My Blog has Moved...
I've recently switched to a new blogging system to get you more information quickly.
For the latest posts and musings, my blog can now be found at:
http://www.successconnections.com/melanie/Please bookmark this new location and drop by whenever you like.
I look forward to seeing you in my new 'blog' home.
- Melanie
Ojai Valley...Inns & Spa
Last week, for my post-speaking, birthday spa retreat, my boyfriend and I decided to check out the
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. It's a AAA 5 Diamond resort and one of the historical hotels of America.
I've heard wonderful things about the resort. I've even eaten lunch there before but never actually stayed in one of the rooms.
When you arrive, you are whisked into the reservation counter by one of the bellman who introduces you to the check in person, who then walks you through all of the important logistics -- restaurants, pools, golf course and spa details -- then walks you back to the bellman who takes you in a golf cart to your room.
We had a fabulous room overlooking the golf course and valley with a fireplace and a HUGE sunken tub. I even fell to the bottom of the tub it was so big!
But here is the thing.
Everything was nice...but it wasn't spectacular. I just didn't love it. For $600 a night rooms (now, I honestly didn't pay that much because we ALWAYS find a way to get the best deal possible) it just didn't cut it.
I did really enjoy the service -- everyone from the restaurant server to the bellman to the registration team was amazing. And if you follow my travels you know that goes a long way in my book!
The restaurant has excellent food and it is served on a patio or in a fireplace-lit room overlooking these HUGE oak trees and an awesome view of the golf course. I highly recommend it even if you just go for the day to enjoy a romantic lunch.
I did not end up going to their spa...I have actually found a wonderful little day spa that has some of the best treatments I've ever enjoyed so I'm quite partial now to them. I'll share about them on another day. =-)
Labels: Ojai Hotels, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Firesky "Wow Factor" in Scottsdale Arizona
I'm sitting at the little desk in my room at the
Firesky Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Usually I wait a little bit to post on a property I've stayed at but this time, I couldn't wait. I'm actually here 2 days early for a retreat I'm conducting for 10 of my Platinum Level Business Owner Clients. My event planner found this property and I was a bit skeptical to go someplace new with my elite group of clients.
The minute I pulled up I was positive I made the right choice.
It's like a combination of a Four Seasons resort and a cozy, quaint retreat area. The hotel has recently been
acquired by
Kimpton Proprieties and overhauled, including the restaurant.
When I walked in, the front of the resort has a cozy little sitting area with padded chairs, candles and even a welcome sign for the pets that are staying here with their owners. There is a beautiful pool area, spa and a very scrumptious restaurant.
The foyer is small, but well set up with cushioned chairs, candles, a big open feeling to it. The rooms are well thought out and have the best of a high-end resort:
- Comfortable beds with super-soft sheets and down bedding
- Nice bath tub
- High end decorations
Now here is where I went wow:
- I have a fish named Elmo in my room keeping me company
- Every night I've gotten a gift on my pillow that is part of their story of representing the four elements (fire, water, air and earth.)
- The welcome your pets
- The service is
reminiscent of the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton with prices more like a
JW Marriott or Hyatt.
I'm loving this place. I'll post picture soon. Needless to say I'm already trying to figure out how to get in their Inner Circle for regular guests and looking at what cities they are in for my next big retreat!
Labels: Business Retreats, Firesky Resort, Kimpton Hotels, Mastermind, Spa Retreats
The Four Seasons Westlake Village
I treated myself to a five star R&R day at the Four Seasons Spa not too long ago. This resort opened up not to far from my house in
Westlake Village, California and I just had to go check it out.
The hotel is interesting...a bit sterile for my taste. We decided to have lunch at the Japanese restaurant and it was "underwhelming" in taste and a bit "overwhelming" in price.
But the spa...oh boy...the spa was worth every penny. The decor is a high end
Asian feel with a river running through the middle. The spa pool is right outside with the ULTIMATE feeling of being pampered.
I found myself lingering around the chaise lounge, bundled up in my spa robe and a cozy blanket with a cup of tea. It was totally delicious relaxation time.
