The Rockies–as in Rocky Mountain High–and that’s exactly what you feel from the exhilaration of being surrounded by all this natural beauty. My team and I will get to spend 6 glorious days here capturing all that this beautiful land has to offer. It is also important to note that THREE FORKS RANCH is an actual working ranch, so yes you can expect to see this ESCAPESEEKER learning how to do just that–work the land. I’ve never been on a cattle drive–so this will be a first. I’m super excited also to learn the “art of fly-fishing” from Duncan, the local expert who I understand is the very best there is. Perhaps I will finally begin to understand why fly-fishing is such a “spiritual experience” for so many?
Please stay tuned…I’ve gotta run for now…we’re filming a historic re-enactment of one of the legendary mountain man/trapper who hunted in this valley–Jeremiah Johnson, immortalized in Robert Redford’s film of the same name. My film team’s creative juices just flow like crazy being surrounded by all this breathtaking beauty. Don’t take my word for it. Go to: www.threeforksranch.com
Catch ya later,
Escapeseeker aka Rhinestone cowgirl–ok, you’re right, there were no rhinestone cowgirls in the 1850’s! š
Chateau de Mirambeau, France — There’s only one way to describe this luxury destination: It’s an absolute made for Hollywood movie set–well, in our case, a stunning scene for our ESCAPSEEKER TV series! But, let me emphasize, there’s nothing fake about this gorgeous chateau. This is REAL LIFE…from the lavish period-accurate furnishings and abundant fabrics, to the mouth-watering French delicacies meticulously prepared by Mirambeau’s talented Chef–it won’t take long before you’ll notice yourself feeling–and in Jackson’s case–sounding very French! You are now deep in the heart of France where names you’ve heard many times before will take on whole new meaning: Cognac, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion. Stay tuned to ESCAPESEEKER. This Fall on PBS/KOCE-TV we will share with you the secrets we have uncovered during our own exciting ‘Tour de France’…meanwhile, here’s a sneak peak at just some of the images, many of which were captured by our own team at Chateau de Mirambeau and the nearby region. Viva La France!
Abientot,
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER
PS: Meanwhile, if you’re in need of a superb, romantic French hideaway, and can’t wait for our ESCAPESEEKER French episode to air–please feel free to go to: http://www.chateauxmirambeau.com/
Our ESCAPESEEKER team with our fleet of INFINITI luxury vehicles. My stunning G-37 is the most liberating way to explore France…and my crew is still trying to figure out how they can get their hands on their own EX-37…to keep permanently! INFINITI G37 Convertible: Are you poised to experience the ultimate driving exhilaration while sitting in the most comfortable convertible ‘cockpit’ in the business? I particularly enjoyed the air-conditioned seats…yes, there’s no such thing as sticking to your seats while enjoying the Provence sunshine in the G37!
THANK YOU INFINITI FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT OF ESCAPESEEKER. I am missing “Grace” big time! Here’s my tribute to Grace…my G37 INFINITI convertible, whom I named after the Hollywood star/turned Royalty–Princess Grace–because frankly, this amazingly powerful performance car drove with such GRACE, and as you can see, Grace’s power only adds to her dignified beauty! But don’t be mistaken, this is no “chic mobile”…After all, beneath her stunning beauty, the G37 is an INSPIRED PERFORMANCE MACHINE! Nothing like your hair blowing in the wind as you power across France’s breathtaking countryside. Honestly, it is pure symphonic bliss. Oh yeah, and every now and then, I think, this is exactly what life is meant to be! I’m so blessed. Whether your “Born to be Wild” or Born to be Mild– I’ve been described as a quiet rebel, myself, driving the INFINITI G-37 will make you SMILE!
One word of caution before you tackle a French Road Adventure…
One added warning however, before you tackle a road trip through France, be sure to have a chunk of change (or a plastic card with sufficiently high credit line) handy for the toll booths. Our three INFINITI cars totalled 75 Euro (25 Euro each, on average) at each toll booth stop! OUCH! It happened so often that my editor/lead car, co-driver, Mike Ryan became fluent in saying in French, “I’m paying for three autos, please,” and pointed to the other two INFINITI EX37 behind us. And, let me not forget to mention, France charges a 19 percent sales tax on petro! You don’t really realize how good we have it in the U.S. when it comes to road-friendly mobility. There’s definitely a price to enjoying the luxury driving machines in France. But then again, if you’re driving one of these beauties, you probably can’t be too concerned about French toll booths and gas taxes right?
