DID SOMEONE SAY ROSÉ

 Rosé is a signal that the most pleasant, most enjoyable & carefree time of the year has arrived... Summer.  How can you resist that rose petal pink color? It's a huge part of what makes drinking it so special. Rosé is a lifestyle, It's the kind of wine that inspires you to relax, enjoy and be in the moment. Kick off your summer with a glass of Rosé and  good friends and say goodbye to summer the same way.

Our dear friends we've shared amazing wines and travels with. Great friends + beautiful wines + fun vacations = Good memories and happiness to last a life time.

Cote des roses -  The rose-shaped bottle was designed by a young student; Mélitine Courvoisier of the Ecole Boulle.  It comes in red, rosé and white. It's suggested to present the bottle by the neck and display the bottom of the bottle so the wine reflects through the specially cut glass, it looks like you are handing them a flower - a pink rose of course. Cote des Roses is the name of the coastal area near the village of Gruissan. Whispering Angel - Chateau d'Esclans is located on an extraordinary site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, between St. Tropez and Cannes, and has become universal in popular hot spots such as South Beach, Nantucket, and the -Hamptons...speaking of, remember when there was a rosé shortage in the Hamptons last summr...well, they're bracing for another.  

 Here are a few excellent suggestions from Du Vin, owned by René located in West Hollywood and Heritage Wines, owned by Jordane Andrieu located in Beverly Hills.  Everything's Coming Up Roses!

Welcome to Heritage Fine Wines. Located on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills. Life is always buzzing here on Cañon, and there's no shortage of yummy food and of course great wines.

Jordane is holding his favorite Rosé - Château Vannieres 2015

Meet owner Jordane Andrieu - Born in Paris, he moved to Burgundy a few years ago to take over his father's vineyard. Jordane transformed a small domaine into a well-known organic estate in Auxey-Duresses, next to Meursault. With both an MBA and a degree in oenology, he is the current manager of Clos du Moulin aux Moines, one of the oldest vineyards in Côte d'Or. Opening Heritage in Beverly Hills inspired Jordane to create a tasting and modern retail experience by offering a curated selection of French labels ranging from modest wines to elegant and rare wines. Jordane has brought a touch of France to us here in Beverly Hills and we're loving it... Merci beaucoup.

Leoube - This bottle of Rosé - Secret de Léoube. Is wrapped in elegant script writing. I love this bottle!  an instant conversation starter.    * Winemaker's note:  The color is clear and delicate.  A blend of exotic fruits with light spice flavors. The palate is supple and elegant.  Chateau Rosé De Loube- The nose fresh: a blend of exotic fruits with light spice flavors.

Heritage is a perfect venue in Beverly Hills to organize networking events, holiday or birthday parties. Every Saturday at 3pm come enjoy wine tastings inside or on the patio. You can join the wine club and once a month and learn from sommeliers who curate two delicious and original French wines - one white and one red.   Jordane's childhood friend, Apollonia Poilâne, from the Poilane Bakery in St Germain-des-Prés in Paris, flies in her sourdough country loaf several times a week for The Heritage clientele. French wine, cheese and fresh French bread...let's go!

Heritage is sophisticated, quiet, and serving only fine French wines. You can order a delicious cheese board, from the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop, (a personal favorite) unwind and appreciate the little things.  Awwww a little bit of Pairieee in Beverly Hills.  Héritage is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, Sundays from noon to 5 pm.  

Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc / South of France / One of our favorite vacation getaways. 

Rosé is the official summer beverage of the Côte d'Azur. I say "Let's make it the official beverage here on the West Coast."  

 Here are a few excellent suggestions from Du Vin, owned by René Averseng and located in West Hollywood you'll find Du Vin, a quaint bungalow tucked away in a small vine-covered courtyard. 

Photo: Rene Robert

For thirty-six years René has offered his expertise in finding the perfect wine solution for any occasion. Averseng was born in Grasse in the south of France and raised in Avignon near the vineyards of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. René has experience as a wine steward and consultant to top restaurants and hotels in Europe. We're lucky to live in an inspiring neighborhood, Every day we are surrounded by art, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. Du Vin and Heritage Wines are two of those special venues that offer personal hospitality and years of experience.

René's top four suggestions : Petale de Rose $14.99 / Commanderie de la Bargemone $18.99 / Chateau Barbeyrolles $26.99 / Clos Beylesse (René's personal favorite) $26.99 

Pétale de Rose - The vineyards are worked by hand, using natural animal fertilizers and treating the soil with sulphur and copper only from 3 generations. There are no chemical weed killers used. You can't go wrong sipping this light Rosé.

