San Francisco Fine Dining
San Francisco is a renowned foodie mecca, offering everything from historic cafes to elegant fine dining restaurants. These five star restaurants are perfect for special occasions while you're in town.
Michael Mina, Financial District
Great for a relaxing dinner in an elegant setting. The modern American cuisine is prepared and presented with great attention to detail and the service is impeccable. Try the tasting menus or the "Counter Menu," which features gourmet bar food. The "Monk's Brew" cocktail, a combination of gin, Riesling, and Jasmin tea, is also highly recommended.
Bourbon Steak, Union Square
Michael Mina's American steakhouse is ideally located and offers a great view of Union Square. The steaks are slow poached in butter, then seared on the grill to create a crispy, juicy steak. It's a great combination of old-time steakhouse and modern restaurant.
Gitane, Union Square
This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or dinner with a group of girls. They serve a unique menu of Moroccan, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisine.
Fifth Floor, Union Square/SOMA
Located in the Palomar Hotel, on the fifth floor as it's name suggests. The Fifth Floor serves New American cuisine, contemporary cocktails, and a diverse global wine list. The ambiance is elegant and classic, and there is a tasting menu available.
Benu, SOMA
Benu serves American, Asian, French fusion. The space is chic, minimal, and calming. There are fixed price and a la carte options available. The Eight Treasure duck with gold leaf flakes is highly recommended. The Chef/Owner, Corey Lu, was the top chef at French Laundry for eight years.
RN74, SOMA
Another Michael Mina creation, this time focused on wine. The restaurant is named for the highway passing through Burgundy, the wine which is emphasized throughout the dining experience. It's the perfect spot for post-theater dinner or drinks as the bar stays open late.
Farallon, Civic Center/Union Square
This seafood restaurant features imaginative seafood themed decor, with jellyfish lamps, painted mosaic dome in the main dining room, and separate white room that feels like part of a ship. There is a raw bar, delicious seafood platter, and highly recommended is the tuna tartare with smoked heart of palm.
Jardiniere, Hayes Valley
This is the perfect place for a special occasion. The dimly lit dining room has a romantic ambiance. Standouts on the $95 tasting menu are the warm bread salad with artichokes and marinated Crescenza cheese, diver scallops and red wine braised short ribs.
Masa's, Nob Hill
One of San Francisco's oldest fine dining establishments. Masa's creates a formal dining experience with exceptional food and impeccable service. The current chef, Gregory Short, spent 7 years at French Laundry.
Gary Danko, Fisherman's Wharf
This is one of San Francisco's best fine dining options. Create your own tasting menu of 3-5 courses, enjoy the cheese cart and exceptional wine list, and sit back as the Gary Danko staff delivers a pampered dining experience. The cuisine ranges from American, California and French. Recommended dishes are the glazed oysters with osetra caviar and the lobster risotto.
Coi, Financial District/North Beach
Coi features New American cuisine with a daily changing, 11 course tasting menu with food from various SF Farmer's Markets. Every dish is conceptually and visually artistic and heavily vegetarian.
Saison, Mission
This innovative restaurant is located in a converted barn and offers a modern take on fine dining. The menu is a 7 course tasting menu with wine pairings available at an additional cost. An a la carte menu is available Tuesday - Thursday.
Commonwealth, Mission
On the casual side of fine dining, Commonwealth serves fresh, innovative food and employs a knowledgeable, helpful staff. They use the finest ingredients, a range of techniques and diverse flavors to create refined, progressive American cuisine. They have a very reasonable tasting menu at $65, $10 of which is donated to charity.
Ame, SOMA
Ame is an elegant restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel. They serve Asian and Californian cuisine with a dining room that overlooks Mission Street. Ame also features a sashimi bar, open kitchen, and private dining room. The Staff Meal, cuttlefish noodles and sea urchin, is highly recommended.
La Folie, Russian Hill
This fine dining option serves big portions of French food with California influence. There are 3, 4, and 5 course fixed price options. The adjacent lounge is a great place to hang out and features a separate menu. The different dining rooms manage to make the large space feel intimate and welcoming.
House of Prime Rib, Nob Hill
This San Francisco staple was created in the style of an English men's club. The interior is decidedly "old-school" and features fireplaces in both dining rooms. The prime rib is baked in rock salt and carved tableside, and the chef comes around and asks if you want seconds. Sides and desserts include mashed potatoes, English trifle, and Yorkshire pudding.
Aspen New Year’s Eve
Aspen has always been considered a winter hot spot for the rich and the famous and as such, Aspen New Year’s Eve marks the pinnacle of the winter seasons’ celebrations. A New Year’s Eve destination filled with magic, snow, fur, champagne, fireworks and luxury, Aspen is known for turning out a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve no matter what your celebration style prefers. New Year’s Eve in Aspen wouldn’t be complete without the fashion adorned socialites, celebrities, street parties, and copious amounts of champagne. Whether you’re actively participating or merely observing, Aspen does not disappoint as a place to ring in the New Year.
We’ve compiled a list of activities going on in Aspen on New Year’s Eve below.
Hope to see you there!
