| |
|
|
|
April 16th, 2012
By Norman E. Hill; & Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer
 Entrance to "Carefree Resort", Phoenix, Arizona Carefree Resort & Conference Center is a wonderful resort stay less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor in the High Sonoran Desert, located on 20+ acres… ideal as an affordable corporate retreat, conferences, meetings, or business related get-a-ways.
Carefree Resort opened in 1963. In the low-season, the hotel solicited vacancies at low rates with fliers – in the high season, room rates were offered as low as $89.
 Lariat Restaurant, Carefree Resort Newly renovated in 2009, the Carefree Resort is located a ways off Tom Darlington Road. To date, it has been somewhat ignored, perhaps due in part to the continuous success of “The Boulders.” Now, it is that exact laid back tone of the property that has made the hotel a best kept secret of the area.
We had a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend at Carefree. Two events took place during the weekend, the Leann Rimes concert, which drew over 600 people, and the Carefree Chili Cook-Off 2012, for which Maralyn was a judge. As part of the International Chili Society sponsored cook-offs, rules for judging the chili were exact, whereas verde and salsa rules had somewhat more flexibility for judges. …One of the best blind tasting experiences Maralyn has ever experienced as a food judge…
Our site inspection showed the resort’s transformation. Four types of rooms are now available, Resort, Premier, Sonoran, and Villa. The first two, along with villas, have been made into a southwestern mode, while Sonoran, where we stayed, is more contemporary. Villas have 12 units currently completed with updating. They are part of a time-sharing structure. Villa owners were assessed renovation costs, just as the new management firm, on behalf of owners, paid for the rest of restructuring.
 Premier King Room, Carefree Resort In total, there are now 234 rooms available. High season rates are around $159, quite reasonable. We appreciated the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and the size of the rooms. In our spacious room we slept through the night, a good test of mattress and pillows.
Carefree Resort provides the usual range of features with a full service spa, five lighted tennis courts and tennis professional on property, heated serenity pool and tennis villa pool, and a 24 hour fitness facility.
In addition, complimentary shuttle service to local shops and restaurants of Carefree and Cave Creek is provided and golf is nearby.
The resort’s impressive entrance lobby features a fireplace that connects to the Lariat Restaurant. Set up in a circular design, the restaurant provides excellent service and offerings. Connected to Lariat is a circular bar, once used only for meetings. During summer months, Lariat opens its windows to provide de facto outdoor dining. A short distance outside, the Red Horse Saloon was the original bar. Now, with a more conveniently located bar adjacent to Lariat, Red Horse serves as a large scale meeting room, complete with pool tables. In addition, Carefree offers The Opera House as a venue, where “Grand Ole Opry” roots have been reinterpreted to fit Carefree’s western character.
We enjoyed first-rate meals at Lariat where every meal exceeded our expectations. Our primary dinner on Saturday night featured Maralyn’s choice of Chilean Sea Bass, while Norm enjoyed a 14-ounce pork chop with chutney. We started with lobster bisque and shared carrot cake for dessert. Our wines were paired perfectly.
The previous night, we ate dinner al fresco, on the terrace adjoining the spa. Norm had French onion soup and a main course of shrimp pasta, while Maralyn enjoyed a quesadilla.
Spa services were excellent. Norm chose a regular deep tissue massage, applied with medium pressure, and Maralyn, as usual, had the deep tissue as deep as possible with a body treatment. The spa is medium size and excellent in every way.
It is helpful to know that the Carefree and Cave Creek area was founded in the 50s and a center for culture and art. Since then, the area has developed into a haven for artists and artisans who are inspired by its desert landscapes, spectacular sunsets and majestic rock formations. They are both fun and interesting destinations, with Scottsdale and Phoenix just a short distance away.
We both felt carefree and relaxed at the Carefree Resort.
