When most people think of Southern California, they immediately conjure up images of Los Angeles or San Diego or, perhaps, for the desert and Coachella lovers among us, Palm Springs. However, for real aficionados of the Southern California lifestyle, the aforementioned metropolitan hubs are merely promising previews of the treasures to be beheld in the southernmost territory of the Golden State. With that thought in mind, I set off on a quick tour of the islands of Southern California which may not be as flashy as their big city counterparts, but are no less stunning in their appeal. Nor are they in any way lacking in the qualities that make SoCal living so uncommonly exceptional.

Coronado Island

Even perched among all of Southern California’s many splendored assets, Coronado Island has a singular sparkle that sets it apart. A sunshine-drenched oasis located just across the bay from Downtown San Diego, Coronado is one of America’s most stunning beach communities. On the surface, it’s an upscale village dressed up in the allure of small-town America and bedazzled with spectacular beaches, near-perfect weather year-round and bewitching sunsets. However, at its core, there is a magic beyond the superficial about this little island just north of Mexico that lends itself to memory-making.

Whether being conveyed by gondola through the island’s scenic canals, shopping and dining at the multitude of hotspots along Orange Avenue (the town’s main thoroughfare), lolling about on any of the destination’s pristine, award-winning shores or spending a day sailing along the coast on a catamaran, Coronado unfolds a fairy-tale like experience that is almost Disney-esque in its charms. At the center of it all is the Hotel del Coronado, the island’s grande dame, the tale of which is so inextricably intertwined with the history of the destination that it is impossible to talk about one without discussing the other.

Debuting in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado, or The Del as it is affectionately known to locals and regular guests, sparked the initial development of the island at the turn of the century and throughout the years has attracted everyone from presidents to Hollywood superstars. Nowadays, The Del is a major tourist attraction draped in memorabilia and populated by an array of chic restaurants and boutiques. For first time visitors, a tour and a bite at any of the hotel’s many boites will suffice as a decent introduction, but in order to fully experience the real charm of the Hotel del Coronado (and indeed of Coronado itself) a stay at this uniquely Southern California property is a must.

While in the main resort building, the ocean view rooms headline the list of accommodations, from a pure luxury perspective, the property’s real stars are to be found in the relatively new and simply styled “Beach Village at The Del” – 78 amenities-laden, oceanfront guest rooms configured into one to three-bedroom suites. Wildly popular though it may be, the resort side of the property, for all its appeal, can at times become mildly overrun with tourists but such is never the case at Beach Village.

A separate valet entrance greets guests of the Village, along with a personal concierge, exclusive swimming pools and whirlpools and full access to the hotel’s Windsor Beach Club. Add to the above the fact that every suite in the Beach Village is situated right on the sand sans any barrier between guests, the beach and regularly jaw-dropping sunsets and you start to understand why this corner of paradise is among the most sought after on the island.

For more information about Coronado Island, click here.

Shelter Island

Nothing makes me happier than a wonderful surprise, which is exactly how I would describe Shelter Island. Also located on the outskirts of San Diego, Shelter Island is technically not so much an island as it is a part of the Point Loma Peninsula. However, technicalities aside, this wonderfully retro slice of Shangri-la very much evokes the feel of an isle, despite being connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.

Thanks in large part to its quirky history, the buildings on this man-made Island reference a Polynesian theme (circa 1950) as dictated by city code. Towering, swaying palm trees, marinas studded by an array of yachts and superyachts and a singular ribbon of Tiki Modern inspired hotels, clubs and resorts running along the island’s shores, lend a decidedly tropical air to the destination that is reminiscent of a ramshackle relation of Antigua or Mallorca. In fact, but for the skyscrapers of Downtown San Diego seductively beckoning across the Bay, it might be quite easy to forget that Southern California is even nearby once safely ensconced in the embrace of the island with the breeze at your back and a fruity cocktail in hand.

Just as Coronado has its grande dame, so does Shelter Island in the form of the Kona Kai Resort, a part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts Collection. Located at the very tip of the island, the recently renovated Kona Kai is a boutique property that has, throughout its many incarnations, managed to maintain the Polynesian flair of the original structure while simultaneously adding a healthy dose of modernity. As eclectic in its décor as it is practical in some of its more structural elements (the property’s impressive marina is the closest to San Diego Bay and counts among its many amenities over 500 boat slips as well as a private club membership for tenants), Kona Kai is perhaps most distinguished by the fact that it genuinely embraces the notion of escape.

