The Huffington Post just published my slide show, “Awesome Spring Break Recommendations You Don’t Need A Passport For.”

These 4 Southern destinations feature luxurious resorts that are moderately priced and offer TONS of activities.  Golf, beach, biking, hiking, tennis, cooking, yoga, and plenty of R&R.

CLICK HERE to see the slideshow and my review of each. In each, you’ll find links to my videos and photos from my experience.

Here’s the best part:  you don’t need some crazy expensive airline ticket to get there!  Each of them is 2 hours or less outside of a major city (LA, Houston, Atlanta). You might not even need to get on a plane at all.

If you have any questions about any of the properties, please don’t hesitate to email me.  I’d love to help get you there, even if it’s just for a weekend getaway!

(Full disclosure: Media rates provided by hotels.)

“My Journey of Natural Seduction”

Finish the article here to read about my activities, the spa, and Corey’s dishes!

The slideshow shows my pics and comments from The Resort at Pelican Hill.  Click through to read my review! Since you’re there, might as well offer your ratings and commentary too :)

**Full disclosure: media rate and round of golf provided for my stay.

UPDATE: I fixed the link to the article!

My three part series on Mexico continues.  I wrote a huge feature for The Houston Chronicle on three gorgeous resorts, but I want to offer you more here than what you’d see in the paper.  Last week I showed you The Capella Pedregal in Cabo.  Now I take you to central Mexico that looks and feels more like Italy.  The Rosewood just opened its doors to sprawling resort and residences that assimilates perfectly into the historic town.  Their property has boosted the economy on so many levels as well.

The most notable feature of the town is the Parroquia, the church in the center of town you see above.  It’s truly breathtaking so you’ll see it featured a lot.

Read on for my review, a tour of my suite with the most amazing view, and photos from the town.

“On my first morning at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, the chirping birds beckoned me out onto my expansive terrace, where my eyes opened to feast on the early-colonial-era terra-cotta skyline teeming with jewel-toned flowers and bright lilac jacaranda trees against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. It was one of the most picturesque vistas I had ever seen.

Reminiscent of Italy but distinctly Mexican, San Miguel de Allende embraces its history and manages to unlock your subconscious desire to enjoy the simple details in life. The town is located in central Mexico, hours from the beach, but its beauty is an even trade for the ocean. And I believe the dozens of Houstonians who live there would agree.

Despite its corporate origins, the Rosewood fits in perfectly with the local sensibilities. With 67 suites, three restaurants, a delightful spa, a modern lap pool, an amphitheater, a tequila bar and a private street of residences, the resort is sizable but feels quaint.

My suite boasted a bed I didn’t want to get out of, a terrace that was larger than one of my New York apartments, two fireplaces, a delicious tub and a walk-through closet with enough space to accommodate Mariah Carey’s wardrobe. Rates start at $529.  (See my video below)

Overall, the property is quiet but seductive. A signature Mole massage at Sensa spa is a must. If you’re looking for action, head to the rooftop for a variety of fresh margaritas, distinct tapas and a hip crowd at La Luna.

During your stay, I also recommend an ATV tour of the town (starting at $50 per person for two hours; sanmiguelrentalcar.com) and meals at a few local restaurants such as The Restaurant, Hotel Matilda and La Azotea.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AS WRITTEN IN THE CHRONICLE HERE.

I wish more hotels offered candid videos tours of their suites.  It’s always nice to know the accommodations before you spend a substantial amount of money on a room.  So when I go anywhere, I always shoot a video so you can see if it fits your taste and needs.  I saw many rooms while I was at The Rosewood.  All of them were wonderful in their own way.  Check out where I had the pleasure of resting for 4 days:

The rooms here start at $529 as I mentioned.  If you’re looking for something more affordable so you can stay for a long period of time, Bob’s friend Katherine who lives in SM now (pictured with me above),  rents private houses to visitors.

Here are more pictures and comments on this beautiful destination.  I can’t wait to go back!

Garden terraces are hidden treasures behind the small doors that line the streets. Seek out restaurants in these lovely little gardens.

