Spring 1 Edition - 2014 The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliff Resort - Arizona

Pointe Hilton

to a Friend

Pass

Accommodations bull Attractions bull Events bull Destinations

Call an for your

Hotel Guide pecial rate

20thAnniverary

Natural Bridge Caverns Scottsdale Arizona Mardi Gras

A Desert Delight

2 wwwthehotelguidecom

NaturalBridgeCavernscom bull 210-651-6101

On A Whole New LevelImagine a place that towers overhead even though itrsquos deep underground A place filled with delicate formations of solid stone formed by single splashes of water A place thatrsquos eons old but feels brand new every time you see it From giant chambers that echo with mystery to passages with discovery around every bend come see what makes Natural Bridge Cavernshellip Naturally AmAziNg

mORE TO EXPLOREAbout the CoverBreathtaking views Spectucular service Memorable times All waiting for you at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Arizona (Photo Courtesy of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort)

The Montelucia ResortScottsdale Arizona

Coach Carlarsquos Corner 8

Mardi Gras - Galveston TX 10

Sea World of Texas 12

Lone Star Court 14

Aldacorsquos Restaurant 16

Fun in Port Arthur Texas 18

Mansion at Judges Hill - Austin TX 22

Hyatt Lost Pines Resort - Bastrop TX 24

Destinations 27

Tuolumme County 28

Table of Contents

wwwthehotelguidecom 3

Christarsquos Corner 29

Play Ball - Scottsdale AZ 30

Pointe Hilton Squaw Resort - AZ 34

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - AZ 35

Las Alamandas Resort - Mexico 36

W Retreat amp Spa - Bali 37

Experiences 38

Paris France - Suitcase Stories 39

Journey to Spain - Nan Palermo 41

30

4 wwwthehotelguidecom

beautifulmagical

memorablewwwriosanantoniocom

River Taxi bull Private Charters bull Special Events

Ride the Rio

riosanantonio

(210) 244-5700(800) 417-4139

Connect ShareEngage

Edward R LeosPublisher

Jennifer LeosAssociate Publisher

Christa ThompsonSenior Travel Writer

Nicole ConnollyMichael Wright

Travel Writers

Daniel LeosIllustrator

Deanna BarrettCarla Ferrer

Jacqueline GonzalezMargo Gonzalez Huckabay

Chriselda PachecoNan PalmeroContributors

Contact InformationThe Hotel GuidePO Box 592418

San Antonio TX 78259Toll-free

(877) HTL-GDE1phone (210) 857-2003infothehotelguidecomwwwthehotelguidecom

Special Thanks tobull Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

bull Denver Convention amp Visitorrsquos Bureaubull Texas Department of Tourism

bull Texas Department of Transportationbull Texas Hotel and Lodging Association

bull Texas Travel Industry Associationbull Las Vegas CVB

bull Austin CVBbull Tyler CVB

bullGalvestonCVBbull Houston CVB

bull Corpus Christi CVBbull New Braunfels CVB

bull El Paso CVBbull Lubbock CVB

bull Granbury CVBbull San Antonio CVB

he Winter weather has contin-ued to grip

most of us but we canrsquot help but think about Springtime - starting with fantas-tic events such as Mardi Gras Spring Training for Major League Baseball and yesSpring Break Our publication is focused on the fun to be had in warm weather In Texas check out one of the coolest areas of the state - Port Arthur Want a respite and feel a bit of seclusion Then the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop Texas is your answer But you canrsquot spell F-U-N without expe-riencing Mardi Gras in Galveston Texas The third largest Mardi Gras event in the country knows how to make a memorable impression Outside the Texas boundaries hit up Scottsdale Arizona and some MLB Spring Training Tons to see and do beyond just the baseball diamond Going international Las Alamandas Resort in Mexico is a destination getaway for sure along with the third birthday of the W Retreat and Spa Bali As we continue to grow we love partnering with other travel-minded writers I would like to welcome Christa Thompson of the Fairy Tale Traveler along with Nicole Connolly and her husband Michael Wright of Suitcase Stories to our editorial team This power-packed group is sure to represent a myriad of your travel tastes For great story ideas or to be a part of our ldquoExpe-riencesrdquo section send me a personal e-mail by clicking here Looking for great hotel deals Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here Happy Travels

T

wwwthehotelguidecom 5

A Word FromThe Publisher

6 wwwthehotelguidecom

Texas

TEXAS

wwwthehotelguidecom 7

TEXAS

Personalized NutritionA nutrition plan designed for you specifically courtesy of IDLife Take the

guesswork out complete our assessment and get on a focused nutritionprogram HIPAA-certified Take the steps to a better life

wwwBuilt4Fitnesscom

FREEOnline Health

Assessment

Seen On

YES

8 wwwthehotelguidecom

TEXAS

hat about the innumerable health risks associated with obesity including but not limited to heart disease diabetes joint disorders and even cancer

Can you hide from these dreaded culprits too The answer is of course no So then whatrsquos preventing you from taking better care of your-self What is it that drives you to eat compulsively andor excessively choosing foods that by content andor preparation could pretty much not be any worse What is it exactly that goes through your mind in that moment as your reaching for the serving or two or three that says ldquothis is okay I donrsquot deserve or need to do betterrdquo YOU Deserve Better Fact is you DO deserve better hellipand you certainly need TO DO better that is while the choice is still yours ~ and you still can Changing the self-defeating course yoursquore on wonrsquot happen overnight but it will change for the better if you choose to do better with each bite each drink each step each day going forward Listen I get it Itrsquos not as though you purposely took an extra slice of pizza or ordered that second burger because you could hardly wait to feel out of shape short of breath and feel as though you donrsquot fit in Been There Done That Keep in mind that I really do understand Though itrsquos been over 18 years since I lost 135 poundshellip I have been there done that figured it out and am here to tell you that if yoursquore ready for a changehellip stop thinking about it there will never be a lsquoright timersquohellip just do it Be very clear weight loss is nothing more than a de-cision waiting to happen It really IS that simple Ques-tion is however ARE YOU READY If you are ready then it starts here and now with first Declaring your decisionhellip Committing to your decisionhellip and seeing it through to Success (There may be bumps along the way but stay true to yourself quitting is not an option Obstacles may arise but they should not change your destination)

W Getting Started So how do you get started Start by creating safe zones within your kitchen your stash drawers at work etc Go through your pantry and get rid of everything you know is not good for you or that is not in align-ment with your goal to get healthy get fit and lose weight once and for all Clear it all out Better it be in the trash than on your butt legs and thighs And while Irsquom on the topic of butt legs and thighshellip know

this that every time you think yoursquore taking a harmless lsquoBLTrsquo sampling of something ie just a little bite lick or tastehellip remember what Irsquove said itrsquos going straight to your tush When thought of in these terms that too fleeting moment of indulgence simply wonrsquot be worth it Ugly Facts Fact is on average people are consuming approxi-mately 300-500 extra calories per week with those lsquoharmless little tastesrsquo here and therehellipthat has for many sneaked up on them (you) ~ in what feels to be overnight As such learn to be very mindful of all you choose to put into your mouth because if you donrsquot you can absolutely plan on gaining more and more weight with each passing year that is until yoursquore either forced by poor and declining health to strictly diet the excess weight away or worse still Itrsquos been said the lsquoTeacher will appear when the Student is readyrsquo hellipthe time and opportunity for you is now Ready to get started First Steps to Change Okay weigh yourself tomorrow morning first thing You need to know exactly where you stand ~ in order to recognize the milestones you will surely see and accomplish along the way to your desired goaldestina-tion In as much weigh yourself preferably either in the nude at home or in clothing that yoursquoll consistently be able to wear to weigh-in just ONCE a week going forward (And I do stress that you weigh no more fre-quently than once a week ~ or yoursquoll go crazy with the scale over time ~ as natural fluctuations can be madden-ing)

