Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Visit Florida reports.

Every evening was electric. My husband and I were front and center, bare toes buried in the cool sands of Mexico’s shores. There’s an unstoppable energy in the air, not unlike that found walking the streets of Manhattan. Only take that throttle and kick it up a notch. Wrap it up in starlit oceanfront nights. Toss in family-, pooch- and picnic-friendly, along with a pulsating backdrop of the world’s most cutting-edge music and mind-boggling special effects. Now we’re jammin’.

The Yucatan Peninsula is host to the sizzling Riviera Maya Jazz Festival each year during Thanksgiving week

By Lisa Codianne Fowler

Published on March 14, 2011 in TravelWorld International Magazine

Music in Paradise

Each November, 14,000 “jazzophiles” make a pilgrimage to Playa del Carmen—the heart of the Riviera Maya, located just south of Cancun, Mexico—for the explosive concerts at the world-renowned Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. Living legends wow the crowds with musical performances ranging from old-school swing to hip hop and fusion.

During our visit, the festival once again featured greats from across the globe as well as several nationally known Mexican bands, among them, Narima, Malo Agua and The Royal Band, one of the country’s most popular. All are wildly creative and formidable contenders for the most sought after sounds in the international jazz scene.

But the major draw for us was being able to get up close and personal with some of our own jazz heroes: Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Sergio Mendes and Spyro Gyra. We were privileged to be among the 60 journalists from around the world permitted in the roped-off press area near the stage to photograph and videotape one minute (only) from each performance, capturing some of the best national and international jazz acts of all times.

Al Jarreau opened to deafening cheers with his rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song,” ended with his classic “Take Five,” and playfully engaged the crowd throughout his set. Sergio Mendes brought down the house with an updated, hip hop version of “Mas Que Nada,” a 40-year-old mega hit reborn in a recent collaboration with Black Eyed Peas.

Pat Martino’s riffs were spot on, despite serious health issues and memory loss that forced him to re-learn the guitar mid-career. Spyro Gyra rocked with funky, urban sounds, and Herbie Hancock gave us delicious tastes of the many musical phases he’s moved through over the years.

What to Expect

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival takes place outside on the beach at Mamita’s Beach Club. “Doors” open at 6 p.m.; the first concert begins at 7; the last usually ends at midnight. Entrance is absolutely free, and though the festival typically draws a crowd of 10 to 14,000, people are friendly and respectful of each other and the grounds. Bring a blanket, towel or chair to sit on the beach; alternately, if you arrive early enough, you can claim a table at one of two restaurants with al fresco dining. We varied our viewing venues nightly. Since the stage is built to include a super sound-system, multiple mega-screens and strategic lighting, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Mi Casa es Su Casa

The evenings were magical, but so too were the days, as we simply luxuriated at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, an all-inclusive resort located 30 miles south of Cancun. A complimentary 40-minute shuttle ride brings guests to and from Playa del Carmen for the festival.

Most afternoons we sampled Secrets’ restaurants, shopping venues and, of course, aqueous amenities, such as the meandering pools and sun-splashed beach. Mornings began with a breakfast buffet that included everything from tamales and pancakes to green health juice and Bloody Mary cocktails. What a grand and unconventional way to spend Thanksgiving.

“Welcome Home!” We heard it a lot. The staff at the resort greeted us this way each time we entered the lobby from an off-property excursion. It always made us smile. Though one can’t help but smile, gush even, at the lavishness of this sprawling adult-only, all-suite resort.

The property certainly lives up to its moniker, “Unlimited Luxury,” featuring seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, shopping areas, an expansive waiter-attended infinity pool and 12 smaller plunge pools throughout the resort. There are themed parties, live entertainment nightly and big screen movies on the beach. Nestled between more than 500 acres of unspoiled coastal strands and lush rain forests, it retains a feeling of intimacy as well as exclusivity.

Some of the ground floor suites are “swim-out”—step from your room into the refreshing pools that wind around the grounds. Our balcony suite was slathered in marble and featured a whirlpool tub for two; net-draped, four-poster, king-sized bed; step-down sitting area; and all the amenities you would expect from a first-class resort.

