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Makeover Retreat: Relax, Recharge, & Get Gorgeous!

Have you ever heard of a cosmetic surgery vacation? Read on...

On my recent trip to California, I had a chance to chat with a lovely lady in the American Airlines Admirals Club that had just returned from having cosmetic surgery in Santa Barbara. She looked incredible; unlike the many "overdone" celebrities we've all seen lately. I was very interested in hearing all about her trip (since I'm always looking for stories and maybe some lipo) and she shared with me that her cosmetic procedure was more like a vacation that included an extended stay in Santa Barbara in a luxurious cottage before and after her surgery. Rather than have her surgery performed in her hometown of Minneapolis, she chose a "beauty getaway" instead that transformed her both physically and spiritually. Her after-care, gourmet meals, activities, transportation, and everything else were arranged by the center. It sounded like celebrity treatment to me and I immediately started noticing how my eyes could really use some lifting.

I had to investigate this and go in for a closer look. I made an appointment and visited the office of Aesthetic Surgical Partners during my already planned visit to Santa Barbara. I had all sorts of questions to ask and the staff told me all about the growing number of clients that fly in to visit their facility from around the world and then stay in one of their luxury homes or cottages during the recovery period. This allows patients to recover privately while enjoying rest, relaxation, and pampering in Santa Barbara.
Of course I wanted to know about their doctors and found that most of them divide their time between Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara. This made sense to me since the Santa Barbara area is a very upscale area filled with celebrities and those that want to look like celebrities. I was able to look at hundreds of the amazing results being enjoyed by their clients.
All I can say is that the next time I go on vacation, I'm going to come back looking ten years younger!
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Luxury Living (by the week) in Santa Barbara!

I had the pleasure of living in gorgeous Santa Barbara, California...OK, it was only for few days. This area is hot in more ways than one as it was experiencing out-of-control wildfires at the time, but my visit went off without a hitch. Located about 1-1/2 hours from Los Angeles, I decided to drive up from L.A.; flying out of the Santa Barbara Airport on the way home. This quaint airport is a story unto itself as it offers a trip back in time to when airports were smaller and less hectic.

Anyway, I can't think of a better way to enjoy Santa Barbara than staying in a luxuriously appointed home of my own. It gives the feeling of living in this Southern California paradise for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. I stayed in lovely Casa Bella, a 3 bedroom home in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara nestled between the Biltmore Four Seasons Hotel overlooking Butterfly Beach and Montecito's Coast Village, featuring unique shops and restaurants. This celebrity drenched area is home of Ellen DeGeneres, Carol Burnett, and Oprah Winfrey; among many others. I even gave myself the VIP treatment by enjoying a sugar scrub treatment and a deep tissue massage at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa and since I was now a local (I mentioned that my home was a block away), I received the 20% "local's" discount!

My California home was arranged through Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals. Renting a plush home in this exclusive area is as easy as checking into a hotel due to the careful attention given to each and every guest by the team at SBLR. I was pleased to find all of the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel right here in this exquisite home. Everything from bathrobes waiting in the bedroom closets to bottled water and chocolates on each nightstand. Now, why would I stay at a hotel? Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals definitely made me feel welcome on the West Coast. If you enjoy luxury without the restrictions and unnecessary expenses of a hotel stay, renting a luxury property is the only way to go!
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Changing planes in Phoenix? This airport "connects" extraordinarily well with customers

Although I've done my fair share of international travel and enjoy looking for the best-of-the-best in travel, or those with Jetiquette, I feel the US is a large enough area to focus on for now. In fact, the US is getting quite a reputation for poor service when it comes to our airports and airlines and, in this time of change, we should add changing the US travel experience to our list of national to-dos. In addition to many complaint messages (keep them coming), I've also received many letters regarding airports that are flying above the crowd and creating pleasant experiences for those travelers who pass through their concourses.

Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is one airport that has made the customer experience a top priority. Of course safety and security top their list, but they recognize that the customer experience relies on how things are done and in the end how the customer is made to feel. For years PHX has been referred to as "America's Friendliest Airport" by its customers. The airport has taken this honor to heart and trademarked this nickname; making it a true part of its identity and that of the over 30,000 people who work at PHX. Employees of the airport and its many tenants including the airlines that serve PHX have all become ambassadors of the airport and play a role in promoting and maintaining the spirit that makes flying through PHX something out of the ordinary. The FLY (Friendly Let me help You) Program has helped to bring employees and customers together in a very special way at PHX; creating many inspiring examples of kindness and compassion. In one case, a gift shop employee spent her own money to clothe a little girl who had gotten sick and needed a change of clothing. The young girl's Grandmother did not have enough money with her and the gift shop associate felt compelled to take action. In addition to the clothing, the associate also gave the little girl a stuffed animal. To this special person, "it was all about doing what was right, from one human to another."

