The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently heralded Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades as a winning combination, placing three area properties in the 2010 Top 100 Reader’s Choice for Mainland U.S. Resorts.

A land of poets, painters and pure romance, Paris is one of the world’s most beloved cities. Stroll the shady tree-lined streets of the Champs-Elysées. Sip café au lait at a sidewalk bistro as a mime captivates passers by.

Gracious greens, softly undulating fairways, tranquil waters… it’s no secret that Sarasota’s resorts boast some of the lushest links in the country. Longboat Key Club and Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offer gorgeous championship courses that challenge golfers from novice to pro.

Do you like surprises? I do. When driving past the golf course at night, I am pleasantly surprised when dark, humped shadows turn into elk cows and calves grazing peacefully.

I like the unpredictably of our Arizona sunsets. Would we so admire the hot reds, fuchsias and purples if they were visible from our Munds Park decks at every setting of the sun?

Just the thought of a surprise birthday party terrifies me. But I love being blown away by the complexity of the first taste of an unpretentiously-priced wine.

I like surprises and so I am liking Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. I didn’t do much research before coming, but I did look at a map. I envisioned Temecula as a flat expanse of dull, plowed agricultural lands. From all my travels to grape-growing regions, I should have known better. Grapes are best grown on rolling hills that provide drainage and optimal sunlight. But on the two-dimensional, beige-colored map flattened on my Munds Park dining room table, the area looked … well, frankly it looked … beige and flat.

Now in Temecula, I am first surprised by tall, rolling hills striated by grapevines and back dropped by dramatic granite-bespeckled mountains. Here horses, golfers and grapes live in harmony. Lush green hills around golf courses and horse properties are dotted with squat olive trees and spires of Olympic cedars. Rose gardens spilling with ample blossoms and parcels of thick forests skirt the edges of golfers’ and riders’ views.

Outside the door of my room at Temecula Creek Inn — home base for my southern California stay — I am pleasantly surprised as the “flower” near which a hummingbird hovers is shifted by my perspective and turns into a nest. She hops in and finds a quiet respite.

Dinner at the Thornton Winery amazes with simple, gourmet cuisine. “Over the years I’ve learned to get back to the simple things … three or four ingredients so you can taste what you are supposed to taste,” says Chef Steve Pickell, schooled in DC in the 1980s and working in New York City, Chicago and LA before returning to southern California.

The pan-roasted Pacific Sea Bass with lemon, olives and bay leaves from Chef’s on-site herb garden was laid on Mediterranean Cous Cous. Four ingredients, and to die for! “Lobster used to be my favorite sea food,” reveals fellow foodie and travel writer Marilyn Hill. “But now I prefer sea bass. The chef can do so much with it to make it his own using local ingredients.”

Local foods are an integral part of Temecula’s dining scene. Southwest Riverside County has the highest number of boutique farms per capita than any other in California. Chef Pickell celebrates his relationship with local growers by presenting the freshest tastes to his guests.

Wine maker Don Reha has paired Thornton’s 2008 Viognier with the course that we are enjoying out of doors. I remind myself that it snowed last week in Munds Park. “It’s one of the best that I’ve made,” says the young, unpretentious wine maker who has twenty-six harvests under his belt. “I am learning every day. My philosophy [on wine making] is always changing.”

And so I get my third surprise: Thornton’s 2008 Viognier. It is a complex, multi-layered wine: peach in the nose, tangerine in the mouth, and fire in the belly. Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, an unexpectedly satisfying destination, is so close to home. One hour north of San Diego, one hour south of Orange County and one hour west of Palm Springs. An easy fly or drive from Phoenix or Munds Park.

When You Go:
Temecula Creek Inn – spacious guest rooms over-looking a championship golf course rated Four Stars by Gold Digest Places to Play.

Thornton Winery – tastings, tours, food, wine, and jazz concerts from April through October.

