2011 Fall/Winter Issue

Words by Courtney Cox
Cover photo courtesy of Stephanie Williams with This Modern Romance

Believe it or not, it’s that time again! Yet another glossy-paged, inspiration-filled issue of Destination I Do has hit stands! Our Fall/Winter 2011 issue launched today and we’re as excited as ever to share with you what you’ll find between covers. Real-life bride Megan sets the tone on our cover as she’s ready to get honeymooning post-wedding. This is one of our favorite covers ever and was captured by the amazingly talented Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance.
For our Fashion Forward department we stuck close to home, capturing the urban city of Phoenix and the sandy sunsets of the Sonoran Desert. Our models brought elegance to a 100-year old ice house in downtown and sophistication to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.
As always, the writers and editors at Destination I Do traveled far and wide to bring you the inside scoop on honeymoon hot spots, but also those romantic destinations you might not have thought of on your own. Contrast town and country in London & Paris or set sea from Seattle to the San Juan Islands.
Destination I Do Magazine’s Editor in Chief, Jennifer Stein, took a dream trip to Hawaii to bring readers the utmost in luxurious accommodations. For non-land lovers we’ve got some down-under trips which will take you diving off the coast of Honduras in Utila and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The Real Weddings section is always a crowd-pleaser, so we’ve gone above and beyond this issue to bring you the inside scoop on five couples destination weddings. Find out what they got for the money with budgets ranging from 10K to 150K.
This is all just a tiny taste of what you can find in our Fall/Winter 2011 issue. Want to pick one up? You can find Destination I Do at Barnes & Noble, select Borders and other fine book retailers worldwide. Don’t have one of these nearby – no problem! It’s easy to subscribe on our web site and the issue will be delivered to your door in about a week. If you love this issue as much as we do, then share the love and spread the word! As always, thanks for your continued support and love of all things Destination I Do.

 

The Wedding Destination of Kylie Bisutti, our Fall Cover Girl

Just as Kylie Bisutti tied the knot in paradise, so can you! And enjoy the exclusive “I Do” Romance Package and the chance to win a dream honeymoon at the exquisite Cabo Azul Resort

Cabo Azul Resort is a little slice of paradise situated on 12 acres of pristine beachfront property in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Victoria’s Secret Model, Kylie Bisutti (shown on cover above) tied the knot at Cabo Azul (also shown in image above) in a private ceremony with her closest loved ones in attendance. When it came to selecting the resort over others in the area, Kylie had this to say, “We absolutely loved everything that Cabo Azul had to offer us. The resort is beautiful beyond words and it was a place our family would enjoy.”

And right now, you can take advantage of incredible savings at Cabo Azul Resort as a reader of Destination I Do!

This exclusive offer is tailored just for you and your special someone to enjoy an exotic and romantic Mexico retreat as the cold fall and winter months drive you inside. As a valuedDestination I Do reader, Cabo Azul Resort wants you to take advantage of this fabulous offer.

• 3 Nights in a garden view, one bedroom Villa

• $100 in dinning credits at Javier’s located at Cabo Azul Resort

• A 50 minute couple’s massage

• All for an incredible price of $999 + resort occupancy taxes

• This represents a total discount of up to 25% if you booked this package on your own

This offer must pre-paid and book by 12/17/2010 and travel must be completed by 1/31/2011.

BOOK ONLINE or Call 888-507-3291

and mention promotion code “RCDI”

If you call 888-507-3291 and prepay by 11/12/2010, we’ll even throw in an extra night stay bringing your total nights in paradise up to 4.

This 4 diamond resort features 145 fully appointed villas is at least a 1,200 one-bedroom unit and has a full sized balcony to relax outside, three infinity pools, an award winning spa (Paz), the finest in Mexican cuisine (Javiers), and the centerpiece (literally) is our $11 million dedicated wedding chapel (Corazon). Top that off with a top notch, full service staff waiting to pamper you, and Cabo Azul Resort is the ultimate romance destination vacation or wedding location.

Enter to Win A Dream Honeymoon Getaway: If you aren’t quite ready to embark on your spontaneous journey, enter to win 7 nights in a luxurious one bedroom villa and $500 in resort credit. One lucky couple will win a vacation in paradise . . . Enter before 12/31/2010.

Either way, take the next step to ensure your next romantic getaway will be at Cabo Azul Resort – you won’t be disappointed.