We were members of the VIP club, which means we had access to the concierge room with its endless array of gourmet snacks and full bar. But you don’t have to be a VIP to find food and drink at every turn, even if it’s delivered via 24/7 room service. There’s nothing like sipping champagne on a balcony overlooking manicured gardens, lighted fountains, a white sand beach and turquoise waters. Late at night, all you hear are crashing waves. During the day, songbirds serenade.

Beyond the Festival

Few places on earth cause as much amazement as Riviera Maya. What makes the area so different from other coastlines around the world is that here you can completely escape from the outside world. It’s filled with natural wonders: ecological reserves; an emerald-green jungle, a turquoise-blue sea hugged by miles of sparkling beaches and countless lost cities of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Riviera Maya is located within the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The terrain is flat and covered by low tropical jungle. Lying hidden amid the intense green is a habitat rich with indigenous flora and fauna and geological formations not found anywhere else in the world. Facing the coast is one of the largest coral reefs in the world, with colorful tropical fish and various types of coral, making the Great Mayan Reef ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Our visit came to an end all too soon. My only complaint about the experience is the weight I gained, courtesy of all-inclusive Secrets Maroma Beach. Still, on a “scale” of one to five, this was a six-star stay, awash in exotic beauty, gracious people, pampered luxury, and, oh yes—all that jazz.

If You Go

* Riviera Maya Jazz Festival www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com
* Secrets Maroma Beach www.secretsresorts.com/maroma
* Riviera Maya information www.rivieramaya.com
* Visit Mexico www.visitmexico.com

Lisa Codianne Fowler is a veteran travel journalist, travel video host and travel radio co-host. She resides in sunny Sarasota, Fla., with her chef-husband and two adorable dogs.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK FOWLER AND JUDY EBERSPAECHEN.

Reprinted from Travelworld International Magazine (c) 2011

Beachfront rental options in beautiful and historic St. Augustine.

Pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it’s hard to leave them behind when you leave town. With these simple tips from ASTA, your pet won’t have to miss out on one fun moment of your family’s big vacation.

“Traveling today involves countless details and decisions. Working with a professional travel consultant can ensure that you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable trip. Travel consultants know the right questions to ask and where to find the answers, which means that your pet can be the perfect addition to a perfect vacation,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair.

Consider these tips if you are considering traveling with your pet:

* Check up before checking out. Before you take your pet anywhere, take him to the vet for an overall checkup, and ask for the number of an associate in the area where you will be staying. If you’re unsure whether your pet is up for the trip – ask. Don’t wait to find out that Fido couldn’t handle the hike up the mountain – or even the plane journey. Most airline and state officials mandate a clean bill of health in the form of a health certificate dated within 10 days prior to travel before your pet can fly. And even if your pet is in top shape, traveling abroad sometimes assumes an automatic quarantine upon arrival whether or not there is an outbreak of a disease. Moreover, some states require certain pets to have entry permits issued by the destination state’s regulatory agency, and may request to view the interstate health certificate in advance.

* Pooch papers. Always keep an ID collar with your name and phone number on your pet, and always travel with favorite toys, proof of vaccination and proper licenses. Bring color photos of your pet, too, in the unfortunate event he gets lost.

* Rules and regs. Because airlines limit the number of pets that can be on board at once, have your travel agent notify the airline of your pet when your reservation is made. Also ask for the allowable dimensions of your pet carrier. Regulations state that dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and fully-weaned before flying. Written instructions for food and water must accompany any shipped pet regardless of the amount of time they are scheduled to spend in transit.

* Flying the feline skies. If your pet is less than 15 pounds and you are on a domestic flight, you may be able to fit a small, airline-approved kennel (check with your travel agent) under the seat in front of you. On international flights, larger animals can be shipped (for a fee) in the forward cargo bins, which are climate-controlled. Contact your travel agent or the airline for specific information on fees and requirements.