Stacey “Vagabonding Lulu” Wittig is a freelance travel writer based in Munds Park, AZ. Find more travel tips at www.vagabondinglulu.com and book your travel at www.travelwriter.rovia.com.

Reprinted from Pinewood News, Munds Park, AZ, May 24, 2010

Beachfront rental options in beautiful and historic St. Augustine.

Once upon a time…

Fairytales do come true. And sometimes, twice. Ten years ago, Patrick and I eloped to an obscure Caribbean island known mostly to the rich and famous. We agreed on Anguilla because neither of us had been there, and on Cap Juluca Resort for its striking Moorish architecture. Its majestic white domes, parapets and turrets harkened back to Patrick’s early years in Morocco, where his dad was stationed with the CIA. (Another story, another time.)

It was dreamlike. So, what better place – and way – to celebrate our ten-year anniversary than with a vow-renewal   ceremony on these virgin shores where we first said “I do.” 

The resort

Perched on a mile-long crescent beach in Anguilla, one of the Leeward Islands of the British West Indies, Cap Juluca is a favored, discrete escape for financial barons and A-list celebrities; it even has paparazzi-chasing boats. The star-studded list of guests has included the likes of Bill Gates; Brad Pitt; Jennifer Aniston; Denzel Washington; Katie Couric; Kevin Bacon; Courtney Cox; Glenn Close; Michael J. Fox; Charlie Sheen; Tyra Banks; Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name just a few.

No wonder. Offering tennis, aqua-golf, a healing spa, afternoon tea, croquet and more, Cap Juluca epitomizes ultra-luxe. Impeccably designed for privacy, all you can hear is the wind, the lapping of waves and the lyrical sounds of songbirds, even when the resort is full. Its level of service goes beyond merely answering needs but anticipating them. Like having a roving beach waiter deliver a refreshing cup of passion fruit sorbet, at precisely the moment you feel a bit parched.

Its ambiance is terminally romantic, with unmatched tropical vistas during the day and, after each blazing sunset, dramatic nightscapes of the lights of nearby St. Maarten, twinkling like diamonds on black velvet. Cap Juluca is the quintessential luxury retreat: secluded, peaceful and sophisticated.

The homecoming

It was just as we remembered. And apparently, “it” remembered us. Upon our arrival, we were pulled out of the registration line, whisked away to a private reception room, handed chilled cloths to cool our brows and rum punch to quench our thirst. Wedding Coordinator Verna Rogers and staff greeted us with big smiles and bear hugs. We are certainly not rich or famous, but they sure made us feel like stars.

Verna reviewed the details of our “1 Karat” package, which includes minister, vow renewal certificate, photographer, flowers and champagne. And while we expected a junior suite as before, she explained we would be staying in a “pool suite.” We didn’t quite grasp the concept.

A room with a view

Among those in our welcoming committee was Ace Fortunanto, who transported us, via golf cart, to the far end of the property. He led us along a palm-tree and hibiscus fringed path to a set of enormous mahogany doors. We stepped through them to a stone-tiled, tropically landscaped lanai with a sparkling swimming pool. Lining the whitewashed privacy walls were umbrella-topped tables, lounge chairs and rafts – enough for a small pool party.

“Is this just… for us?” I asked. “This is your pool suite, and this is your pool,” smiled Ace.

Another set of mahogany doors led us inside our villa. Before us was a floor-lit dining room, flower-topped marble table and four ornately carved wooden chairs. To the left, a full-sized kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and straight ahead, a spacious step-down living room, as comfortable looking as it was elegant. Three arched picture windows framed an expansive view of the powder-white shoreline and cerulean sea, just steps from our suite. There were two sprawling balconies, one off the bedroom; the other off both kitchen and living room. Swaying palms, frangipani and sea grapes were visible from every lookout. I was speechless. And that never happens.

Ace broke the silence by informing us that he was our personal butler. Butler?! Turns out he was at our beckon call, delivering complimentary continental breakfasts to our balcony each morning and granting our heart’s desire. Uncomfortable for us common folk at first, but we acclimated quickly to being buttled.

