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FA FALL LL 2 201 014 4 healthy travel Ultimate Destinations SICILY PUERTO RICO BARCELONA SEDONA JACKSON HOLE

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Page 1: Ht sept14 digitaleditionlr

FAFALLLL 22010144

healthytravelUltimate

DestinationsSICILY

PUERTO RICO

BARCELONA

SEDONA

JACKSON HOLE

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Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Contact Towns County Tourism Association at [email protected] for more information or visit us online at www.mountaintopga.com or at 800-984-1543.

Cabins, Campgrounds, Cottages and B&B’s The Ridges Resort and Marina ||

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Off ering mountain elegance for all ages, moderate climate for heavenly outdoor escapes in the surrounding forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains, year-round championship golf and a luxurious new full service spa. Whether relaxing with family and friends, or conferring with conference associates, this enchanted valley and its beautiful mountain

lodge or cottage accommodations off er an unforgettable setting.

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HIAWASSEE AND YOUNG HARRIS, GEORGIA

Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains on beautiful Lake Chatuge, just two hours from Atlanta, Asheville, Chattanooga and Greenville. Our Mountain Top is serenely beautiful and adventure abounds. Resorts, Cabins, B&B’s, Spas, Art & Antiques, Concerts, Festivals, Dining, Shopping, Camping, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Vine-yards, Championship Golf and much more! Come visit and you’ll never want to leave.

Cranecreekvineyards.com Boundarywatersresort.com Hightowercreekvineyards.comFieldstoneresort.com

discover and explore...

| | |

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2 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

SICILY Find luxury at its fi nest in Italy

SEDONA Enjoy pure bliss in Arizona

BARCELONA Take an adventure through Spain

SAN JUAN Puerto Rico’s emerging scene

JAMAICA Stir it up in Jamaica

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Features

ON THE COVER: Rocca delle Tre Contrade occupies a stunningly panoramic position

atop a hill on Sicily’s east coast. THIS PAGE: Explore pure beauty at the Frenchman’s

Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DepartmentsEDITOR’S LETTER

STYLE Fall favorites: workout and resort fashions

BEAUTY The best fi nds for fall

FITNESS Take your yoga practice to a new level

FAMILY Retreat for an easygoing family beach getaway

WELLNESS Real food in today’s skincare treatments

CULINARY Mountain beauty meets modern style

ROMANCE Explore fi ve romantic destinations

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Simply Magical

(877) 732-2864

www.RosalieBay.com

Rosalie Bay Dominica

Discover a sense of inner peace at Rosalie Bay, an eco-boutique resort on the Caribbean’s Nature Island.

Tune in to your mind, body and nature with daily yoga, power walks, healthy cuisine and farm-to-spa-table treatments at the new riverfront spa. Help endangered sea turtles on Rosalie’s black sand beach.

Afterward, unwind in one of 28 spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites.

Steps away hike rainforests, swim in waterfalls, snorkel coral reefs, soak in natural hot springs and more.

Retreat to Rosalie Bay Resort today and discover a place that is simply magical.

33% off 4 nights or moreMention Healthy Travel to receive

a free massage!

Being active comes naturally here

A beach vacation doesn’t have to mean endlessly lounging in a beach chair.

of unspoiled beach are all waiting for you to discover at Fripp Island. Call our

(888) 364-9166 www.FrippIslandResort.com

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4 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

DO YOU HAVE A TRAVEL BUCKET

LIST? I made one about fi ve years

ago, and recently I was able to knock

off a few destinations, several of

which you will fi nd in this issue.

I hope that as fall nears, you’ll take

the time to plan a healthy getaway—

one that revitalizes and renews your

body and mind—before the busy

holiday season is upon us.

I am excited to share incredible

global travel fi nds within this issue,

from Kauai to Sicily. You’ll discover

where to fi nd the best family beach

time in the off-season and how to

gain balance through cool new spa

treatments in Arizona. Plus, we’re

bringing you mouthwatering culinary

fi nds from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

As always, we showcase the best in

fi tness, culinary, beauty, style and

wellness in this issue, including super

foods for your skin, a fantastic yoga

retreat in Costa Rica, sizzling fi nds

in Puerto Rico, and a few reasons to

travel to Amsterdam—as if you need

more than one!

Please stay in touch with us

via Facebook (facebook.com/

healthytravelmag) and Twitter (@

alisonlewis). We love hearing from

you. Here’s to increased passions in

travel, fi tness, wellness and healthy

getaways!

ALISON LEWISEditor-in-Chief

Surround yourself

in luxury at the

Sanctuary at Two

Rivers Yoga Center.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Publisher GINA CHRISTMAN

Editor-in-Chief ALISON LEWIS

Art Director ELIZABETH ANDERSON

Health & Nutrition Editor CAROLYN O’NEIL

Contributing Copy Editors STEPHANIE GIBSON, TARA VOLKMANN

Editorial ContributorsKAREN ASP, VIRGINIA BROWN,

LAUREN LIPPEATT, BOB COOPER, SHELBIE LANDRY

Advertising Specialist, Travel MIRIAM WAGNER-GRIFFIN (EXT. 498)

HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

Editor-in-Chief ELIZABETH RALLS

Associate Publisher BRAD HANNER (EXT. 417)

Senior Account Executive DEBBIE BROWN (EXT. 419)

Account Executive TRACIE BERNSTEIN (EXT. 492)

Marketing/Digital Advertising Coordinator LINDSEY WOHLFROM

President ADAM JAPKO

Vice President, Sales & Marketing HOLLY PAIGE SCOTT

Production Manager SHANNON MCKELVEY

Production Manager JUDSON TILLERY

Circulation Manager KURT COEY

Newsstand Manager BOB MOENSTER

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES

1100 JOHNSON FERRY ROAD, CENTER TWO, SUITE 685

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30342

PHONE (404) 252-6670 FAX (404) 252-6673

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: [email protected]

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES :

[email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

(800) 264-2456

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

President/CFO GERRY PARKER

Senior Vice President ADAM JAPKO

Vice President, Finance DIANA YOUNG

Group Vice President, Interactive STUART RICHENS

healthytravel

The #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast888.746.0136 • Sandestin.com/ahl

HEREPicture yourself

*SAVE30. For consecutive night stays 8/10/14-3/5/15.Minimum 3 night stay required. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotional offerings, discounts, groups or packages. Based on availability and not available on all room types. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.

ENJOY 30% OFF RECEIVE 30% OFF THREE NIGHTS OR MORE USE PROMO CODE SAVE30

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6 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

1 SUPERFISHAL STAND-UP

PADDLEBOARD The SUPerFISHal

is the newest creation from Jackson

Kayak that is certain to revolutionize

the stand-up paddling market.

The ability to stand and cast a line

in any water anywhere will strike

fear in fi sh worldwide. Its width,

length and thickness not only offer

incredible stability, but also afford

users the ability to load it up for

overnighters or take along the kids.