Posted in Corporate Retreats | No Comments »
January 10th, 2012
 Fly the Open Skies! By Michelle Morañha Winner and Maralyn D. Hill
The thought of going to Paris in shoulder season kept playing a tape through our minds. Would it be chilly along the Champs Elysees? Would long lines into the museums truly be gone? Would the magic of Paris still be there?
Our group of 2 couples, comprised of 4 journalists, soon found that Paris wears many faces and would be fantastic anytime of the year. But first we had to get there. The positive responses to our queries began with the all-business class airline “OpenSkies,” a subsidiary of British Airways. Never heard of them? You are not alone, but Parisians and U.S. East Coast-based business folks have been using this direct to Paris airline since its debut in 2008. Decide on one of the daily flights from Newark, New Jersey, to the less frantic than Paris’ Charles de Gaulle, Orly Sud, and a jaunt to Paris is easy. In the complementary OpenSkies pre-flight lounge in Newark, you’ll see in-the-know wine brokers, Asian and American businessmen, and many Parisians of all ages hunkered over laptops or enjoying a glass of champagne, croissant sandwich, or a steaming cup of cappuccino. Flights are discounted for certain routes during shoulder season, which makes a good value now an outright bargain. Check the website frequently.
 In flight food service In the air, flying roomy albeit older Boeing 757s, two classes of service provide different experiences. The fully reclining Biz Bed (to 180 degrees) with duvet cover is available for a higher fare that includes, individually plated meals, nicer amenity kit, and noise cancelling headphones. But our seats in Biz Seat section were large and comfortably reclined to 140 degrees with only two seats on each side of the aisle. We had all of the complementary wine, meals, and amenities, including iPads with movies and games that rival most U.S. airline domestic business class, but without the hefty ocean-crossing price tag of international business class.
Our cabin attendants to Orly were two great looking aloof young men, but on the way home, we were welcomed and looked after by two lovely women wearing sharp suits and big smiles. This was an ideal way to go to Paris for value conscious travelers, interested in a comfortable overnight flight.
While transferring to baggage claim, we asked a few of the other passengers about their experience. They were happy with the price, comfort, and service. That was the best testimony of all.
Tags: CityRoom Travel
Posted in Corporate Retreats | No Comments »
November 9th, 2011
By Maralyn D. Hill and Norman E. Hill, CityRoom Contributors
 Pool at the Enchantment Resort When entering the gated grounds of Enchantment Resort & Spa in Sedona, one can easily see why in the know organizations pick this site for small meetings, incentives, or corporate retreats. It is an ideal secluded destination, self-contained, that offers everything you want and need in amenities for meetings and personal get-a-ways. Located in the midst of the Coconino National Forest and the Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness area in Boynton Canon, you find luxury and a well-trained staff that provides excellent service.
 Tennis Courts Beneath the Red Rocks Each Enchantment villa is exquisite in its design that reflects natural surroundings, as well as views of host of giant red rocks, which are incredibly comforting. When traveling from the your room via foot or golf cart to the clubhouse, Mii amo Spa, or tennis courts, you usually will observe one or two deer or other wildlife along the way. This is true especially at dawn and dusk. From a business point of view, available services include:
- The Front Desk Staff will fax, scan, or copy whatever is necessary.
- Computers and printers are located at the Clubhouse 24 hours a day on a complimentary basis.
There is a resort fee, but it covers more than usual:
- Local and toll free calls.
- Access to Mii amo Spa, fitness classes, and lectures.
- Tennis courts with lessons, mountain bikes with maps and safety equipment, croquet, pitch & put golf, ping pong, as well as no additional charge for use of the equipment.
- Various activities, including lectures, performances, classes, and Native American Programs.
- Laundry facilities and products.
- Postage for postcards and letters.
