From Santa Barbara to Sonoma....via San Francisco

How is it that I've traveled all over the world, yet had never experienced a self-drive trip up and down the stunning California coast until this weekend? All I can say is better late than never...and it's a trip I'll be doing many times again. Breaking up the drive from LA by booking stays at fab hotels in Santa Barbara, San Francisco & Sonoma County was the smartest idea I've had in a while...and I'm already planning my next visit in my head.

The perfect road trip started with a leisurely afternoon drive up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Malibu to Santa Barbara. It took just 90 minutes or so to reach the beautiful Four Seasons Santa Barbara, where we checked into our spacious executive suite (fave touch: heated floors & steam shower!) and headed across the street to the Coral Casino Club (part of the $300 million recent renovation). Reserved for members and hotel guests only, the Club features the largest hotel pool in the US and an oceanview bar/restaurant (ideal for enjoying a pre-dinner snack of Skinny Margaritas and truffle-infused popcorn!) From here, we headed out to La Super Rica, the local taco stand made famous by fan Julia Child. The long lines are worth it as the authentic Mexican food is homemade, the beer is cold and the experience unique to Santa Barbara.

Day 2 of the "perfect road trip" consisted of a 5.5 hour drive up the 101 North straight into San Francisco. It's a scenic drive (especially if you've not seen this region before) as you pass through small, vineyard-lined roadways and towns including Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo & on up through Palo Alto. In a city filled with great hotels, the Four Seasons San Francisco stands out as an oasis from the constant buzz. Located on Market Street just steps from Union Square, the hotel's sophisticated decor (neutral tones, eye-catching artwork) and the five-star service are a welcome antidote to the hilly walks through must-see tourist-filled spots like Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square.

Stroll down Geary Street in the evening for drinks and dinner at Clift Hotel, designed by Phillip Starke. Cocktails in the hotel's original Redwood Room (a former Prohibition-era hang out) followed by an amazing dinner at the brand new Velvet Room (occupying Asia de Cuba's former home) was the perfect way to spend our one evening in San Francisco. If one's prefence leans towards chic boutique style over sophisticated zen-like decor, Clift is the perfect spot to stay in SFO.

Next stop on the agenda was the one I'd most been looking forward to: 2 full days in Wine Country, specifically, Sonoma County. The scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to The Farmhouse Inn in Forrestville took just over an hour and gave us a taste of what was to come. Vineyard after vineyard lines River Road leading to the 18-room, recently restored Farmhouse Inn, owned by brother and sister Catherine and Joe Bartolomei.

The brand new Barnhouse Suites (housed in an authentic barn that's been totally transformed) give new meaning to "barnhouse chic". Spaciously laid out with a separate living/bed room, the suites feature textured wood walls, high ceilings, comfy sofas and chairs, heated marble bath floors (perfect after a steam shower or soak in the jetted tub). I also adored the plushly appointed four-poster king bed, our own very private patio, and the indoor/outdoor fireplace. The staff (notably Anna and Tamera on the concierge team) went above and beyond to ensure we had an incredible stay--from booking a table for us at Healdsburg hot spot Spoda to pre-booking our couples' massage at the Inn's own lovely spa.

Unique and fun touches offered at the Inn include complimentary self-serve snacks , sodas, waters & even fixings for s'mores(ideal for winery outings & evenings in the suites. Boxed gourmet picnic lunches can be arranged for guests, as can priority reservations at Farmouse Restaurant, the dinner-only (Thurs-Sunday) on-site Michelin starred restaurant where I had one of the best meals of my life (soft shell crab with summer corn succotash followed by seared line-caught halibut and topped off with a Valrohna souffle & caramel toffee gelato).

Of course, what's a few days in Sonoma Wine Country without visits to area wineries? The Farmhouse Inn has preferred relationships with nearly a dozen of the area's best winemakers--this translates to VIP treatment and in some cases, comped tastings & additional pours upon mention of who referred us. A few of our favorites included J Vineyards, Copain & Lynmar Estate. The latter is the perfect spot to stop for lunch--we loved our freshly prepared gourmet picnic ($35/person including two tastings) overlooking the estate's gorgeous gardens surrounding the family-run vineyard.

