My getaway began at the historic 1927 Winnedumah Hotel, where a couple friends and I met Cindy and Derek Abrahams, the property’s general managers. They told me about the fascinating history surrounding the Winnedumah and set me up in the Bing Crosby suite. That’s right, I stayed in the same room that the legendary actor/crooner stayed in while he was in town filming or sneaking away from Hollywood.

Vintage and charming, the Crosby suite features two rooms that share a Jack and Jill bathroom. The suite has a 1920s décor, with classic hard wood floors and furniture, metal framed beds and period-era bathroom fixtures.

There are no televisions in the hotel rooms, but the serenity of the property, with its gentle creaking wood floors and crackling fireplace in the lobby, inspire relaxation, book reading, or conversation with friends, fellow guests from around the world, or with Cindy and Derek, who are knowledgeable about the area and treat guests like family.

“When people visit Independence and the Winnedumah Hotel, they are going to get an authentic, historic Eastern Sierra Nevada experience,” says Cindy. “This is the old west and we’ve got the mountains, the high desert and quintessential small town USA. And when you stay here, you get a very personal, boutique hotel experience.”

Independence is located off U.S. Route 395, the main north-south highway cutting through the Owens Valley. The tiny town is a gateway to outdoor havens such as the John Muir Wilderness Area and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. Hikers pass through while trekking the Pacific Crest Trail, or on their way up California’s two tallest peaks, Mt. Whitney and Mt. Williamson. Others stay at the Winnedumah Hotel for quieter experience while skiing in busy Mammoth. Whatever the reason, the hotel gets about 60 percent of its clientele from international travelers.

But many of the Winnedumah’s first visitors were local, coming by way of Hollywood. Numerous early westerns were filmed in nearby Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills. This brought the likes of Roy Rogers, Gary Cooper, Gabby Hayes, John Wayne and Bing Crosby to the newly built Winnedumah Hotel. Wayne had a favorite room at the hotel and when Crosby visited, he was given the room above the managers’ suite so they could hear him sing in the shower. Even famed California photographer Ansel Adams sought comfort at the property while on photo shoots.

The hotel lobby still has the original 1892 piano that Bing used to sit at and sing as well as other furnishings from the 1920’s, including the overstuffed chairs in the lobby and the steel mesh chairs on the front porch which can be seen in Roy Roger’s first movie “Under Western Stars.”

Besides the Winnedumah, the town also boasts one restaurant, a sandwich shop and a taco truck. For culture there is the Eastern California Museum, located a couple blocks from the hotel. After a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel, we walked to the museum and discovered an incredible collection of beautiful, hand-crafted Native American baskets.

The display is one of the largest exhibits of local Paiute-Shoshone basketry in the nation. Ornamental and functional baskets, along with cradleboards, projectile points, bows and arrows, and rare examples of Paiute beadwork are included in the extensive exhibit. The basket exhibit includes more than 400 pieces and nearly 100 other, related artifacts, and is contained in about 14 large display cases.

The museum also showcases a large collection of historic photographs, Owens Valley history, scores of old west guns, and extensive mining and farming equipment and historic structures found outside in the museum yard. There is also lovely creek and pond outside, with majestic views of the Eastern Sierra mountains in the background.

Directly across from the Winnedumah Hotel is the iconic Independence Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1969 the courthouse held 24 members of the Manson Family for possession of stolen vehicles and property.

About five miles south of Independence, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is Manzanar War Relocation Center, where Japanese-Americans were held during World War II. Visitors to this historic and somber site will find a Visitor Center with extensive exhibits, a short film and a bookstore. There are also two reconstructed barracks, a women’s latrine, and a mess hall onsite.

About three miles northwest of Independence is the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. Built in 1916, it has supplied trout eggs to other hatcheries in California and other western states. It is the only hatchery to produce golden trout, California’s state fish.

If You Go:

Independence

Winnedumah Hotel or call (760) 878-2040.

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If I had to pick a favorite Southern California hotel for family fun and culinary delight, the Hyatt Regency Irvine would be near the top of the list. With a sprawling pool complex featuring two kid-friendly waterslides, a standout signature restaurant, and some of the most imaginative family suites in the region, the hotel delivers everything a family needs for a memorable getaway.

