Dad, Life and the Philippines

My father is quite the character; adored by many and disliked by few. He is the man who gave me my first sex talk. The person I went running to when I got my first period, which he insisted we celebrate with a special dinner. He is the one who soaked my head in cold water when I experienced my first hangover, (he was also the one who paid the bar tab). He is a true connoisseur of life. Always ready and willing to host a dinner party, family barbeque, or birthday bash. He is unafraid to be who he is regardless of what others think. He is eccentric at times, old fashioned at others. He is his own person; unafraid and unabashed. Always ready to have a good laugh and give life a big kick in the ass when needed. His philosophy has always been to live life for today and that is exactly how he has lived. He puts little thought into what others think of him. He never let anyone, including his children, dictate his life. And though at times this really upset me, as I get older I have a new found respect for him because I understand how difficult it is to live your life according to your own terms when most of society is so preoccupied with what others think of them. My father, for lack of a better expression, never gave two shits what anyone thought! He still doesn’t, and that my friends takes courage, lots of it!

Our holidays often included people we didn’t know because my father never wanted ANYONE to be alone on the holidays. He was always ready and willing to loan others money, even when he knew he would never get it back. Hell, he’d take the shirt off his back for family and friends, and at times has. His heart is big, but then again so is his mouth and this can drive me crazy, but when all is said and done at least I can appreciate that my dad is always real. That he never puts on a show or pretenses. He doesn’t sugar coat the truth, for anyone, no matter what the subject. Instead he will find humor in our pain and find a way to make us laugh, even when death looked us in the face.  

My dad is the one who instilled me with the love for adventure and travel by taking me on my first road and overseas trip. Yesterday he returned from a 3 month stay in the Philippines where he visited a number of islands including Boracay, Cebu & Mactan, Palawan and Manila. He flew solo for 24 hours without batting a lash. That ladies and gentlemen is my father.

He may be far from perfect, but that is precisely how I like him, because the truth is that no one is perfect and those who pretend to be are the ones whose closets are full of skeletons. At least when all is said and done, my dad can sing those famous lyrics, “I did it my way!” So in honor of my dad’s safe return, I dedicate this post to him and to the beautiful people and islands of the Philippines who graciously embraced him and treated him as one of their own.  

Here are my favorite island hotels in the Philippines:

Secluded, seductive and so seafront you’re almost in the water, tropical hideaway ABACÀ BOUTIQUE RESORT teams cool modern design with local antiques and a serene spa. 

On remote reef-fringed Pamalican Island, AMANPULO boutique hotel in the Philippines offers Crusoe luxe, with snow-white beaches and pristine diving.

Breezy boutique hotel BELLAROCCA ISLAND RESORT & SPA near Marinduque brings white-washed stucco style to the azure waters of the Philippines.

With its secluded, thatch-roof villas and exclusive sandy beaches, a stay at ESKAYA BEACH RESORT & SPA in the Philippines is like living a tropical dream.

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY ISLAND in the Philippines is an indulgent beach retreat for those seeking complete solitude and utter relaxation.

The Magic of Oscar Night

I love Oscar time. Watching Hollywood’s elite all coiffed and coutured as they grace the Academy Awards red carpet in show-stopping gowns is a night that I, along with countless others, enthusiastically look forward to each year.

Over the years this event has become Hollywood’s biggest fashion runway. Unfortunately for us the camera does not always capture the color and splendor of a dress that fashion critics (myself included) eagerly wait to put on the Oscar hit and win list. This year, aside from the cleavage mishap on Jennifer Lopez and the strange red-carpet encounter of Sacha Baron Cohen with Ryan Seacrest, the evening’s stars all put their best leg forward. Some literally like the stunning Angelina Jolie in her leg barring black velvet Versace gown.

This is the night young starlets and movie stars alike gather under one roof to celebrate the year’s best in cinema and what a year it has been. With Oscar worthy performances in Albert Nobbs, The Artist, The Descendants, The Iron Lady, The Help, My Week With Marilyn and the hilarious Bridesmaids to name a few, there were definitely many Oscar Gold performances to toast and toast I did with a glass of Champagne Dreams! (See recipe below.) Just because I wasn’t invited to sip cocktails with celebrities at one of the many Oscar Awards events doesn't mean I can't enjoy the fun with my best friends.

The Oscars provided endless hours of amusement. From the Pre-Oscar Red Carpet Fashion, to Billy Crystal’s humorous opening skit, to Meryl Streep’s surprise 3rd Oscar win, to Octavia Spencer’s emotional speech, the 84th Academy Awards was an evening to be remembered.

It was great to have Billy Crystal back for his 9th time as host doing what he does best, making us laugh with his precious one liners like my favorite, “Nothing can take the sting out of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with gold statues!”