$999; jacksonkayak.com 2 BEDFORD

SQUARE KINSLOW HANDBAG This

chic leather satchel with color block

detailing looks great for fall airport

travel and works for smart daytime

or evening wear. $398; katespade.com3 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

ADAPTOR Color-coded plugs allow

you to easily adapt electronics in

more than 150 countries. Essential

for frequent fl iers or those on a

multi-country itinerary, the four-in-

one adapter is the fi rst product to

utilize a color-coded world adapter

system that makes fi nding the

right plug for your trip as simple as

matching the colors. $25; fl ight001.com 4 KA‘IULANI Inspired by

the renowned horsemanship of a

Hawaiian princess, the Ka‘iulani

makes a strong statement with a low

profi le. These features include high-

character leather, custom breadfruit

leaf detailing, full-length zipper,

leather pull tab and three-point

buckle adjustability. $190; olukai.com

5 HELLO TOKYO ZENA CLUTCH

This leather clutch is a fun nod to

one of our favorite cities. $298; katespade.com 6 THE YETI TUNDRA

45 COOLER This versatile cooler,

with its 26-can capacity and easy

portability, is infused with that

legendary YETI toughness—made

from roto-molded polyethylene. It is

also UV-resistant, heavily insulated

and indestructible. It’s perfect for a

day on the lake. $349.99; yeticoolers.com 7 LARA YOGA MAT BAG

BY LOLË You never know when

you’ll have to pick up a few things

after a yoga or Pilates class. Use

this bag to carry your mat to the

studio, and then transform it into

a larger duffl e bag when you go

shopping later. $80; lolewomen.com 8 YOSI SAMRA’S FOLDABLE

BALLET FLATS Yosi Samra was

one of the original innovators of

the fold-up fl at. The shoes fold

to fi t into a 5- by 3-inch package,

perfect for tossing in your handbag

for convenient shoe changes on

the go. $88; yosisamra.com 9 BOSE

QUIETCOMFORT HEADPHONES The

new QuietComfort 20 headphones

are the fi rst in-ear, noise-canceling

headphones from Bose. They deliver

a stunning breakthrough in noise

reduction, audio performance and

comfort, and offer two ways to

listen—one to shut out the world and

one to keep you connected. They

fi t in your pocket and only weigh 1.5

ounces. $299.95; bose.com

Fall Fashion Finds9 travel-friendly workout and resort fashions By ALISON LEWIS

STYLE

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BEAUTY

1 LOVE CONDITIONER Nip frizzy

hair in the bud (and simplify

your morning routine) by using a

specialized smoothing conditioner in

the shower. This creamy concoction

calms frizz and loosens tangles,

making your whole hairstyling

process a lot simpler. $27.50; davines.com 2 PASTEL BRIGHTS

EYE PALETTE With six mix-and-

match shades, this eye palette is the

epitome of autumn chic. This set

features everything you need to take

eyes from day to night, including the

perfect base shadow, a pretty array

of metallic pastels and a dark shadow

for lining. $52; bobbibrowncosmetics.com 3 OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C

EYE BRIGHTENER This eye product

improves the appearance of dark

circles and crow’s-feet by harnessing

the power of a unique blend of

ingredients that helps minimize the

signs of aging. It contains vitamin C

to enhance collagen synthesis and

brighten skin tone as well as kinetin,

which minimizes fi ne lines and

wrinkles and improves skin’s ability

to retain moisture. $90; obagi.com 4 MUSCLE AND JOINT

THERAPEUTIC CREAM BY

JADIENCE This herbal extract is

formulated with mori albae, ginseng

and angelica, which are highly

effective in relaxing sore and tight

muscles and alleviating symptoms

of infl ammation, discomfort and

bruising. It is approved by world-

class athletes and is perfect to use

before and after physical activities.

$18; jadespacollection.com

5 AFTER-SUN SOOTHING GEL For

calming comfort and an immediate

decrease in skin’s temperature after

excess sun exposure, this potent

compound of proline and water

lily extract combine to soothe,

desensitize and gently alleviate sun-

sensitive skin. $38; pevonia.com 6 BED HEAD MATTE SEPARATION

For guys who want hold and a

natural fi nish, this pliable wax with

matte defi nition will add style (and

humidity resistance) to untamed hair.

$16; bedhead.com 7 TIARE JASMINE

TEA BATH & SHOWER GEL This

luscious gel combines pure extracts

of green, white and black teas,

which provide soothing, all-natural

benefi ts for a perfectly cleansed and

nourished body. $28; juaraskincare.com 8 HOPE CANDLE Made from a

blend of soy and vegetable waxes,

the warm scent of this candle is a

bouquet of white jasmine, gentle

rose and a hint of fresh coconut.

Ten percent of sales are donated

to Walubi, a charitable relief

organization dedicated to aiding

the poor and disaster-hit areas of

Indonesia. $32; juaraskincare.com 9 INSTANT MANICURE In 45

seconds, you get the look of a

professional manicure without the

30 minutes in a salon. The unique

formula fi ghts yellowness (caused

by polish stains, age or tobacco),

softens cuticles, oxygenates and

whitens the nail, removes odors and

brightens the overall appearance

of nails. This makes it perfect for

the times you literally can’t spare a

minute. $39 for a pack of 8; talika.com

Natural Beauty Fall-fresh beauty picks By ALISON LEWIS

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8 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

FITNESS

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IN COSTA RICA, THERE IS A SAYING

that represents the country’s way

of life and culture: ¡Pura Vida!—“The

Pure Life!” It means to live a life of

authenticity and truth, to leave as little

of an impact on our planet as possible,

to live without worry, to go with the

fl ow and to enjoy the moment.

The Sanctuary at Two Rivers

yoga retreat on the Nicoya Peninsula

embraces that mantra with warmth,

ease, love and grace. Years ago, co-

creator Jeff Gossett had a vision of a

completely self-sustaining, ecologically

friendly, environmentally healthy

refuge for guests to visit, recharge and

connect to nature.

The Sanctuary’s name describes

it perfectly. It is a place of peace and

serenity where time seems to stand

still and the word “worry” loses all

meaning. In the solitude, tranquility and

remoteness of Costa Rica sits a small

village of guest houses, a pool house,

yoga space and kitchen—all solar-

powered and connected with paths

of stone through a tropical landscape.

The communal covered outdoor eating

space is a gathering post for all guests

to dine and share stories and is merely

steps away from one of three waterfalls

located within walking distance of the

property. Every meal is announced

by the blowing of a conch shell—a

lovely, low-pitched noise that can be

heard from within any of the open-air,

screened-in guest rooms on the 40-

acre property. All meals are vegetarian

(with a vegan option) and incorporate

the ancient science of Ayurveda, a

5,000-year-old system of natural

healing that has its origins in the Vedic

Peace and Serenity Take your practice to a new level By LAUREN LIPPEATT

PH

OT

OS

BY

LA

UR

EN

LIP

PE

AT

T

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culture of India.

The chef prepares every meal fresh

from the best quality ingredients found

on the island and around the world.

Mornings include the rich, dark coffee

Costa Rica has become known for, as

well as a healthful breakfast. In the

Ayurvedic tradition, lunch is the largest

meal of the day because that is when

energy and digestion are strongest.

The Sanctuary is a retreat center

specifi cally built for yoga. Various yoga

teachers throughout the world lead

one-week retreats or four- or fi ve-week

yoga teacher trainings. During my stay,

I enjoyed the yoga and adventures of

Alchemy Tours, lead by yoga teacher

Silvia Mordini and her partner in love

and business, Jacob Young. They are

a jet-setting (and adorable) couple

who travel all over the world leading

groups of 10 to 30 people through

week-long yoga retreats focusing on

personal empowerment, goal-setting,

rejuvenation, self-refl ection, adventure

and relaxation.

