USA | Suzette Mack Travel

The Best Barn You’ll Ever Stay In

Yes, this review is about a barn. But a very special barn, at a very special resort. (“Retreat” is actually a better word, as there is definitely nothing “resorty” about it.)

Old Stone Farm is a very unique place, a 200 yr old working horse farm just 2 hours from New York city via a scenic drive or train ride along the Hudson River.

On arrival you can tell there’s nothing else like it. A gravel driveway meanders through the gorgeous sprawling grounds (236 acres!), and you find yourself surrounded by horse corrals and trees. A sign points you to the “office,” a house that looks like it is centuries old but is in fact quite new, an accurate replica of an old farmstead.

The welcoming committee

Dining area

View from the “office”

The staff picks up guests at the Rhinecliff Amtrak station. But if you drove, your car will be valeted to a parking area until you need it again. All the buildings are close enough to walk to, but if it’s raining or you just don’t feel like walking, staff can shuttle you in a golf cart.

Next you’ll be taken to your room, a short walk across the lawn to a big beautiful red barn. Yes, a barn. A really old barn. And yes, your room will look old, but very charming. However don’t let looks deceive you. The barn was completely gutted down to the frame and rebuilt with all modern, luxurious amenities. So the only really old things are the timbers visible in the walls, and the antiques and accent pieces, which are authentic.

The barn

The upstairs lounge

Rest assured you’ll be comfortable, enjoying a queen size bed with organic mattress and Frette sheets, a private bathroom, robe, safe, and beautiful artwork. And a pretty awesome view.

Old look, modern comfort

Love the medicine cabinet & shutters!

Aaaaah!

For a special treat, book a loft room on the second floor, or the sole two room suite with extra seating and a desk.

Two room suite

Writing desk in the suite

Ready for a spa treatment? You simply walk down to the first floor, where you’ll find 3 massage rooms, 1 wet room, 2 locker rooms and 2 cedar steam cabinets.

Have a seat!

A separate four bedroom/3 bath guest house, with its own yard enclosed by a white picket fence, is perfect for a family or couples traveling together. It has a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dining area, and spacious living room with fireplace. A fun feature: a bedroom upstairs has a “secret door” that leads to a play room with toys.

The Guesthouse

Living room

Private yard

Guests have access to the horses and can hang out with the trainers, and also book riding lessons or an Eponaquest workshop. There are some hiking trails around the property, and many outdoor spaces ideal for weddings or other events. Another beautiful barn with a large open space on the ground floor hosts complimentary daily yoga in the morning, but can also be set up for weddings, cocktail parties, or corporate events.

Allison, the resident horse-whisperer

Horses, horses, horses!

This is truly a unique place, perfect for anyone seeking a serene, relaxing getaway. A typical day consists of yoga, spa treatments, short hikes, a riding lesson or just hanging out with the horses, and relaxing.

The yoga barn and event space

A walk in the woods

Or picnic by a pond

But if you want a little more to do, there are plenty of activities nearby, though you would need to have your own car. You can go wine tasting, tour the Roosevelt or Vanderbilt mansions, or go kayaking, tubing, or hiking. For a special treat visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to see an old-fashioned air show and take a bi-plane ride! Then come “home” to enjoy a wonderful gourmet dinner, and relax with a glass of wine and a book.

Playing on the water

Up, up, and away!

The property just opened in 2013, so it’s not on everyone’s radar yet. As there are less than a dozen rooms, I recommend going sooner rather than later before the word gets out. To make a reservation, contact me for more information, and I will also reach out to the general manager to make sure he personally oversees your arrangements.

August 5, 2014/by macktravels

Hotel Reports

A Perfect Girls’ Getaway Weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

I recently spent a glorious weekend at Lake Tahoe with 4 girlfriends to celebrate my 50^th birthday. Over the past 5 years, we’ve traveled to various destinations to help each other celebrate this milestone event. We’ve had some really fun adventures, which have all been unique, and that will be the subject of a future post. But today my blog is all about ME!