Leoube -  Cotes de Provence  $19.00 / The taste is supple and expresses an elegant blend of mixed red& exotic fruits with a very pleasant level of acidity. With a delightful lively and soft finish, Léoube rosé offers a balanced and medium-bodied wine that will please everybody’s taste.

Du Vin in West Hollywood - 540 North San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood.

René & Jordane are two intelligent men with a passion for wine, who take joy in educating their customers with knowledge and to truly appreciate the experience. 

                     "Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." --- Ernest Hemingway.

ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA

Our family always enjoys vacationing in Mexico, we love the weather, food, and the culture. Rosewood Mayakoba is just one more reason to say "Vive le Mexico"  Here at the Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya... a chic alternative to a resort, you can explore 1,600 acres of  jungle, lagoons, and white-sand beaches. Mayakoba opened it's doors in 2008 and sits along the mile-long arc of Caribbean white sand, just north of the town Playa Del Carmen. You can choose from 130 luxury suites with private plunge pools, rooftop decks, an outdoor shower, a private dock and bicycles to take you touring around the property. 

Upon arrival,  you will step onto a charming water taxi and drift along the peaceful canal making  your way to your private sanctuary for the time being. Leave the big city hustle & bustle behind...time to be in the moment and appreciate your surroundings.

Welcome to paradise.

Welcome aboard the Rosewood Mayakoba Loveboat. A charming little boat that will guide you through the canals to your own private oasis. Step onto your private dock, right into your own private plunge pool...nice. Yes, I do mean private.

At night you will be invited into your cozy sheets with a different color hibiscus flower. 

Inviting tub and an outdoor shower, located behind the shower is a staircase to the rooftop deck where you can look up and see a star covered sky.

Spacious bathrooms and fantastic closet space. Welcome to you home away from home, M&M's / fresh fruit / oreo's & lemonade and margarita mixers.

Enjoy your own bike while traveling around the property, and you will need it. There is a lot of ground to cover. Take an afternoon bike ride and watch the palms begin to change color as the sun sets.  Melissa Odabash Bathingsuit coverup.

By the sea / Punta Bonita for lunch or dinner, inside or outside on the terrace.

Here at the Punta Bonita, by the Caribbean Sea you can enjoy a relaxing venue for a light lunch or an authentic tapa style dinner. 

You can choose indoors or the outdoor terrace for a beautiful beachside experience. This was my favorite snack...Jicama, Mango, Cucumber with chili flakes / Fresh chips & salsa / shrimp cocktail with homemade verde sause.

Sense Spa has 12 treatment pavilions arranged around a cenote, (spring-fed pool), and a huge locker room with saunas, steam baths, and rainfall showers. Don't miss out on pampering yourself while you're here at Sense, enjoy the pool, zen garden, steam shower and true quiet time.

Sense is equipped with a full gym. Try the Detox Enzyme wrap,, beginning with a refreshing papaya and pineapple exfoliating scrub.

Hop on your bike, grab a book or catch a cat-nap in Sense's tranquil waiting room. 

Every area of the property is carefully thought out to blend in with the natural landscape. Don't blink or you'll miss a stairway to a Yucatán treasure.  Eres swimwear.

Located behind Sense, you'll find several private pathways leading to peaceful areas. Every day I journeyed out I found a different area to sit down,  meditate and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings.  There are two hibiscus gardens on the property and you'll see the hotel staff taking their time in finding the perfect flower for the special areas in your suite. I have so much appreciation for the staff,  you are always greeted with genuine smiles, they are proud of their culture and their environment.  Natalie Martin Dress / Alvaro Gonzalez Sandals.

Enjoy meals made with fresh herbs grown on the hotel property.  This area is available to rent for celebrations and functions. Once a week you have an opportunity to enjoy dining with a pre-set menu.

While you are enjoying your walk and the aromas of the herb and hibiscus  gardens... don't miss out on the hammock tucked away under the tropical trees.  Enza Costa Ribbed Tank Dress / Bonjour Tote; Jolie / Slippers provided from The Mayakoba.

Enter your suite to Clase Azul Tequila. Compliments of Mayakoba / Step into your personal pool and Enjoy!

 In the lobby next to the Casa Del Lago restaurant,  Watch how cigars are made and hear a little history.