A private sand beach (one of the few in California), a small but formidable spa, and a surprisingly delicious restaurant called Vessel, boasting gorgeous views of the marina along with a mouthwatering menu of “California Comfort Fare” highlighted by an otherworldly Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and an outstandingly flavorful and creative Porcini Crusted Sea Bass, all come together to create the kind of property that can be all things to all people. Whether you opt to walk along the marina, relax on the beach or by the pool, take an exercise class or have a workout at the gym, enjoy cocktails on the terrace of your room or nip into one of the live musical performances at Vessel, you’ll find that Kona Kai is one stop shop for escape.

That said, while you’re in the neighborhood, you might also want to stop in for a drink at the legendary Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn,  just down the street. An epic example of Tiki Modern architecture, the Half Moon Inn is also conveniently adjoined by the famed Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay outdoor music venue which is well-known for hosting a diverse line-up of acts ranging from Patti Labelle, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples and The Temptations to The Cult, Indigo Girls, Violent Femmes, Dave Koz and Culture Club.

For more information about Shelter Island, click here.

Catalina Island

I’ve written about Catalina Island often because I continue to believe it to be one of a handful of getaways bordering Los Angeles that never ceases to make for a fun day trip or a quick escape. Accessible by private boat, ferry or helicopter, Santa Catalina is a 21-mile island located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California (though psychologically it might as well be a world away).

Largely undeveloped save for Avalon Bay, the getaway’s most popular (and populous) destination, and Two Harbors, located on the more remote west end of the island, there are large swaths of Catalina around which wild buffalo still roam free in unspoiled environs ripe with opportunities for adventure and exploration. This scenic setting once made the island a popular backdrop for classic films like Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty starring Clark Gable. However, nowadays this gem of an escape is primarily a laidback, attitude-free, beach town where cars are scarce, golf carts are plentiful and the scent of suntan lotion, sea and sand is pervasive. To be sure, the trifle shops and ice cream parlors along Avalon’s main drag fall are quite camp and touristy but then again that is part of the island’s easy-going, almost self-effacing charm.

When it comes to accommodations on Catalina, the premiere destination is the Mt. Ada Inn, a boutique property that was formerly the home of William Wrigley, Jr. (of the chewing gum fortune) and his wife Ada, after whom the property is named. Set high above the tiny metropolis below with its scores of tourists, the Mt. Ada is an old-school oasis of calm offering sweeping views of both the island and the Avalon Bay.

In addition to its six classically kitted out rooms ranging from a very grand, Grande Suite to a more rustic Garden Porch (“Sleeping Porch”), the Mt. Ada property claims among its many first-rate amenities:  Private transportation and luggage service from the island’s heliport; access to the tennis courts at the Catalina Country Club; complimentary green fees at the Catalina Island Golf Course; access to the Island Spa Catalina pool, hot tub, relaxation deck and fitness classes; and priority cabana and chaise lounge booking at Descanso Beach Club, the island’s swell private beach club (one of the best places to while away an afternoon in Avalon, particularly if a cabana and butler service are involved).

For more about Catalina Island, click here.

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Allow me to begin by saying that I love food. Anyone who knows me at all knows at least that much. This is important to state because I think it necessary to establish my street cred right of the gate.

So broad and far-reaching is my food obsession that I am the kind of person, who thinks about the next meal while enjoying the one in front of me. I go to bed pondering my next meal or treat and I have been known to drive hours to try a new restaurant or menu item that is all the rage.

For the record, I like to eat cute, I like to eat dirty and I pretty much like to eat everything in between. In this regard, I am most certainly not a food snob. Whether a restaurant is a favorite of Michelin or a favorite of the people, if it leaves me wanting more, I’m all in. As far as I’m concerned, an eatery doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be delicious. Which brings me to my next point.

Traditionally it has been my custom to write about luxury lifestyle and entertainment in these pages. And, while I don’t feel as though I’m straying too far afield of that subject matter with this post, I do feel the need to explain my thinking about the recommendations I am about to make.

As per my tagline, luxury need not be expensive but it must always be indulgent, price tags do little to impress me, but indulging in something decadent that takes me on journey outside the normal realm of life most certainly does.

The five foodie treasures I’ve identified below are particularly special to me because they serve up flavors defined by regions of the country other than the West and they not only do so with remarkable deftness and soul but also with real authenticity. Each of these five places transport me back to some place where I’ve had a memorable experience and that is, at least in part, why I love each one of them so much.