For my birthday celebration, I wanted to relax, be pampered, spend quality time with my friends, and not have to travel too far from our home in San Jose, CA. And I didn’t want to have to dress up! So the obvious choice was a place I’ve been wanting to get back to for several years: the Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe. I love being in the Sierra Nevadas, so its location right on the mountain at Northstar ski resort is ideal, summer or winter.

The view from our balcony

Our accommodations were a one bedroom suite connected to a guest room with 2 queen beds. Not only did we have a large shared living room with plenty of seating, and a fireplace in each room, but we had 3 full bathrooms! Now that’s a nice setup for a group of girls, we were wondering if we were ever going to want to leave the suite!

Living room with sofabed

Master bedroom, plenty of room to add a rollaway.

What did we do on our girls’ weekend?

* We ate. We tried all the on-site dining options, including the signature restaurant Manzanita, Café Blue which serves casual ‘to go’ fare, and the Backyard BBQ on the patio which served huge portions of pulled pork, ribs, and baked beans. Our culinary adventures also included a tour of the kitchen led by the pastry chef, which was very interesting. We got some great cooking tips from the staff, and also saw preparations for a wedding that evening. We were very impressed to learn that everything at the resort is made on-site. They even have a sourdough starter mix from 1997, used to make wonderful bread with a bubbly crust.

Chef picking herbs

The kitchen tour

Fresh baked bread. The sourdough starter
creates the bubbles in the loaves on the top shelf.

* We got some exercise. Exercise classes and use of the fitness center are included in the resort fee (yoga classes for a small fee), so we had some early morning workouts and then also went for a hike right from the resort patio to a pretty lake. I generally prefer to work out outside, but looking out at the trees from the gym was the next best thing. If we had arrived a week later, the lifts to the top of the mountain would have been running for mountain bikers and hikers.

Pretty view from the fitness center

Sawmill Lake

* We partied a little. Truckee is just a 10 min drive away, but there are taxi services so nobody has to be a designated driver. “Downtown” is only a couple blocks long, but it has quite a few restaurants and bars, some more upscale with live music, and some more of a “local watering hole” featuring karaoke. I won’t go into any more detail about where we spent most of our time. (What happens in Truckee stays in Truckee!)

Birthday dinner with a view in Truckee

* We got pampered a lot. Whether sitting by the main pool or the fire pit on the terrace, we always had staff checking on us to see if we needed drinks (grapefruit margaritas, yum!) or a snack, or even a pool noodle! The resort fee included access to the beautiful spa amenities, including sauna, steam room and outdoor adults-only pool. I loved swimming and relaxing under the pine trees!

A great place to have s’mores.

It’s not a girls’ trip without plenty of People magazines.

The peaceful adult pool next to the spa

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my special day. While there are many luxury hotels to choose from in northern California, few are in such a beautiful and peaceful setting. And the alpine-inspired décor and artwork create a homey but luxurious feeling. It is truly one of the most relaxing places I’ve stayed, and the ideal place to hang out and enjoy the company of good friends.

The “Living Room”

Some of the fun artwork. Do you see the song lyrics?

If you’re looking for a great place for a girls’ (or guys’) getaway, give me a call. If I book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, you’ll receive daily breakfast for free and an upgrade, if available. And I guarantee you my wonderful contacts at the resort will make you feel like VIP’s the whole time!

Happy birthday to me!

June 14, 2014/by macktravels

Maui Travel Tip: What to Know About Haleakala

One of the most interesting places to visit on Maui is Haleakala, the 10,023 ft. volcano which makes up the east side of the island. There are two facts that surprise many visitors: it is not a dormant volcano, it just doesn’t erupt very often, only every 200-500 years. (The last one was 200-250 years ago.) And the moonlike depression in the center is not a true crater; it’s simply a product of erosion. But everyone refers to it as a crater because that’s so much easier to say!

The moon or Maui?
Astronauts actually did lunar landing training here.

