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| Travel Get Out Of Town |  | | | Tower 23 Just imagine. You are lying on a cloud of white down, engulfed in perfect sumptuous pillows. It’s the most comfortable bed your body has ever known. You look down at your feet and just beyond your happy toes you see, the most wondrous of all things, the cool intoxicating waves of the Pacific Ocean. As you hear the waves break, you think is this Fiji? Bali? Where am I? Believe it or not, you’re in Tower23, a sumptuous perfect boutique luxe hotel in….San Diego. | |  | |  | - Nantucket
- Tower 23
- Mandarin Oriental,
New York
- Murad Medical Spa |  |
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The hotel sits right on the beach (any closer and you’re in the water). Could life get any better? The rooms are a bright white with a hint of frosted glass and seafoam green/or is it a blue hue?
My girlfriend and I spent two nights. I stayed in the “sweet suite: and she was next door in her own sumptuous room over looking the ocean and when we opened the adjoining door, voila, a two bedroom suite, tout suite.
The sweet suite –glowing in white and soft blues is airy and spacious with two bathrooms. The master bedroom features their “Signature Serenity Beds” –mine was a king bed surrounded by luxurious down comforter on top of a feather bed and with sheets…of oh so soft Egyptian cotton lines by Anichini which snuggly float on a customized Tempur-Pedic bed (who knew it could rival my Dux?). All of this sits directly in front of a sliding glass door opening up to a terrace with a full frontal of the Pacific Ocean. The headboard does double duty (ingeniously lighting up if you want to do a little night time reading) and also serves as the backboard to a clever writing desk. Just behind the desk lies the master bathroom; an elegant symphony of porcelain and Kohler chrome. A Jacuzzi big enough for two, a separate shower, sink and commode which can be closed off if a little more privacy is in order.
I love when people think. Actually when a hotel really thinks of what my needs are: there’s plush ultra comfortable robes, a scale, a great makeup mirror that lights up, great hair and skin products, extra pillows, extraordinary towels, 32” flat screen TVs (one for each room), X-Box and customized beverage and nutrition honor bar. There’s easy to control lighting and air conditioning that is programmed by each guest and stays off until the guests turns it on (we never used it)---love the eco friendly part! And of course if you must work, it’s wireless. But who needs extraneous entertainment when you have the lulling sounds of the ocean.
After we settled in, my friend and I happily trotted down to the bar (also with an ocean view). Where we devoured fresh sushi, perfectly seasoned edamame, and easily indulged in their “happy hour” menu of a crazy concoction of mixed drinks. Although I did quickly realize that I am more of a simple vodka type, I had fun sampling a few. The bartenders and the waiters were easy and pleasant, a perfect welcome to a weary traveler.
In the morning, my friend and I made it down to breakfast. Fresh fruit, yogurt, granola and perfect coffee hit the spot. There are two gyms near by, but if feel you need a little exercise simple take ten baby steps west, and you’re on the beach. For those of us who prefer to sunbathe sans sand, the 2nd floor of the hotel has a deck, lined with cushy lounge chairs, a wading pool and small tables in case you need to work and it’s also wireless. Best of all, it faces the ocean, did I mention the view? Did I mention that it was breathtaking?
For lunch I indulged in a magnificent salad of seafood, warm French bread and a perfect Margarita on the rocks… thank you, Chef David Warner!
The only problem with my two-night stay was that I was without my husband. He was back in New York with a cool 9 degrees and a snow-storm looming—but hey someone has to do the tough work around here….by the way, can a hotel have more than five stars?
If you are so inclined, go for it and indulge in their in-room spa services. Tower23 does get booked up fast. And don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to try the fun and naughty—Sex in a Bed package. Need to book the entire hotel? Their 44 rooms are available for private events. Check the hotel for rates and availability. www.T23hotel.com and for dining: www.JRDN.com
Website: www.T23hotel.com | | | | | | | Nantucket
Just steps from upscale boutiques, galleries and the hottest restaurants, on a quiet cobblestone street in the Historic District of Nantucket Town, stands the striking and highly acclaimed Nantucket Whaler Guest House.