We declined his offer to unpack for us, but accepted the room tour, which included the decadent bath. A showcase of travertine marble, mirrors and glass, it was generously appointed with thick, fluffy towels and bathrobes and BVLGARI amenities.

The villa was beyond our wildest expectations and, under non-celebratory circumstance, quite beyond our means. We were tempted to not leave our suite, much less the resort, but our favorite island tugged at our heartstrings. We decided to take a quick tour to see if anything had changed over the years. Happily, nothing that we could discern.

Island life 

Celebrity visitors to Anguilla don’t have the corner on talent and good looks. The natives are well-dressed, well-spoken, politically involved, and accomplished, particularly in the arts. Galleries, museums and musical venues abound. Other activities enjoyed by all are, naturally, water sports, but also horseback riding, hiking and bird watching. Cuisine is exemplary, and local markets bear signs such as, “Fine Food, Cheese and Pates,” and “Italian Ice-Cream and Afternoon Tea.”

Though not a lush island, Anguilla boasts 33 stunning beaches, not including the dollop of sand called Scilly Cay – a must-see, even though it’s an hour’s drive from the resort to the ferry dock. Brod, our obliging taxi driver, waited on shore while we ventured off for lunch. Just a free, two-minute boat ride away, the islet is dotted with curious formations of driftwood and brilliant fuchsia, red and yellow flowers. Low walls of pink conch shells hug the walkways, and thatched tiki huts surround the open-air restaurant, where lobsters are freshly caught and barbequed to succulent perfection. Both the restaurateur and bartender greeted us heartily, remembering us from our visit ten years earlier. Not sure if that’s a good thing, but it made us feel incredibly at home. Friendly folks, these Anguillans.

The ceremony

Our man Brod deposited us back at the resort in enough time for us to “unwind” in our pool before our moment in the sun. In the meantime, Verna sent flowers to our room – a boutonnière for Patrick, a bouquet for me and serendipitously, dainty fresh blossoms for my hair.

Just before sunset, an escort appeared to take Patrick to the beach, at a picture-perfect spot that Verna selected, according to our wishes. There was a flower-covered arbor at the water’s edge, where the minister awaited. Minutes later, my chariot/golf cart arrived at our villa. My chauffeur delivered me far enough away from the ceremony site to make a jaunty, barefoot entrance along the sandy path, photographer snapping my every step.

As I approached my beaming husband, I was stricken with realizations. This minister, Pastor Lucien MacDonna, married us ten years ago! This photographer, Rocklyn Maynard of Professional Photos, photographed the event. Okay, so you thought my revelation was that I shouldn’t be tying the knot, to the same man, again. Not even close. It wasn’t just Pastor MacDonna and Rocklyn that were thrilled we were still together.

“We are gathered here today… I now pronounce you man and wife” – the pastor had performed yet another stirring ceremony. And Rocklyn captured its essence on film, once again. We all shared champagne and stories until sundown.

Getting fresh

Cap Juluca has several diverse dining venues, all employing a “garden-to-table” approach. Each uses fresh, indigenous ingredients, including herbs and spices grown on property. While all three restaurants provide the superior quality a discerning diner would expect, the most appropriate for this evening was Pimms, the epitome of fresh, fine dining.

We were seated seaside, the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks an exhilarating backdrop. Just as refreshing was glimpsing Pastor MacDonna at a nearby table with his wife and two children. We were celebrating 10 years of marriage; Pastor and wife were commemorating 17. They, as we, could have chosen anywhere else on this exceptional island, or in the world for that matter, to mark our private chapters in personal history.

There’s a reason we chose Cap Juluca. It’s where fairytales come true.

The end

Or rather, the beginning. Again.

 If you go

Cap Juluca – and Anguilla – is not inexpensive… but special packages and seasonal discounts make it more accessible to those of us who aren’t featured in Forbes. For more information, call Cap Juluca Resort at 888-858-5822 or 264-497-6666; or visit www.capjuluca.com.