With Alchemy Tours, my group

enjoyed two yoga practices a day, one

in the morning and one in the evening,

in the open-air pagoda. This breezy,

welcoming space backs up to the

jungle, where the calls of tropical birds

and monkeys and the soft splashing

of distant waterfalls accompany you

during your practice.

I easily could have spent the entire

week-long retreat relaxing at The

Sanctuary—practicing yoga, lounging

by the pool, snoozing in hammocks,

taking advantage of the spa services,

but I enjoyed a day hike to three

impressive waterfalls and a surfi ng

adventure. I felt the wind in my hair

and experienced stunning views of the

peninsula while boating to a snorkeling

spot near Tortuga Island, with whale

and dolphin sightings along the way.

The week was the perfect balance of

relaxation, exercise and adventuring.

At the end of the retreat it was

diffi cult to leave the family atmosphere

created by owner Jeff, manager Liz

Lindh, the staff at The Sanctuary and

the four resident dogs. The entire

team treated everyone not as guests,

but as family members who had

fi nally come home. Silvia and Jacob of

Alchemy Tours were the quintessential

hosts for a week in a jungle paradise.

Until next time, ¡Pura Vida! 011 5068544 342; santuarycostarica.com; (872) 228-9642; alchemytours.com

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10 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM10

FAMILY

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL

place to make fall memories, look

no farther than Sandestin Golf and

Beach Resort. Located on the Florida

Panhandle and just a fi ve-hour drive

from Atlanta, you’ll fi nd the best spots

for quality time and so much more.

Here’s a list of our top 10 favorite family

things to do.

1. BEACH. Head to one of the most

gorgeous strips of beach in the world,

and enjoy 7 miles of pure white sand.

Build a sandcastle, roast s’mores over a

bonfi re or just swim or kayak in the Gulf

of Mexico. If you’re feeling adventurous,

try a parasailing trip high above the

blue-green waters.

2. BIKE. Explore Sandestin’s amazing

property on bicycles. The bike shop is

open daily and is located in Baytowne

Marina. Breeze past incredible sights,

such as golf courses, sparkling

swimming pools, tennis courts, lakes

and more.

3. EXPLORE JOLEE ISLAND. Plan a

picnic or walk around this 5-acre nature

park lush with Florida pines. It’s located

near Baytowne Wharf.

4. FISH. Grab a rod from the marina or

bring your own, and cast a line at any

of the 72 stocked catch-and-release

ponds right on the Sandestin property.

5. PADDLEBOARD. Rent YOLO Boards

(stand-up paddleboards) at Baytowne

Marina. It’s easy to master this activity

and a total blast for the entire family. If

you have little ones too small for their

own boards, they can ride on the front

of yours.

6. GOLF. There are four championship

courses here, so golf lovers can choose

where to spend a day or even just an

afternoon at a practice range. The

views are worth the cart ride alone.

7. TENNIS. Sandestin is the ideal place

to work on your family tennis game.

Enthusiasts can choose from 15 hard

HydroGrid clay courts. See schedules

for daily clinics.

8. BAYTOWNE. The Baytowne

Adventure Zone is a must for kids who

want to try an amazing zip line, ropes

course, tower climb or Eurobungy. If

you want a break from the heat, head

indoors to The Blast Arcade and Laser

Maze for clean, air-conditioned family

fun.

9. MINI GOLF. Take a swing at the

Dunes Putting Course for a one-of-a-

kind mini-golf experience. The 18-hole

course is challenging fun for the entire

crew.

10. HUNT CRABS. Grab your fl ashlight,

net and a bucket, and head to the

beach to search for crabs. You may just

see some fi reworks while you’re there.(866) 912.3224; sandestin.com

Autumn Family Fun: SandestinRetreat to the Florida Panhandle for an easygoing family getaway

By ALISON LEWIS

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DON’T BE SURPRISED if during your

next spa treatment your therapist takes

a minute to mash up food—say, an

avocado—before slathering it on your

face. Skincare so real you could literally

eat it? You bet.

Of course, women have been using

food on their skin for thousands of

years. Yet that interest has recently

escalated, perhaps driven by women’s

desires to be more natural. “Today,

women are becoming as concerned

about what they put on their skin as

they are about what they eat,” says

Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist in

New York City and founder of Joanna

Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection.

As a result, spas around the

country have risen to the demands,

incorporating real food in their

treatments. For instance, at the Spa

at Sea Island in Saint Simons, Georgia,

the coconut rose body polish

incorporates a handmade scrub made

with ground coconut, coconut oil, rose

petals, sugar and almond oil.

But can foods really benefi t the

skin? In a nutshell, yes. “Although food

products for the skin aren’t regulated

like skincare products, which have to

back claims with scientifi c studies,

some foods such as green tea, berries

and mushroom extract have been

thoroughly researched and proven to

have skin benefi ts,” says Jessica Wu,

M.D., dermatologist in Los Angeles and

author of Feed Your Face.

SO WHAT FOODS MIGHT BENEFIT YOUR SKIN? Here are seven to stock

your pantry with:

AVOCADO: The fatty acids in this fruit

restore your skin’s lipid layer, helping

you stay hydrated.

GROUND ALMONDS: They exfoliate the

skin without irritating it. “Almond oil is

also a source of fatty acids and an anti-

infl ammatory,” Vargas says.

HONEY: Honey not only has antibacterial

properties, but it also can speed

healing of wounds and burns and

hydrate skin. The one caveat? “Make

sure you’re using medicinal honey,

which has been sterilized,” Wu says.

OATMEAL: “Proteins called saponins in

the oats help dissolve oil and loosen

dirt and makeup from your pores,

which can help prevent breakouts,”

Wu says.

PUMPKIN AND YAMS: Both are loaded

with antioxidants that protect the skin

against sun damage and preserve

elasticity. “Their enzymes also make

these veggies great exfoliators,”

Vargas says.

SOY MILK: This anti-infl ammatory helps

reduce swelling (which is why Wu

recommends it for puffy eyes) and

hydrates the skin to make crow’s-feet

appear softer.

YOGURT: “The naturally occurring lactic

acid acts as a mild alpha hydroxy acid,

loosening dead skin cells and making

skin look and feel smoother,” Wu says.

Super Foods for Your SkinSpas are incorporating ingredients from the pantry into their skincare treatments, and you can do the same at home

by K AREN ASP

WELLNESS

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12 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

CULINARY

12

A VISIT TO JACKSON HOLE PROMISES

moose sightings, mountain vistas,

world-class skiing, fabulous fl y-fi shing

and cowboy boots year-round. Add

herds of grazing elk, galleries popping

with contemporary Western art, river

rafting adventures and interesting local

cuisine, and you have the makings of a

wonderful time in Wyoming.

Jackson Hole’s menus feature a

variety of local fare, including craft

beers, cheeses, wild huckleberries and

game. “Buffalo and elk have a huge

draw on our menu,” says executive chef

Kevin Humphreys, of Spur Restaurant

& Bar at the Teton Mountain Lodge &

Spa in Teton Village. He says, “Buffalo

is similar to grass-fed beef. It’s a

lean meat and has a dry-aged beef

fl avor.” Popular dishes on the menu at

Spur include buffalo sliders and fries

covered in elk gravy, a play on the

Canadian dish called poutine.