 Yavapai Mii amo Spa offers spa services that appeal to men, women, and couples, all age sixteen and over. Their signature treatments revolve around Native American traditions of the local area. In addition to the optional spa services you need to reserve, workout facilities should meet the needs of most, with treadmills, elliptical trainers, free weights, exercise bikes, and a Cybex circuit. If you are escaping as a family, Camp Coyote has a unique children’s program, which explores culture and traditions of the Southwest through arts and crafts, hikes, and sports. Dining is covered in a wide variety of environments. The Yavapai Restaurant focuses on regional cuisine while providing a panoramic view of red rock canyon walls. Yavapai takes pride in its fine selection of wines and provides a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our own experiences were a memorable breakfast and dinner that included outstanding corn chowder. Til Gavo provides a view of the canyon and is a relaxed environment for cocktails, a casual lunch, or dinner. This experience was not first hand, as we ran out of time. Mii amo Café uses healthy cooking techniques to
 Our Room provide regional eclectic cuisine. Its menu offers nutritional breakdowns for all selections and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Corey Shoemaker combines an outstanding variety of grains, legumes, and seasonal products to create his delicious entrées of fresh seafood, meats, poultry, and vegetables. The Café also has a Juice Bar that turns out tasty energy drinks, smoothies, wines, and all sorts of specialties. In addition, Enchantment has a seasonal Pool Bar, as well as 24-hour Room Service for in-room dining. We highly recommend Enchantment for a corporate retreat or personal get-a-way, partly because attention is paid to every detail. The surrounding mountains do interfere with mobile phones, so you have to go to certain areas in the resort to gain the best reception. Any minor inconvenience, of a temporary cut-off from mobile phones is not necessarily all bad. Plus, with wireless in our rooms, we could use Skype without a problem. While we were experiencing Enchantment, the resort was at 100% occupancy. But it was not evident any way. One can easily see why so many guests and corporations return, we would. We used Sedona-Phoenix Shuttle Service to take us from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Enchantment. Generally, they stop at a central location however, you can arrange service to the resort.
Tags: CityRoom Travel, IFWTWA, Maralyn D. Hill, Norman Hill
Posted in Corporate Retreats | Comments Off
September 20th, 2011
An East Hampton Bed and Breakfast on Long Island, New York
 The Mill House Inn, East Hampton, New York Surrounded by spectacular ocean beaches, pristine bays and picturesque country roads, the East End of Long Island is a fisherman’s playground, a vintner’s paradise and an artist’s inspiration. Enjoy foggy mornings, lazy days, blazing sunsets and starlit nights. Walk from our East Hampton inn to world-class restaurants, shops, galleries and theaters. Take a scenic drive to all that the Hamptons have to offer – from the fishing boats in Montauk to the farmers market in Amagansett, antiquing in Sag Harbor, the wineries in Bridgehampton and the mansions in Southampton! Curl up with a novel on The Mill House Inn’s front porch overlooking the historic Old Hook Windmill or sneak away for a bit of solitude in our lush gardens.
Whether you travel to Long Island on a honeymoon or a family vacation, a business conference or a romantic getaway, comfortable beds, gas fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, spacious dog-friendly suites, a leisurely breakfast our guests proclaim “simply the best”, our attention to detail, old fashioned hospitality and a wonderful relaxed atmosphere assure your visit to our East Hampton New York inn will remain a treasured memory.
Please spend a moment and read a few of our Reviews to see what they are saying about the Mill House Inn. Check out our Calendar of Events to see what’s happening, our Gallery to see why we love it out here so much, Breakfast to start salivating over Gary’s menu, Accommodations to choose the room that’s just right for you, and Availability to book your reservation online. Or give us a call – we always love to hear from you.
…
www.millhouseinn.com 631.324.9766 innkeeper@millhouseinn.com
…
Tags: Bed and Breakfast East Hampton, The Mill House Inn, What to Do in New York
Posted in Corporate Retreats | No Comments »
July 26th, 2011
Here’s a toast to the unsung heroes of a Conference Cruise. . . those who make it unbelievable!