Visit us on Facebook or see our exciting videos at www.youtube.com/user/CaboAzulResort.

This post was sponsored by Cabo Azul Resort for Destination I Do Magazine

 

The Space Needle, Seattle, the Edgewater: perfection!

How much do I love the Edgewater? Let me count the ways!

May 30, 2009: The mister and I throw on hipster cocktail gear, head to Pier 67 and score a dockside table at Six-Seven, overlooking Elliott Bay inside the Edgewater, where gigantic antler chandeliers, exposed timber, floor-to-ceiling windows, sparkling candelabra, and an overall ‘mod meets lumberjack’ design sensibility screams ‘rustic luxe.’ Enjoying gingeritas, mohitos and live music, we watch a fuchsia sunset over the Olympics. Executive Sous Chef John Roberts whips up decadent lobster mac and cheese and Penn Cove mussels. The Beatles stayed there and so should you! Check out some of the hip trends in wedding that are happening in the Pacific Northwest, courtesy of the Edgewater!

Sleek, rustic meets mod by Elliott Bay

The economy may have put a cramp in some people’s style, but certainly not local brides at The Edgewater Hotel, located on Seattle’s sparkling waterfront. There, brides are going ultra luxe – though not in the usual ways. Rather than spending big bucks, brides are getting a luxurious feel through the use of gold tones throughout and by utilizing vintage styles and themes – taking inspiration from vintage Hollywood and shows like “Mad Men.”

Weddings are also shifting from summer to fall, which is naturally filled with the gold tones found in falling leaves and the abundance of the harvest. The cooler weather also means that furs are making an appearance, from elegant stoles and wraps to fur petticoats.

The Edgewater, Seattle’s only waterfront hotel, is the perfect match to this new ultra glam style. With sparkling waterfront views and grand spaces, like the Olympic Ballroom, brides can easily go from princess bride to Hollywood starlet with The Edgewater providing the perfect Northwest-inspired “set.”

The Edgewater Hotel’s Wedding Trends:

• Gold Reigns Supreme – Gold has become one of the hottest tones to use. It’s no longer about silver, gold has taken over. Gold is warm, inviting, elegant, old world. It has become a staple in jewelry, table decorations, flatware, and even vases and dresses.
• Fall-ing in Love – Autumn/Fall is now the TIME to get married. With the recession, people feel that fall weddings are less expense, and are therefore finally getting married during this wonderful time of year. With fall colors, autumn leaves and the abundant bounty of the harvest to use for appetizers and distinct dishes – it’s created an entire new wedding style featuring antique bronzes, fur petticoats, dried flowers, and red apple centerpieces.
• Brides Become Starlets – Old Hollywood and circa 1920’s speak-easy glamour have come back again. The use of cracked leather, red lips and long thick silk dresses are reappearing. Think cigars, scotch, and Big Bands.

You can catch a glimpse of The Edgewater’s wedding spaces and a few photos by visiting http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/ (click on Weddings at the top of the page).

 

Hi, I’m Dr. Mark Savant, and I’ll be heading up the new Med-Wed section for Antibride.com. A destination wedding can bring a whole new sense of adventure and even intimacy to an already exciting day. It can also pose some health related challenges that you might not have to deal with otherwise. With just a little planning ahead and some common sense you should be able to enjoy your wedding day illness-free.

The types of health concerns you face are usually determined by where you go and can be divided, in general, by whether it will be hot or cold. The one thing that doesn’t matter is if you’re taking a plane. An airplane is a great place to catch a cold so don’t forget to wash your hands and don’t touch your face. If you can avoid touching your face alone you should be able to prevent most illnesses. Using a hand sanitizer regularly, especially before eating, is also helpful.

Hot climates usually mean lots of sun exposure so you’ll want to protect yourself. Wear loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Use a good sunscreen, spf 30 minimum, liberally and don’t forget to reapply every few hours and especially after going into the water. Also don’t forget to apply the sunscreen to those hard to reach and less obvious places like the back of your neck, arms and legs and the tops of your ears.

Hydration is another important health concern. You’ll need to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of clear liquids, mostly water, per day and more if you drink alcohol or exercise. For alcohol I usually recommend to my patients to drink at least 2 glasses of water for each alcoholic drink consumed. Also, don’t skip meals. Regular, healthy eating will keep your energy levels at their optimum.