These are not merely places that I have visited once or twice but instead places that I visit regularly. They are temples of food worship to which I often make pilgrimages alone and in which I luxuriate in the seductive charms of my favorite menu items. That said, I also want to be clear that I receive no perks for my loyalty beyond the traditional customer service particular to each establishment. So when I say these recommendations come from my heart and from my stomach, there isn’t even an inkling of dissembling in that statement.

And with that, here are five places in LA that will convey you to another place in America through the simple powers of their homespun goodness.

Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks
boosphilly.com

My passion for cheesesteaks goes way back to the night I went to a Patti Labelle concert in Philly when I was college. The hour was late when the midnight show ended, but, as I was still amped up by Miss Patti’s electrifying 2+ hour set, I did what you do in the small hours in Philly and trekked over to a 24-hour cheesesteak joint.

I ordered and my life was forever changed.

I was not a fan of the cheesesteak before that moment because I hadn’t had one prepared in the authentically Philly way. But after this introduction, I became a devotee.

At Boo’s, which has two full-time locations in Silverlake and Koreatown along with a third which is only open for events and concerts at The Forum in Inglewood, they serve cheesesteaks that do Philly proud. The bread is from Philly as is the steak which is appropriately thinly sliced, grilled with onions, salt and pepper and topped with your choice of Cheese Wiz, American or Provolone cheese.

When the sandwich arrives steaming hot in a basket, the cheesesteak even looks and smells like Philly’s finest (because, in truth, it is right up there with them). The cheese is perfectly melted into the steak which is nestled into a pillowy hot Amoroso roll, the scent of which should be bottled and marketed. Seriously, I’m not even kidding here.

To ensure that I wasn’t overstating the case about this sandwich whose praises I had been singing to anyone who would listen, I headed to Boo’s with a girlfriend who is a native Philadelphian. I needed her to verify the authenticity of these yummy cheesesteaks and join in my obsession. Well, not only did she co-sign my praise after that initial visit, she too became a big fan (much to her chagrin I might add).

So for a genuine taste of Philly in Los Angeles, head to the East Side of Los Angeles and stop in at Boo’s. As an added bonus, they even sell Tasty Kakes which are rarely seen this far away from the East Coast.  Trust me. You’ll be transported halfway across the country. Promise.

What I Order: Mushroom Steak with onions, salt and pepper; Provolone Cheese; Extra half-steak; Inside Out (a term that indicates you want the bread scooped out so the sandwich is less bready and more deliciously meaty).

[Note: I will admit that my obsession with Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks is a little abnormal. Not only are my pilgrimages regular (as in weekly…sometimes more), they are also accompanied by rules. For instance, I always like to eat my cheesesteak hot, in the restaurant at the same table, and never wrapped for takeaway because I feel it loses a little something with every step taken away from the grill.]

Phillips BBQ
www.facebook.com/Phillips-BBQ

Being from the South myself, I just love Southern BBQ.

I mean, I love Kansas BBQ, Memphis BBQ, Texas BBQ and pretty much any ‘cue you can think of, but there is nonetheless a special place in my heart for Southern BBQ. So, when I get a hankering for the smoky flavors popular below the Mason-Dixon Line, I go to Phillips BBQ.

At three no frills outposts on Crenshaw Blvd (my preferred location), Leimert Blvd and on Centinela Blvd in Inglewood, Phillips serves up BBQ to rival the best in the south in an equally no frills way. Expect richly smoked ribs, chicken, beef and hot links paired with white bread and Phillips’ signature mildly sweet, tomato-based BBQ sauce served hot, mild or mixed.

[Note: Also expect to wait in line (up to two hours or more on a holiday weekend) and to stand while you wait as there is little to no seating available]

What I Order: 3-meat Combo with Rib Tips, Beef Ribs and Pork Ribs; Double Beans; Mild Sauce on the side.

Orleans & York Deli
orleansandyorkdeli.com

Po’ Boys are the street food of New Orleans and LA newcomer Orleans and York Deli is serving up the big flavors of the Big Easy with authentic flair at five locations across the City of Angels. Though the menu is quite extensive at this deli where the zesty Cajun delicacies of New Orleans meet the traditional sensibilities of a New York deli, it really is the po’ boys that stand out because they are, quite simply put, done right. (And it’s not just me saying that – Los Angeles Magazine also named the restaurant’s po’ boys the best in the city).

Particular favorites are the classics – the Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy, the Fried Oyster Po’ Boy and the Catfish Po’ Boy. These massive sandwiches served on crusty bread, stuffed to overflowing with succulent, perfectly fried, mouthwateringly seasoned seafood and then dressed simply with lettuce, tomato and mayo will leave you singing anything but the blues.