While sad to leave the cushy confines of Farmhouse Inn (I could have used another day to simply laze by the pool!), it was indeed a special treat to drive home along breathtaking Highway 1, stopping for lunch seaside at Schooner's in scenic Monterey, and continuing south through Carmel (pictured), Big Sur, and on down through San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara before ultimately ending up back where we started, at home in LA.

I feel like there is still so much to see--like the famous fried artichoke stands in Castroville, the Hitching Post restaurant featured in "Sideways" near Solvang, the cute shops of Healdsburg, and of course, many more boutique wineries. Next time, I'll insist we also make time to enjoy a night or two in Carmel--it's too pretty a place to simply pass through.

For more information on the perfect California coastal trip, contact us at elitetravelgal@gmail.com or phone 310.979.9036. Also, feel free to friend me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stacysmall) to see photos from my trip and followe me on twitter (www.twitter.com/elitetravelgal) for live tweets from upcoming adventures.

Food For Thought

What do Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Wilshire, the Fairmont Miramar, Malibu Beach Inn, Four Seasons Westlake , The London West Hollywood & the Peninsula Beverly Hills have in common? Other than being hotels in LA, each has an amazing restaurant--so good you might even forget you're dining in a hotel! Gone are the days when hotel dining was nothing more than a necessary evil as these properties offer up seriously great eats...in fact, the meals I've had at these hotels rival some of the best I've had anywhere in LA.

Take for example, the newly opened Culina at Four Seasons LA. Billed as "modern Italian cuisine", the chic spot is a far cry from the traditional Four Seasons "Restaurant" that formerly occupied this space. Think crudo bar (Italian-style sushi), homemade pastas, freshly grilled fish (the yellowtail with artichokes and olives is a personal fave), thin-crust pizzas and creative desserts served in a stylish & warm ambiance, indoors and out. Evening cocktails on the patio (pictured) by the fireplace are a lovely start or end to any meal prepared by the charming Chef Victor Casanova (and yes, that's his real name!).

Sister property Beverly Wilshire wins my award for best breakfast spot in LA. Not only does its BLVD restaurant pack in more powerful Angelenos than typically gather in one room, but outdoor tables with a Rodeo Drive view and amazing dishes like an exotic mushroom omelette, steel cut oatmeal brulee & fresh dairy-free smoothies of the day. (side note: For a gluten-free glutton like myself, I love the fact that they have homemade gluten-free bread!!). BLVD is the ultimate all-day dining spot and I'm not kidding when I say I'd be happy eating breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Added bonus: Full breakfast comes included in our Four Seasons Preferred Partner rates!

For special occasions, yet another Four Seasons takes the prize. I had one of the most memorable Thanksgiving meals last fall at Four Seasons Westlake, where a three-room buffet filled with Thanksgiving fare also included amazing sushi and seafood creations courtesy of Chef Masa Shimakawa. Chef Masa oversees the Japanese-inspired Onyx restaurant, where Asian BBQ Thursdays & "Sushi on the Rocks" Happy Hours are fun ways to try out unique hotel dining. Families also love the Sunday brunch at Hampton's with its special VIK (Very Important Kids') surfing-inspired display.

For dining with a view, Carbon Beach Club at the Malibu Beach Inn is the hands-down winner. Simple and fresh California-style cuisine--lunch & dinner faves include crab & avocado salad, a lobster club, veggie (or real) burger, Asian chicken salad & Ahi Tuna tartare--is best enjoyed at an oceanfront table as close to the beach as it gets in SoCal. It's one of the best true beachside dining options, and one that should be experienced more often buy both locals and guests. Beachside breakfast is also a great option, as are desserts (trust us, the rasberry cobbler is sinfully good).

