In Japan, when staying at a temple or tradtional inn called a ryokan,  it is traditional to welcome guests with tea and a snack.  Imagine the smell of piping hot tea and the warm feeling of the cup in your hand. Take a moment to gaze at the beautiful flowers in the brass bowl and enjoy this moment in your life. Breath in and exhale. Take a sip of life!

Upon arrival at Golden Door, I was greeted with hot tea and a ginger cookie. I was also presented with a menu and asked to select my choice for dinner and breakfast. 

The Golden Door's Japanese gardens are a feast for the eyes, especially with the low-lighting during the winter months that cast long shadows and filter light through leaves.  Can you see the big Japanese bell in the wooden frame behind the picture? Imagine in ring and the strong vibration it creates. Ringing it seven times at Golden Door signifies to the guest it is time to gather for dinner. 

The long wooden walkways provide ample opportunities for admiring the rustic gardens. The one above features a dry stream and Japanese sculptures. Serene and relaxing, traditional Japanese gardens highlight the natural landscape and avoid artificial ornamentation.  Natural, aged and worn materials are used to express the passing of time and its unstoppable advance. To grow old is beautiful!

My first international trip was when I was 17 years old, when I stayed with a host family in Tokyo.  Visiting Golden Door brought back my love of Japanese culture and aesthetics. 

Calamigos Guest Ranch is the place to be if you want to a relax, explore and just chill out and take some time for yourself. Situated on prime Malibu real esate - all 200 acres of it - this hip sancturary provides all the lux ambiance along with privacy and a friendly attitude.

​Once you are on-premise, there is really no reason to leave because everything you would want for a vacation, is right there.  Wine tasting, hiking, horsebacking riding, organic pizza making, spa pampering, poolside hanging, and simply enjoying yourself in a beautiful, natural environment with plenty of whimsical designs and mod architecture to make you say ahhhhhhh and feel OM.

The lobby sets the tone for what's in store for guests. With floor to ceiling glass walls that provide an airy feel and connect with the great outdoors, the connected wrap-around porch has plenty of seating and fire pits for socializing. In the evening and on colder days, the double-sided, wood-burning fireplace gives a welcoming glow. There are dog treats at the front desk and for humans, there's always hot coffee and an assortment of upscale teas. There's a piano for live music and the lobby is also home to the aptly named Leo's Lobby Bar.

Calamigos has three pools. This one is closest to the lobby and behind those curtains, is a lovely dining room where an ah-mazing complimentary, buffet breakfast is served from 7am to 11 am.

A few feet away from the pool are cottages hidden behind a wooden fence. Here's Sunshine, on her way to our Premium Cottage! Wait until you see what is behind that blue door!

These shots show the steps down to my cottage, the outside shower, bathroom and yes, there was a complimentary bottle of wine with a personalized note. Calamigos is also growing its own grapesso it is only fitting to enjoy their Calamigos-branded wine!

If you are a dog lover, you will understand that bringing your pooch along for the ride is such a treat! Sunshine  absolutely loves this property, especially the huge field that used to be where the reality fitness show "Strong" was filmed. She also loved prancing up and down the wooden walkways as well as chillaxing on the faux grass couch under the massive trees. This was actually one of my favorite spots too. A crystal chandelier hands from the trees and in the evening, it just looks so magical. It feels like you're in this huge tree house for adults. This is the juncture  you can head off to the "hipster pool" or walk further beyond the cottages to the gym, spa, open field and to the hidden curios like the nostalgic ferris wheel and antique merry-go-round.  

Another fun design aspect are the use of potted succulents that are a signature design element throughout the property.  Along the walking paths are planted herbs such as rosemary and lavender and in other areas that are vegetable gardens interspersed. I loved this aspect because it made me feel very connected to the food I was eating, the place I was staying and to the earth.

 There are five dining opportunities: 1) Leo's Lobby Bar 2) Malibu Cafe 3) Pool Studio 4) Pizza Bar and 5) Buffet Breakfast. These photos are from the breakfast buffet and being a lover of food, I have to say, Calamigos does a stellar job with breakfast. There is everything and more - from omelettes, eggs and waffles made the way you want, to chafing dishes of egg sandwiches, chicken sausage, bacon to oatmeal, cereal and fresh fruit, to a selection of bread, muffins and sweets to the most amazing toasts including salmon with arugula, avacado with corn and fig and goat cheese toast. Oh heck! Yeah! Did I try all that?  Yes, I did - not all - but the picture below tell you what I sampled! YUM!

There's are outdoor pizza ovens and terraced land that grow seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs. I was so tempted to bring home some eggplant and peppers (two of my favorite veggies) but alas, I left them on the vine for someone else to enjoy.

The Spa at Calamigos is totally new!  While I didn't indulge in a spa service, I was happy to explore the new walkway, patio and spa decor.  Calamigos also offers spiritual wellness via a Vedanta philospher in residence. Vedanta is a based on Hindu scriptures in India. Individuals and groups can book 1:1 time or a lecture or workshop. 

I have many happy memories of this pool when I was a guest at WellFit (which has now moved to Utah). The building with the green roof has top-of-the-line fitness equipment including treadmills, elipticals, bikes, weight training and free weights. There's a fitness studio on the other side with rowing machines, punching bags, foam rollers, yoga mats and just about every type of fitness equipment you would ever want.  Both gyms are available 24/7 to guests. During my stay, the evenings were very quiet and I was perfectly happy to use both gyms and feel like a fitness champ!