She’s chopping up my breakfast – fresh pineapple – for $2.  Yes, it’s safe.

It’s just not right…. That’s the Virgin Mary on the corner….

Trying Cactus liquor for the first time.  It’s actually really good.

The original church of San Miguel is located on the outskirts of town.  The history of the city is impressive.  When you visit, make sure to have a native tell you the story.  The ATV tour will take you here if you request it.

Tequila tasting at the Rosewood bar.  The Mexicans are loving Mescal right now, but I find it to be really harsh.  I fell in love with Clase Azul Reposado – what he’s pouring.  Check out the bottle!  It’s only $50.

Sunset.

I had to put this picture in again.  Mole is the specialty of the chef at the Rosewood.  Wish I could take a picture of the rooftop bar at the Rosewood.  The view is awesome and the scene is a good mix of  young tourists and trendy locals.

The Rosewood open-air interior at night.

Oh. Hell. Yes.

From my bed I can see the Parroquia in the distance.  Tour of my room coming soon!

(Full disclosure: The Rosewood provided a generous media rate and treated me to dinner.  Many thanks for your hospitality!)

Photo credit for the first four pics in the post: the beautiful and talented Nejla Sosa.

It’s a shame your biggest fear when considering a vacation to Mexico is no longer Montezuma’s revenge, but rather for your personal security.  After a year of travel throughout the country, my only concern was whether or not they used fresh lime juice to make my margaritas.  Seriously.  The U.S. Department of Defense has issued warnings against travel to 15 states in Mexico, but the other 17 have proven statistically to be safer than the US.

My mission was to discover the luxurious side of Mexico, far away from the civil hostility and spring break debauchery that has come to define the country.   I found the breathtaking getaways I was looking for at The Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, the Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas and the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, all of which have raised the standard of luxury for south of the border resorts. And they’re just a two-hour plane ride away from Houston.

Today my article that offers reviews on all 3 is running in The Houston Chronicle.  Because it’s lengthy I’m going to break it up into three parts and offer you videos and pictures so you can see each come to life!  Come back on the next two following Fridays to see Banyan Tree (click here for my city guide to Playa del Carmen) and The Rosewood in San Miguel (click here for the video of my Rosewood suite).

Right now, feast your eyes on The Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas.

“Without any colorful visualizations, I’m just going to come out and say it: The Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas was my favorite resort. I’ve been anti-Cabo for a while, so when I found myself perfectly content tucked into the Pedregal hillside, I realized they had built something special.

When I opened the hand-carved wooden door to my room, I was overwhelmed. The wooden floors, handmade furniture and iron chandelier defined a contemporary living room that opened to a patio with an infinity plunge pool and fire pit. To complete the picture, there are three other fixtures worth mentioning: a one-of-a-kind driftwood headboard, an oversize claw-foot tub and a bottle of Don Julio tequila for complimentary sipping.

During the day, I passed the hours chatting with other guests by the infinity pool or taking little excursions.

The concierge arranged kayaking and snorkeling off property, which I highly recommend, and I enjoyed running through the neighborhood of private houses behind us. Golfers will be impressed with the sprawling course, and the celestial Auriga spa has the remedy for anyone who gets a little too much sun.

By night, you could find me three courses deep in amazingly fresh and traditional dishes from on-site restaurants Don Manuel’s and El Farallon. Perched atop a cliff and lit with candles, El Farallon sets up one of the most romantic dining experiences in Mexico.  Here they let you pick your own fish from the day’s catch and select its preparation.  Here they let you pick your own fish from the day’s catch and select its preparation.

Barbecues on the beach often are scheduled, or you can have the concierge set up a private one for you. And whatever you do, don’t leave the Capella without having a s’more.

Barbecues on the beach often are scheduled, or you can have the concierge set up a private one for you. And whatever you do, don’t leave the Capella without having a s’more.” (Originally published in The Houston Chronicle)

Below is a video tour of my gorgeous Estrella suite, which is their standard room if you can believe that!  What I didn’t have room to say in the article:

The rate for the room starts at $1200.  Other beachfront suites are obviously more expensive, but unless you need the extra space I would recommend not staying on the beach.  The winds are so strong that it can shake the doors and be really loud at night.

