Athena and I planned to visit Loews Coronado Bay this week so we asked our friends to join us. We were pleasantly surprised when they agreed. We spend a lot of time together in Orange County but life is busy and a mid-week getaway isn’t always possible. From the playground and the beach to the pool and the restaurant, we had a fun-filled, toddler-friendly holiday. Continue reading
Infinity pools, floating restaurants, soft, white sand beaches, crystalline water and sunshine in spades, Constance Hotels in Mauritius are a vibrant piece of tropical Paradise. What’s the first thing that stands out to you at a hotel? Is it the architectural design, the pools, the beaches, the amenities, the views, or the room options? Maybe you go for the spa or the golf or the dining? We had it all at Constance, Mauritius. It was like stepping into a luxury magazine. Continue reading
Five star luxury resorts don’t have to be for adults only. At almost three years old, Athena is a girly, girl. She loves to dress up and get her hair done. Regardless if we’re hiking a mountain or attending a luxury event, she wants to wear a tutu or a princess dress and have her hair braided or in a ballerina bun. She loves having her nails painted and she is obsessed with shoes. She’s always up for an adventure but she likes to do it in style. Visiting a place like Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius can be as much a treat for her as it is for any adult. While we were at the resort, we feasted on exceptional cuisine, slept in a dreamlike suite, played at the Constance Kids’ Club, splashed in the infinity pool, and pampered ourselves at the spa. Le Prince Maurice made us feel like we were at a celebration of life and wellness every day of the week. Continue reading
Thirty-eight stories high and overlooking the emerald waters of Waikiki Beach, Trump Hotel Waikiki is a spectacular sight to behold. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, the Honolulu skyline, and the magnificent Ko`olau Mountains, Trump is 5 shades of awesome. Rather than trying to explain the views, I captured my favorites in photos. From sunrise to well beyond sunset, here are the views from Trump Waikiki. Continue reading
We spend the better part of our lives making our bucket list dreams come true. Darren and I think about our wildest dreams and make them a reality. We try to include Athena in the process as well. I consider what would make her the happiest and include her in the bucket list planning process. Resorts like Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia, Atlantis in the Bahamas, and Kinderhotel in Germany were all part of incorporating the best family-friendly destinations on this year’s list. Similarly, activities like visiting Disneyland, Europa Park, and the San Diego Zoo were all Athena focused, although they, unquestionably, brought us great joy as well. There was one item on this year’s list that was entirely, 100% Athena’s idea. I didn’t come up with it and think she’d like it; nope, she decided it would be the greatest thing in the world all on her own. She wanted to hang out with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii made it possible this weekend. She danced, sang, hugged and laughed with the most famous characters in her world at the Disney Character Breakfast. This is what dreams are made of. Continue reading
Regardless of having a child or not, Darren and I are just two big kids. We often choose our accommodations based on the pool, the water slide, water sports or other fun activities and the proximity to the beach. We are out enjoying the grounds and barely see the room unless it’s time for sleep. Unique adventures are the icing on the cake and we pack in as many as humanly possible. With 5 pools, a lagoon filled with water activities and local tours offered from the hotel grounds, Hilton Hawaiian Village is the ideal resort for our fun-loving family. Continue reading
We’ve arrived. After a short flight from LA, we landed in Oahu and spent the first day at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki Beach. Exploring the grounds, we discovered two pools, a lagoon, the beach, and Bali Steak & Seafood. Today was just a taste of some of the amazing amenities here at Hilton, but stay tuned for a more in-depth look at what they have to offer. For now, I’ll show you some of the highlights. Continue reading
After returning from an ocean view suite at Hard Rock Riviera Maya, I realized that Hard Rock properties are my favorite all-inclusive hotels. It’s simple; they have the best, most friendly service, modern, creative rooms, kick-ass entertainment and amenities, and better dining options than most cities. I thought it was just Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta that I loved, but Hard Rock Riviera Maya is equally impressive. From the time you drive through the gates, you are a rock star! Other all-inclusive hotels should use Hard Rock as a benchmark for hospitality. Continue reading
I’m going to rock Riviera Maya for the next four days! No kids, no husband, and all time told in Pina Coladas. This resort is so big that it took me two Pina Coladas just to walk from one end to the other today. (Or maybe I just like drinking lots.) Check it out for yourself and follow along at #HardRockFAM2014.
Thanks for hosting me this week, Hard Rock; I’m ready to play!
I love living in Orange County, California. Every day is like being on vacation. The weather is perfect, drinks are cheap, the ocean is only a short drive, or walk, away, and the opportunities for entertainment are bountiful. Sometimes, though, the traffic and trying to find a parking spot can be taxing. With my mother and sister in town, I wanted to show them the natural, peaceful surroundings that southern California has to offer. We packed our bags and headed to Lake Arrowhead Resort for a short, three-day getaway. We arrived to a state of mind; a relaxing calm that rushed over us from the moment we reached the village. Continue reading
Bucket List Publications 