On a good note, we discovered that Italy is definitely less expensive–both in terms of petro cost and toll booth prices. So take your pick. Both countries are undeniably breathtaking. And, I highly recommend that a French/Italian luxury road trip should be on every one’s ‘bucket list’…it allows you to really get up close and personal with the natives. Our INFINITI vehicles received more than their share of envious glances. Let me just say, the French and Italians definitely appreciate a performance driving machine! It just took me and my Producer, Christina, a little while to figure out that they were not staring at us, but rather, our beautiful cars! So, if your ego needs a boost, I recommend not getting such a beautiful car. š On the other hand, if you can say, “Eat your heart out” in French or Italian, you can definitely handle the G37 convertible.
Love, Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER aka “Quiet Rebel”
PS: Please be on the lookout for the September issue of ADEYAKA magazine (INFINITI’s stunning magazine, www.adeyaka.com), which will contain a feature on ESCAPESEEKER! How cool is that?
The ESCAPESEEKER team with Father Mark Haydu, International Director of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum who helped make our unforgettable Vatican experiences possible. To learn more go to: http://www.vatican-patrons.org/ and help ensure that these magnificent works of art contained at the Vatican museum are preserved and perpetuated for future generations.
Dear Escapeseeker friends and family…
After the most once-in-a-lifetime experience at The Vatican–not only for filming purposes, but also for general individual enlightenment of the entire team, individually and collectively, we are now packed and ready to head to FCO–Rome’s International airport. Our hearts, not to mention our luggage, is oh so very full with gratitude for the priceless experiences we had the opportunity to embrace and capture on film. Italy and France will forever hold very special memories for us for the friendships we have forged and the lessons we gleaned at every stop.
I shall pause for now so that we do not miss our flights…our team cannot wait to weave our episodes together…what a challenge…how does one capture the feeling, the scents, the emotions, the spirits of the remarkable destinations we visited? Capturing their beauty was the easier part–it was one AH HA moment after another for our entire team. We will definitely make every effort to do them justice.
Until then, this is ESCAPESEEKER wishing all of you the most beautiful, productive day,
If you’ve been wondering why the ESCAPESEEKER updates have been non-existent until now–well, to put it frankly, we’ve been on a continuous filming adventure that is definitely not meant for the faint at heart! Twelve hour shooting dates filled with incredibly unique, albeit often challenging activities.
For example, how about hot-air ballooning over Champagne region at sunset; or driving “Grace” as in Grace Kelly–my G-37 INFINITI convertible and co-star in the French Riviera episode–on Monaco’s own Grand Prix route! All captured on film! I named my car after the beautiful Hollywood legend turned royalty because this amazing driving machine drives with such grace, yet powerfully dignified in its presence and beauty! THANK YOU INFINITI FOR THE NON-STOP ADRENALIN RUSH!
On top of all the filming excitement–we had the added layer of being shot as we were shooting. A bit confusing? Well, while we were filming ESCAPESEEKER, the entire ESCAPESEEKER team was being captured on film by INFINITI’s ADEYAKA magazine. Yes, a story about yours truly will be included in their September issue. It is an absolutely stunning magazine…check it out: www.adeyaka.com I hope you’ll keep your eye out for the September issue. š
A sneak peak of the ESCAPESEEKER team at work at Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence (photo compliments of INFINITI)
By the way, the ESCAPESEEKER team was also featured on French TV — France 3 — and on radio–my gosh, I hope all this notoriety doesn’t go to their heads! I’m not too worried. We are all too exhausted by the end of the day. It’s really great how the entire team is rising to the occasion.
I am so grateful for their resiliency…and how quickly they can adapt to any situation. After all, it is not easy when you are required to drink wine from such outstanding, historic vineyards, like that of the Marquese de Frescobaldi in Tuscany…who by the way, generously sent everyone home with a bottle of their finest wine…and even included their own produced olive oil too!
We are overwhelmed by the generous support and kindness that has been and continues to be extended to us. We continue to forge new friendships everywhere we go, and that is truly the best gift of all. I love being the ” ESCAPESEEKER”…and I love my ESCAPESEEKER team!