Check out pics from the press trip I took to the property.  You’ll see my fire pit, many of the delicious dishes I devoured, our beach bbq, and more! Click the first picture to get a light box slide show.

To read my entire article on all 3 Mexican resorts I love at Chron.com, click here.  Next week I’ll post the segment on The Rosewood San Miguel and the following you’ll see Banyan Tree in Playa del Carmen.

(Full disclosure: Media discount was extended by The Capella Pedregal.)

Is it a chain of hotels like the Four Seasons? Is it a seal of approval like Michelin? Is it a travel guide like Fodors?

None of those descriptions are accurate.

Relais & Chateau is a collection of the best hotels and restaurants around the world with extraordinary gastronomic experiences. The brand signifies luxury accommodations and Michelin-caliber food.

For the last two days I have experienced a local Relais & Chateau resort - Dos Brisas – and can hands down say chef Craig Shelton, who equates to Joel Robuchon and David Bouley, lives up to the honor. Surrounded by green pastures and star-filled skies, I was in complete heaven. The picture-perfect casitas coupled with the organic farm-to-table menu has made for an amazing getaway.

My point with his post is for you to understand what you should expect from a Relais & Chateau. Because they’re all over the world, I can’t explain what each will look like, but every dish presented to you should be a work of art.

Take a look at these masterpieces I devoured in the last two days:

Seared tuna with fresh out of the ground lettuce. Sauce I can’t remember, but it was amazing.

More fresh out the ground lettuce with sliced pears, smoked trout, and dijon dressing.

“Almost every vegetable we have on the farm” soup topped with herbs and a mussel I never dreamed I would enjoy.

Pork tenderloin unlike any other I’ve had (if I only I had written down all of the descriptions for these dishes!)

Soft shell crab in paella with escargot.

Lobster and tuna over a cabbage and onion deliciousness in with a light paprika sauce.

My favorite dish during my entire stay! Fresh blueberry mousse!!!!!!

Pineapple almond tart with creme fraiche ice cream

Chocolate caramel tart with candied pecans. I’ll be posting a video with the pastry chef soon!

As you’ve probably noticed, the plates are small, but the courses are numerous! This is probably only HALF of the dishes I’ve had in a day and a half. Don’t even get me started on their fresh breads…

The best part about most of the Relais & Chateau resorts is that you pay a substantial amount for the room, but most of the food is included. At Dos Brisas, the room rate takes care of your breakfast delivery (fresh baked scones, coffee, granola with yogurt, fresh oj, and coffee) and a four course lunch.

If you’re a foodie like me who consults Food+Beverage or Wine Enthusiast before you travel, I highly recommend looking into the R&C properties. I won’t vouch for all 475 of them. I’m just saying, take the name into consideration when you travel.

(Full Disclosure: Dos Brisas graciously hosted me to review their property honestly.)

I can’t believe I haven’t posted the tour of my suite at The Rosewood in San Miguel yet.

The interior of the room was nice as you’ll set, but I fell in love with the view. It was like living in a painting for a few days.

Many thanks to The Rosewood for hosting me to review their new special place. They went above and beyond to make it look and feel authentic. Not to mention, their endeavor has really helped to boost the economy and provide so many jobs for locals.

(Full disclosure: Media rate was provided for the room.)

Today my review of The Fredericksburg Herb Garden ran in The Houston Chronicle.  Below is my review with snapshots.  You’ll see I absolutely love this Texas Hill Country hideaway.  (Southern Living Mag does too!)

Fredericksburg, Texas is a one horse German town that Houstonians escape to for R&R and a little antiquing.

There’s a single main road lined with antique shops, boutiques, and little cafes.  Locals have built houses and churches surrounding this vein that pumps tourists through regularly.  Sounds lovely doesn’t it?

