Stanford Inn by Julie Diebolt Price Pampered in Santa Barbara - by Kathy Condon P.28

Are you looking to refresh your mind, body, and spirit in 2023? If you are looking for inns in Mendocino, The Stanford Inn by the Sea is a coastal destination in Northern California that will fulfill your quest.

Not your typical health and wellness resort, this fun, award-winning boutique hotel offers outstanding opportunities to connect with nature, your creativity, and reconnect with one another.

Pet-friendly and family-friendly, The Stanford Inn specializes in romantic getaways that are popular for weddings and elopements. My husband and I enjoyed our visit as a retreat from the busyness of our daily lives. I would even pay a visit to this inn in Mendocino as a solo female traveler–it’s that comfortable and friendly.

The Stanford Inn enjoys acclaim from Oprah to Condè Nast and has the coveted Four-Diamond rating from AAA.

The rugged Northern California coastal town of Mendocino is a few hours north of San Francisco. You can drive Highway 1 north from San Francisco or south from Leggett.

Note: Traffic can be slow along Highway 1. Bring your patience or drive inland for a faster but less scenic route.

Inland from the coast, Highway 101 connects to Highway 128 from Cloverdale in the south or Highway 253 in Ukiah. Both routes include many curving roads, best traveled during daylight hours.

Jeff and Joan Stanford are creative, energetic, and environmentally conscious in many natural ways. Their lifestyle, built over many years as a family, is appealing. “There was an energy here that is still here,” Jeff said. “We knew we were brought here.” The Stanford Inn is a special place that enlivens and inspires, which is their intent and mission.

The Inn manifests Jeff and Joan’s commitment to live mindfully so that all might live well. Guests are nurtured along with the staff and the farm and gardens. Jeff’s easygoing manner and

humor made us feel welcomed and treated like family.

While touring the grounds with Jeff, I was delighted to experience his love of the land and the animals he cares for on the property. Jeff shared that the organic gardens are “the most important work we do.”

From the cuisine served in the restaurant to the recycling and composting program, the environmentally-friendly cleaning products and the bio-diesel-fueled trucks make The Stanford Inn and Resort a genuinely sustainable destination.

Sid Garza-Hillman is the Wellness Programs Director and Certified Nutritionist at The Stanford Inn. He is a maestro in the kitchen and readily shares his expertise with guests. I enjoyed participating in his cooking class and eating what we prepared.

More than 90% of The Stanford Inn’s guests are not vegan. That’s

By Julie Diebolt Price Photographer/ Travel Writer www.Photo TravelWrite. com

expect from a restaurant. Plantbased meals are very filling.

You can order Lunch on the Go, Happy Hour with a full range of cocktails, snacks, and daily dinners from the menu.

exciting because the meals are a great introduction to the variety of dishes offered in a vegan lifestyle.

The Ravens Restaurant, named after the big, black birds that collect near the garden, is one of North America’s most acclaimed vegan restaurants. Many of the farm-to-table ingredients come directly from their on-site certified organic gardens. The menus are healthy, anti-inflammatory, ethical, and environmentally sustainable.

Every room, suite, and cottage, paneled in pine and redwood, includes a delicious chef-prepared breakfast. The Stanford Inn breakfasts are cooked to order and are a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

Our meals, taken in the spacious dining room overlooking the farm, forest, and ocean, were beautifully presented. The portions were large and more than we could eat. Sid explained that the portion sizes are large because that’s what diners have grown to

Sid hosted the cooking class, a demonstration, and a handson experience to educate guests about how easy and delicious it is to eat a plant-based diet. We ate the fruits of our labor from the class–vegan cheese, mushroom bacon, and zucchini roll-ups.

Creative Playshops, run by Joan, encourage self-expression through drawing, painting, or collage. A long table running the length of the room holds magazines, art supplies, masks, and tools for the creative workshops designed like child’s play.

All accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces ready to start at the stroke of a match, luxurious robes, and an ocean or farm view from a private deck. The owners ordered the most spectacular sunset for us on our second night’s stay. It was remarkable and lasted a full hour.

Creature comforts like refrigerators, microwave ovens, and coffee makers with organic coffee are in every room. Custom bath

products, hand soap, and lotion in the bathroom are sure to please the most discerning guest for skin and hair care.