If you have an eye for the unusual, or enjoy exploring or like taking picutres, there are endless opportunities at Calamigos to be a kid again and see things in a different perspective by allowing yourself to forget about time and wander with wonder.

I had a fabulous one-night stay so I could write up an article for Travel Pulse. The one thing I was very sorry to miss was the new Calamigos Beach Club. Why? Ooops. No one mentioned it. That being said, I read and heard it is totally fab and  is a great place to catch the sunset, have a few drinks and have the Calamigos courtesy Tesla pick up up and take you back to the ranch. The Beach Club is (of course) beachside and offers a variety of options from paddleboarding, surfing, snorkeling as well and the bar offers wine, beer and cocktails (and food!)

Every now and again, it’s time to hit the reset button. Wellness vacations offer a place to fully immerse in a world of well-being.  Invited to WellFit Malibu, this sanctuary is where stress is left at the door and replaced with nourishment for mind, body and soul.
 
My stay included 7 days of fresh, healthy food, hiking, exercise classes, lifestyle education and the best medicine of all – laughter. What could be better?

About WellFit Malibu:
Tucked away in the hills of Los Angeles, Wellfit Malibu is part of the sprawling 130 acres known as Calamigos Ranch. Privately owned by the Gershon family, Calamigos has been “in the business of making memories since 1947” and along with WellFit, offers special events, set location for filming, a lux boutique hotel, a hip café and private homes.
 
Often referred to as a fitness and weight loss resort, Wellfit Malibu at its core, is a healthy lifestyle program that helps guests cultivate positive habits into daily life. Weight loss is a natural by-product of improved healthy living skills and practices.

Half a century ago, Grant and Helen Walter Gerson wanted guests to experience Malibu as they did -  and share their elegantly rustic lifestyle that they both loved and lived at Calamigos. They also had a clear vision to create Calamigos as a premier property for wellness and healing and their passion for a healthy lifestyle remains to be their legacy. (I love this family mission and find it inspiring!)

• Their son Glen and his wife Mon-Li Gerson began creating, restoring, and building what has now become a hot spot for special events location in Southern California.
• Calamigos Ranchi is a popular place for filming, guests can expect to see trailers and lots of activity. The new TV show that premiered this week, “Strong,” was filmed on premise. The Strong building is still there along with the climbing wall and some of the outdoor obstacles.

The program runs Sunday to Sunday and offers a full schedule of fun activities from 6:30 am until 7 pm.  It felt a bit like summer camp – only better!
 
A Typical daily schedule included:

• Stretch
• Breakfast
• 2-hour hike  (Tuesday is beach work-out)
• Lunch
• Strength training/education
• HIIT class
• Water Aerobics/Water Zumba
• Dinner
• Optional spa treatments
• Lights out at 10 pm (encouraged)  

Many guests stay longer to achieve their personal goals.  In our group, there were different motivations for being there: training for a once-in-a-lifetime hike to Machu Picchu, recovering from a disease, rehabilitation after injuries, focusing on health a major surgery and yes, weight loss.

Here some general good-to-know info about WellFit programming:

• It is a well-paced schedule with just enough time in between sessions to change but not enough time to be tempted to take a nap, get sapped into work or feel bored.
• Wellfit’s consistent message is “listen to your body’ so if you need to take a nap, do that. Need an extra healthy snack? Enjoy! Prefer to hit the gym than hike or need to take a day “off”? Not a problem – as a courtesy, just let them know.
• Guests are invited to challenge themselves and there’s no shame if you’re not up to it. More often than not, an exercise can be adapted – if you have a pre-existing health condition, injury or personal worry – so that everyone can participate in group exercise and be successful. This is great because it brings people together and builds camaraderie.

Research shows that being in nature improve physical and emotional health. (Check out the Reconnecting with Nature and other top wellness travel trends here.)  Hiking a key component to the WellFit experience. There are lots of cool hikes from ruins of famous mansions, to the Mash set, to creeks and waterfalls, ocean views to an older western film set and hiking locations change daily.
 
Monday is the hardest day with an “assessment” for the hiking guides to determine fitness levels and plan hikes and staffing for the remainder of the week.  That was the toughest day for me and I kept a pretty good pace covering five and half miles in a little over 2 hours, but boy, was I pooped.
 
What I found to be totally impressive is the amount of expertise and planning that goes into coordinating these hikes with the vast differences in fitness levels from beginner level to fitness junkie and in between. Guests hike at their own pace and are never left behind. During my week, there were three groups from runners to slow pacers – and often the ratio was 1:2 guide to guest ratio. 
 
Hiking is a calorie burner that you can do practically everywhere. Wearing a Fitbit, I walked 10,000 steps usually before 10 am in the morning, which meant my calories for the day, were already spent. Pretty awesome!

Explain the hiking guide selection & training process at WellFit?
Other than the obvious love of the outdoors, we look for applicants who are dependable, knowledgable, dedicated, compassionate and most of all, relatable. Guides must be able to "step into guests hiking shoes" and understand the difficult challenges they often times face on their journeys to fitness. Being in good shape also helps with the job, but it's not a requirement upon applying.
The training process involves First Aid and CPR certification, instruction in hiking techniques, hiking safety and wildlife awareness, and familiarization with our extensive trail roster. Some guides also have the opportunity for additional training to test for a commercial driver's license, which is required to drive our passenger vans.

