In the heart of Denver’s downtown — steps away from a plethora of restaurants and nightclubs, and kitty-corner from the famed Denver Center for the Performing Arts — the Four Seasons Hotel Denver makes an ideal upscale destination for a girlfriend getaway. Sure, I’d be thrilled to bring my family here (the Four Seasons brand is known worldwide for its kid-friendly amenities and services) and would never turn down a romantic urban escape to the Four Seasons with my husband. But for one night last month when I was able to spend just 14 hours at this luxury high-rise with a good girlfriend of mine… well it was just about perfect. Here’s why:

Accommodations: The rooms at the Four Seasons are spacious and appointed with many thoughtful amenities. I was particularly impressed with the marble bathroom in our deluxe room on the sixth floor: not only was there a television screen embedded in the mirror (cool!) but the big bathtub featured a waterfall-like faucet. I also appreciated the pretty stonework in the shower, two sinks and generously sized L’Occitane toiletries. In the sleeping area, we enjoyed the oversized windows that let in plenty of sunlight, used the iPod docking station and slept soundly underneath down comforters.

EDGE Restaurant & Bar: The classy steakhouse at the Four Seasons Denver is a restaurant destination in its own right — that is, it’s not just hotel guests who flock to the sophisticated spot for an evening meal (it’s also a popular spot for Denverites to take breakfast and lunch meetings). But my friend Kristina and I chose to eat a light meal at the long EDGE bar, just off the lobby and located in front of the entrance to the restaurant. The bar area was packed at abut 7 p.m. on a Friday night — clearly it’s a locals’ favorite for winding down after a long work week.

We enjoyed some wine recommended by our friendly bartender and shared a couple of delicious salads off of the EDGE Restaurant menu, as well as some and sushi rolls that are offered on the bar menu Thursday through Saturday nights. Highly recommend!

Coffee and muffins in the lobby: This is a small service, but certainly one that I fully appreciated, since I woke up before my girlfriend, at about 7 am on a Saturday morning, and I didn’t want to make noise brewing coffee in our room. What a delight to find hot coffee and complimentary banana muffins in the lobby.

Spa, fitness center and pool: The spa at the Four Seasons Denver is divine. Truly, divine. A large soaking tub in the women’s locker area, a steam room infused with eucalyptus, and a soothing relaxation room with several chaise lounges invite rest and repose. I wish I’d had time to indulge in a spa treatment, but simply spending about an hour in the women’s locker room — taking full advantage of soaking, steaming and showering — was a lovely way to start the day.

Actually, because I’d woken up early, I had time to workout in the big fitness center before I retired to the spa. It was quiet on an early Saturday morning, so I had my choice of cardio and strength-training equipment. Here, fruit, citrus water and my beloved coffee are also offered. The ellipticals, treadmills and bikes all face a wall of tall windows with views of the heated pool and hot tub, which are open year-round, but the tree-filled errace is especially hopping with sunning and swimming guests in the warm-weather months. Plus, the hip, outdoor Level 3 Bar is open in the summertime, too — for guests daily, with the public welcome on Thursdays from 5 to 10 pm.

Thanks Four Seasons Denver for hosting my stay. I’ll be back, perhaps next time with husband or kids in tow!

Even short getaways do wonders for my energy level. That is, getting out of Dodge for quick trips is such a great way to rest, recharge and return home ready to tackle “real life” again. For me, Vail is that preferred destination for mini vacations; the mountain resort is just 90 minutes from my Colorado home, but it definitely signals “vacation” to me — even if I’m there for just 24 hours. I’ve recently spent an overnight in Vail with my daughter and niece, as well as a couples’ getaway with my husband. My latest short sojourn: 24 hours in Vail with a best girlfriend at The Sebastian.

The sunny lobby of The Sebastian features high ceilings, rustic-but-classy Colorado mountain style decor and a double-sided fireplace (not shown).