Casa Del Lago features Italian inspired meals with a Mexicana flavor. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a unique wine list and a cocktail menu.

Whitefish sashimi with fresh herbs and fruit was my favorite appetizer.

After dinner one evening, we came home to this stunning hand-carved chocolate dessert plate and fresh fruit. Mayakoba is overflowing with special touches, and this is one of many.

We were so thrilled to wake up each day and head to the coffee and juice bar. My husband and I would take our computers or Ipads around 7am, hop on the bikes and off we went.  What a great way to start the day.

Breakfast from Casa Del Lago / Waffles, fresh berries / If you're a doughnut lover...this is a good spot.

Huevos Divorciados was my daily breakfast along with ice café.  A Mexican breakfast of eggs separated by a line of refried beans or chilaquiles...and of course topped with fresh herbs and radishes.  Yummy.  / Specs by Oliver Peoples

Poolside by the main pool near the lobby.

Another clever presentation of Jicama, cucumbers, carrots, mango, radishes and chili flakes. I so looked forward to my lunch each day.

Grab your bike and go...ten minutes on a bike trail and you can walk a few steps under the earth to visit the Cenote (A natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath) located on the property. You can also see the bats flying above you...It's actually very interesting, don't miss out on a little journey underground. Dries Van Noten Dress.

Located a few minutes before the cenote you'll find a quaint new village with boutiques, restaurants, and a charming church. A great activity for the day is a bike ride along the path and to visit the local tourist spots on the property.

Before sunset enjoys authentic music and evening at the tequila tastings, mingle with other additional hotel guests, and get to know the history from the Mayakoba executive Staff. 

 I absolutely loved walking out the door and hoping on a bike like you hop in your car.  It's a great way to wake up your soul and experience a sense of freedom. It's always a good idea to step out of your regular routine and do a little something different. We had a relaxing and fun vacation at The Rosewood Mayakoba. Every element of the property was unique...the food, service and the overall experience was just what we needed. If you have younger children, and you're searching for a full kid-friendly hotel, you'll be pleased. There are plenty of activities to occupy your time no matter how old you are. The pools are quiet a distance from one another, so if you need a little quiet time, you'll be sure to find that too.

Thank you Punta Bonita, for a great week, tasty meals and amazing service. Look forward to seeing you soon.  Gracias Por un gran comidas sabrosas semana y un servicio impresionate. Espero verte pronto!

Thank you, Mayakoba... Until we meet again...Gracias, hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo  / Nike shorts & Nike shirt & Nike shoes

                              “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” – Danny Kaye

BE TULUM

Welcome to the southern tip of the Riviera Maya.  Surround yourself in Mexico's most stylish and fashionable beaches and just BE... At Hotel Be Tulum, any stress you flew in with begins to  melt away. Say hola to this charming native environment and BE swept away by luxury and nature.  Be/ verb - present    Welcome to Be Tulum where you can simply...Be

Carved out of the jungle less that 50 years ago, Tulum thrives in a bubble all on its own.  Tulum locals take great pride in their town, and it's organic lifestyle. There is a commitment to the environment that takes high priority.  After googling around and a few recommendations from friends, BeTulum kept popping up. A boutique hotel with 20 incredible rooms, with an outdoor shower that blends you into the environment. Any senses that have been shut down, instantly come alive in this tropical forest. Picture yourself in a glass treehouse surrounded in a jungle with amazing birds.  From sunrise to sunset, you have fantastic meals, service and staff that make you teary-eyed when you checkout. Tulum has been on our travel list for awhile, we can now check that box... and we can't wait to return next year.  Don't miss the Mayan temples, where you can loose yourself in ruins from 1000 years ago. You will leave a little more conscience than when you arrived. I have fallen head over pineapples with Tulum.

The minute you enter you'll find signs in the trees hanging throughout the property. Just a reminder of the simple gifts in life that are best not to be taken advantage of. You can't help but crack a smile every time you stroll past this message. Smile

Your tropical oasis awaits you... Early in the morning, you can hear the birds begin to share their message. You experience a true peace of mind.  

Sebastian Sass - Is the architect of Be Tulum - In Tulum, the structures remain shorter than the tallest palm tree.   

There are three suites to choose from - Jungle Suite - Arena Suite - Ocean Suite. In two minutes you step out of your suite and into white sand and warm turquoise water. Take a minute to connect with the hotel staff. Everyone is so generous and incredibly interesting.  Enjoy your in-room jacuzzi and an outdoor shower. Tap into that Jungle Fever.