Resort postscript 

Last year, renowned hospitality executive Adam M. Aron purchased Cap Juluca. As if perfection weren’t fine enough, Mr. Aron decided to give his new resort a “little” $22 million facelift, the first phase in an overall $80 million enhancement program. Solar-powered golf carts, mood lighting, new furniture and beach grooming equipment were among the enhancements. Each guestroom features new plush bedding and Frette linens, hand-sewn bedspreads and handmade rugs personally selected from the souks of Morocco by Mr. Aron and renowned designer Paul Duesing. All guests now also enjoy flat screen televisions, Bose CD players, iPods, DVD players and free wireless internet access. Spice, a Pan-Asian concept restaurant, and Blue, a casual beachfront eatery now join Pimm’s in providing exceptional cuisine. 

Cap Juluca’s Accolades:

The minute you cross the bridge to Palm Beach you know you’ve entered another world, one of European-styled mansions, spotless palm-lined streets, long sandy beaches, and Worth Avenue. The rich and famous live and play in this exclusive city that oozes wealth, privilege and high-octane glamour

We arrive in time for traditional afternoon English tea, unaware that The Dorchester was recently named London’s top tea venue by the Tea Council of Great Britain. I also admit I didn’t know this hotel was among the top ten in the world when I booked our rooms. They say you’re either smart or lucky. If that’s true, I’m on a Royal roll.

It was all arranged in a bit of a hurry. We postponed this trip several times, finally deciding to “just do it” -  two and a half days each in London and Paris . Stolen time; from work, from family, from friends. But it was now or never.

And now, I’m flanked by waiters serving Earl Gray and finger sandwiches. My husband joins me in The Promenade with our good friend Lowell, who quite coincidentally is visiting Europe at the same time. His wife Deborah is soon seated beside me sipping tea from Wedgwood cups of eggshell-thin bone china, and nibbling on scones and petit fours.

The Promenade is the focal point of the Dorchester, a sweeping lobby with potted palms and towering fountains of flowering plants. Marble columns the color of apricot parfait rise from the floor, crowned by gilded Corinthian capitals. A pianist serenades us as we sink into plush couches with pillows as soft as marshmallows. Just off the lobby is The Dorchester Bar — designed by Parisian designer Alberto Pinto in a soothing combination of natural light, mirrors, bleached wood, pale leather chairs and blue and white La Morinerie ceramic tile murals. An exuberant glass and rhinestone baby grand, previously owned by the late Liberace, gleams in the corner. The hotel’s award-winning Oriental Restaurant and traditional Grill Room restaurant are also off The Promenade, as is the Art Deco full-service spa.

It’s tempting to spend the rest of the day ensconced in this opulence, but the clock is ticking – in this case Big Ben; though the name refers not to the famous clock tower, but to the 13-ton bell hung within. The resounding gong echoes through the streets just as we step through the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey, the tallest Gothic building in the British Isles. This architectural masterpiece was designed in the shape of a cross, its pointed style strongly influenced by contemporary French cathedral architecture.

Over 3,000 people are buried or memorialized inside these walls, among them some of the world’s greatest kings, queens, scientists, musicians and poets. The Abbey has held every English coronation for the last 900 years, a tradition that began with William I on Christmas Day, 1066. Today it is a living church dedicated to worship and to celebrating great events.

We celebrate our fortuitous reunion with our friends at Rule’s, London’s oldest restaurant. Its convenient Covent Garden location in the heart of the theatre district makes it perfect for pre- or post theatre gatherings. Established in 1798, the restaurant still specializes in game, oysters, pies and puddings. Not quite ready for venison, quail, rabbit or partridge, we share a variety of Irish and native oysters, unfamiliar in both appearance and taste, but quite savory. “We do not recommend the drinking of excess alcohol with oysters,” the menu clearly states. Interesting disclaimer.