A few additional lunchtime faves, which I've enjoyed on numerous occasions are FIG at the Fairmont Miramar , Boxtree Cafe at the London West Hollywood and Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Funny enough, the Peninsula's former chef is now at the helm of FIG, which offers the most fun & creative (not to mention delicious) dishes using nothing but the freshest farmer's market ingredients. Chef Ray Garcia's takes on gourmet grilled cheese, homemade (cream-free) tomato soup, grilled fish tacos & no-pasta veggie lasagna were hits at our table, while another diner told me the ultra-fun Sunday "kegs & eggs" brunch is his favorite weekend treat. The Belvedere's garden patio is not only discreet and peaceful, it's the perfect backdrop for indulging in creative comfort food (truffle mac & cheese, crispy fries, cobb salads, and my fave, grilled barramundi). Should you prefer something lighter, simply head upstairs to the Roof Garden where you can dine poolside on organic, healthy cuisine. Another great choice for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and weekend brunch is Gordon Ramsay's Boxtree Cafe. While he may not be in the kitchen, the unique menu is definitely Ramsay by design. Beautiful presentations and creative takes on California-inspired served in a light-filled bistro setting are reasons to remember Boxtree when the lunch locale choice is yours.

Book stays at any of the above hotels through Elite Travel International and we'll ensure you'll not only be VIP'ed during your stay, but you'll enjoy one of the best tables in the house! For more information, visit www.elitetravelinternational.com, email elitetravelgal@gmail.com or call 310.979.9036.

Mexico in Style

Mexico’s always been top of my list of places to go when I totally need to chill, and want to do so in a luxury hotel on a gorgeous beach. A recent journey south gave me the chance to do so, as I checked into the newish (opened fall ‘o8) St. Regis Punta Mita for sheer R&R then headed to old town Puerto Vallarta, the region Richard Burton & Liz Taylor put on the map with their longtime love affair.

Pairing a few days in Puerto Vallarta (with its cute shops, hip nightspots, great restaurants and unique history & culture) with downtime at the beach in sleepy Punta Mita, to me, is the perfect combination. And while I’ll always have a soft spot for Four Seasons Punta Mita (it’s one of my all-time favorite family resorts with its multiple family pools, tons of connecting rooms and amazing kids’ club), the 120-room St. Regis Punta Mita stands out at the destination’s newest star.

Sitting on 22 acres between two Jack Nicklaus golf courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the stunning resort features 24-hour butler service, a 10,000 square-foot Remede spa and three infinity pools--including one for adults only. Rooms are housed in traditional Mexican casitas, and offer a minimum of 600 square feet, while outdoor showers, huge bathrooms, ocean-view patios and a chic Mexican-meets-Mediterranean décor all add to the overall appeal. Beautifully designed, residential-style beachfront suites range up to 3,100 square feet and have up to three bedrooms, private pools and plenty of space for oceanfront entertaining. Mexican breakfast at Las Marietas is a delightful way to start the day, while the best way to wind down is over cocktails and a delicious meal in Carolina (named for Caroline Astor, founder of The St. Regis New York).

Side note: While in Punta Mita, be sure to check out the nearby surftown of Sayulita. Save room for homemade smoothies at one of the funky cafes (my faves are Rollies and Choco-Banana) and bring pesos to shop for handmade silver jewelry.

Only an hour away by car but within a totally different world, sits Puerto Vallarta, home to one of my favorite hotels, Hacienda San Angel. This charming gem of a property sits on the site of the original “Villa Bursus”, a gift from Burton to his then wife Susan (thus the name Bur-Sus). Over the years, owner Janice Chatterton has expanded this Small Luxury Hotels property to comprise five gorgeous Mexican villas featuring 14 unique, antique-filled suites. There’s an amazing gourmet Mexican restaurant with Bay of Banderas views and three heated pools on property. Plus, all rates include a fabulous (and free) in-room breakfast delivered by one of the ultra-friendly staff who treats you like an old friend (and you will be by the time you leave!). You’ll especially love this cliff side hotel three blocks from the Malecon if you’re a dog lover like me, as Chatterton is a major supporter of the local ASPCA. Her adorable rescue pups even serve as the hacienda’s official welcome committee.