Hot climates can sometimes mean more exotic locales that may require a visit to your doctor or local travel clinic before you go. Depending on your destination you may need to get immunizations (is your tetanus shot up to date? good for 10 years) and antibiotics to have on hand. A great place to start is the Center for Disease Control. You can find your destination and get a good idea of what vaccinations you’ll need to get before you go.

Those exotic tropical locations can also have an increased risk for contracting a food borne illness. Here are a few things to remember so you don’t get sick. Don’t drink any water unless you know it’s been bottled. That also means no ice in your drink. Don’t eat any salads, which could have been washed in the water, and only eat fruit that you can peel. Eat no fresh sauces, like the hot sauce sambal in Indonesia, and no street food.

Cold weather destinations will have fewer health concerns, typically but there are still a few things to which you should pay attention. Cold wind and sunshine reflected off of snow can be very hard on the skin so use a good sunscreen and lip balm and use a good moisturizer on your skin once or twice a day. Wear warm clothing with particular attention to layering: silk or wool undergarments and then layers of fleece or wool and a good jacket, hat, scarf, or gloves depending on how cold it’s going to be. And again, hydration is just as important in cold weather as it is in warm.
And, finally here are a few general reminders. If you take prescription medications (ie birth control pills) don’t forget to bring them along.

Always wear a seat belt and look both ways before you cross the street, especially in right hand drive countries. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Relax, have fun, and be well.

About

Dr. Savant heads up the Savant Medical Group in San Francisco. Dr. Savant attended the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California in 1997 where he was given the “Grace Under Fire” Award by the Emergency Department. He then went to New York City to be on the Faculty of the Division of General Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital where he also served as a clinical instructor to the third year medical students at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was identified by the medical students as an excellent clinical teacher and role model for the 1998-99 academic year.

 

The inception, Steve says was because “Oscar and I decided to make some home-brew, garage-style wines and give them away to friends. Naughty started as a joke label, but our friends started to ask if they could buy it.”

The wine collection now features Racy (a cabernet sauvignon blend), Sticky (dessert wine), Inky (syrah/petite sirah blend), Syrah, and Petite Sirah. They also have available a Naughty Bubbly Brut and a Naughty Bubbly Rose. The wines are bold, luscious and very affordable, which is surprising because of their limited productions, handcrafted style and high-end taste and appeal.
Being naughty has never been so good.

2003 Racy

Tasting Note: Get Naughty tonight with Racy, a sultry blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (69%), Cabernet Franc (16%) and Zinfandel (15%).  Bing cherry and plum combine with crushed black pepper and boysenberry in this wickedly sinful wine.

All three varietals were grown on hillsides. The yields were very low as a result of multiple crop thinnings, providing concentrated fruit flavors. Vinified and aged separately for one year in 90% French oak, 10% American oak before blending.

2003 Inky

Tasting Note:  Wanna Get Naughty?  Inky is blend of Petite Sirah and Syrah. The 2003 vintage shows classic earthy flavors combined with blackberry and strawberry jam and a touch of licorice and spices. Fruit driven with beautiful tannins, Inky is long on finish and finesse.

About the Vineyard:  Juliana Vineyard is located in Pope Valley, one of seven valleys that make up the Napa Valley. This block is composed of gravelly subsoil and a sandy loam surface horizon. Row direction is East to West off a South facing slope. Less than 2 tons per acre was the intentional yield.

Naughty Bubbly Brut

Naughty Cellars claim that “Naughty Girls are playful and alluring. They tease, beguile, and enrapture…can seduce and arouse with a single hypnotic glance. They are intriguing temptresses who live for pleasure every day…and every night”.

Winemaker’s Notes:
Lively, bright and balanced, this wine exhibits all the hallmarks of a classic Brut. A rich and yeasty nose is contrasted with a full, round palate saturated with citrus zest, candied ginger and minerals. Full through the middle palate, the finish is clean and refreshing.

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

All About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijingbu. A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

 

Tiny pink bubbles for your holiday desto wedding.

The holidays are upon us – decorating, shopping and celebrating is in full swing. Celebrating being the key word; Christmas parties, family dinners and old friend reunions, in actuality, is what makes the holidays festive. Hence, the best way to celebrate is by commemorating the moment with a bottle of bubbles.

Below are my favorite bubbles for holiday celebrations (or any celebration, especially a destination wedding). And these beautiful delicious bottles make perfect hostess gifts too. Cheers!