And while some of you may disagree with the evening's fashion, winners and show, I think it’s safe to say that we all agree on one thing – The Oscars are an evening to sit back and enjoy!

Recipe for my Oscar Night Drink:

CHAMPAGNE DREAMS

Ingredients:

·         2 oz Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

·         .25 oz Orange liqueur

·         1 oz Fresh orange juice

·         2 oz Champagne

·         Garnish: Orange twist

·         Glass: Flute

Preparation:

Add all the ingredients except the Champagne to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled Champagne flute. Top with the Champagne and garnish with an orange twist.

Cheers to live, love and success!

The Power of Destiny & Choice

“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped” – Anthony Robbins

They say our destiny is written in the stars and last week something magical happened that proved to me that destiny is indeed shaped by defining moments and the decisions we make when those moments present themselves.

What began as a perfectly normal evening turned into a life defining moment as a last minute decision led me to my sister’s doorstep. Now you see my sister had already made plans to visit a friend’s son that evening so not wanting to disappoint him she decided to go over an hour earlier for a quick visit. While she was there a young representative from World Vision came knocking on her friend’s door asking if she would be interested in sponsoring a child. Her friend, for reasons unbeknownst to me, had to decline, but as destiny would have it my sister was there! (Did I mention that my sister had told me weeks ago about wanting to sponsor a child? However with her hectic schedule she never got around to it.)

ENTER DESTINY!

An hour later my sister came home and to our surprise was in the company of a young gentleman. She explained who he was and why he was there. As they filled out the forms I found myself looking through the many helpless faces of children in need of our support and that is when I came across the angelic face of a little girl from Bangladesh named Tithi. As I looked into her eyes I knew that I needed to help her. My heart began to ache at the thought of her life and yet at the same time it surprisingly felt full at the thought of the many ways in which her life could change with my support, and so then and there I unexpectedly decided to sponsor this beautiful little girl.

I cannot find the words to explain how I felt that evening except to share this quote from the lovely Maya Angelou who once said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” And that evening a little girl living in an impoverished slum in Bangladesh would have her life forever changed because destiny presented itself to my sister, and her decision presented me with the opportunity to make a decision that would not only change a child’s life but also my own.

Without even knowing her, Tithi has already given me a greater sense of purpose and appreciation for how fortunate we are. Most importantly though, she has given me a greater belief in the power of destiny and how our choices can shape and form that destiny.

That evening four lives were forever changed; a little girl in Bangladesh, a little boy in Haiti, and that of two sisters. So here I am presenting you with the opportunity to make a choice that will change someone’s life and destiny forever, realizing that in that moment you are also changing your own.

Fabulous Hotel Indoor Pools

"The water is your friend.....you don't have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move". - Alexandr Popov

I love to swim. I have been around water all my life. As a little girl I would spend my summer days immersed in water and to this day nothing soothes me like plunging myself in water and enjoying some aquatic relaxation. Swimming provides me with a sense of peace. It is the one place where I am left alone with my thoughts. A rare treat in a world filled with blackberries, computers and a million other distractions.

Swimming has served as a catalyst for life by teaching me how to be disciplined, to set goals and achieve them. It taught me the importance of breathing and to have courage and strength when I was ready to quit. They say that the swimmer who says, "It can't be done" is passed by the swimmer who is doing it. And so I am doing it, one lap at a time…

A gorgeous pool serves as an indoor oasis, especially during the winter months when cold and snow dominate the landscape. It is my favorite place to escape to, so it comes as no surprise that when booking a hotel a great indoor pool is definitely a feature I look for.

Whether you prefer a rooftop pool with breathtaking views or a pool adorned with floating candles, rose petals and beautifully painted murals, an aquatic relaxation zone is always a welcome treat for the discerning traveler. Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to my favorite indoor hotel pools. 

Indulge your senses at the TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER TORONTO^®, Quatrz Crystal Spa™. Towering high above the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, the spa pool provides a serene escape on the 31^st and 32^nd floors.

Leaving the Shore

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with one of my oldest and best friends who celebrated a milestone birthday last year and how befitting, for it was truly the birth of a new life for her. You see, among the many gifts she received, she was bestowed the most precious gift of all – the gift of LOVE!

While on her birthday vacation to a beautiful island with pristine beaches and a never ending ocean of blue she fell in love for the first time. That’s not to say that she has never loved before, but this time is different. She is experiencing the kind of love that changes you forever. The kind that opens your heart and soul to a New You!

It’s incredible to see the positive changes that are taking place in her life. Suddenly, she is unwilling to sacrifice her happiness to please others, and nor should she or ANYONE for that matter! She is no longer content to sit by and watch life pass her by. She has become the captain of her destiny, and as she makes her way through uncharted waters she is discovering a new found freedom and happiness that is only attained when you have the courage to leave the shore.

