For those of us who have always loved Mammoth Mountain, while others may have been tempted by the nightlife of Aspen or the art gallery world of Sun Valley, the opening of the new luxury resort comes with mixed feelings.
The Westin Monache is set to take room bookings this week – (so you last minute winter break planners now’s your chance!). It is a hotel with all the nicest amenities and a superb location, right across the street from the village and gondola to the slopes. There’s a restaurant, spa, concierge, etc – everything to make your stay easy and comfortable.
Yet, there’s a part of me that will always appreciate Mammoth for the purest of reasons, I don’t need a glitzy hotel to love the mountain. (That being said, I do love a nice hotel, no doubt – I just don’t equate that with my Mammoth experience.) And we ALL worry that if they built it, they will come. Yes, the monster mountain can accommodate so many people, but on holiday weekends and winter break, it is too darn crowded.
Mammoth is still and will always be one of my favorite ski destinations. Check it out for yourself – www.westinmammoth.com or www.mammothmountain.com
Well…it’s been a long time since I’ve posted. We moved. Need I say more? A house and three kids can really take up one’s time 
Anyway – as I have been writing my holiday cards, I have been able to reminisce about times spent with each person, things we’ve done in the past, etc. (OK, so I’m sentimental) Among many of the cards I send out are to co-workers – or producers I’ve traveled with in the past. One of the most vivid memories while writing these cards is that of a trip to Fiji. I was there three years ago (OMG!) exactly this time of year. As a matter of fact, to put it in perspective, we landed in the US airport on the way home to the news that we captured Saddam Hussein!
Anyway – because this trip is so fresh in my mind right now, I have to talk about a special place that is still somewhat of a secret! I have to let the cat out of the bag….Look up Lalati Resort in Fiji, on the island of Beqa. The accommodations are so nice…the food incredible…the setting gorgeous..the water turquoise blue…
and the activities – many, or none – whichever you prefer. And get this – this is why I can’t believe it is still a secret: Depending on which bure you reserve, a couple can stay for less than $300 US dollars a night – that includes three mouth-watering meals! Granted, you are on the water on this small island – but not on a real beach. You have to kayak to the beach – but hey! Not a bad prospect.
While I was there I learned to surf and scuba dive…went to an interesting fire walking ceremony with the locals…did yoga…had spa treatments…and lounged in the beauty of Fiji. The surfing was unreal – on Frigate’s Pass, we surfed(or at least I tried..) on a reef that is out in the middle of the ocean – no land in sight for 12miles! Just picture that in your mind…along with the swaying palm trees…and tropical air. And did I mention the weather is nice right now??? Let me know if you go..and tell the owners I say hi.
Just a quick note –
For you foodies who love all the food-related travel shows on the Travel Channel, "Hot Dog Heavens" airs tonight, Tuesday August 7….One of my favorite hot dog haunts is featured – Pinks in LA. I am not sure the exact time – check your listings.
More to come later on travel in the shoulder season and all the airline deals to take advantage of!!!
If you’ve ever thought of taking your children to London, England – tune in to the Travel Channel on Friday July 20 10am EST 7am PST. (YES I did say AM…not PM!! Family hours, mind you)
The reality-based show, "Are We There Yet" explores some of the off the beaten path locales for families…as well as just some plain old fun things to do. It is quite an adventure – don’t miss it! It is one in a series of shows I did for the Travel Channel on family travel.
