We Asked!
A few months back we asked for contributions to our new Travel with Purpose section on our website. The latest post is by Chantal and Mick Griffin, who visited an orphanage in Vietnam and Cambodia. Through a contact at their hotel, they were directed to a local town market to buy school supplies (pencils, markers, crayons, etc.) to give to the kids. The items most needed included 100 pounds of rice, 20 pounds of sugar, 20 pounds of salt, 10 liters of cooking oil, soy sauce, fish sauce and cleaning supplies. “It was very satisfying to know that 100 percent of our contribution went directly to the kids whom we met,” the Griffins say. For more photos and information on their experience, go to marinmagazine.com/travel
Searching for Saimin?
Stop shaking your iPhone for your next meal option when visiting the islands. Use the new free app What Chefs Eat Hawaii to learn where the celebrity chefs and farmers in this burgeoning foodie paradise eat when they’re not cooking. Chefs include Alan Wong of Alan Wong’s, Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s and D.K. Kodama of d.k Steak House. Best yet: if you tweet this to your peeps through the app, you can win a trip for two to the islands.
Cabo Cuisine!
While visitors to Cabo San Lucas know they can visit Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo for great fish tacos, there’s a new Marin-connected venue to try. Hacienda Cocina y Cantina is a new indoor/outdoor Mexican restaurant owned by Marin-based Moana Group (Paragon, El Dorado Kitchen, REDD, Piatti). What does Hagar think? “I love new restaurants coming to Cabo, especially good ones,” he says. “It just adds to a better Cabo experience. As for it being competition, I don’t see it that way. Cabo Wabo is so much more than just a restaurant; it’s a complete experience. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary April 22, so bring it on!”
Scottsdale Savings
Take advantage of the off-season pricing offered by many of the area’s top spots. These specials start in May and run through September.
Scottsdale Resort and Athletic Club is offering a summer escape package consisting of a three-day, two-night getaway with accommodations, continental breakfast, $25 dining credit, one custom massage at Eurasia Spa plus 30 percent off additional services and free access to the private athletic club. Rates begin at $199 per night. scottsdaleresortclub.com
The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa This adults-only resort has plenty to offer those on a budget. Beginning June 14, enjoy rates of $119 per night. For a package involving the Golden Door Spa, the One for All special includes nightly accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch for two, unlimited daily tee times at the Boulders Golf Club, one 50-minute Golden Door Massage per night, unlimited use of the Golden Door Spa facilities and more. Package rates begin at $339 per night. theboulders.com
W Scottsdale Enjoy the vitamin D special this summer, which involves lounging poolside atop W Scottsdale’s WET oasis. Throughout the summer guests also receive a W beach tote and a pitcher of refreshing mojitos, served poolside. Rates start at $149. whotels.com/scottsdaleoffers
FireSky Resort Calling all mothers and daughters. Get out of town–or just get out of the house–and settle into Old Town Scottsdale for an all-girls escape. From $179 through May, from $89 June through September. fireskyresort.com
April—time for fly-fishing
Ever consider learning how to fly-fish or just need to work on your casting skills? The Clearwater Lodge on the Pitt River (five- hour drive northeast) is offering a course titled, “Mastering the Art of Fly-fishing.” The five-day program includes all meals, accommodations, instruction and use of key tackle for $1,395 per person. The Arts and Crafts lodge was built in 1921 and is set on 43 acres, which includes a golf course. clearwaterlodge.com
Mustard massage?
You only have a few weeks left to take advantage of the seasonal Couples Mustard Bath at Auberge du Soleil (a salute to the Mustard Festival). The 90-minute treatment starts with a mineral and essential oil exfoliation and ends with a couples outdoor treatment in a private heated mustard bath, through May. aubergedusoleil.com
Rain check!
Through the month of April, if it happens to rain during your stay at Meadowood Napa Valley, the resort will credit you a free night (must be redeemed by July) as a rain check.
