WHERE TO STAY: NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

A good friend of mine who has lived in different parts of Northern California for years says there's one place and one place only where you should stay when visiting Napa Valley: Hotel Yountville. The recently renovated property gets it right in so many ways, with a great mix of aesthetics and comfort!

One of the most pleasing aspects of this hotel property is its rooms. (Try not to drool as you look!) The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean and are furnished in a modern/elegant style. While they are not inexpensive, they are not too pricey either when you compare to other properties right in Yountville.

The lobby is very soothing, and the outdoor fireplace lounge and pool are almost movie-set perfect!

In addition, Hotel Yountville made Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's 2011 The Hot List as a 'WINE COUNTRY WINNER.'

Trust me Jet Setters...this is one of my Top Picks in Napa Valley!

And remember, Jet Set Smart is here to help you book all of your travels from Yountville to Napa to Sonoma and beyond!

SIDEWAYS

Do you remember the movie Sideways? It came out in 2004, so it's sort of old, but anyway, it's about two guys who head to California's wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley for a week for a bachelor party before one of the guys gets married.

The reason why I'm asking is because I just jet setted there and I have to say it is an awesome place! I have been to Napa Valley before and it is gorgeous and worth checking out, but Santa Ynez is a lot less commercial and has so much natural beauty...plus some pretty awesome wine too I might add! If you are ever on the west coast near L.A., then I definitely say you MUST go to Santa Ynez Wine Country. I will have more about this amazing place in the next couple of days...so stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you haven't seen the movie, then I suggest renting it, and even if you have seen it, watch it again, because you'll know exactly what I'm talking about in my posts!

ESCAPE TO SHAPE

How many of you made the same New Year's resolution AGAIN this year- to lose weight? (Yes, my hand is up too!) The question really is...have you started doing it yet? (For me, the answer would be NO!) Well how about jet setting somewhere incredible and beautiful, having an amazing vacation, and coming back five to ten pounds skinnier? OK, I officially sound like an infomercial now, but all kidding aside, Escape to Shape is the answer.

Escape to Shape considers itself a traveling fitness spa. Basically, the program includes a vacation to a fantastic locale with luxurious accommodations, a total-body workout everyday (like pilates, yoga, hiking, biking, swimming, etc.), eating healthy delicious cuisine, spa treatments, and cultural excursions. Guys don't tune out, plenty of men go on these trips every year!

Here's an example of a Day in the Life at Escape to Shape:

8:00am- Breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt and granola

9:00am- Skin-Detox session at Volcanic mud baths

12:00pm- 90 minute power walk on the beach

1:30pm- Lunch of gazpacho soup and grilled chicken salad

3:00pm- 50 laps in the pool and aromatherapy massages

4:00pm- Snack of watermelon slices

5:30pm- 90 minute vinyasa yoga session

7:00pm- Salsa dancing lessons

8:00pm- Dinner of pumpkin soup and grilled shrimp

10:00pm- Head out and dance till dawn or collapse into bed

Upcoming Trips:

Napa Valley, California/ January 29-31, 2010

Buzios, Brazil/ March, 2010

Marrakech, Morrocco/ May, 2010

St. Petersburg, Russia/ July, 2010

Cartegena de Indias, Colombia/ November, 2010

***The price of one of these trips costs about $3,000. But, the Napa one is on sale now for $1,350. It's certainly not cheap, but it is an experience all around.***

HEALTHY FALL VACATION FOR WOMEN

Finishing up with the same topic I've been posting about for the last few days about the February issue of Ladies' Home Journal Magazine article...How to Stay Fit- A Season Guide to Incredibly Fun Trips for the Active Female Traveler...here are the Fall trips they suggest:

1- Biking in Napa Valley, California: The fall weather in Napa and Sonoma is ideal for biking; the rolling hills are challenging but not intimidating. And, of course, there are all those vineyards to visit! Taking a guided group bike tour is a unique way to explore Northern California wine country while meeting new people. You can spend your days cycling at your own pace and stopping for delicious lunches or picnics; and at night, rest up at a great restaurant and a beautiful inn. If you are interested in this sort of trip, a 6-day Napa trip with Backroads bike tours provides meals, high-quality bikes and lodging at different charming inns each night. trips in September and October cost $2,200 per person.

2- Golf on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Hilton Head's got wide, flat beaches, mild water, miles of paved bike trails and a top-notch tennis center. Fall is a good time to book a trip since the spring and summer crowds have left but the weather is still mild. This place is especially perfect for couples who love golf! Sea Pines Resort, the island's most famous destination, has three world-class courses, including Harbor Town links. You can take a private lesson or sign on for a one-or-two day school at the Golf Academy at Sea Pines Resort.

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE NAPA

Napa Valley is one of my all time favorite destinations in the U.S. I went out there a couple of years ago with one of my best friends and had an amazing time, but swore to myself that the next time I go it will definitely have to be with my husband. Napa is just so romantic. So when we do book our trip, the place where I want us to stay is The Wine Country Inn & Gardens.

The Wine Country Inn has been around since 1975 and is family owned and operated...I just love that because you always get the warmth and attention you deserve when you stay at a place like this. The inn is built well off the highway and is surrounded by vineyards. They have a pool, jacuzzi, spa, complimentary breakfast & afternoon appetizers as well as a free restaurant shuttle to take you into town so that you can relax, drink wine and not have to worry about driving. Rooms range from $250-$600 a night, depending on which room you choose and what time of year you jet set to Napa valley.

The Holidays are around the corner, so now is the perfect time to go...and take a look at the great things happening there this time of year:

October: There are still many days in the 80's & 90's temperature-wise...so take your bathing suit and enjoy the Napa Valley grape harvest while you're there.

November: The Inn holds its annual Ode to Olive celebration (November 19th-22nd) where you can taste different olives, olive oils and cheeses.

December: Head there for a romantic New Year's Eve celebration with your honey. They have a special dinner for $75 per person which includes a four-course meal with wine right at the inn...and also a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.