The Black Dress Traveler

Red Rocks & Blue Skies: My L'Auberge de Sedona Getaway

The priceless view from my Vista Suite at L'Auberge de Sedona.

Yours truly can spend hours immersed in travel magazines, memoirs, and television programs but nothing beats the feeling of actually hitting the road and seeing it for yourself. Two weeks ago, I took my very first trip to Arizona and kicked off my getaway with 2 nights in Sedona. Located just 2 hours north of Phoenix, Sedona's breathtaking beauty and peaceful aura made it the perfect start to my vacation.

The stunning view of Sedona's legendary Red Rocks from my Vista Suite at L'Auberge de Sedona left me absolutely speechless. Consistently recognized as one of the world's best hotels, L'Auberge offers a refined rustic luxury that is a perfect match with the landscape. My two-room suite was tastefully decorated and featured great touches such as a gas fireplace in the living room. And, the bathroom was extraordinary - not only did it have a Jacuzzi tub and a spacious shower, there was also an outdoor cedar shower. Taking an afternoon shower al fresco in the Sedona sun was absolutely exhilarating and made this city girl feel in touch with Mother Nature. And, I was assured that peeping toms are not a problem!




Of course, the most exquisite feature of my L'Auberge suite was the view - all of the rooms had large windows that made the Red Rocks feel like an extension of the suite. I spent much of my trip on the expansive redwood deck, just gazing at the scenery and breathing in the fragrant air - a crisp scent of juniper, mesquite and other natural aromas. I really began to understand why many people feel such a strong spiritual connection to Sedona.

L'Auberge's 87 guest rooms and cottages are spread out over 11 landscaped acres. Whether you opt for a creekside cabin or a view of the Red Rocks, the accommodations at L'Auberge are top notch. It is a great resort for a solo trip, romantic escape, girlfriend getaway, or a destination wedding. If you have a large group, you can event rent out the magnificent two-story lodge.



While it was very tempting to spend all of my time just luxuriating in my suite, I ventured out for the Sedona Dreams treatment at the spa. 90 minutes of bliss, Sedona Dreams is a full-body treatment that includes exfoliation, massage, and hot stones - so relaxing! I opted to have my treatment at the spa but they are happy to provide services creekside or in the privacy of your room.



Who knew pampering could work up such an appetite? I was ravenous after my spa visit and opted for dinner at the L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek - rated "One of the Top Ten Restaurants in the Southwest" by Condé Nast Traveler. It was truly one of the most beautiful outdoor dining experiences I've ever had. The melodic sounds of the flowing creek, twinkling lights, and lush canopy of sycamore and cottonwood trees put me in a very romantic mood, and I was alone! Heat lamps keep the temperature comfortable on a brisk night and the service is attentive without being clingy. The L'Auberge menu showcases Mediterranean inspired American cuisine and the wine list is quite impressive. Breakfast, lunch, and cocktails are also served and indoor dining is also available.




The next morning I took advantage of L'Auberge's complimentary transportation for guests and was chauffeured in a Land Rover to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Fashioned after a traditional Mexican Village, Tlaquepaque means "the best of everything" and is an interesting mix of art galleries, artisan shops, and eateries.





I would definitely visit Sedona again and highly recommend staying at L'Auberge - they have everything you need for a great vacation - beautiful accommodations, a perfect location, delicious food, spa, and a wonderful staff. On my next trip I would explore more of Sedona and sign up for an off-road adventure with Pink Jeep Tours - they offer excursions to the Grand Canyon, Ancient Ruins, Coyote Canyons, and more.

For more tips on planning your Sedona vacation, explore the L'Auberge de Sedona and VisitSedona.com websites.

PS. Self-portraits can be a challenge when traveling alone but here is a photo I snapped while on the deck of my suite at L'Auberge. I just can't get enough of that view!

Marvelous Me! Women's Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas

Lakeway Resort and Spa

Why not end the summer with a getaway that is all about making you feel revived and rejuvenated! Lakeway Resort and Spa, a Four Diamond AAA resort on the shores of Lake Travis in Austin (Texas), will host Marvelous Me! A Journey of Renewal September 7-9, 2012. Suited for women of all ages, this wellness weekend includes two nights accommodations, spa credit at the resort’s San Saba Spa, welcome reception with wine tasting, all meals on Saturday, brunch on Sunday, plus seminars and exercise programs from credentialed professionals and fitness experts.


Highlights of the Marvelous Me! Women's Wellness Weekend include:

 - A group lunch with Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet and frequent guest on the Dr. Oz Show. His talk, A Path to the Mediterranean Lifestyle, will provide information on delicious foods that are good to eat and good for you and the right way to eat chocolate every day!

- Hormonal Harmony: Finding Balance in Your Body and Your Life with Dr. Margaret Christensen

- Brave Grace, Finding Calm Amid Chaos with Dr. Debra Kern, PhD.

- Daring Diva Dance Workout – a combination of Nia, Pilates, strength training, yoga and fun!

- Daily morning exercise

- Evening reception and specialty dinner menu demonstration by Executive Chef Jeff Axline - famous for his “Farm-To-Table” cuisine.

 The cost of the Marvelous Me! weekend package is $572 per person, based on double occupancy plus resort fee ($10 per room per person per night plus local taxes) and $699 per person, single occupancy plus resort fee ($20 per room per night plus local taxes). The package includes chef-inspired meals, seminars, exercise programs all focused on a healthy lifestyle and a $75 spa credit at the San Saba Spa. Marvelous Me! A Journey of Renewal is sponsored by Tribeza magazine and Houston Woman Magazine.

Click here for more information and to book online.

 

Stay Grounded on the Go with Juil Footwear

My grandmother was right - again. When I would flounce around all day in high heels she would smile and warn me that one day my feet would rebel. Ouch - that day has arrived. I don't care how cute the shoe is, if the heel is sky-high, me and my aching feet keep on stepping to a more comfortable style. But my vanity hasn't disappeared - the ideal casual shoe combines comfort and style!

I've been wearing these purple Juil "Mesa" sandals ($145) for running errands and casual outings. I love the bright color and the shoes are very comfy with great arch support and cushioning. These would be great for travel.

Juil also offers closed-toe options. This Copenhagen clog also comes in brown. $165

I was recently introduced to Juil shoes and have been testing them out for about a week. The Juil motto is "awaken your soles" and they take this idea very seriously. Each pair is made with their exclusive Energy Flow Technology, containing copper conductors (or dots) going directly through the outsoles. What is the point of the copper conductors? They create a free-flowing connection between you and the earth to keep you grounded. Juil cites research that the surface of the earth is teeming with a continuous supply of electrons that can act as antioxidants and fight the build-up of free radicals in the body. Juil shoes allow those beneficial electrons to pass through. Getting to your favorite places is much easier when your feet don't hurt!


Juil has quite a following among yoga instructors because of their shared commitment to feeling grounded to the earth. I don't do yoga but I appreciate anything that helps me feel grounded as I go about my hectic days in New York City. Whether you are clocking miles sightseeing or just strolling around your neighborhood, Juil offers great options to keep  you grounded and your feet pain free. Vegan and men's styles are also available.

To learn more about Juil footwear, visit their website.