* Traveling ‘kennel’ class. Let your pet eat and sleep in the kennel before you leave. Prior to departure, exercise, feed and give water to your pet, and place a dish for food and one for water inside the kennel. If you’re shipping your pet, write the words “LIVE ANIMAL” on the crate with arrows pointing in the upright direction, and put your name, phone number and address on a well-fastened label. Check with your travel agent to learn about additional costs for your pet to travel with you.

* On the road with Fido. Be careful if you’re driving to your destination. Countless pets die each year from heatstroke after being left alone in hot cars. As a general rule, if you leave your car, your pet should leave. If you park, make sure it’s in a shaded area. Exercise is necessary – make frequent stops for water and exercise, keeping a leash on your pet at all times. If your pet is unaccustomed to car trips, take some practice drives. One piece of sugar candy – not chocolate – before hitting the road may quell motion sickness. And, leave a window of six hours before a car trip during which your pet is not eating.

* Your pets and hotels. Ask your travel agent to call ahead to make sure your hotel or motel allows pets. Or, for a list of pet-friendly lodgings, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at your destination. Request a room at the end of the hall so other guests aren’t bothered by the possible noise. In addition to hotels, you can also rent vacation suites from owners of timeshares at pet friendly resorts. Timeshares are more spacious than standard hotel rooms, and the resort amenities are designed to cater to all guests, even those with fur.

* Snakes on the plane. Travel is not recommended for smaller animals and birds because of the stress it causes them. Reptiles are especially discouraged because of their specialized requirements. Travelers should be advised that they may be held liable for any damage wild animals or reptiles cause to the plan or passengers.

Our first “child,” an English Springer Spaniel named Teagan, was just two and a half years old when we had her put to sleep. It was one of the worst days of my life.

She was a beautiful, enthusiastic and affectionate dog. But, shortly after she was a year old, she began exhibiting hostile behavior … lunging, snarling, threatening and eventually biting.

We learned all too late that she came from a local bloodline of Springers known statewide for genetic tendencies toward brain “misfirings.” The condition shows up in afflicted Springers at an average age of 18 months. We hired a “doggie shrink,” had her on medication, implemented behavioral changes, and after talking at length with trainers, vets, animal behaviorists and other experts, reluctantly acknowledged this disease was incurable.

We were useless for days after Teagan’s demise, sobbing at once for her helplessness in the matter and feeling guilty for playing God. Then it occurred to us to contact the association for English Springer rescue to save a life, especially since we felt we had taken one.

Within weeks, they e-mailed us about Dolly. Her owners couldn’t afford to feed her. We agreed to take her, sight unseen, and decided to rename her Sara, short for Sarasota.

The application process seemed as thorough as if we were adopting a child. First, a lengthy on-line questionnaire. Then several telephone interviews, a checklist faxed directly to our vet, and finally, an on-site inspection of our home.

The association organized a tag team of volunteers who drove “Sara Dolly” — in shifts — from Panama City down to Tampa, where we picked her up. According to the contract we signed, we had 30 days to return her, should she not meet our expectations.

She seemed very old … barely moved, and cowered whenever you tried to pet her. She was especially afraid of my husband, Patrick. She wouldn’t raise her head and didn’t respond to our voices or displays of affection. She didn’t wag her tail. Her skin was flaky and had an awful odor.  She was missing some teeth and her gums bled. She had diarrhea. In anticipation of her arrival, we bought some new dog toys. She was afraid of them.

“Do you want to send her back?” I asked Patrick, who was visibly disappointed that Sara, other than her pretty Springer markings, bore no resemblance to his spunky little Teagan.

“I can’t do that to her,” he replied sadly. The next morning, he took her to our vet, who diagnosed and prescribed medicine for each of her many ailments.

By mid-day, she learned how to use the doggie door, motivated by all the lizards she was chasing. By afternoon, she actually barked. OK, it sounds silly, but I was so happy I cried. By evening, she was giving us her paw so we would pet her. The next day, she started making eye contact and following us around … prancing and wagging her tail!  We had her professionally groomed, and within days, her coat looked shiny and smelled, well, it didn’t. I bought something called “Baby Dog,” a baby powder-scented dog cologne. She seems to enjoy her new fragrance. I know we do.