Throw in a bag of Lousiana’s own Zapp’s potato chips and one of the wickedly delicious homemade desserts casually on offer at the counter and you might even dance a jig.

What I Order: Shrimp Po-Boy; Spicy Cajun Zapp’s potato chips; a slice of coconut cake.

Wexler’s Deli
wexlersdeli.com

For my first job out of college, I moved to New York to work in the fashion business. And while I loved my job, in my wide-eyed youth I also discovered a love of delis – not just any delis, but those really good Jewish delis that seem to be everywhere in NYC.  When I moved to Los Angeles, the love affair continued as I sought out the best pastrami, the best whitefish salad, the most outstanding smoked salmon and the best reuben the city had to offer. And I was pretty settled in my choices until Wexler’s Deli opened and upended the game, immediately becoming my new favorite.

Describing its menu as “Jewish Soul Food” this life-altering deli features a tight menu of deli favorites, many of the ingredients for which are produced right on the premises.

Take for instance the pastrami, the highlight of the menu, which is cured and smoked in-house, cut thick and always delicious. Or the smoked salmon which is also cured and smoked to perfection at locations in Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Or even the pickles, which are barrel-fermented in salt brine in the store. So many roads to the ultimate destination of Yum.

And, if all of the above, they even have their own private label caviar. Be still my heart (and my tastebuds).

Bottom line:  For a taste of New York on the Left Coast, Wexler’s has most certainly got dibs.

What I Order: The O.G. (Pastrami, Mustard, Rye) or The Newman (Pastrami and Corned Beef, Mustard, Rye) on lightly toasted Rye with extra pickles.

Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken
gusfriedchicken.com/la

What’s not to love about fried chicken? Better yet, what’s not to love about spicy fried chicken?

Born in Mason, Tennessee, this 60-year old brand has rapidly been winning fans across America and only just recently opened its doors in Los Angeles. Being something of a fried chicken aficionado, I have to admit I was skeptical of Gus’s at first.

And with good reason.

I won’t mention names, but I can’t tell you how many times I have listened to people go on about the fried chicken at this or that place and how it was supposed to be so revelatory, only to find out that it was just average at best.

After calling my cousin, who had gone to college in Tennessee, and getting the thumbs up from her, I immediately headed over to Gus’s new Los Angeles location and was pleased on many levels, not the least of which involved the chicken itself.

Crispy, salty, with a hint of heat that grows with each bite, the bird served up at Gus’ is unlike anything else being served in Los Angeles. It is not hot chicken (though to tame the palate, it is served with much needed white bread like hot chicken) nor is it traditionally spicy fried chicken. It is instead, its own original, memorably delectable creation served with an array of outrageously tasty sides, notable among which are the beans, greens, potato salad and macaroni and cheese.

From the décor to the food, Gus’s will deliver you to Tennessee and back over the course of a meal and leave you craving a porch and rocker in which to savor the experience afterwards.

What I Order: Three Piece White with baked beans and macaroni and cheese; Fried Pickles with Ranch; Sweet Tea.

[Note: Gus’s only sells spicy fried chicken so if it heat is not your thing, you probably better give this place a pass.]

Now who’s hungry?

To read this story on the Huffington Post, click here.

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The heavily trafficked intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards in Beverly Hills has been the source of both great anticipation and speculation among Angelenos for quite some time now. The hallowed location that, among other distinctions, counts the home of the Golden Globes, otherwise known as the Beverly Hilton, as its neighbor and the legendary Trader Vic’s as its predecessor will soon be unveiled as the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

The 12-story hotel slated for a June 2017 opening promises to take luxury in Beverly Hills, the West Coast capital of the segment, to new heights with 170 guestrooms that literally offer a room with a view courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto oversized private balconies that peer out over vistas ranging from a bird’s eye view of the Hollywood Hills to the soaring, gleaming heights of Century City and beyond. Expect the hotel’s 119 deluxe rooms and 51 suites as designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon to showcase richly upholstered furniture in soothing tones of celadon, taupe and white and bespoke art alongside the staggering array of amenities that are the hallmark of the Waldorf-Astoria brand.

Elsewhere on the property, expect a triple-height lobby with a contemporary Art Deco design, hand-painted murals and custom Strass crystal chandeliers as well as Lalique installations and one-of-a-kind pieces of significant artworks throughout.

I generally don’t care to do previews, preferring instead to experience a property in person before sharing news about it but every once in a while, a first look bowls me over and I simply cannot help myself. This is such a case.

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills officially opens its doors to global luxury travelers on June 1, 2017.