On our recent return visit, we checked into one of the property’s luxurious bunk-bed suites — an 850-sq-ft retreat designed with both kids and parents in mind. The main room features a king bed, a large TV, a stylish bathroom, and a full balcony overlooking the resort and cityscape. But the real showstopper is the private kids’ bedroom: a bunk setup with a queen mattress below and a full on top, plus a sleeper sofa, mini-fridge, large TV, and pool views. The kids loved it so much that we’re already planning another stay this summer. While the kids reveled in their “fortress,” the spacious living room became our own sanctuary — a place to catch up on sleep in the plush king bed or unwind on the balcony with views of the Irvine skyline.

When the kids weren’t in their room, they were at their favorite spot: the Pool Oasis. This family-centric area features two waterslides and a massive 20-foot LED video screen. The shallow play zone was perfect for our three-year-old, giving him a safe space to splash while we relaxed nearby.

On our first night, we stumbled into a bit of dive-in-movie magic, watching the original Muppet Movie — complete with Steve Martin — right from the water. Families laughed, splashed, and floated under the glow of the giant screen, creating one of those rare, effortless vacation moments you hope your kids remember.

For dinner, we headed to Warehouse 72, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The space itself is an experience, with 80-foot digital art walls displaying rotating scenes from cherry blossoms to Mediterranean coastlines. Executive Chef Jaime Salazar’s menu leans modern American with global flair. Our meal included pork belly kimchi fried rice and a 14-ounce Double R Ranch ribeye with bone marrow bordelaise, followed by the restaurant’s famous Frozen S’mores — torched tableside for a bit of theatrical fun.

The next morning, we drove to Irvine’s Great Park, a 1,300-acre urban playground built on the former El Toro Marine Base. Nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park, it offers a huge range of free and low-cost activities. Our kids loved the Great Park Carousel and the Farm + Food Lab, an outdoor classroom where they learned about gardening. The highlight, though, was the Great Park Balloon — a bright orange helium balloon that rises 400 feet above the city for panoramic views.

We spent our final day back at the Hyatt pool, this time in a private cabana equipped with a fridge, TV, and comfy couches — the perfect shaded home base. Lunch came from the hotel’s Market Cafe: burgers, smoothies, and snacks enjoyed in the comfort of our cabana.

As the sun set, the kids retreated to their beloved bunk-bed suite while we relaxed on the balcony, watching the Irvine skyline light up.

The Hyatt Regency Irvine stands out as one of the area’s most refined full-service hotels. Its 516 newly renovated rooms lean into a “thoughtfully modern” aesthetic, with curated artwork and high-end finishes that feel more like a luxury residence than a standard hotel. The property also features a 24-hour fitness center and 56,000 square feet of event space, all just two miles from John Wayne Airport and centrally located for trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Newport Beach.

For families planning a summer getaway, now is a great time to book. World of Hyatt members can often find early-booking savings of up to 25% for summer stays, and the Hyatt Family Rate may offer a second room for kids at a significant discount when booked by phone. With its blend of luxury for parents and pure “fortress fun” for kids, the Hyatt Regency Irvine is an ideal home base for a Southern California summer.

Hyatt Regency Irvine is located at 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614. For more information or current specials, call 949.751.1234 or visit hyatt.com.

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The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun’s rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt and sting free. That’s because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the hotel where they were staying.

Rooftop swimming pools occupy the top of a number of lodgings throughout the country. They provide people with added appeal and places to replicate a seaside sojourn without having to travel from their place of accommodation. Many make up in attractions and ambience anything they might lack in ocean views.

With gas prices rising and airport congestion still unpredictable, many folks are rethinking long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home escapes. Some are opting  for a “staycation” summer, finding an escape right where they live.

For residents of the Nation’s Capital, and those who visit it, that can include the hidden rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington, DC hotel.  Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold, colorful wall mural, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol Building and city skyline.

Art also enhances the experience for guests atop the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, Florida. Along with a 360-degree view of the city below, the heated swim bath is overlooked by a larger-than-life mural which was created by an acclaimed graffiti artist.

It’s oversize chess pieces that greet those enjoying the Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Florida. That is the only such installation along the self-proclaimed Emerald Coast, which stretches about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. If they’re not relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon, guests may participate in wine tastings, yoga, bingo nights and other enticing activities.

People travel far to gaze in awe at the New York City skyline and there are few more dramatic views than that from the rooftop pool deck at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn. A dramatic Water Tower Bar overlooks the pool and poolside cabanas. Guests of the property may book a complementary pool time slot, and others can make a reservation through resortpass.com.