Not topping everyone’s list, but also very worth a visit, is the country’s capital of Mexico City. Just a quick flight from Vallarta, this city of 22 million-plus is captivating to say the least. The Saturday afternoon bazaar in San Angel, a visit to the Diego Rivera/Frida Kahlo house, an afternoon at the rodeo and visits to the fabulous Archaeological Museum and the Franz Mayer museum are all must do’s if you’ve got the time. And if business brings you this way, you’ll love the centrally-located St. Regis Mexico City, which just opened six months ago. Sleek and chic, with spacious butler-serviced, high-tech rooms, and an eager to please staff, the hotel offers a warm, welcome respite from the bustling city. Also brand new and fabulous is Las Alcobas, an ultra-swanky boutique hotel located in the hip and happening district of Polanco.

Book any of the above through Elite Travel International and you’ll enjoy exclusive perks, priority upgrades, breakfast-inclusive rates and special VIP treatment during your stay. For more information, email elitetravelgal@gmail.com or phone 310.979.9036

Amangiri Puts Page on the Map

Leave it to Aman Resorts to put a small town like Page, Arizona on the map. Seriously, unless you like house-boating with throngs of tourists on Lake Powell, there’s little chance you’d choose Page as your destination of choice. That is, until now, with the recent opening of Amangiri.

Just over the Utah border, 20 minutes from Page, Amangiri opened last fall as Aman’s second stateside venture. The secluded 34-suite resort sits on 600 acres of wilderness 4,000 feet above sea level in a canyon setting ideal for hiking, exploring and of course, in true Aman style, chilling out and spa-ing. Highlights of a recent stay included yoga classes in a glass-walled pavilion, Thai massage in an outdoor treatment cabana, and dining poolside—all with phenomenal views of the mesas and canyons that date back millions of years.

An open kitchen and residential-style lounge/living room lend themselves to lots of mingling among guests. Sounds silly, but it’s that kind of place regardless of whether you’re a Wall Street banker or a California yogi. The staff, many whom grew up in the area--including the nearby Navajo Reservation--add an air of authenticity not often found at remote resorts.

Each of the 34 suites feature a private courtyard with outdoor furnishings, a sleek, Zen-inspired bedroom/living room area with lots of natural light and views of the mesas and surrounding desert—best seen from the suite’s private patio appointed with its own fire pit. Sage green tiles line the suite-long bathroom/dressing area, and the twin rain showers plus soaking tub add to the overall design appeal. White stone floors and concrete walls compliment the natural landscape while colored cushions and cozy soft throws add a dash of warmth to the suites. Larger suites feature such added touches as private pools, outdoor day beds, larger dining areas and even outdoor sky lounges, ideal for stargazing.

During your stay, venture off property to enjoy a day trip to Bryce Canyon (two hours away), and/or the Grand Canyon and the funky town of Flagstaff. For sure, also stop by Horseshoe Bend as it’s one of the most scenic parts of the country —equivalent in level of striking beauty to the Hoover Dam. Guests have complimentary access to house BMWs (they’re available first come, first served on a reservation basis) so once you have your bearings, enjoy the scenery in style.

Based on a recent experience, we recommend flying into Page privately, so as to avoid the somewhat inconsistent turboprops operated by Great Lakes Aviation out of Denver and Phoenix. Other options are to fly into Phoenix or Vegas, and book a private transfer for the scenic four-hour drive in one of Amangiri’s luxury SUVs.

Book your stay at Amangiri through a Virtuoso agency like Elite Travel International and rates will include complimentary daily breakfast (the selection of teas and fresh-squeezed juices is outstanding, as is the morning buffet with bowls of fresh cut berries, housemade granola, smoked salmon, homemade pastries plus cooked to order eggs) plus a complimentary lunch for two and a priority upgrade upon availability.