 Italian Volcano Lemonade Cocktails Just two weeks ago, we were unloading four pallets of products for our attendees to experience and test while sailing on the Holland America ms Westerdam. We were tired, worn, laughing, almost crying, and looking for a finish line.
The staff of HAL was assisting as they could, and moving the numerous boxes in and out of the staging room. Since most products were new-to-market food and beverage, Walter Schmuckenschlag, the Beverage Manager for the ship, made frequent appearances to check-in and see what we were unearthing.
One of our generous sponsors, Italian Volcano Lemonade, provided enough 100% Organic Old Fashioned Lemonade for each participant, as well as extra for us to serve at professional development breaks. We shared some with the helpful crew and Walter, with his fine eye for spirits, thought this product looked especially promising. He said it would be perfect with a flavored vodka, maybe blueberry —“for research” he said through his smile — Maralyn handed him the fine old fashioned glass bottle of lemonade.
The following Monday, after one of our conference breaks, Walter came by to say that the Italian Volcano Lemonade might be a great base for fine cocktails. So we bribed him, by saying, “We will give you more if you make us some special drinks and provide the recipe for our readers.” Convincing ourselves that this was a stellar idea, we continued to remind him throughout the week.
 Maralyn D. Hill, The Ship Captain, and Michelle M. Winner Finally, Thursday evening, the ship’s Captain hosted a cocktail party for our IFWTWA group. When we walked into the Crow’s Nest, there was Walter, making lemonade cocktails for the two of us. When the Captain asked why he was behind the bar, we told him. The captain then commented on Walter, former bartender, then chef, now Beverage Manager. “At this moment, Walter is in the role of our most expensive bartender.” With our new friend, the affable Walter, we all shared a laugh and a very good drink!
In any case, here are Walter’s two wonderful summer drink recipes:
…
Mt. Etna Volcano Martini ( E.V. M.)
The lemonade, made at the foot of the still-smoldering Mt. Etna, is a lovely base for this refreshing libation by Walter Schmuckenschlag.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Poire Williams
.5 oz Triple Sec
1.5 oz Italian Volcano Lemonade (Organic)
Method:
Shake and strain into super-fine sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Garnish with cherry.
…
 Walter Schmuckenschlag & Organic Volcano Lava (Photo by Maralyn D. Hill) Organic Volcano Lava (Non Alcoholic) | by Walter Schmuckenschlag, Holland America
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Strawberry Mix *
1.5 oz Mango Mix **
3 oz Italian Volcano Lemonade (Organic)
Method:
Put ingredients in blender.
Pour into pint or hurricane glass.
Garnish with fresh strawberry.
…
MDH and MMW Note:
Add a shot of vodka for an alcoholic version.
*Use 4 or 5 frozen strawberries with a ¼ teaspoon simple syrup, if desired.
**Use 4 or 5 frozen mango slices with ¼ teaspoon simple syrup, if desired.
…
We bet Walter could do wonders with the Italian Volcano Blood Orange Juice. Too bad we did not have him at our beck and call last year.
Where else could two women who kept requesting extra favors and service get such customized attention? We offer up a glass of Italian Volcano Lemonade and salute you, Walter, for your help with our successful conference and our customized drinks. Thanks to Holland America for having Walter on board. We work hard, but the people we meet along the way make it worthwhile.
…
…
…
Maralyn D. Hill and Michelle M. Winner
Freelance travel writer Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is President of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Maralyn focuses on food, spas, travel, and wine, while still covering meetings, incentives, and corporate assignments.
Freelance travel writer Michelle M. Winner, The Culinary Traveler, is Vice President of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Michelle focuses on all aspects of luxury for food, spas and travel.
….
Tags: Corporate Retreats Worldwide, Customized Customer Service, Holland America Line, Italian Volcano Lemonde, Maralyn D. Hill IFWTWA, Michelle M. Winner IFWTWA
Posted in Corporate Retreats | No Comments »
|
|
|