What prompted our Sunday/Monday getaway was a spa voucher we’d gotten via TravelZoo Local Deals — 50% off the price of a massage and glass of wine at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, near Edwards, Colorado. We weren’t that keen on overnighting at the sleepy, remote resort, and I was eager to check out The Sebastian (which had gotten nice reviews from blogging friend Kristin Luna), that we decided to stay at this boutique property in an enviable location smack dab in the middle of Vail Village — great for strolling and shopping.

Our visit was short, but we sure enjoyed our stay at The Sebastian. Here’s why:

Bloom Spa: Now, as I noted, we had spa treatments booked elsewhere, so we didn’t indulge on still more services at The Sebastian’s Bloom Spa. We did, however, spend a bunch of time browsing its small boutique, and we blissed out in its uber-hot steam room. AlpenGlow is the spa’s signature scent, and it’s divine; you can smell the subtle fragrance on approach to the spa from a hallway off the lobby.

The entrance to Bloom Spa is just off a busy hallway, but once you're tucked inside, you feel world's away.

Accommodations: My girlfriend and I shared a Deluxe Plaza Room with two queen beds, which offered plenty of space for the two of us. I loved my comfy bed with quality linens. The room featured complimentary wi-fi (bonus!), a Nespresso machine (appreciated, though ours didn’t work so we bought big cups of morning coffee from the on-site Market cafe), and bath products in large reusable containers — much more eco-friendly than the tiny little bottles found in so many hotel rooms. Also appreciated: a mini-fridge and humidifier in the room.

If you’re looking for even more space for a gaggle of girlfriends, The Sebastian also has one- to four-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Note: On June 1, The Sebastian is instituting a $25 resort fee per night to cover some of the hotel’s amenities and services.

Plenty of room for two friends to spread out in a Deluxe Plaza Room at The Sebastian

Hooray for eco-friendly, large bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the rooms at The Sebastian.

Frost & Block 16: No need to go off property for fun drinks and amazing food — The Sebastian has both. Frost is the “ice-themed” bar that offers a creative cocktail menu and cozy lounge space. Block 16 is The Sebastian’s signature dining room features an impressive cylindrical tower filled with wine bottles in the middle of the restaurant. The wine list is indeed vast, so it makes sense that the name of the restaurant comes from the term used for the fruit that comes from a specific vineyard or tract (“block”), as well as the hotel address of 16 Vail Road.

At Block 16, my friend and I dined off of a small, but excellent dinner menu, which changes seasonally and focuses on local produce and the freshest of ingredients. When we visited, the menu included ruby red shrimp, tender cobia, grass-fed lamb and some of the most divine black-truffle risotto I’ve ever tasted. The desserts were equally inspired!

Fun martinis served on the "icy" bar at Frost.

Decadent Chocolate Coulant -- served with pistachio ice cream. Delish!

Other nice amenities and services at The Sebastian include an outdoor pool and three hot tubs, a free DVD-lending kiosk, a classy library gathering place, a fitness center above the spa and next to the pool deck, and a slopeside “Base Camp” for convenient storage of ski gear in the winter.

Summer rates at The Sebastian start at about 40% off winter rates — consider $325/night in a Deluxe Plaza Room in June, versus $605 in February. (These rates can decrease, too, depending on demand and length of stay.) If you’re considering a spring or summer visit to The Sebastian, there are a host of special deals and packages, too.

Thanks to The Sebastian for hosting my girlfriend getaway!

Editor’s Note: the top wine regions of the world may be somewhat debatable, but true wine enthusiasts know that all the fertilizer, love and care won’t allow second-rate vineyards and wineries to compete with those in the best wine and Champagne grape growing areas of the world. This guest post from contributor TrekityGal helps explain what makes these wine regions great for romantic getaway travel — along with some useful tips to best take advantage of your vacation there. Enjoy!

Picture it…Green rolling hills blanket the landscape, the warm sun kisses your shoulders, and a sweet and fruity white swishes around your mouth.

Ahhh, wine tasting. It’s a wine wonderland and the ultimate adult playground.

So, listen up ladies…

Whether you’re looking for a girlfriend getaway or are dropping hits for a romantic trip with your man, these five wine regions should be on the top of your list.

