Wine and Spirits Travel

I don’t usually write about hotels I haven’t been to, but when the Ritz Carlton PR rep approached me with New Year’s Specials and unique drinks at her hotels, I couldn’t resist passing the information along – especially since she’s sharing yummy cocktail recipes! Happy New Year, everyone! from the The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia Ten Arts by Eric Ripert “Green Tea White Chocolate Martini” Created by Steven Diaz 2 oz. green tea mint infused Godiva White 2 oz. vanilla vodka 1 oz. white crème de cocoa House made green tea mint simple syrup Swirl the green tea syrup and green tea mint infused Godiva White around a martini glass Add vanilla vodka and white crème de cocoa Garnish with a strip of white chocolate. from the The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Degrees Bar & Lounge “The Sparkling Melange” Created by Christine Moore Veuve Clicquot Champagne St Germain Elderflower liquer Mix and serve up in champagne flute. from the The Ritz-Carlton, Washington,

Between my trips to far off locations like Punta Cana and Champagne , France, I often receive invitations to check out events and places within the two states I am in most – New York and Illinois.   What I didn’t imagine when I headed into New York City a few weeks ago was that I would really be heading into another worldwide adventure. I visited the Hotel Elysée a few months ago.  I loved it, but I didn’t get a chance to experience all it had to offer.  I was determined not to do the same at its sister property, Casablanca Hotel .  The Casablanca offers a whole different atmosphere than the Elysée, with a Moroccan flair and a more laid back feel.  It is literally a stone’s throw to Times Square, in fact, I probably walked by it 100 times in my life and didn’t realize all that was being offered inside.  They offer mini-suite rooms, with a separate living area, perfect for couples and families, but singles like us can also get two queen beds, with free internet and a helpful staff.

My last morning in Mazatlan couldn’t have gone any better, with a relaxing room service breakfast at El Cid Castillo on the balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  I was a bit concerned that the Midwest storms would upset my travel plans, but Delta assured me that all my flights were running on schedule. Or, so they said. Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association  and Abraham of Pronatours  picked me up at my hotel for my final ride in the van with them.  (I can’t say I will miss climbing in and out of that van!) We were at the airport in 20 minutes and I went to the Aeromexico desk to check into my Mazatlan flight to Mexico City.  The clerk then advised me that the flight was running FIVE hours late and I would miss my connection.  In the next half hour she proceeded to tell me that there wasn’t a way she could get me home in the next two days unless I wanted to fly to Guadalajara and hope I could get on a morning flight!  I was fortunate to have the travel expertise of Jul

Abraham of Pronatours and Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association picked me up first thing in the morning and I sadly left the Riu Emerald Bay .  I was quickly smiling again as I checked into the All-Inclusive Elite VIP area of the El Cid Castillo .  My junior suite was ready and I only had a short while to enjoy it before I was heading across the street to the El Cid Country Club. The Country Club has three golf courses and eight tennis courts for use by the guests of all El Cid’s properties.  For anyone who has the All-Inclusive Elite Package, unlimited golf and tennis comes at no extra charge.  Gustavo was waiting for me at the courts for my private lesson.  I have spent much more time watching (and photographing tennis) the last few years than playing it, but I always enjoy the chance to hit some balls.  I had a great instructor and definitely worked hard out there, picking up a few pointers for my strokes. After tennis, there was just enough time to shower and change