Domaine Carneros

The regal Domaine Carneros chateau looms high above the rolling hills in the center of the Carneros Appellation. Reminiscent of the18th Century Louis XV style and designed after the Chateau de la Marquetterie in Epernay, France, the winery exemplifies majestic wine making from the inside out, fulfilling the founder’s vision to achieve the crème de la crème of sparkling wine. Opened in 1987 by Champagne Tattinger, a well-known champagne producer, Domaine Carneros adheres strictly to the age-old signature wine making methods from France, striving for “elegant, yet intense style” sparkling wines and pinot noirs.
Best-Loved Bubbles: Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs, Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé and Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée

Schramsberg

Created in 1965 by Jack and Jamie Davies, Schramsberg houses their world-class sparkling wine in the first hand dug wine caves in Napa Valley estimated to be built in the 1870s and runs two miles long. They handcraft nine different sparkling wines using the time honored method champenoise process. Tucked away on Highway 29, Schramsberg is a historical property that Robert Louis Stevenson visited and devoted a chapter of his well-known Silverado Squatters book. History continues to be made by Shcramsberg when in 1972 when President Richard Nixon and Premier Chou Enlai enjoyed a “Toast to Peace” in Beijing with the 1969 Blanc de Blancs.
Best-Loved Bubbles: Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec, Schramsberg 2006 Blanc de Blancs (white from white) and Schramsberg 2004 Brut Anderson Valley.

Domaine Chandon

One of the most popular sparkling tasting rooms in the valley, Domaine Chandon boasts a proud history of being the first French-owned sparkling wine venture in the United States. They were also the first to bring four-star dining to Napa Valley in 1977. Etoile, the four-star restaurant on-site, is the only recognized fine-dining establishment at any winery in the Valley. Named Winery of the Year in 2005 by the California Travel Industry Association, Domaine Chandon offers stylish wine tasting that goes way beyond routine sipping and spitting. In a modern design, complete with a sophisticated tasting room and comfortable adjoining patio seating, the winery offers a variety of tastings and a menu of delectable eats. Best-Loved Bubbles: Domaine Chandon Sparkling Red, Domaine Chandon Rose and Domaine Chandon Chardonnay Brut

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

All About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijingbu. A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

 

Get barreled, get zen, get your priorities straight in West Oz.

Lonely Planet has chosen Southwest Western Australia as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions for next year in LONELY PLANET’S BEST IN TRAVEL 2010, published this week. Western Australia is home to the only region in Australia to make this year’s list.

BEST IN TRAVEL 2010 is Lonely Planet’s fifth annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead.

As one of the Top 10 Regions to visit in 2010, Southwest Western Australia “offers variety in spades,” Lonely Planet’s book says. “Well-heeled Perth weekenders make the three-hour trek from the big city to the gourmet paradise of Margaret River; families hit the Busselton beaches; walkers make for the tracks and trails that join Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.”

“While word is out about the southwest,” the book says, “distance still dissuades many Aussie east-coasters – take the opportunity to make it here before they do.”  However, Lonely Planet does acknowledge that “old-timers mutter darkly about ongoing development. Many locals have been priced out of the housing market and fear for a sustainable future for the region.”

Other regions to make Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2010 list are Alsace, Bali, Fernando de Noronha, Goa, Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Lake Baikal, Oaxaca, Southern Africa and The Lake District.

Travelers can experience the best of Southwest Western Australia with the following packages, valid from November 2, 2009 through February 28, 2010:

Bayview Geographe Resort
3 Night Packages at 50% off from $110 per night, per couple.
Exciting beach resort and gateway to Western Australia’s Margaret River Wine Region.
T: (08) 97554166
reservations@bayviewresort.com.au

Forte Cape View Apartments
Hot deal: 2 bedroom, 2 nights from $165 per night.
Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region on the shores of Geographe Bay.
T: (08) 9755 4388
bookings@capeviewapartments.com.au

The Beach House at Bayside
Stay awhile: Stay 5 Nights, Pay 4 from $238 per night, per couple featuring gourmet breakfast & afternoon tea.
Award winning, 5 star, hosted accommodation by the sea.
T: (08) 9844 8844
stay@thebeachouseatbayside.com.au

Karri Valley Resort
Kids Stay Play and Eat Free, from $201 per night, per couple.
On the edge of the lake in the heart of the forest 22 km’s from Pemberton.
T: (08) 9776 2020
info@karrivalleyresort.com.au

Quest Margaret River
A complimentary bottle of premium Margaret River Wine, from $210 per night, per couple.
Luxury studio and apartment style accommodation in the heart of Margaret River
T: (08) 97572033
relax@questmargaretriver.com.au

Seashells Resort Yallingup
Stay 5 nights – only pay for 4! from $208 per night, per couple.
Located in Margaret River wine region and set in beautiful gardens.
T: (08) 9750 1500
yallingup@seashells.com.au

Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet’s staff, authors, and community, BEST IN TRAVEL 2010 showcases a year’s worth of inspiration to take travelers out of the ordinary and into some unforgettable experiences. Other highlights include:

• The Top 10 Countries to visit in 2010: El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the USA.