For a classic yet unexpected location, look no further than the rooftop’s Water Tower. These kinds of structures are an iconic sight throughout the city, but at Art Williamsburg, that edifice can serve as your very own private event venue. Perfect for gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, cocktail and other occasions, the Water Tower has a private bar, can be furnished for your event, and is accessible by elevator.

Have you ever surfed on a rooftop?  You can at the FlowRider Wave Ride at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its advanced waveform technology provides a safe, yet thrilling, environment where people may “hang ten” and test their boarding talents. The innovative design gently absorbs impacts, allowing everyone to master the waves with confidence and enjoy a unique experience right on the Las Vegas Strip. 

Another thrill awaits those checking out the rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. It’s cantilevered over the streets below, and the clear walled edge gives the fortunately false impression that swimmers might plunge off the top of the building.   

Worrying that you may fall to your death, or trying to surf high above city streets, may not be on your bucket list. However, they’re among unusual, and unexpected, activities that swimming pools perched on the roofs of some buildings offer, and are available to those who wish to take part in them.

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If there’s a destination in the United States with a more convergent personality than Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Singer Island, Florida I can’t imagine what, or where, it is.

One morning, during my recent visit there, I observed nattily dressed men and women playing the genteel game of croquet. That pastime traces its roots back to England in the 1860s, when it was promoted by the Earl of Essex and became a popular, socially accepted form of leisure.

That afternoon, I watched a spirited polo match, which originated in ancient Persia more than 2,000 years ago and evolved to become known as “The Sport of Kings,” popular in high society.

When evening arrived, I ate dinner during my month-long stay at a number of what can only be described as “dive bars” which are dotted throughout the community. They compete for customers with white tablecloth fine dining establishments that offer excellent food at sometimes excessive prices.

This diversity is, to me, one of the Palm Beach area’s numerous inviting, and intriguing, traits. Walking or driving in the region introduces visitors to a smorgasbord of things to do and see which range from upscale to underprivileged, from interesting man-made attractions to some of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiworks.

Palm Beach, Florida has its share of inviting beaches – and more

For starters Florida means inviting seashores, and this location has its share of them.  Those seeking a serene setting and calm waters often head for Sandy Point Beach.  Trails meandering inland from the Riviera Municipal Beach cross dunes and coastal hammocks, and this stretch of sand offers excellent shelling. Ocean Reef Park is often pounded by powerful waves which can challenge all but the most accomplished swimmers.

This oceanfront location attracted Native Americans at least 3,000 years ago. Evidence of their habitation incudes pre-Columbian archaeological complexes consisting of a burial mound and cemeteries.

Early white settlers built the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse around 1860. Twenty years later, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Fagler constructed three resort hotels which transformed the tropical landscape into a winter resort for the wealthy, then he extended the Forida East Coast Railway to the area.

In 1902, Flagler built a spectacular mansion as a gift for his bride, a beaux arts–styled modern manor adorned with pink aluminum-leaf wallpaper which was more expensive at the time than gold. The 4,750-square-foot Grand Hall, Library with its painted cast plaster ceiling and silk- and wood-lined Drawing Room give visitors a feel for the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy at that time. So vast is that castle-like structure that my first thought upon entering was if I had ever lived there, I’d have needed a map to find my way around.

Reliving the Gilded Age in Palm Beach, Florida

Those who are there in mid-day may segue into a “Gilded Age Style” lunch in the Café des Beaux-Arts. It’s housed in the Pavilion, a 19th-century, iron-and-glass railway palace which also displays Flagler’s private railroad car.

Palm Beach continues to live up to its reputation as a retreat for the super-rich.  Several years ago, Forbes magazine reported that the city was home to at least 30 billionaires – that’s billion with a B.  As I strolled along Worth Avenue, past high-end stores like Valentina, Versace and Ralph Lauren, I agreed with its description as one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country which combines European sophistication with elegant style and grace.

Hanging out with locals in Palm Beach, Florida

I also enjoyed the balance provided by stores, restaurants, bars and other establishments that cater largely to locals.  Along with their touches of resident vibe, they offer opportunities to meet and mingle with folks who live in the area. Often, they can recommend below-the-radar places to see, and things to do, that visitors otherwise might miss.

In an area where Technicolor flowers and multi-hued foliage grow wild, gardens might seem redundant. However, formal plantings add an inviting painter’s palette to the landscape.

Some, like the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, introduce human touches to Mother Nature’s handiwork.  Ann was a renowned sculpture whose works are displayed among some 250 species of rare tropical palms, cycads and native plants, as well as in her home.

