand-painted murals.

Each of the Rumor Las Vegas suites is 1,000 square feet in size. The first floor suites open up to a large, oversized patio located just steps from the swimming pool and the courtyard events.

The second floor suites feature French doors that open up to an oversized balcony with lounge chairs to check out all the courtyard action below.

Other luxury amenities at the new Rumor Las Vegas suites include: iPod docking stations; wet bar; mini refrigerator; four-seater high boys with a glass top; two custom-made couches with throw pillows; coffee table, 60-inch plasma in the bedroom/living room area and a 32-inch plasma in the bathroom. Speaking of the spacious bathroom, every suite is also equipped with an “ultra-lounge/party bathroom” featuring a 10-person, open shower with two rain showerheads and a plush u-shaped couch that comfortably seats 10.

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THE GOSSIP MEGA-SUITE
RUMOR Las Vegas hotel - Gossip mega-suite

The girly-girl “Gossip Mega-Suite” boasts shades of hot and pale pink with splashes of fuchsia. Mirrored stripes of bright pink traversing in multiple directions are noticeable upon entry. A provocatively posed woman conveniently losing her top is this suite’s mural. The second mural is of two lip-locked females wearing purple and pink lipstick.

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THE SWINGER MEGA-SUITE
RUMOR Las Vegas hotel - Swinger mega-suite

Murals designed and created by Chemical Spaces adorn the suites.  One mural hangs over the bed, while the other surprises guests upon entry of the bathroom.  In the appropriately named “Swinger Mega-Suite,” mirrored stripes zig zag the walls throughout the black bedroom area.  Bookending the California-king bed propped on a small stage with spotlights at the foot of the bed are crisscrossed metal poles.  The bedroom mural: the torso of a woman wearing a white, unlaced corset while the bathroom mural shows a woman wearing thigh high stockings and snapping her black thong.

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THE DIVA MEGA-SUITE
RUMOR Las Vegas hotel - Diva mega-suite

Last but definitely not least, the “Diva Mega-Suite” shows black floral painting against deep red walls. Only in this suite are there two queen beds with white sheets and black and silver throw pillows that face one another with plush fabric headboards stretching across the walls and ceiling. A woman holding a vibrant red rose is the mural that greets guests. The bathroom’s mural is a woman with pale lips and red and black smoky eyes.

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THE CAMOUFLAGE MEGA-SUITE
RUMOR Las Vegas hotel - Camouflage mega-suite

Blue camouflage swirls around the guests from the floor to the ceiling in the “Camouflage Mega-Suite.”  The tri-colored effect is also layered with barren black trees with twigs at the top.  A woman with piercing blue eyes and hair is the mural in this suite.  The bed has blue, white and silver throw pillows with a mirror hung right above it.  Dark and pale gray tile stripe the floors both inside the bedroom and bathroom.

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For additional information or to make reservations for one of the new mega-suites at Rumor Las Vegas luxury boutique hotel, please visit www.rumorvegas.com or call (877) 99-RUMOR




Le Meurice, Paris – Belle Etoile Suite

Le Meurice, Paris - Belle Etoile Suite
Le Meurice, Paris

The Le Meurice hotel is located in scenic and romantic Paris, France. Enough can’t be said of the magnificent hotel terrace that provides direct views of Paris’ key sites.

You’ll feel as though you can reach out and touch some of the most famous Paris landmarks, including: the Louvre museum, Arc de Triomphe, Place, de la Concorde, and Eiffel Tower.

The Charles X-style decor contains finely crafted marquetry, a trove of art and rare antiques.  The decor is in the style of a mini Versailles. It is elegant and sophisticated.

The luxurious Belle Etoile Suite is 2,250 square feet, plus a 3,200 square foot terrace.

Rate: $18,500

Le Meurice
228 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 44 58 10 10
Fax: +33 1 44 58 10 15




Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Grand Hotel Villa Cora - Florence
Grand Hotel Villa Cora – Florence, Italy

The Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy is truly a luxury hotel in one of the most beautiful and cultural cities, not only in Europe but all the world.

Whythebest Hotels is a new group of Italian hotels and introduces the reopening of the Grand Hotel Villa Cora after three years of restorations.

Villa Cora was originally built as a mansion by Baron Oppenheim back in 1868. The design of the Villa Cora hotel displays the incredible architectural styles of that period.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora guests will enjoy the original 19th century sculptures, frescoes, and ornate artisanship found everywhere you look. Villa Cora is the embodiment of Florence – the Renaissance City.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora - Florence, Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Cora room – Florence, Italy

Villa Cora was at one time the popular hotel of choice by emperors, princes, and artists. Several notable hotel guests include Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Princess Eugenia wife of Napoleon III, plus Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

To this day, Grand Hotel Villa Cora is still considered one of the main symbols of elegance and aristocracy in Florence.