Pictured above: Jason Wise, Director; Christina Tucker, Co-Writer-Producer; Jackson Myers, Director of Photography; Mel Gee Henderson, Creator/Host/Executive Producer; Michael Ryan, Editor/Sound Engineer
After 15 straight days of 12-14 hour shoots, Mr. H aka Roy arrives from the U.S. and takes one look at our team and says, “Mel, I think you could all use a day off. How about sailing with me.” No one resisted his recommendation.
Thank you Roy! You revived our spirits and our stamina–which is exactly what we needed to begin the Italy portion of our filming assignment. Roy and Christina left us just as we were departing for Italy–but thank goodness, we acquired two talented team members to give us a hand for the remainder of the shoot.
Olyvia and Gabrielle ready and willing to assist the ESCAPESEEKER team
Gotta run…Venice shoot awaits…I LOVE THIS MAGICAL CITY! We only have two days here to accomplish all that we must do. Then we are off to the final segment of our filming adventure: ROME…and THE VATICAN! Yes, we have been granted the permission to film inside The Vatican, and to participate in the Holy Father’s Wednesday Audience. We’re trying not to think about it too much…but every now and then, we all look at each other and say, “Oh my gosh, are we really getting to see the Pope?”
Ravello, Amalfi Coast –. The radiant sun is shining brightly above this towering jewel known as Ravello, a village that has long inspired and captured the hearts of artists, musicians, and writers including Gore Vidal, who was instantly awestruck by its beauty, and so charmed by the local villagers that he decided to make Ravello his home–and oh what a glorious home that turned out to be.
A SLICE OF HEAVEN
For the last seven days, I, too, have discovered what it is like to reside in a glorious home in Ravello, as I have been made to feel like family while being a guest at the luxurious Palazzo Sasso. The stunning five-star hotel is a historic 12th century Italian villa tucked away in this terraced hill top village, and perched high on the cliffs, 350 meters (1,000 ft.) above the deep emerald green Mediterranean. Yes, along the Amalfi Coast, the sea is surprising shades of verdant green, depending on the time of day. By the way, Palazzo Sasso may have been erected in the 12th century, but her beautiful, immaculate interiors definitely defy her age.
As I gazed out each morning from my wide arched glass doors of suite 307 of Palazzo Sasso, it gave whole new meaning to the term, āA room with a viewā, as I would feel the sudden, overwhelming desire to smile and just sing my heart out. But I managed to practice some self control so as not to wake the lovely honeymooners next door. But why in the world would anyone want to sleep in when right beneath your gaze an expanse of heaven awaits!
The Palazzo Sasso overlooks some of the Amalfi Coast’s most picturesque fishing villages. Since its opening as a brand new hotel in 1997, Palazzo Sasso has been rated as one of the world’s finest hotels and boasts its own two-star Michelin dining at Rossellinis. The cuisine is one of the very best with which I’ve treated my now seasoned and discerning palate. But thereās no doubt in my mind that the highly coveted second star was awarded in great part because of its impeccable service. Eager to sample the cuisine I had read so much about, I decided I would try it out, even if it meant dining alone on my first night. But the staff made me feel totally at ease as I savored bite after bite. There were moments however, that I hesitated to take that initial bite because each dish was so beautifully presentedāI didnāt want to ruin it!
Ok, confession time. If I showed signs of being madly in-love with Italy before, well, any trace of doubt can now be totally erased. I can’t even begin to truly explain when or how my love of Italy took root. But I suspect it is for the same reason others have succumb. It is that inexplicable feeling, the tugging of the heart, that have caused many to return to this beautiful village time and time again…and for some, those fortunate enough to do so like Mr. Gore Vidal, who decide to make it a permanent love affair, by making Italy their home.
STEPPING BACK IN TIME – – A NOBLE HISTORY
The Palazzo Sasso was named after the prosperous Sasso family from Scala, who were descended from San Romoaldo, founder of the Cistercian order, and San Dominico Sasso, the successor to Saint Dominico who created the Dominican order. Another ancestor was the legendary Gerardo, founder of the Knights of Malta. The “Ravello” branch of the family was linked to Cardinal Ottavio, Governor of the Emilia Romagna region during the reign of Pope Pius the III.