Haleakala is not a quick side trip to be checked out on a whim. The drive one way takes 2-3 hours depending where you start, and the last hour is spent on 25 miles of twisting road and switchbacks. It’s not a difficult drive, as the road is wide, paved, and well-marked. And the views are spectacular. But you have to take your time, and watch for cyclists. Anyone prone to car sickness might want to give it a second thought.

Here we go!

One of the straighter sections

And you need to know what to expect. Here are few tips before you head up to the summit:

Bring your own food and drink – It’s at least an hour drive back down the mountain to get to any restaurants or other services.

Prepare for high wind – I suggest women bring a scarf they can tie around their chin, especially if they have long hair that will poke them in the eye or get stuck in their mouth. A knit cap works if it fits securely. Even a hat with a chin strap can get pulled off easily in the strong gusts.

Wishing I had a scarf right now!

Wear sunscreen – The sun’s rays are especially damaging in the thin atmosphere.

Bring layers to keep warm, and raingear or a water repellant jacket – It can be hot & sunny at sea level but wet & misty at the summit. Even if it’s a clear day, the temperatures are much lower and the wind makes it feel much colder.

Bring binoculars – You will have panoramic views of the entire island, and can even see all the way to the Big Island on a clear day.

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance

Watch the time if heading out on a trail into the crater – Distances are deceiving because of the lack of perspective, and a landmark may be much farther away than it appears. Also remember that it will take twice as long to climb back up as it does to go down, and it will feel more strenuous due to the elevation. Once the sun goes below the rim to cast shadows, temperatures drop very quickly, so don’t head out too late in the day. (This one I can vouch for from experience!)

The trails down there are much further away than they look!

If you want a truly memorable experience, watch the sunrise from the summit. This takes an especially hardy traveler, as you have get up insanely early while on vacation, and withstand temperatures that can dip below freezing. But it’s worth one of the most beautiful and unique sunrises you will ever see. And to add to the adventure, ride back down on a bike with one of the tour companies!

Sunrise circa 1988. I don’t expect it’s changed much.

A van full of thrill-seekers parked at the summit.

A nice stop on the way back to sea level is Grandma’s Coffee House, a family-owned business that has been roasting coffee on the premises for four generations. It’s small and simple, but the food is good and reasonably priced, including large sandwiches, homemade desserts, banana bread, and of course, excellent coffee.

Lots of Grandma’s pies in that case

For helping planning a fun and memorable trip to Maui, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

May 21, 2014/by macktravels

Family Travel, Hotel Reports

The Fairmont Kea Lani – A Little Slice of Heaven on Maui

Kea Lani means “white heaven,” and it doesn’t take long to see how perfect this name is for one of my favorite resorts on Maui. Whenever I walk into the Fairmont Kea Lani’s beautiful lobby, the Mediterranean style architecture and expansive, lush landscaping makes me feel like I’ve just entered paradise.

Aaahh!

Here are some of the other reasons I, and many of my clients, love the Kea Lani:

It’s the best suite value on the island. All the accommodations are800 sq ft one bedroom suites, and the starting price point is comparable to standard rooms at other hotels. Other properties have a limited number of suites so they charge premium rates. The entry foyer and bathroom are also very spacious, so there’s plenty of space to store bags, snorkel gear, etc.

One Bedroom Suite (king or two doubles plus sofabed)

Spacious lanai with views of Molokini and Kahoolawai

It’s in a quiet but convenient location. Wailea is a serene, country club setting, with much less traffic than Kaanapali or Lahaina, but there are still many restaurants and shops just a few minutes away. A stroll along the oceanfront pathway leads to other resorts, offering lots of dining options in walking distance. In Kihei, just 10 min away, is a shopping center with a full size grocery store and Hilo Hattie’s.

Oceanfront lawn

It’s elegant but laid back. Everyone can feel at home at the Kea Lani. Service and accommodations are five star, but nobody is pretentious.

It works for everyone. There are 3 swimming areas to accommodate all ages: an adults only pool, a two level family pool with water slide and swim-up bar, and a wading pool for little ones. There are plenty of public spaces, so families can feel comfortable letting their kids play on the lawn and in the pool, while couples can find a quiet spot to relax (including a hidden hot tub).

