Recommended Resort:  The Charlie. Not a traditional hotel, The Charlie is actually an assortment of bungalows surrounding a gorgeous garden. Built in 1924 by the Ruth Gordon family (of Harold and Maude and Rosemary’s Baby fame) these little pieces of heaven became temporary havens to the aforementioned stars, especially its signature namesake.

Following the multi-million dollar restoration, the property is better than ever and awaiting your close-up. Each is touchingly named in homage to a famous celebrity and styled in sleek Hollywood fashion. Most feature a kitchen and private area, be it a balcony or a patio. Units range in size from two-story to one-story living spaces.

Check In:  819 N. Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood. 323-988-9000, thecharliehotel.com

Check Out:  The Marilyn. Home to Marilyn herself in the ’40s, this stand-alone two story cottage features two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The dining room overlooks the lush gardens and the bedroom opens to a large wrap around patio, perfect for a post-Oscar champagne brunch.

Don’t Miss:  Hollywood…of course. The Chaplin has the benefit of being located in a quiet residential neighborhood without being too far away from the action. West Hollywood is a great spot for cafes, restaurants and shopping, especially along famous Melrose Avenue and ever evolving La Cienega.

For more reliable tourist fare, head up to Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, where historical landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Grauman’s Chinese and the Walk of Fame await your camera opp. For a bit of Hollywood dining history, make a reservation at Musso & Franks…one of the oldest eateries in the area and a favorite hide out for the stars.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of The Charlie.

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The best part? “Pass of the Oaks,” as the City’s Spanish name translates to, is only 4.5 hours from Sacramento – making it the ideal weekend destination for couples. Follow my guide below for a three-day trip that will leave you madly in love with Paso (not to mention your lover)!

DAY ONE:

Check in:  La Bellasera Hotel & Suites (labellasera.com). With easy access to all of Paso’s hot spots, complimentary wine tasting on Friday and Saturday evenings, and luxurious rooms that come complete with all the comforts one would expect from a AAA Four Diamond rated property – plush robes and towels, spa-quality bath amenities, premium linens, pillow top mattresses, and turndown service – Bellasera vaunts charm and elegance.

Check Out:  Downtown Paso and meander in and out of the locally owned, specialty shops. Vivant Fine Cheese (vivantfinecheese.com) and We Olive (weolive.com) both offer samples aplenty and promise to tease your taste buds until dinner.

When hunger hits, INDULGE at Thomas Hill Organics (thomashillorganics.com). The restaurant’s moniker comes from the owner’s farm where much of the dishes’ ingredients originate; what isn’t grown on the property is purchased from local farmers’ markets and ranches…ensuring ultimate farm-to-table freshness.

The menu changes daily, based on what’s in season, but never disappoints. Each item prepared by Chef Julie Simon – whether Tamarind Glazed Halibut Cheeks with bok choy, roasted shitake mushrooms and coconut cream or a Vietnamese BBQ Pork Belly and Fried Egg Sandwich – is teeming with flavor.

After, gallop a few blocks to the über-chic Pony Club (hotelcheval.com/food.php) for a glass of Port and their notorious S’more dessert.

DAY TWO:

Once the sun rises and it dawns on you that you’re hungry, ENJOY Breakfast at Enoteca Restaurant & Bar (labellasera.com/dining.php), the hotel’s on-property eatery.

The eggs benedict is egg-celent, as is the homemade almond granola served with yogurt, natural wildflower honey and fresh fruit from the region.

Post meal, JOURNEY through the serene Central Coast to Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.org). If you’ve never had a chance to tour this California State Park and impressive estate before, I recommend you plan a trip.

Rewind to the ‘30s and experience lifestyles of the rich and famous while you learn the history of the Grand Rooms, wander through the exquisitely manicured grounds and enjoy unparalleled ocean views.

On the drive back toward Paso, SIP the selections at the brother/sister-owned and operated Lone Madrone (lonemadrone.com), specializing in dry-farmed wines as well as a refreshingly crisp apple cider. In the summer months, the adjacent Fat Cat Farms nursery decorates the property with herbs and colorful flowers.

Stroll across the street to the state-of-the-art tasting room at Niner Wine Estates (ninerwine.com), which prides itself on estate-grown wines that are produced using traditional winemaking methods and cutting-edge technologies. Take my word when I tell you their vinos will leave you drunk with delight.