Stay connected with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite HDTV, telephones with voicemail, cellular service, and stereo systems with iPhone connectivity.

The bright solarium offers respite with a large indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. Green and flowering plants inside make the building a welcome sanctuary for relaxation. The pool also has a device for disabled guests to access the water.

Nestled between the pool building and the nursery, Massage in the Forest is a small building dedicated to quiet and massages. The crimson-red doors match the doors on the solarium and the tiny house by the nursery, which is open to the public.

Yoga and Pilates classes are offered in the main building, where you will also find a fully outfitted gym boasting the latest fitness equipment.

The gift shop is also a haven for books written by the owners and other healthy living tomes, snacks, and beverages. I purchased Dining At The Ravens recipe book to make some dish-

Nine EV charging stations with convenient parking are free for guests to use.

Two main floor ADA-accessible executive queen rooms with roll-in showers and shower seats serve disabled guests. Convenient accessible parking, entrance, and path of travel are thoughtful considerations on the exterior.

The rugged and beautiful Mendocino Coast offers many outdoor experiences like hiking in state parks or along the beach. Point Cabrillo Light Station is a short drive away, as is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

Don’t miss the life-enhancing experiences like pedaling on the complimentary mountain bike rentals or paddling on the Big River Estuary that runs alongside The Stanford Inn from Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too!

A super stable redwood outrigger canoe carried us over the still water near the mouth of Mendocino Bay. We paddled for miles up the river and observed Harbor seals resting on the shore, along with birds and other wildlife. My fear of water evaporated during this experience.

The energy and magic of Stanford Inn by the Sea left me with peace, a sense of well-being and accomplishment, and a desire to return. I’m sure you will find this too.

There is now a real-life, in-person extension of the ever-popular online program Loveology University®. Created by Dr. Ava Cadell, a globally renowned relationship expert and author, she has taken a grand step forward to open The Loveology Retreat located in Maricopa.

For the past two decades, Dr. Ava’s mission has been to promote the benefits of healthy relationships, emotional intimacy and physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and sexual wellness to students worldwide. She has presented seminars both in-person and online – spreading a positive message of spirituality, happiness and love. Now she has a place all her own where she can deliver the seminars to guests, instructing and encouraging them to learn how to best live and love.

Her mission? “To provide emotional and physical wellness to balance you mind, body and spirit.”

Accommodations can be reserved at the Chakra House, Lama House, or one of four different-sized campers right on the property. Retreat rates include your accommodations, meals, pool, funhouse activities and the meditation, yoga,and hiking services. Massages are also available and can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.

Gourmet meals are provided at the Buddha Cafe by Chef Jeffrey Sundy. An elaborate breakfast buffet, romantic picnic lunch, high tea and delectable sunset dinner are featured.

Dr. Cadell and the Loveology Retreat will offer clients One Special Program on-site each month. In addition to Dr. Ava, Guest Speakers will include: Dr. Shannon Chavez, who will teach how to attain emotional intimacy with your partner and how to build awareness surrounding romance and passion; Dr. Hernando Chaves, who will offer new ways to explore and enhance sensual pleasure; Sabrina Jackson, who will demonstrate how to use sensual movement as a path to erotic empowerment and a method to heal trauma; and Ram Kirin, who will teach Kundalini Yoga, meditation and breathwork and will present a “sound bath” by the massive, on-site Stupa. Weekend retreats are scheduled for each weekend, Friday - Sunday throughout January and February. For details and to make reservations, visit https://www. loveologyretreat.com/

“I knew that this magnificent desert land, with its mountains and an abundance of trees, flowers and Buddha statues, would make an ideal location for my Loveology Retreat,” said Dr. Ava.

To say I was looking forward to a pampered weekend in Santa Barbara after an intense trip to Louisville, Kentucky, is an understatement. The thought of the 205mile drive from Palm Springs to the California Central Coast was appealing, for I would have time to myself and my thoughts. While this trip was hosted, I made my own left turns and discovered places not previously recommended.

I am always grateful for Google Maps, for I often travel alone. It takes so much uncertainty out of a trip. Trusting the app as I usually do, led me directly to my home for the next two nights, The Hideaway Santa Barbara, a luxury boutique hotel in the Kirkwood Collection.