“There’s an emerging dining scene

here, and the majority of restaurants

use local ingredients as much as

possible,” says Humphreys. At Hayden’s

Post in the Snow King Hotel, the

region’s products proudly star on the

menu, such as a Wyoming Whiskey

Manhattan and a Wyoming Angus Beef

Burger served on buns made by artisan

bakers at 460 Bread.

There’s even a restaurant called

Local. There, you’ll fi nd coffee-rubbed

elk medallions with a huckleberry

demi-glace.

During the summer months, when

visitors come to hike, bike, raft and fl y-

fi sh, there’s plenty of trout and locally

grown vegetables on the menu. If

you’re not game for game, the Jackson

dining scene is diverse.

Bin22 is a wine and tapas bar with

charcuterie platters and creative salads.

The menu at Il Villagio Osteria features

Mediterranean fare for mountain

appetites, including house-made fennel

sausage for pizzas and pastas and dark

chocolate “salami” for dessert.

Wonderful WyomingMountain beauty meets modern style

By CAROLYN O’NEIL

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WHERE TO STAY Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa; tetonlodge.comSnow King Resort Hotel & Grand View Lodge;

snowking.com Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson

Hole; fourseasons.com

WHERE TO GRAZETeton Village: Spur Restaurant & Bar; 307-732-6932 or tetonlodge.com/spur-diningIl Villaggio Osteria; 307-739-4100 or jhosteria.comJackson: Bin22; 307-739- WINE (9463) or bin22jacksonhole.com Hayden’s Post; 307-734-3187 or snowking.comLocal; 307-201-1717 or localjh.comSnake River Grill; 307- 733- 0557 or snakerivergrill.com

WHERE TO PLAYJackson Hole Mountain Resort; jacksonhole.com Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris; jacksonholewildlife-safaris.com

WHERE TO CONNECTJH Tapped app (available on iTunes and Google

Play) lists events, weather conditions and dining

options.

GAME-ON NUTRITIONBoth buffalo (bison) and elk are lean meats with

fewer than 200 calories per 4-ounce serving.

As with beef and lamb, bison and elk are good

sources of vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

The fresh air and abundance of outdoor

activities really ramp up an appetite for mealtime

in the mountains. Allison Arthur, an editor of

Dishing, which is a guide to dining around

Jackson Hole and Teton Valley, says there are

advantages to living with cool temperatures at

high altitude. “Your body has to work harder to

stay warm, and you can consume more calories.

Not that we need another excuse to eat and

drink, but every little bit helps.”

HIGH-ALTITUDE HEALTH

Mountain beauty comes with a caution. The town

of Jackson is 6,200 feet above sea level, and

the peaks at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort top

off at 10,450 feet. While only about 5 percent of

visitors suffer from acute mountain sickness—

with symptoms such as headaches, nausea and

insomnia—every visitor should be aware of the

effects high altitude has on the body. Here are

health tips for handling high-country living.

DRINK UP!

Dehydration occurs much more frequently in

Jackson Hole than at lower elevations because

the relative humidity is very low. Dehydration can

sap one’s energy, cause headaches and affect

athletic performance. Take frequent water or

fl uid breaks during vigorous activities such as

snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking

and mountaineering.

DON’T DRINK UP!

Enjoy the impressive wine lists and craft beers,

but drink responsibly. The effects of alcohol are

dramatically increased at higher altitudes and

can be twice as strong for the regular sea-level

inhabitant. Also, hangovers will be worse at high

altitudes.

SLATHER ON!

High altitude predisposes one to sunburn

because there is less atmosphere to fi lter out

ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen is mandatory. UV

fi ltering sunglasses protect your eyes.

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14 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

SWEETSICILY A LAND OF EXTREMES AND CONTRASTS, SICILY THE MAGNIFICATION OF ALL THINGS ITALIAN. IT IS ALSO AN ISLAND OF SUPREME HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE AND GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS.

By ALISON LEWIS

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MY FIRST TRIP TO SICILY and my fi rst villa

experience were one in the same. After spending a

few nights at Rocca delle Tre Contrade, I arrived at this

conclusion: There’s simply no better way to enjoy Sicily.

Complete with 11 bedrooms and space for 22 guests, you’ll

also fi nd incredible views and a staff going to extra lengths

to provide the supreme comforts of home. Rocca delle Tre

Contrade is just an ideal spot to visit with family and friends

as it is for an intimate destination wedding. The 360-degree

panoramic views take your eyes to the sparkling Ionian Sea

on one side and the lava peaks of Mount Etna on the other.

The inviting scent of lemons and other citrus permeates the

air each time you step outside; lemon groves, fruit orchards

and vegetable gardens enhance the estate. Relax by a

private infi nity pool, and enjoy the most delicious food you

have ever tasted.

ACCOMMODATIONS Breathtaking views are standard in each of the spacious

bedrooms spread across three fl oors. Furnishings are an

elegant blend of antique, reclaimed and original pieces,

which hint at the villa’s mid-19th-century origins. A calming

color palette and tasteful art are found throughout the

estate and complement stylish but comfortable armchairs,

sofas and king- and queen-size beds. Baths are designed for

guests who love top-modern fi ttings, local marble and large-

stone basins, tubs and showers. The property was recently

restored by local architect Angelo Vecchio, who retained the

original masonry of lava stone and white Siracusa limestone,

which can be seen in the magnifi cent arches throughout the

fi ve living areas. Vecchio departed from traditional building

techniques only for the new kitchen and dining areas, which

incorporate polished concrete fl oors and glass walls.

OUTDOORSEnjoy the panoramic terrace with a wide selection of al

fresco dining options. Take steps through the lava stonewall

to the L-shaped infi nity pool. Swimming in one direction,

you’ll feel as though you’re heading out into the Ionian

Sea. Turn around, and you’re facing Mount Etna. Relax,

swim or practice sunrise/sunset yoga poolside. It will be an

experience you’ll never forget.

SERVICE

The staff at Rocca delle Tre Contrade includes Antonella,

a delightful and incredible cook, caretakers, housekeepers

and a waiter. You’ll never lift a fi nger during your stay. Just

let the manager know a day in advance whether you’re

dining in your room, and the staff will take care of the rest,

showstopping centerpieces included. Enjoy homemade

muesli every morning accompanied by yogurt and fantastic

breakfast cakes. (Warning: The freshly squeezed blood-

orange juice is quite addictive.) For dinner, enjoy polpette,

or chicken/veal meatballs, Pasta á la Norma and Involtini di

melenzane con spaghetti. thethinkingtraveller.com/thinksicily

WHAT TO SEE1. MOUNT ETNA The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount

Etna is the dominating feature of the eastern part of Sicily.

When Etna erupts, travelers from all over the world come

for a glimpse. Hike with a guide to gain expert knowledge.