Quiet your buzz by EATing a hearty dinner at one of Paso’s newer fine dining yet not-too-stuffy establishments, Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar (robertsrestaurantpaso.com). Chef Ryan Swarthout executes classic American dishes with a fresh flair and emphasis on local ingredients. For dessert (which I advise you save room for), be naughty and nice with a slice of their Heaven and Hell Cake. Peanut butter mouse rests between layers of angel food and devil’s food cake, resulting in a sweet ending that is purely heavenly!

DAY THREE:

Don’t Miss:  What would a romantic weekend away be without a spa EXPERIENCE? Enter River Oaks Hot Springs Spa (riveroakshotsprings.com), the perfect last stop before the trek home.

Although numerous Special Packages are offered, you and your plus one can’t go wrong with the Winemaker’s selection. Just reading the description – a 60-minute couple’s massage and an hour soak in the mineral springs while you sip a bottle of red or white wine – makes the tension melt away.

Sparks flying, my special someone and I returned home refreshed and ready for reality.

Blog post by Managing Editor, Megan Wiskus.

Photo Credits: Heart’s Castle photos courtesy of California State Parks. Thomas Hill Organics photos courtesy of Thomas Hill Organics. The Pony Club photo is courtesy of Hotel Cheval. Niner Wine Estates photos are courtesy of Niner Wine Estates. River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, Enoteca and La Bellasera Hotel & Suites are courtesy of Travel Paso Robles Alliance.

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Recommended Resort:  River Terrace Inn. This tranquil retreat nestled along the River Trail and the Oxbow Park Preserve of the Napa Valley Wine Country is walking distance from downtown Napa’s charming wine tasting salons, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife and attractions such as Oxbow Public Market, Napa Valley Opera House and Napa Valley Wine Train.

Featuring a pristine riverfront setting, the River Terrace Inn is a refreshing blend of upscale elegance and cool California charm. Stretch out in their 106 luxurious guestrooms and suites where warm wood tones are accented by rich, vibrantly colored fabrics and rugs.

Check In:  1600 Soscol Avenue in Napa. 866-NAPA-FUN riverterraceinn.com

Check Out:  Restaurant Cuvée. Located in the center of downtown Napa adjacent to River Terrace Inn, this fun eatery offers a low country feel and living room ambiance complemented by distinctive cuisine with a high country flavor and polished edge.

Cuvée’s community-focused menu is solely dictated by regional availability and ripeness, producing rich comfort food flavors reengineered to a level of “high cuisine.” While offering an extensive local wine list, the bar also features a robust beer list focused on Northern California micro brews as well as fresh garden-inspired drinks.

Chef Mackey’s enhancements to Cuvée include an on-site garden to harvest organic herbs and vegetables for farm-to-table ingredients as well as new weekly themed guest receptions such as “Cupcake Happy Hour” on Tasting Tuesday and “Bubbles and Buckets” on Fried-day.

Don’t Miss:  Napa Valley Wine Country Honeymoon Package. Experience two nights of romantic bliss in a River Front Deluxe Jacuzzi Room with a private balcony overlooking the Napa River.

A lovely bouquet of roses, box of chocolates and chilled champagne await you upon arrival. Enjoy an intimate dinner at one of Napa’s most popular restaurants. Awaken to breakfast in bed or on your private balcony before enjoying an exclusive private wine tasting tour of three boutique wineries in a chauffeured limousine.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of River Terrace Inn.

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Recommended Resort: Hotel Terra. Open, expansive windows bring Wyoming’s stunning outdoor natural beauty indoors at Hotel Terra. Eco-friendly by design, the property offers superior interior air quality, efficient temperature management, well insulated rooms, smoke-free environment, chemical-free cleaning products and state-of-the-art ventilation, collectively creating a healthier, restorative environment. Modern, yet cozy, the stylish interiors include inlaid gas fireplaces, contemporary western design features and rich material tones and textures throughout.

Check In: 3335 West Village Drive in Teton Village, Wyoming. 800-631-6281, hotelterrajacksonhole.com

Check Out: Free Ride (Air Credit Promotion)

Hotel Terra offers a rare opportunity for big savings on your flight to Jackson Hole. Get room credit to mitigate the cost of flight when you book five nights or more. Credit ranges from $300 to $850 per stay. The bigger the room type, the more you get back in your one-time credit at checkout.