Two free fireworks shows over Aspen mountain (8:00 pm and 12:00 pm)
Free DJ and Bonfire at Wagner Park (8 – 12am)
New Year’s Eve Bash at Wheeler Opera House:
- With Marc Broussard
- Open bar, food, party favors
- $65 per person
Terrace Bar at the Little Nell: - DJ, dancing, free flowing champagne
- 9 pm to close - $175 per person
39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel: - 2 DJ’s, dance floors, food buffet, open bar - VIP 8pm - $350 - GA 10 pm - $275
Cantina: - Live music – “Roaring Fork Rag” - $25 cover
Rock the Ice Aspen New Year’s Party at the Silver City Ice Rink (CP Restaurant Group): - Tented, heated, top-shelf open bar, music, champagne, sweets - $250 per person
Escobar: - DJ, open bar, and party favors - $150 per person
The Regal New Year’s Eve Gala: - DJ Danimal, all-inclusive bar - $150 General Admission - 9:00 pm
The Limelight New Year’s Eve Party: - Bottomless Moet Chandon Champagne - Open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, DJ Cerius, dancing and an amazing view of the fireworks - $250 per person
The St. Regis New Year Midnight Supper: - 7 course dinner with Krug Chamagnes - $1000 per couple - 9:45 pm
Jimmy’s - Prix-Fixe: - 3 course 6 pm seating - $85 - 4 course 9 pm seating - $275
San Francisco Shopping Guide
San Francisco offers a ton of upscale shopping options. From high-end department stores and independent retailers to fine antiques, vintage clothing, and home decor - San Francisco has it all! Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf are the most obvious choices, but San Francisco has plenty of other neighborhoods that offer a variety of shopping experiences.
Union Square
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco Residence Club is located in Union Square, offering direct access to this amazing shopping center. There are high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and a new Barney's CO-OP. The huge new Westfield Shopping Centre is definitely worth a visit.
Jackson Square
Go there for fine antiques, charming cafes, and showrooms. Those who are avid collectors of tribal rugs and antique silver will love Jackson Square. Stores are located in old brick buildings that date back to the Gold Rush.
The Marina District
This shopping destination features the biggest cluster of independent retailers, making it a great place to find unique items that aren't sold in department stores. Union Street and Chestnut Street are especially popular.
Hayes Valley
This neighborhood is located west of Civic Center. The shops are trendy and feature housewares, jewelry, and independent boutiques.
Cow Hollow
Cow Hollow refers to the valley that lies west of Van Ness, between Russian Hill and Presidio. It was cow country at one time, but is now a charming neighborhood with 7 blocks of shopping. The restored Victorian buildings are filled with shops that sell home furnishings, antiques, art, linens, books, specialty food, and custom clothing.
The Castro & Noe Valley
This is a major shopping destination that features men's clothing, high end home decor, and kitsch items. Just south of The Castro is Noe Valley, a charming neighborhood that offers specialty food stores, bookshops, women's clothing, and specialty gift stores.
North Beach
North Beach is like a smaller version of NYC's Greenwich Village. It's located near Washington Square and Columbus Avenue and offers small restaurants and cafes, antique shops, clothing, and vintage items.
Pacific Heights
One of San Francisco's wealthiest neighborhoods can be found here, at Fillmore and Sacramento Street. There are local clothing ateliers and luxury international brands.
Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown is located at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, where you will find 24 blocks of shops, restaurants, and markets. Chinatown is a great place to get souvenirs.
The Mission
This hipster neighborhood has plenty of vintage finds, thrift stores, alternative bookstores, and delicious bakeries and cafes.
Japantown
Japantown consists of 3 blocks of shops. Most notable are the Kintetsu and Kinokuniya buildings, where you will find bonsai trees, jewelry, and antique kimonos.
SoMa
You can find discount outlets here (a rare occurrence in San Francisco) and shop at the Museum of Modern Art Gift Shop.
Embarcadero Center
Head downtown to the end of Market Street to shop at the upscale national chains found at the Embarcadero.
Fisherman's Wharf
This tourist attraction features Pier 39, the Anchorage, and Ghiradelli Square. There are shops and entertainment, and it's a great place to find souvenirs.
Vail Shopping Guide
Fashion
- Gorsuch: High end ski apparel, men/women/children's clothing, home decor
- Axel's: Cashmere, leather, shearling, European footwear, hand-tooled cowboy boots, accessories
- Bella Italia: C&C California, Charlotte Tarantola, Rich & Skinny, Minni Rose, Moschino, J Brand, Zoa, Prada
- Blitz: Anna Sui, Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller, Yoana Baraschi, Trina Turk, additional independent designers
- Arriesgado Clothing Company: Free People, Virgin Saints and Angels, True Religion, Splendid, T-Bags, Bugatchi Uomo
- One Track Mind: Outerwear, clothing, boots, accessories
- Patagonia: Jackets, fleece, footwear, alpine accessories
- Cashmere Vail: Cashmere clothing and accessories
- Valleygirl: Affordable, fun women's fashion for the mountain chic individual
- Alaska Fur Gallery: Women's furs, shearlings, specialty outerwear; men/women's leathers and accessories; proclaine eskimo dolls
- Charm School Boutique : Designer clothing and accessories
- Colorado Footwear: Family owned shoe boutique featuring wide variety of footwear
- Designer Furs: Largest and oldest fur shop in Vail
- Due: High end Italian clothing; second store by Luca Bruno
- Kemosabe: Unique cowboy store; patrons can reserve a beer online and a cold beer would be waiting for you upon arrival; high-end boots, belt buckles, cowboy hats and more.
