Celebrate Autumn with a Gourmet Getaway
Fall is in the air, with invigorating cool weather and brilliant autumn colors. The grape harvest is underway and top chefs from Santa Barbara to Sedona are creating culinary masterpieces to salute the season. It’s time for a gourmet getaway. With Palm Springs Modernism Week going virtual this year, getting reservations at your favorite restaurant should be a breeze – and while you’re there, sleep in Albert Einstein’s old room at The Willows. Or dine at the The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, sample the seductive flavors of Santa Fe, NM, and cap off a private culinary tour in Las Vegas with a breathtaking helicopter ride. Wherever your appetite leads you, you’ll find endless possibilities for gourmet getaways just a few hours from THEA. Before you go, check websites for health & safety protocols.
L’Auberge de Sedona 301 L’Auberge Lane Sedona, AZ 86336
One of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Top 20 Hotels in The Southwest and West, L’Auberge de Sedona is perfectly nestled under a canopy of sycamore trees within Sedona’s majestic Red Rock country. Every cottage, suite, and room accentuates different different aspects of the property – such as the views, the spa or creek – and takes inspiration from the resort’s location along tranquil Oak Creek. A perfect complement to the property’s natural beauty is L’Auberge de Sedona’s culinary program, which features everything from nationally recognized fine dining to naturally immersive creekside fare. Executive Chef Franck Desplechin reflects the spirit of fine dining in Sedona by crafting dishes with local roots and global depth, while Executive Pastry Chef Morgan Gurney creates seasonally inspired desserts. Explore more of Sedona’s local dining HERE
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel One Ritz Carlton Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629
Woven into Orange County’s Dana Point community, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel fuses modern luxury with playful creativity, along with direct access to the ocean and opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. Indulge in a private chef dining experience in secluded luxury at the hotel’s Raya restaurant. Every amenity of this unique gem-box-shaped room is carefully considered, including blue ice shirred wall surfaces, mother-of-pearl Italian glass tile work, custom refrigerated wine cabinets, hand-made wool and silk area rugs, and contemporary Swarovski crystal chandeliers. For additional information, please connect with Meetings & Special Events via email. frances.viray@ritzcarlton.com
The Lavender Inn & Spa 210 E Matilija St. Ojai, CA 93023
Escape to a one-of-a-kind historic bed & breakfast. Built in 1874, The Lavender Inn is uniquely located in Ojai, across from galleries, shops, and restaurants. Savor a fresh breakfast on the veranda overlooking the inn’s elegant gardens. Or wind down your day with their complimentary nightly wine and nibbles. The innkeepers are happy to assist with special requests regarding dietary restrictions – gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan and more.The intimate Lavender Inn is the setting for the innovative Ojai Culinary School, which offers a wide variety of hands-on and demonstration cooking classes, ranging from visiting chefs to local artisanal cooks. Private group classes are available. Call Beth at 805.646.6635 to reserve your group experience.
Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Whether you want award-winning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, shopping, art galleries, or renting bicycles to take in the sights, there’s something for everyone. Now is the ideal time to visit Los Olivos – along with perfect weather and slightly shorter days, the Annual Scarecrow Fest is happening for the month of October, with 21 wineries and retail establishments participating.
Home to some of the oldest and most popular wineries in Santa Barbara County. the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail represents, supports and promotes 14 wineries and tasting rooms along Foxen Canyon Road. This 30 mile road winds from Los Olivos to Santa Maria, stretching north and winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards. Along the way, you’ll discover a diverse selection of highly-rated, world class wines on the tasting menus. Most wineries offer picnicking space, so pack some snacks and spend the day (or weekend!) discovering this spectacular region.
The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262
Travel back in time to a place of old Hollywood glamor. The Willows Inn is the perfect escape, known for its privacy, elegance, luxury, and fascinating history. In fact, the Willows’ most legendary guest was neither politician nor movie star – he was simply a genius – Dr. Albert Einstein. The Willows is moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs, yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Complimentary amenities include an evening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and a full three-course gourmet breakfast served in the dining room and adjoining veranda overlooking a 50-foot waterfall. A variety of fresh fruit is available daily, and seasonal treats, such as dates and nuts, are presented at check-in. Visit Palm Springs has more information on where to dine HERE
The Lodge at Torrey Pines 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is an award-winning luxury resort set atop the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla, with stunning views of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is modeled after the famed Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena – two of the finest examples of early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture. The Lodge is a dining destination for locals and travelers alike. Dedication to the California spirit is evident throughout the food and beverage program, with special attention to locally sourced ingredients as well as regional wine and beer selections. The Lodge’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, highlights regional cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Jackson. Guests can safely dine outside on the terrace with while watching the stunning sunset over the Pacific.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado 198 NM-592 Santa Fe, NM 87506
The enticing scent of piñon woodsmoke fills the air as you step onto your private patio at sunset. Set on 57 rolling acres in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe’s shops and galleries, Rancho Encantado is undeniably exceptional. The flavors of northern New Mexico are on full display at their signature fine-dining restaurant, Terra, helmed by Chef Kai Autenrieth. Santa Fe may have the reputation as an art town, but it’s really all about the food. There are more restaurants per capita here than many major cities, with a wide variety of cuisines, but the signature flavor is Southwestern. New Mexican food is its own special entity—a mixture of native ingredients, Spanish recipes, and the distinctively smoky red and green chiles grown in the southern part of the state. Travel & Leisure has a great guide to the best of Santa Fe dining HERE
Las Vegas Private Culinary Tour
ARIA Resort & Casino is offering a glamorous, private culinary experience for the ultimate night out in Las Vegas. This 2-hour prime-time tour leads you to three critically acclaimed restaurants located within the ARIA resort, such as Bardot Brasserie, classic French fare served by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina; Carbone, a reimagined old-world Italian-American restaurant; and Catch, the boss of vibe dining featuring impeccable seafood dishes with global influences. When the culinary tour concludes, for an optional upgrade, a luxurious custom limo coach will ferry you to Maverick Helicopters for a Champagne toast, followed by a helicopter tour of the Strip at night. Afterward, the limo coach will return you to your hotel, leaving you with the memory of the ultimate night out in Vegas.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn
Photo #2: L’Auberge de Sedona
Photo #3: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Photo #4: The Lavender Inn $ Spa
Photo #5: Los Olivos/Refugio Ranch
Photo #6: Rancho Sisquoc Winery
Photo #7: The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn
Photo #8: The Lodge Torrey Pines
Photo #9: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado
Photo #10: ARIA Resort & Casino