A cable car can take the sweat out of the trip up, but the

descent past Valle Del Bove with its deep canyon of spent

lava fl ows is mesmerizing. Take the villa’s 4x4 excursion

in a Land Rover. You’ll veer off the beaten track to see

fascinating aspects of this volcano that an ordinary tourist

won’t. A volcanologist will accompany you for insight into

one of Europe’s most fascinating treasures. parcoetna.it

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2. PLANETA WINERY One of Sicily’s foremost producers of

quality wines, founded in 1990 by the Planeta family, this

winery put Sicily on the modern wine map. It now boasts

350 acres of vineyards divided among fi ve estates, refl ecting

the diversity of Sicilian wines and grape varieties. They are

currently producing more than 2 million bottles per year.

planetawines.com

3. THE CITY OF CATANIA Sicily’s second largest city, Catania

is a delightful square where Mount Etna is ever present.

Several volcanic eruptions have destroyed Catania, the most

devastating occurring in the 17th century. The old part of the

town was rebuilt in Baroque style, with large open squares

and avenues. Have lunch at Pizza Duomo for the best salads,

pizzas, appetizers and desserts.

4. VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE Situated on the southernmost

part of Sicily’s east coast, Vendicari is a mixture of sandy

dunes, beaches and coastlines. You may see fl amingos in

addition to all kinds of migrating birds. The reserve is an ideal

place for walking, running, swimming and sunbathing.

5. NOTO Destroyed in 1963 by an earthquake, this lovely

town was rebuilt from scratch. The buildings are Baroque-

style, but each hosts its own design. The predominant

material used is local compacted limestone, which absorbs

the sun’s rays and transforms the buildings with a soft honey

glow. The sunset is unreal here, so don’t miss it.

6. SYRACUSA A must during your Sicily travels, Syracusa

features fabulous restaurants and trattorias. Stop at the

Piazzo del Duomo, a wonderful pedestrian square home

to the cathedral built on the site of an ancient temple of

Athena. You’ll also fi nd a morning street market with an

excellent assortment of wines and Sicilian delicacies. The

archaeological site is home to a Greek theater that dates

back to the 5th century.

7. TAORMINA Taormina is one of the most popular

destinations in Sicily, where you’ll fi nd beautiful buildings,

breathtaking views, amazing shopping and bars and

restaurants galore. Have lunch by the sea at Mazzaro

Taormina, which has a cable car to take visitors to and from

the seaside resort. The main attraction is the Teatro Greco

Theater, which began hosting performances in the 3rd

century. It’s worth the walk thanks to spectacular views of

Sicily.

8. THE MADONIE ADVENTURE PARK If you’re staying in or

near the Madonie National Park, head for Il Parco Avventura

Madonie, where you’ll fi nd an adventure playground in the

woods, including rope ladder-walking, tree-climbing and

cable slides. It is also possible to go mountain biking (bikes

and helmets provided), trekking and horseback riding. There

are picnic areas and, if you phone ahead, you can request

local products such as cheeses, hams, sausages, etc.

9. GOLF Il Picciolo in Castiglione di Sicilia is the oldest course

in Sicily and has played host to a number of international

tournaments, including Ladies European Tour events. Very

few courses in the world boast a smoking volcano as a

backdrop—but Il Picciolo is one, laid out as it is in a stunning

location on the slopes of Mount Etna. This proximity to Etna

and its regular eruptions provides the unusual hazard of lava

fl ows on many of the holes, and with trees and vineyards

also constantly in play, there is a premium on accurate

driving. ilpicciologolf.com

10. HORSEBACK RIDING ON ETNA Head to Centro Ippico

Amico del Cavallo in Misterbianco for this incredible

adventure. amicodelcavallo.com; tel. 329 9509849 or 095 461882 Alternatively, in summer, horses are also available at Parco

EtnAvventura in Contrada Serra La Nave in the town of

Ragalna, southern Etna. etnavventura.it; tel. 333 1515904

right to left The huge dining area adjacent

to the kitchen is perfect for classic Italian

dining. Enjoy spectacular views outdoors

at the south-facing infi nity pool. The

views outside are equally as bewitching

come day or night.

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18 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

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PURE BLISS

Experience one of the best resorts in Red Rock Country.

By ALISON LEWIS

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20 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

if YOU ARE IN NEED OF A REJUVENATING GETAWAY to refresh your mind

and body, put L’Auberge de Sedona on your list. I was completely exhausted when I

arrived, coming off major deadlines, an 80-hour workweek and single-mom duties.

I arrived at my creek-side cottage next to Oak Creek in Sedona’s Red Rock Country,

ready to relax to the core. The fi rst night, I dined on my patio, enjoying Scottish

salmon with golden and red beets amidst the sycamore trees and bright stars.

During the next two nights, I slept a total of 23 hours in this peaceful place, an ideal

spot for me to totally unwind.

The spa at L’Auberge de Sedona is just the place to bring your body back into

balance and a state of harmony. I enjoyed two of the resort’s newest spa treatments,

the fi rst of which was the Quiet Mind, inspired by the Quiet Mind fl ower blend from

Lotus Wei. This treatment is designed for guests who are learning to turn off their

minds to best experience the massage. The treatment begins with several relaxation

techniques and includes the use of essences of germanium, bird of paradise and

passion fl ower—all said to promote letting go and encouraging the dissolution of

muscle tension. As the mind calms, a deeply relaxing massage takes over. The Feet

in the Creek Treatment is perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature and

themselves. I started by wading into the water, feeling the creek sand between my

toes while I breathed in the Sedona air. After that, I was accompanied to a lounge

chair beside the creek, where I soaked my feet in a tub of water and fresh rose petals

while listening to the rushing water. Next, I received a head, neck and shoulder

massage followed by a foot refl exology treatment with L’Auberge’s signature

L’Apothecary fl ower essence serum (a blend of rose, rosemary and lemon blossoms).

Said to help reduce stress and aid in overall sense of well-being, this refl exology

treatment cured not only my back pain but my stress as well. (855) 905-5745; lauberge.com

Don’t Miss: 8 On-Site Indulgences L’APOTHECARY BLENDING STATION

This blending station might have been

the most fun parts of my trip thanks to

the opportunity to blend my own organic

herbal bath salts and scrubs with Lotus

Wei products and L’Auberge’s signature

essence and aromatherapy. Lotus Wei hand-

collects exotic fl ower essences worldwide

and infuses them into transformative elixirs,

mists, skin serums and natural perfumes.

Flower essences are bio-energetic infusions

of fl owers that work with the body’s

acupuncture meridians to enhance clarity,

peace and happiness. Design your bath salt,

body scrub or body oils while learning about

the healing aspects of fragrant herbs and

fl owers. (I made a sugar scrub consisting of

roses, lavender, rose hips, cardamom and

cacao; it’s my favorite shower product.)

Inspired by the spa’s natural surroundings,

the concept was a way to connect guests

with the creek, while also creating a way for

them to take a piece of Sedona home.

FULL-MOON MEDITATION Head to the

edge of the creek with a yoga instructor and

a fl ashlight, where you’ll sit and meditate

for 10 minutes. Then go inside, where you’ll

make a list of the things that don’t serve you

anymore and burn the piece of paper in the

fi re. Lay in savasana (the “corpse pose” in

yoga) while you listen to Native American

fl ute sounds to clear the mind and soothe

the soul.

RED ROCK HIKE Enjoy the outdoors in

one of nature’s most spectacular settings to

vortex sites including Bell Rock, Airport Loop

and Cathedral Rock.

