Everyone deserves to be pampered...

I Might Never Leave This Hotel...

Does "Squatters Rights" apply?

Beautiful summer day in Manhattan. Hubby asks me to drive in to meet him and spend the night (long business hours...) at the Ritz Carlton on Central Park. "I WILL BE THERE IN 45 MINUTES!" I say quietly.....but screaming in my brain! The chance to experience The Ritz, Central Park NYC...I can't get there fast enough. I have read about so many celebrities, dignitaries and politicians staying at the Ritz, so why not me!

So here I am, after being escorted to the lobby "suite" by the kindest Gentleman (Front Desk Receptionist) to await my suite. Okay...I am already pampered and I haven't even entered the room. Actually, if I left right now, I would have great things to say about this hotel...but there is not a chance I am leaving until I experience that room, not after the last half hour of being in the lobby! I almost don't want to go up to the room yet (even though it is ready), similar in the way that I wait to open a gift...anticipation is half the thrill.

But now I am ready..

By the way, I have stayed at the Four Seasons in NYC many times, so when I say this is impressive....I know what I am comparing it to. SO far, the service is "wildy over and above". Is that an appropriate description? It would be if you were sitting here.

Finally made the decision to head up to the room..I MEAN SUITE! After the silent glide up the elevator, and the "OMG! I could live here" reaction to the suite, I am now settled into the comfort of this classic, beige, comfy poofy room. As I sit here, among the traditional decor, I always wonder "Is Buckingham Palace this comfortable? Because, the traditional decor of Buckingham Palace is so NOT comfortable looking! But this is.

Of course, the bathroom was my first stop (I AM a girl) and I think it has the most amazing marble I have ever seen. It looks like soft, swirly, caramel ice cream. Beautiful. Bathroom amenities...Yes, I have everything I need and more AND top notch!

Comparable to the Four Seasons...Different. Service is definitely better (which makes EVERYTHING BETTER!). Room is comparable but styled differently. Bathroom is absolutely awesome in both.

Well, I have been here for 2 hours. I have a huge smile on my face. About to climb in the shower to get ready for dinner at Scotto's. Life is good at the Ritz Carlton.

The Ritz Carlton got me at "Welcome to the Ritz". Click here to see more and reserve your stay!

An Epic Moment in Accommodations: the Studios

The Men in My Life

A Perfect Fathers Day for MOM!

A year ago, my son Colin Louro(center) moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream in movie production. Yep, he moved 3000 miles away from all of us. Am I sad, actually not! Just like when they all went off to college, I am excited for him and the future that is in store for him. And hey, after all, it is a nice place to visit! (Could be worse, he could have moved to Australia - too far to visit!) Although, when they went off to college, I always knew they would come back...the difference is that Colin will probably build his future in LA.

What I do get sad about is the disconnect that the 4 brothers could easily develop. Doug and Jon are in NYC, Nick is still in college in South Carolina and between work and school it is often hard to have them all together at the same time! In fact, it had already been 1 1/2 years since they had all been in the same room! Let me introduce them, in the photo from left to right - Jon, Nicky, Colin, Frank (Dad) and Doug. Such a handsome bunch! I am so proud of them all for each of their lives! But as brothers, I want them so much to KNOW each other. (By the way...ever seen such a group of cute guys! LOVE tHEM!)

So for Fathers Day, (which happened to be Colin's Bday this year) I secretly arranged with all the boys to fly to LA and surprise Colin! First of all, it was so much fun planning the secret trip. It was fun to coordinate the flights to arrive simultaneously and exciting to know that all my boys were up in the sky, on separate planes, crossing the country! When we all arrived, we headed directly to surprise Colin at his job at Trump Golf Course, Palos Verde.

OF course, his manager and staff were all "in on" the secret surprise (which made it even more fun!). And as he walked into the lounge and saw us all sitting at the bar, I could feel the love! I know that sounds corny, but I could. It was so fun to hear the bantering that only brothers can do. I half expected them to start wrestling on the floor!

Colin had the surprise of his life. He thought he would be spending his bday without family and now he had ALL of his brothers there in California. They could finally see where he worked, where he lived, where he spent his free time.

They could finally relate to things when they talked on the phone. California is a different planet from the North East...and you have to be there to understand the lifestyle. The brothers now knew how cold the ocean is, how eclectic the people are, how terrible the traffic is and how beautiful the scenery is. They finally understand why Colin is there.

We had a great time. Didn't do any of the typical "sight seeing" activities...just hung out and lived in Colin's world for 5 days.

