The world is seeing a jigsaw Renaissance during pandemic stay-at-home orders. It’s a time to dream and piece together your next vacation.  Barbara Bush once told me that the pieces all came together during a vacation with husband President George Bush –the hand-cut pieces of her jigsaw puzzle, that is. The former First Lady had brought al...

​Words of wisdom imparted by many parents to their kids: "Never get in a car with a stranger."  Yet, when we hail a LYFT or UBER from the app, that's exactly what we're doing. Laws vary from one jurisdiction to another; a valid drivers license and car inspection is all that's required in some. ​​I speak from personal experience after requestin...

A mere 90 miles from the US mainland but seemingly worlds away! There's a mystique about Cuba!​ ​Havana, an architectural gem and culturally rich destination, was founded under a large Kapok tree. It's coffee beans and cane sugar, salsa and jazz, its warm people and rich culture were long forbidden fruit for Americans. ​ As regulations loosene...

​Imagine traveling back in time to mid-century, the days when the Hollywood studio system still reigned. It was Hollywood's playground. Homes were mostly second or third ones with generous outdoor space to party. Regulars included Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Nat King Cole, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Dinah Shore, The Rat Pack and other superstars. Lat...

This Texas city known for its vibrant music scene has a relaxing spa vibe as well.  ​Walking on water—that's the surreal feeling I had at the Lake Austin Spa Resort in the Texas Hill Country. I arrived late evening to a welcoming, delicious picnic meal—a hint of what was to come! My cabin, one of 40, had a private fountain garden in the rear a...

A zen inspired magical space for art and wine devotees in California.  Doug Ayres is one of those talented people who can make something magical of what he calls "an inspired space." That's Allegretto, where Ayres transformed 20 acres of pastureland into a new luxury resort and spa in the heart of central California Paso Robles wine count...