Coach Carlarsquos CornerStruggling with Your Weight

By Coach Carla Ferrer

wwwthehotelguidecom 9

TEXAS Then take heart and take inventory of your food stores be they your kitchen office car deskhellipwhatever and wherever and get rid of ALL the junk hellipand as yoursquore doing so really take a look at what yoursquore eating and ask yourself what would be a healthier substitution Make a list ~ Write it down ~ and Go Shopping Have this weekrsquos focus simply be to upgrade your nutritional intake never mind portions for now Letrsquos take this in baby steps Baby Steps to Get Started Your goal for this week should be to simply eat only the things that are naturally whole and nutritious and good for your body ie lean proteins (97 fat free beef ground round turkey fish skim cheeses etc) and lots of complex carbs (sal-ads vegetables and fresh fruits) with healthy choices of Skim Milk or Almond Milk as you prefer Make your best effort to eliminate all the junk (pro-cessed andor fried foods) choosing to replace it all with healthy natural foods that are fresh steamed grilled andor baked Also commit to increasing your water intake to at least eight 8 oz glasses of water daily and give your best effort to moving more ie park further at the mall and grocery store Nothing gets my goat faster than watching people circle the parking lot for 20 minutes looking for the closest spot to the door possible ~ when they could have just easily parked and WALKED Or worse still something falls of the deskhellip and they SLIDE ACROSS in their caster chair to grasp it rather than just getting up out of the chair walking over

and bending down to pick it up ITrsquoS THESE BEHAVIORS AND COUNTLESS OTHERS JUST LIKE THESE which have lead you to where you are today Just Keep Moving Adding injury to insult it wasnrsquot so long ago that we use to have to at the very least get in the car to go pick up some rental movies for the night now without mov-ing an inch ~ all we have to do is push a button on the remote and presto ~ almost magically ~ appears the movie selection screen Thus all these conveniences are really not lending

themselves to our overall fitness and well-being thus itrsquos up to you to intentionally plan how when and where it is you can reasonably incorporate much needed increased physical activity Simply put yoursquove got to make healthier food choices eat less over-all and move more Bottom line if yoursquore wanting to once again be that person you were back in the day or even be-come someone yoursquove never been YOUrsquoRE GOING TO HAVE TO DO THINGS YOUrsquoVE NEVER DONE You can do this I know you can Just remember to stay mind-ful be patient and take this one bite

at a time one step at a time one day at a time Declare it Do it Smile and be glad hellipYOU still have choice in the matter Yoursquove Got The Power In love amp light

Coach Carla wwwCarlaFerrercom

10 wwwthehotelguidecom

pickPublisherrsquos

TEXAS

f yoursquore looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience in 2014

grab some beads and hit the beachTake it to the Beach Mardi Gras Galveston the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gor-geous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lav-ish parades known to domi-nate Galveston Island during carnival season Party Time The islandrsquos 103rd Mardi Gras celebration to be held February 21 through March 4 2014 is expected to draw more than 300000 attendees for 38 concerts 24 parades 20 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls And this island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality Find your Mardi Gras style with these high-lightsbull Classic Revelry ndash Galves-tonrsquos historic downtown enter-tainment district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry complete with big crowds and plenty of beads Nearly all parades go through downtown where you can enjoy the view from the street or from high above at a balcony party Main concert stages are also located downtown where the likes of Hot Chelle Rae Neon Trees Tonic and Lee Brice have head-lined in recent years 2014 headline entertainers will be announced in the coming weeks bullUpscale Mardi Gras ndash If yoursquore looking to catch any of the colorful beads to be thrown from parade floats and downtown balconies you donrsquot have to stand in the streets to do it Mardi Gras Galvestonrsquos

I

elegant side will feature five masked balls where black-tie attire lavish buffets live performers dancing and

parade viewing invoke the evening festivi-ties Popular events include the Tremont Housersquos annual Mardi Gras Ball amp Parade Viewing Party and the San Luis Salute hosted by Tilman and Paige Fertittabull Family Gras ndash Sunday February 23 is Family Gras at Mardi Gras Galveston featuring live family entertainment two kids parades a kids coloring contest and the Jr Jester Jaunt 1K runwalk Donations will be taken at the gate to benefit The Sunshine Kids and Shriners Hospitals for Children The family friendly activities will continue Sunday March 2 with the Krewe of Barkus amp Meoux pet parade and Mardi Gras Childrenrsquos Parade on the Seawall bull Electric Mardi Gras ndash Electric Mardi Gras will return in 2014 with an expanded area and new loca-tion at 21st and Mechanic streets in downtown Galveston This area will provide one big party for lov-

ers of electronic dance music with continu-ous concerts beat-thumping DJs and laser light shows on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the celebration For more information on Mardi Gras Galveston visit wwwmardigrasgalvestoncom

3rd Largest Mardi Gras in NationGalveston Texas

5 Hotels within 50 MilesWErsquoVE GOT HOUSTON KEMAH AND GALVESTON ISLAND TX COVERED

7132281520innattheballparkcom

2813349880kemahboardwalkinncom

4097441500sanluisresortcom

4097445000galvestonhiltoncom

4097405300holidayinnresortscom

galveston-bch

wwwthehotelguidecom 11

TEXAS

12 wwwthehotelguidecom

eaWorld San Antonio kicks off its 2014 season Saturday Feb 1 with appearances by interna-tionally known wildlife expert and TV star

Jack Hanna to mark the debut of ldquoWild Daysrdquo special animal shows every weekend in February Wild Days SeaWorld San An-tonio will feature Han-na host of the popular ldquoJack Hannarsquos Into the Wildrdquo TV show on Saturday Feb 1 and Sunday Feb 2 Hanna will introduce guests to amazing animals from around the world ldquoWild Daysrdquo contin-ues with three more week-ends of fascinating animal presentationsSaturday Feb 8 and Sunday Feb 9 ldquoWild Days Amaz-ing Animalsrdquo - A professor and his students go on a quest to learn about wallabies alligators porcupines snakes and more in this stage show with live animals

Saturday Feb 15 Sunday Feb 16 and Monday Feb 17 ldquoWild Days Flying Highrdquo - This live show intro-duces guests to some feathered friends from ldquoLast Chance Foreverrdquo an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of sick injured and orphaned birds of prey into their natural habitats

Saturday Feb 22 and Sunday Feb 23 ldquoWild Days SeaWorld Live with Chuck Cureaurdquo - SeaWorldrsquos own animal expert and TV personality Chuck Cureau hosts a show with intriguing animals including a California

S sea lion penguins and many others and their amaz-ing stories of rescue rehabilitation and

preservation along with spe-cial guests Julie Scardina and Pedro Ramos-Navarrete animal ambassadors for the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks 50th Celebration The 2014 season will con-tinue to accelerate in March when all three SeaWorld parks from coast to coast launch SeaWorldrsquos 50th Celebration an 18-month observance that highlights memorable SeaWorld experiences over the past half-century To find out more about the celebra-tion visit wwwseaworld

comcelebration ldquoBeginning March 21 SeaWorld guests will

celebrate with a sea of surprises that include new inter-action experiences and shows and more up-close animal encounters throughout the parkrdquo said Dan Decker

president of SeaWorld amp Aquat-ica San Antonio2014 General AdmissionSeaWorldrsquos 2014 Fun Card promotional offer provides un-limited visits to the park at $65 plus tax for adults and $55 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9 Guests wanting unlimited access to both SeaWorld and Aquatica parks can purchase a two-park Fun Card for $100 plus tax for adults and $90 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9 The Sea-World Annual Pass is $100 plus tax for adults or children and

includes unlimited admission free parking and discounts A SeaWorldAquatica Annual Pass is available at $135 plus tax for adults or children and includes un-limited admission free parking and discounts EZ Pay monthly payment options are also available on the parkrsquos Annual Passes for those who qualify Single-day admission to SeaWorld is $65 plus tax for adults and $55 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9