Family pool, water slide, swim-up bar & grill

Adult pool

Lots of lawn with ocean views,
plenty of chairs for everyone

It has a great beach. The beautiful crescent beach is public, like all beaches in Hawaii, but since there is no public parking nearby, it gets little use by non-hotel guests. There is good snorkeling right off-shore, and it’s common to see turtles.

Polo Beach

Complimentary outrigger canoe experience

Oh, those villas! If you want more space and some of the conveniences of home, like a private plunge pool, full kitchen and washer and dryer, then book a 2 or 3 bedroom villa. There is a large lawn in front, with plenty of space for kids to run around, and the beach is a just a few steps beyond. They are perfect for larger families, multi-generational groups, or couples traveling together.

Oceanview villas

Villa living room and kitchen

Villa plunge pool

(You can read a testimonial from one of my clients in the the April issue of Virtuoso Traveler.)

Here’s how you can get even more value at the Fairmont Kea Lani:

Register for a Fairmont President’s Club number. There is no charge, and you get extra benefits including free high speed internet (an upgrade to business premium at the Kea Lani), discounts in the spa and store, complimentary use of bikes, and in-room delivery of Reebok shoes and apparel, yoga mats, and stretch bands.

Let me book your stay so you receive Virtuoso amenities. These include daily breakfast for two, an upgrade on arrival (based on availability), and a welcome gift valued at $100. Plus my fantastic contacts at the resort will personally take care of your reservation, and ensure you have a great suite.

Buffet breakfast

For help planning your Hawaii vacation, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

Another day in heaven ends

May 8, 2014/by macktravels

Hotel Reports

New Orleans’ Hidden Luxury Hotel

I recently visited New Orleans for the first time, and I had some trepidation because of its rowdy reputation. On top of that, my friends and I were staying in a hotel right on Bourbon St, yikes!

But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. When I walked into the Royal Sonesta Resort, it was like entering an oasis. The lobby is impressive with large floral arrangements, interesting artwork, and traditional French Quarter architectural features. On site there is a coffee shop, a jazz bar, a well-known restaurant, an oyster bar, and a pretty outdoor terrace with fountain. An outdoor pool with a bar and spa cabanas is sequestered in the center of the hotel, a nice amenity year-round.

There were four of us celebrating a friend’s birthday, so we booked a split level suite, which turned out to be the perfect set up. It had a spacious living room on the first level, with both a double and single sofa bed, and a spiral staircase led upstairs to a bedroom with a queen bed and bathroom. There are only eight of these suites, some of which are located poolside, so they can book up early.

Royal Sonesta Split Level Suite – Living Room

Royal Sonesta Split Level Suite – Bedroom

Our suite opened to a shared patio area with covered tables, and despite having lively Bourbon St just on the other side of the wall, it was amazingly quiet. Service was very good, everything we asked for was delivered promptly: extra towels, extra blow dryer, even middle of the night pizza. The hotel also has an exclusive Club Level on the 7th floor which serves breakfast, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.

Patio outside our suite

The location was excellent, with Canal St. only 2 blocks away, and Jackson Square and the waterfront an easy 10 minute walk.

For those who want to be close, but not right on, Bourbon St, Canal Street is lined with many hotel options, including the regal Ritz Carlton New Orleans, which I also toured.

Like many hotels in the French Quarter, the hotel is quite large, taking up almost a whole block with its 527 rooms and suites. The first three 3 floors used to be a department store, and a beautiful fountain outside the spa on the ground floor is a leftover from that era.

Fountain outside the spa

There are several public spaces, including a former “smoking lounge” with sofas and game tables, a pretty outdoor courtyard with wrought iron furniture, and gaslight lamps, and the Davenport Lounge, named in honor of headliner Jeremy Davenport who has performed there for many years. The dining room opens to this lounge, so guests can have a supper club experience.

