Jaunted - Tag: Travel Suggestions

Monte Carlo's Circus Festival

sedona — 2006-01-09T07:54:22-05:00

If you're fascinated by circuses (we have to admit, sometimes we are in a wierd way) hit up the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo that runs from Jan 19-27th this year in the capital of glitz. This is the best of the best in the, er, circus world: "Each year, acts from around the world - trapeze artists, acrobats, trained animal acts and comedians - perform and compete for the Gold and Silver Clown Awards." Of course, this kind of glam isn't free, but tickets run from $30-$72. Shows take place in a permanent tent, and you can attend the Golden Gala evening if you hit it big in one of the casinos on your way from Nice.

Related Stories:
· Datebook: Monte Carlo [NY Times]

Spa at Skibo Castle

sedona — 2005-12-13T15:35:32-05:00

Skibo Castle, the legendary Scottish castle where Madonna tied the knot, has opened a new spa. Set on the shore of Loch Ospisdale, it's housed in the former converted Edwardian garage where Andrew Carnegie used to park his Bentleys, Rolls and Daimlers. Facial, body and specialized treatments are all on the menu and basins in the spa are even built from hand blown glass so you can dip your pedicured toes in posh style.

Related Stories:
· New spa at Skibo castle [itravelishop.com]

The Merits of Roughing It

sedona — 2005-12-12T08:27:37-05:00

There's another gem from SF Chron writer John Flinn this week. We'd like to take this man out to dinner. He writes about how roughing it while traveling seems to always lead to better adventures. Think about that next time you're at the mega-resort waiting for something to happen...

These days I can afford a bit of comfort -- and have grown to rather like it -- but in my experience the most memorable travel moments often come when I'm dirty, hungry and sleep-deprived. Bunking with pigs on the floor of the village headman's house in northern Thailand, eating dust in the back of a truck jouncing through the Great Rift Valley, slogging through rain and mud in the Yorkshire Dales -- these experiences stay with me long after I've forgotten the taste of a poolside mai tai or the feel of 300-thread-count sheets.

So, so true. The concierge at that five-star isn't going to invite you to tag along to his daughter's wedding or on that truffle hunt like the small innkeeper is. Hey, it's Monday. We aim to inspire. Be sure to check this essay out.

Related Stories:
· Travel misers love company more than just travel misery [SF Gate]

Best Resort Towns for Non-Skiiers

sedona — 2005-12-06T08:14:53-05:00

We've definitely been there-everyone's hitting the slopes over and over and over again and we're ready to hit the lodge. Once or twice down the mountain in freezing temps will do us just fine.

But what to do around the resort while the rest of the gang skis? Tripso names the 6 Best Resort towns for non-skiiers. Check out Aspen's Wheeler Opera House perhaps, or one of Heavenly/South Lake Tahoe's dozen casinos. Before you know it, you'll be living it up all without the chapped skin and frostbite.

Related Stories:
· 6 best resorts for non-skiiers [Tripso]

West Hollywood: Argyle's New Salon and Spa

sedona — 2005-11-18T10:57:06-05:00

The celeb-friendly Hollywood hotel, The Argyle, has just opened its own salon and spa. The 6,600 square-foot facility has it all--including Botox, Restalyne, teeth whitening and all sorts of laser treatments (this is Hollywood, after all.) You can also get treatments in private cabanas and suites.

And the treatments, you ask? Try the Royal Romanian Mud Mask that uses Lake Amara's mud to polish up your skin. Afterwards slip into the authentic Hammam (that's the Turkish steam room, ehem.)

And if you're a spa-phobic male don't think they don't have something for you: there's a full barber shop with hot towel/straight razor shaves and a shoe shine.

Related Stories:
· Argyle Hotel Opens a Spa [Luxist]

Oahu: Hit the Pipeline Masters

sedona — 2005-11-14T10:14:42-05:00

If the onset of winter is starting to freak you out a little bit, don't fret. Head to the north shore of Oahu and re-live your "Blue Crush" fantasies. From Dec. 8-20th the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters , the final competition in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and of the Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour is taking place.

The Banzai pipeline is one of the most impressive wave centers on earth, and the kings of surf will compete against each other on the last four days to determine who gets the crown. The contests start each day at 8 am--just show up at the beach and snag a piece of sand. The winner of the event rakes in $270,000 and sponsorships galore.

The pipeline is about a 35-mile drive from Honolulu.

Related Stories:
· Datebook: Hawaii [NY Times]

The Ultimate Whisky Experience

sedona — 2005-11-11T09:49:39-05:00

Sister site HotelChatter alerts us to a pretty cool "fantasy camp for the whisky lover." The Bruichladdich Academy in Scotland offers a four-night stay at the brand's distillery, where, during the day you get to follow around the craftsmen, and learn all the essential steps of the process. And sneak in a few tastes of course...ya know, just to make sure it's not poison or anything.

The experience is limited to 6 guests at a time, so its intimate and personal. It'll set you back at $1,410, but as we know the unique things in life are often the most worth it.

Related Stories:
· The Bruichladdich Academy Whisky Experience [Luxist]
· Make Your Own Whisky. Drink it. Pass Out.. [HotelChatter]