By William Tomicki

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California has a long and glamorous history, providing romantic seclusion for celebrities and discriminating travelers from around the world. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux organization, San Ysidro Ranch emphasizes gracious hospitality, understated elegance, and traditional California comfort in an intimate, luxurious setting. This year is a particularly special time to visit, as it marks the hotel’s 110th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s romantic honeymoon stay in September 1953. The illustrious Kennedy Suite is a lavish two-bedroom cottage, featuring three fireplaces and the largest private deck on the property. Views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands are absolutely stunning. The fall and winter are idyllic times in Santa Barbara. The air is crisp and the climate a perfect blend of summer warmth and fall freshness. You’ll even be eligible for a special offer marking the establishment’s anniversary. Guests who book a two-night stay through December 2003 will be offered a third night for only $110. San Ysidro Ranch provides a truly unique experience, and was recognized as “one of the top ten most romantic destinations in the world” by the Travel Channel. Contact them at (805) 565-1700.

At Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, located in Dana Point, California, an increase in guest requests for outdoor activities like surfing has led to the creation of the Surf Butler, a service designed to safely ease guests into Southern California’s most popular sport. The service is open to all ages and includes orientation, surfboard rental, and transportation to appropriate surf spots, all under the expert guidance of the Surf Butler. The Surf Butler offers twice daily orientations to resort guests wanting to experience the thrill of riding a wave in Southern California’s birthplace of surfing. They’ll review ocean awareness, safety, surf etiquette, and local conditions. Guests will be provided with high performance soft surfboards specially designed for safety. The Surf Butler also demonstrates recommended pre-surf stretches and the basic fundamentals of paddling and controlling the surfboard. The Surf Butler service is included in the optional Resort Passport fee which is $15 per day, per room. Situated midway between Los Angeles and San Diego on a hillside bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is an ideal location for this unique new service. For more information, call (949) 661-5000 or visit www.marriotthotels.com.

The small, elegant Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach has a Privileged Pooch package that offers a one-night accommodation in a deluxe room with designated pet-friendly features and a special gift basket filled with treats and toys for the pet. The hotel provides a special itinerary that lists sights of interest to both the guest and their pet. Running along the beach and strolling down Worth Avenue are very popular among most pets. Clean up bags are provided for short and long walks around the hotel. The Privileged Pooch package is $295 (through December 23, 2003) based on double occupancy with early arrival and late checkout, subject to availability. For more information call (561) 659-5800 or visit www.chesterfieldpb.com.

In 1994, the World Travel & Tourism Council developed a global certification and improvement system called Green Globe. One of the places to have been awarded the Green Globe certification for excellence in sustainable tourism is Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay. Sound environmental management is a major part of Round Hill’s approach to tourism. The resort features a Green Team, consisting of members from each of Round Hill’s departments who receive training and, in turn, teach other employees in their group. Green Globe benchmarks sustainability performance annually by monitoring energy, water, wastewater and solid waste, air quality, biodiveristy, resource conservation, and all environmental practices. By working closely with the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) project, Round Hill has been able to initiate changes over the past few years to meet the Green Globe certification requirements. The addition of the Green Globe logo establishes the resort as one which sincerely cares about the environment and the impact of tourism. For further information on Round Hill, call (800) 972-2159 or visit www.roundhilljamaica.com.

November/December 2003

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