Sea World Of TexasKicking off 2014 in Style

TEXAS

pickPublisherrsquos

wwwthehotelguidecom 13

Enjoy theSuite Life

SeaWorld San AntonioAquatica have partnered with the Art Institute of San Antonio and the Omni San Antonio at the Colonnade to bring you the first-ever ldquoAquatica Suiterdquo

Come experience the magic

9821 Colonnade Blvd bull San Antonio TX 78230

Experience OurldquoAquatica Suiterdquo

wwwseaworldcom

Call an for your

Hotel Guide pecial rate

NEW

Book it1-800-THE OMNI

Aquatica Suite available after July 2013Before then ask for the ldquoKidrsquos Fantasy Suiterdquo

14 wwwthehotelguidecom

new upscale retro-inspired motor court concept is coming to Austin courtesy of the Valencia Group Nostalgia will meet modern at the Lone Star

Court with an aesthetic thatrsquos authentically Austin and Texas Hill Country from the art in the rooms to the unique outdoor environment According to Doyle Graham Jr President and CEO of the Valencia Group ldquoThis is the most exciting new concept in the hotel industry Lone Star Court will be a 21st century re-interpretation of the nostalgic motor court At the same time it will capture the essence of Austin and the Texas Hill Country it will be one of a kind and totally unique to Texasrsquo capital cityrdquoTrue Texas Lone Star Court will have 123 retro-inspired guest rooms with high-tech amenities True to Austin Lone Star Court will feature live music by an outdoor fire pit a dipping pool reminiscent of Hill Country swimming holes and an on-site food trailer court Lone Star Court will draw business as well as leisure travelers to its unique ldquoranch-techrdquo property and the res-taurant and bar will be a destination for Austi-nites as well as visitorsA Place to Meet The property will have approximately 2000 square feet of interior meeting space an outdoor covered pa-vilion of 1600 square feet and an adjacent open air lawn that adds 1800 square feet to the total available meeting space The Valencia Group Lone Star Court is a new concept created by Valencia Group a Houston-based company known for its luxury independent Hotel Valencias in San Antonio and San

A Jose the Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE in Houston and re-cently Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza in Kansas City Why the Vintage Concept

During the early days of auto tourism beginning in the mid 1940s road-side campsites led entrepreneurs to create quaint cabin-like places for travelers to stay Simple cottage camps began to evolve into more sophis-ticated full-service motor courts and the number of motels in Ameri-

ca tripled to more than 60000 by the 1960s The new more modern motor courts along great American highways featured ldquoair cooled by refrigera-tionrdquo television coin-operated radios tiled bathrooms

easy chairs and Serta Per-fect Sleepers After decades of boom-ing business mom-and-pop motels began to disappear in 1956 with the Federal-Aid Highway Act that funded construction of the interstate highway system With little means to move their facili-ties or re-route traffic these gems of the road gave way to corporate chains staking their claims along the new highways Lone Star Court will take visitors back to the heyday of the roadside motor court ex-

perience where guests can discover an era of authentic Americana along with modern amenities and the excite-ment of Austin More InformationTo find out more about Lone Star Court visit them online at wwwlonestarcourtcom

Lone Star CourtAustinrsquos Authentic Americana

TEXAS

wwwthehotelguidecom 15

16 wwwthehotelguidecom

an Antonio has long been known for incred-ible Mexican food

and for the past 20 years Aldacorsquos has kept up the tradition Founded by itrsquos namesake Blanca Aldaco the restaurant has won many awards for their food delectable desserts tasty margaritas and unforget-table ambiance After launching the origi-nal Aldacorsquos near Sunset Station and subsequently moving into the facility adja-cent to the Alamodome the restaurant has earned local regional and national acclaimAppetizers with a Flare If you are looking for little bit everything then you must try ldquoLa Botanardquo which comes with two quesadillas al carbograven three flautas four fried cream jalapentildeos four bean amp cheese nachosguacamole and sour cream As you gear up for dinner the choices range from incredi-

S

Aldacorsquos Stone OakAward-Winning Food and More

Free shuttle after 5 pm100 Hoefgen Sunset Station

San Antonio TX 78205wwwaldacosnet 2102220561

lunch amp dinnerpatio dining

margaritas

Located in historic downtown

A San Antonio Tradition for 20 Years

20079 Stone Oak ParkwaySan Antonio Texas 78258

(210) 494-0561wwwaldacos-stoneoakcom

Delicious Foodbull Open Daily for Lunch amp Dinner bull Award-Winning Drinks bull Delectable Desserts

ble enchiladas to steaks to freshly-prepared seafood Try the incomparable Chile Relleno or their scrump-tious Fish Tacos Aldacorsquos also offers a Gluten-Free and Celiac menu for their guestsDelectable Desserts Your dining experience isnrsquot complete without a serving of Blancarsquos famous Original Pastel Tres Leches dessert It is sinfully delicious and melts in your mouth Another ldquodessertrdquo that Aldacorsquos is known for are their award-winning margaritas You have to try the infamous Avaca-do Margarita or the Margarita Pour Off winner Either way if you love these tasty treats

Aldacorsquos has the answer Groups The restaurant also has a private dining room that holds up to 100 guests for those intimate gatherings For more info visit wwwaldacos-stoneoakcom

pickPublisherrsquos

TEXAS

wwwthehotelguidecom 17

18 wwwthehotelguidecom

TEXAS

oaring bridges spanning scenic waterways lead to

outdoor adventure filled with birding fishing and wildlife Port Arthur unites land and sea in Southeast Texas where our motto is ldquolaissez les bons temps roulerrdquo That translates to ldquolet the good times rollrdquo and itrsquos our attitude for welcoming tourists to the shores of Lake SabineTons of Water Nearby Port Arthur offers wetlands and Gulf beach-es salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park a completely natural beach Experi-ence our strong Cajun and other cultural influ-ences through cuisine and musicLots to Do Catch the excitement at Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival and the Buu Mon Lotus and Bamboo Festival Museum of the Gulf Coastrsquos Jurassic to Joplin experience includes a replica of Janis Joplinrsquos psychedelic Porsche and tributes to The Big Bopper Jimmy Johnson Robert Rauschenberg Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Queen of Peace Shrine amp Gardens highlight our faith trail Local Attractions Museum of the Gulf Coast -Janis Joplin Jimmy Johnson and The Big Bopper are in music and sports hall of fame here Visit a replica of Joplinrsquos psychedelic Porsche the largest indoor mural of the southwest the original Sa-bine Lighthouse lens a Robert Rauschenberg art gallery regional history and glass and shell collection are high-lights Visit themuseumofthegulfcoastcom Pompeiian Villa - Barbed-wire King Isaac Ellwood built this pink stucco mansion in 1900 The grandiose home is a replica of a Pompeiian home of 79 AD with a three-