Do you have any tips you'd like to share on best practices for hiking? Or hiking and weight loss/improved fitness?
Always be prepared with the right gear! That includes a good pair of hiking shoes and socks, appropriate clothing for weather conditions, a hat, sunscreen, hiking poles, first aid kit, fully charged cell phone, plenty of water and a map or good knowledge of the area.
​
To improve your fitness level, sometimes you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to try new things, and most importantly, hang in there! Fitness is a journey and it doesn't always come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. While never easy, it does get easier with time and anybody can do it!

What are some of the most popular Wellfit hikes and why?
Our most popular hikes are trails that offer tough challenges as well as beautiful scenery. Two such hikes are the Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountain range, and Solstice Canyon. Both hikes offer challenging terrain as well as stunning coastal views and beautiful lush scenery.​

One of my goals outside of losing weight was to feel strong again and that’s why I loved the strength training and cardio sessions. Varied classes included a beach work out, circuit training, kick boxing, Zumba water, and water aerobics. Sure there were moments, when I thought I couldn’t possibly do it. But the great thing is if you try and dig deep enough, you usually can.

The menu plan centers around 1500 calories each day co-designed by a chef and registered dietician. Breakfast choices include: yogurt with granola, oatmeal with fruit and nuts, eggs, vegetables, toast and avocado or Ezekiel bread with almond butter and a banana.  Lunch and dinner includes daily specials and other choices such as chicken salad with pita or veggie burger. Lunches always start with a broth-based soup and both lunch and dinner offer a salad bar. Dinners ending with a sweet treat.  There are morning and afternoon snacks packed with protein combos like apples and peanut butter, cheese sticks and almonds, eggs and celery.

There are comfy, cozy cabins with front steps leading to a cute porch. A welcome change from a traditional, ho-hum hotel room.Contemporary wood furniture provides a good amount of space to organize belongings.  Free Wi-Fi and a desk were perfect getting work done (yes, I brought work with me). The flat screen TV was a nice amenity hardly used. Cabins come either with private or shared bath and are close together. Twinkling lights, trees and porches equipped with a chair gave a friendly neighborhood vibe.
 
The main building houses guest reception, dining hall, lounge area, spa, offices and shop in a contemporary wood and glass structure. A switchback walk way lead to the pool, hot tub, cardio and aerobic gym and beyond are winding paths leading to the lodging area.
 
The property is enchanting. Wooden banisters artfully made from tree branches added to the rustic feel of the ranch. A string of vertical twinkling lights grouped in trees giving a magical feeling when the sun sets. There’s  an old fashioned merry-go-round, cows, the Strong building mentioned earlier and quaint red buildings with white trim used for filming. The nice part – is nothing is off limits and you can walk about and explore to your hearts content

If you are a dog lover, you will understand how incredibly awesome it is to be able to bring your fur baby along for the ride! Oh my gosh, how great to have Sunshine be with me. Ok...maybe it took a little extra effort to get up earlier to walk her, use my breaks to check in and keep chugging along at the end of an active day to give Sunshine a good walk but boy - I loved every minute we were together!  It would not have been the same with out my Sunshine.

The nice thing about writing a blog is being free from editorial constraints. Herein lie my impressions, feeling and observations about WellFit.  I’ve been to those that focus on pampering with heavy emphasis on spa treatments and conversely hard-core fitness to the point of exhaustion, pain and puking (not me but other guests!). Thankfully WellFit was neither of those extremes
 
WellFit Malibu provides an opportunity to disconnect from daily stressors and connect with a like-minded community out in nature.  If you want to feel well, be well and look well – this is the place to be! It’s a place I want to go back to – again and again!

Like these boots? I did! Check out my product review on Ridgemont's Monty Hi boot here.

For many parents, wellness travel is about vacations that bring family together, leaving stress behind and engaging in fun, memorable activities.
 
With experiential and wellness travel catching on, parents, particularly moms, are looking for resorts and destinations that balance activity with relaxation. Less-stressed parents make better moms and dads and also make better partners.
 
Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa, honors the concept of O'hana by offering a wide range of family experiences promoting discovery, fun, learning, relaxation and family connection and memory-making.
 
Discovery:
Snorkel at Rainbow Reef: This tranquil man-made lagoon offers clear, up-close encounters with local marine life and offers high-visibility safe environment, perfect for parents. No unpredictable currents and waves means a stress free way to snorkel with family.  

 Explore the Stars: A local expert explains how ancient Polynesians navigated great distances across the Pacific while guests gazing through a powerful telescope. Special times for families, adults as well as teens/tweens.
​
High Tech Scavenger Hunt & Adventure Trail: This interactive treasure hunt is Complimentary to Guests staying at Aulani, who are given a special cell phone that provides interactive clues and plays videos while on the trail.  Solve riddles, watch scenery come to life and learn about the Menehune—the legendary characters of Hawai‘i, known for magic and mischief. (Best suited for pre-teens)
 
Connection:
Fire Pit Story Telling: Story telling offers a way to connect to ancient lore and legends. An educating and entertaining that family’s can enjoy together around the fire pit, stories are enhanced with puppetry, music, props and magical effects. (Good for all ages)
 