She is finally growing into the woman she was always meant to be. It is true that the essence of our being is love. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things that are missing. If you don’t have love in your life, no matter what else there is, it’s not enough. And just when she was about to give up the hope of ever finding this kind of love, the universe gave her the greatest gift of all.

So in honor of my dear friend and all the remarkable new changes in her life, I want to dedicate this post to her and to the beauty of LOVE. Having met on a gorgeous island, it is only befitting that this post feature some of the world’s best island getaways. Who knows, like her, maybe you too will let go of the shore to discover new oceans… 

Soak in the View

Nothing speaks romance like being immersed in a luxurious hot bath with a post-card perfect view as your lover’s embrace lulls you into total relaxation...

Long baths are one of my favorite ways to enjoy an intimate evening. I love the calming effect of candles and my man’s affection, so when selecting a hotel the bathroom must seduce me just as much as the overall hotel design.

Some of my most memorable holiday moments have been spent in a bath for two overlooking a spectacular landscape, cityscape or endless ocean of blue.

Today, take a moment to relax and soak in the view from some of my favorite hotel bathrooms.

The Bowery Hotel - New York

Huvafen Fushi - Maldives

Raffles Tianjin - China

Singita Swen Lodge - South Africa

Andara Resort and Villas - Phuket, Thailand



My Favorite Love Nest - Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law. -Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy, A.D. 524

February is the month of love; an homage to the essence of life, a force so intense that a day was named in its honor.  There are many kinds of love. That of family, friends, and then there is that kind of blinding love that breathes new life into you. I’ve been blessed with an abundance of all forms of love in my life.

With love on the mind, my thoughts turn to the world’s most romantic hideaways; whether your idea of romance includes a gourmet meal for two, arm-in-arm city strolls or soaking in a bath overlooking the Serengeti and bedding down in a private lodge, you’ll find a hotel suite to suit.

So in honor of love and romance, I’ve looked through all my favorite hotels and picked out the most romantic one according to ME! Here’s a hint: I had a farm in Africa…

Birthday Spa Getaway

This weekend I got my ‘spa on’ with my oldest and dearest friends as a special birthday treat. Women I have been celebrating my birthday with my entire life. Each privy to every funny, embarrassing, heartbreaking and wonderfully magical moment in my life, and when they couldn't physically be there like when I had my first kiss or the moment my mother took her last breath, they have been there to share a lifetime of ‘laugh until you cry’ and ‘hug until it doesn't hurt anymore’ moments. Hours spent laughing, talking and confiding secrets over hundreds of meals and glasses of wine. Every milestone made better because of our friendship.

My birthday weekend was no different. We began with relaxing massages, facials and body scrubs. This blissful experience built up quite the appetite, so to say we were famished by the time we arrived at our 8 pm dinner reservation would not be an exaggeration, but boy was it worth the wait!

Our gourmet experience began with a delicious appetizer that consisted of 4 shellfish: crab cake in a smoked tomato aioli, lobster roll with pineapple sauce, seared scallop on asian slaw, and jumbo prawn in a roasted garlic purée. If this experience wasn’t heavenly enough, we followed with our entrees; pan seared branzino sea bass with citrus beurre blanc, rice pilaf and grilled asparagus; and a 10 oz grilled strip loin with sautéed mushrooms and lobster mashed yukon gold potatoes. I think the only way to properly describe our meal is to use the term, “Symphony in Your Mouth!” It was perfect! We decided to end our meal with not one, but 8 decadent desserts. My favorite included a lovely Happy Birthday just for me!

What I always enjoy most about our dinners is the uncontrollable laughing that takes place. It’s the laugh until your stomach hurts and you’re ready to pee your pants kind of laugh. Please note that most of the evening’s laughs were at my expense for having just recently learned the term ‘Camel-Toe’ and if that wasn’t bad enough, I proceeded to compliment my friend for coming up with the term ‘MC Pukes.’ A term everyone quickly told me has been around since the beginning of civilization. (Is it my fault that my vocabulary isn’t as evolved as theirs?!) It was the PERFECT evening with my girls.

The night ended off with all of us piled up on two beds, (get those dirty thoughts out of your head), we were watching a movie. FYI, don’t choose a movie with extreme violence. It’s not the last vision you want before falling asleep in a hotel room…lol!

The next morning we woke up, packed our bags and headed for breakfast. With the busy lives we lead, it was great to be able to share this time together, and as I looked around the breakfast table at each of these remarkable women, I felt blessed to know how much I am loved and how important I am to each of them. I know and appreciate the sacrifices they made to share this birthday experience with me. So when asked what my birthday wish was, I quickly realized it already come true!

Cheers to travel, life, love, friendships and the unmistakable bonds we share!

Travelista73 XO