For more information, email elitetravelgal@gmail.com or call 310.979.9036.

Four Seasons: Preferred Partner Perks...

Whoever said there’s no such thing as a free lunch simply hasn’t yet met a Four Seasons Preferred Partner. Not that any of us NEED a free lunch, but why refuse it (especially at top restaurants in some of our favorite hotels worldwide!?). Simply book your next Four Seasons stay through a Preferred Partner (like Elite Travel International) and enjoy a complimentary lunch at the hotel OR a $100 spa or golf credit (note: perk varies per property). The Four Seasons in San Francisco, Miami & Palm Beach, for example, offer the free lunch, while the Four Seasons Los Angeles and the Beverly Wilshire extend the spa credit. Regardless which Four Seasons you book, your exclusive Preferred Partner rates will always include daily breakfast for two plus an upgraded room or suite if available. Late check out, early check in and other special requests are always prioritized for Preferred Partner clients, while suite guests also enjoy free internet access.

Speaking of free, Preferred Partners are first to hear about which Four Seasons offer comp nights to priority clients. Costa Rica, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Thailand & Punta Mita, Mexico currently have fifth-night free promos in place, while Bali, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Jackson Hole, Buenos Aires offer a free fourth night (date dependent). And why stay only two nights in your city of choice when the third is free? This special promo exists in NYC (this summer), Chicago, Boston, Vegas, Scottsdale, Seattle, Santa Barbara, Austin, and San Francisco. Promos do vary based on the dates of stay in each city.

Keep in mind too, that a number of the Four Seasons—including those in San Francisco & Los Angeles—are fresh from major facelifts inclusive of all guest rooms and luxury suites (up to the Presidential level). The newly redesigned 17th floor Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons San Francisco is highlighted by a custom-made Brunschwig & Fils sofa; lounge chairs from William Switzer’s Lucien Rollin collection; Barbara Barry’s “high back shelter” chairs by Baker; a Berman Rosetti coffee table; handwoven custom rugs; and a 50-inch flat screen TV.

The Four Seasons Los Angeles—which was sorely in need of a room redo for years—recently got all that and more when $33 million-plus was spent on a full-blown renovation that included all rooms/suites, the outdoor pool (love the new cabanas!), the ballroom and main restaurant. The duo of new Presidential Suites (east and west) offer a choice between elegant, romantic glamour (think crystals, blacks, mirrors, creams, plum, hand tufted carpet)and modern design (clean lines, contemporary furnishings, bold artwork and a palette of rich browns, blues, smoky grays and cream). And, complimenting the Doheny Drive Grande Dame’s new look is a refreshing restaurant concept, Culina. Its chic, indoor/outdoor décor (complete with smoking area loved by cigar aficionados, a waterfall and a fire pit), and modern Italian cuisine is reason alone to stop by when in LA.

It would be silly to miss out on the benefits extended exclusively to Four Seasons Preferred Partners worldwide. For more information, email elitetravelgal@gmail.com or visit www.elitetravelinternational.com.

Trust in Travel

Here in LA-LA Land, the only award most people care about winning is an Oscar or Emmy. But for me, taking home the title of "Most Trusted Online Travel Authority" is truly an honor. Not only am I flattered to know that more people trust me than a number of top national travel journalists, bloggers, analysts & travel industry CEOs, but it proves the point I've been preaching for years: There's nothing like a knowledgeable, professional travel consultant to help consumers navigate the cluttered world of travel--be it online or offline.

The poll, conducted by Robert K. Cole on his "Views from a Corner Suite" blog (www.rockcheetah.com) asked consumers to partake in a "Trustularity" contest by voting for their most trusted source of online travel info. Says Cole: "Travel is an intensely personal decision. So is the question, 'who do you trust?' That is exactly why I asked the question. There is no simple answer."