For me, it was one of the best vacations that I have ever had. Not to mention that this was also Fathers Day, so it was heart warming to see Dad with all his boys! I will never forget the sounds of laughter, banter, and even the occasional argument. It actually makes me cry when I think about it....I hope that there are many more times just like this.

So hurry up Colin! We are all pulling for you to jumpstart your fabulous career! We want to come visit again soon! I want all the Boys together again!

The Carlisle Bay Resort, Antigua

Carlisle Bay Resort, Antigua

Sublime” - causing wonder or astonishment

We came to Carlisle Bay with high expectations. We took great care and much thought to choose Carlisle Bay. A large part of that decision was based on their website. My skeptical nature did cause me to worry.

During our flight to Antigua, I started to worry, to second guess our decision....”Were the photos accurate?” “Could it really be that beautiful?” “Should we have chosen one of the others?” Too late now!

We arrived in Antigua on time. The views from the plane were amazing. My buyers remorse disappeared instantly! Our ride to the resort was impressive. Antigua reminds me of St Martin 20 years ago, before St Martin was ruined with the inundation of timeshare units. Antigua has kept their virtue. Much more pristine.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of “junk” and the neatness of the locals homes. It was obvious that Antiguans are prideful of their homes and their island.

After driving through rolling hills and pastures surrounded by mountains, we entered a rainforest. Absolutely stunning. It reminded me of St Lucia. At that moment, I affirmed my decision that there is no need to fly 15 hours to Hawaii!!! The Caribbean has it all!

As we cleared the forest and began our descent into Carlisle Bay I suddenly felt very proud of myself...I DEFINITELY made the right decision!

Stepping out of the car, a bridge led us over a Koi pond surrounded by Bougainvilla and right into the Great House reception. The designers were extremely successful at blending Caribbean soul with modern sleek. Refreshingly charming.

First impressions are everything and Carlisle Bay made a magnificent first impression. How can I describe it...Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words!

Warm welcoming reception.

Think crisp White sheets, azure sea with sparkling crystals and the sound of palm trees in the breeze. Tropical , lush garden walkways. Absolute perfection!

You know it is a great resort when you can’t decide to stay in the room, or go outside! We did stay long enough to play with the luxurious Cappuccino Machine! (Funny how special little things are exciting!) It was great to have that in our room. Fresh ground coffee, espresso or cappuccino as soon as you wake!

Breakfast served on our balcony is something I am still thinking about! Fantastic service. Stunning views. I miss that!

Beach- Perfect. Kayaked on the smooth, clear rolling waters each morning. Sand that is meticulously groomed and soft, surrounded by the mountains. Montserrat mysteriously looming on the horizon of the bay...could not stop staring at the white lava covered slopes. It was perfect. Not to mention the fresh fruit kabobs & cool drinks delivered with a smile!

Cuisine - Wonderful. Romantic setting overlooking the beach. Open air, clean and crisp. Again, pictures are worth a thousand words! Great menu selection. Would stand up to the finest NYC restaurants. Presentation was very artistic. Service was lacking a bit, but very friendly (remember that you are on “island time”).

Lunch was amazing. Beautiful, serene views. The soft sound of the water lapping at the shore. We had a nice bottle of wine and fresh, fantastic Avocado and Tuna salad....and then, the chorus of children whining and crying began!

I will tell you the only bad thing that I can say about Carlisle Bay Resort is that it is such a romantic place yet the children seem to overwhelm the dining room. Carlisle Bay does a great job of segregating the families from the couples on the beach, and they can easily solve this problem by utilizing the other half of the dining room for families and leaving the romantic side for couples. It would make everyone more relaxed (including the parents that are stressed!).

Spa - Sleek, calming and very professional. Menu had many options. The massage was wonderful for both of us. Rates were very reasonable. Gym small but very nice equipment, very clean and motivating class schedule.Tennis - I don’t play tennis, but I was impressed! Great courts. Excellent tennis pros.

I highly recommend Carlisle Bay Resort! I would go back in a heartbeat! Worth every penny! Treat yourself!

This could be your view for the day!

Celebrating a Special Birthday?

I can tell you one thing I have realized in 2009, that is that life is too short! Somehow, life just seems to rush by us. Not enough days in the week, not enough weeks in the month. I always seem to busy to make time for “girlfriend time”.