For more information visit, www.waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com.

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It seems only fitting that the first and only AAA Five Diamond resort in the Lake Tahoe region would also be home to a new project that promises to represent the new face of luxury on Northern California’s most famous lakefront.

Heretofore, one of the great conundrums posed by a visit to Lake Tahoe has always been the fact that the most notable and luxurious accommodations in the region reside in the mountains overlooking the lake rather than on the majestic lakefront itself. All of which is fine in winter when skiing takes top priority among most tourists. But when summer rolls around and the lake becomes the center of the action in this most picturesque of California destinations, the distance between the resorts and the lake is an inconvenience at best and a major disappointment at worst.

However, that is all about to change.

The sumptuous Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, home of notable sources of indulgence including signature daily Marshmology events where the art of making s’mores becomes a transcendent experience as well as a spectacular spa and pool club, recently set in motion plans to take its luxurious amenities to new heights by breaking ground on a spectacular new lakefront club that will simply be called Lake Club. Slated to open next year, the new Lake Cub will marry the Ritz-Carlton’s unmatched service and accommodations with an exclusive lakeside hangout bordered by an expansive 2,000 square-foot lawn area peering out over unobstructed, panoramic views from one of Lake Tahoe’s finest vantage points.

The contemporary building, housing indoor and outdoor dining terraces and gathering areas, will also count among the many amenities offered exclusively to Ritz-Carlton guests: Direct beach access to Lake Tahoe; a private boat pier with buoys to launch water sports and recreational activities including boating, kayaking and stand-up paddle boards; an outdoor whirlpool, fire pit and barbeque; showers and changing facilities; and storage facilities to house kayaks, stand-up paddle board and other recreational equipment. And, as if that weren’t enough of a draw, guests of Lake Club will also be able to experience Wild Goose II, a renowned 36-foot hand crafted wooden boat plying the waters of Lake Tahoe.

“The launch of the Lake Club will provide our guests with luxury amenities and private access to Lake Tahoe along with limitless summer recreational activities,” said Joseph Mattioli, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. “The addition of the Lake Club will allow The Ritz-Carlton to offer a one-of-a-kind luxury resort experience, one that includes both direct access to the mountain and to the lake, a first for the Lake Tahoe region.”

The new Lake Club will be located at 7170 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe Vista, California and will be available to welcome resort guests in the summer of 2017.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe or to book early, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/LakeTahoe.

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Luxury means so many different things to different people. For some luxury is as simple as having something done by someone else that one might normally be required to do without any assistance at all. For others, luxury implies decadence on a grand scale. And still for others, luxury means “best in class” –immersive experiences complete with those discreet elegant amenities that set a place or an experience apart from all other like options. In singular ways, each of the following five destinations subscribe to all of these definitions in such a way that they represent the penultimate vacation getaways for lovers of luxe.

Palma de Mallorca

In addition to providing a safe harbor for the mega-yachts of the uber-wealthy, Palma de Mallorca has long been known as one of the most popular playgrounds for the rich and the royal in Spain’s Balearic Isles. Former King Juan Carlos has often been spotted taking a break from his royal duties at the island’s swankier watering holes, while other bold-faced names ranging from Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, who until recently owned a 247-acre estate on the island, to Paris Hilton and Brad Pitt have all made the pilgrimage to this rustically luxurious Spanish destination. For the most luxe stay of all, the Belmond La Residencia in Deia is the leading choice for discriminating travelers. Once owned by Richard Branson, La Residencia is the luxury hotel in which Princess Diana famously took refuge when her marriage to Prince Charles reached its well-publicized breaking point, and also the site of Andrew Lloyd Webber 60th birthday celebration for which the entire hotel was hired.  How’s that for discriminating? [Tip: Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are all just a short ferry ride from Mallorca, which is all just an added bonus.]

Las Vegas

Perhaps the most common misconception about Las Vegas is that it’s primary appeal is gaming. The truth, however, is that there is so much more to do in Las Vegas than taking turns among the plentiful craps tables and slot machines. In fact, with very little effort, you can treat yourself to a luxe holiday in Vegas that has nothing at all to do with any of the aforementioned activities and feel none the lesser for it – particularly given that there is probably more luxury per square foot in Las Vegas than almost anywhere else in the world. Wondering where to start? First of all, there’s pampering at a memorable array of spas like the sleek, modern BATHHOUSE Spa at the Delano, the massive 80,000 square-foot Spa at the Aria, and the serenely gorgeous Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, among others.