- Manrico Cashmere: Innovative uses of cashmere, bedsheets to sportswear
- Laughing Monkey: Men/women's clothing, jewelry, accessories
- Loro Piana: Men/women/children's fine wool and cashmere, leather goods, gifts
- Vail Boot & Shoe: Men/women/children's fashion shoes and apres ski boots
Accessories
- Alpine Eyewear: Fashion, sport, prescription
- The Balance Wheel: Fine watches, repair services
- Currents Fine Jewelers: Unique and original designs
- Eye Pieces of Vail: High end prescription, goggles, sunglasses, eyewear accessories
- Golden Bear: Fine jewelry, original handcrafted Golden Bear Design
- Hughes Precious Metals: Boutique of orignial and designer jewelry; full-service design studio and goldsmith
- J. Cotter Gallery: Contemporary jewelry by American and European designers
- Karats of Vail: Create fine jewelry
- Squash Blossom: High Karat gold and gemstones, Color Craft Storywheels
Gear
- Vail Sports
- Bag and Pack Shop: Outdoor clothing and equipment, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, The North Face, Ugg
- Boot Lab Vail's original custom boot fitter for 30 years
- Burton: Demo decks, boots and bindings, outerwear, casual wear, accessories
- Vista Bahn Ski Rentals: Next to the lift and ski school
- Buzz's Boots and Boards
- Charter Sports: Ski and bike equipment
- Christy Sports: Rentals, repairs, equipment for sale, clothign
- Vail Mountain Adventure Center: Ski and snowboard equipment, bike rentals
- Cordillera Vail Golf Shop
- Tommy Bowers Ski Shop
- Surefoot: Ski book specialty store
- Off Piste Sports: Demo skis, fine sports and casual wear
- Pepi Sports: Ski wear, equipment, home furnishings, women's clothing and accessories
- Performance Sports: Latest technology in ski wear and equipment
Art Galleries and Home Decor
- Wilderness Wonders: Fine art, wildlife and nature photography
- Alaskan Shop: Native Canadian soapstone art, wildlife lithographs, Inuit carvings, Native American totem poles
- Clagett Rey Gallery: Collection of original paintings and sculptures; wildlife scenes, European style paintings; all by American artists
- Cogswell Gallery: Fine art, sculptures, jewelry, photography, antique and contemporary Native American pieces and Indigenous art
- Vail Village Art: Bronze, stone, stainless steel, fiber art, mixed media
- Vail Fine Art Gallery: American and international impressionist artists
- Demott Gallery: Renowned artists, landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative works
- Englishman Fine Art & Antiques
- Finishing Touch: Regional home decor
- Gateway Gallery: Contemporary and traditional paintings, graphics, sculptures
- Gore Creek Gallery: Plata and harmony Scott Jewelry collections; original fine art by local and national artists; rare books, maps, prints
- Hot House Flowers
- Master's Gallery: Winner of Vail Daily's Best of; fine art, sculpture, paintings; Janis Joplin, Alvar, Maya Eventov
- Pismo Contemporary Art Glass: Fine glass, beads, jewelry
Souvenirs
- Wild Bill's
- Annie's: High-end gift shop, tabletop and home accessories, gifts, cards, bath and body
- Charlie's T-shirt Shop: Screenprinting, embroidering
- Covered Bridge Store: Souvenirs, stationary, resort wear
- Maui Traders: Souvenirs, t-shirts, gifts
- Moose's Caboose
Souvenirs
- Wild Bill's
- Annie's: High-end gift shop, tabletop and homee accessories, gifts, cards, bath and body
- Charlie's T-shirt Shop: Screenprinting, embroidering
- Covered Bridge Store: Souvenirs, stationary, resort wear
- Maui Traders: Souvenirs, t-shirts, gifts
- Moose's Caboose
Beaver Creek Food and Wine Winter Culinary Festival
This January, Beaver Creek is hosting an incredible culinary event from January 26-28. Meet local and celebrity chefs and mingle with other guests while tasting delicious food and wine!
- Thursday, January 1, 2012: Meet the Chefs 6-8pm
A cocktail reception kicks off the event, where guests can mix and mingle with guests and chefs. Colorado style hors d'oeuvres will be served, prepared by local Beaver Creek chefs.
Location: 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill at the Park Hyatt Private Dining Room
- Friday, January 27, 2012: Snowshoe Gourmet Lunch 9:30am-2pm
A guided showshoe tour of McCoy Park Nordic Area will be followed by a gourmet lunch with wine pairings.