Everyday you can enjoy fresh organic fruit and amazing meals. 

Here's to the cutest beach shack ever...Don't miss out on the spicy margarita. Your room key is accompanied by a flashlight.  No need for unnecessary lighting when the moon is in your back pocket.

The fruit plate is presented differently every day/ Poached eggs with fresh salsa and avocado / The fish tacos are a must and chances are they were caught two hours before your request  / The hot sauce is just the right amount of spice, served with homemade chips. 

Grab a bike and feel the freedom as you cruise your way thru the town of Tulum. Every shop and restaurant is a walk or bike ride away. Taxis are as easy as Uber and for $4-$8 dollars you'll arrive where you need to be.  Every day I rode my bike to pay a visit to Sophia at KM33.  Super stylish boutique where I purchased a few bags and enjoyed our travel and fashion conversations. The Tulum locals come from all over and they genuinely love their paradise.

We are huge fans of anything Italian...no matter where we are. Posada Margherita was Incredible, authentic and oh so yummy... The owner Ale, from Genova Italy, delivers Italian  meals that will have you returning for more. You will fill like you are Italy, the food is bello!  If you're gluten-free, not a problem... you'll find it here. It's cash only.

You get a complimentary bread/cheese/veggie plate for lunch and dinner. The different bread choices are covered in amazing spices, dried tomatoes & onions on top... Delicious. The margaritas are made with fresh lime and tequila. Posada Margherita is a must!

In the Hotel/restaurant, you will find Ale's wife Daria and her eco-chic boutique - LOL. Daria carries everything you need to feel effortlessly stylish. She has a European flair, so all of her dresses, bathing suits, hats, Kaftans, and her jewelry designers are unique. I purchased gorgeous necklaces by Gigi Clozeau, and a kaftan by Laura Marks, who also works in the boutique. On my right is Noe  a graphic designer from Argentina, who also works in LOL.  You can also find her adorable greeting cards in the boutique. La Flaca Pretini

You'll also find hotel and boutique Coqui Coqui while you're strolling along in town. They have a lovely collection of perfumes that remind you of a natural tropical sense. There are 13 fragrances to choose from along with bath oils, room scents and candles.

You must go to Hartwood. It's buzzing with stylish peeps from everywhere. Be Tulum team will organize a taxi to stand in line for you for $40. And...trust me it's worth it. The line begins at 2 pm, and they don't start taking reservations until 3 pm.  I promise you won't regret the $40. Chefs Eric Werner and Mya Henry work their magic in cutoffs and an apron, and every meal looked incredible as they passed by, and the salads were scrumptious. My husband and I had fish, salads, and our son had the Filete De Coronado. The nearest electrical lines are miles away; solar panels power the lights, the only kitchen appliance (a blender), and the music that comes from Werner’s iPod. After dinner, you can enjoy your walk thru town before returning to your tropical tree house. Cash Only.

Simplicity and nature are the new luxury. There was a tropical rainstorm for a few hours and it was incredibly peaceful. 

  Lose yourself in ruins from 1000 years ago. if you have a rental car, drive five minutes north of downtown  & you can take in the civilization that thrived in the 13 & 15th centuries. Rent a car for $17 a day from Fox rental car - drive into town {75 miles}. even if you have a car, the best way to navigate Tulum is on foot or by by bike. Be Tulum has complimentary bikes, and there are plenty to go around.

Strolling down the beach you'll find incredible places along the way, Casa Malca is located near Be Tulum. This was the grandest swing I've come upon. Inside you can view incredible contemporary works of art.

Upon arrival and departure, you will be greeted by "The Dream Team" Thank you so much for everything. You truly made our Be Tulum experience magical. 

No matter where you go in life the people place and experience become a part of who you are. Travel can invigorate your soul and bring back the passion in your heart. 

Derek and I are early birds, we enjoy our coffee talk and taking in all of the beauty wherever we go. Thank you, husband, for another wonderful memory. Thank you to our sweet boy Luca for helping with the photos and your endless patience when photographing your food. I love you both... 

Visiting Tulum is truly a BREATH of fresh air. Just a reminder amongst the trees to connect with your breath,  revive your spirit and to relax and let go. 

Wherever we go we share who we are. It's important to leave a positive and joyous footprint. We look forward to returning to the treehouse in the jungle. Be Tulum will forever be one of my "happy places"  It's all a journey...

                    “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Unknown