Quick (New) Hotel Getaways in PA and MD

He tried (and loved) the 4 Seasons spa, but this is not our writer.

By ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Jeff Guaracino

Do you need to getaway quick? Does room service and a maid sound just fabulous?  Travel doesn’t always have to be far away from home (just far enough!). Could it be as easy as checking into a local luxury hotel that is part treat and part escape. When you travel as much as I do, sometimes a hotel can be just another hotel. There are two close-by hotels that surprised me both by their incredible views, luxurious but affordable prices, and staff who make everyone feel VIP. And guess what? They are both in two cities that are worth spending more time in — Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Suite Dreams: Napa’s Milliken Creek Inn and Spa

Story and image by Louise Rafkin; originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Above and beyond – but not far from Napa’s wineries and quaint downtown, the Milliken Creek Inn and Spa delivers everything expected in a luxury hotel– and then some. This former stagecoach stop has been designed and appointed with the highest end traveler in mind.

The spacious twelve modern suites lining the shore of the Napa River provide elegant bedding, gas fireplaces, walk-in showers, and spa tubs big enough for two that bubble and swirl.  Outfitted in greens and browns, extra touches include fresh orchids near the double-sink washbasins, a separate WC, and plush rugs on the bamboo floors.  Most rooms sport private balconies or patios with outdoor furniture and umbrellas at the ready, and the meticulous grounds are spotted with towering redwoods and colorful maples.  Though just minutes from Napa’s center, the rooms open to a stunning view of California’s natural landscape and you feel like you’ve really gotten away.And that’s a caveat.  Although a Napa vacation calls for wine tours and at least one a trek into town for a Michelin-starred meal, know this: this is a room you will find hard to leave. 

With all amenities in place, Milliken’s attention to thoughtful particulars truly makes it a stand out.  Upon arrival, local wines are offered in the lobby, and a port bar is available even after the office closes.  During the nightly “Magic Hour” the Inn invites a local vintner to pour and provides an ample spread of breads, cheeses, olives and relishes.  True confession, adding up calories during “Magic Hour” should be discouraged.  Or, take the attitude of my girlfriend who claimed “magic” meant everything consumed during those sixty minutes doesn’t count.

Back at the room, we discovered more magic: lights were down, a splay of candles glowed, fabulous local Woodhouse chocolates were at the waiting, and classic music was set to fuel the mood.  Not surprising that several of the couples we met were either honeymooning or revisiting the scene of their engagement, and many traveler reviews cite the romantic turndown as a high point of their stay.  If all that doesn’t provide enough sexy vibe for you, the helpful concierge can help with “pillow talk” services, arranging anything from hot air balloon rides to the release of live butterflies at breakfast.

My own perfect moment came the next morning. I was jolted from a ridiculously sound sleep by the delivery of a basket of strong coffee, orange juice, and our deliciously prepared breakfasts. After a gorge on sugary morning buns and muffins, my fantastic omelet, with bacon, leeks and spicy salsa, was more than I could manage – or was it the bites I stole from my partner’s waffle that put me over?  Breakfasts can be served anywhere on the property, but neither of us could bear the idea of leaving the crazy comfortable bed. Sated from breakfast I eventually wandered to the spa where a 90-minute Grapeseed Body Polish left me glowing, scrubbed, and as if I’d been through my own personal crush.

Our mid-week getaway was exactly that: we’d been completely lifted from our busy Bay Area lives.  After a stop at Napa’s Oxbow Public Market where several dozen local vendors tempted with local oysters, breads, cheeses and homemade ice creams, we were back in the city in well under an hour. Though we had planned hiking in nearby Skyline Wilderness Park, we were just too relaxed to make the effort.

That’s a retreat.

• Milliken Creek Inn and Spa
• 1815 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
• Napa, California 94558
• 707.255.1197 or 888.622.5775
• www.millikencreekinn.com

Rooms start at $350 and go upwards; internet packages include spa treatments are available, check the website for more details.

Asian-flavored Specials at New Vegas Hotel

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Sin City boasts an indulgent new hotel property on the Las Vegas Trip. The Mandarin Oriental, which opened in late 2009, is celebrating its first anniversary with  special room packages and amenities. Guests can experience three luxurious nights at the Mandarin for the price of two with the “Fantastic Anniversary 3-for-2″ offer. Until January 17, 2011, guests may enjoy an extra night of Mandarin Oriental’s renowned hospitality and award-winning suites. The Spa also features a special “Journey to the Orient” package throughout December. The treatment begins with a consultation to determine the guests’ personal Chinese element, and continues on a journey of rejuvenation and relaxation, using essential oils and massage to deliver the most exquisite spa experience. The extravagant treatment is two-hours long and can be enjoyed for only $300. That’s a pretty great deal for such a renowned spa. For more information, visit: The Mandarin Oriental.

Chaminade Resorts Celebrates Best of Coastal California

Sunset view from hotel patio courtesy of Chaminade Resort and Spa.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Story by Louise Rafkin

Ask anyone in the know about Santa Cruz: a laid-back California beach town with cool Victorian houses, with a wild boardwalk and a fantastic roller coaster, populated by beaded hippies, sun-bleached surfers, and an earnest population of students majoring in Alternative Studies. This is all true.

But there is another Santa Cruz, just up the road. A Santa Cruz of oak and redwood forests, tumbling down into the valley that is the town. The Santa Cruz Mountains offer endless adventures for hiking, birding, and all forms of getting away from it all.

Enter Chaminade Resort and Spa, set on a mountain ridge literally minutes from the main highway which snakes through town. A former monastery, Chaminade is perched on 300 acres at the end of a private tree-lined road. Well-marked hiking trails circle the eco-friendly lodge and out buildings, and the smell of eucalyptus literally floats on the sea air.

While my girlfriend and I enjoyed morning coffee in our King Junior Suite, a deer and her fawn emerged from the underbrush to stare at us from our patio with an equal intensity to ours before moving down the path.

Our suite, with flat screen TV, premium cable, cozy sofa, and dinette, was replete with luxury sheets and a feather-topped bed. Most rooms open to outdoor patios outfitted with table and chairs. Just a short walk from the lodge buildings, is an outdoor swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, and a beach volleyball court. Nearby, the large, equipped fitness center has everything: a full cardio theater, free weights, kettle balls, yoga space, and Cybex equipment. After working out, dip into the spa. Offering a range of massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps, beauty and waxing services, as well as mani-pedi’s, the spa also sports a private outdoor Jacuzzi and Koi pond. After an hour of deep-tissue massage, the excellent sauna and steam rooms left me as relaxed as a wet noodle.

And hungry. Luckily, Chaminade has various eating options in the main lodge, where outdoor tables with sweeping views provide the perfect place to start or end the day. With signature cocktails, regional wines, and a menu built around fresh, local ingredients, menu choices abound, from fresh seafood from the bay, to vegetarian specials. Room service assures you’ll never go hungry; the Sunday brunch repeatedly wins a “best of” prize voted on by locals.

Chaminade provides exactly what is unique about the California coastal experience: a perfect blend of mountains and seashore. With golf and wineries nearby, miles of beaches and the some of the world’s best waves to surf, the challenge of Chaminade might be in getting yourself to leave.

Rooms run $149-$309, and some welcome pooches. The gay-friendly resort regularly hosts weddings, conferences and reunions and can accommodate parties of up to 230 guests.

Chaminade Resort and Spa

http://www.chaminade.com

Reservations: 1 800-283-6569/Direct: 831-475-5600