Ssided courtyard and antiques Hundreds of Santa figures adorn the mansion at ChristmasNature Abounds Port Arthur offers wetlands and Gulf beaches salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park a completely natu-ral beach Visit Sea Rim State Parkrsquos West Dune Boardwalk or Gambusia Nature Trail Sail or fish on Sabine Lake Bird Sabine Woods The Mc-faddin National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby TexasPoint National Wildlife Refuge Wersquore a nature loverrsquos paradise Larryrsquos French Market and Cajun Restaurant Legendary through-out Southeast Texas for its Cajun and Creole

dishes Larryrsquos French Market and Cajun Restaurant is the place to come hungry and ready for zesty taste sensation Try house specialties such a spicy crawfish etouffee chicken and sausage gumbo boiled seafood boudain or fried offerings such as alligator or frog leg The dance floor comes alive with sounds of swamp pop Cajun and zydeco music Thursday through Saturday Visit larrysfrenchmarketcom The arearsquos distinctive Cajun flavor both musical and culinary is on full display at Larryrsquos French Market and Cajun Restaurant The feel good rhythms of live zydeco music and a large dance floor will prove irresistible to most Larryrsquos draws a wide range of patrons and offers a glimpse of authentic Cajun culture from its delectable food to its joyous life-affirming music Get moving to live music on the dance floor and get your mouth set for gumbo boudain and crawfish Visit larrysfrenchmarketcom

Port Arthur TexasTexas Hospitality Meets Cajun Charm

continued on page 20wwwthehotelguidecom 19

TEXAS

20 wwwthehotelguidecom

TEXAS

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Feb 27-March 2 2014 Go downtown for a family affair of pageantry filled with lighted parades and spectacular floats Revelers pile on the purple gold and green beads tossed their way Concerts Cajun food and carnival rides keep the party going for days Visit Mardigrasportarthurcom Our Lady of Guadalupe Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine which reflects the Hispanic Culture of the region An inspiring 17-foot-tall bronze statue rests atop stones brought from Mount Tepeyac in Mexi-co City where the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego Other Area Attractions Shangri La Botanical Gardens is a world-class outdoor showplace that connects nature lovers with birds bayous herbs and butterflies Visit Shangri La and rekindle your sense of wonder Explore the welcome center museum 252 acres of botanical gar-dens Gift Shop amp Cafeacute Visit shangrilagardenscom Gator Country Be-loved and feared al-ligators are Texasrsquo most fascinating native crea-tures GC is home to about 200 gators including Big Al the largest gator in captivity at 13ft long and topping

1000 lbs Hold a baby gator at this wildlife adventure park that is also home to crocodiles turtles and snakes Visit gatorrescuecom The Spindletop Gusher spurred the largest oil boom

in the USA Visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and relive the past in the re-constructed boomtown complete with oil der-ricks shops businesses and a replica gusher that blows water hun-dreds of feet into the air Visit spindltoporg Swamp Tours Cruise the Blue Elbow Swamp in 22-passenger air-boats Day and night tours available Great group discounts Visit airboatridesinccom

Port Arthur Hotels The city has a myriad of hotels to choose from including The Holiday Inn Park

Central The Holiday Inn Express The Hampton Inn and Suites La Quinta Inn and Suites Best Inn and Suites and Comfort Inn and SuitesAs well the Jack Brooks Regional Air-port is serviced by Ameri-can Airlines via American EagleAlligator Wedding Shh Save the Date Surprise your group with Port Arthur Texasrsquo Alliga-tor Wedding Ceremony and Cajun Dining Experi-ence at Beau Reve (Beau-tiful Dream) fine dining restaurant More InfoFor more information visit

wwwVisitPortArthurTxcom or

e-mail Callie Summerlin Director of Sales at 409-985-7822

Calliepoartharthurtexascom

wwwthehotelguidecom 21

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL SPA amp CONFERENCE CENTER Stay in a spacious two-room suite with complimentary made-to-order omelet and breakfast buffet each morning Spa Botanica located inside the hotel will pamper you at their full service spa with a massage facial nail and salon services Then wrap up the day with a complementary managerrsquos reception And with 78000 sqft of conference space one of the 19 rooms will be just the perfect size for your meeting 512-392-6450

SAN MARCOS RIVER The crystal clear San Marcos River is the perfect place to cool off Snorkel kayak or rent a tube at City Park float to Rio Vista Falls then shuttle back and start again

LIVE MUSIC When the sun sets enjoy live music at the Texas Music Theater or Cheatham Street Warehouse where many music legends got their start

3

OUTLET SHOPPING The San Marcos Outlets is the largest outlet shopping center in the United States and feature 260+ shops Enjoy shopping upscale designers to name brand stores with amazing discounts of up to 65 off

Top 9Reasons to Love

SAN MARCOS

wwwtoursanmarcoscom | 5123935930

4

NATURE TRAILS Bring a 4-legged friend for a hike on our trails Pet friendly hotels are available

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Stroll around the Square to shop and dine then stay to enjoy night life and live music

DICKrsquoS CLASSIC GARAGE Home to more than 80 pristine American classic cars dating back to 1929

987WONDER WORLD CAVE Go deep underground in the nationrsquos only example of an earthquake-formed cave

AQUARENA CENTER Marvel at underwater marine life in a glass bottom boat or glass bottom kayak

65

21

SportsSMTX

TourSanMarcos

(SMCVB)HotelGuideindd 1 32513 442 PM

TEXAS

22 wwwthehotelguidecom

he Mansion at Judgesrsquo Hill has a history as storied as the city it dwells in

Originally built in 1900 the Mansion was a wedding gift to Goodall amp Ella Wooten by Thomas Dudley Wooten one of the found-ers of the University of Texas The two both had a passion for life and they used the Mansion as a fountain of new ideas In fact in 1929 they hired Neiman Marcus at a cost of $10000 (todayrsquos esti-mate of $1 million) to re-decorate the home Since its inception this grand venue has combined the elegance of its historical roots with the vi-brancy of its futureldquoFluffy Not Stuffyrdquo At the Mansion you are whisked away to a timeless era with the hint of today Each room in this fabulous boutique hotel is different uniquely-appointed with an inviting appeal All the rooms have a personality all their own Even the bathrooms have texture and color to give it more style and panache Amenities in these incredible accommodations include 310 thread count Egyptian cotton linens hypo-allergenic down and duvets and pillows complimentary LrsquoOccitane and Gilchrist amp Soames custom bath products private stocked honor bar complimentary wireless amp high-speed internet access cable television and dvd players Additionally there is twice daily housekeeping services Food for Thought The Mansion has its own dining room that boasts a five-star chef and an impeccable array of delica-cies Here you will find an exquisite blend of Internation-al Modern and Classic Cuisines The food is always fresh and the plates are designed to allow you to experience many tastes all in one meal

T

Mansion at Judgersquos Hill

The

1900 Lounge is open everyday from 4 pm - 11 pm and features stunning carved wood accents intimate tables vivid draperies and the attentive and friendly atmo-

sphere the Mansion has come to be known for Here you can enjoy a delicious martini tempting frozen margarita or a glass of wine from our selections Special Events and More The Mansion offers groups the perfect backdrop for their events Regardless of the formality tastes or budget they can weave a tapestry of simple elegance into any function Whether itrsquos a busi-ness meeting wedding reception or conference they can create the right atmosphere for you and your guests The venue can accommo-date up to 250 people

Contact Us For more information on this world-class boutique hotel visit them online at wwwjudgeshillcom or call (512) 495-1800

Elegance in the Texas Capital

wwwthehotelguidecom 23

24 wwwthehotelguidecom

TEXAS

yatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa a luxurious

Texas wilderness es-cape tucked between Austin and Bastrop is often considered a go-to vacation spot for families looking to bond and make memo-ries of a lifetime But the scenic 405-acre retreat which underwent a $6 mil-lion soft-goods renova-tion in 2013 is a great go-to destination for grown-ups too ndash as itrsquos home to plenty of activities that give couples gal pals and traveling fellas the opportunity to feel like kids again or simply kick back and relax Tons To Do The list of recreation offerings and amenities is sub-stantial composed of a thoughtful blend of activities included in the daily resort fee as well as other fee-based activities For grown-ups seeking a good-timinrsquo Central Texas getaway here are five fab reasons to pick them