I parked on the street and walked up the steps of a building that looked like any residential home. I opened the door and walked into a room reminiscent of a living room with soothing ocean-like colors and décor. On a sidebar was water in a decanter with lemon water, a welcome touch after my drive.

Check-in was smooth, and I was informed that breakfast with a different entrée would be served each morning in the atrium. Covered parking was in the back. A premium amenity that is always welcomed in a beach community.

you walk in the door, and your response is, “Wow, I like this place.” The king-size bed, which I discovered had luxurious linens, is set off to one side, with a comfy lounge bench opposite the door. A fireplace on the right side would prove to be the heat for the room, which I can attest worked perfectly. The roomy bathroom would definitely serve me, and the refrig-erator was sure to come in handy.

The evening was rapidly approaching. I knew I was a very short distance from the ocean. I searched for a place where I could see the sunset while enjoying seafood.

With a search of Happy Hours, it became apparent that Boathouse at Hendry’s, was where I needed to be to watch the sunset. It was fun driving along the winding road, for had I not sought out this place, I would not have understood the cliff upon which part of Santa Barbara has been built.

It immediately became apparent that the parking lot also served as

By Kathy Condon www.PalmSprings InsiderGuide.com

the space for people parking cars to head to Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Since I was alone, I walked by the firepits and headed to the bar, where I learned locals love to regale stories about their beloved community. I was informed that there are only two months out of the year when you can be here when the sun sets over the water. Otherwise, it sets over the land, projecting into the Pacific Ocean. On this evening, the perfect ending to a beautiful day, the sun set over the ocean.

The room was the perfect place for a quiet and restful sleep. The following day my feet were still screaming, “We need help,” for I had been walking miles during the last week. So, upon the recommendation of the young woman at the front desk, I headed off to Nu Image for a pedicure.

Soon I found myself in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street, which is open to pedestrians only. It was fun to walk down the tree-lined street. Walking into the day spa, one got the sense this beautifully appointed space was the perfect place to have my feet attended to by a professional. Sitting back and putting my feet into the warm water was soothing and made me sit back and relax and let my stress float away. The silver polish fit my mood perfectly.

I am one who follows wellness processes, so the idea of a salt cave was not new to me. Yet, now here I was, standing on the street and looking up at the unpretentious sign at the location for the salt cave downtown Santa Barbara. I descended approximately 20 steps that led to the basement of one of the downtown buildings. I was excited to at last be able to experience this process touted as one especially helpful to your well-being.

The small room at the bottom of the stairs was dimly lit, and a gift shop where you checked in for the 45-minute session. Once I checked in, I was escorted toward a door where I was asked to take off my shoes. As I entered the salt room, a sense of wonder flooded over me; everywhere I looked, there was pink Himalayan salt. The fine grain salt squished between my toes as I made my way to one of the lounge chairs.

I lay there observing the space as they awaited other clients. The ceiling was designed with wooden supports, wire mesh, and fistsized pieces of salt. All the walls were covered with blocks of salt approximately 20 inches square, with occasionally one lit from behind to provide subtle lighting creating the perfect ambiance.

At the appointed time., the door was closed, and soft, unintrusive music began to play. Additional air infused with salt was pumped into the room at various intervals, providing even more, salt air. As I lay there, I could feel my sinuses opening up while I worked diligently to turn off my mind, which had been going full speed ahead for days.

Alas, the 45 minutes was up way too quickly. If I had a regret, it is that I didn’t stay for another 45 minutes. The salt cave was like

a warm cocoon for the body, which relished in the purity of the salt air.

This dock, one of the oldest in continuous operation on the West Coast, is the home to Celebration Cruises. Up until now, I had never been on an actual yacht. This evening, continuing with my pampered weekend, I was to be a guest on a cruise for me to see another sunset over the Pacific Ocean. I was ushered to the upper deck with padded, oh-so-comfortable chairs and offered a glass of champagne. I asked myself, “Does it get any better than this?”

Cruising on the yacht along the coast, the beauty of the Santa Barbara’s rugged shoreline, was highlighted with beams of light from the setting sun. Soft music played, and the other three couples’ muffled conversations provided the perfect backdrop for a unique way to end my pampered weekend in Santa Barbara.