I also really enjoyed the massage. I only indulged in a 50 minute massage with a world class masseuse. I definitely wanted more at the end!
If you are looking for a great spa experience, I highly recommend it!
Labels: Four Seasons spa, Westlake Village Spa
The Body Sanctuary Day Spa
Monday's are my day to do whatever I want (notice I don' t make them Fridays...somehow it is much more decadent to take Monday as a "me day.")
I felt the call to enjoy some spa time...so off I went to my one of my new favorites: The Body Sanctuary in Westlake Village, California.
This little day spa has a very special energy and all of the staff is excellent.
I splurged and had the massage, facial AND a 20 minute session in this really cool water pod. I don't remember what they call it but it was like a little space ship cocoon that vibrates, plays music, and sprays a viche shower. It was really quite enjoyable.
Both treatments were fantastic! And I always love a spa that has fruit, plenty of bottled water, juices and tea out to nurish your body in between treatments. The only down side is the lack of spa or steam rooms. But the space ship pod definitely makes up for it.
I highly recommend this place for a local day spa. Most importantly, I was totally relaxed coming home!
Labels: The Body Sanctuary, Westlake Village Spa
Kayaking with Dolphins in Hawaii
One of my favorite adventures from my trip was a kayaking trip on the Big Island with some friends and clients. We were all there for the Billionaire Bootcamp and spent the day prior in search of dolphins and excellent snorkeling.
The spot we chose is called Captain Cook's landing. First we had to rent the kayaks. This is the "girls" and the "guys" getting ready.
Michele PW (michelepw.com), me, Tracy Monteforte (wtpowers.com) and
Beth Schneider (processprodigy.com.)
Paul Wacek, Pat Monteforte and my honey, Mark Bayliss.
We kayaked over to a little lagoon and snorkled in a beautiful reef for hours. We saw eels, schools of yellow tangs and puffer fish. It was like snorkeling in a gigantic fish tank.
But the magical part was as we kayaked back towards the docks, we ran across a school of baby dolphins. Imagine what it would feel like to have hundreds of dolphins jumping in an out of the water right in front of you. I tried to capture it with our underwater camera...but it just didn't do it justice. =-)
This experience was so amazing we just sat out there on the water for about 45 minutes watching the dolphins spin, jump and play all around us. It was absolutely the highlight of my trip!
Labels: client trips, dolphins, Hawaii, kayaking
South of France
The South of France was one of my dream destinations. I had always imagined what it would be like to sit on the beach in Cannes. After watching so many movies glamorizing the beaches in South of France, it was a must-see. This area is a beautiful but definitely a tourist-trap.
One of my favorites was Juan Le Tibs, just next to Cannes, where they hold the Cannes Film Festival. The beaches are very different from America. Here the sand is more rocky and you rent chairs or mats. In Juan Le Tibs, we rented mats on the wooden deck overlooking the ocean.
This dock is where we enjoyed the sun -- along with all the top-less sun bathers. Interesting how most of them were over 50. =-) They also had a cafe at the top of the dock where we ordered amazing salads. The had "mat service" and brought them out to us. I loved the cafe & sun concept.
This is our view looking back towards the beach. The water isn't as warm as the Caribbean, but just as beautiful. You can see some of the many hotels near the water.
One of our decadent treats was crepes. We had a hard time finding good crepes, even though they seem to be a French treat. We heard that it is actually more of a street food from Paris. We did find this one cafe in Cannes, right near the famous hotels, that had the BEST crepes ever. Of course, we had to load them up with peaches, strawberries and chocolate. We tried to come back 2 more times and they were closed!
Labels: cannes, south of france, summer vacation
Last week, for my post-speaking, birthday spa retreat, my boyfriend and I decided to check out the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. It's a AAA 5 Diamond resort and one of the historical hotels of America.
But the spa...oh boy...the spa was worth every penny. The decor is a high end Asian feel with a river running through the middle. The spa pool is right outside with the ULTIMATE feeling of being pampered.
Michele PW (michelepw.com), me, 
This is our view looking back towards the beach. The water isn't as warm as the Caribbean, but just as beautiful. You can see some of the many hotels near the water.