PHX has made many improvements to its terminal facilities to make passengers more comfortable. Even furry customers are made to feel welcomed and are invited to relax at the airport's two pet parks; there's the "Bone Yard" and the "Paw Pad" to choose from. The airport has also resisted the temptation to turn every possible convenience into a profit center by choosing instead to offer things like free WiFi to its customers. There are so many more examples of things done by the City of Phoenix to make flying to or through PHX a pleasure, but its people are what make the biggest impression of all!

Maybe that's why, of over 5000 passengers surveyed, 94% say that PHX is without a doubt "America's Friendliest Airport!"
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The Eastern Shore of Maryland; a Gem with Jetiquette

I enjoyed an incredibly relaxing weekend in Easton, MD on the Eastern Shore. Being originally from the Washington, D.C. area, we often traveled to Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy the beach; bypassing Easton as we drove east. I was very excited about visiting this well preserved 18th Century town about 2 hours out of Washington. I arrived at my lovely rental home about 5 miles from Easton on the beautiful Miles River in the late afternoon. The home, Willows on the Miles, had 6 bedrooms, a view, and every imaginable comfort.

The rentals are handled by Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals; offering a collection of fine rentals for as little as two nights and rates are extremely reasonable. Luckily I rented a GPS from the rental car company because I would have never found my weekend home due to its--off the beaten path--location. Once inside, I felt I could spend my entire visit to Easton inside this alluring home. Comfy sofas and flat screen TVs were placed strategically throughout the home calling out to the couch potato in me. I gave in and enjoyed myself; nibbling on the goodies that were loaded into a scrumptious gift basket left by the staff of Eastern Shore Vacations. The basket was created by Town & Country located in Easton and included something special I want to share with you; Shuckers Seasoned Pecans by the Blue Crab Bay Company.

In the evening, I had the pleasure of visiting the Inn at 202 Dover; a splendidly renovated Victorian-era 19th Century mansion. This luxury B&B is owned by Ron and Shelby Mitchell, a retired D.C. Power-Couple, who've put their passion for luxury travel to use; providing warm, gracious hospitality to others. The inn has spacious, tastefully decorated suites; each with its own theme. I was treated to a tour of the inn by Ron Mitchell himself and was able to visit the French, Asian, and Safari Suites! Which plush suite to choose? All 5 suites in this boutique inn are designed for upscale comfort from start to finish; as are the common areas. The Mitchell's themselves are incredibly charming hosts that make you feel welcomed without being the least bit overbearing.

Following the tour, I was taken to a table with a view of the garden in the elegant Peacock Restaurant off of the lobby. I had an opportunity to meet Chef Jorge Alvarez, the Cordon Bleu trained Head Chef of Peacock. He has put together a marvelous contemporary American menu. I was delighted with my Georgia Salad with sun-ripened peaches and my Oregon Wild Caught Salmon. Although satisfied, I knew it would be worth it to try the Chocolate Souffle and I was right!

Thank you to Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals for making my trip to the Eastern Shore so fantastic. This company truly has Jetiquette!

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Cobbler's Cove on Barbados; a Resort with Jetiquette

If your mind is drifting to thoughts of a quiet vacation away from it all, but with all of the essential luxuries and comforts, I have found the place. I recently had the opportunity to visit an extraordinary resort on the West Indian island of Barbados. Cobbler’s Cove is a lovely Oceanside resort made up of lush gardens and 40 suites. Upon arrival, the gracious staff, all of whom definitely have Jetiquette, welcomed me with a beverage of my choice and a cold towel. As I stood at the front desk of the intimate lobby, I got my first glimpse of the enchanting gardens leading from the lobby to the centerpiece of the resort, a charming English country house.


I was taken to my spacious ocean view suite that was very well appointed and immaculate! The open design of the suites allows you to enjoy the gardens and take in the entrancing breeze that flows from the sea as you relax on one of the chaise lounges on your terrace. Each suite boasts a large sitting room, generous-sized bedroom, marble bath, and even a small, but well equipped kitchenette and fully stocked mini bar. In the main house, there are two deluxe suites that offer additional space, privacy, and spectacular views. They feature their own plunge pools and private sun-decks.