Room type and savings breakdown are as follows:

• Terra Guest Room: One-time $300 credit

• One Bedroom Suite: One-time $600 credit

• Two Bedroom Suite: One-time $900 credit

Don’t Miss: The skiing. It doesn’t get much better than Jackson Hole, Wyoming, skiing and snowboarding. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is widely considered to offer the nation’s best and most exciting ski terrain. With more than 2,500 acres of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain set in the center of the famed Teton Mountain Range, Jackson Hole is the alpine experience of a lifetime.

Here are some of the amazing snow specs:

• Summit elevation of 10,450 feet

• Uphill capacity of 15,423 skiers per hour

• Open backcountry gate system allows expert skiers and snowboarders access to 3,000+ acres of additional, untouched terrain and snow

Runs:

• 50% Expert

• 40% Intermediate

• 10% Beginner

• 116 Named Trails on Map

Lifts:

• One New 100 Passenger Aerial Tram

• One Eight Px High-Speed Gondola

• Two Detachable Quad Chairlifts

• Four Fixed Grip Quad Chairlifts

• Two Triple Chirlifts

• One Double Chairlift

Snow:

Average of 459″/year (38.25 feet; 1166 cm; 11.6 meters) over the past 10 years

Instruction:

Jackson Hole’s Adult Mountain Sports School and Kids Ranch, offers instruction to every level, including guides to show your around Jackson’s legendary backcounty!

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Terra.

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Recommended Resort: Wailea Beach Villas. An exclusive residential enclave in lovely Wailea, the beach villas give you all the amenities you’d expect of a five-star resort with the added value of total privacy. Beautiful beaches, the pristine blue Pacific in full view, lush gardens and plenty of room to stretch out and relax, you won’t find a nicer, more luxurious escape on the island then this property. Each home is furnished with two, three or four bedrooms and up to three and ½ baths depending on the unit. Central air and ceiling fans keep things cool inside, while garden and ocean views make for beautiful vista outside. The deluxe gourmet kitchen with Subzero refrigerators makes for great entertaining, and the cupboards and bar will be stocked with supplies upon arrival if requested. There’s also an outdoor Viking grill for taking the party outdoors, complimentary Internet access and daily housekeeping and turndown service.

Check In:  3800 Wailea Alanui,
Wailea in Maui. 808-891-6290, drhmaui.com

Check Out:  The Resort amenities. So many, we’ll just list them:

Resort Services:

• 24-hour front-desk service

• Bell and valet service

• Daily housekeeping and dishwashing services

• Dry cleaning service

• Grocery and liquor delivery

• On-site maintenance service

• 24-hour security kiosk/gate

• 20 elevators offering individual unit privacy and accessibility

• Additional daily security throughout the property

• Business center

• Conference room

• Owner’s lounge

• Three semi-private barbeque areas

• Airport and in-town shuttle service

• Complimentary self-parking

• Rentals available: cars, vans, jeeps, tennis racquets, beach equipment and snorkeling gear

Arrival Amenities:

• Lei greeting at the lobby entrance

• Hawaiian refreshments and cold plumeria-scented towels at reception

• Welcome basket and fresh, Hawaiian flowers in your villa

Don’t Miss: Resort Access. Booking here has its perks! The Wailea Resort offers many wonderful day and evening activities to keep you busy. Highlights include five champion, 18-hole golf courses nearby, as well as 11 world-class tennis courts. There are two pools (one for adults only), two whirlpools and a fitness center. The nearby natural treasures offer hiking, biking, diving, swimming, sailing, snorkeling and much more. Or, did we mention beaches? Yeah, so what are you waiting for? Mele Kalikimaka!

Photos courtesy of Wailea Beach Villas.

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Until then, one of my favorite places to stay is the Movie Colony Hotel. In the heart of downtown, this small, but nicely appointed boutique is a hop, skip and a jump from all the Palm Springs action, from the trendy design districts on the north end of Palm Canyon Drive, to the shops and commercial area due south.

Recommended Resort:  Movie Colony Hotel. Appropriately named for the neighborhood where it resides, this posh strip of Palm Springs once welcomed many of Hollywood’s glitterati, at the Colony Palms next door to the Riviera just down the street. The building was one of architect Albert Fray’s first projects, originally conceived as apartments, hosting the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jim Morrison.

In the recent decade, the structure was restored to its original glory and reopened as a boutique hotel, offering 17 themed rooms for guests. All feature king sized beds and free wireless Internet, and some have the added bonus of a patio or terrace area. Happy hour is a happy time at the hotel, where the staff serves wine and snacks for guests before they head out to dinner or wherever their desert evening takes them.

