Leisure

More documents

Recommendations

Info

TRAVEL & LEISURE : WITHIN 3 HOURSWonders OfThe GrapeWRITTEN BY Ryan RitchieMy masseuse, Jennifer, was rubbingmy lower right leg when I realized thisre-christening of my extremity was the mostrelaxing moment of my previous 24 hours.It was an impressive feat, considering thehillside views, fine dining, wild rabbits andlizards and an award-winning winery thatcomprise the 39-acre South Coast WineryResort & Spa in Temecula, do nothing butcalm bodies and souls.My soothing getaway in Temecula beganwhen I opened the door to my king villaand was met with smooth jazz. I droppedmy bags and took a deep breath to soakin my room’s amenities, which included acouch, fireplace, a custom Carter Collectionmattress, a mini refrigerator, coffeemakerand a table for two with a complimentarybottle of Merlot from the on-site winery.22JUNE 2010 TRAVEL & LEISURE
After discovering a marble bathroomwith two sinks, a double vanity, a showerwith a seat and two heads and a tub withsoothing crystals, I knew I could spendmy entire vacation inside my villa andleave a very happy customer.Outside my room was a patio and vinesno less than five feet away. After takingthree steps from the bed, I was standingin the middle of a vineyard that overlookedthe Temecula Valley, and suddenly myroom was the second best part of my trip.Each guest at South Coast receives a freewine tasting, comprised of three pours.Connoisseurs know all about Napa Valley,France and Italy, but whenever Temeculais mentioned, the average response isthat good vino couldn’t possibly comefrom Riverside County. I was included inthis misinformed group, even though Iread that South Coast won the 2008-09and 2009-10 California State Fair WineCompetition. A sip of Rolling Hills Syrahgrabbed my attention, but it wasn’t untila Pinot Grigio awakened my taste buds,that I was convinced that Temecula wasa Native-American word for “secret landof amazing wines.”very upbeat and knowledgeable guide namedJustin. Our group was allowed access tothe massive vats and we got to sample twowines. The excursion ended with a tasting offour more wines, accompanied with cheese,grapes, a cracker and a strawberry in theVinter’s Garden.The day continued with a massage at thethree-story GrapeSeed Spa which sits in themiddle of the South Coast property and offersvisitors an array of massages, skin treatments,body rituals, saunas, private Jacuzzis, a yogastudio and a gym.The South Coast “ultimate massage” blendedwarm stones, aromatherapy, Swedish strokesand therapeutic techniques for a 50-minutesession that hurt so good. Jennifer appliedpressure to my back, neck and legs, but theattention given to my feet and hands siphonedthe remaining drops of energy from my body.Warm towels were placed over my eyes andfeet, and had Jennifer not woken me, I mighthave remained in that room forever.The only negative aspect of my experience atSouth Coast was that I had to leave. As checkoutapproached, I thought about barricadingmyself in my villa. I would have done it too,but I was way too relaxed for all that. nPhoto courtesy of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.HOW TO GET THERETake Highway 22E to the 55N. Go easton Highway 91, then south on I-15. Exitat Rancho California Rd. and go left.South Coast is on the right side, sixmiles down Rancho California Rd.WHERE TO EATVineyard RoseWHAT TO SEEVinter’s Garden, tasting room, wine toursAfter an exquisite bowl of butternut-ciderbisque at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant, Iventured to the Jacuzzi, where the water’stemperature was a perfect match for thebrisk night air.Like a workaholic fool, I brought my laptopand discovered free WiFi, but after fiveminutes of trying to write, I tossed thecomputer in favor of staring at the sky.Devoid of man-made lights, the starsabove the valley illuminated not onlymy room, but every single pore of mycompletely settled body. For nearly a halfhour, I was not at South Coast, nor was Iin Temecula. I was in heaven.I hit my wine tour the following morning,comprised of eight other guests and alongbeachmagazine.com 23
Page 5 and 6: Cindy Miller 61Cancer diagnosed 12.
Page 8 and 9: DEPARTMENTSJUNE 2010 TRAVEL & LEISU
Page 10 and 11: editor’s letterYou know the sayin
Page 12 and 13: LUXURY & STYLE : SHOPPINGTravel In
Page 14: FOOD & WINE : RESTAURANT REVIEWFren
Page 17 and 18: A TASTECAFÉ SEVILLA140 PINE AVE.Sa
Page 19 and 20: With you when youneed a team rated
Page 21: an old staple in pubs all over Irel
Page 25 and 26: PLANET BOOKSDig through cheap paper
Page 27 and 28: citizens to get a chapter off the g
Page 29 and 30: “Green” parties are also increa
Page 31: SALON
Page 36 and 37: FEATURE : The Two Faces Of VickiLaw
Page 38 and 39: 38CATALINA JUNE ZIP 2010 LINE TRAVE
Page 40 and 41: FEATURE : FRUGAL FUNHOTEL MAYA OVER
Page 45 and 46: forgotten I had done that so many y
Page 47 and 48: Ad Specs:Long Beach Magazine (June
Page 50 and 51: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT : WISE BOOKSEa
Page 52 and 53: FACES & PLACES : DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Page 54 and 55: FACES & PLACES : COMMUNITY HEROEduc
Page 56 and 57: “The Caribbean. All the different
Page 58 and 59: FACES & PLACES : PETS & PEOPLEJet S
Page 60 and 61: ahciRMARKETS FLUCTUATE.serP eciV ro
Page 62 and 63: FACES & PLACES : SOCIETYIMAGINING A
Page 64 and 65: calendarJUNE 2010JUNE 20Happy Fathe
Page 66 and 67: FACES & PLACES : LAST VIEWVICKI LAW
Page 68: TOKIDOKI COSMETIC PACKAGING DESIGNT

Leisure

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?