New Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Treats
This winter the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is introducing delicious new traditions. The Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar debuted at the annual tree lighting and will be continuing throughout the ski season. There are 3 house-made flavors featuring Gharardelli and Valrhona chocolate in white, milk, and dark flavors. There are over 30 toppings to add, and guests can even add liqueur. Hot chocolate is available at '7' daily from 4-6pm.
The German Bier Tent is located at the Mountainside Terrace, just steps from the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. It offers authentic brats, house made pretzels, and brews. Grab a snack between runs or when you're finished every day between 11am and 4pm. Items range from $10 to $20.
The Gourmet S'mores Experience is an amazing collaboration between the Ritz Carlton and Dylan's Candy at '7'. Buy a $4 S'mores Kit which includes a marshmallow and graham crackers, and peruse the selection of chocolates to accompany your s'more. Then head over to the Fire Pit to roast and eat!
Zach’s Cabin Beaver Creek
Zach's Cabin is a picturesque log cabin restaurant situated above Bachelor Gulch with stunning views of Gore Creek. It is the Bachelor Gulch Club's private on-mountain dining cabin. It's elevated location requires open-air sleigh ride transportation only, which is provided periodically throughout dining hours. A blanket is provided during the ride, which can get very cold, especially at night!
The rustic cabin is open and spacious, with large windows and a patio. Upon arrival, guests are directed to the locker area, where they are provided with slippers and invited to take off their jackets.The service at Zach's is impeccable, as is their wine list, which has won the Wine Spectator's "Best of" Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years in a row.
Zach's serves a menu creative American cuisine served a la carte, heavily influenced by the game dishes that are so popular to the area. You'll find rack of lamb, elk tenderloin, salmon, duck and veal on the menu, and vegetarians can enjoy a plate of zucchini papardelle.
Zach's Cabin is open to the public for dinner from December 10 - April 2.
Ritz Carlton St. Thomas Named One of the Best Snorkeling Resorts
Caribbean Travel + Life named the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas one of the best snorkeling resorts. Their onsite Patagon Dive Center caters to divers of all levels and group sizes and offers a superior snorkeling and diving experience. The resort is located along 30 idyllic acres on the island's picturesque Great Bay, boasting private white sand beaches that feature Elkhorn Coral and yellow sea fans right off the shore. Snorkelers and divers can expect to see jacks, snappers and barracudas!
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas offers certification courses and children's programs (age 5 and up), as well as a multilingual staff who can accommodate those who speak English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Dive boats depart daily:
- 9:30am 2 tank dive
- 2:30pm 1-tank dive
- 6:30 pm night dive
Private customized charters are also avilable for an extra premium. The staff at the Patagon Dive Center will discuss the specifics of the itinerary prior to booking, including preferred dive and snorkel sites, activities, and food and beverage options. They can accommodate families with young children, serious divers, and a mixed party of divers with a variety of experience levels. Patagon can also provide educational tours on the marine life of the coral reefs and sightseeing around the nearby islands, including a visit to an uninhabited island beach.
Patagon also offers a variety of specialty certifications for divers who want to broaden their underwater skills, some of which may offer the opportunity to earn college credit:
- Deep Diver: Learn techniques for diving 60-130 feet, make at least 4 deep dives with Instructor
- Night Diver: Illuminate a whole new set of night creatures with your dive light
- Underwater Photography: Learn the PADI SEA method for getting great shots quickly, learn techniques for taking good underwater photos
- Wreck Diver: Learn to explore wrecked ships, airplanes and automobiles that are teeming with wildlife
- Peak Performance Buoyancy: Learn how to be neutrally buoyant to avoid both floating and sinking
- Fish Identification: Learn to recognize the mail families and characteristics of fish that will help you identify marine life wherever you dive
- Underwater Naturalist: Observe the relationships of different marine life interacting together
- Underwater Navigation: Become the one in your diving party who knows how to get back to the boat
- Search and Recovery Diver: Learn effective ways to find lost objects underwater and bring them to the surface
- AWARE Coral Reef Conservation: Designed to inform about the world's largest coral reefs
- Boat Diver: Learn to dive from a variety of boats and how to safely enter and exit the water
- Drift Diver: Enjoy rivers and ocean currents by going with the flow
Donner Lake, Truckee
Donner Lake in Truckee, CA, is a freshwater lake located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 11 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. It's the perfect place for year-round activities. It offers swimming, sailing, water skiing, diving, and fishing, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing on the terrain surrounding the water. The north side of the shore features 1.5 miles of public boat docks and some public piers at the foot of Summit Drive. Fishing conditions are excellent and the Lake holds some of the state's biggest Lake Trout and plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout and Kokanee Salmon.
