February 2, 2006
Cures for the winter blahs
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow so it's all his fault that we have six months more of winter to endure. And even though it's been a mild one so far, this is the definitely that time of year when The Three Tomatoes start getting the winter blahs and desperately need to get out of Gotham. Or at least start thinking about our next vacation. We're longing for Tuscany again (even though we there just three months ago) and anything with a beach and sun sounds pretty darn good too. So to put ourselves into a travel mood, we thought we'd share some travel ideas (or at least winter wishful thinking) that range from the ridiculous to the sublime. Tuscany with or without the Olympics This isn't exactly the peak time of year to go to Tuscany, unless of course you want to to head to the Winter Olympics in Torino, and actually stay in a villa in Tuscany. (No we haven't had that second martini.) Classic Vacations, a premier provider of luxury travel to Europe, is offering private villas in Tuscany (with maids and chefs) along with a private helicopter right outside your villa door to whisk you to and from the Olympic Village, if you can call a two-hour trip a whisk. But you'll get breathtaking views of the regions of Tuscany and Piemonte along the way. Villas require a minimum stay of seven days. The round trip helicopter rates start at $10,000. The cost of the villa? Well now, if you can afford the helicopter trips you don't need to be asking what the villas go for, now do you?
Well, if you're not quite ready for fully staffed villas and helicopters, here's our pick for a few days stay in Tuscany. First, the most glorious times of the year to go are spring and fall (summer is way to crowded). We were there in October, the hills were ablaze with color and the olives were ripe for picking. Thanks to Karen Brown's Tuscany and Umbria Guide, we found the most delightful place to call home for a few days. The Relais Fattoria Vignale a small hotel located in Radda, one of Tuscany's most picturesque towns, in the heart of the Chianti wine region. With Florence about an hour to the North and Sienna an hour to the South, (or maybe West, we did get lost a lot) it's the perfect location from which to tour Tuscany. To quote the guide book "It enjoys the enviable honor of having the best of both worlds-it feels as if you are secluded in the countryside, yet you are right in Radda," This was a real plus, because we could walk to shops and restaurants after spending a day of getting hopelessly lost in the beautiful Tuscan Hills. (Tip: Rent a car with a GPS system. It will save a lot of yelling and screaming about your lack of map reading skills.) The Relais was originally the manor house of a large Chianti estate, which still produces fine wines. The guestrooms are tastefully decorated with antiques, and there are beautiful lounges with cozy fireplaces and breathtaking views of the hotel's beautiful gardens and the hillside beyond. A delightful place to sit at the end of the day and drink their wines or ones you've purchased from local vineyards.. By the way, if you're not familiar with Karen Brown's guides, they are absolutely wonderful for adventurers who like to plan their own trips and are willing to pay for comfort and style. Her descriptions of inns and hotels are just like they are and her suggestions for itineraries are great. Her web site is terrific and packed with lots of information and even includes reservation request forms (in Italian) along with email addresses. Although using the Italian forms got us responses back in Italian, so unless you speak the language, contact them in English. A Caribbean Getaway that Gardeners will loveA tomato friend just got back from a long weekend at the CuisinArt Resort and Spa in Anguilla and she hasn't stopped raving about it. (Yes, the very people who bring you all that great cooking gear own it). This luxury resort located on this tiny Caribbean island, features 93 rooms and suits that range from 900 to 7500 square feet. Plus, a world-class spa and two restaurants that offer fresh produce grown on the property's hydroponic farm and organic garden. In fact, the highlight of the trip for our gardening aficionado pal, was the tour of the farm which grows crops that include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, herbs, lettuce and peppers, and bok choy . And if you're not into gardening, there's still the beautiful beach, luxury spa, and great food. We're packing our bags now. Arrivederci, adios, chow, and happy hydroponicing.
‘til next week.
The Three Tomatoes
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You know you're a tomato if.... you've ever gone on vacation and had to buy an extra suitcase to carry home all the things you've bought. Make that two if you're traveling to Italy -- you want to separate those Gucci's and Prada's.
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The Complete Traveller
The best travel book shop anywhere!
You won't find any links to this store, because it's a real brick and mortar tucked away un-assumedly on Madison Avenue at 35th Street, and is quite simply, the best travel bookstore, anywhere. If you're planning your next trip, forget the big book chain stores and browse here. This delightful story also offers maps and travel accessories and a rare collection of antique travel books. And you'll actual be able to find the staff and get your questions answered too.
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