Cole, a longtime hotel/marketing executive (http://bit.ly/bXPaPU), adds: "This one of the key questions facing travel organizations engaged in media, both social and traditional -Who do people trust, and why do they trust them? Is a well produced ad, someone with the most followers, an expert travel agent, a literate journalist, or a dedicated friend most worthy of a person's trust?"

To my surprise, despite the serious competition from industry heavyweights (whose analysis, articles & blogs are at the top of my own reading list), I topped the poll with 19 percent of the total vote! Not surprisingly, right on my heels with 17 percent of the vote was Forrester Research's Henry Harteveldt and close behind Henry with 14 percent was Randy Petersen, the well-known founder of FlyerTalk & Inside Flyer.

What this poll really proves however--more so than that myself, Henry & Randy top consumers' "trustularity" list--is that actual "online travel agencies (OTA's) are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to trust!! Combined, the CEOs of Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline and TripAdvisor captured less than 5 percent of the total vote.

So, am I the person you should trust most with your travel decisions? That is entirely up to you and I wholeheartedly agree with Robert Cole who says: "Popularity should not dictate who should be trusted. Trust should always be earned."

If you'd like to give me a chance to earn your trust, please follow me on twitter @elitetravelgal or friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stacysmall.

It's no Oscar, but in my world where trust is everything, this award is the equivalent. Thank you to all of you who did vote me your "Most Trusted Online Travel Authority."

New York Stories...

I have a love/hate relationship with New York City. I hated living there (too crowded, too loud, too cold, too much for me) but I love visiting. I love the luxury hotels in Manhattan as well as the amazing restaurants--not to mention, some of my favorite people in the world live there. I love that there are so many different neighborhoods to explore, and so many options for a luxury hotel junkie like me to check out.

On this particular trip, I chose to stay for two nights at three very different hotels. Keeping in mind that we have clients with a wide variety of style, budget & neighborhood preference, I started my week uptown at the newly redone Surrey Hotel before heading down to the Meatpacking district (which didn't exist as a tourist zone when I lived in NYC. There I spent two nights at the members-only Soho House (which many don't know is also a hotel!) then crossed the street for a stay at the equally cool Gansevoort Hotel.

Loved The Surrey for its elegant uptown charm. The vintage-inspired, grey and white (with touches of black( decor is a refreshing change from your typical five-star hotel, and the unique furnishings, intimate ambience, and Duxiana beds makes it a winner in my book. The proximity to Central Park and Madison Avenue shopping are other selling points, as is the room service by Daniel Boulud.

Just as I was falling in love with The Surrey, it was time to head to the opposite end of the city for my SoHo House stay. Gotta tell you, I liked it equally as much--for totally different reasons. The personality of the small property rivals the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge (which I love). Cowshed spa products and the dresser drawer filled with "minibar" items ranging from guidebooks to accessories to stationary offer much more than your typical bathroom experience + drink/snack set up. Platform beds, a red tub & quirky furnishings add to the fun ambience. Best part about staying here though, is the entree to the hip, members-only Bar/Lounge/Club, where free WiFi is a given and the atmosphere is perfect for everything from breakfast meetings to late-night cocktails.

For those who want to experience the happening Meatpacking district location but prefer a slightly different style of hotel than SoHo House can't go wrong at The Gansevoort. It's steps awway from Pastis (my fave bfast & late night dinner spot), has its own Exhale Spa (with yoga classes) on site, as well as a rooftop pool & one of the most popular night spots (Plunge) in town. Not to mention, I loved my Grand Deluxe room (pictured) with its oversized corner window nook that was a great spot to people watch & check out who's wearing what (as in, do I need an umbrella and/or rain boots). Overall, the chic decor is cool without being cold. The staff was super friendly and the location truly ideal for a "new to downtown" type like me, as the shops of 14th streets, the food & flower-filled Chelsea Market and area restaurants like Spice Market, Fig & Olive & The Standard Grill were all within a two minute walk.

For more information or to book your next NYC trip, contact us at 310.979.9036 or via email stacy@elitetravelinternational.com.