Location: Beaver Creek Mountain and Grouse Mountain Grill
- Friday, January 27, 2012: Winter Wonderland Wine Seminar 2-3pm
Wine expert Anthony Giglio will lead a wine seminar discussing wines to drink during the winter.
Location: Osprey
- Friday, January 27, 2012: Burger and Beer Apres 3-5pm
After hitting the slopes, enjoy delicious burgers prepared by some of the best grillers around.
Location: 8100 Mountainside Bar and Grill Deck
- Friday, January 27, 2012: Beaver Creek's Dining Out Experience 7-10pm
Choose from one of three participating Beaver Creek restaurants for a special dinner with wine pairings.
- Saturday, January 28, 2012: First Tracks Breakfast 7:30-10am
Ticket holders can be first to ski down Beaver Creek Mountain, then gather to eat an amazing breakfast specially prepared by participating chefs.
Location: Beaver Creek Mountain, Spruce Saddle Lodge
- Saturday, January 28, 2012: Cooking Demonstration and Luncheon 12-2pm
A multicourse lunch is served with wine pairings.
Location: Vilar Performing Arts Center
- Saturday, January 28, 2012: Wine Down Apres 3-5pm
Wines are presented in a seminar by Anthony Giglio.
Location: Rocks Modern Grill - Blue Spruce Room
- Saturday, January 28, 2012: Grand Tasting 7-10pm
This gala event features the ultimate tasting of the best Beaver Creek food. Sample tasting dishes will be served, prepared by local and celebrity chefs with drinks from event sponsors.
Location: Ford Hall and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa.
To book a condo at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club, call us at (800) 933-7704 or email concierge@travelenvogue.com.
Christmas Carols in St Thomas
Spending Christmas at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas means plenty of tanning on the beach, sipping cocktails, and sailing on the blue waters of the Caribbean. While Christmas on the island is much more tropical than a typical American Christmas, they do have some festive traditions. If you want to feel the Christmas spirit, go to Emancipation Garden at dawn on Christmas Day to hear groups of carolers participate in a friendly sing-off. Carols will include traditional American songs, plus songs native to St. Thomas.
St. John also offers a celebration with their Coral Bay Community Christmas Caroling Competition and tree lighting ceremony. St. Croix hosts a Crucian Christmas Festival at Buddhoe Park, which also features caroling.
Typical island carols are about guavaberry rum, a traditional drink enjoyed during the holidays, and Christmas cakes and food.
To book your Christmas stay at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas Residence Club, call us at (800) 933-7704 or email concierge@travelenvogue.com.
Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Spa
The Spa at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club and Resort is a Forbes 4-star rated, 21000 square foot spa that features 19 treatment rooms, full manicure/pedicure salon, and men's and women's saunas. There is a claw foot, copper soaking tub available for singles or couples.
Treatments are inspired by the beautiful Rocky Mountain surroundings. Guests can enjoy the natural setting while being pampered with high end products and custom-crafted wellness and rejuvenation procedures.
The fitness center features views of Beaver Creek Mountain and Vail Valley. The cardio center is equipped with state-of-the-art Precor ellipticals, treadmills, step machines and bicycles. Personal trainers are available for one-on-one assistance. Board-certified nutritionists can help you achieve personal health goals. Take one of the Ritz Carlton's group exercise classes, such as yoga, boot camp, spinning stability ball, and seasonal conditioning classes. Private classes are available.
The Spa Cafe features a Nutrition and Wellness Juice Bar and light, healthy fare (salads, fruit, etc.).
Summer Specials:
Mountain Spa Mornings: Beginning at 8am, guests will hike through Bachelor Gulch, ending at Anderson's Cabin, where they will have a private yoga session. The session closes with a 60 minute outdoor massage, set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Summer Mini Retreats: Choose from a selection of treatments priced at $75
Rocky Mountain 'Three-Treats': Select 1 treatment from each of the three tiers for $355
Signature Value Pricing: Save $30 on Ritz Carlton Signature Treatments.
Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony Saturday, November 26th from 4-6pm. The Ritz Carlton's community partner, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties will be joining the celebration as well as resort guests and local residents. A new charity program, "Decorate for Dreams," offers attendees the opportunity to purchase a $10 ornament. Ornaments are custom designed by the resort, and all proceeds go to the Habitat for Humanity Eagle and Lake County. Participants of "Decorate for Dreams" are automatically entered to win amazing prizes, including a 1 night stay at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
EVENTS:
• 4:00 p.m. – Fire Pit Lighting and Gourmet Hot Chocolate
• 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Cookie Decorating
• 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. – S’mores Roasting around the Fire Pit
• 5:45 p.m. – Announcement of Prize Winners
• 6:00 p.m. – Lighting of the Tree on the Mountainside Terrace
If you're staying at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club during Thanksgiving or the week after, don't miss this fun event! To book a rental at the Residence Club, call us at (800) 933-7704 or email concierge@travelenvogue.com.
Best Vail Hiking Trails
Hiking and exploring the beautiful mountainside is one of the draws of a summer Vail vacation. If you're staying at the Ritz Carlton Vail, Four Seasons Vail Residence Club, or Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club, you'll enjoy these trails. All of these trails will allow you to experience amazing views and nature found in Vail Valley. Take note of the difficulty level and length of the trails.