1 Go Outside and Play The great outdoors is a sure-fire way to get in touch with your inner child and Hyatt Lost Pines offers endless ways to do that among them horseback riding trap shooting archery wagon rides meet-and-greets with long-horns alpacas and more kayaking and sunset raft floats birding hiking stargazing and nightly srsquomores roasts

2 Listen Up In January 2014 the resort expanded its Live at Lost Pines music program to include shows most nights of the week designed to supplement the longstanding Friday and Saturday evening performances in Shellers Barrelhouse Bar (complete schedule here) Weekday shows which are held in the lobby or around the fire pit from 5 to 7 pm showcase singersongwriters from the Austin and Bastrop areas including Grammy greats and Texas favorites Tunes vary but the quality is consistently top notch with a blend of Texas and American sounds from blues and swing

H

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

to jazz and traditional country ndash all of which can be enjoyed with a coffee or glass of wine in hand Speaking ofhellip

3 Eat Drink and Be Merry Hyatt Lost Pines is home to nine food and beverage options Yum Some must-taste and gotta-sip menu items include the Moonshine Margarita in Shellers a special dinner at Stories Fine Dining the beef ten-derloin pretzel slider twosome at Major Neighbors and a made-to-order omelet or BLTG at Firewheel

Cafe

4 Say Yes and De-Stress Spa Django is home to seasonal services and a lengthy list of timeless treatments plus wonderful locker room ameni-ties and relaxation lounges that make it easy to relax and just be Top picks include the Heavenly Meltdown in February and Glow-Before-You-Go treatment in March April and May Also be sure to inquire about the Love Lock Ritual offered at the spa ndash fun for couples and families alike

5 Tame the Wolf From March 8 to 23 individuals and families can take advantage of Wolfdancer Golf Clubrsquos daily Spring Break Golf Camp perfect for those who are new to the game or looking to up the ante on their skills Beyond that therersquos a matchless two-for-$119 deal on rounds in February (based on availability) while a free cap hat or visor with your $149 green fee in March

Therersquos much more to be said of course but with itrsquos true that your vacation journey can begin with a single write-up (this one) One closing travel tip If you are looking for a quieter stay with a vibe that is more adult-friendly consider weekend or weekday stays while the kids are in school and weekday stays when schoolrsquos out for summer and holiday breaks 512-308-1234 | wwwlostpineshyattcom

A Playground for All Ages

wwwthehotelguidecom 25

Dynamic Innovative Impressive Everything you want your meeting or event to be is found in one place The Hurst Conference Center is minutes away from everything DFW has to offer Restaurants shops sporting events attractions airports and more Our state-of-the-art facility has over 50000 square feet of flexible event space with seating for up to 900 in the Grand Ballroom and 300 in Meeting Rooms Full audio-visual presentation equipment and production is available in-house plus wi-fi is readily accessible throughout the building Everything you need to make a lasting impression is right here in our amenity-rich facility Find out how the Hurst Conference Center is central to your success by contacting our sales team today

THE WOW FACTOR HAS A NEW ADDRESS

(817) 581-0044 infohurstcccom wwwhurstcccom

11-COH-046 Retail Guide Adindd 1 102511 1011 AM

26 wwwthehotelguidecom

Be a part of theTexas Travel Industry Association

Join todaywwwttiaorg

destinations

wwwthehotelguidecom 27

here are so many reasons why Tuolumne County is known as Vacationland The perfect vacation desti-

nation offers four seasons of fun and adventure a great mix of history culture and the arts excit-ing attractions excellent dining options and great places to stay Tuolumne County has all of this for our visitors whether traveling from across the state or across the ocean Easy access from all points on the compass makes Tuolumne County an ideal vacation desti-nation Tuolumne County is the North Entrance for Yosemite National Park So if Yosemite is your destination be sure to put Tuolumne County on your itiner-aryFun and Adventure Whitewater rafting horseback riding in the back country skiing a double black diamond and downhill single-track mountain bike trails are just some of the ac-tivities that summon thrill-seekers from near and far For a milder yet active vacation seek out that perfect fishing spot or favorite swimming hole Hike among the trees with a pristine forest floor at your feet Whatever you do donrsquot forget your camera - this place is a photogra-pherrsquos paradiseSomething for Everyone History culture and the arts and Movie-Making His-tory aficionados could literally spend weeks strolling his-toric Gold Rush towns perusing museums and catching glimpses of what life mustrsquove been like during Califor-niarsquos historic Gold Rush At Columbia State Historic Park yoursquoll find that the past is truly alive where a blacksmith works away while an authentic stagecoach heads up the road Interactive displays are found throughout the town and gold panning is a must Another State Park Railtown 1897 is a magnet for train and history enthusiasts Seasonal train rides from wildflower viewing to Santarsquos Express bring out the kid in all of us Find traces of Hollywood throughout the Park and beyond as over 300 movies television shows and commercials have been filmed in this area

Tuolumne County

Live Theatre Exceptional live theatre on three different stages beckons patrons from near and far Itrsquos truly a treat to see these actors at work From dramatic to hysteri-cal to musical and everything in between each seasonrsquos line-up has a variety of plays sure to please the most discerning theatre-goer Art galleries featuring a variety of local art including watercolors oil paintings ceramics and photogra-phy can be found throughout the region The talent here is endless but just looking around you can see where the inspiration comes from Art celebrations as well as a number of other events abound year-round Visit wwwyosemite-goldcountrycom for a complete calendar of events listing

Eateries Everyone needs to eat and fortunately here we believe variety is the spice of life From quaint down-town bistros and cafes to historic saloons upscale dining rooms and better-known restaurants wersquove got you covered Please your palate with cuisine from many corners of the world Thai Mexican Japanese Italian and American just to name a few Local wines and hard ciders are often found on beverage menus offering guests a taste of the local flavorGreat Lodging Your lodging options are many Slumber under the starry skies or sleep where the stars slept Historic ho-tels have been known to house some of the greats from the big screen like Cary Grant Clint Eastwood Michael J Fox and Grace Kelly Quaint bed and breakfasts and historic inns offering exceptional service can be found tucked back in the trees on a mountain top or in the heart of a historic downtown Quality hotels and motels are conveniently located throughout the area Year-round resorts can accommodate small to large groups A variety of RV parks and campgrounds can be found throughout the County whether river side or road side Whatever your pleasure for a cozy nightrsquos sleep we can help you find it Visit wwwYosemiteGoldCountrycom

Welcome to VacationlandT

CA

28 wwwthehotelguidecom

FL

wwwthehotelguidecom 29

ki Tube Board Ride in the Smoky Mountains

Kids love it parents fear it its the dreaded ldquosnow dayrdquo If yoursquore in the Smoky Mountains then yoursquore in luck When the city shuts down therersquos one place where yoursquoll find everyone Ober Gatlinburg where the Smoky Mountain Regionrsquos famed ski resort is reinventing the ldquoget-out-of-school-free dayrdquo You can park or walk from down-town Gatlinburg to the Ober Aerial Tram This 120-passenger tram takes you over the treetops of the Smoky Mountains to the Ober Ski Resort on Mt Harrison Finally being snowed in is a good thing Inside of Ober itrsquos warm with an indoor ice skating rink shopping snack bars and my favorite fresh made fudge Outside you will find a range of snow play From speed tubing down the long runs to skiing and snowboarding therersquos something for the adrenaline junkie in you If taking it easy is more your style enjoy a scenic lift to the top of the mountain for the best view of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg As the temperature drops head into the ski lounge and gather around two giant fire pits This is a great way to mingle with the locals enjoy some hot cocoa