Brundage Mountain Resort’s culinary team announces the return of its signature dining experience, the Bear’s Den Dinner After Dark. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening full of cozy conversation and delicious food in a one-ofa-kind alpine setting. The popular ‘Bears Den Dinner After Dark’ pairs a spectacular four-course meal with an alpine adventure to a mid-mountain outpost.

This after-hours culinary adventure begins when diners climb aboard a heated snowcat for a memorable ride to the mid-mountain log cabin known as the Bear’s Den. After settling into the cozy outpost with a warm drink, diners are treated to a spectacular four-course meal featuring a rotating menu of seasonal fresh dishes accompanied by craft beer and wine selections.

The meal is elegant, but the rustic setting naturally encourages relaxation and connection with your fellow adventurers. Guests arrive at the Brundage Lodge at 5:30 with the first SnowCat departing at 6 p.m.. Dinner service begins at approximately 7 p.m. You can expect to arrive back in the base area between 9 – 10 p.m.The price is $179 per person, includes tax and gratuity.

The arrival of a new year often fills us with complicated emotions and a search for perspective. This year as we stand on the precipice of an unknown 2023, why not resolve to just … be?

Instead of distracting ourselves with ruminations on the past or worries about the future, why not become centered in the here and now with your entire family around you. Is there really a better place to do this than Lake Tahoe? Our winter playground sits at more than a mile above sea level, a snowy landscape bathed in frequent sunshine. Every breath of clean, crisp air takes you closer to any resolution you may make for yourself.

South Tahoe’s outdoor adventure wonderland is perfect for families who have more on their wish list than skiing and snowboarding. RnR Vacation Rentals offers the following suggestions:

● Time to lace up: Lake Tahoe may not freeze over, but there is plenty of frozen action for ice skaters of all skill levels. Take in the sights while gliding along the ice from the picturesque rink at Heavenly Village or Edgewood on Ice. The views aren’t as good, but South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena offers public skating on a well-groomed surface.

● Old-fashioned gravity sport: Does flying down a snowy hill on a sled ever get old? Bring your own sled, or just pick one for cheap at most grocery stores or sporting goods stores. Find a snow-play area just behind Heavenly Village, or discover more sledding areas around the city and lake. On the Nevada side of the lake, there is free sledding and snow play at the large park at Spooner Summit. , Adventure Mountain (Highway 50 at Echo Summit) On the California side look for SNO-PARK areas that are usually well marked. Taylor Creek SNO-Park in South Tahoe is the gentlest and least-crowded location for small children and beginners. Remember, a SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle from Nov. 1 through May 30. Day permits are $5 and season permits ($25) are valid all season. To find out where to buy a permit, call the SNO-PARK Hotline at 916-324-1222 or purchase online.

● Take a heavenly gondola ride: Heavenly Ski resort offers so many wintery things to do for non-skiers. Purchase the non-skier gondola pass and head up to the top for the 2.4 mile trip! About two-thirds of the way up is a viewing platform with panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. There is also a small cafe that sells warm drinks (and adult add-ons). The gondola runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday and

tickets are: adults ages 19-64 ($63); children ages 5-12 ($32); teens ages 13-18 and seniors 65-over ($49). Once at the top the resort offers a banquet of activities for families.

● Enjoy apres-ski without the skis: With so many restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, from family-style to fine dining, it’s pretty easy to find something to match everyone’s tastes and budgets. And many offer up views of the lake. If the adults in the group love craft beer, Tahoe boasts many breweries, along with a dozen or so taverns and tap houses. There are larger venues, such as Stateline Brewery & Restaurant (at the bottom of the Heavenly Gondola), and others with a more neighborhood feel. Try the dog-friendly and family-friendly pub Sidellis Brewery, South Lake Brewing (a community-focused taproom), or South of North Brewing (an adorable little spot near Heavenly Village that’s perfect for an apres ski beer (complete with an outdoor playspace with chairs, fire pits and bocce ball). ● See the eagles: No, we aren’t talking about the rock band, but Tahoe’s eagles are still a sight to see. Find your way to Carson Valley and experience the stunning sights during the winter calving season. The annual Eagles & Agriculture event takes place Jan. 26-29 and includes tours with expert birders and historians, the popular Owl Prowl, a wildlife photography class, and opportunities to get close to a variety of raptors. Complete details and reservations are at www.carsonvalleynv.org or call the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce at (775) 782-8144.