GM JOG Join the general manager for an

early run through Sedona’s beautiful trails.

HEALING CHINESE TEA TASTING

Savor rare Chinese teas and learn about their

therapeutic benefi ts. You’ll leave energized.

EVENING STARGAZING Join a local

astronomer as he leads you to the starry

wonders of Sedona.

DUCK FEEDING Participate every morning

beside the creek.

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22 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

clockwise from top left Visit La Boqueria, one

of best markets in the

world. Located in the

city of Barcelona, the

Park Güell is one of the

most beautiful icons

in the city. The four

columns at the Magic

Foundation. The ceiling

at Park Güell, La Sa-

grada Familia church.

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23

BARCELONA IS A CITY THAT AWAKENS YOUR SENSES.

Strolling through this lively metropolis, you’ll hear street

guitarists playing fl amenco music, catch nose-tingling scents

of Catalan dishes and take in vibrant shades of reds, yellows,

greens and blues everywhere you look. Call it a wellness

journey, if you will—one that will work its way into your soul.

SEE: Begin your journey by checking into the chic Hotel

Arts Barcelona, one of only two hotels on the city’s almost

fi ve-kilometer beach. You’ll then have access to prime real

estate from which to catch awe-inspiring sunrises over the

Mediterranean. You can also easily meander to the beach to

test your stamina with stand-up paddleboarding, play beach

volleyball or run along the boardwalk behind the beach.

(Just be prepared to skirt around the older men who gather

by the dozens to play dominoes, munch on bread and

cheese and sip vermouth.)

If you’re looking for an intriguing visual experience, visit

the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. This modern masterpiece

by famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí was built in 1882

and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Continue to be

dazzled by Gaudí at Park Güell, where you’ll fi nd unique

artwork, beautiful gardens and wonderful city views.

HEAR: Although you could spend hours listening to the

crash of the waves on the beach, make your way to La

Rambla, the famous pedestrian-only boulevard. Here, you’ll

fi nd street musicians (and buskers of every kind, including

the famous human statues). Or visit the Magic Fountain

of Montjuïc, a hill that overlooks the city, which features a

music and light show several nights a week. Montjuïc, by the

way, is also home of sites from the 1992 Olympics as well as

art galleries and museums.

TASTE AND SMELL: For a true feast for the senses,

step foot in La Boqueria, one of the world’s best and largest

public markets. Of course, there are dozens of other markets

where you can buy fresh fruit, cheeses, seafood or a snack

for picnic lunches. In fact, I also enjoy popping into the

Mercat de la Barceloneta, a quaint neighborhood within

walking distance of Hotel Arts.

While at La Boqueria indulge your tastebuds at small

restaurants—Bar Pinotxo, a famous tapas bar, is always

a crowd pleaser—or just nibble as you peruse, sampling

everything from nuts to olive oils and chocolates. Get an

even bigger chocolate fi x by stopping at Mauri, a well-known

pastry and chocolate shop in the city. My recommendation:

A Catalan specialty called catànies, caramelized Marcona

almonds surrounded by white chocolate (or a similar

concoction) and dusted with cocoa.

Cap off your Barcelona tasting tour with a glass of wine,

cava or even a beer (Barcelona brews its own pilsner called

Estrella Damm, which is quite tasty) at one of the city’s many

tapas bars. Head to the charming Gothic Quarter, or stop

by Monvínic, a hip wine bar, or Torre d’Alta Mar, a restaurant

that stands 75 feet off the ground and offers 360-degree

views of the city.

You can also fi nd an outstanding wine list and locally

inspired tapas at Arola, Hotel Arts’s upscale restaurant

where, if so inspired, your server will relay the fi ne art

of “making” bread with tomato, a Catalan specialty. The

process involves rubbing a piece of crusty bread with garlic

and cut tomato, and topping it with a drizzle of olive oil and

pinch of salt. One bite may just convince you that no matter

how long your stay, it will never be enough to get your fi ll of

this Mediterranean lifestyle.

hotelartsbarcelona.com, barcelonaturisme.com

A SENSUAL ADVENTURE THROUGH

BARCELONAInvigorate the fi ve senses in this Spanish city by indulging in the fi nest gastronomy

and relaxation the Mediterranean lifestyle has to off er By K AREN ASP

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24 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

THE NEW

The upper pool deck at San Juan

Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

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SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL IS HAPPENING IN SAN JUAN.

Among the glimmers of a growing prosperity is a new zeal

for conservation—natural and cultural. Flourishing from this

effort is San Juan’s emerging art and design scene which is

attracting businesses, such as Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

and Aaron Stewart Home, as well as a cooler, more cultured

class of traveler. It is an exciting time to visit San Juan and

witness the town, formerly known for crumbling buildings

and lawbreakers, morphing into a clean, bustling cultural

center full of music, laughter and infectious pride.

The newest source of pride lives in a formerly run-

down area of San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood called

Tras Talleres where an emerging culture is rooted in an

unlikely art form—graffi ti. This isn’t subway-style street art.

On the contrary, these massive murals are commissioned

(it’s an honor reserved exclusively for Puerto Rico’s most

notable artists), and are considered a clever way to bedeck

abandoned buildings and also vital ones. Even amateurs get

in on the celebration—there is an annual festival where the

paint cans come out, the bars open and the neighborhood

literally “goes to town” on its mission. This revitalization is

evidenced throughout San Juan, and we can’t think of a

better reason to plan a visit. It’s really quite magical.

EXPLORE THE NEW ARTSY VIBE RIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL For a rich, experience-fi lled family vacation

convenient to all points of interest, including this exciting

new art scene, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris

Casino on Avenida Ashford in the Condado neighborhood

is the perfect home base. It is here that the inspiration to

explore more of San Juan’s artsy soul takes root. The lobby

of the hotel itself showcases magnifi cent works by several

local artists along with beachy details, such as a massive,

carved “Coral Reef” wood sculpture that welcomes guests

at the hotel entrance. Now that you’ve caught a bit of the

cultural fever, here’s good news: From now until December

31, 2014, visitors staying at the San Juan Marriott Resort

have an opportunity to experience the latest art scene

developments through a special, customized package

called the “Artsy San Juan.” The package includes a three-

to four-hour exploration tour of the history and emerging

art scene of Santurce and Old San Juan along with four

tickets to Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR). Laid out

in several galleries on two fl oors, the MAPR showcases the

colorful heritage of local art. The collection runs the gamut

in terms of media and eras, but pay particular attention

to the rich history of the country’s poster art, perhaps the

harbinger of the current graffi ti revolution. The package also

includes a refreshing bonus: a 30-minute mixology class

with a Red Coral Lounge bartender. Daily breakfast for two

adults and two children is included along with city view

accommodations. (To book, see “Planning Your Trip.”)

The San Juan Marriott Resort itself is a luxurious, sprawling

enclave of things to see and do. The recently renovated

guest rooms are tastefully upscale, very bright and roomy

SAN JUAN ONCE A TOURIST DESTINATION OF DEBATABLE RENOWN, THE HISTORICAL CITY OF SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, IS COMING BACK TO LIFE AS THE DARLING OF THE CARIBBEAN

BY GINA CHRISTMAN

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26 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

with lovely all-marble bathrooms. Many of the indoor public

spaces have a subtly lit, swanky vibe. The lobby is the virtual

heartbeat of the hotel, with its immensely high ceilings and

comfortable seating clusters, a favorite spot for intimate

gatherings during the day or evening cocktails before dinner.