Wildlife thrived in Palm Beach, Florida

Where there are sea, sand and soil there’s likely to be wildlife, and it abounds at this destination. The John McArthur Beach State Park offers sightings of sea turtles, osprey and pelicans.  Hikers in Phil Foster Park frequently encounter gopher, tortoise and herons. Droll-looking mammals referred to as sea cows congregate in large numbers in Manatee Lagoon, while in the visitor center there I enjoyed close-up views of animals of various sizes as they enjoyed a meal of lettuce and vegetables.

Getting close up and personal with those endearing creatures is one opportunity among many to meet and mingle with denizens of the Palm Beach area of Florida. Other experiences range from reliving the Gilded Age of high society to enjoying magnificent natural settings to checking out fun and funky places at which to sup and sip.

For more information, log onto thepalmbeaches.com.

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Spas are ubiquitous – and most offer similar services: massages, facials, reflexology, hot coal treatments. I sought out the unusual.  

I’ve had several different massages over the years. A couple of facials. But they all had one thing in common. Tactile manipulation of various body parts. That and soft New Age-y music in the background to induce relaxation.

 Neither was true at SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott on Singer Island. My body remained untouched — at least by a masseuse — and the sounds more resemble bells– Tibetan bowls to be exact — which more reflect a spiritual journey — an affirmation of self —  that the usual relaxation escape.

 Every kind of sound — different tones and pitches, highs and lows, soft and loud, close and far away — I felt the reverberations throughout my body, a magical, musical symphony coursing through every organ.

 And there’s a theory underlining the enchanting experience. Mostly it’s based on aligning the chakras — apparently, there are seven of them, points along the spine said to represent energy sources in the body. Each is associated with physical, emotional and spiritual functions. ranging from the root chakra between your legs up to the crown chakra atop your head. There’s also heart, throat and solar plexus — and each chakra controls a different body part — and if the energy in any is blocked, it can have physical and emotional repercussions. 

Enter the Tibetan Bowls — a sort of sound therapy to entice your brain to incorporate relaxation and health and peace; to release tension in the body; to bring clarity, improved self-esteem and the healing of negativity. One bowl was placed on each chakra and emitted its own sound when struck. I know one bowl was on my solar plexus, which is related to survival, heart, and communication and another on my head, connected to prayer and intuition. I lost count after that.

 Elsa, a Reiki-trained master (a step-above my chakra-addled brain), encouraged me — in her soft voice in my dimly lit room — to be calm and listen to the sounds of the bowls, to close my eyes, breathe in and out and connect with the bowls, to focus on their message. Meditation was key.

 I did the best I could, while trying not to think about all these notes (paper ones, not musical) I should be taking. There’s a separate chant for each chakra which Elsa repeated while circling the table on which I was lying. Apparently, each chakra also has its own color but fortunately I didn’t have to concern myself with that.

 Different bowls were struck at different times, sometimes in conjunction with each other, other times in concert. The concert — I mean the treatment — ended with a grand finale (crescendo?) of all seven bowls playing in unison. It was mesmerizing. 

 I may not have understood it all; I may have been a tad preoccupied with trying to remember the experience for this article as opposed to just experiencing it. But it did feel somewhat mystical and magical — and I really didn’t want the session to end.

 But there’s even more to the overall spa experience — to be explored at leisure either before your scheduled procedure or after. And yes, you can get all kinds of massages and facials you want. There’s a nail salon, a fitness room, a room with stone beds to lie on with cold cucumbers on your eyes (don’t ask — or at least don’t ask me….), a steam room, a relaxation room with tea, infused water, fruit and a Chex Mix assortment — and of course a jacuzzi. The actual treatment may be the least of the relaxation options. The Mimosa at the end satiates the only sense not yet gratified!

 For more information, visit SiSpa at Palm Beach  

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Overlooking the world‑renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, this AAA Five Diamond resort blends world‑class dining, a full‑service spa, and warm, attentive service into a luxurious and exciting getaway. It is the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse and puts you in vacation mode. 

Our family’s stay at the resort began in the lobby, where grand wooden beams, handcrafted furniture, and a massive stone fireplace welcomed us with cozy charm. We then checked into a gorgeous suite, overlooking the ocean. 