Big Horn Creek Trail
- Medium difficulty, 3.6 miles one way
- Pretty easy walk, less steep than some of the other trails
- Beaver pond sightings, views of Big Horn Falls
Booth Creek Trail
- Difficult, 6 miles one way
- One of the most popular trails with locals and tourists
- Views of the falls and Gore Range, pass through aspen groves
Cross Creek Trail
- Starts out easy, gradually gets more difficult, 15.5 miles
- Goes up the valley to Fancy Pass, several hidden lakes along the way
Deluge Creek Trail
- Difficult, 4 miles one way
- It's a steep trail with a tough climb up, but you'll see amazing views of Vail and Gore Range
- Pass Deluge Lake, an isolated lake surrounded by granite peaks
Fall Creek Trail
- Moderate, 9 miles one way
- Pass by Lake Constantine, where there is great fishing, Seven Sisters Lakes, and Hunky Dory Lake
Gore Creek Trail
- Difficult, 6.4 miles
- The first 5 miles go along the creek and through meadows and aspen treet
- The 5th mile forks, and you can go to either Gore Lake or Red Buffalo Pass
Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Christmas Events
The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe will be hosting a series of events during December for hotel and Residence Club guests. Celebrate Christmas in style at one of their amazing dinners and Christmas parties! There are also several festive activities to give guests something different to do during the day. The Village at Northstar has lots of great events and places to go as well.
Hall & Roessler Cellar Winemaker's Dinner at Manzanita
December 22 at 7:30 pm
This five course tasting menu will be paired with a wine selection from the Hall & Roessler Cellar
Christmas Dinner in the Ritz Carlton Ballroom
December 25 from 11am to 8pm
Adults $95, $35 Children (4-10 years old)
Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal at this lavish buffet in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Ballroom
New Year's Eve Celebration in Manzanita
Early seating available from 5pm to 6:30 pm
Additional seating from 8:30pm to 1am
$200 per person
A 4 course prix fixe menu will be prepared by Chef de Cuisine Jacob Ramos and includes a champagne toast, music, dancing and party favors
Snowshoe Social and Race Series
December 17, January 22, March 10
The December race will feature the 5k, 10k, and kid's races. You can rent or purchase Atlas Snowshoes at the Cross Country Ski, Telemark and Snowshoe Center.
Stargazing Snowshoe Tour
Adults $50, $30 Children
-Tour begins at 5pm and departs from the Cross-Country Ski, Telemark & Snowshoe Center
Tony Berendsen, starguide and poet, will take guests on a 2.5 hour tour of the night sky and treat them to a poetry reading. Also included is a space quiz, a laser tour of the stars and constellations, and a telescope viewing with Celestron telescopes. Then enjoy wine and hot cider around a fire pit and discuss what you've seen! After resting for a bit, snowshoe down to the Village at Northstar for the end of the tour. Dogs are allowed on the tour if on leashes.
Family Afternoon Snowshoe Tour at Northstar California
December 28 from 1pm to 4pm
$40 Adults, $25 ChildrenTake the whole family on a tour on eay to maneuver trails through an alpine meadow, where the tour guide will provide hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes. Snowshoe and sled rentals are available for the tour.
Tubing
Monday - Friday from noon to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Have a blast tubing down the mountain! The tubing center is located mid-mountain above the Gondola.
Live Music
Every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 5pm
The Village Stage in Northstar Village features live music on the weekends. This is a great apres ski, pre-dinner event to do with your party.
Apex Bungy in Northstar Village
From noon - dusk
Kids will love playing at the Apex Bungy! Take them down to Village Center Overlook for an afternoon of jumping around.
Meet Santa in the Village at Northstar
December 17-24
Santa is available throughout Northstar Village to take Christmas pictures with kids.
New Year's Eve at the Village at Northstar
1pm to 3pm: DJ on the Village Stage
5pm: Ripperroo Parade
7pm to 9pm: An Evening with Led Zeppelin 2 - The Live Experience
9pm: Fireworks Spectacular
Check out more Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe events
Vail Farmer's Market & Art Show
If you're staying at the Ritz Carlton Vail, Four Seasons Vail Residence Club, or Sonnenalp Vail's One Willow Bridge Road Residence Club this summer, you'll have direct access to Vail's acclaimed Farmer's Market. Every summer, local Colorado vendors come to Meadow Drive under 120+ tents to bring people the best of Vail. Vendors include food stations, locally grown produce, fish, meat, fresh baked goods, Colorado wine, jewelry, flowers, tamales and more. There is also live entertainment, rides, and art galleries. It's the perfect place to come on Sunday, the day after you arrive in one of your Vail vacation rentals, to stock up on food, wine, and desserts for the week!
Thanksgiving at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
For those spending Thanksgiving at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club, the Ritz has your holiday meal covered! The resort's Thanksgiving-To-Go menu offers an amazing dinner that you can eat in the formal dining room of your condo. Of course, you can prepare a Thanksgiving dinner in the fully equipped gourmet kitchen, but if you want to truly relax while on vacation, this 6-course feast is the way to go!