This charming resort is only made more special by the hospitality extended by its staff. During each and every encounter, I was greeted with a warm smile and caring service. The staff even includes its own fisherman, Barker, which proudly displays his daily catch for guests to view.

Cobbler’s Cove is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Collection and does not disappoint when it comes to cuisine. Executive Chef Brian Porteus and his staff create such delectable menus; your plans to try other restaurants of Barbados may be put on hold. At dinner, I savored a scrumptious warm organic mozzarella salad with glazed beet root, and caramelized onions followed by the Mahi Mahi, pan seared with a banana and pineapple chutney. Absolutely sinful!

Understated elegance surrounds you at this island hideaway. Their clientele, mainly British and very upscale, is made up of many return guests who respect the peace of tranquility of others. Throughout my visit, I was expecting to turn the corner and come face to face with a member of the Royal Family. The hotel is expertly managed by its owner Randall Wilkie who has put together an extremely professional and unobtrusive staff.

I will be returning to Cobbler’s Cove at my earliest opportunity. Only this time, I may not return home.
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Jetblue Says "No Jetiquette, No Ticket!"


We've all heard about people being banned from airlines because of displaying disruptive behavior. It has happened to the best of them. Rumor has it that Lucille Ball was even banned from flying American Airlines because she slung her tray, or was it a tea cup, at a flight attendant!

I have even received a report that Puff Daddy decided to hose down an aircraft lavatory on a transcontinental flight when he was asked to turn off his cell phone prior to departure. The flight attendant handed him a stack of paper towels and a told him to clean it up; which he did. He avoided being banned from flying that particular airline and possibly being met by the police. This flight attendant also resisted the urge to contact the Enquirer!

Here is a letter that Jetblue sent to a passenger that started a food fight on board one of their planes when the flight crew refused to serve him another drink. He is a fearful flyer and sometimes has a couple of cocktails to soothe his nerves, but this time it went too far. (Click on the letter to enlarge) Find out more about his story at http://www.lvlizard.com/
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Air Transat...Très Magnifique!

My recent Air Transat flights were between Montreal and Paris and between Punta Cana and Toronto.

I remember seeing a mammoth Air Transat Lockheed L-1011 at Cancun in the 1990's. The exterior paint job of the aircraft looked sort of like it came from a first grade art contest. They flew vacationers from Canada to the sun on air/hotel packages. I remember thinking that the chances of me ever flying this airline were pretty slim since I lived in Florida beneath the flight path of their jets headed from the far north to the deep south. It's over 15 years later and Air Transat has grown up beautifully! The L-1011's are gone, and they now fly a modern, immaculate fleet of A-310 and A-330 Airbus jets outfitted with leather seats and above average legroom.

Well, I had a chance to experience the Air Transat of today recently and a lot has changed! All I can say is, "when do they start flying to Miami?" This classy leisure airline is getting its fair share of business travelers these days as they have stepped up their service in a big way. Even during these periods of fluctuating fuel prices and unstable economic conditions, the management of Air Transat has kept their eyes on the customer experience. Last year they went so far as to add two inches of legroom at each row in the economy cabin and began serving meals created by President's Choice ( I tried the Chicken Curry. Delicious!) which are much better than coach meals I've had on most other airlines. A Club Class Cabin is available offering roomier seats, additional carry-on space, gourmet meals, and more. There are also two dedicated flight attendants in the Club Class section to make the trip that much more enjoyable! The menu in Club Class features scrumptious entrees accompanied by a complimentary selection of beverages and cocktails.

The flight crews were extremely friendly and attentive and offered several meal and beverage services. I felt very well care for from take off to touchdown. I noticed how pleasant the flight attendants were when dealing with families as they were extremely patient and helpful. It became very apparent that Air Transat goes out of their way to make families feel welcomed. Their Kid's Club offers VIP treatment to the children as well as the parents that are lucky enough to be traveling with them. They offer a special check in counter at the airport and even have a Kid's Club cart on the flight to adorn children with all types of trinkets and to drop off games to keep them entertained!

The rest of my trip with Transat Vacations was flawless, but I'll tell you about that later. I cannot wait until Air Transat begins offering their packages to those originating in the USA!!!
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