Fun & Physical Activity:
Guest’s will never get bored with the wide range of options for physical activity at Aluani.  Guests can kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, hike, boogie board, work out in the 2,000 square foot gym 24/7, hire a personal trainer or take advantage of some fantastic group classes. There are nearly 20 group classes to choose from. Here’s a sampling:
 
Cardio Rush
Beach Boot Camp
Group Spinning
Group Private Training
Ocean Yoga
Ocean Fitness
Obstacle Boot Camp
Paddleboard Yoga
Paddle Fitness
Seaside Stretch
Splash and Dash
Sunrise Tai Chi
Sunrise Yoga
Total Body Circuit
Teen Pump It Up

Relaxation
Spa Treatments:  At Laniwai, there’s a message for every member of the family and several treatments created especially for expectant and new mothers. Special prenatal techniques are used to pamper tired muscles, alleviate water retention and improve circulation. This is the only resort I know of that created a 3-6 family member massage using lomilomi sticks as a way for families to connect through touch. For more information on spa treatments click here.

Healing Hydrotherapy: The outdoor hydrotherapy garden of Kula Wai offers 5,000 square feet of pure relaxation including rain-style showers, a heated whirlpool, and cold-water plunge pool, soaking pools, a reflexology
 
Hawaiians bathed in cool streams, mineral baths and the sea have a healing affect on the body by increasing circulation, boosting the immune system and washing away aches, pains and stress. Guests (with the purchase of a spa treatment) can soak, soften, moisten and nourish their skin with a choice of 5 vitality baths designed to calm sunburn skin, detoxify, exfoliate, increase circulation or relax muscles by using locally sourced plant-based ingredients. Passionflower, green papaya, pineapple extract, ginger root, hibiscus, sandalwood, seaweed, lavender, rosemary and and eucalyptus each contain special healing properties.
​
Pulu Bar (Spa Mixology): Guest can create their own customized body polish at the Pulu Bar by choosing cane sugar or salt and their choice of oils (macadamia, kukui nut or jojoba) and Hawaiian herbs. A spa attendant created your own concoction, complimentary with any spa service.

Disney Movie Nights: Tired from a full day and want to just hang out? Pick a spot on the lawn and watch family-friendly Disney movies under the stars. 

For videos about the services and about the property, click here.
Voted No. 1 in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2014 for Top Family Hotel in the U.S.A, the Aulani Resort was created for family vacations. For more info:

I believe wellness tourists have a lot to get excited about, stated Sophie Benge, author of Healing Sources - Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea, adding "When it comes to traveling with wellbeing in mind, Eastern Europe is yet to get the recognition it deserves and wellness tourists have a lot to get excited about."

Here are Sophie's top four reasons why in her own words:

1.  NATURAL RESOURCES

At the core of the wellness approach in this part of the world is nature-the-healer focusing on thermal springs, healing muds, salts, gases, minerals, herbs, climate and natural produce, most of which are found in beautiful landscapes of mountain air and sea breezes which add to the healing effect.

Yet such natural resources were the subject of extensive research by scientists and chemists in the 18th and 19th centuries and only after meticulous study did physicians devise protocols for treating health disorders. It’s testament to their healing effects that treatments continue - often unchanged - to this day.

My personal favorite in natural magic is mud. The mineral make-up in the peloid deposit determines mud’s precise curative factors and this varies from source to source - whether it comes from thousands of years of rotting vegetation, (the-more-microbes-the-better), mined from underground or scraped from the river bank as it is in Piestany, Slovakia. This particular mud is then marinaded in mineral water for a year before use! With the result that its super-high sulphur content can effect mineral changes in bones, muscles and tendons and generally slow down - reverse even - degenerative deterioration. It even carpets the bottom of an indoor pool, (a masterpiece in Art Nouveau style too,) giving a whole new take to ‘wallowing in mud.’

I love my  skin being smeared with the thick, goopy, brown stuff and feeling it squelch between my toes. But it knocks me out and makes me sweat. That’s how powerful a detoxifier it is. I’m referring particularly to the bucket-load, slap and wrap style of treatment at Budapest’s Sezchenyi Baths in Hungary.

In Poland, Latvia and Romania, local mud is also used in a course of infertility treatment with apparently, a significantly higher success rate than IVF.

Other natural resource prescriptions include baths, inhalations and drinking cures using mineral or thermal waters, spells in the salt chamber to ease respiratory conditions, even injections of carbon dioxide gas for pain relief.

2.  EXPERTISE

Treatments and consultations throughout this part of the world come with an absolute sense of ‘being in safe hands’. Expertise is robust precisely because natural and preventative medicine, with attendant rigorous research and investment, was the core medical system for the last 200 years!

Spa destinations are rooted in ‘heal stays’ and ‘cure programmes’ for a range of chronic conditions, spanning digestive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and skin disorders. All this means that high levels of medical expertise are now available to the wellness guest, who can have a consultation with an on-site doctor to prepare a program tailored to specific needs.

I’ll always remember one particular expert, Dr. Petras Degilis. He is a professor of physical rehabilitation who now spends three days each week at Spa Vilnius in Druskininkai, Lithuania, investigating the role of amber in neurological stimulation. At 75 years old (!), he recently developed the ‘Amber Room’ at the spa where guests lie on mattresses stuffed with amber chips and wear large amber lumps around their necks to regulate cardiac rhythms and soothe the central nervous system. Amber, which hails from the Baltic region, generates its own magnetic field of negative ions, which also balances and detoxifies the human energy field. Europe, along with Russia, is the seat of expertise for the healing qualities of amber.