Sara loves to go for rides in the car. She spends each morning galloping around the yard. She seems happy all the time … even smiles. Sara and Cappuccine (our longhaired Chihuahua) enjoy after dinner walks with us through the neighborhood.

Sara knows many commands, and learns new ones quickly. She’s unusually smart, well-behaved, and now, incredibly affectionate. It’s as if she knows she’s finally home.

We surmise that at some point in her life she was well-trained; at some other point, she was badly abused. Everyone that’s met her can see it … “Who would do this to such a sweet dog?”

Rehabilitating her has been one of the most gratifying experiences we’ve had. From this point on, we will “do rescue.” I even checked the Internet for a Chihuahua rescue organization, not expecting to find one. No one would mistreat or abandon such a tiny creature. Wrong. In fact, I found rescue organizations for every breed imaginable.

Months later, Sara is a healthy, happy, pretty little girl who has rediscovered life in a loving environment. She is our miracle.

It is, after all, a Merry Christmas.

Make your own miracle. Here are a few places to start:

Note: For an extensive list of pet welfare organizations, visit www.petfinder.com or www.1888pets911.org.

Reprinted from Style Magazine

Nestled amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida; The Sandpiper Inn. An anachronistic single-story resort perched on the Gulf, the intimate enclave is a step back in time… to when innocence prevailed and nature ruled.

I have a passion for wildlife, but also for domesticated creatures. Which is a key reason my husband and I chose this property for a “family” weekend getaway. It’s not only a naturalist’s wonderland, but it’s also pet-friendly. So we packed up the dogs, the coolers filled with food, some casual clothes and stole away for a few magical, stress-free days.

All or Nothing

Since we live in Sarasota, just south of the Key, we frequent St. Armands Circle – an international shopping mecca lined with outdoor cafes – and as nature lovers, we’ve often toured Mote Marine Aquarium and The Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary. Foodies that we are, we’ve attended a cooking class at the acclaimed Euphemia Haye restaurant just across the street from The Sandpiper Inn. Chef Ray Arpke holds a series, in season, of imaginative, educational and entertaining sessions. Ours was entitled, “Little Italy” and featured a sumptuous menu of cannellini bean salad on bruschetta; Italian manicotti/crepes stuffed with homemade ricotta; chicken and veal cannelloni and tiramisu cake, all paired with wines from Southern Wine and Spirits. A tasty experience and a must-do while on the Key.

Out-of-town visitors and locals shouldn’t miss any of this, all minutes from the Inn. But alas, we were here for the area’s biggest attraction: the beach. A laid-back vacation with our dogs, Sadie and Mimi and an attempt at actually doing… nothing.

Where better to accomplish this monumental task than at the beach? And these private sun-kissed strands were ours alone. Sea oats performed a graceful dance in the soft sea breeze. All we could hear were laughing gulls, lapping waves and pelicans as they splashed down for a fresh catch. The water was crystal clear and soothingly warm.

Dogs, by law, are not allowed on the beach, so our girls waited in our room for our return. Upon which, the four of us took a leisurely stroll along Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joan M. Durante Park – just steps from the resort to this shady pet-welcoming place laden with tropical flora… red hibiscus, golden trumpets, blue plumbago, roses of all variety and a tranquil lake punctuated by a gushing fountain.

On the way there and back we encountered rollerbladers, bicyclists, and families walking with strollers in tow.

A Room with a Hue

For our first evening, we chose to avail ourselves of the barbeque grills on-property, my chef-husband cooking filet mignon to perfection. We dined al fresco on our sprawling tiled patio, which afforded a panorama of azure Gulf waters framed by sea grape trees and palms. There are just 11 units at The Sandpiper Inn, strung like pearls along a pavered path leading straight to the beach. Most face the well-tended gardens, cascading waterfall and lily pond.

Two of units are right on the beach, and ours was one. All the rooms are immaculate, well laid-out and include fully-equipped kitchens.

As the sun set, the skies turned dark. We were here during turtle nesting season, which means, lights out. Baby sea turtles can easily stray to danger – and demise – by following artificial light on shore at night mistaken for moonlight on the water. So, evenings were pitch black. Perfect for midnight swims.