Menu:
- Traditional turkey with gravy
- Stuffing
- Cranberries
- Potatoes (mashed or sweet)
- Harvest vegetables (choose from glazed carrots, green beans, brussel sprouts)
- Seasonal Pie (pumpkin or apple)
- Summerland wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay)
A 3-4 person serving is $125, 5-6 is $200 and includes 2 bottles of wine, and the 5-6 person serving is $250 and also includes 2 bottles of wine.
To book a reservation at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club, call us at (800) 933-7704 or email us at concierge@travelenvogue.com.
Marketplace on One Willow Bridge Road
Vail vacation rentals guests can satisfy their general and gourmet grocery needs at Marketplace. It's adjacent to Sonnenalp Vail's One Willow Bridge Road Residence Club, but it's open to the public. Guests of Ritz Carlton Vail, Four Seasons Vail Residence Club and even Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch can go to Marketplace for fridge stocking.
Marketplace has 6 different sections. The Market is where you'll find your grocery items, fine cuts of meat, and specialty foods, carefully prepared fresh by the on-site chef. Private catering is also available, should you want to throw a dinner in the formal dining room of your condo.
The Cafe offers pastries, cookies, breads, coffee, espresso, teas, newspapers, magazines, and Internet access. Go there to grab a bite before starting your day, or after you're done on the slopes or with your outdoor activities. Enjoy the live entertainment during Vail Cabaret Nights, where the wait staff performs Broadway show tunes.
The Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, apres ski, and dinner. Enjoy tapas, classic fare, or trendy dishes.
The Creperie serves sweet and savory crepes, ice cream, and gelato. Crepe options include make-your-own, breakfast crepe, spinach tomato bacon, smoked salmon, and more.
The Tavern serves light dinner, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. It's a great place to relax with your party after a fun day of activities.
The Wine Shop features a wide selection of rare and older vintages, and moderately prices wines. They also have an international collection of liquor and beer.
Beaver Creek Men's Alpine World Cup
As winter gets underway in the Vail Beaver Creek region and the area is expecting its first significant storm of this winter season, it’s time to start thinking about SKIING! Marking the opening week in Beaver Creek is the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Alpine Men’s Ski Race.
Beaver Creek is the only US stop on the tour circuit and has been a World Cup circuit host since 1987 when the Birds of Prey run first opened in 1987. During the run’s opening week, the World Cup events which had been originally scheduled to occur in Val d’lsere, France, came to be hosted at Beaver Creek due to snow-challenged year. It became an annual event after a successful affair at the US location.
This year’s race gives US fans an opportunity to view the contenders for the World Cup championship. The Birds of Prey racecourse at the Beaver Creek ski resort in Colorado was built in 1997 for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. The racecourse was designed by Bernard Russi, an Olympic Downhill gold medalist. The run starts at the top of chair lift #8. When the course officially opened, Red Ute, a Native American tribal elder, performed the opening and traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
Fun Facts about the Beaver Creek World Cup:
- During the 1999 Championships, Birds of Prey was the site of the first ever World Championships gold medal tie. Austria’s Hermann Maier and Norway’s Lasse Kjus each earned the gold medal in the Super-G race, with times that were identical down to the thousandth of a second.
- On February 6, 1999, an estimated 20,000 spectators attended the World Championship Men’s Downhill competition, the largest crowd in U.S. ski racing history.
- The fastest World Cup or World Championships Downhill race time ever recorded on Birds of Prey is 1:39.59, courtesy of the U.S. Ski Team’s Daron Rahlves in 2003.
Event Description:
DOWNHILL
Downhill racers attempt to be the fastest one down the mountain through a minimum number of control gates. Speeds in Downhill often exceed 80 mph on major courses and require a hill with at least a 750 meter vertical drop.
Downhill racers must have two training runs on a course before each race, although the second training run may be waived.
SUPER-G:
Initially created in order to provide the Downhill specialists with an additional opportunity to score World Cup points, essentially giving the “speed” skiers two events, while the “technical” racers had Giant Slalom and Slalom.
A cross between Downhill and Giant Slalom, Super-G is a one-run event like Downhill, but with more frequent turns, ala Giant Slalom. Unlike Downhill, however, there are no prior training runs for Super-G, just a racer inspection on the morning of the race.
GIANT SLALOM:
Giant Slalom is the event characterized as being the discipline requiring the most technical skill as skiers race down the mountain through a faster and more open course than in Slalom, which requires the execution of many short, quick turns.
The number of gates in a Giant Slalom course is determined by the vertical drop of the hill. The event is staged in two runs, with the total time of each run added together to determine the final finish order.
In World Cup competition, the finish list from the first run is cut to the fastest 30 racers and reversed to determine the second run start order. In Olympic or World Championships competition, all racers who finish the first run are allowed to take a second run.
Looking for a place to stay? The Ritz Carlton Club in Bachelor Gulch, CO offers complimentary shuttle service from the Ritz Carlton resort and up to 8 free lift tickets per day to be used at Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, or Vail. For more information on the Birds of Prey World Cup Races, click here.