Napa Valley, California

As a California native, I’ve tasted wine in Napa more times than I like to admit. Napa is most famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Location

Napa Valley is conveniently located an hour and a half northeast from San Francisco Airport.  You can either drive through the city and over the Golden Gate Bridge (plan for traffic) or zip through Oakland (faster route).

When to Go

The best time to visit Napa Valley is from April to June when the weather is near perfect and the vines are bright green or September to October when the vines are turning a beautiful autumn color and it’s crush time.

Where to Go

Start your route at the Downtown Napa visitor center where you can pick up free wine tasting coupons. At $10-25 a tasting, these can save you some serious bucks. Then head north on Highway 29 or the Silver Oak Trail towards Calistoga.

Favorite Wineries (South to North)

• Silver Oak (Taste a $100+ bottle of wine for $10.)
• Duck Horn (Sip delicious red on a nice porch overlooking a vineyard.)
• Mumm (For some bubbly.)
• Sterling (Take a gondola to the tasting room at the top of the hill for amazing views of Napa Valley.)

Print the Napa Valley Wine Map for the main wineries in the region.

Photo credit: Terence Yi

Mendoza, Argentina

Back-dropped by the Andes in the East, Mendoza is covered by Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay vineyards that account for two-thirds of Argentina’s sweet, delicious wine.

Location

Mendoza is located in the eastern portion of Argentina, 745 miles (1,195 km) from Buenos Aires. Flights and buses depart daily.

When to Go

The best time to visit Mendoza is from September to November (Spring) or March to May (Fall) as the weather is pleasant and not too hot or cold.

Where to Go

To test the waters and wine, check out Vines of Mendoza Tasting Room  for an overview of Mendoza’s wines. From there, you can sample local wines and decide if you want to visit their tasting rooms.

The most popular regions are Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo. You can get there on a wine tour (somewhat limiting) or wing-it on public†transportation.

Tip

Most wineries are closed on the weekends so plan your trip accordingly.

Photo credit: tony.bailey

Champagne Region, France

In 2009, my girlfriend and I were in France on a business trip. We decided to take a trip to Champagne for the day and it was literally the best thing we did in all of France. The sparkling wine from Champagne is out of this world!

Location

From Paris, you can take a quick and beautiful two-hour train ride east to Reims (or Rheims).

When to Go

The best time to visit Champagne is April, May, September or October. Summer in Paris and surrounding areas is peak-season and the crowds are ridiculous.

Where to Go

Head to the city of Reims as four of the best wineries are within walking distance. Be sure wear comfortable shoes or take a taxis if you get too tipsy.

Favorite Bubble-ries (is that a word?)

• Mumm
• Veuve Cliquot
• Taittinger
• Pommery

Check out a Google map  for a great walking tour to these four wineries.

Photo credit: EverJean

Barossa Valley, Australia

The Barossa Valley in southern Australia is known for their award winning Shiraz, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mataro, and Merlot are common as well.

Location

Barossa Valley is located 830 miles (1,340km) west of Sydney and 37 miles (60km) northeast of†Adelaide in southern Australia. Chances are you’ll catch a connecting flight from Sydney to Adelaide.

When to Go

The best weather in Barossa Valley is from September to November (Spring) or March to May (Autumn). †The colors in Autumn are brilliant and every odd year (e.g. 2013, 2015, etc) there’s the Barossa Vintage Festival at the end of April and beginning of May.

Where to Go

Keep in mind that roughly only half of the wineries in Barossa Valley have tasting rooms that are open to the public. Some wineries include Cellar Jacob’s Creek, Peter Lehmann, Saltram, Henschke, and St Hallett, just to name a few.

To help plan your†itinerary, check out the Barossa Valley maps.

Tip

Head up to Mengler Hill for amazing views of the valley.

Photo credit: Kyle Taylor, Dream It. Do It. World Tour

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch is know for their world-famous Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinotages and Shirazs.

Location

Stellenbosch is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Cape Town. If you want more freedom, consider renting a car and driving yourself. Some of the guided tours from Cape Town are limited.