Spacious and serene, the room featured two large queen beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets, a giant TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The granite and marble bathroom—with its oversized bathtub and warm Craftsman accents—felt like a private spa. But the real showstopper was the balcony. Huge, furnished, and overlooking the Pacific, it became our favorite place for morning coffee and sunset wine. 

Since we were traveling with our two young kids, the staff surprised us with a small teepee set up right in the middle of the room. This instantly became their hideaway—perfect for watching TV, snacking, or just giggling together. It was a thoughtful touch that made the stay more special. 

Outside the room, we explored the lush and beautiful grounds, with winding paths, native plants, and glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Tucked in the middle of the property is the pool area, where we spent much of our time. Here, the kids made instant friends and spent hours splashing around while we enjoyed a leisurely lunch under the warm sun. It quickly became our daytime home base.

Besides luxurious accommodations, the lodge is also known for exceptional dining. The Grill at Torrey Pines, with panoramic views of the golf course and a custom wood‑burning rotisserie, became a go‑to spot. For breakfast we savored bacon and eggs, along with a big, delicious breakfast burrito, with eggs, sausage, potatoes and beans. The kids devoured fluffy buttermilk pancakes, a Belgian waffle with honey pecan butter, and more maple syrup than I care to admit.

After breakfast my son and I played a round of golf at the resort and then the whole family drove a couple miles to La Jolla Shores Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is approximately 1 mile long, features a playground on the sand, and it is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The previous time we were at the beach, we saw scores of harmless leopard sharks swimming through the waves. 

After playing at the beach, we headed back to The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a lunch of burgers and fried calamari at The Grill. We then relaxed by the pool until dinner.

For supper we shared seared albacore tuna with asparagus and Meyer lemon relish, followed by a rich red wine braised lamb shank served with carrot risotto and fresh spring vegetables. The kids stuck to the classics—chicken tenders and a big, juicy hamburger. For dessert, we all split homemade ice cream and warm cookies. 

After dinner, we wandered along the resort’s lush pathways, watching the sky fade from gold to deep purple and listening to the waves crashing on the rocks below. 

The next morning I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxed in the sauna at the resort’s world‑class Spa at Torrey Pines. From here, I joined the kids for a game of croquet on the lawn. This big green space also doubles as an unforgettable spot for weddings, as it overlooks the oceans and the bluffs of La Jolla. 

We then explored more of the property. What makes The Lodge especially captivating is its sense of history and craftsmanship. Modeled after the iconic Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, the resort is a tribute to early 1900s Craftsman architecture. Everywhere you look, there are thoughtful details: handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, stonework, and warm earth tones that echo the natural beauty outside.

Even the trees surrounding the property have a story. Torrey pines are among the rarest pine species in the world, growing only in La Jolla and on Santa Rosa Island. They survive in desert conditions by drawing moisture from coastal fog, and their five‑needle fascicles help them pull water from the air. Walking among them feels like stepping into a living museum of California’s natural history.

And then, of course, there’s the golf. Torrey Pines Golf Course is legendary—a 36‑hole municipal course originally designed by William F. Bell and later updated by Rees Jones for the 2008 U.S. Open. The South Course stretches 7,698 yards, while the North Course spans 7,258 yards, both offering jaw‑dropping ocean views. Even if you’re not a golfer, watching players tee off against the backdrop of the Pacific is mesmerizing.

For more information on staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, visit www.lodgetorreypines.com or call (858) 453-4420. 

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Suddenly everything changed. Police cars were everywhere: Slowly patrolling the streets, parked along the sidewalks and driving into, and out of, a gated community. A bevy of police officers crowded the pavement and spilled out into the narrow road I was following.

Welcome to Mar-a-Lago, a lavish estate which has a storied history but is known today primarily as the home of Donald J. Trump.

That ornate estate that was built between 1924 and 1927 for successful businesswoman and leading society figure Marjorie Merriweather Post. Nestled on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida, it was acquired in 1985 by then-businessman and real estate investor Donald Trump, who used it as his residence.

Ten years later, he converted it into the Mar-a-Lago Club, an exclusive members-only institution with guest rooms, a spa and other hotel-style amenities. When they are there, members of the Trump family stay in private quarters nestled in a closed-off area of the grounds.

During his first presidency, Trump visited Mar-a-Lago frequently and held meetings there with international leaders like Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese president Xi Jinping. The name Mar-a-Lago means “sea to lake” in Spanish. It refers to the fact that the estate extends from one side of Palm Beach Island to the other, touching the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Lake Worth Lagoon on the west. The property is said to span 126 rooms and extend over an acre and a half.
In 1969, Mar-a-Lago was designated a national historic site. A report prepared by the Department of the Interior explained that it provides “an excellent picture of winter resort life in Palm Beach prior to the Depression.”

