Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

ENJOY TRAINS, BALLOONS AND WINE IN NAPA!

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Ride the wine train and fly in a hot air balloon as part of a feature-packaged package by The Westin Verasa Napa, which sits on the banks of the Napa River across from the train station, adjacent to Oxbow Market and within walking distance of 13 wine tasting rooms in Napa’s charming downtown district. This 180-room property is a destination unto itself with on- and off-property culinary experiences, pools, spa, bocce ball, wine tasting and loads of outdoor recreation. Plus, The Westin Verasa Napa is home to Michelin-starred restaurant, La Toque. Award-winning chef Ken Frank oversees not…

EXPLORE THE WEST IN STYLE!

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander For those who love to explore the world in real style, Four Seasons Resorts and Mercedes-Benz have paired up to create customized ride-and-stay getaways to places such as Scottsdale, Vail and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yes, so far, three Four Seasons hotels in The West (Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Four Seasons Resort Vail) are equipped with a fleet of shiny new, sophisticated and sporty Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Don’t know where you could drive your hot ride? Expert concierge “teams” compile educated (and exciting!) itineraries as well as anything else from maps…

WIN A SPA WEEK!

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander For those who’ve always wanted to stay an entire week at an all-inclusive wellness retreat, now is the time to enter a Spa Week contest for a chance to win such a trip to The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu. You can enter the Fast Track to Health Giveaway through Sept. 11 by clicking here. Spa Week worked closely with Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer to create this health-driven getaway giveaway. The winner receives: Six nights accommodations at Malibu’s The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge Daily fitness activities Daily healthy meals Pampering spa services A take-home…

RITZ CARLTON PHOENIX FOR A DESERT ESCAPE!

By Greer Wylder

August 13, 2011

Review by Terra Flores Unwind, rethink, and reimagine this fall with a weekend trip at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. With a slower pace and a change of scenery, visitors to this scenic city can enjoy attentive service, glorious nature, high culture and private relaxation. Usually regarded as a business hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix makes an excellent central location when visiting what Native Americans called “The Valley of the Sun.” This no-fuss hotel is situated directly across the street from fountain-laden Biltmore Fashion Park shopping center and along the city’s famed upscale Camelback Corridor. Known the world over for its top notch…

EXPERIENCE HOGWARTS AT ASHFORD CASTLE!

By Greer Wylder

August 09, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander For those who take the Harry Potter book and movie series very seriously, perhaps the most fantastic place to be this Halloween is Ireland’s only five-star hotel, Ashford Castle. And the time to plan this once-in-a-lifetime fall getaway is now. In fact, the 700-year-old Ashford Castle looks so much like J.K. Rowling’s imaginary Hogwarts School of Wizardry & Witchcraft that it could have been a setting for any of the blockbuster Harry Potter films. So, every Halloween, the castle celebrates a Hogwarts-themed holiday in its stone-walled turrets, secret rooms, hidden alcoves, spacious dining halls and secluded woodlands.…