By William Tomicki
Without hesitation, I strongly endorse Whistler in British Columbia. No matter what the season, Whistler is about being in the majestic mountains at the doorstep of an exciting village filled with fine hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. Whistler can not be beat in the winter. It is the largest ski area in North America and will host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In summer, the mountains are transformed with colorful alpine flowers and the pristine rivers and lakes are heaven for fishermen and swimmers. Hikers, mountain bikers, and golfers will also find plenty to challenge them in Whistler. Children will find numerous activities to do and there are several programs designed just for kids. Whistler has an international atmosphere that attracts film makers and artists who, along with residents and visitors, create a mountain energy that is irresistible. The many festivals that take place in the village are always a treat. Visit www.mywhistler.com. My favorite hotel in Whistler is the world-class Westin Resort and Spa with ski-in/ski-out convenience, a terrific spa, and fine dining. Visit www.westinwhistler.net.
With ski season here, if you’d like to take your performance to a new level, head for Squaw Valley, California. Here guests have the rare opportunity to ski with and receive instruction from a six-time World Speed Skiing Champion and former world record holder. Legendary Olympian, Franz Weber, hosts a series of complimentary ski/snowboard excursions during the winter season, a special program for guests of the Resort at Squaw Creek. The Ski with Franz program gives skiers and boarders of almost all abilities the chance to spend a half- or full-day on Squaw Valley’s 4,000 acres of world-class terrain with Weber. This program is not designed for first time skiers. The Resort at Squaw Creek is ideally situated at the base of Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The conditions here are consistently superb, and Lake Tahoe offers the largest concentration of skiing in North America. A stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek provides guests with a perfect location, 403 luxury rooms, five distinct restaurants, full-service spa and salon, boutique shopping, and unlimited outdoor recreation. Program dates for the Ski with Franz will be held on selected Saturdays through March. For reservations or to book your ski package, call 800-3CREEK3 or visit www.squawcreek.com.
Recent world events have made many Americans overly concerned about traveling to Bali. In actuality, this mystical island is home to some of the world’s gentlest people – Hindus and Buddhists. All visitors to Bali are welcomed with an uncommon and refreshing air of tranquility. I recently spent several days at Keraton Jimbaran Resort, and was struck by the hotel’s authenticity. Balinese owned and operated, the property is neighbored by international mega resorts on one side and local fishermen working their boats on the other. A casual stroll down the beach places guests in the rich cultural atmosphere of the Jimbaran Bay fishing village. Keraton celebrates Balinese culture, offering cooking classes that include shopping in traditional markets and hands-on lessons with the local fishermen. Guests are lulled into serenity by the property’s traditional architecture that captures the spirit of Bali. Keraton’s 99 guest rooms include four family suites and three top-quality Keraton suites – the utmost in comfort, blending Balinese tradition and modern amenities. Rates start at $160 for standard rooms and peak at $550 for Keraton suites. Visit them online at www.keratonjimbaranresort.com.
The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh successfully combines technology of the 21st century with the very best of traditional Scottish hospitality. Located on historic North Bridge, this new hotel has been converted from the Scotsman Newspaper’s baronial offices into a contemporary refuge of great comfort and ageless design. Just a few minutes stroll from The Royal Mile and Princes Street, The Scotsman has a handsome oak floor and fireplace in the Drawing Room; “Escape,” a health club with pool, sauna, and steam room and high-tech exercise equipment; and North Bridge, a relaxed brasserie with stately marble pillars and a glass staircase. Vermilion is The Scotsman’s fine dining restaurant where chef Beth McTaggart creates refined dishes in a ravishing candlelight setting. This restaurant could well have the best wine list in Edinburgh. The Scotsman has fifty-six bedrooms and twelve suites, all uniquely designed in a timeless fashion with traditional elegance and contemporary details. They all feature state of the art technology and many have panoramic views over the city. Visit www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk.
January/February 2004
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