Former smoking lounge off the lobby

The Davenport Lounge

I was first shown the 2800 sq. ft. Ritz Carlton suite, which had traditional décor with muted wall colors, ornate drapery, and wainscoting. It was recently renovated, and a pool table was added. It has hardwood and tile flooring, a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a large outdoor terrace with panoramic views overlooking the French Quarter, all the way to the river.

The Ritz Carlton Suite

Canal St view from the private terrace

Standard rooms and suites also have traditional décor with richly colored bedding. All suites have sofa beds, so they can accommodate a family of four if the children are young, and rollaways are also available. French doors separate the bedroom and living room giving parents their privacy.

Standard room at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans

One Bedroom Suite

If families want connecting rooms, there are 38 available in various configurations. Some rooms have connecting doors, but many are set up as a “lock off suite” – separate rooms that share a foyer with a master door that can be locked off from the hallway. There is even one suite that connects to 2 king rooms to create a 3 bedroom suite.

So I’ve talked about two very large hotels, neither of which are hard to miss. So where is this “hidden hotel?”

Well, it’s inside the Ritz Carlton! Their Club Level is not just a dedicated floor, it is a “hotel within a hotel.” Club guests have to check in at the main lobby, but from that point on they never have to enter the main hotel as they have their own elevator and private drive. It’s completely exclusive, offering guests an intimate and personalized boutique hotel experience combined with the amenities of a full size hotel.

The décor is distinctly different, with more neutral colors and wood floors, to give the feel of being in a Southern home. (In order to prevent scratches, rollaways are not allowed in these rooms, but they have air mattresses which are fun for kids. They fell like they are camping!)

Club room at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans

The Club Lounge was very spacious, with multiple rooms and plenty of seating. In addition to the usual food spread, there was a 24 hour “grab and go” station which is great for those always hungry kids.

The Club Lounge

Grab N Go Station in the Club Lounge

So if you want to experience Ritz Carlton service and luxury, but don’t want the “big hotel” feeling, then a Club room is the perfect solution!

While Bourbon Street does not exactly cater to children, the rest of the city offers family friendly activities, and the concierge can provide a “Top 10 List.” The hotel provides POLO Kits (Protect Our Little Ones) which include outlet covers, infant/toddler bath amenities, and (if needed) a forehead thermometer strip, and parents can also request cribs, pack & plays, infant bath tubs, humidifiers, a diaper pail, microwave and mini-refrigerator.

And of course, my clients receive exclusive Ritz Carlton STARS amenities, which include daily breakfast, a welcome gift, and upgrade on arrival if available.

If you’d like more information about planning a trip to New Orleans, or cruising from there, just send me a note at suzette@family-treks.com.

Cruise ship in port

April 14, 2014/by macktravels

Cruises, Destination Reports, Traditional Cruise

Five Factors to Consider When Selecting an Alaska Cruisetour

Alaska cruise brochures can be the most confusing to understand, even for an experienced travel advisor. And the cruisetour section can be especially intimidating – so many choices, and so many tours that look similar.

Of course, the easiest way to sort it all out is to ask your trusted travel advisor for guidance, as they ask the right questions to find the best fit for you. But if you’d like to figure it out on your own, or want to do a little research before reaching out to a professional, here are some tips to help you get started.

1) Do you want to do the cruise or the tour first?

I personally prefer a northbound cruise, because I enjoy the increasing anticipation of getting closer and closer to Alaska. Also, the ports of embarkation, Vancouver and Seattle, offer a lot to do and see. Since most travelers need to arrive at least one day prior to embarkation, they can use that time to explore one of the cities.

Vancouver

However, the land tour requires a lot of moving around, so it’s more tiring than the cruise portion. For that reason, many travelers opt to do the tour first, then spend the end of their trip relaxing. But if you feel that you need some R&R before going on an adventurous land tour, then cruising first would be the better choice.

So, you see, it’s really a matter of personal preference.

2) How much time do you have?

The shortest cruisetour is 10 days (7 day cruise + 3 day land tour), but you generally need at least 11 days to allow for travel to the start of the cruise or the tour. The less time you have, the fewer options available. Most tours that stay within Alaska run a maximum of 13-14 days, and Yukon tours go up to 16 days.