Opening Day at Beaver Creek Mountain Colorado
Beaver Creek Mountain opens Wednesday, November 23, just in time for Thanksgiving. The 8th annual Beaver Creek Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition will be held on opening day, where 5 recipes will be selected to compete to win as the official cookie of Beaver Creek.
The 5 contestants will bake 1,000 cookies each and pass them out in the village. Guests can try the cookies and vote for their favorites.
If you're staying at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club this Thanksgiving, don't miss the free cookies!
To book a condo at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, call us at (800) 033-7704 or email concierge@travelenvogue.com
Christmas at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas
The holidays are coming up and before you know it, Christmas will be here! It's time to start planning your trip to the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas for a tropical Christmas vacation. The Residence Club condos at the resort are the perfect accommodations for the whole family. The resort is located along the Great Bay, where you can sip St. Thomas's holiday drink, guavaberry rum, on white sand beaches.
Book your stay by contacting us at concierge@travelenvogue, or call us at (800) 933-7704. Rates and availability can be found here.
Special activities to be held at the resort during the month of December include:
- Island hopping and fishing trips: Several options are available, including a full day private cruise aboard the luxury power yacht Magic Moments, fishing excursions, and Nauti Nymph bare-boat rentals. Contact the Ritz Carlton Aquatic Center for more information.
- Lady Lynsey Sailing Excursions: Embark from the resort's beach on full or half day snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, dinner sails to St. John, pirate treasure hunts, and private charters for up to 49 guests.
- Scuba diving at the Patagon Dive Center: Daily diving is available for both beginners and experienced divers. The Great Bay offers plenty of coral reef, sea turtles, parrot fish and blue tangs to explore.
- Noodle Station at the Great Bay Lounge: Every Monday and Friday evening, the Ritz Carlton offers noodles prepared in different styles from around the world.
- Sailing and Windsurfing Lessons: Olympian winner Paul Stoeken teaches children and adults of all levels how to sail and windsurf, available daily.
A St. Thomas tradition is to go to the Emancipation Garden at dawn on Christmas Day, where choirs will sing carols as the sun rises over the horizon. There are some traditional carols about Santa Claus, but most of the indigenous carols are about food or rum. Reggae Christmas music is also very popular.
Traveling with Kids
Family vacations are great, but traveling with kids can be a challenge that requires planning and resourcefulness. Here are a few tips that can make things easier:
Book a direct flight. One of the most stressful things about flying can be catching the connecting flight. People take their time removing their carry-ons from the overhead compartments and getting off the plane, and this can be an especially grueling process if you're at the back of a large plane. If the kids have finally fallen asleep, now you have to wake them up and get everyone situated all over again. If possible, it's definitely best to avoid this hassle and just book a direct flight.
Travel at non peak times. Non peak times are late at night, midday, or Monday through Wednesday. There are more empty seats on flights during these times, giving you and your kids extra space to stretch out and get comfortable. Comfortable kids are happy kids!
Use the family lane during check-in. TSA has made improvements to checkpoint services based on customer feedback. The "Black Diamond" program has been implemented in over 50 airports to enable expert travelers to quickly get through checkpoints, allowing families and travelers with more complicated needs more time and assistance. The "green line" is for families or beginner travelers. However, if your family is up to speed on all TSA rules, check out the "blue line" for intermediates, or even the "black line" for expert travelers.
Get through Security as fast as possible. You can do this by wearing slip on shoes (such as Crocs), not wearing belts, and putting all electronics, keys, and loose change into a carry on tote. This makes things faster and cuts down on lost items. You won't have to worry about reminding everyone to check their bins to make sure they've taken all their items because you'll have them all in the tote.
Pack plenty of entertainment. Gameboys, iPods, iPad (fully stocked with movies), or Kindles will help keep your kids entertained and hopefully, quiet on the plane.
Don't forget to rest. Part of the fun of going on a family vacation is the fun activitites. However, if everyone isn't well rested, they can get cranky and the fun will be ruined. Make sure you have some down time each day to maintain your energy and sanity!
Split up. It's great to do things as a family, but it can be nice to have some alone time too. Maybe one day dad can take the kids to the pool while mom goes to the spa, or mom can take the kids biking while dad enjoys a game of golf.
Plan the itinerary together. Take everyone's wishes into consideration so everyone feels included. Talk to your kids about what kind of activities they'd like to do, or if there's anything in particular they'd like to see. Getting everyone involved is a great way to make sure they have fun.
Take advantage of Kids Programs at your hotel. The Ritz Carlton offers the Ritz Kids Program, and the Four Seasons offers Kids For All Seasons. These programs allow parents to enjoy some quality time together, while resting assured that their children are in the capable hands of a trained professional.
Our vacation rentals are all in great destinations, like Vail, northern California, and St. Thomas. Each location has a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities that will be enjoyed by the whole family!
Aspen Foodie Food Tours
Foodie Food Tours will take you and your party to local restaurants where you can experience some amazing Aspen cuisine! Chat with chefs and ask them questions about where they get their ingredients, what their favorite dishes are, and how you can prepare some of their dishes at home.