The community hosts a slew of events around the lake every year, like the Turkey Trot, Mini Triathlon, Donner Lake Swim, and Cannibal Cruise (car show). Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the eastern and southern shores of the Lake. Many visitors like to go hiking in Lakeview Canyon on the south side, where you can take a tour with a Ranger through the state park.
Best San Francisco Restaurants
Embarcadero, Financial District, SOMA, Russian Hill, Nob Hill
Even San Francisco's casual restaurants offer first-class food. Any of these restaurants in popular San Francisco neighborhoods are perfect for a lunch-break from sightseeing, a casual night out, or meeting a group of friends.
Embarcadero
The restaurants along the Embarcadero boast amazing views and are the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and take in the scenery.
One Market
This spacious restaurant has large bay windows overlooking the Embarcadero. The pan-seared scallops with sweet breads come highly recommended, as does the Chef's Tasting Menu, the Tasmanian Ocean Trout, and the "Weekly Beast" (a whole animal, served on the weekends). They are the proud recipients of a Michelin Star.
The Slanted Door
At 1 Ferry Building No. 3 you will find delicious Vietnamese food with a great view of the Bay. The most famous dishes here are the clay pot chicken and wood oven roasted whole fish. The menu is tapas style and features great cocktails.
Piperade
Piperade serves California and Basque cuisine. Their unique menu offers different traditional Basque specialties each night of the week.
Waterbar
This seafood restaurant serves great seafood with a view.
Financial District
Bocadillos
This tapas restaurant serves Basque cuisine and has a great ambiance. Recommended dishes include the lamb burgers, tai snapper ceviche, and house made chorizo.
Contogna
Go here for the bustling energy, great bar menu, and amazing Italian food. The Chef/Owner Michael Tusk is the recipient of a James Beard Award, so it's no surprise that Contagna is considered by many to be the best Italian food in San Francisco. The exposed brick and wood paneled walls add to the trendy ambiance.
SOMA
Prospect
Prospect serves contemporary American food. It has comfortable, communal vibes and seating at the bar and main dining room.
Town Hall
The time the Chef at Town Hall spent in New Orleans has influenced his New American cooking style. That means you'll find items like cornmeal fried oysters, chocolate pot de la creme, and roasted veal meatballs on the menu. The restaurant is located in a 100 year old building with brick walls and industrial windows, which adds to its charm.
Bar Agricole
This collaboration of some of San Francisco's best bartenders is the perfect blend of bar and restaurant. All cocktails are handcrafted and creative. The bar is open late and they serve American/California food.
Russian Hill
Pesce
This Italian restaurant serves small plates of great seafood. Some of their best dishes include warm octopus with potatoes and their grilled sardines.
Zarzuela
Zarzuela is one of the oldest and best tapas restaurants in San Francisco.
Nob Hill
Canteen
This casual, 20 seat diner by a fine dining chef is a great neighborhood spot. The menu changes weekly and is a combination of American, California, and French cooking.
Swan Oyster Depot
Named an "American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation, this 20 seat retail store has some of the best oysters in San Francisco. It's a family owned business, and the sons and grandsons of the original owner can still be found behind the counter.
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