Thank You For Your Support!

Just a note to say Thank you so much for your support! 2016 was an incredible journey and I can't wait to see what it's in store for the year ahead. Whatever your desires are for 2017 I would love to help you launch your vision into the New Year.  Take your dreams, see it in your mind's eye, take that feeling of excitement into the future & bring that into your presence and that is the best present you could ever receive.  Have a wonderful Holiday...Blessings to you and your family.... 

What we put out into the world always comes back! 

Thank You & 2017 Here We Come!

AMANGIRI -SPIRITUAL SANCTUARTY

Welcome to the AMANGIRI - Located on an expanse of wilderness in Canyon Point, Southern Utah, close to the border with Arizona. If you live in California, you can hop in your car and in eight hours you will arrive in paradise. I'm not a huge fan of road trips, but I must say if you choose to fly instead of drive you will miss spectacular scenery along the way. Our first stop was Death Valley, another incredible experience... then drove through Zion, Lake Powell, and Page Arizona. If you feel like getting a little lost in nature's beauty and unplugging from your busy life, take a drive to Utah and in eight hours...you will feel like a new person.

Amangiri, located on a spectacular 600+ acre site in southern Utah, is an Adrian Zecha-inspired design in collaboration with architects Rick Joy, Marwan Al-Sayed and Wendell Burnett. Together they have created a bold yet enchanting settlement that both honors and celebrates the magic and mystery of southern Utah's magnificent cliffs and rock formations, as well as the region’s ancient Navajo heritage. The architect's goal was to build something that was a contemporary interpretation of native Indian architecture. Not perfectly adapted, but hopefully generating a sense and spirit of it. Also, that it would respect the natural environment. This was the most important aspect of the whole development.”  The resort is surrounded by the Grand Circle of Iconic attractions: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion National Parks.

I will say it was Love at First Sight as we hiked along the trails. I found this heart shaped rock on our first hike. You'll find you tap into your heart chakra quickly here. Love these Nike hiking shoes, they are comfortable and give great support.

Welcome

The entry way is designed to work with the scenery, the resort is mixed with natural tones and materials, along with the stone floors and the concrete walls, which feels like you are visiting a contemporary gallery. 

Lobby Area

Curl up with a good book in the lobby, everywhere you sit you have a view of the gorgeous desert and mountains. You might want to disconnect, but you'll have plenty of wi-fi if and when you need it. You will find yourself getting lost just staring out the window looking at the horizon.

There are 34 rooms perfect rooms you won't want to leave. I sat my alarm so I could enjoy every minute possible.

You have a private seating area in the front and the back of your suite. As the sun sets, the sky and everything around you begin to change color. It was truly a magical experience, comfort, and luxury.

Plenty of space in the dressing area

Beautiful view while relaxing in a bath

Seating area at the front door of your room. Jana Feifer Tote   Kimono by:  Everelse Designs

Chef Jacob Anaya brings with him more that 15 years of experience. Locally sourced, farm-fresh produce are displayed artistically with every meal which are included, you will be charged for  your alcohol. 

 We looked forward to every meal, wake up and enjoy your breakfast while taking in this fabulous view.

And yes...repeat the view for lunch & dinner.

The focus of the resort is the Pavilion - Living Room, Dining Room, Library and Gallery, and the swimming pool, which wraps around a natural rock escarpment, which is 165 million years old... Pretty powerful.  You have the essential elements of this landscape that bring together the water, rock, and sky. Amangiri is so remote that there's literally nothing else to see here except nature... how refreshing.

Th Aman spa is 25,000 square feet of tranquility. Treatments include Navajo cultural traditions, Yoga, on a platform beside the mountains, Pilates, hiking, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities offered. 

You can find the perfect set-up for a workout. There is also a Teepee on the property along with a private home.

Entry to the spa

Every square inch of this property is paradise

Take a jacuzzi while watching the sun set as everything around you takes on a different tone.

It's highly suggested to set your alarm for sunrise at 5:15, so I did. They're happy to serve you coffee while you sit back and enjoy the view as Mother Earth presents the day.

And then this appeared..so happy I woke up early!

Hiking is a must here, the energy you receive from the mountains and the earth will wake up your soul and get your creative juices flowing.

There is something, mysterious and magical about the property. You wake up clear headed, feeling alive and grateful. Just a reminder of how incredible our planet is, and the possibilities that await us.

Looks like another heart to me...

You will experience the elements of the Native American tribes that once settled in the area. Can you imagine the vision of these three architects when they first saw this land?

We can't wait to return Amangiri, Thank you for your hospitality. 

What a special property and the staff were amazing. We are huge fans of the Aman resorts and Amangiri is one for the bucket list. As we left, I began to think about our return... Take a drive, feel alive and let nature reboot, reconnect and rejuvenate your soul...       

                           Thank you Mother Nature Thank you Planet Earth

WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK

Our final destination in Croatia was Dubrovnik, a city in Southern Croatia along the Adriatic Sea It's known for its extraordinary Old Town, encompassed with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century, there are about 43,000 people living here amongst massive stone walls that were completed in the 16th century. You will find well-preserved buildings and streets paved with limestone. Once again we had great meals, stunning blue water, and fun experiences in this pedestrian-only Old Town. 

The above photo is the view from our hotel room at The Hotel Excelsior. You can walk out the front door and within a twelve-minute walk, accompanied with a gorgeous view you will enter through the gates of Old Town.