When to Go

The best time to visit Stellenbosch is during the summer (November to April) when the weather is warm and beautiful. Generally, the harvest happens in February and March.

Where to Go

Some great wineries and tasting rooms in Stellenbosch are Tokara Estates, Rustenburg, Rust en Verde, Warwick, and L’Avenir. Boekenhoutskloof and De Trafford are further out, but worth a visit.

For more information, visit the Wine Route.

Photo credit: warrenski

That wraps up the top five wine regions around the world! Start sipping, enjoy yourself and drink responsibly.

TrekityGal Darcie Connell is the co-founder of Trekity.com, a cool new travel site, and TravelBloggerAcademy.com, where regular people can learn how to start travel blogging.

Banff National Park is an incredibly popular vacation destination all year, but this Southern California gal was invited to have a few days’ worth of outdoor adventure in wintertime. Yes, that’s me, the one who puts on a sweater when the temperature dips below 60F. An outdoor adventure of any sort is almost impossible to pass up, though, and Banff National Park’s vast, raw beauty is legendary.  I traveled with Emily Kaufman for a girlfriend getaway, adventure style, to Alberta, Canada and was instantly enchanted. First on our agenda was to try something new: relaxing in Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park. In winter. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are natural, with some filtering agents; the water is clear and fluctuates between 98F and 104F. So, how did two thin-blooded Los Angeles natives do? Take a look for yourself.

We had a great time! I ended up running (barefoot, on ice) back inside to put my camera away and swim around. My friend and I noticed we had ice forming in our hair.  We laughed at the sight of toddlers and kids splashing around next to romantic couples who seemed oblivious to everyone around them. Some people ran into the hot springs, stayed for a minute, and ran back inside, while those lovey-dovey couples were there before we arrived and, for all I know, still there now.

Banff Upper Hot Springs was first discovered by Canadians in 1884 (although the First Nations people knew about it well before this), and it was one of the area’s first tourist attractions. It remains popular to this day, as can be seen in the video. The historic bathhouse opened in 1932, and has its own spa and gift shop. There’s also a restaurant — but we didn’t buy anything or eat there. This wasn’t a shopping vacation, this was an adventurous girlfriend getaway, and we took it seriously…until that night, when we curled up with chocolate, wine, and the 84th annual Academy Awards. After all, nothing beats following a new outdoor travel experience like the comforts of friendship and mindless television.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round, with different hours of operation depending on the season. From October to May, the hours are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday. From May to October, Banff Upper Hot Springs is open every day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Entrance fees are $7.30 (CAD) for adults 18-64 yrs, kids 3-17 are $6.30, under 3 year old tots and babies have free admission, and seniors over 65 yrs are $6.30. There are small add-on fees: a dollar for a locker, $1.90 for a towel, and $1.90 for a bathing suit. However, most people bring their own suits and towels.

There were plenty of lovebirds and toddlers enjoying themselves here: Banff Upper Hot Springs is clearly a draw for romantic vacations and family travel alike. But for a different type of girlfriend getaway, one less about shopping and spa treatments, and more about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things, I recommend Banff Upper Hot Springs. A winter dip into these natural hot springs in Alberta, Canada, provides the perfect amount of thrill and excitement to be part of an outdoor adventure-themed trip for your friends.

I’ve known Allyn Evans virtually for many, many years. Last summer, she marked something major off her bucket list, a scenario she has dreamed of for years – swimming with the dolphins in Bimini. But she also took her story a step further and became a facilitator and part of the workshop team. Here’s her story…

Most of my adult life, I have been aware of a hunger that pushed me, which made me continue to seek an answer to a question I could not even articulate. Looking back, I find it interesting that one of my early wake-up calls came, oddly enough, from a dolphin.

When my daughter Addy was about three years old, we saw a documentary about dolphins at the Science Spectrum. Peering up at the surround screen, it felt as if we were swimming with them. Free. Wild. Unbound. The brilliant colors, dolphin clicks and sighs, cool ocean waters swallowed us. I imagined living in the small little village by the sea, riding my bicycle to the dock every day, then spending my hours swimming and studying magnificent water creatures.