Its rooms, suites and backyard gardens, all recently renovated with a refreshingly new eye, will truly captivate your senses. A unique feature of this guesthouse is the private entrance to each accommodation which leads you to your personal haven; a room filled with a full array of | |
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treasures ranging from hand picked luxury bedding, period furniture, flat screen tv, stereo, wi-fi internet access and selections from our "members only" collection of novels, books on nantucket, board games, lawn games, digital and video movies, music CDs, beach towels and portable work-out equipment for your room. | | | The advantage of becoming a member is that all the extras are available to you during your stay, by calling our dedicated guest line; members also enjoy in-room private telephone number, unlimited local calls and unlimited wi-fi access. It is not a coincidence that you will feel as if you have been visiting with friends in their own home; pampered and cared for with much thought going into each item that is placed in your room, even finding a pair of reading glasses by your bed. This is the genuine, old-fashioned "hospitality at its best". Come stay with us for the perfect combination of intimate coziness and the excitement of town, both, at your fingertips. Accommodations include deluxe rooms, two bedroom suites and a three bedroom suite. Two locations: 8 North Water Street and 4 Step Lane, a short two block walk, guests check-in at each location; Rates begin at $325 for double occupancy in season. Randi and Calliope
Nantucket Whaler Guest House
8 North Water Street and 4 Step Lane
Nantucket Island, MA 02554
T) 508 228 6597
F) 508 228 6291 - Lisa MacKenzie Website: www.nantucketwhaler.com | | | | | |
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| Murad Medical Spa
Murad Spa = Heaven
Easy access from Sepulveda or the 405, the Murad Medical Spa is just minutes south of LAX. I was lucky enough to have sampled their Murad Soothing Lip Therapy lip balm which they placed in our United Valentine's Day bag...when I arrived at the spa for a massage and facial I knew I was in for a treat. What I did not know, was how completely wonderful and | |
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relaxing each treatment was and that Dr. Howard Murad had developed so many interesting and scientifically based programs.
| My first treatment was a facial, which revealed that I was only tolerably dehydrated and at my age any extra help is worth it. An easy remedy: back to my water regimen and of courses an entire regimen of supplements and crèmes. Beauty really does come from within. The massage, was the next step to heaven. The "Deep Tissue" was a little too deep for me, so the masseuse gave me a modified deep tissue with touch of Swedish massage. An hour later I was in another world.. Here's what they recommended for my skin type: Essential C Cleanser & C Toner, Daily Renewal Complex, City Detox Treatment, Essential C Eye SPF 15, Brightening SPF 15, Essential C Night crème, Pomphenol Antioxidant. NEWS at Murad! Summer is around the corner and I can't for this one! THE CELLULITE SOLUTION. Dr. Murad offers the first definitive roadmap to reducing dimpling and improving stretch marks that is actually backed by science. His ground-breaking program outlines simple nutritional and lifestyle modifications, combined with topical treatments, which work together to provide the body with all the tools it needs to repair uneven, lumpy skin on its own. Check out his book and program and book an appointment for any of their treatments. Check website for locations.
http://www.murad.com/ or 1-800-33MURAD (336-8723) -Lisa MacKenzie Website: www.murad.com | | | | | | | Mandarin Oriental, New York From its location on the 53rd floor of New York City’s luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel, this two-bedroom, 2,230 square foot Presidential Suite delights guests with panoramic views of Central Park and the City skyline. It is a perfect retreat with a large living room and dining area, gourmet kitchen and Mozambique wood-paneled study. | |
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The suite is decorated with unique touches including handcrafted oriental rugs, Oriental artifacts, and décor that reflects New York’s unique urban sophistication. The master bedroom’s walls are upholstered with silk, and a spacious walk-in closet is paneled with sycamore. An oversized master bath in marble boasts stunning views. Throughout, the color scheme encompasses dark toned furniture and apricot accents with a hint of Chinese jade, to create an elegant space that is both serene and stylish. From its unassailable vantage point, it is a breathtaking setting from which to enjoy New York in unforgettable style with the incomparable service and hospitality that Mandarin Oriental hotels are known for throughout the world. - Lisa MacKenzie Website: www.mandarin-oriental.com | | | | | | | | |
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