Therapist training across the region also tends to be impressively rigorous. In Hungary massage therapists undergo 700 hours of practice, after a usual two-year course in theory, before they are eligible to work on clients.

True, treatments offer little of the spirituality of the Asian way. But what they may lack in tinkly music and tails of incense, they more than make up for in potency and expertise.

3.  AFFORDABLE

As a seasoned spa goer, I’m personally fed with all-too-often stepping off a massage bed $150 later and thinking ‘so what!’  This never happened to me in any of the 12 countries I visited from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south. Treatments at historic spa towns, Soviet-style sanatoriums and contemporary wellness hotels - work! In my experience! And they are cheaper than anywhere else in Europe.

For example, a $10, two-minute, -160 degree Celsius blast in the cryotherapy chamber gives mind, body - and cellulite - an immediate blast!

Along with an attractive price point comes the popular option of all-in packages dedicated to results: from traditional two-week spa stays, to weight loss programmes, family stays or general wellbeing breaks. Programmes include half-board, a doctor consultation and at least three treatments per day with the option to add more. All-inclusive, high season prices at the top destinations come in at under €1,000 a week.

This competitive pricing largely comes down to the low cost of natural resources and lower wages. 

4.  HISTORY

Eastern Europe is stuffed full of spa history. In many ways the culture of wellness tourism started here during the mid-to-late 19th century, when Czechoslovakia was the gold standard for Europe’s royalty and nobility who spent the summer season ‘taking the waters’ in the famous spa towns of Marianbad and Carlsbad to redress their over-indulgent lifestyles. England’s portly Kind Edward VII had his own private spa suite which can still be booked today at Hotel Nové Lázne in the beautiful, dedicated spa town of Mariánské Lázne.

Then came the sanatorium culture of the 20th century’s Soviet era which, it could be argued, was ahead of its time. Wellness tourism was in full flight with compulsory,, state-funded programmes of rest and rejuvenation for everyone from party officials to the proletariat, including war veterans, sportsmen and astronauts.

In other words this region has had wellness at the core of its tourism offering from nearly 200 years! And with its variety of offerings from old world glamour, low-budget state establishments and boutique destinations under innovative private ownership, this flank of Europe has much to offer today’s wellness tourists.

To purchase Healing Sources - Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea, click here

“What are your impressions of Stockholm?” asked Marketing Director of the Stockholm Tourism Board, Josefin Haraldsson, over lunch.  I had to think about this for a moment. Certainly charming, full of history, clean, easily navigable - all came to mind - but what impressed me the most is Stockholm is a sophisticated and upscale city that is totally unpretentious.  I love Stockholm!  And I can’t wait to experience again when I visit again in a few months.

March weather in Stockholm can be a bit unpredictable – chilly, grey, rainy and windy one day and sun shining gloriously giving buildings and water a golden hue the next. 

Day 1
It was a short 4 night trip jam packed with memorable experiences and impressions.  Flying into Stockholm via SAS was a breeze from Berlin with a hour and a half flight that was comfy and calm. Hot tea was served on the evening flight and  I was impressed at the bit size container of fresh organic milk – not the powered stuff along with it. (Organic milk is not served on U.S. flights - but it should!) Details. It’s the small stuff that collectively makes a big difference, especially when traveling.  

Having just given a presentation on wellness in airports at ITB Berlin, I admired the architecture of Stockholm Arlanda with its clean lines, wooden floor, minimalist and functional approach to the design. An absence of advertising and shops in the gate area was a welcome change and added to a sense of peacefulness to the welcome experience.

When the bellman from the Grand Hotel opened the door to my room, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy) played in my head. I don’t think I could have smiled more widely as I scanned the room.  The bellman pulled back floor length curtains to reveal stellar views over looking the water and the prime real estate of downtown. Binoculars were staged nearby with a map pointing out silhouetted buildings of significance including Parliament, the Royal Palace, Stockholm Opera House and others notable buildings. A fruit platter so artfully displayed it looked like it could have been in a Renaissance painting, beckoned me to take pictures before it was disturbed.  The room was truly beautiful in a regal way.  For someone who loves traditional art, I couldn’t take my eyes off the walls. The wallpaper was simply gorgeous in rich hues of blue with exotic birds and flowers and the crystal chandelier gave an air of complete elegance. I was too excited to sleep despite a long day, burgeoning chest cold and heavy work/travel schedule that week so I snapped pictures and sent them to family with the subject line “I am in heaven!” announcing my glee.

Day 2
Sniffle sniffle. Oh dear. Maybe breakfast would help? A nice cup of hot water with lemon and honey helped as I sat quietly watching the morning unfold from my vantage point in Veranda.  There was everything imaginable served – a smorgasbord of hot and cold dishes – fresh juices, yogurts, meats, cheeses, eggs, Swedish pancakes, fresh fruit, cereal, oatmeal, breads, pastries – actually 124 items to choose from - oh my! Amazingly the most appealing dish that morning was hot farina with lingon berries. I never eat farina but the warm silky texture felt great to my sore throat and the pop of red tart berries in mound of hot cereal was cheery to my eyes and palate.