S

Christarsquos Corner

and warm up those feet You can go upstairs and grab a beer next to their giant fireplace too If the snow isnrsquot too bad you can check out the Wildlife Encounter to view some of the native wildlife in the Smokies Therersquos always fun to be found at Ober Gatlinburg Hooray for ldquosnow daysrdquo - Christa Thompson is the writer of wwwthefairytaletravelercom

Ober Gatlinburg is Calling in a Snow Day

Save Money WhenBooking Your Travel with Us

pickPublisherrsquos

AZ

30 wwwthehotelguidecom

lide into Scottsdale the home base of Cactus League Spring Training this February and March to catch the San Francisco Giants the Ari-zona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies

in action Scottsdale celebrates Americarsquos favorite pas-time and promises avid baseball fans a close-up look at their favorite players during the season that kicks off Feb 26 and runs through the end of March Catch the action in the heart of downtown at Scottsdale Stadium spring training home of the Giants or nearby at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick spring training host of the Diamondbacks and Rockies Or check out one of the 12 other Cactus League teams that train in greater Scottsdale Though yoursquoll be spending most of your visit cheer-ing on your favorite team chowing down on ballpark hotdogs and sunbathing in the stadiums set aside some time to experience the myriad events promotions and resorts that make Scottsdale the perfect spring break getaway The Sonoran Desert escape welcomes baseball fans families couples and those looking to bask in Arizonarsquos sunny winter and spring weather Getting Here Regardless of whether yoursquore rooting for the San Di-ego Padres in Peoria the Oakland Arsquos in Phoenix or the Chicago Cubs in Mesa consider Scottsdale your home base for accommodations golf spa dining shopping and the arts Visit the Scottsdale Convention amp Visitors Bureaursquos spring training website for information on the destinationrsquos most titillating packages from many of the 70+ world-class hotels and resorts plus dining sugges-tions Herersquos a sneak peak of some of the ldquohome runrdquo packages that Scottsdalersquos hotels and resorts are offer-ingGreat HotelsResorts Stay in a luxurious resort just minutes away from Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields FireSky Resort amp Sparsquos spring training package is aptly named ldquo7th In-ning Stretchrdquo Upon arrival enjoy a flight of craft beers from local favorite Four Peaks Brewery Bring your complimentary bag of peanuts to munch on during the game Afterward bring your game ticket to Taggia and receive 20 percent off coastal Italian fare at the restau-rant and lounge Room rates start at $225 during the month of March The W Scottsdale is just a brief walk from Scottsdale Stadium Take advantage of the hotelrsquos ldquoSpring Training Packagerdquo which includes ldquoslugger swagrdquo including two cocktails each night of your stay and Cracker Jacks and

S

peanuts upon your arrival Plus yoursquoll get a baseball to bring to the games and practice fields for autographs Pricing starts at $323 per night Feb 26 through March 30 Planning a romantic spring training rendezvous Hit one out of the park when you book the ldquoPlay Ball Pack-agerdquo at The Hermosa Inn From Feb 22 through March 30 The Hermosa Inn will offer spring training fans 10 percent off the best available rate a Hermosa Inn base-ball hat a game schedule two drink tickets to The Last Drop Bar and sunscreen Forget buying peanuts and Cracker Jacks at the game The Hermosa Inn has you covered Omni Scottsdale Resort amp Spa at Montelucia is offer-ing three different spring training deals for every type of fan The ldquoMajor Leaguerrdquo package offers fans suite accommodations two tickets to their choice of spring training game hand-rolled local cigars $50 credit to CENTRO and roundtrip transportation to and from the airport for prices starting from $899 Starting from $1499 ldquoThe Perfect Gamerdquo adds on to the ldquoMajor Leaguerrdquo also providing guests an in-room specialty bar and a poolside cabana And when folks stay for three nights at the resort theyrsquoll get a fourth night free and $50 credit to CENTRO when they ask for the ldquoHome Runrdquo packageLegendary Hangouts and Grub Get an intimate look at the history and characters of Cactus League Spring Training with a self-guided tour of downtown Scottsdalersquos legendary baseball hangouts on the Cactus League Legacy Trail The series of exhib-its and landmarks in Scottsdale Mesa Goodyear and

Scottsdale ArizonaSlide into Spring TrainingpickPublisherrsquo

s

wwwthehotelguidecom 31

AZ

AZ

32 wwwthehotelguidecom

the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community string together spring trainingrsquos longstanding history in Ari-zona Memorabilia dates back to the Cactus Leaguersquos beginnings in 1947 when baseball greats such as Ty Cobb Willie Mays Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio strutted their stuff in front of crowds of baseball fans and sun-bathers Throw one back at Karsenrsquos Grill where um-pires tend to gather Admire the jerseys shoes baseballs and autographs signed by Hall of Famers at Don and Charliersquos restaurant Then chow down on the Baseball Winner Parfaitmdash marshmallow topping strawberry and mint chocolate chip ice cream hot fudge whip cream and a maraschino cherrymdash at Sugar Bowl a hangout for rookie players since the 1950s Your stomach and your inner-fan will thank you Enjoy craft cocktails and gastropub fare on the shaded patio of the newly renovat-ed Pink Pony The restaurant which opens in February is getting a facelift under its new owner-ship but it will continue to dis-play its historic Cactus League memorabilia Take Me Out to the Ballgame Lounge on a couch or sit in a bar-like setting while taking in the game at Charro Lodge at Scottsdale Stadi-um the unofficial VIP private facility within the stadium Starting from just $80 person this ticket offers attendees superior views of the game plus unlimited food and drinks from Scottsdale favorites Get up-close views of the Giantsrsquo pitchers due to the facilityrsquos close proximity to the bullpen while sipping on margaritas and enjoying the destinationrsquos idyllic springtime weather If yoursquore looking for the best seat in the house during the game plan an outing with you and 29 of your clos-est friends when you book the Miller Light Taste Zone or Coors Light Cold Zone at Salt River Fields which de-buted as the spring training home of the Diamondbacks and Rockies in March 2011 These exclusive areas offer some of the best stadium views in the house with second level seating located above first base and third base Catch the action for only $43 per person including food and non-alcoholic drinks

Scottsdalersquos Attractions and More Getting around Scottsdale is quick and easy even without a car The cityrsquos free trolleys connect area resorts like Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort amp Spa and Omni Scottsdale Resort amp Spa at Montelucia with Scottsdale Fashion Square the Southwestrsquos largest mall From there easy access to downtown attractions including Scottsdale Stadium art galleries and independent restaurants is just a short walk cab or trolley ride away Swoop up your favorite teamrsquos swag purchase spring training tickets and participate in interactive games during the third annual Spring Training Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center Park Feb 23 from 12 pm to 5 pm Get an autograph from MLB Hall-of-Famers in at-tendance and catch a glimpse into the future of baseball through the Science of Baseball symposium sponsored

by Arizona SciTech Fest Care to indulge in a stadium hotdog or two Or maybe three Then you may want to partake in this yearrsquos sta-dium hot dog tasting com-petition the Cactus League Hot Dog Show-down Plus rock out to tunes from students of Rock N Roll High School While yoursquore in

downtown soaking up rays and baseball plays absorb the sights sounds and tastes of American Indian tribes of the Southwest at Scottsdale Civic Center Park within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium During the 12th season of Native Trails presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts experience Native American song and dance performances that showcase traditional instruments customary attire and colorful stories The free festivals take place most Thursdays and Saturdays from 12 to 1 pmNative Culture Those looking to experience more native culture dur-ing their spring getaway can stop by the Talking Stick Visitor Center near Salt River Fields Its opening coin-cides with the kickoff of spring training Starting Feb 26 traditional dance performances will be offered Mon-days Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm

AZ

wwwthehotelguidecom 33

Click amp Save

Save Money WhenBooking Your Travel with Us

Art will also be displayed throughout the Visitor Cen-ter which celebrates the rich heritage of the Pima and Maricopa tribesJust Keep Swinging While the baseball players swing their bats on the practice fields swing your golf clubs on one of 200 courses in the Scott-sdale area Here are just a few spring training golf deals After 11 am bring your ticket stub from a spring training game to McCormick Ranch Golf Club to play 18 holes of golf at a 9-hole rate This offer only last the day after you see a game Play two rounds of golf at TPC Scottsdale home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and stay two nights at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess through March 31 at rates between $522 and $695 per day At Bogeyrsquos at The Boulders Golf Club guests can show their support for their team by ordering the ldquoArizo-na Diamondbacksrdquo ldquoColorado Rockiesrdquo or ldquoSan Francis-co Giantsrdquo Each is a hot dog is paired with a local beer from the teamrsquos home state ldquoArizona Diamondbacksrdquo is the Chase Field Diamondback Dogmdash a foot-long all-beef

hot dog covered with chorizo sau-sage nacho cheese and tortilla strips ldquoColorado Rockiesrdquo is Coors Fieldrsquos famous Rockie Dog ndash a foot-long Hebrew National hot dog with grilled pep-pers sauteacuteed onions and sauerkraut ldquoSan Francis-co Giantsrdquo is ATampT Parkrsquos Tres Agaves

Dog mdash a street-cart dog cloaked in a spicy chipotle may-onnaise and bacon-wrapped dog dressed with sweet grilled onions jalapenos and cucumber pico de gallo After downing a hot dog play 18 holes on one of The Bouldersrsquo award-winning coursesMore InformationFor additional information on what to see and do in Scottsdale visit the Scottsdale Convention amp Visitors Bu-reau website at wwwexperiencescottsdalecom

AZ

34 wwwthehotelguidecom

throughout the resort to pick-up clues and items Upon completion of the hunt each family will be entered into a drawing for a prize Families can also challenge other families to a 100-piece puzzle challenge on Fridays Family bingo Arizona trivia and other family-focused challenges are offered throughout the weekLetrsquos Eat When families have worked up an appetite they can treat themselves to variety of sweet treats Each Sun-day families can indulge in an old fashioned pie eating contest Wednesdays all ages can cool off with a tasty treat during an ice cream social and on Thursday nights families can gather around the fire and enjoy story time and srsquo moresTons of Fun Things to Do In addition to these special spring break activities guests can enjoy daily poolside activities and fun at the resortrsquos River Ranch water park including ldquoDive-Inrdquo movies in the pool each Friday night The resort also offers day camp programming for kids ages 4-12 at its Coyote Camp kids program More Info For more information on Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort visit wwwpointehiltonsquawpeakcom

ointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix is offering non-stop fun for families over spring

break with special activities and experiences for all ages March 15 ndash April 30 2014Perfect Getaway Already a hit with families with its 563 all-suite accom-modations and four-acre River Ranch water park that features a winding lazy river water slide and mini golf Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is of-fering additional programming and activities just for family spring break travelersLetrsquos Get Active With a focus on active fun each Wednesday afternoon kids of all ages can get moving to the sounds of Latin American dance music with a complimen-tary ldquoYotersquos Yumbardquo class led by a certified Zumba instructor On Saturdays families can explore the desert with an instructor-led hike through the surrounding Phoenix Mountain Reserves that includes a keepsake photo bottled water and fresh fruit ($6 per person) Families with children over 12 can also enjoy a more rigorous active family outing on Tuesdays and Thursdays with an instructor-led ldquoDesert Power Walkrdquo a walking adventure that winds through the rugged desert terrain that surrounds the resort ($10 per person)Spa Party After working up a sweat and splashing around at River Ranch each Monday afternoon girls ages 5 to 12 can partake in a ldquoSparkling Spa Partyrdquo at the resortrsquos Tocasierra Spa amp Salon During the weekly parties girls can get glam and be pampered with mini manicures creative hair styling and more ndash complete with youth spa robes and slippers tiaras and sparkling cider for the ul-timate experience ($20 for mini manicures $20 for hair styling or $35 for both)Challenge the Mind After challenging the body families are invited to challenge their minds with complimentary fun and in-teractive trivia and games Each Thursday families can take-on a Scavenger Hunt challenge that will take them

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak

PSpring Break Destination

AZ

wwwthehotelguidecom 35

Exploring Ari-zonarsquos desert terrain is made easy with on-site trailhead access to a variety of hiking trails on North Moun-tain where 360 degree views of greater Phoenix await Guests can also hit the greens at the resortrsquos Lookout Mountain Golf Club featur-ing 18 holes of elevation golf in the heart of the city Dining At sunset baseball fans can journey 1800 feet above the city to enjoy one of the Valleyrsquos most memorable din-ner experiences at the mountain-

top Different Pointe of View restaurant With sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline and desert mountains Different Pointe of View offers a menu of approachable fine dining and remains the longest running AAA Four Diamond restaurant in Arizona An expansive outdoor patio with fire pit and the adjacent Terrace Room Lounge provide additional opportunities for taking in the views over cocktailsReservations and Info Rates starting at $199 per night are available during the 2014 Cactus League Spring Training season February 26 ndash March 29 2014 For reservations visit wwwtapatiocliffshiltoncommlb-cactus-league

he AAA Four Dia-mond Pointe

Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix is wel-coming Cactus League Spring Training fans with rates starting at $199 during the 2014 season that runs February 26 ndash March 29 2014Batter Up Each spring Phoenix hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams from across the country for more than 30 days of spring train-ing action With games taking place at 10 dif-ferent ballpark facilities located across seven cities in greater Phoenix fans looking for a truly central location can turn to Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort One of the most centrally-located resorts for spring training fun the resort is less than 35 minutes from all 10 ballparksAwesome Location Nestled along the granite bluffs of the Phoenix Mountain Reserve Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers 584 all-suite accommodations and one of the most unique resort experiences in Phoenix with dramatic elevations stunning views and scenic landscape dotted with intimate caves and flowing waterfalls Baseball fans looking to work-in some rest and relax-ation under the Arizona sun between games can take advantage of the resortrsquos eight private pools including the expansive Falls Water Village featuring two large pools lined with private cabanas