Combined with unique, upscale shopping experiences at the likes of the Wynn Esplanade and the Shops at Crystals, fine dining at restaurants helmed by revered chefs like Alain Ducasse (Rivea at the Delano), Julian Serrano (Lago at the Bellagio) and Michael Mina (Bardot Brasserie at the Aria), an assortment of shows featuring the biggest names in music and entertainment, and VIP limo service to and from any and everything, what could make for a more decadent getaway?

London

Does it not seem fitting that the home of the British royal family would also be home to an escape filled with royally, luxurious delights? Such would most definitely be the case. From the old world elegance of the Goring Hotel, where Queen Elizabeth II is a regular guest for afternoon tea, to the sumptuous retail offerings of Bond Street and Dover Street (where Victoria Beckham opened the flagship store for her wildly successful eponymous clothing line), to the five star hotels in May Fair and Knightsbridge (think the classically sophisticated Egerton House, the landmark Claridge’s, the esteemed Connaught and the Firmdale Hotel’s Knightsbridge outpost), luxury is London’s forte. Fill your itinerary with visits to the royal warrant certified providers of goods and services to the royal household and you’ll find yourself in luxe overload,

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If there is one word that best describes the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it might be surreal. Santa Barbara may be heralded by some as the California’s answer to the Riviera, but Carmel-by-the Sea is perhaps endowed with a better claim to the title. A charming boutique-filled town commingled with an unspoiled beach dramatically surrounded by bluffs and a rugged coastline evokes the feeling of la dolce vita best embodied by the likes of Capri and St. Tropez. Among the favorite stops for an elegant stay in Carmel is the Doris Day -owned Cypress Inn in the heart of town and the Clint Eastwood-owned Mission Ranch, where the vistas are jaw dropping and the Martinis (along with the company) at the bar are otherworldly.

Turks & Caicos

Extremely elegant accommodations specializing in privacy, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, perfect weather year-round, a steady flow of rum-inspired cocktails and not a care in the world make Turks & Caicos a standout among luxe travel getaways. Moreover, if a destination is to be judged by the star power of its regular visitors, Turks and Caicos is a winner on multiple levels. Among the starry visitors of late to the islands are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who spent their holidays at Donna Karan’s villa in Parrot Cay, Justin Bieber, Christie Brinkley, and newlyweds Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello who spent their 7-day honeymoon holed up in a remote villa at the exclusive Parrot Cay Resort. Need I say more?

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One of the most popular misconceptions about a globetrotting life is that it is always glamorous. Not only is such an assumption misguided, it is naïve at best. But every once in a while on a globetrotter’s journey, one comes across an experience or place that stands so far apart from the norm that it deserves to be known as “best in class”. These are the places and experiences to which I apply the moniker “LivingWells Recommends” and the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant in Forestville, CA is the latest addition to the list.

Blink and you’ll miss the entrance to this slice of paradise, set off Sonoma County’s meandering River Road, a serpentine byway that winds its way through pastoral vineyards and farms all the way to the Guerneville, the Russian River and beyond. A formerly run down farmhouse (hence the name), the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant is today a rambling, rustically elegant property that is, in a word, idyllic.

Co-owned by the brother and sister duo of Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, the Farmhouse Inn memorializes the enduring spirit of wine country and the more than five generations their family has spent in the region over the last century. The siblings have said of their venture that they wanted to create “a haven from everyday life” that recalled the joy and camaraderie of their youth spent on their grandparents’ ranch located just three miles from the Inn and, to my eye, they have succeeded on every score.

The second guests enter the property, wheels crunching over the loose gravel leaving no choice other than to slow down as a matter of course, the escape begins. Then upon surveying the property, one can’t help but to be taken over by the feeling that rather than checking into a hotel, one has arrived at a favorite camp from one’s youth…one that is filled with fond memories of lazy days and happy times. This is so, whether one has ever experienced such a thing or not because the Farmhouse Inn represents the picture of such experiences that films, books and television have painted of the same. Walls of trees surround authentic farmhouse structures, a pool forms the nucleus of the property and the scale of everything in sight feels livable and relaxed. Even the smell of the lobby, gloriously scented as it is by the hotel’s signature Sonoma Bath Bar chock full of fragrant seasonal scrubs, salts, milk bath and handmade olive oil bar soaps, is seductive.

