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Ray
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Have you ever had a massage or sat in a sauna in a cave…that’s under a wine vineyard?
How about wine tasting in an adjacent underground chamber?
That’s part of what makes The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, so unique. Christine and I visited in late November on what was our first getaway to Napa Valley. I know, kinda sad since we live so close, right?
Anyway, we arrived in our beautiful room to a nice bottle of wine and a view of the resort’s pool. So serene was the courtyard – with not a single little one around – that we couldn’t wait to spend some quiet time roaming around, hand in hand.
We explored the grounds a bit and ended up at the Siena Restaurant, only to find out that there had been a fire in the kitchen and it was closed. No worries – everyone was fine and there was minimal damage.
We were grateful to discover that the Meritage has a handy shuttle service to and from downtown Napa. The concierge staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and advised us on where we would have a romantic Italian dinner experience. We were not disappointed at the recommendation and certainly plan to return!
The next day, Chris and I had a couples massage at Spa Terra. It was just what the doctor ordered and we left relaxed and rejuvenated. We then took a drive into Yountville for lunch and found this cute little bistro called Bouchon, where we enjoyed some quiche and a glass of wine on their outside patio. As my mother would say, “This place is for rich people,” but Chris and I both agreed that it was worth the indulgence.
We spent the afternoon touring a few wineries and made it back to The Meritage just in time for dinner. Siena Restaurant had reopened after the fire and we were very pleased with our dining experience. We both enjoyed a fabulous dinner of Filet Mignon with truffled Portobello, braised spinach, crushed fingerling potatoes, and Chianti jus. Yum!
All in all we had an incredibly romantic weekend away and can’t wait to return to The Meritage Resort and Spa. Sooner rather than later. Hopefully.
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Do you like to sample new and interesting wines from around California? Or, perhaps you know someone who has everything, but enjoys good wine… What a great gift a shipment (or even an entire club membership) from The California Wine Club would be!
We hadn’t ever heard of the Tulip Hill Winery until The California Wine Club sent their December selection to us. Turns out it’s in Nice, California, where they make some amazing reds. (I don’t even know where Nice is, to be honest.) But, thanks to the club, we experienced the 2009 Cabepulciano (45% Montepulciano and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon).
We aren’t wine connoisseurs by any stretch, but we know what we like. This red was one of the best we’ve tasted recently and it suited both our palates; Me – sophisticated and refined, Christine - amateurish and inexperienced. Shhhhh…don’t tell her I said that.
The white for December was Tulip Hill’s 2009 Reserve Chardonnay, which was excellent chilled. We aren’t huge white wine fans, but this was a good one and made for a great starter when a couple of buddies of mine visited…but I did get in a bit of trouble for not waiting for Christine to get home. Whoops!
Chris and I both think that a membership form The California Wine Club would make a fabulous gift. Not only would it be nice for wine enthusiasts, but would be a fabulous idea for the friend or family member who has everything!
Ooh, and guess what? You can receive a special 10% discount when purchasing gifts from The California Wine Club, just in time for the Holidays! Be sure to use promo code datestodiapers when ordering.
If you would like to try out The California Wine Club, you can use the same promo code and not only will they take off 10% off your first month, but they will also send you an extra bottle of wine in your first month shipment as a special joining offer for being one of our friends. There is no obligation to stay past the first month, but we’re pretty certain you’d want to!
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Where can you find the most amazing pool on the Island of Oahu?
Ask any Disney Imagineer and the answer you’ll get is, “At Aulani, of course!”
That was one of the goals: to build the best pool. But Disney didn’t stop there, although it certainly is the focal point of the entire resort.
We found this to be true when Disney invited us to visit Aulani last month. Bringing additional fun to the pool are two water slides in a Thunder Mountain Railroad inspired design, one of which dumps out into the winding river. The other is a pitch black tube that delivers you into the pool. And if you arch yourself, you’ll fly through the darkness at top speed!
“But, where do you go to relax?” you ask. There are three strategically quiet hot tubs in which to enjoy your cold drinks while hidden away.
There is no need to leave Aulani for meals. There are two full service restaurants serving classic American and Hawaiian dishes, and three bars with all of your favorite island libations – one of which looks like a Hawaiian fisherman’s shack – next to the pool.
The kiddos have tons of stuff to do, too. A big hit with the tykes is the water park, complete with spinning water wheels and buckets. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Stitch will occasionally make appearances and there is a Disney character breakfast, but the best thing for the kids is Aunty’s Beach House. Aunty will keep your young ones busy with fun Hawaiian-themed activities and games from 9am to 7pm every day!! Check out Julia’s post about what she thought of Aunty’s Beach House.
Oh, I almost forgot… The mischievous “little people” of Hawaiʻi lead guests on an interactive journey along Menehune Trail. You won’t find Mickey on this adventure, but you can expect lots of Disney magic at every turn.
One of our favorite reasons to visit Aulani is the private lagoon out back and the amazing sunsets you’ll see there. When you visit be sure to catch a gorgeous Hawaiian sunset while dining at ‘Ama’Ama. There is nothing quite like it.
We were on a quest to find the best place to snorkel on Oahu. We discovered that it’s best to skip Hunama Bay. While it offers gorgeous views, the water is crowded and cloudy. And they charge $7 and make you watch a silly video before accessing the beach. At Aulani’s Rainbow Reef, however, you will be quite satisfied, as it’s complete with tropical fish and beautiful coral.
We didn’t leave Aulani for four days straight…and only then it was to see Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.
At Aulani you will find lots of the Disney magic that you love, but you will find it as you learn about Hawaii and the culture that makes the islands so unique. Uncle and his fireside chats about Hawaiian culture bring an added element of authenticity. Only at Aulani will you find this particular type of magic.
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