Ms. Post, who died in 1973, willed the estate to the United States government to serve as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries, but most of them preferred other residences. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980 because it exemplified “the baronial way of life of the wealthy who built mansions in Florida during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.”

I asked several residents of the area what it was like to live near such a legendary property which is visited by heads of state, leading political figures and other well-known dignitaries. The response of most of them was surprising. In essence, a big yawn.

“We don’t usually know who’s there,” one youngish man told me. “All it means for locals is traffic jams,” a sixty-something woman explained.

“I voted for Trump but if I’d known how much his being president would mess up traffic here, I would have voted differently,” admitted a well-dressed gentleman.

For visitors to the Palm Beach area, Mar-a-Lago can offer an intriguing diversion from the sun, sand and surf attractions for which the destination is best known. These include Worth Avenue, a shopper’s dream, which is lined by upscale boutiques and designer stores offering everything haute couture to unique art galleries.

Waterfront settings offer a choice of inviting stretches of sand fronting deep blue water. Golfers face a choice of 100 public, municipal and private courses, including six at the PGA National Resort.
History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate Palm Beach’s legacy of luxury and splendor, with must-see spots like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the historic Breakers Palm Beach hotel and the Society of the Four Arts., which encompasses an art gallery, concert hall, two libraries and gardens.

Mar-a-Lago adds a unique touch which combines historical tidbits, opulent architecture and a lovely semi-tropical setting. In addition, if you’re lucky, or unlucky, depending upon your politics, an opportunity to see a motorcade leave or arrive which includes a car transporting the president of the United States.

WHEN YOU GO
maralagoclub.com
townofpalmbeach.com

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Hemingway slept above me. No, not in the same room, of course. In fact, not even in the same century. But room #206 – The Ernest Hemingway Suite – was the room directly above my own at the Sun Valley Lodge. It was a big deal for me. I had always admired him, and now here I was staying at his favorite lodge, walking the lodge’s very same halls, breathing the same mountain air and basking in the very same scenery that he too had experienced. I could see why he liked it here and why he eventually made the Sun Valley/Ketchum area his home. Tucked away in the Idaho Rockies, Sun Valley’s 4,000 acres were not only a thing of breathtaking beauty, but they also offered a peaceful solitude – something that a man like Hemingway, who grew tired of the glare of the camera, would relish. The resort’s vast terrain also offered unlimited recreational possibilities for the true outdoors person. As I wondered around the resort, I saw Sun Valley’s world-famous day lodges, tasteful alpine style walking village with shops and restaurants; and a friendly, courteous staff. It almost seemed too perfect. But then, that was the plan.

The Country’s First Destination Ski Resort

In 1935, Austrian Count Felix Schaffgtosch was hired by Averell Harriman of Union Pacific Railroad to find the perfect location for a grand American resort. After fruitless months of searching the mountains of the west, the Count finally heard about Ketchum, a dying mining town in central Idaho. He quickly made a B-line to this town in the Idaho Rockies, and was overwhelmed by what he saw. He immediately wired Harriman with these words: “This combines more delightful features than any place I have ever seen in Switzerland, Austria or the U.S. for a winter resort.”

“Harriman rushed to join him, and purchased 4,300 acres of what was to become Sun Valley. Harriman was determined to build Sun Valley into a resort worthy of its majestic setting, which would include a timeless four-story mountain lodge, complete with a glass-enclosed pool, world-class cuisine, ice-skating rink, impeccable service and nightly orchestra performances. After only seven months of construction, Sun Valley opened in the winter of 1936.

Harriman shrewdly marketed the resort to the Hollywood elite, and soon local wildlife was sharing the mountain with Hollywood royalty that included Clark Gable and Gary Cooper – who would go hunting with Hemingway – as well as Errol Flynn, Claudette Colbert and Bing Crosby. The resort wasn’t just for relaxation either, as world champions used the mountain for Olympic training. Today, as the Sun Valley Lodge turns 80, it is been updated to include 108 new and larger guestrooms, a 20,000 square foot destination spa, a world class fitness center and yoga studio, a glass enclosed outdoor pool and pool café, and re-appointed restaurants, lounges, lobbies and event space.