Taste of Aspen - Off the Beaten Path
This two and a half hour tour costs $70 for adults and $50 for kids under 12. The stops always change, but may include Specialty Foods of Aspen, Boden's Butter, The Restaurant, Sabra's Deli, The Aspen Brewery, 39 Degrees, Ellina, J Bar and more.
Tour of Snowmass Village
This tour is available for groups of 10 or more and costs $80 per adult and $70 per child. You will be able to talk with chefs as they prepare their signature dishes. Restaurants could include Il Poggio, The Artisan, Buch, and more.
Christmas at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Christmas season is quickly approaching in the Rockies, where the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch can be found nestled on Beaver Creek Mountain. The ski-in, ski-out convenience of the Resort and Residence Club is one of the many reasons why people travel from all over the country to spend their Christmases there. The town of Beaver Creek and nearby Vail are festive during the holidays, and the Ritz Carlton even performs a tree lighting ceremony for its guests. The 2 and 3 bedroom units can accommodate any family comfortably, and include fully equipped gourmet kitchens and elegant dining rooms that host luxurious Christmas dinners. Zach's Cabin is a popular on-mountain restaurant that is exclusively available to Ritz Carlton guests, accessible by snowcat or skiing. After a long day of skiing, enjoy a dip in the year round heated pool and hot tubs. The Firepit is a great place to spend time with the kids, making s'mores and drinking hot chocolate during the evenings.
To inquire about renting a Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Club condo, call us at (800) 933-7704. You can view rates and availability here.
The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is hosting a series of events for its guests throughout the month of December:
- December 18, 30: "Apres on Ice" series, an interactive ice sculpting demonstration with local artists Paul Wertin. Wertin will create ice sculptures to be displayed on the Resort's Front Drive while the audience watches.
- December 21, 22: Julie Feldman Handbags Trunk Show to be held in the Resort's Signature Shop on the Lobby level. Guests receive 15% off.
- December 27, 28: Magaschoni and Hayley Designs Jewelry Trunk Show will showcase luxurious cashmere apparel and hand-made jewelry at the trunk show in the Signature Shop. Guests receive 15% off.
- December 29, 31: Mauri Pioppo Fine Jewelry Trunk Show. Guests receive 15% off.
- December 31: Christmas Eve at Spago features a prix fixe menu with two available seating times.
- Ritz Kids New Year's Eve Bash: Children age 5 to 12 are invited to Ritz Kids for a kid-friendly party with buffet dinner.
- New Year's Soiree: The Ritz Carlton Ballroom will host a New Year's party from 9pm to 2am that will feature a DJ, dancing, hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast.
Why Take A Vail Summer Vacation?
Photo of the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Club & Resort by The Perrin Post at Conde Nast Traveler
Most people know Vail as a luxury ski destination, but it's also a beautiful summer vacation spot. Sometimes it's nice to get away from it all and go somewhere like Vail, where the picturesque landscapes set the scene for a great family or group vacation.
Vail offers many activities that can be done as a family or group and will create lasting memories for years to come. Go horseback riding through the mountains and stop for a scenic picnic lunch. Be adventurous and go whitewater rafting along the beautiful Colorado river. Take a hot air balloon ride over Vail Valley for a bird's eye view.
When you're not fly fishing, mountain biking, or enjoying a game of golf on a world-class course, head into Vail Village. Vail Village is beautiful in the summer, when you can shop and lunch without heavy coats and boots. Vail also offers five star dining, a lively nightlife scene, and several cultural events throughout the summer season that draw huge crowds of Colorado locals and tourists. Some of these events include Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Taste of Vail, Bach on the Rocks, Vail International Dance Festival, and Hot Summer Nights.
One major perk about Vail summers is the amazing rate on five star fractional condos. Rates are more competitive in the summer for Ritz Carlton Club Bachelor Gulch, Ritz Carlton Vail, Four Seasons Club Vail, and Sonnenalp Vail's One Willow Bridge Residence Club.
These Vail vacation rentals offer the extra space of a 2, 3, or 4 bedroom luxury condo at a five star resort. You and your family or party can feel at home away from home, while still enjoying hotel services and amenities. Cooking meals for your family in a fully equipped gourmet kitchen is a great alternative to costly daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a resort restaurant. In suite laundry rooms (standard in each condo) means you don't have to pack as much or constantly send dirty clothes out to get dry cleaned. The Vail vacation rentals at any of these Residence Clubs offer twice daily maid service, room service, concierge, golf privileges, and use of any adjacent resorts.
That means guests of a Ritz Carlton Club Bachelor Gulch rental can take a short walk through the tunnel that connects the Club and Resort and dine at Spago, or receive pampering treatments at the award winning Bachelor Gulch Spa. Guests at One Willow Bridge can relax in Sonnenalp Vail's infinity edge pool overlooking the Gore Creek River.
Vail summers offer wonderful vacation options at resorts that may not have been an option during the busy ski season. The summer season is a great opportunity to experience a beautiful outdoors vacation in luxury!
Travel En Vogue can assist you with booking your Vail vacation rental.
To book, call us at (800) 933 - 7704
or
email us at concierge@travelenvogue.com