At night, the Red Coral Lounge in the lobby transforms

into the most energetic bar in Condado, with dancing

and live entertainment. In the morning, guests can grab

a pastry or sandwich along with a cup of highly regarded

Puerto Rican coffee in the lobby pop-up shop called Coffee

Merchant. Just off the lobby is the bustling casino where,

as a surprising and homespun gesture, waiters pass around

complimentary cups of steaming chicken soup or small

sandwiches to guests from 5-7 p.m.

The hotel’s Ocean Club Spa offers all the amenities of a

world-class facility where services can be enjoyed in either

treatment rooms or poolside cabanas. The spa’s attendants

are beyond courteous and accommodating. The Ocean Club

Fitness Center caters to guests’ health and wellness, offering

yoga, water aerobics, weights and personal trainers. Physical

activities extend out to tennis courts, a two-level pool

complex and 500 feet of private beach.

The San Juan Marriott Resort can also arrange other

excursions, all designed to help guests get deeper into

the heart and soul of this island. Here are a few don’t-miss

destinations located within a short distance from the hotel.

CONDADO The San Juan Marriott Resort lives in San Juan’s

ritziest neighborhood, Condado, which feels almost like

another city entirely. It hugs the gorgeous stretch of beach,

and the hotels and sophisticated bistros dotted along the

tree-lined Avenida Ashford give the area the glittery feel of

Miami Beach. Cartier, Ferragamo and Gucci are located here.

Explore Candado (and most of San Juan’s neighborhoods)

on foot in order to absorb the exuberant spirit of the locals.

FORTS If you’re up for a little exercise with your history

lesson, explore the ramparts and grounds at Castillo de San

Cristobal, the largest fortifi cation built by the Spanish in the

New World. Built to protect against land-based attacks on

San Juan, it covered 27 acres when it was fi nished in 1783.

The rich and fascinating history of this massive compound

is eloquently illustrated through exhibits and plaques

throughout the fort.

A short distance west from Cristobal castle is the 16th-

century Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Construction on the

castle began in 1539 when Spain was in control of San Juan.

It’s from here that the Spanish forces fended off various

maritime attacks, and you can peek through windows

where cannons once stood. The old lookout towers offer

180-degree views where the ocean meets the bay, and the

massive lawn in front of the Castillo has become a favorite

place for sun napping and kite fl ying.

OLD SAN JUAN Situated between Castillo de San Cristobal

and Castillo San Felipe el Morro, the area of Old San Juan

extends the cultural experience with its many galleries,

colorful streets and historic Spanish Colonial architecture.

This barrio offers all the charm and authenticity of its

heritage without feeling too touristy. As you walk along the

streets, you’ll fi nd a shopper’s paradise—from local cigars,

Panama hats and hand-crafted souvenirs, to luxury shops

such as Louis Vuitton and Coach—along with many cafés

and restaurants that serve up classic Puerto Rican food

and drink. Stop in the home of the very fi rst piña colada at

Barrachina restaurant, or go to restaurant El Jibarita for their

signature sangria and a plate of bacalaitos (fried cod fi sh) or

yuca frita (cassava fries).

PLANNING YOUR VISIT For a city that is an ultra-popular

Caribbean vacation playground, San Juan is, after all,

American; therefore it is easy to get to from any major

airport in the continental US. Once you get there, it’s

extremely simple to maneuver without the need for a

passport or other travel hassles. San Juan Marriott Resort

rates for the “Artsy San Juan” package start at $349/night

and a minimum two-night stay is required. (To reserve, call 1-800-228-9290 or visit www.marriottsanjuan.com and use promotional code: P91.) 

DINE LIKE A LOCALWhile you are traipsing around Santurce, take a break

from art-seeing to enjoy a real Puerto Rican lunch where

lucky locals eat, La Casita Blanca. This restaurant in the

Villa Palmeras neighborhood was born when an abuela

(grandmother) began cooking at home for family, then

friends. Her food was so good, more and more people

came to eat until the logical next step was for her to open

a lunchroom. Dishes are authentic to what you would

fi nd on the stove in any local home kitchen—chillo frito

(fried baby snapper) or carne guisada (stewed beef).

Most entrees come with the standard side mound of rice

and beans or mofongo—a dense scoop of fried green

plantains (or sometimes cassava) mashed together with

broth, garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings or bits of bacon.

Desserts are excellent, too, and the decor is—ahem—

authentically unglamorous: The most notable fi xture in

the indoor dining room where we sat was a huge tree that

grew through the fl oor and poked right out of the ceiling.

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27

clockwise from top left The pool complex at

San Juan Marriott Re-

sort & Stellaris Casino;

Bronze “muse” sculp-

tures representing

various art disciplines

greet visitors at the

Centro de Bellas Artes

in Santurce; La Casita

Blanca—where the

locals go for authentic

fare; A Warhol-inspired

example of Santurce’s

graffi ti art revolution;

Don Q is just one of

the many premium rum

brands of Puerto Rico.

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28 HEALTHYTRAVELMAG.COM

Kiyara Spa’s treatments

can be enjoyed indoors or

overlooking the ocean.

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JOY. I SAW IT ON THE GRINNING FACES of uniformed

Jamaican schoolchildren; I also saw it in their parents’

brightly painted homes, many striped in the yellow and

green colors of the proudly fl own fl ag. I heard it in the

music that spilled out from every village church on Sunday

mornings and nightly from every ramshackle bar. I tasted

it in the tropical fruits and coffee beans picked in the hills,

delivered daily to the street markets and resort restaurants

of Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, the two (of six) coastal cities

popular with visitors to Jamaica.

Yes, Jamaica stirs the soul with its joy. Look no further

than the musical creations of reggae king Bob Marley and

the jubilant, post-race celebrations of sprint king Usain Bolt.

For a nation smaller than Connecticut and less populous

than Iowa, Jamaica has shared with the world more than

its share of joyful performers. The intoxicating geologic

brew of steep, tropical mountains and smooth, white-sand

beaches is found in few places outside the Caribbean, yet,

unlike other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is often overlooked

by U.S. travelers. It’s worth a look, as it’s less crowded than

the Bahamas, easier to get to than Cuba and kinder on the

budget than most Caribbean countries.

Splash & Slide Most Jamaican resorts supply kayaks and snorkeling, while

diving, windsurfi ng, kiteboarding and hopping aboard

party catamarans also generate joy on the water. But the

land activities are more full of surprises. Bobsledding and

waterfall hiking in Ocho Rios, anyone? Made famous by

the movie Cool Runnings, Jamaican bobsledding (on rails,

not snow) is the main attraction at the Mystic Mountain

Rainforest Adventures, where you and the kids can also

plunge down a water slide or canopy zip line after riding up

a chairlift. Nearby is the equally popular hike up Dunn’s River

Falls on a natural staircase of shiny limestone boulders. Plan

on holding hands with strangers to form human chains in the

waist-deep water.