Elisabeth Daude speaks five languages and is a font of knowledge about Stockholm. She specializes in private, customized tours for the city she loves and is a seasoned pro with over 20+ years of experience.  “Bundle up” she advised, before heading into the grey, windy cold. We started out from the Grand Hotel, crossed the bridge and made our way past the Royal Palace to walk Gamla Stan (Old Town). Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century with narrow cobble streets, meandering allies and crooked historic merchant homes – its considered one of the best persevered medieval city center in the world.  In this small area, you’ll find the Stockholm Cathedral (where the Crown Princess was married in 2010), the Nobel Museum, Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Elizabeth timed it perfectly so we could see the changing of the guards as the clock tower rang.  What I also enjoyed was Elizabeth’s eye for pointing out things she though I might enjoy. She had read up on me a bit in anticipation of our time together – so knew quite a bit about what I liked.  (Hint: food and beautiful things) Along the way, we stopped at an award winning non-profit bakery and a sweet shop that specialized in historical maps and prints. Who doesn't love chocolate?  Which brought us to Chokolat 

Using the Stockholm Card allows you to access to public transportation and a host of attractions. We used it to make our way to the Bohemian & trendy southern island called Sodermalm (SOFO for short).   This is where the hipsters hang with an abundance of quirky vintage, clothing and design shops.  We stopped at a place called “Meatballs for the People” which is a unique twist on Swedish meatballs – with a wide selection ranging from bear, cow, pig an elk to salmon and vegan meatballs. The owners take food sourcing seriously and each slaughtered animal has a tracked history including the origin, owner, demographics of the animal and butcher. For me – an avid animal lover – this was of too much information but I could see for meat lovers how this is a big draw.  Walking into Parlans Caramels was a blast from the past - very retro chic as if you are walking into a shop from the 1940's.  Here they create artisanal creamy chews made from butter, sugar syrup and fruit purees and hand wrap these bite-sized delights. Flavors include vanilla-sea salt, coffee, peppermint, anise and so many others.  Being a food lover – I truly enjoyed perusing the aisles of Nytorget Urban Deli – a super hip deli bistro and filled to the hilt at lunch.  If I had more space in my suitcase or carry-on, I am sure I would have bought a stash of goods here.

In the afternoon, Elisabeth parted and Tina Larsson, Press Officer for Stockholm Tourism Board met me and we headed off to Royal Djurgården for a Swedish custom called a fika. Fika (pronounced fee-ka) is coffee break of sorts where people gather over coffee, tea and shared sweets to socialize. Rose's Garden Cafe (Rosendal Stradgard)  is enchanting -  everything is cooked from scratch!  Raw materials are gathered from nearby organic gardens in season. In Season provide our gardener kitchen and bakery with garden organically grown crops and bread is baked from organic grain in our wood-fired stone oven. Really special!

My guess would be that I covered 25,000 steps that day. If I only had my Fitbit! Stockholm is clearly a city for walkers which is great exercise and provides a more intimate way to get to know a destination. 
Watch for the next series of articles on Stockholm:
 - Chockladboll (Swedish Chocolate Balls)  - Perfect for Easter or any occassion
-  Meet Chef KC Wallberg
-  Nordic Spa & Well-being at the Grand Hotel
-  Exploring Stockholm: Cruising & Culture

It’s hard to leave a place when you’re having so much fun. That’s the way I felt about a recent girls’ getaway with my sister at the Hotel Valencia in San Jose California. Surprised?  We both agreed we’d go back in a heart beat and we’d also like to visit some of the other hotels under the Valencia brand.

It had been a good 10 years since visiting San Jose. Since then, I’ve schlepped through many airports and felt it notable to mention  SJC (San Jose Airport) is a small international airport that is clean, calm, hassle-free and well maintained with no waiting for taxi’s or long lines for TSA checkpoints. Easy peasy.

A 10-minute drive from SJC, Hotel Valencia is located on Santana Row, Silicon Valley’s lifestyle destination with shops, restaurants, spas and salons. This is especially inviting when you’re usually time-pressed and want to be in a walk able location that has a lot to offer -- with easy access to just about everything you would want during a weekend getaway.  Vibrant geraniums lined the street, hanging from street lamps like welcome flags and planter boxes exploded with life and color. Santana Row is a very well maintained, well-planned and good-looking development with public outdoor gathering spots that beckon people to socialize.

Check in at the Hotel Valencia was a breeze and the moment you step on property – it’s like a Calgon-take-me-a-way moment. The chic, sleek, contemporary Spanish style is a visual signal you’re in for something special. Wrought iron chandeliers hang from a raked plaster vaulted ceiling in the lobby. Embossed plaster treatments with hand- carved details and Iberian inspired furniture add to the dramatic Mediterranean vibe.  

Our room was large with a generous balcony overlooking the courtyard below, the pool across, and the mountains in the background. We had signed on for the wine weekend getaway package and enjoyed sitting outside watching the sunset while sampling some of the cheese selection, dried fruit and baguette slices that were delivered to our room with our bottle of wine.  The view overlooked the hotel’s tranquil and picturesque inner plaza where guests sat and talked in the courtyard among water fountains, archways, columns and plants. Relaxing and reconnecting was the focus of our weekend. 

The beds – oh the beds are divine – with glorious pillows and bedding and THE perfect mattress.  With plenty of special touches like the oak-plank headboards, red velvet monogrammed pillows and plush custom Valencia bedding – I felt totally comfy and cared for and had a great night of sleep. 