Market in Anchorage

3) Where do you stop and for how many nights?

While it may seem there are a baffling number of tours available, on close inspection you’ll notice that they generally visit the same areas. The main differences will be the order of the itinerary, and the number of nights in each location (typically 1-3). I find my clients fall into one of these groups: they either want to hit the maximum number of places in the least amount of time, or they want to visit fewer places and have more free time for activities.

Downtown Talkeetna

Think about what you want to see and do, and note in which town those activities are available. Then mentally walk yourself through the itinerary. Are you OK with how often you will pack and unpack, how many early mornings you will have, how often you’ll be on a bus, how much free time you will have? Will you have time for any “must do” excursions?

Some cruise lines offer “Direct to Denali” service which means they take you from the cruise ship to Denali National Park the same day. It’s a long day, but it allows you to spend more time at Denali if that’s important to you.

Alaska Railroad passing through Talkeetna

4) What Denali Park tour is included?

All accommodations are located outside the park boundaries. The only way to travel deep into the park, and have a chance to see Mt. McKinley (if weather allows), is via a National Park Service bus. Almost all cruisetour itineraries include one of the narrated bus tours, which vary in how far they travel into the park (15 to 53 miles, 4-8 hrs roundtrip). The further you go, the more spectacular the scenery and the more opportunity to see wildlife. However, note that none of the narrated tours go as far as Eielson Visitor Center.

Park service bus

Denali Park Road

5) Would you prefer traveling on your own?

A cruisetour is the most seamless way to visit interior Alaska before or after a cruise. If you want someone else to do all the planning, driving, and luggage handling, then that is the best choice. But if you want to be more independent and even get off the beaten path a bit, you might consider doing a land tour on your own.

Sled dog pups at Iditarod Race Headquarters

Sled dog pups at the Iditarod Race Headquarters

While there is plenty of public transportation in the Denali Park area, having your own car gives more flexibility in how you spend your time. Though the distances in Alaska are long and services are limited, driving and navigating is quite easy. You can start right at the cruise port, or you can travel to Anchorage and pick up a car there.

Driving to Denali from Anchorage

In my opinion, one of the biggest benefits of traveling independently is having time in your schedule to take the park service shuttle into Denali instead of a tour bus. If you are up for the long day (11-12 hrs), then you can travel the entire length of the park road, over 80 miles, and enjoy all the amazing scenery this beautiful, remote wilderness area has to offer. It is truly the trip of a lifetime.

Brown bear on Denali Park Road

I’ve traveled all over the state of Alaska, so whether you travel by ship, bus, train, or car, I can custom design an itinerary just for you, and provide insider tips for a fun and memorable vacation. For more information on how to get started on your dream trip to Alaska, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

February 15, 2014/by macktravels

Family Travel, Hotel Reports

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: A Perfect Family Retreat

Spacious cottages, a beautiful beach, expansive lawns, an exclusive beach club, complimentary kids’ club, and gorgeous sunsets. What more could you ask for in a family resort? The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers everything a family could want, whether traveling alone or with the grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Located just 2 hours from LAX, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country, and it makes a great stop on a driving tour of the California coast.

The resort is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a quiet two lane road used primarily by local residents. In summer, butlers tend to guests soaking up the sun on quiet Butterfly Beach. A huge lawn area gives kids (and pets) plenty of room to run around, or play a game of croquet.

Music plays underwater in the centrally located Jungle Pool, and two hot tubs offer different temperatures to ensure everyone a comfortable place to relax. While children are entertained in the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, parents can enjoy the huge spa, rated #1 in the US by TripAdvisor.