The Dolphin Lady smiled. The Dolphin Lady exuded joy. The Dolphin Lady had something I did not. I was enthralled. Longing for more freedom and joy, I saw the movie as an invitation to make a better life for myself. The movie and its message stayed with me for months. Why couldn’t I be the Dolphin Lady featured on the surround screen? No, I didn’t imagine dolphins becoming my life’s work, but I was determined to seek and find a life that would be as joyful and meaningful as life among the dolphins seemed to be.

A little over a decade later, Addy and I found ourselves in the same little village where Dolphin Lady had lived. We were there to swim with wild dolphins.

Without sounding too cliché, our dolphin swim trip in Bimini, an out island in the Bahamas, tops any vacation I have ever taken. The laid back life of the island engulfed us. As we made our daily treks to find dolphins, we were surrounded by beauty—the crystal clear waters, marine life and a sun-filled sky. Daily we snorkeled in beautiful locations including the mysterious Bimini Road, which many believe is a half-mile long stone causeway that once was part of the lost realm of Atlantis. Despite its many riches and it’s easy proximity to the United States, Bimini remains relatively undeveloped and untouristed. The island has some new upscale development but it is primarily a relaxed and unspoiled home to friendly local Bahamas residents.

When you swim with wild dolphins they bathe you in their high frequency sonar and naturally shift you into a state of euphoria that many people describe as mystical or magical.

Remember how I was talking about looking for more? Well, I continued to do that most of my adult life. Now, as I am nearing 50 years of age, I find myself living much like the Dolphin Lady.

Dolphins have become a powerful symbol for me as I sought my ‘right life.’

When I watched the movie of the Dolphin Lady as she worked with wondrous animals, I suddenly knew what my ‘right life’ would feel like. That was only a piece of the puzzle, but this one is now in place. I have the life I wished for so many years ago. Things come to me easily.

Just last October, I got a call from one of the trip organizers and now I am one of the facilitators for the swimming with dolphin workshop.

It is my hope that you, too, will be called by the dolphins and join me on a fabulous journey.

When you come to this special Dolphin Excursion program you’ll swim with wild dolphins every day for a week while you learn how to access higher states of consciousness.

And, always, the path leads on…

Allyn Evans, speaker, author, and newspaper columnist is the lead residential trainer for The Monroe Institute’s (TMI) Outreach Program. She hosts TMI workshops around the country, recently hosting workshops in NYC, Dallas, Philadelphia and Oklahoma. For more information about Allyn’s workshops, visit: Live a Powerful Life.

The three best golf courses in Los Angeles are all on the west side, in private country clubs. The Bel-Air Country Club, Riviera Country Club, and the Los Angeles Country Club all speak to the upscale neighborhoods around them; Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, and Holmby Hills are leafy, green neighborhoods far from the urban bustle of downtown Los Angeles. The naturally rolling hills, balmy climate and hint of ocean breezes all bring to mind the Scottish birthplace of golf, minus the driving rain and bitter winters. And ancient castles – but that’s another story. It’s no wonder that the best golf courses in Los Angeles are all on the west side; the typically upper middle class golfing residents don’t have to deal with Los Angeles traffic to get to their favorite courses.

There are other pristinely maintained, beautiful golf courses in Los Angeles, of course — the Beverly Hills Country Club’s comes to mind comes to mind — but it’s a shame for golf fans traveling in Los Angeles that the top-tier ones are in members-only clubs. Greens fees cost hundreds of dollars for guests! Integrating a few rounds of golf into a Los Angeles vacation isn’t hard, though; the top three public courses hold their own against the private golf clubs. Rancho Park Golf Course is probably the busiest and most popular municipal course, so reservations are strongly recommended. Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms was named the 2010 Gold Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association — not too shabby! Trump National Golf Club is also public, with ocean views and upscale amenities The Donald himself would appreciate. All have very reasonable green fees, and the collected fees are money well-spent. You can see where your money goes: The grounds maintenance is great at all properties, and the staff helpful and quick to respond.

