Lavinia at Home

We went to the Mohonk Mountain House for weekend and it was really romantic escape at mountaintop from busy New York City’s life. It’s 90-minute trip from Manhattan in New Paltz, NY, tel.: (845) 255-1000. Mohonk is an old-time castle and this mountain top house is a unique experience; you will forget your computer, cell phone and TV, just relax…

There is a lake for swimming, tons of hiking trails, horseback riding, beautiful gardens, mini golf, spa, massage services and many more things to do.

At day time we went for fishing on the lake and luckily I caught a trout, but turns out it was little to small to be prepared by chef for our dinner.

There is afternoon tea with cookies served in a massive great room with sofas and veranda with rocking chairs overlooking the lake; the perfect place to read, knit or chat.

Mohonk Mountain House is beautiful place to vacation and perfect for a couple’s getaway, but it’s not a cheap.

I love this hotel. It’s luxurious with nice views of Central Park, restaurant and bar downstairs. This hotel’s location is also perfect; its located at 160 Central Park South, New York, NY, Tel: (212) 247-0300, which is between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue right on Central Park South, close to Columbus Circle and Broadway.

Jumeirah Essex House first opened its doors in 1931 and recently this Manhattan landmark had completed refurbishment program that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage.

The lobby was all marble and looked very elegant. Staying here makes you feel very important. This hotel is not cheap. The rooms are simple but very comfortable, with huge televisions, they have really great beds. There is a well stocked minibar, only be aware; if you take something out, you will be charged for it. We had after dinner a ‘doggy bag’ and we decided to put it in the minibar to keep it cool, so we had to call the front desk to explain it.

This was my one of favorite hotels, I did not want to leave. Hotel is located at 2365 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, in the heart of Waikiki Beach.

Since 1901, Moana Surfrider, considered the first hotel opened in Waikiki. It’s elegant beachfront resort with complete amenities, offering luxurious accommodations.

It’ located at 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI, Tel.: (808) 826-2760

This was very romantic evening at Cafe Hanalei with view from the Princeville Resort overlooking gorgeous Hanalei Bay. We had dinner right at sunset and it was the best view. I thought the food was quite good, but you definitely eat there because of the views. Now this resort is under construction and it will become the St. Regis Princeville Resort around July 2009.

Kauai beach resort fronting Kalapaki Bay offers a wide variety of activities, enjoy one of the largest family-friendly pools in Hawaii with many jacuzzi’s around the pool.