_{All rooms are beautifully furnished, but the cottages are the real gem of this resort. They are comprised of 4 units: a 1 bedroom suite plus 3 more bedrooms, which can be booked separately, or connected to make up to a 4 bedroom cottage. The main building has standard rooms and suites as well, many of which are connecting. Room size and décor is similar across the property, except cottage rooms have hardwood floors instead of carpeting. Deluxe rooms have outdoor seating areas, and one bedrooms suites all have a king bed and sofa bed and a steam shower. All the rooms are unique, accented with antiques and beautiful tile work in the bathrooms.}

_{And if that isn’t enough, families can stroll across the street to the exclusive and historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. Today there is no longer a casino, but it does have its own fitness center, restaurant lined with pictures of Hollywood “royalty,” and a large lap pool. An oceanfront hot tub and children’s wading pool offer the best sunset views on the property. Club access is complimentary for some room categories, but clients who book with me receive admission as part of the Preferred Partner amenity package.}

The other Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities include:

_{Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom}

_{$100 food and beverage credit}

_{Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)}

_{Complimentary high-speed Internet access for suites}

For more information on planning a family getaway to Santa Barbara, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

January 18, 2014/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Travel Tips

A Whale of a Good Time at Dana Point

I live in northern California, but travel regularly to Anaheim for my son’s hockey games. While we usually have a tight schedule, we always try to fit in at least one fun family activity for my daughter’s benefit. Last year, we visited the Long Beach aquarium, which was really fun despite being much smaller than my beloved Monterey Bay Aquarium.

SoCal sunset

Since the Thanksgiving tournament fell late in the month this year, it overlapped with the beginning of the gray whale migration. I have been hearing that marine mammal sightings along the California coast have been exceptional this year, they’re having a feeding frenzy due to unusually high numbers of anchovies. Passengers on whale watch cruises are being treated to some of the best shows in decades, amazing even experienced marine biologists.

While everyone else headed out shopping on Black Friday, we headed to Dana Point, only a half hour drive from our Anaheim hotel, which took us through San Juan Capistrano, with its famous mission and sparrows. We booked a 2 hour whale watch tour with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, and I was a little concerned as we woke to a pretty good rain. But by the time we arrived for our mid-afternoon cruise, the showers had stopped. It was still cloudy, but I consider these perfect conditions for being on the water, as overcast skies make for more dramatic pictures, and there’s less glare off the water.

Paddleboarder at Dana Point

Whale watching tours are available year round, as different types of whales have different migration seasons. And many marine animals including dolphins, sea lions, and the elusive orcas can be spotted year-round. I even saw a great white shark on Dana Wharf’s sighting log for October! Gray and humpback whales migrate between December and March, traveling south to Mexico in winter, then heading back north in the spring. We heard that the migration had started early this year, and in fact Dana Wharf had spotted their first gray whale a few days earlier, so we were optimistic as we headed out.

The boat was very comfortable, with plenty of seating at tables on the top deck, and even more indoor seating below. The main deck also had space to walk entirely around the ship, so there was always a good vantage point. A small galley offered grill items such as hot dogs and hamburgers, hot and cold drinks, and a good variety of snacks including popcorn, chips and fruit roll-ups. The water was very calm so the ride was smooth, and the captain kept up an interesting and educational conversation.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whalewatching

Ready to cruise with Dana Wharf

Our first stop was a buoy loaded with sea lions, and nearby a large bull entertained us with water acrobatics. I am always amazed how these creatures can hurl themselves several feet out of the water to get on solid ground (or metal, in this case).

Catching some rays

It wasn’t long before the captain announced that he spotted a gray whale, and he quickly turned the boat to follow it. We cruised slowly as the whale swam parallel to the coast, dipping in and out of the water and giving us a good look at the barnacles on its back. Fortunately for us, it was a “fluker.” Each time it went into a deep dive, it gave us a nice flip of its fluke before disappearing for 5-10 minutes.

A whale watching highlight

It went on like this for over an hour, until it was time to head back to the marina. While we enjoyed the views of the coastline and snacked on warm popcorn, one of the crew members came by with a chart of marine mammals, so we could learn more about the whale we had been watching and ask questions.