• 2010’s Top 10 Cities: Abu Dhabi, Charleston, Cork, Cuenca, Istanbul, Kyoto, Lecce, Sarajevo, Singapore, and Vancouver.

• “Top Travel Lists” of the best experiences for the year ahead, from wildlife-watching in South Africa to catching a space flight launched from the Mojave Desert.  Interested in rubbing shoulders with thousands of locals running a marathon?  Explore the options in the “Magical Marathons” list.  Or it might be something more pragmatic – such as an eye operation in India, which features on the “Medical Adventures” list.

• 2010 Travel Planner, with over 30 adventures mapped out month-by-month – from January’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston, USA to New Year’s Eve in Paramaribo, Suriname.

About Western Australia
Western Australia, the largest state in Australia located in the western half of the country, is divided into five distinct regions: Australia’s North West, Australia’s Coral Coast, The Golden Outback, Experience Perth, and Australia’s South West. Unspoiled, unpretentious, and full of adventure, the travel experiences in Western Australia are as diverse and spectacular as the landscape itself. The North West region is a vast wilderness area home to spectacular natural attractions including the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, the world-famous white sands and turquoise water at Broome’s Cable Beach, and the million acre El Questro Wilderness Park. Travelers to the Coral Coast can dive with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark, snorkel with manta rays, and see wild dolphins at play. Western Australia’s Golden Outback, the Gold Rush country of the 1890’s, offers the ideal blend of history and heritage. Travelers can explore mines and museums, pan for gold, or visit one of Kalgoorlie’s historic pubs. In spring, travelers to The Golden Outback can see brilliantly colored wildflowers in full bloom. Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, and the surrounding region is a microcosm of the whole state boasting vineyards, fantastic restaurants, a lively and original music and arts scene, and stylish accommodation. Perth is also home to Kings Park, the world’s largest inner city park. Featuring beautiful beaches, tall tree forests, and award winning wineries, the South West is also home to the Margaret River region, which produces almost 20% of Australia’s premium wine. With over 220 wine producers in the region, travelers can explore more than 100 cellar doors which are open to the public.  For more information on Western Australia, please visit
www.westernaustralia.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151

 

Luxe green travel at Solage

Solage is more than just a resort – it is a complete experience. This new, solar-powered, green-friendly hideaway is part of the Auberge Resorts, and it exceeds the expected level of luxury and high-end style associated with the name.

Situated in beautiful Calistoga, just below Mount St. Helena, Napa Valley’s dormant volcano, this modern California-chic establishment offers affordability and progressive opulence in the wine country, perfect for a destination wedding. With 89 studio-design guestrooms to choose from, each rich with distinctly attractive style, every couple is certain to find true bliss at Solage.

This unique resort offers complimentary bike cruisers for all guests and staff to transport themselves around the resort. In line with their environmentally-conscious philosophy, Solage is also dedicated to serving organic and locally-grown produce.

They are pet-friendly and even welcome your pampered pooch with a water bowl, a plush dog bed, and organic doggie treats! Start your stay with a refreshing splash in their stunning 130-foot swimming pool, then slip into a relaxing yoga class or play a round of bocce ball. Later on, sip cocktails at their hip Solbar, savor the modern Bistro “Sol-ful dining,” and lounge around the cozy outdoor fire pits.

Solage is a strong promoter of health and wellness, so a trip to their impressive 20,000 square-foot Solage Spa is a must. Indulge together in the natural geothermal spring waters, treat yourself to a pampering with Kate Somerville’s skincare line, and pony up to the mud bar to relish in revitalizing volcanic goo. In an adventurous mood, try the “Solage Mudslide for Two,” their signature mudslide spa treatment, and relax completely with a couples massage afterwards.

For more information on Solage, click here.