Not Just Another Day in Paradise

It’s one thing to experience happiness, but to be aware of it that very moment is a rare thing. Last ski season, I had a day of sublime happiness. It went something like this: A breakfast of homemade crepes with seasonal berries in front of the fireplace at Konditorei, an European-style bistro located in the walking village. The food was outstanding; so was the conversation with the attentive staff. It was tempting not to leave the warm fire, but the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center, situated in the backyard of the lodge, was waiting.

About 25 miles of manicured and marked trails begin at the Nordic Center, where gentle terrain progresses to challenging hills. I could see that gliding over glistening meadows of snow at an elevation of 6,000 feet would be a great experience for the cross-country skier, but this would be just too extreme for a lightweight such as myself. I opted for the very pedestrian snowshoeing, which fortunately requires the very same skill level as walking. I was soon on my way. For the next two hours I saw not a soul with the exception of a couple of cross-country skiers far off in the distance, who I had sensed was placed there solely for my own visual benefit. I crossed bridges over pristine mountain streams and watched wildlife  scatter into the brush. Snowflakes filled the sky. Once again, I was so happy with surroundings in which I didn’t want to leave.

But I detected the scent of food cooking, and it was coming from the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge, just on the other side of the river. Another warm fire and friendly smile greeted me as I took off my gear, and soon grabbed a table for some homemade soup and a good local micro-beer. While staring out the window, I could see that it was beginning to snow again. I could have stayed there forever, even more so due to having eaten more than my share of food. Maybe I shouldn’t have ordered the huckleberry pie? The snowshoeing back to the Nordic Center would be long and perhaps a little cold, plus I had an important event on my mid-afternoon calendar. I would have to move fast. I was then informed that a free shuttle comes to the lodge every 15 minutes. I decided to order a cappuccino.

After a quick shower back at my room, I headed over to River Run Lodge to attend a Super Bowl party. As I entered the lodge, the party was already hopping with a festive crowd, an array of big screen TVs, food and drink. The event was welcome to all ages, but I was struck by the attendance of so many 80-year-old-plus skiers, some even in their 90s. Yes, it was inspiring.

Later I took a dip in the resort’s famous outdoor circular pool. It was so cold outside that I felt like I was in an Olympic-size Jacuzzi. You couldn’t even see across the surface due to all the fog. As I sat on the edge of the pool, nursing my aching muscles from the earlier snowshoeing, I thought how I someday want to be like one of those 80-year-old senior skiers at the Super Bowl. After all, age is what you make it. And I decided that I would regularly return to Sun Valley Resort. Besides, I still needed to sleep below the Gary Cooper Suite – #306.

For further information about Sun Valley Resort, contact (800) 786-8259 or www.SunValley.com

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Desert Hot Springs has long been a destination for rest and rejuvenation. Situated 20 minutes from Palm Springs’ expansive golf courses, artistic rows of palm trees and desert estates, rustic Desert Hot Springs feels a world away. It is one of the few places on the globe with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs. The Mission Creek Branch of the San Andreas Fault bisects the wellness getaway where one side is a cold-water aquifer while the other a hot-water aquifer, naturally heated to temperatures as high as 180 degrees by geothermal forces thousands of feet below the earth’s surface.

Unlike hot springs that have high sulfur content, Desert Hot Springs’ hot mineral waters are pure and odor-free, so pure and odorless that you can drink it, which increases its medicinal values.  Research told me that  “balneology” – the study of the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral waters – is especially advanced in Europe and Japan, where balneologists have studied the healthful effects of geothermally heated mineral waters which reduce pain, increase mobility, blood circulation, cell oxygenation and stimulates your metabolism, ultimately rebalancing many of your own body’s natural systems. My own scientific study revealed that soaking in a Desert Hot Springs’ mineral water pool was something that I never wanted to leave.
 
Since 1995, the Desert Hot Springs Groundwater Guardian Team has been designated as a Groundwater Guardian Community, with  the nation’s first Groundwater Guardian Campus, taking voluntary steps in protecting its award-winning ground water resources.
 