I have a husband that I love to be around. And I have 5 grown kids that keep me on my toes. But nothing replaces the needed outlet of just “hanging out with the girls”! After my husband , kids and work...I really have to go out of my way to find the time to even have lunch with my friends. But when I do, it is so worth it! Better then an hour spent in therapy!

There is something special about having a dinner, home party or weekend away when it is JUST the Girls! It is relaxing (not having to take anyone into consideration except YOU!)? It is reconnecting (feeling that trust and bond that you can tell your girlfriend , sister or mom ANYTHING!)? Is it just laughter (and there is so much of that around when the Girls Get together)?

I think it is all 3! And it is a great way to celebrate!

Turning 30? 40? 50? even 80!!! Getaway with your girlfriends and have some fun! Hop on a cruise and celebrate! You deserve that time to do what YOU want to do! Be that 11 year old again...stay up all night giggling! Talk about clothes, boys, dreams and George Clooney! When I am away with the girls, that little girls in me comes alive!!

I love my husband, but he would think I was nuts if I just started dancing on my bed! Or singing Sweet Caroline in the middle of dinner! (I know my kids would keep their distance!!) But I do that with the Girls!! We act silly, we dance, we talk, talk, talk! And Laugh, Laugh, Laugh!!

DOn’t take your friendships for granted. There is nothing better then knowing that when you need an ear, or a hug...they are there! When you want to celebrate...they are there!

Celebrate with us!! The Ultimate Girls Slumber Party!

Join the Girls on Facebook - Girlfriend Fan Page

Celebrate on the Girls Getaway! - www.GirlsonaCruise.com

Sea Dream Yacht Cruise

Sea Dream Yacht Club

It's not Cruising, It's Yachting!

I have been very fortunate to have sailed the Sea Dream II a few years ago. It truly is a “once in a lifetime” trip. But now I am fortunate enough to do it twice! (As a celebration of my husbands 50th!) I will let you know if it is better the second time around! That is, unless, you join us!! Then you can decide for yourself!

There are not many things that I can recommend without a single doubt, and Sea Dream Yacht Club is one of them! It is like caviar...a luxury to savor. OH! Did I mention that while in Jost Van Dyke, the captain and crew serve you champagne and caviar off of a surfboard IN THE WATER! Yes, another once in a life time event, that I am doing twice!

I have a lot of memories of that first Sea Dream Cruise, and the Champagne and Caviar event in Jost Van Dyke is truly awesome. It is a perfect example of why Sea Dream charges what they charge. Because it is soooo worth it! This ship has so much to offer!

5 Star service - prepare to be spoiled!

5 Star cuisine - Extraordinary cuisine, open seating, room service

Entertainment - intimate entertainment

Fitness Center - All the basics plus training and yoga!

Sea Dream Spa - Treatment selections including Thai therapies

Boutique - Select merchadise for savvy shoppers

Sea Dream Marina - play with water toys off the ships platform

Casino - Small, intimate, Monte Carlo feel

Sea Dream has other unique features too. Balinese bedding on the top deck is a signature of Sea Dream. Relax during the day or lounge in the evenings under the stars while sipping a glass of Pinot Noir.

So we are yachting once again on February 21 for 7 luxurious days in the Caribbean. Because of Sea Dreams 14 foot draft (the amount of ship below the waterline) she is able to stop at islands and ports that other large ships cannot get to. For example, in St Marten, the Sea Dream docks in Marigot (gorgeous little french town) as opposed to the busy port of Phillipsburg on the Dutch side.

AND she stays till midnight, so guests can truly enjoy the islands nightlife. While all the other ships are leaving at 5 pm, Sea Dream guests are just showering for dinner and then getting back off the ship for dancing to a calypso band.

We will be sailing from Antigua to San Juan. In between we will be visiting the intimate ports of :

Nevis - A true South pacific feel, gorgeous volcanic island

Saba - a Scuba / snorkelers dream!

St Barths - Quaint French island full of charm and glitz

St Marten - French / Dutch island with fabulous Orient Beach

Anguilla -Sugary white sand beaches with amazing turqouise water

Jost Van Dyke - Sip champagne and Caviar on this British Virgin Isle

San Juan - disembarkation

Pricing starts at $ 3999 per person. And remember the old adage “You get what you pay for”! On Sea Dream you get more!

Still undecided?

Celebrating something special?

Birthday? Anniversary? Life?!!

This is the Ultimate way to do it!

Visit Sea Dreams Website www.SeaDreamYachtClub.com

Call today! And Save!

732-577-9150

jdevito@cruiseone.com

www.cruiseone.com/jdevito