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

 

Magical, romantic, Napa Valley by Autumn

As an award winning travel writer based in Napa my first contribution to Antibride.com starts with a sneak peak inside the one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

You guessed it – Napa Valley!

When couples travel here they oftentimes ask the locals where they should go to eat, taste wine and what hotels they would suggest their visiting best friends to stay at. Well, you have an insider right here sharing with you the most romantic places in Napa Valley to eat, sip and sleep.

Most Romantic Wineries

Obrien Estate offers romantic tours for couples looking to get engaged, celebrate a anniversary or just celebrate a special moment. Castello Di Amorosa the castle of love, is a replicated Italian medieval castle filled with luscious wines to taste. Tour the torture room, wine cellars or explore the numerous towers and peek out at the beautiful views. Silverado Vineyards serves my favorite Sauvingon Blanc and some of the best views of the valley’s floor. Miner also possess some great wine and views too.

Most Romantic Hotels

Auberge du Soleil is often referred to as the gem of Napa Valley and is undeniably the most romantic resort. With celebrity guests, four star service and breathtaking views its nickname is richly deserved. Avia is a new boutique hotel in downtown Napa full of sweet hip overtones. Conveniently located next to amazing wine tasting rooms, restaurants and shops you may never need to head up valley.

Most Romantic Restaurants

Michael Chiarello’s new restaurant, Bottega is knocking locals and tourists socks off with his modern Italian cuisine, and relaxing, yet sleek atmosphere. If celebrity sightings aren’t your thing, step across the street for a completely different approach at Hurley’s Restaurant . Bob Hurley is often behind the lines preparing delicious California Cuisine with a non-nonsense unpretentious approach that his customers appreciate. Both restaurants offer al fresco dining, perfect for a starry evening.

Best time of the year to visit is during Harvest (Sept-Nov) when the wineries are at full production, harvest parties abound and the crisp air and golden amber leaves blanket the once green vineyards supplying sun-kissed views. Harvest is a time of the year when you smell the crushed grapes, glimpse the changing of the seasons and get a sense of the community. A community committed to a simplistic, yet richly joyful approach to life that which Napa Valley is well-known for. Understanding harvest is to understand the heart and soul of Napa Valley.

Fly into San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento and drive into Napa Valley usually within an hour or two after landing.

Lastly, when more details are required pick up the quintessential travel guide for couples; Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Keep on Romancing,
Autumn

 

Anyone who has been on an airplane has been frustrated with at least one part (likely all parts) of the air travel process.  Now starting at only $30 http://crankyconcierge.com/pricing.php per trip for all passengers on an itinerary (with a money-back guarantee), our clients can have their own airline dork watching over them to help with all aspects of their trips.  Here’s what we provide:

Flight Planning
- We will search for the best flight options regardless of complexity
- We’ll search the web for the best fares and give you specific instructions on how to book (we are not a travel agent)
- We will answer any questions the clients may have leading up to their flights

Flight Monitoring
- On the day of travel, we’ll send an email with full flight details, known delays, weather issues, and the specific aircraft routings leading up to our clients’ flights
- We will actively follow the aircraft throughout the day and then notify clients of delays
- Delay & Cancellation Assistance
- When things go wrong, we’ll look for all possible alternatives, no matter how unconventional, to get our clients to their destinations
- If all else fails, we will find hotels, restaurants or anything else (within reason) to make the situation less stressful
- Post-Trip Dispute Assistance
- If things still aren’t resolved when the trip is done, we’ll research what compensation our clients are owed
- We will help draft complaint letters and identify appropriate contacts

This can come in handy for weddings since it is so important to get places on time.  A couple years ago, I was at a friend’s wedding on the beach in Florida when we found out that her sister-in-law (who was in the wedding) had her plane turn back to Paris because of engine problems.  It looked like she wouldn’t be able to make it in time for the small ceremony.

I was able to jump in and help.  She ended up getting the first flight to Atlanta, and then I had her running across the airport, squeezing on to a flight to Sarasota (instead of the original plan to go to Tampa) just as the door closed.  She made the ceremony and everyone was happy.

This service is not meant for the self-sufficient savvy traveler who likes to do things alone.  This is meant for those travelers who don’t have the time to spend on researching options.  It’s also meant for those people who don’t have the deep knowledge about the industry and simply want someone to help make the process a little less daunting.

You can find full information including more details on the services and pricing at http://crankyconcierge.com/.