Part II:Going for the Good Weather at the Good Places: California

What a wonderful experience staying at the magnificent Resort at Pelican Hill! Just north of Laguna and up the hill from Crystal Cove, lies this amazing new property on 2 golf courses, with views of the Pacific. The decor is absolutely spectacular, a color scheme of neutrals, incorporating Tuscan tiles, leather wall coverings, granite for days, high ceilings, linen sofas etc. I wanted to move in permanently. And where do you move in? Many choices from jr. suites to 4 bedroom homes-all pristine and rustically elegant with their wood ceilings and French style fireplaces. What to do? Golf, swim in the enormous circular pool-ala Rome B.C.-, enjoy the spa, do the art galleries in Laguna, stroll the beach, chill! Can't wait to go back. AND you can enjoy complimentary breakfasts and other amenities when you book with me. Gosh, John has it tough. I have to get him out more!

Going for the Good Weather at the Good Places: Arizona

End of March in the rain found me in a few sunny places worth putting on the list: After several years away, enjoyed a 4 day stay at the iconic Arizona Biltmore. The gardens and flowers were perfection as was the weather. Public spaces in the main building and  the new Frank & Alberts casual restaurant both looked good,and although the service in F&A's left something to be desired, the food was uniformly good. Where to stay with so many choices here of accommodation? Definitely the Ocatilla Wing, the Biltmore's new boutique hotel within the resort, with it's exclusive lounge, various meal presentations, wine and beer each evening, new pool and dedicated concierge. The rooms are very spacious with fine finishes. The other wings are in need of  updating, but if you can put up with the decor, the lovely cottages sprinkled around the property are still charming.

Review of The New Silver Spirit

We had an opportunity to stay aboard the new Silversea ship April 1 while it was overnight in LA. The first new build in 9 years for Silversea, it is about 30% larger than Silver Whisper/Shadow with a capacity of 540 guests and 376 crew. You will notice how much bigger it feels-though it is only 8000 tons heavier. The pool deck is expansive and there are lovely large outdoor areas off the Panorama bar aft and the Terrace Cafe giving many more the option to dine outside in the evening. The main dining room is quite similar to the other ships, but the additional dining rooms add three more venues to choose from (some at a surcharge): Stars Supper Club on Deck 7 is a very trendy spot with light offerings and a fabulous jazz singer and pianist that is the place to go late in the evening, including a dance floor;Seishin offers sushi and Asian specialties; the Grill above the pool outdoors is sure to be in demand. These are in addition to Le Champagne- the wine pairing gourmand spot, the Terrace Cafe for Italian, and of course your own cozy suite for those dine-in evenings.
What didn't I like? The color scheme didn't grab me, the location of The Bar on Deck 5 lacks the cozy feel of the other ships. I think the Panorama will end up being the bar of choice for pre dinner cocktails. What did I love? The new spa is spacious with  fab treatment rooms and dedicated outdoor jacuzzi on Deck 6;  all the new outdoor space. Also, new suite deck furniture-yeah! and new lounges by the pool-much wished for on those sunny sea days.