Next morning we were greeted with a plethora of brilliant butterflies fluttering outside our door. The Inn’s thoughtfully landscaped gardens are comprised of colorful, fragrant flowers that attract these winged marvels of nature. We spent the day decadently chilling; reading, sunning and swimming, intermittently re-visiting the park with our kids. Bicycle riding along the key is a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike. As is fishing. Were we so inclined, we could have easily booked a fishing excursion from here with Captain Mark Gore, an expert in trolling these fish-fertile waters.

Dinner this evening would be at The Beach House just down the road. I am ashamed to admit that we have lived in this area for more than 10 years, yet we had not experienced this gulf-side eatery complete with spectacular sunset. The menu is bright fusion of seafood, pasta, steaks and chicken. We shared crunchy conch fritters, calamari and shrimp and crab ceviche, one of this night’s many specials.

Be sure to request a table at the water’s edge. It affords an unobstructed view of the golden orb slowly melding into the horizon.

Our second day here was much the same as the first; the exception being meeting the new arrivals at the Inn. Thomas and his family were visiting from Lakeland, Florida. They had planned to spend a night here; then move on to Fort Myers beach. But one day at The Sandpiper Inn turned into two, three and more. And plans to leave were abandoned in light of the discovery of what Thomas called, “Paradise, this is truly IT!” Then there was the three-generation family from Tampa, Florida. Gleeful grandkids seemed mesmerized by their aqueous surroundings while parents and grandparents just chilled.

One in a Million

There’s a special secret about summer here that only Floridians know. It’s when crowds are diminished, rates are at their lowest, and afternoon rains cool and refresh. The beaches are desolate. It’s one of the very best times to be in the Sunshine State, and especially at the gem that is The Sandpiper Inn. Most of your neighbors here will likely be white herons, seagulls, songbirds, geckos, butterflies, and of course, sandpipers.

Our last evening was spent at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on the bay; an historic institution built in 1912 and a popular watering hole since 1950.

Fresh seafood is a specialty, along with steamer pots featuring snow crabs, shrimp, clams, mussels and lobster, though landlubbers will also find plenty to choose from. We savored chilled raw oysters and middle neck clams sautéed with garlic butter and white wine.

Chances are you’ll be drawn to the outside dining area, as we were, with centuries-old trees, flaming tiki torches and a gorgeous view of the bay. But be sure to peruse inside the restaurant… read the history and see the hundreds of signed dollar bills and, perhaps leave your own.

Mar Vista has been named one of the top places to meet a millionaire. In fact, Longboat Key boasts a boatful. I don’t lay claim to millions, nor to a millionaire. But I can tell you, unequivocally, that our time at The Sandpiper Inn on Longboat Key was priceless.

For more information about the Sandpiper Inn, call 941-383-2552 or visit www.sandpiperinn.com/FL/; to learn more about the Chiles restaurant group, including The Beach House, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and The Sandbar Restaurant call 941-778-1696 or visit www.groupersandwich.com. For information about Longboat Key, call 941-929-7177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com.

Reprinted from Real Travel Adventures Magazine

The hot trend in travel is for resorts to cater to pets as well as their owners, and Sarasota overlooks no “de-tail” while leading the pack. In this pet-friendly paradise, every dog has its day, whether it’s uptown, downtown, beachside or bayfront. Here’s the scoop on a few favorite hot dog (and cat) digs.

Perched amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida. The Sandpiper Inn is reminiscent of “the good old days” – when the only sounds heard were laughing gulls and lapping waves. You can do as much or as little as you please. We opted to embrace the sun, sand, sea and quiet. And to enjoy the companionship of our canine kids at this pet-friendly paradise. Grill on the barbeque, and/or savor the fresh seafood at The Beach House and at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub (named the best place to meet a millionaire!). I don’t lay claim millions nor to a millionaire. But I can tell you that our time here was absolutely priceless.

Your pet is a member of your family! Find the perfect vacation spot for all of you.