Onsen Hotel & Spa 

Upon my arrival at the boutique Onsen Hotel & Spa I was surprised by its serene surroundings. Snuggled in a residential neighborhood, this meant little traffic noise which helped to serve my quest for de-stressing. The front desk receptionist, Tracy Ayala, was waiting at the counter to greet me. She explained the history of the property where it had once been a hotel, an apartment building and then vacant until the official christening of Onsen Hotel & Spa on March 1, 2023. After pointing out the hotel’s amenities – the reception area also serves as a breakfast room with complimentary omelets, fruit, cereal and pastries – I was directed to my two-bedroom stylish suite, complete with office and living room. Creature comforts included a big screen TV, coffee makers, and spacious bathroom and shower, refrigerator and endless bottles of water. But it was a dip into the crystal-clear outdoor pool spa that warranted my attention. Along with the on-site Jacuzzi, both fed by a mineral-rich aquifer, and the surrounding simple plant arrangements, the spa achieves a distinctly Zen aesthetic. For those with walking difficulties two ADA lifts offer an easy and accessible way to enter the pool and Jacuzzi. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center and an on-site spa offering revitalizing massages and hydrating facials to cleanse your body and heal your mind.

Later, I conversed with the affable manager John Hopp, a walking encyclopedia on all things Desert Hot Springs. He covered in detail the work required to turn the vacant property into a spa hotel. He spoke how the goal of Onsen Hotel & Spa was to make it like home-away-from-home for guests. He noted that half the travelers arrive from England, Italy, France, Spain and Germany, as well as South Korea and Japan, drawn to its therapeutic mineral-rich waters, pumped directly from beneath the earth. Onsen Hotel & Spa also proves to be convenient homebase for experiencing the splendor of Coachella Valley’s stunning landscapes with its mountain slopes, panoramic views and wide-open desert expanses, all just outside your door. The property is near the Mission Creek Preserve, a protected part of the Wildlands Conservancy that includes lush wetlands, a perennial stream, and native flora and fauna. And the otherworldly terrain of Joshua Tree National Park is only a 40-minute drive away.
 

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Just up the street from Onsen Hotel & Spa is Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. This should be an essential component of your trip. In 1914, Cabot Yerxa (1883–1965) was the first person to rediscover and unearth the curative mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs. Then, only 600 yards from his home, Cabot dug a second well,  delivering drinking water. Finding both the hot and cold mineral wells prompted him to name the area Miracle Hill.

Cabot’s Pueblo

In 1941 Cabot began construction on what would be his and wife’s Portia Yerxa’s home. Considered a marvel of engineering and design, the Hopi-inspired building is hand-made and created from reclaimed and found materials from throughout the Coachella Valley. His intention was also to make it into a museum, showcasing Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs of Cabot’s travels around the world, displays on Native American Rights, and his own works of art. Today, 45-minute tours are available where you will visit the rooms of the Pueblo, experience the story of Cabot Yerxa and discover how he built his incredible home. This is also the best place to purchase gifts and souvenirs, with an array of indigenous art, jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings and Navajo blankets.

For further information

Desert Hot Springs: www.VisitDesertHotSpring.com
Onsen Hotel & Spa: www.OnsenHotelSpa.com
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: www.CabotsMuseum.org

For more on Oceanic’s selection of properties: www.oceanicenterprises.com

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A large brown building adjacent to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California, two days before the famed 137 Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork” with Grand Marshall, former Laker basketball player, Magic Johnson, leading the way, hosts an incredible scene of controlled chaos. Massive floats: Honda, Princess Cruises and the States of Mississippi and Louisianna, are covered amidst scaffolding and ladders, with tables of flowers and tools, while a fusion of workers, volunteers, and artists are focusing on finishing details. Narrow, slippery passage ways are filled with hustling workers, as the bouquet of flowers and plants tickle the nose.

The scene is a tug at the heart, the art work created with flowers, seeds, barks and natural foliage are museum quality, and seems as if it should be preserved for ever. A mother and son in a wheelchair, decorating the Princess Cruise float, who at that moment had been working on the float for eight straight hours, the mother, stopped for a moment, looked up and smiled, this is my 36th experience here, while numerous others said this was their seventh or eighth float challenge, and not necessarily a social gathering but smiles and hugs at the end of the day. The Princess Cruise float depicts the newest ship in their fleet, the Star Princess, which had its maiden voyage, in October 2025, departing from Barcelona. The artists and volunteers have created a float with 300,000 flowers, and somehow have artistically depicted an Inside Passage journey with towering glaciers, eagles, whales, bears with eyes that stare back at you in wonderment, and waves that seem wet to the touch. Then you realize underneath all this finery is a motor vehicle to move 42, artistically decorated floats more than five miles down Colorado Boulevard. As one volunteer said, “Viva 2026!”

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