Rise and Shine! Our breakfast at Citrus (included in the package) was a buffet with many healthy choices such as fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, green juice, a selection of teas as well as meats and cheeses, bread and pastry selection, cheese blintzes with raspberry puree. The service was unhurried and there were newspapers to read so it seems a leisurely breakfast is encouraged. For those that like to sleep in – you’ll be pleased breakfast is served until 11 am.  We really liked an American bistro down the road and ate there both Friday and Saturday although in hindsight I would like to have tried Citrus, the hotel's restaurant that boasts a menu full of fresh locally sourced seasonal cuisine.   

We were lucky that the weather was glorious, sunny and 72 degrees.  We went up to the pool area, read a bit and hopped in the spacious Jacuzzi. As I looked up, I noticed the room windows above were completely spotless and streak free and all of the exterior design elements that added charm, style, expense and maintenance. 

In the afternoon we picked up our straw picnic basket and passes to the wineries from the front desk on the way out.  The basket was cute with a red and white checked tablecloth neatly folded on top. It was also surprisingly heavy which boded well for all the goodies inside. It was our first time using Uber and our driver picked us up in a super clean Prius stocked with bottled water.  At Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos (about a 25 minute drive), we found the perfect spot for our picnic, bought a bottle of wine and started unpacking our Hotel Valencia picnic basket – green and black olives, artichoke hearts in olive oil, different cheeses, baguette slices, sandwiches, chips, cookies, water….we both agreed this is the life! How lucky are we?

As the sun was starting to wane, we called Uber (another good experience & hint: if you haven't signed up yet, you can get a free ride using Camille137 promo) and returned to the hotel. Our room was so comfy – we decided to hang out there, talk and relax. Later in the evening, we took a stroll for dinner. Santana Row was hopping. Every restaurant was packed and all the inviting public gathering places outside that have fire pits, benches, tables and chairs were brimming with conversation.  Back at the hotel, we walked by Vbar –a popular and trendy hotspot – and evidently the place to be. However, my sis and I very happily enjoyed the sanctuary of our room on a Saturday night and felt completely content and satisfied. We were transported away from our daily commitments to a place of relaxation thanks to Hotel Valencia.

Having sampled deliciously innovative Swedish food at the Nordic Fest press event, I was curious to learn about Sweden - a place I have yet to visit.  Josefin Haraldsson, Marketing Director of the Stockholm Tourism Board and I caught up after the event for a couple of interview and she painted a picture of a place that sounds glorious and well worth a visit.  

To read more about Josefin Haraldsson, Director of Marketing, Stockholm Tourism Board click here.
To read about Tina Larsson, Press Officer, Stockholm Tourism Board, click here
To read the Spruce Ice Cream recipe from Sweden's Michelen rated Gastrologik click here

WTJ: What are the top 3 things you would like our readers to know about Stockholm? 
 
JH: Stockholm is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, built where lake meets sea, with eight centuries of history and culture to choose from. We refer to Stockholm as “urban nature” since the city consists of 1/3 water, 1/3 green parks, 1/3 urban area. Stockholm is built on 14 islands, connected by 50+ bridges. Each district has its own unique character, offering something for every taste; old, new, luxurious or casual.  

Unspoiled nature can be found everywhere!  Green is the new black and no large city has more green spaces than Stockholm. First, there is Stockholm’s National Urban Park, which stretches through the town like a green oasis, and then there is the water, of course. Wherever you look, there’s water. And it’s so clean, you can go fishing and swimming right in the city center. The sparkling blue water and the archipelago next door as a perfect counterweight to the metropolitan feel of the city, is what defines Stockholm and gives it its unique character with thousands of islands to discover. The 4-hour in-sail through our archipelago is often rated as one of the absolute highlights of a Baltic cruise. 

Few cities pack so many interesting attractions into such a compact and easily accessible area. Royal Palace? Check. Medieval old town? Check. Scandinavia’s most visited museum, The Vasa? Check. The worlds one and only ABBA Museum? Check. Cool restaurants and nightclubs? Check! Shop and visit the city’s attractions before lunch, and try a different kind of sightseeing in the afternoon – or the other way around. It is easy to stroll from one attraction to another.

WTJ: How would you describe the food scene and what makes Stockholm so special?

JH: In recent years the city of Stockholm has gained international attention and reputation as a place where chefs are reinventing their roots and food traditions, and are creating new. The chefs are innovative and creative and everybody is talking about the importance of staying as local or organic as much as possible. The restaurants are more focused on changing the menues according to what the season has to offer. Some of the star restaurants are even working without fixed menus’ and just create the menu according to what the best ingredients are that day. This of course makes the food scene in Stockholm quite unique because of the ingredients we can produce depending on the season here in the north of Europe.

The newest trend we see here in Stockholm is that the health aspect is becoming more and more in focus also on the restaurant scene. Both healthy in the sense of well balanced, but also because the ingredients are more and more organic and therefore healthier in the perspective of being produced without being sprayed.  Good to know is that many of the fine dining restaurants in Stockholm typically have a bistro with a more casual menu both for lunch and dinners, often referred to as a “bakficka” = “back pocket”.

WTJ: What are some of the wellness experiences that are unique to your destination?