About a month ago, Mom and I visited for a much needed retreat.  One of her best friends Rosemary has been living there for over two decades setting up cute hotels (the famed Hangar Hotel) and restaurants.

(Rosemary and Mom)

The Fredericksburg Herb Garden, her latest venture that I was unaware of, has taken over 4 years to complete and I’ll be honest, it was well worth every bead of sweet, stream of blood, pretty penny, and even a black eye (can you see it in the pic above!).   It’s strikingly different than anything else in the area.

Below is my review that just ran in The Houston Chronicle.

I can’t stand B&B’s and country cottages for one simple reason.  It looks like someone let their grandmother loose with a roll of floral fabric and a Hobby Lobby catalogue inside.

You know what I’m talking about – the pastel quilts, fake flowers, crouched pillows, and potperri pots on anything that will stand still.  On a recent search for a place to stay in Fredericksburg, Texas, these stereotypical B&B’s were all I found.
I don’t know why I hadn’t thought to call longtime friend and owner of The Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Rosemary Estenson before my hunt.  When I did make the call, she informed me they had expanded the property to include 14 cottages, a garden-to-table restaurant, and an all-natural spa.  Admittedly, my first thought was pessimistic; as nice as it sounds, I’m sure it was grandma-chic just like the others.  Of course I went to their website immediately to check it out.  Even though the layout was archaic, I could tell the decor was pleasant and minimal.

After the five hour drive north to Fredericksburg, I found that my low expectations were almost embarrassing. This place was like the Four Seasons of bed and breakfasts!  I soon found out that Southern Living Magazine concurred, naming FHF one of the best Hill Country destinations of 2011.

My little house was beautifully appointed with rocking chairs on the patio, a few antiques mixed with modern pieces, a lovely headboard, a flat screen tv, a shower with a stone reflexology floor, delicious herbal bath products, and free wifi.  Wait, there’s more.

The bed that was made with hand-ironed sheets was undoubtedly more comfortable than the beds at the Four Seasons, Peninsula, and Ritz Carlton.  Getting out of this heavenly cloud might be difficult if I didn’t know that the most delicious homemade cinnamon was waiting for me in my mailbox outside on Saturday morning.

We all know that visiting Fredericksburg is usually more about strolling the town than staying in your hotel.  But in this case, I found myself perfectly content to spend a day tucked in the hideaway.  The herb garden was almost in full bloom and offered the perfect place to curl up with a book in the morning and enjoy a good girls’ conversation over a bottle of wine at sunset.  I spent an hour, no joke, sniffing all of the different herbal soaps, lotions, and perfumes they make on the property and sell in the Poet’s house.  If you’re a Jo Malone and Kai fan like I am, you’ll find this place offers your favorite scents for a fraction of the price.

Of course they use the same products in the spa, which I admit is surprisingly extraordinary as well.  They offer what I would call intuitive services considering what your body needs, not what you’ve historically had in the past.  The Thai massage, which I renamed the”Rescue and Recovery” massage, involved Mateo (the spa director) rubbing insertion points, stretching out my limbs, and walking on my back.  It wasn’t always pleasant, but I absolutely needed it.  The herbal pedicure is unique in that they use warm herbal wraps instead of water to moisten your skin while you sit in one of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking into.

Last, but certainly not least, is the restaurant.  Rosemary stole chef Asa Thorton from the famed Barton Creek resort.  An amazing acquisition because he’s beyond talented.  The man makes all of the bread (do not pass up that basket), smokes and cures all of the meat, and prepares a variety of flavorful dishes daily.  The menu is notably meat heavy, but he’s accommodating to everyone.  Just let him know your how to accommodate your palate.

Bottom line:  FHF exceeded my expectations and I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with it too.  Venture to this hideaway for the weekend for much needed R&R and indulgence.
Rooms start at $179.  830-997-8615 www.FredericksburgHerbFarm.com

(Originally published in The Houston Chronicle – May 15, 2011)

Wait….

A few snapshots I loved from the trip.  This little town is quintessentially southern and charming.