Say you’re planning to travel around Los Angeles, and you’d like to play where the pros have. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) runs an annual series of golf tournaments for women golfers from February to December. This past year, two of the international tours were played in California; the Kia Classic and the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Now, the Kraft Nabisco Championship was played  in Rancho Mirage, at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course (lots of those Palm Springs-area golf courses and streets are named after Rat Pack-era stars) in the Mission Hills Country Club. Stacy Lewis won that tourney. The full-field Kia Classic was played at Industry Hills Golf Club in the City of Industry. Sandra Gal took home the purse.

While Rancho Mirage in in the Palm Springs area (itself a mecca for luxury golf courses), the City of Industry is in Los Angeles, just east of downtown LA. Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort, in the City of Industry, has two courses for a total of 36 holes: The “Babe” and “Ike” courses were named two of the “best Places to Play” in Southern California by Golf Digest. These sprawl out over 650 acres of smooth greens and challenging elevation changes in a gorgeous resort area. No wonder the Industry Hills Golf Club was voted Best Golf Course in the USA by the NGCOA and was a runner-up for Reader’s Choice 2010 Best Course & Best Resort.

The best golf courses in Los Angeles may be in members-only clubs, but the public courses here are pretty fantastic too. Remember that Southern California’s bar is high to begin with. Golf lovers hoping to knock out a few rounds while on vacation in the Los Angeles area shouldn’t hesitate to avail themselves of one of the top public golf courses. After all, if it’s good enough for the LPGA, it should be good enough for everyone. Suffice it to say, those women know their stuff. The top public golf courses in Los Angeles help stretch the travel budget of a golf lover’s vacation in Southern California.

This is a sponsored post. The Vacation Gals were hired to write this post about golf courses in Los Angeles and the LPGA.

Not long ago I was singing the praises of California Wine Club. Their home (and travel) delivery makes for a fun monthly surprise as well as a delightful gift if you’re looking for a special holiday or anytime gift for the wine lovers in your life.

To recap, the California Wine Club is a wine of the month club. After choosing your selection from the various tiers, you will receive two bottles of wine a month. Depending upon your preference, you may opt for red, white or both. The wine label is a surprise. The monthly wine club subscriptions starts at a reasonable $36.45 for the most popular choice, the Premier Club, and goes up to $150-$235 for the Aged Cabernet Series with a couple of other options in between. Membership is free and you can cancel anytime.

A new shipment arrived at my door from California Wine Club recently and inside were two fabulous wines from Perry Creek Winery – a white and a red. The El Dorado Chardonnay was light and crisp – think tropical with hints of vanilla – and paired perfectly with the scallops and pasta I made for dinner. Another evening we popped the Zinman Zinfandel. My husband and I adore Zinfandel in general and this one didn’t disappoint. We love to try and guess the flavors before reading the bottle and this one is great fun for that: boysenberry, cherries, strawberries and black pepper.

The wines presented by California Wine Club have been impressive. But belonging to such a club can be more than a wine experience. Take Perry Creek Winery for example, after a little searching, we agreed that the El Dorado Wine Country would make for a delightful weekend getaway. The experience could entail whitewater rafting, hiking, swimming, picnicking, gold panning, fishing, camping and of course wine tasting.

Open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, the 40-acre Perry Creek Winery sits at 2500 feet in the Fair Play Appellation and is located approximately 120 miles east of San Francisc oand 35 miles east of Sacramento. The Fair Play Farms vineyard planted in 1999 is one of the best in the entire Sierra Foothills region. Perry Creek’s has an experience winemaking team whose experience stems from Napa, Austria and the Sierra Foothills. Impressively, the wine produced by Perry Creek Winery have earned 90 Points+ ratings in several competitions. Honestly, I would probably never known it existed had it not been for the California Wine Club. As you can see, subscribing to such a wine club is a terrific way to explore regions to visit  on your next wine vacation or at least add to your “to go” list.