Check In:  Movie Colony Hotel. 726 N. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. 888-953-5700, moviecolonyhotel.com.

Check Out:  The pool area. With such and intimate assortment of rooms, you can count on a low occupancy at the hotel. This means more room for you and your loved one to mingle. I suggested grabbing a cocktail and lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the heated Jacuzzi on a chilly winter night. The starry skies make each moment magical.

Don’t Miss:  The Neighborhood. The design district just across the way on Palm Canyon Drive offers a mix of vintage finds, contemporary furniture and great restaurants. One of my favorites is Trio, a bustling bistro of great food and excellent service. For brunch, you can’t beat Cheeky’s. I recently enjoyed delicious waffle with sea salted butter accompanied by a flight of bacon…yep, a flight of bacon. Come hungry, leave happy.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Movie Colony Hotel.

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Recommended Resort:  Hotel Bel-Air. All the rooms and suites feature a completely new aesthetic that reflects the golden eras of the hotels illustrious past, from the glamorous ’30s to the nifty ’50s. The result is California design at its best…airy, fresh, classic and elegant.

Despite the large grounds, there are only 58 guest rooms and 45 suites, and seven one-of-a-kind specialty suites. Many feature wood-burning fireplaces, elaborate bathrooms, private gardens and more amazing amenities.

Check In:  701 Stone Canyon Road in Los Angeles. 800-648-4097, hotelbelair.com

Check Out:  Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel-Air. Meticulously re-designed by the acclaimed architect and design firm Rockwell Group, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air features modern California with European and Mediterranean influences. All of the menus reflect the healthy California lifestyle and showcase the best of California’s wonderful, fresh ingredients such as produce from Chino Farms and local farmers’ markets, all natural poultry and sustainable seafood.

For a more relaxed environment the beautiful terrace has the feel of a Spanish courtyard where guests can lounge in comfy booths, at the bar or in the ultra private terrace alcoves overlooking Swan Lake. Each terrace alcove features curtains between them as well as an incredible seeded glass pendant light, a popular material used during the 1700s for lanterns and other types of glassware. Heated floors and a retractable screen covers the entire terrace for year round enjoyment.

Don’t Miss:  Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie. The luxury Swiss beauty company revered for its collection of powerful, anti-aging products, welcomes you to the namesake spa at Hotel Bel-Air. Experience a world of privilege and pleasure with the finest face and body treatments that state-of-the-art science can provide. From the moment you walk into Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie, your every need will be tended to, allowing you to truly unwind, unplug and enjoy your time of indulgence.

La Prairie’s comprehensive menu of services includes customized de-aging facials for men and women, unique body treatments, pampering nail services and European, Asian and therapeutic massages. All are executed by a highly professional and proficient staff, there to help you de-stress and rejuvenate. Spend an hour—or an afternoon—and allow your mind, body and psyche to enjoy well-deserved luxurious downtime.

With seven treatment rooms, including a spacious suite with outdoor space to accommodate groups of two and more, and a private nail salon, Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie addresses every relaxation and beauty need, from travel therapy treatments to a four-handed massage, gentleman’s facial to a perfect manicure.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air.

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Recommended Resort:  Miramonte Resort & Spa. 215 guest rooms, suites and villas await in the herb, citrus, olive tree and bougainvillea-covered grounds of Miramonte. The signature pool is graced with lounge chairs and daybeds, complete with private poolside cabanas for sun-drenched afternoons.

The Grove Artisan Kitchen is the star dining venue on-site, offering farm to table, fresh California-seasonal fare. Local and regional farms and ranches help the restaurant to create the most enticing restaurant menu in the Coachella Valley. The menu features organic produce, “home grown” fresh herbs, farm raised meats and poultry, fresh Pacific seafood, house-made pastas, prime dry-aged meats and innovative vegetarian or spa oriented dishes.

Check In:  45000 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells. 877-314-7081, miramonteresort.com

Check Out:  Golf lovers will enjoy the three championship courses the resort overlooks. Located on the resort campus is the Indian Wells Golf Resort, home to the 2007-2009 LG Skins Game. Ranked in the Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek Magazine, the courses at the Indian Wells Golf Resort are the most prestigious resort courses in the Palm Springs and Palm Desert area.

At the Callaway Performance Centers (CPC), you’ll have your swing evaluated with the exact same cutting edge fitting technology they use on Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam. You’ll swing the latest clubs from golf’s leading innovator and get fit into the ideal equipment for your game.