After departing the ferry, you will see plenty of taxi's waiting for your arrival. Forty minutes from the dock and you arrive into town. The first part of the day you might want to spend a little time taking in the view and relaxing by the sea before heading into Old-Town. There is an indoor pool directly behind the sun chairs, but the beauty is under an umbrella, relaxing on the promenade while unwinding with a glass of rosè.

Take a breather from the sun with delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The beach bar, which is in a cave under the hotel, is so mystical with its stalactites and rock formations. The staff is lovely, our waiter was happy to share a little history of Dubrovnik.

Hotel Excelsior sets in a former 1913 royal villa overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Old Town. The rooms are modern, you have free Wi-Fi, minibars, and room service 24/7... be sure to request a room with a balcony. Breakfast is free, there are three sea-view restaurants, you can enjoy your breakfast out on the patio with a view of the sea or indoors. Hotel Excelsior is known for the history of royal and celebrity guests, such as Queen Elizabeth ll, Elizabeth Taylor. There is an old-school feel and when you're there you can truly appreciate the magnificence of the setting. You will experience more than a hundred years of history.

On your way to Old Town, you pass beautiful beaches and charming apartments while wrapping around the Adriatic. 

Behind the ancient walls in Old Town, beautiful music plays day and night. Old Town is a bit small but the huge gothic walls and cobblestone streets give it a grand feeling. 

We were told to head to Mea Culpa for the BEST pizza in the village. Great service, and fun atmosphere.

If you love pizza, here's the place... show up a little early because it's packed! Our meal was yummy and you get a real feel the Croatian life buzzing all around you. Would I go back to Mea Culpa? Thumbs up.

The Assumption Cathedral - Originally built in the 6th or 7th century in the Byzantine style, then rebuilt as a Romanesque church between the 12th and 14th centuries. According to legend, the rebuild was financed by a donation from king Richard the Lionheart after he was shipwrecked and rescued in Dubrovnik. The cathedral was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667 and rebuilt in the Baroque style by Roman architects Andrea Buffalini and Paolo Andreotti.

Welcome to Cafe Buza...better known as "the hole in the wall" In the old Dubrovnik Buža means "hole" and no kidding... you have to go through the hole-in-the-wall that leads to casual tables with a birds-eye-view of cliff divers, and jumping.  Buza serves wine, beer, potato chips & nuts. Don't blink, or you'll miss the entrance.

Make your way down the narrow stairs and cozy up under an umbrella and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique spot.

Hanging out on the cliffs right above the sea and enjoy the show.

I can never resist a cliff or a diving board. I spent the summer in this VitaminA one piece and I just want to say... I loved it! 

Sea Kayaking Sunset Tour - Paddle beneath city walls until you reach hidden cave beach called Betina where you will have a break for swimming and snorkenling. You will then padle around Lokrum Island and explore its caves. When you return you can watch the sunset on the Elaphite Islands with a glass of the local wine and cheeses.

Our last night we found a charming restaurant Proto Fish Restaurant. Located in the centre of the Old Town since 1886. Proto is renowned for recipes from old traditional recipes of Dubrovnik fishermen.  

I had the seafood risotto, it was absolutely delicious! Our waiter suggested one of his favorite  local red wines. The Croatian people are very proud of their country and passionate about  their food and wine. 

On our walk back to the hotel there was a cover band of The Beatles. They not only looked like The Beatles, but they also sounded like them. Old Town was full of music that night, it was incredibly cool! Modern, old, new, and music from the past that never gets old.

The next morning we took off early for a walk away from town. Stroll along sea-side the whole way so you have a lovely scenic view and you catch a little breeze. 

And found this little slice of heaven. During the day you pretty much live in your bathing suit. 

We found Villa Dubrovnik Hotel.  A boutique hotel that sits on the sea with a spectacular view of the Old City and Island Lokrum. The property is surrounded by pine, orange, and lemon trees. 

Positioned on the cliffs above the Dubrovnik's St. Jacob precinct, newly renovated Villa Dubrovnik is about a 30-minute walk into Old Town or a quick car ride offered by the hotel. 

Dubrovnik is surrounded by stunning beaches, gardens and turquoise waters. You will want to walk the town; There is so much to see and experience.

Dubrovnik's famous city walls

You won't want to miss the walk along The city walls that surround Old Town. The walls are 6,365 feet long, and you can walk all the way around them. It takes a little over an hour. If you need to get down, there is a half way mark. You will explore Dubrovnik from an entirely new angle. You can climb the highest point of Old Town and take in amazing views over the city's red roofs. You will see sailboats, kayakers; you pass by Buza Beach, and you will see plenty of souvenir shops along the way offering authentic Croatian souvenirs. Yes, it's a bit Game of Thrones because it's a popular place for filming the t.v. series. There is a whole other world going on from above the city. You will see restaurants on rooftops that you can't see when walking around the town. Don't miss out on this walk; it's worth it.

I look forward to returning to Croatia one day. I found every island to be unique and special in its own way. The Croation people are generous and proud of their history. They look forward to sharing their culture with you. 

Overall Croatia is charming, and I have a feeling we might be reading a little more about this tourist spot along the Adriatic Sea.  Bye for now...but not for long.

     "Traveling - It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."   Ibn Battuta