Introductions aside, the accommodations at the Farmhouse Inn take the seduction of the place to a whole new level. Rooms, all of which have been painstakingly updated and meticulously appointed, are spacious modern affairs with high-ceilings, feather beds, large jetted tubs and saunas or steam showers. Fresh seasonal flowers fill the tables in the living areas, while Sonoma-made, organic Sumbody bath and beauty products line the bathroom counters. Some rooms even have fireplaces and patio decks, while others boast different perks like private courtyards but rest assured that all 25 rooms are imbued with the kind of upscale wine country décor and state-of-the-art amenities that make ‘simple’ living look so chic.

Rounding out the experience of the Farmhouse Inn, is its restaurant, which is one of the finest in Sonoma County. The complementary three-course breakfast offered to guests is a delight unparalleled in the region, or I dare say, most places in the world. While many B & B’s offer complimentary breakfast, few offer anything that is worth loosing sleeping over. The Farmhouse Inn breakfast is, however, memorable enough to merit doing just that. Likewise, the locally sourced dinner menu crafted by Executive Chef Steve Litke and his team is an absolute standout in a place filled with standouts and just one more reason to book a stay at the Farmhouse Inn.

A final reason (as if one was needed) to reserve a stay at the Farmhouse Inn is the spa. Operated as a partnership between Farmhouse and Francis & Alexander, the Spa at Farmhouse is located in the property’s former Carriage House and showcases a farm-to-table menu of services that was conceived as a natural extension to the Sonoma farm-inspired experience that defines the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant. Think lavender-orange hair and scalp treatments, ginger honey massages and body pillows filled with muscle healing herbs, alfalfa, lavender and chamomile. I am a particular fan of the “A Man’s Turn” treatment which combines a 90-minute massage with hot towel compresses and a steamy hot towel facial massage and comes complete with a personalized DIY shave (including kit) in your room.

Because it proves that you don’t always have to go as far away as you might think to escape and it does so with such panache and finesse, LivingWells Recommends the Farmhouse Inn.

To book a reservation or find out more about Farmhouse Inn, click here.

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From LACMA and the Hammer Museum to the Walt Disney Hall and the Dorothy Chandler, below is my response to LA’s critics:

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LivingWells Lifestyle Events is thrilled to announce that REVUE is set to make its inaugural appearance at Pride at Dive on October 3, 2015 at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.

On the heels of a successful debut at a Graton Resort and Casino over Memorial Day Weekend, REVUE returns with Candis Cayne (I Am Cait, Elementary) as Mistress of Ceremonies and an exciting new line up that will include performances by Season 3 RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, Raja, drag superstars, Trixie Mattel and Delta Work, Dutch diva Glennis Grace, American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk and drag icon, Lady Bunny, who will also take over the DJ booth for the post party. A very special surprise guest is also planned for the show along with a smattering of special surprise performances. Show time is 8PM.

Prior to REVUE, Pride at Dive will take place at the pool at Harrah’s Resort SoCal with Junior, Von Kiss and DJ Lezley taking turns spinning the party into a frenzy. Putt Putt golf, volleyball and a swim up bar are just a few of the amenities guests can expect to enjoy at this all day pool party that will kick off the month of October as only Southern California can.

So why not take the leap and dive into fall at Pride at Dive.

Tickets are $25 for the pool party; $40 for REVUE or $60 for both. Special VIP packages including a Meet & Greet are also available. For more information, visit www.prideatdive.com.

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Sometimes a video is worth more than a thousand words. So watch what happens when my world collides with a candy apple red Lexus‬, a few great friends, the Napa Valley Wine Train and many bottles of excellent wine in Wine Country courtesy of Passport Magazine and Out in the Vineyard.

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Oaklanders love Oakland. Let’s begin with that understanding.

On a visit to ‘The Town’, as the city is familiarly known, it’s nearly impossible not to take notice of the affection that the city’s residents bear for their municipality. It is an almost visceral pride that rivals that of Chicagoans and New Yorkers. In fact, so deep is their love for their hometown that Oaklanders have coined the label ‘Oaklandish’ as a term of endearment to define the unique way they do things in the other City by the Bay. And it is perhaps this vibrant spirit that explains the city’s ongoing transformation.

There is clearly something afoot in Oakland these days. Call it buzz, call it revitalization or call it whatever you like, but there is no denying that contemporary Oakland  is a city that has woken up with an awful lot to talk about after what some might call a decades-long slumber.

Just as Brooklyn has, in recent years, burnished its own identity as the new cool kid among New York City’s family of boroughs after years of playing the less-polished understudy to glitzy Manhattan, so is Oakland rising out of the shadows of its own illustrious neighboring metropolis to cultivate a reputation as more than an addendum to a San Francisco itinerary but instead a full-fledged destination in its own right. And this is in no small part thanks to the changing demographics on the foggier side of the Bay Bridge.

