Discovery and Gap… Adventures?!

Turkey, Istanbul - Blue Mosque

We’ll admit it. We’re a little obsessed with the Discovery Channel. We worked with them back in the day and always had the best things to say. Which is why, when we heard about Discovery Adventures (an adventure tour operator developed – get this – in partnership with Gap Adventures), we thought that sounded like a nice,sexy Safari-meets-sweet style combination.

They’ve also just announced brand spankin new trips to: Japan, Kenya, Greece, Italy, France, Turkey and Indochina for 2011, where they’ll take you to all the cool places you want to see in the world. And here’s the best part, you’ll get the same experiences as to what you’ve seen on Discovery Channel, gaining insider access into local culture around the globe.

On the Mekong River, Vietnam

Bottom line: two new tours for 2011 offer exclusive access only available through Discovery Adventures. On the Classic Japan tour, travelers get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Geisha – featuring a personalized tour through the Geisha district by a real Geisha, and an invitation to a traditional Geisha gathering and sake ceremony. On the Kenya Wildlife Safari, travelers get the rare experience to interact up-close with Baraka, a rare Black Rhino.

For more pricing and itineraries,get on it:

www.discoveryadventures.com

Miami’s New Year Yoga Retreat

Mandarin Oriental Miami

Did you know that the Mandarin Oriental is Miami’s only Five Star spa?

Exciting, ay? So here’s the skinny:

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is the three-level sanctuary in the heart of the luxe Mandarin Oriental Miami hotel. Adopting a slightly different approach to your traditional spa experience, The Spa serves up the works –  a wide range of innovative and restorative treatments inspired by the elements of nature and the ancient traditions of the Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai cultures.

So, with a well-rounded focus on health and wellness, The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental is now advertising a “Miami Yoga Weekend” from January 14-16, 2011, featuring renowned yoga instructor Mandy Ingber.  Based in Los Angeles, Mandy has taught the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Brooke Shields, and is known for motivating people through her light-hearted approach. We’re told it’s her ability to connect with a wide range of students that makes her accessible to the yoga novice, as well as to the professional athlete.  She’s said to bring a sensitive breath of fresh air to the practice you’re anxious to get more into. She’s also got a DVD on the market so check it out: YOGALOSOPHY.

Mandarin Spa Suite

Yogis will also have an opportunity to attend a “VisionMat” workshop where you can design your own custom yoga mat with a vision board of pictures of goals, hopes and aspirations. The “Miami Yoga Weekend” includes:

·         Two-night stay at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

·         Breakfast daily

·         Choice of one 80-minute select spa treatment (including Aroma Stone, Aromatherapy Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Holistic Facial)

·         Morning and evening yoga sessions (breaks will include light refreshments and healthy snacks)

·         VisionMat Workshop

·         Wellness & Astrology Session with Q&A

·         Complimentary use of Heat and Water Therapies

·         Welcome spa gift

Rates for the package are from $1,675 (single occupancy) and $2385 (double). The above rates are for a two-night stay as described above including breakfast, yoga and spa programs, so what are you waiting for?

The reincarnation of the next Buddha?

For more information or reservations, call:

Toll free (866) 888 6780

www.mandarinoriental.com/miami

San Luis Obispo For Lovers and Family

 

San Luis Obispo

 

San Luis Obispo. It’s probably that one place in life we’ll never live, but always wish we had. Sorta like Sonoma.

With an abundance of protected state parks, pristine beaches, miles of cycling, hiking, alternative transportation routes,and an inviting climate year-round, we love San Luis Obispo, CA and think it’s a nature-lover’s heaven and we’re so jealous someone lives here and it isn’t us. Wait, did we say that already?

Well, now, with the help of SLO Car Free and San Luis Obispo Vacations, eco-minded vacationers can save some green while traveling green. All you need to do is register at slocarfree.org for a voucher to book a specially priced San Luis Obispo Car-Free Hotel Package at one of the hotels listed below. The SLO Car Free Voucher can also be redeemed for discounts at participating businesses and attractions in San Luis Obispo, as well as for a 20% discount on Amtrak tickets.

Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, downtown San Luis Obispo, CA is not only a beautiful sleepy town with enough green to make you breathe in the sweet smell of earth and trees, but it’s also the cultural hub of the scenic Central Coast of California with wineries and restaurants catering to lovers and families escaping the stress of the big cities to the north and south. Its numerous downtown hotels offer an ideal home base for trips to wine country, Hearst Castle, Mission San Luis Obispo, the Thursday Evening Farmer’s Market, and more (including our personal favorite… the amazing Madonna Inn).

Car-Free Hotel Packages

Apple Farm – 15% off standard rates and a free slice of pie with the purchase of any regular priced dinner entreé

Courtyard by Marriott, San Luis Obispo – 10% off standard room rates

Downtown Travelodge – 10% off standard room rates

Embassy Suites, San Luis Obispo – 10% off standard rates and free shuttle service

Holiday Inn Express – 15% off standard room rates

Hostel Obispo – 10% off Hearst Castle tickets. Receive a free bike rental with a 3-day stay

La Cuesta Inn – $10 off standard room rates

Los Padres Inn – 15% off standard room rates. Restrictions apply

Petit Soleil Bed et Breakfast – Complimentary bike rental with stay

Quality Suites, San Luis Obispo – 30% off standard rates

Villa Motel, San Luis Obispo – 10% off standard room rates

For a list of car-free deals and itinerary ideas, check out:

SLOCarFree.org

For more on San Luis Obispo area attractions and accommodations: SanLuisObispoVacations.com

Philips | O’Neill Durable Headphones

 

'The Snug' - Philips | O'Neill Super Durable Headphones

 

Sometimes, the disposable culture we live in can really be a downer. Don’t get us started on the 60 Minutes special that showed viewers what really happens to all of our old (or not so old) electronics.

Well, have no fear… if you’re as tired as we are of buying new headphones every two months, worry no ‘mo.

Two pioneers of lifestyle innovation, Philips and O’Neill, have joined forces to launch a line of headphones designed to withstand all the rigors of a truly active eco adventuring lifestyle: the new premium line of Philips | O’Neill Headphones gives you long-lasting durability and complete comfort so you can enjoy the music that fuels you every day, for as long as you want, no matter what mountain you climb, swell you ride, or ramp you skate.

The high performance headphones were tested on the toughest O’Neill team riders and specifically designed around the demands of those who live life to the fullest and take no prisoners. The collection features four different styles, each completely unique and simple in design. Inspired by the heavy-duty materials and styling of wetsuit materials, The Stretch headphones – the toughest in the new line-up – delivers high performance. Both impact and high stress-crack resistant, it retains flexibility and strength for a whole new level in headphone resilience.

 

'The Stretch' - Philips | O'Neill Earphones

 

The Snug model does it all in style: a set of imposing flat-folding, headphones that deliver flawless fit and sound with bold graphics (these might be our personal fave). The in-ear selection includes The Covert, a discreet bud with deceptively powerful sound impact and iPhone control, while The Specked includes a range of three striking colored in-ear buds, with tough yet stylish tangle-free cords for longer listening experiences.

These new headphones are totally uncompromising in their durability because they’ve been tested on their own test animals: the toughest O’Neill riders, the most uncompromising and daring boarders around.

The Philips | O’Neill campaign will be spearheaded by selected O’Neill team riders, including 9-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year Jeremy Jones, fearless big wave surfer Mark Mathews, and two-time Freeride World Tour Champion Ane Enderud. As three of their sports’ toughest and most enduring champions, these riders have put the headphones to the ultimate test in the context of their own demanding lifestyles.

Available at stores throughout Europe and the US from Sept. 2010 so get ’em while they last!

www.oneill.com/TestedOnAnimals

www.philips.com/TestedOnAnimals