Tapatio Cliffs ResortT

Baseball in Phoenix

MX

36 wwwthehotelguidecom

fowl snorkel in the warm water filled with colorful fish and enjoy a deli-cious picnic lunchTurtles too With the arrival of spring mother turtles begin land-ing on the sandy shores here to dig nests and lay their eggs Las Alaman-das runs a turtle protection pro-gram that watches over the eggs until they hatch and then safely releas-es the newborns into the sea These turtle releases are heart-warming

joyful experiences for guests Whales off the Coast Another magical treat of nature here is spotting whales swimming along the coast The regal mammals are at home in these warm waters of Mexicorsquos Pa-cific coast And seeing a whale breach is a highlight of their vacation for many guestsOne-of-a-kind Resort At Las Alamandas guests are im-mersed in complete relaxation and personalized hospitality in an oceans-ide haven located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo The suites with Mexican-chic deacutecor are extraordinarily spacious and beauti-fully appointed Delicious regional and international cuisine is prepared with organic produce from Las Alamandasrsquo own gardens And there are activities for everyone from tennis and surfing

to kayaking horseback riding and boat excursions But what truly sets Las Alamandas apart is the opportunity to experience inspiring one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing while living in the lap of luxury wwwalamandascom

as Alamandas is an exclusive hideaway on Mexicorsquos Pacific coast

where luxury and privacy come with special options ndash an array of wildlife experi-ences The merging of chic lifestyle and nature adven-tures comes courtesy of the resortrsquos stunning location Las Alamandas is nestled within its own private 1500-acre reserve with four private beaches sweet-water lagoons popu-lated by numerous varieties of colorful birds forests crisscrossed by hiking trails and islets dotting the coastline And spring is the best season for viewing the indigenous animals of the region200 Species of Birds The variety of birds ndash more than 200 species ndash that can be seen in the region is breathtak-ing View some of the abundant avian life right from the terrace of your suite but yoursquoll see many more if you take advantage of the temperate and pleasant spring weather to walk the paths of the reserve binoculars in hand To bring the fowl spectacle into full view however opt for one of Las Alamandasrsquo personalized bird-viewing excursions conducted by a local biologist who is a leading expert on the regional bird lifeBird Island For many however the ulti-mate birding experience here is the magnificent adventure to Bird Island a rookery teeming with exotic birds in a rainbow of colors A short drive and a 20-minute boat ride bring you to the islandrsquos crystal-clear turquoise water and fine-white-sand beach Never far from luxury at Las Alamandas yoursquoll sip a welcome margarita take an easy hike to see the full range of

Las Alamandas Resort

LWalk on Mexicorsquos Wild Side

BALI

wwwthehotelguidecom 37

For the past three years the W RETREAT amp SPA BALI - SEMINYAK has tantalized guests with its famous and deliciously decadent afternoon T-PARTY in the W LOUNGE and from Thursday March 6 2014 it will be getting a makeover from Australiarsquos most celebrated pacirctissier Adriano Zumbo Complete with a new name and a little Alice in Wonderland flare A MAD T-PARTY is

set to delight the senses Chef Zumbo Zumbo most famously known for his MasterChef Australia croquembouche melt-in-your-mouth macarons and whimsical concept stores will design and create two signature dishes exclusively for the MAD T-PARTY Zumborsquos creative touches will be splashed across the MAD T-PARTY which will be displayed in a large birdcage structure in the W LOUNGE for people to order from al la carte styleA Street Feast As the month of March draws to a close on Sunday March 23 2014 the ever-popular FIRE will turn into the HAWKER HOUSE - Street Feast a new brunch replicating a bustling South-East Asian market place Internationally acclaimed UK chef Peter Lloyd Executive Chef of W London - Leicester Square and Spice Market London will cook up a South-East Asian fare with a Balinese twist for the launch where Guests will wander through trader stalls food carts and drink festival-style pint-sized cocktails in the bustling bazaar Curated to awaken all pallets A NEW SCENE UNSEEN is the time to visit the W RETREAT amp SPA BALI - SEMINYAK be it to indulge in fashion devour A MAD T-PARTY or experience the bustle and flavours of the HAWKER HOUSE - Street Feast itrsquos the must-attend birthday of the year

he W RETREAT amp SPA BALI - SEMINYAK

is turning three and to celebrate the award-winning resort is throwing a month long party entitled ldquoA New Scene Unscenerdquo All expectations and formalities of a typical anniversary have been abandoned and instead a brilliant line up of events spanning across all things food fashion and music will take place including an international fashion show a fanciful new MAD TPARTY and a new Hawker style brunch in FIRETurning 3 Celebrations kick off on Saturday March 1 2014 with the third anniversary party called WErsquoRE TURNING 3 In addition to top DJrsquos an eclectic fashion showcase featuring Indonesiarsquos top fashion and entertainment agency Design Dope will transform the W LOUNGE and WOOBAR into a runway with two spectacular fashion events throughout the night Models will parade onto the runway beneath a colourful light display featuring designs by Uma amp Leopold (BZR) Natasha Gan (AU) Miss Milne (UK) Kukuh Zuttion The Story of (AU) Palma (AU) ALL THE HORSES (AU) and accessories by special guest Mishka Piaf who has created jewellery for the likes of Nicki Minaj Naomi Campbell and Britney Spears While Czech photographer Lukas Vrtilek who is fresh off a recent tour with Kanye West will capture the parade live from the runway and shoot on location at WOOBARStellar DJ Lineup The day will conclude with a stellar DJ line-up including Copyright (UK) and Stefano Ritteri (UK) will bespinning non-stop tunes into the wee hours of the night followed by the Wrsquos signature fireworks and light displayMad T-Party

W Retreat amp Spa

TGetting Better with Age

experiences

38 wwwthehotelguidecom

y heart was beating faster because I knew I was getting close Just a few more steps and I would be there Then I rounded the corner and suddenly stopped

The sight of it made me catch my breath Is this real Or is this just another one of my many dreams No itrsquos real I am standing in front of the Eiffel Tower I have made it

Finally

I had been waiting for this moment for twenty years Paris was my ultimate travel fairytale and of course I was always the princess For two decades I had longed for Paris like Cinderella did Prince Charming Now here I was standing in front of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world in one the most romantic cities in the world

byNicole Connolly Suitcase Stories

I was definitely having a lsquopinch mersquo moment

The instant we landed in Paris I was an emotional mess I wasnrsquot upset or sad I was overcome with joy and a feeling of accomplishment that Irsquod never felt before I had kept the dream alive for 20 years and now I had bought it to life

It was a very poignant moment

For some reason which I cannot understand Paris always held a special place in my heart

It almost felt like I was returning to an old love to someone who stole my heart a lifetime ago and there was no use trying to reclaim it as she would always have a piece of me now

Paris France

wwwthehotelguidecom 39

Experiences

M

Ultimate Travel Fairytale

continued on next page

40 wwwthehotelguidecom

Standing in front of this monumental icon was a moment I will forever treasure

I hadnrsquot just come to see the Eiffel Tower though My dreams of Paris always featured a cast such as the Louvre Notre Dame and of course Champs Elysees I fantasized about walking down this famous promenade and window shopping in stores such as Chanel and Gucci

I was soon to find however that Paris was so much more than the icons she is so well known for

I walked for hours through the city through quaint neighborhoods each one a little different from the last But it was all so lsquoParisianrsquo

As I walked through the streets I realized just how beautiful this city is I call it ldquoeye candyrdquo ndash A treat for the eyes Everywhere I looked was an exquisite piece of architecture or another gorgeous cobblestone lane Wrought iron balconies overhead adorned with blooms of all colors

We were staying in the affluent area of Neuilly at Moumlvenpick Hotel Paris The views of the Eiffel Tower

most likely added to the allure of this location or perhaps it was the beauty of the tree-lined street outside Whatever the reason I felt I was exactly where I belonged right at that moment

No Paris did was not a disappointment she was everything Irsquod hope shersquod be and more Nicole Connolly and her husband write for Suitcase Stories See more at wwwsuitcasestoriescom

Experiences

wwwthehotelguidecom 41

Experiences

Nan PalmeroVisual Journey to

Spain

Nan Palmero Selected by Samsung amp Getty Images as the 2013 Imagelogger of the Year for the USA Follow him on Twitter Nan or see his photos on Flickr here

42 wwwthehotelguidecom

deals

Click amp Save

Save 50 - 90 offTravel amp Leisure

Deals

Powered by