That’s almost normal compared to equestrian swimming

at Sandy Bay’s Chukka Horseback Ride n’ Swim. It starts

with a tame trail ride through mango and guava trees but

fi nishes at a gallop in saddle-deep water in Chukka Cove.

It was hard to tell if my horse, Mancha, was swimming laps

or prancing on tippy toes, but my guide assured me, “It’s

fun for him.” For me, too. More fun awaited in the mile-high

Stir It Up! Discover joy in Jamaica, where the reggae beat syncs with the rhythm of the ocean’s waves. By BOB COOPER

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above From inside a Jamaica Inn

suite, the ocean comes to you. right Horseback riding in the ocean? It’s

a must in Jamaica. opposite page, left to right Healthy breakfasts are off ered

each morning at Jamaica Inn; the inn’s

cabana suites are beachfront.

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Blue Mountains, where my group rode cruiser bikes for 10

downhill miles through a rainforest reserve and past rows of

coffee plants to a waterfall. On this particular Blue Mountain

Bicycle Tour, a soaking thunderstorm transformed the

narrow road into a waterfall itself. But my namesake Bob’s

wisdom rang true: “Don’t worry/about a thing/’cause every

little thing/gonna be all right.”

Lazy Luxury Coastal resorts are plentiful in Jamaica, but few boast the

luxury of Jamaica Inn, arguably the best on the island.

You needn’t stay in a cottage (each with a private spa tub,

outdoor shower and ocean-view deck) to enjoy all that

the resort has to offer. No matter what accommodations

you choose, options include croquet on the lawn, morning

yoga on the private beach, swimming in the private cove, or

indulging in a moonlight couples massage. (Or, do as I did

one morning: take the inn’s glass-bottom kayak out for a

90-minute roundtrip paddle to the British colonial heart of

Ocho Rios). While the inn’s restaurant brings the outdoors

in, with all tables open to the tropical fl ower-perfumed air,

the rooms keep the outside world out, with no TVs, radios,

desks or clocks to distract you from romance. (800) 837-4608; jamaicainn.com

Family Friendly Goblin Hill Villas is typical of Jamaican accommodations

that welcome kids. The hillside spread near Port Antonio

offers duplex-type units with comfy living rooms, TVs and

kitchens. There’s no restaurant, but a personal cook will shop

and prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner by arrangement.

While the kids are at Goblin’s playground, pool or Ping-

Pong tables, you can stroll the nature trail and gardens or

relax on the Great Lawn’s Adirondack chairs, which face the

turquoise ocean and San San Beach. After 5 p.m., you can

drain Red Stripes at the resort’s Tree Bar, wedged into the

branches of a 300-year-old fi cus. (876) 925-8109; goblinhill.com

Jerk Joints These roadside establishments are not sports bars—they

serve jerk chicken, which is as much a staple of local tastes

as Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer and white rum.

The chicken is marinated in allspice and other spices on a

pimento wood fi re to ensure its uniquely piquant taste. Wash

it down with one of the aforementioned national beverages,

and you’ll be an honorary Jamaican.

If You Go Come any time, because the average daily highs are in the

eighties year-round. Once you arrive, plan to get around

in minibuses and cabs, not a rental car, because driving in

Jamaica will drive you nuts, and there’s that left-side-of-

the-road thing, too. But the island isn’t that big anyway,

and most hotels have their own beaches (or there’s one

nearby). English is spoken widely and American dollars—and

Americans—are joyfully welcome everywhere.PH

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ROMANCE

FROM HIKING AND EXPLORATION

to wine tasting and spa treatments,

Healthy Travel has gone coast to coast

to help you fi nd the most romantic

vacation resorts for two, regardless of

the occasion, destination or activity

preference, these resorts offer an

escape from the harried and hectic and

the chance to reconnect and relax with

the one you love.

1. ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDSFeaturing gorgeous views, world-class

dining and a new romance package,

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star

Marriott Beach Resort promises an

unforgettable island escape complete

with Caribbean views and tropical sun.

With the romance package, couples

can share Champagne and fresh fruit

upon arrival, a buffet breakfast each

morning and a dinner at one of the

resort’s signature restaurants. Choose

the Royal Suite, a bi-level, loft-style

bedroom with outdoor balcony space,

separate bath and shower, a whirlpool

and a sofa bed, or the Morning Star

Villa with a beachside view. (340) 776-8500; marriott.com

2. LAKE ARROWHEAD, CALIFORNIA At Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa,

guests will enjoy a rustic retreat

complete with hiking trails, hot

springs, spa days and a Fall in Love

package for two. After arriving in one

of the lakeview guest rooms, couples

can enjoy the spectacular scenery

over a bottle of sparkling wine and

chocolates, daily breakfasts throughout

their stay and a photo frame memento

of their romantic visit. Start your day

with an easy hike on the Goat Trail in

the San Bernardino National Forest.

The trail will lead you to dip your toes

in the Deep Creek Hot Springs and take

in stunning views of the surrounding

mountain range. Upon return to the

resort, soothe any sore muscles at

the Spa of the Pines with a custom

couples massage or body treatment

that incorporates indigenous natural

plants and scents such as pine, sage,

lilac and holly. Wind down at sunset on

a chartered boat tour of the lake. As

you pull into the resort’s dock, make a

stop on the beach for a well-deserved

s’more by the fi re, followed by a

romantic dinner with panoramic lake

views. (909) 336-1511; lakearrowheadresort.com

3. MONTAUK, NEW YORKWith its ocean views, world-renowned

spa and therapeutic pools, the newly

renovated Gurney’s Montauk Resort

and Seawater Spa offers couples the

optimum in luxury relaxation. Listed as

one of Vogue magazine’s “world’s best

spa resorts” and also a prime wedding

destination, the resort’s tradition

for romance and seclusion with a

Hamptons fl air is sure to please anyone.(631) 66-2345; gurneysinn.com

4. NEWBERG, OREGONAt The Allison Inn & Spa, couples are

invited to revel in the natural beauty

of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine

country. Couples can hike short trails

on the property or take advantage of

the area’s vast hiking opportunities,

including a 9-mile country trail winding

through amazing foliage and wildlife.

Guests may also enjoy the tastes of

the region at the resort’s signature

restaurant, which offers local and

seasonal ingredients and an extensive

wine list with more than 800 choices. (877) 294-2525; theallison.com

5. ASPEN, COLORADOWith its new private bath service, Hotel

Jerome offers a personal therapist to

draw a bath, and provides you with an

option of three therapeutic bath salts

or Argan bath oil. A fruit plate is also

provided along with any other food and

beverage item. Also enjoy one of Hotel

Jerome’s many Auberge Adventures,

Night Rafting and Private Beach Dinner.

You’ll appreciate the allure of the great

outdoors with a scenic evening fl oat trip

in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Begin

your adventure in the late afternoon

with a short transfer to the river, and

take in the scenery, wildlife and setting

sun. Arrive at a private beach area

adorned with tiki torches, and enjoy a

gourmet dinner made by your private

chef. At the conclusion of dinner, guests

will board the rafts again, but this time

with night vision goggles to experience

the water and wildlife by night. (970) 920-1000; hoteljerome.com

Fall into RomanceFive diverse and idyllic destinations perfect for stealing away with your other half this season

by SHELBIE LANDRY and ALISON LEWIS

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