The ambience is that of an upscale lodge … quiet, dignified and sporting, so much so that we feel like mounting our horses and trotting off to the hunt. But instead, we don our capes and scarves and take a brisk walk to the theatre for an ingenious production of the current hit, “Stones in His Pockets.”

The next day we spontaneously hitch our American stars to “The Big Bus Company,” a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. The bright red double-decker busses seem to be everywhere, offering a variety of mix and match routes and attractions. A bus tour is not normally my cup of tea, but for an informative, entertaining and comfortable tour of the city, this one hit the spot. We hop off at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Thames river cruise. By the time we meet our resident English friends, Mike and Dee for dinner, we are more expert than they in London history and lore.

Ah, dinner. The Dorchester’s Grill Room offers traditional British cooking in a sumptuous Baroque setting. We decide to sample all the wonderful fresh ingredients from around the British Isles … succulent Scottish beef, sweet Welsh lamb, firm-fleshed wild salmon from the Severn and the Dee; crabs and lobsters from the rocky coasts of Cornwall, superb farmhouse cheeses from all over the islands. And apéritifs, digestifs and properly paired wines with each course.

The following morning, we share tea and crumpets in our extra long claw foot tub while reading the London Times; declining Mike and Dee’s invitation to join them back at their English country home, declining Lowell and Deborah’s invitation to spend a day in Greenwich. Instead, we hit the streets of the city. Like veterans we navigate our way through town via the Tube, finding our way from Hyde Park, across from our hotel, to Covent Garden to the marvelous shops along Bond Street. Evening finds us quite unexpectedly at the National Theatre, enjoying a production of “Noises Off,” thanks to George at the Dorchester’s Theatre Desk who miraculously found front row seats at this “sold out” performance. Good show.

The Chunnel, a high-speed, clean and efficient train delivers us from London to Paris within three restful hours. Our hotel, the Royal Monceau, is just off the Champs Elysees. We stroll the avenue and pick up some vin, fromage and a baguette to tide us over until our dinner cruise with Les Yachts de Paris. The hotel concierge had recommended this company above others for an intimate gourmet dinner and tour of the City of Lights.

The Eiffel Tower presents an hourly halogen light show, like sparkling fireworks reflecting on the waters of the Seine. Between courses of foie gras, lobster salad, filet mignon and lamb medallions, we stroll the teak deck of what feels like our private yacht, and revel in this true, life highlight. Paris may be the only city built on a river, and there may be no better way to experience it than from a luxury yacht under a canopy of stars. And don’t forget that snifter of Armangnac before disembarking.

Montmatre, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, The Left Bank, Latin Quarter, The Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, we fit it all in. What a romp – London, Paris, Sarasota. Full, fast, fabulous, fatiguing.

Worth it? You bet.

If you go:

For rates, information and reservations at the Dorchester, call 44 (0)20 7409 0114 or visit www.dorchesterhotel.com. For rates, information and reservations at The Hotel Royal Monceau, call 01 42 99 89 90 or visit www.royalmonceau.com.

Reprinted from Style Magazine

While local Mariachi bands are a year-round treat in Riviera Maya, the area becomes a sizzling spotlight for jazz luminaries at the annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival each November. We were among the priviledged journalists permitted to get up close and personal with the likes of Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, Pat Martino, Spyro Gyra and other national and international acts. We were also enthralled with our headquarters… Secrets Maroma Beach Resort; our new favorite upscale, all-inclusive respite from reality. Admittedly, the other guests were younger – mostly honeymooners. But the incredibly romantic ambiance made us feel like newlyweds.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

Talking Travel with Roy Lowey is a production of Travel Talk Radio Network at WTMY 1280 AM. It is broadcast live Sundays at 5 p.m., and AVAILABLE 24/7, WORLDWIDE, at www.ttrn.com.

Lisa is a frequent guest and occasional co-host on the show.  Click on a segment to listen!

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