Don’t Miss:  The Well Spa. Rated the #1 resort spa by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s hard to argue with top-notch service, a Tuscan vibe and those breathtaking Santa Rosa Mountains. Our favorite treatment is the Desert Rain Massage. Essential oils like marjoram and wintergreen drop like rain along the spine to boost immunities, reduce mental fatigue and calm the central nervous system. A relaxing, full-body massage includes a warm compress to enhance the effects. Designed exclusively for The Well Spa by certified aromatherapist Lori Torquati. Couples may also enjoy a cozy, seated barrel soak for two overlooking the mountains before bedtime.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Miramonte Resort & Spa.

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Recommended Resort:  Extensively renovated in 2005, the Roosevelt is better than ever, but still an icon of a bygone era. The Spanish-style features of the entrance lobby has been beautifully restored, as has the cabana glamour of the Tropicana Bar, a stylish rendezvous with a view of David Hockney’s painted pool.

Rooms are varied and nicely appointed, from the studios and suites of the main 12-story building to the poolside Cabana rooms. The grand dame is the Gable Lombard Penthouse, a 3,200-square-foot duplex with vaulted historic ceilings, and 1,200-square-feet of outdoor space on the 12th floor rooftop underneath the Historic Hollywood Roosevelt sign. You won’t want to miss these stunning views of the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline.

Check In:  7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. 323-466-7000, thompsonhotels.com

Check Out:  The eats. 25 Degrees off the hotel’s lobby runs right along hopping Hollywood Boulevard. A little old glamour and a little modern magic mixed with a lot of great burgers, you’ll have dreams about this tasty menu. The Public Kitchen and Bar features American fare from chef Tim Goodell in loft-style environment filled with butcher block tables and ’60s library chairs. Great food at a manageable price. For casual late night fare, don’t miss the scene the Tropicana Bar, where the drinks flow late into the evening.

Don’t Miss:  The Spare Room. Soon the secret’s going to get out on this little hideaway tucked inside the hotel. The speakeasy gaming lounge features vintage bowling lanes and classic cocktails. Throw in the vaudeville theatre of Beacher’s Madhouse and try not to be transported to the days of Chaplin and Keaton. Silence is golden.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Thompson Hotels.

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Recommended Resort:  Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa. Located on Shell Beach, the property enjoys all the perks of seaside real estate and the convenience of close proximity to many of the Central coast’s biggest attractions, like Cambria, Hearst Castle and Paso Robles wine country.

Dolphin Bay’s suites offer distinctive one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse configurations. Each private entrance opens into designer interiors, complete with well-furnished living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens that are equipped with granite countertops and signature appliances. Master bedrooms are retreats in themselves, featuring designer linens and walk-in closets. Each suite has flat-panel televisions and DVD players, private terraces or patios, full laundry facilities, and complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. Select units also feature fireplaces and Aire Jet tubs.

Check In:  2727 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach. 800-516-0112, thedolphinbay.com

Check Out:  Lido Restaurant and Lounge is one of the top sought after dining locations in Pismo Beach. The mesmerizing ocean view provides the perfect backdrop for a casual yet elegant dining experience. Experience the most spectacular sunsets Shell Beach has to offer while sitting on the Lido Patio or next to the Fireside Grill.

Executive Chef, Brian Collins, has perfected his California Coastal Cuisine showcasing a variety of world-class products that can be found right in the San Luis Obispo region. Chef Brian has developed relationships with local farmers who provide produce freshly picked from their fields as well as with local ranchers and artisans so that he can provide the freshest and most natural cuisine. With over 300 wineries from the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys to the Edna Valley, Paso Robles and Monterey appellations, there are countless exciting and unique local wines to pair with his masterful cuisine.

Don’t Miss:  La Bonne Vie Spa is an oasis of relaxation awaiting your visit. Spend the day unwinding with luxurious, signature spa treatments that are designed to rejuvenate and replenish your soul. Fill your senses with an indulgent experience as skilled therapists use essential oils infused with herbs and rich minerals that are designed to relax you from head to toe.

One of the highlights is the six-hour Escape experience, an indulging sequence of treatments that include an exhilarating body scrub followed by a warm, detoxifying wrap, a massage and a nourishing scalp treatment, a refresher facial, a pampering manicure and pedicure as well as a delicious spa lunch.

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa.

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