Nothing, as they say, breeds change like necessity. So, In a twist on an all too familiar tale of urban evolution, it comes as little surprise that as a cavalcade of newly minted tech millionaires have flooded San Francisco with a the tidal wave of cash, they have effectively washed many of the city’s non-millionaires across the Bay where they have been welcomed and, I dare say, encouraged in these ever-evolving times. The net result of this band of fresh arrivals has clearly been a burst of new life combined with a welcome renewal of sorts tor the city.

Whereas after my last visit to Oakland some 10 years ago, I would have characterized the city as sleepy, post my most recent visit I could not describe the vibe of Oakland as anything other than alive in every sense. Hipsters stroll along once forgotten streets now lined with swanky, modern lofts. Artist galleries and collectives dominate the heart of the city. Dilapidated theatres have found renewed life as proper entertainment venues and a bevy of celebrated young chefs have, in recent years, set up shop in Oakland, reinforcing the city’s prominence among America’s culinary meccas.

To the last point, Oakland’s culinary scene is perhaps one of its most impressive assets and is alone enough to justify a visit. Standing tall amid the city’s fierce epicurean competition is out, former Top Chef finalist Preeti Mistry’s casual and intimate Juhu Beach Club, where the flavors of India get a thoroughly modern twist. Among the more tantalizing starters on the menu is the addictive combo of sweet, salty, spicy popcorn, peanuts, pistachios bearing the name “Desi Jacks”;  the crispy, sweet and sour Manchurian cauliflower; and the Masala Papadum served with English cucumber, pickled red onion, cilantro and chutneys – all of which are actually vegetarian options and so memorable that even a confirmed carnivore like myself would make a meal of them. That said, there are also plenty of options for more carnivorous diners including a whole chicken leg  marinated for 24-hours in fresh turmeric and a mouth-watering selection of street food sandwiches known as Pavs stuffed with everything from pulled pork to braised short ribs. That all this magic happens in the comfortable unpretentious environs of a strip mall is only an added bonus.

Back to mouthwatering, West Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen may well be the best soul food restaurant in the Western United States, if not all of America. With her eatery, which has garnered universal praise while simultaneously rejuvenating the formerly declining neighborhood in which it resides, classically trained Executive Chef and Owner Tanya Holland has not only created a venue at which patrons happily cue to enjoy signature menu items like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffles served with brown sugar butter and apple cider syrup, Smoked Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo and Blackened Catfish, she has inspired her own signature iteration of New Soul Food cuisine by using only organic ingredients in a manner that is no lighter on flavor than the traditional ways that they have been employed in the past. I was honestly a bit skeptical of the place at first, being a bit of a soul food aficionado myself, but as it was recommended by nearly every Oakland resident I encountered, I submitted and was more than pleasantly surprised that I did, as it is, in addition to being a supremely delicious experience, also something of melting pot where all of Oakland seems to convene.

Other notable dining experiences include Grand Lake Kitchen, a popular spot on Lake Merritt with a major weekend brunch buzz, A16, a local gem serving modern Italian fare situated in the bustling Rockridge neighborhood, and the romantic Paragon, which in addition to delivering staggering views of the Bay set against equally stunning sunsets, also enjoys the luxury of being housed in what is among the finest, most historic properties in Northern California  –  the Claremont Hotel and Spa –which though actually located in Berkeley, qualifies as Oaklandish according to locals. Finally, I’m pretty sure that it is some sort of fineable violation to visit Oakland and not sample Oaktown’s very own Chinatown which is jam-packed with delectable treats for which you need a guide to properly explore. Enter Savor Oakland’s Chinatown Tour which fits the bill quite perfectly.

If there is a buzz word in Oakland it’s ‘inclusion’. Whether tripping through Rockridge and exploring the countless pleasures offered up by the local eateries and the forever and always dazzling food emporium that is Market Hall, which is something of a foodie paradise; Cruising around Jack London Sauare; a hub of shopping, nightlife and all things fabulous in the city in addition to being home to the legendary Yoshi’s Jazz Club; Checking out the art scene courtesy of Oakland Art Murmur, a monthly happening that regularly draws crowds of more than 20,000; or popping into Café Van Kleef in Uptown, where RuPaul’s Drag Race nights play well right alongside nightly sports-themed events, Oakland’s message is a big and hearty “Welcome” to one and all.

There is little doubt that it is the dawn of a bright new day in Oakland. The real question is who will be casting a shadow on whom in the not so distant future.

Find out more about Oakland at www.visitoakland.org.

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