● Enjoy a drive around the lake: No one will ask, “are we there yet?” on this beautiful ride. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes (without stops, lunch or snowy conditions). Don’t be in a hurry. Take the time to stop at various viewpoints, such as the Memorial Point (east side) and Emerald Bay Viewpoint (west side). Check out the beaches on Zephyr Cove, Lakeside and Incline Village (east side) or Patton Beach, Tahoe City or Meeks Bay (west side).

As you can see, there is much to do in wintry January. Why not make just one resolution — BEFORE the holidays arrive. Book your own vacation rental at one of RnR’s spacious and comfy vacation homes, right at the doorstep to the unifying power of Lake Tahoe!

For More on Nevada >Click Here

A signature annual event that’s been part of the Ely story for years, the festivities are normally headquartered at Cave Lake State Park and also include the Nevada Northern Railway, Ward Mountain Recreation Area, and countless Downtown Ely businesses. From ice bowling to art sculpture bonfires, and billiards tournaments to live music, historic train rides and beyond, load up the whole fam for an outdoor weekend of winter wonderland activities you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Ice sculpting, snow bowling and ice fishing derbies on frozen Cave Lake—plus the only fireworks show we know of that launches explosives from a moving steam train—and plenty more winter-defying activities make Ely’s Fire & Ice Winter Festival the hottest (and coolest) place to be.

During the daytime, it’s all about getting to know Ely’s high desert wintry conditions. Cast a line into some of the best ice fishing in Nevada, then get your name on the roster for ice fishing, ice golf, ice sledding, cross country skiing, ice bowling and even snow sculpting competitions. Be sure to bring your own sleds, skates, and fishing tackle, then head for Ward Mountain Recreation Area—a quick and easy 10 mins from downtown Ely. Once the daytime events come to a close, head back into downtown Ely to board the Fireworks Express at the historic Nevada Northern Railway and East Ely Depot Railroad Museum for an event closer you and the whole fam are sure to remember forever. After all, when else in your lifetime will you be able to experience fireworks blasting off a historic, early 1900s era locomotive? Be sure to grab your tickets early if you want to ride, otherwise you count on spectating alongside other event goers all over town. Ready to ride? Be sure to get your hands on tickets in advance—this one always sells out!

No matter how you decide to experience this top annual Nevada event, it’s safe to say Ely has something going in the surrounding mountains and all over town, all day long, including everything from bowling, to dart and pool tournaments, bounce houses and face painting, karaoke, and live music. For more info on Ely’s Fire and Ice Festival and a complete schedule of events, visit https://elynevada. net/

The Wasatch Mountain Range is one of the most amazing wonders of Utah. The towering mountains are just minutes from the Unite Fitness Retreat in Salt Lake City. On the opposite side of this range, lies the Oquirrh Mountains. From every angle of your private room at the Courtyard Marriott, you’ll get to experience beautiful views. A private king room is reserved for all guests with the option to upgrade to a suite.

Unite is the ONLY fitness camp that isn’t a “Choose your own Adventure” experience. Structure is the difference. Each workout, activity, educational class and meal is pre-planned for your success. You do not get a list of optional fitness classes that you can choose to participate in or not. Instead, we have a very structured, organized schedule created for you- Show up ready to go, and we’ll do the rest.

Why do we feel like experiencing a fitness retreat is better in a “real life” setting? Because we TEACH you how to succeed in the real world. You will know exactly how to navigate the grocery store, build a terrific healthy salad bar, order at a restaurant, and prepare healthy meals for yourself. You will also know what to do when you see your triggers (like fast food), you will have the skills for long term success.

There are no starvation juice or cabbage soup diets allowed and no supplements or magic pills to take, just delicious and nutritious meals prepared with love by our private culinary team.

The Unite Hiking Program will get your heart rate up in breathtaking recreational areas. From Park City to Millcreek, Snowbird to Antelope Island, each afternoon is an adventure.

Private life-coaching and behavioral change education is offered so you can make this commitment stick when you return home, after all, that’s what it’s all about.

At Unite, it’s all about important details that make for a remarkable experience. We are not your typical weight loss resort, we include ALL that you’ll need so you can focus solely on your goals.

For more information, visit https://www.unitefitnessretreat.com/fitnessretreatrates/