Laguna Niguel shoreline
(Ritz Carlton on the bluff)

I am eager to go whale watching again soon, as every trip is different and you’ll never know what you might see. As we get further in the season there will be more whales, and they’ll be traveling closer to shore with their babies as they had back north.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching is located at Dana Point Harbor, which has plenty of free parking plus many shops and restaurants. Tickets for the Catalina Express can also be purchased there, which I hope to try out on another visit. The Catalina Islands are just a 90 min boat ride away, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

Just a few miles north of the harbor is the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, a fantastic resort for families any time of year. It’s perched on a cliff, so it offers stunning ocean views, and quick access to a nice beach. The hotel was decorated for the holidays, including an elaborate gingerbread display.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel gingerbread display

Huge gingerbread display!

Surfboard Auction

We also enjoyed looking at the custom-painted surfboards lined up for their annual holiday auction to benefit Surfers Healing, an organization that helps people with autism experience surfing. Virtuoso amenities for my clients are daily breakfast, an upgrade based on availability, and a $100 resort credit.

Gorgeous full ocean views

View of beach from the resort

This Ritz Carlton was one of the first resorts to offer the award winning Eco Adventure Program, created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, which offers unique excursions for children and families to showcase the area’s natural wonders and promote environmental responsibility. In fact, on our whale watch cruise, two Eco Adventure staff members were escorting a family as part of their whale education program. The program is being expanded to more resorts, including Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman.

For help with planning a fun family getaway, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com.

December 15, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports

Jackson Hole: The Best Ski Resort in the US

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming has been rated the top US Ski Resort for 2014 by Forbes magazine. The award was based on its $30 million tram, “the greatest ski lift in North America,” its mountain, its gorgeous new airport, its copious snowfall and even for having the best bagels outside of New York.

Fours Seasons at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

The ski village has a nice variety of slopeside accommodations at different price points. The FourSeasons Jackson Hole offers a beautiful guest rooms and suites as well as luxury residences. All are warmly detailed with natural wood and stone and a gas-burning fireplace, and most open to a private balcony or terrace. Two- to five-bedroom private residences each include a completely equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as laundry facilities.

Lounge

One Bedroom Suite

Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities for my clients include daily breakfast for two people per bedroom, $100 food and beverage credit, upgrade based on availability, and complimentary high speed internet in suites.

Dining room

Ice bar

Jackson Hole also offers smaller boutique hotels and spacious condos, all within Teton Village offering convenient ski –in/ski-out access. You can also head over to picturesque Jackson for more shopping and dining. No car is needed, shuttles run the approximately 12 mile trip regularly between the ski resort and downtown.

Hotel Terra

If stunning scenery, exceptional skiing, and a family-friendly self-contained village is not enough to convince you to visit Jackson Hole, how about this: You can take a sleigh ride on the wildlife refuge to see herds of elk!

National Elk Refuge

There is a Kids Fly Free offer for travel January 6 to February 14. One child age 2-11 receives a free ticket with each paid adult when booked by November 30.

For more information and assistance with planning a great ski trip this winter, contact suzette@family-treks.com.

November 19, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports

A Day in Denali in Pictures

Pictures do a much better job than words to explain what an amazing place this is.

Getting ready to board the bus.

The first wildlife sighting of many to come.

Beautiful Polychrome Pass

It took sharp eyes to spot these mountain goats.

The mountain teased us all day,
but wouldn’t reveal herself completely.

Lots of caribou along (and in) the road.

And lots of bears!

They are used to the buses
so up close encounters are common.

A gorgeous day, and gorgeous scenery.

A mountain goat peeks out at us.
Who’s watching who?

Looking for food, winter will come quickly.

What a rack!

A unexpected surprise,
wolves were hard to find this year.

A hiker’s paradise. You can hop on and off the bus
anytime to explore on your own.

We saw six grizzlies on the trip.
I am sure many more than that saw us!

Fireweed at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park

Fireweed at Wonder Lake,
85 miles inside the park

I have traveled all over the state of Alaska. It’s one of the most amazing destinations in the world, but one of the most challenging to navigate. If you’d like help planning a memorable vacation to the Great Land, just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

October 29, 2013/by macktravels

Posts