JH: Nature is around the corner, available for everybody. Stockholm is a  perfect destination for soft adventure such as kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, hiking, biking and skiing or skating in the winter.Since 2/3 of the city really is nature, the possibility to activity or adventure is close at hand. Swedesand Stockholmers have become a running people – everyone is running and the trend today toparticiple in sports events like triathlon and marathon is growing as we speak. Swedes like not just to visit events but also to participate in them. Most companies also offer the employees a chance to do some exercise during working hours or at least contribute money wise to an activity for their wellbeing.

Stockholmers can easily find a hidden gem in the woods where to pick berries, mushrooms and such and then go home to prepare a nice meal. In autumn the discussion over lunch on a regular Monday is very often where you went to find the mushrooms that you now are eating together with pasta for lunch. Or how are you taking care of all the lingonberries you found last weekend?   

I believe Stockholm is a perfect city for wellness travel. Open and welcoming with loads to offer for both body and soul, you feel right at heart.

Photos Courtesy of Stockholm Tourism Board

The Adirondack Wellness Summit kicked off to a week-long exploration of wellness travel experiences in Upstate New and Vermont. Obviously a very different pace from LA, I reveled in the lack of traffic and focused on nature, fresh air and a down to earth atmosphere. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, it was great to see 100+ community businesses attend the event and share their ideas on how to develop their unique identity as a wellness destination. Hats off to Ernest and Cathy Hohmeyer, the event organizers. As a result of the Summit, a new concept of “Adirondack Wellness Center without Walls” was born.

Adirondacks
Clear Lake Lodge and Retreat, situated on 25 acres, the property is family owned and operated by 3 generations of the Hohmeyers. Their brand of personalized attention infused with German culture and family values is hard to find. Cathy, a healthy chef, creates all the meals, offers cooking classes, operates an organic food outlet, manages the new gift store and manages the day-to-day operations along with Ernest.  Ernest manages and markets the property and manages a non-profit called Adirondack Spirit. He built the lodge’s wine cellar, curates wine and beer tastings and is he industrious! He hand made 100 Adirondack-inspired chairs for the conference center. Clear Lake Lodge offers hiking, canoeing, Adirondack history, sleigh rides in the winter and a bevy of other recreational activities.

Vermont
It was nearly a 5 hour drive to Killington so this weary traveler was all too happy to find Trailside Inn to be warm, contemporary with clean lines, no clutter and an eco vibe.  Ann and Josh Eckler are new innkeepers, who recently transplanted themselves from the frantic pace of Maryland to the quieter environs in Vermont. Ann and Josh are avid hikers and have many great ideas for exploring the region and its many outdoors offerings. They are happy to take you (or direct you, if preferred) to some of the gems in the Killington region. They also work very closely with a nearby organic farm that’s has goats and cheese making.

Vermont is home to artisanal cheese makers, maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and so many wonderful farms – an important aspect to Vermont’s economy and identity. There are working farms, farmer’s markets and farm vacations. Vermont offers many choices and it’s wide open spaces are perfect for running, biking, hiking, skiing and camping and so much more.

There’s a slice of Americana history that I found cool and inspiring, specifically the Coolidge Homestead that spotlights what life was like for Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States nearly 100 years ago.  The historic village includes Coolidge’s boyhood home, the one room schoolhouse Coolidge attended as a child, the community church and Plymouth Artisan cheese which is one of the oldest in the country, and started by Coolidge’s father in 1890.  I was fortunate to have a private tour of the permanent exhibit of Coolidge Museum and Education by Bill Jenney, Regional Site Administrator, and Vermont Division for Historic Preservation who is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. Coolidge became President in 1923 and was known to be a minimalist when it came to speaking but was respected for decisive action and relating to the concerns and hopes of the middle class. Coolidge admired characteristics of honesty, thrift, hard work and self-reliance. What does history have to do with wellness? My personal opinion is it give a sense of place, a sense of identify, and a much fuller and richer understanding of the area. 

Saratoga Springs
My last stop on the trip itinerary was Saratoga Springs – the name is reflective of the mineral waters and is a long- favored vacation destination that combines historic charm, natural beauty and healing. Mohawk and Iroquois Native American tribes were indigenous to this area and were said to have recognized the health benefits of Saratoga’s mineral water, later during the French and Indian War; soldiers troops were brought to Saratoga to recover from wounds.  My No. 1 favorite attraction is Saratoga State Park. A National Historic Landmark, featuring incredibly beautiful classic architecture as well as offering diverse cultural and recreational activities. The park is home to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Spa Little Theater, National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, Roosevelt Mineral Baths and Spa, and the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa.  The entrance to the park is spectacular from Route 9 with a tree canopy and views of walking trails and the golf course. The Gideon Putnam is surrounded by 2.200 of lush landscape and guests are welcome to fully enjoy all that the park has to offer: picnic tables and pavilions, a pool, a playground, recreation programs, a nature trail, hiking and biking, fishing, tennis, golf, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing in addition to the cultural offerings mentioned previously. There are microbreweries and dining options galore. On this quick trip, I was able to unwind with the natural mineral water bath at the Roosevelt bath. I love that the treatment rooms are pretty much the same as they were 50 years ago. Step into a deep tub and sink into a relaxing experience and feel the worries and stresses float away. 

My only regret is this entire trip was entirely too short and a bit rushed !) in an attempt to combine business with pleasure (3,000 air miles and 1,500 car miles over 5 days! Oh my!) 

Many thanks to: Clear Lake Lodge, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Trailside Inn and the Gideon Putnam.