Palazzo Sasso, like many other buildings along San Giovanni del Toro, was part of the aristocratic quarter of Ravello during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The Sasso family settled in Ravello around 1710 when Domenico Diego purchased the
Palazzo Sasso from the noble Bonito family and subsequently restored it. In 1756, his son, Andrea, built the chapel, dedicated to Maria Maddalena Penitente, which is now the lobby of the hotel. Andrea died in 1758 without an heir.
The
Palazzo Sasso was then abandoned until the beginning of the 19th Century when it was purchased by the wealthy Camera family. In the mid-19th Century, the first foreign visitors began to arrive, such as Francis Nevil Reid in 1851 and Richard Wagner. When James Becket bought and rebuilt Villa Cimbrone in 1904, Ravello attracted many prominent people, including Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Maynard Keynes, D.H. Lawrence and Andre Gide. Following the example of other local families, The Camera family converted the Palazzo into a Hotel. In 1928 the Viullmieur family assumed the management of the hotel.
During the next half-century,
Palazzo Sasso was known as Hotel Palumbo and its guests numbered kings, queens, aristocrats, poets and writers. On the declaration of war against France (in 1939), the French-born Duchess Anna of Aosta (wife of the Viceroy of Ethiopia) was applauded by the people of Ravello when she appeared on a terrace above The Principessa di Piemonte Gardens.
The beauty and tranquility of
Palazzo Sasso has inspired many Twentieth Century personalities; the playwright Eduardo de Filippo wrote Saturday, Sunday, Monday on one of its terraces and General Eisenhower resided here while planning the attack on Monte Cassino. Former guests also recall Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini giggling over dinner in the restaurant.
This era was sadly interrupted in 1978, when the Viullmieur family gave up the
Palazzo Sassoin favour of the Palazzo Confalone. The Palazzo then closed for 19 years. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GUESTS
Fully restored to its grandeur, it re-opened in July 1997 setting a new standard in the world of fine hotels. Unquestionably, its heavenly setting is a sight to behold. But what truly leaves an indelible mark in your heart and mind is the Palazzo Sasso’s superb staff. As the GM, Aaron Kaupp explains when asked how did he assemble such a fine team, he responded, āI purposely seek after those individuals who are blessed with the genuine gift of ‘people skills’…those who possess a natural love of people…something you can’t teach”–in which he also added, “their experience in the hospitality industry may sometimes be secondary because that is something that can be taught and perfected with timeā¦but the ability to genuinely make each guest feel welcome and special is a definite gift.ā
Aaron’s formula is undoubtedly working. One staff member who definitely possesses the ‘people skills’ of which Aaron speaks is the Front Office Manager, Antonio Ferrara, who played a vital role in ensuring that my days were filled with superb activities, that exemplified the tremendous variety that one can experience all along the Amalfi Coast. Whether you want to explore by land, or by sea, or even on foot; whether its new Italian culinary skills you desire, (I highly recommend Mamma Agata’s Cooking School–indescribable), or an evening of classical music, or just hanging out with the locals at the village restaurant, Antonio knows everybody–and I mean everybody on the Amalfi coast. The one activity he recommended, but I was unable to fit in–a scooter ride in Capri. He said, “Mel, it is a great way to get up close and personal, as it can get you to places not reached by the regular tourists.” So, there you go, I now have one more superb reason to come back to the Amalfi Coast. After all, this
ESCAPESEEKERis all about doing the non-ordinary. And, there is absolutely nothing ordinary about thePalazzo Sasso! A GATHERING PLACE
The Palazzo Sasso is a wonderful place to gather with friends and family, after all, heaven is only āheavenā if youāre there with people you love right? My ESCAPESEEKER advance research team quickly discovered that the Palazzo Sasso is a perfect place to also make new friends. There’s something that happens when guestsāsome total strangers–begin their Amalfi day with Palazzo Sassoās signature buffet breakfastā¦complete with omelets made to your exact specificationsā¦served outdoors on the fragrant flower-scented terrace, surrounded by Springās bloom, while gazing out into that breathtaking Amalfi Coast that just seem to bring people together. My team and I ended up āadoptingā Evelyn and Rick from Canada, who just happen to be walking by the Palazzo Sasso one afternoon and loved it so much that they walked to the reception desk and asked if by chance they had any availability? Well, it was their lucky day. Evelyn and Rick ended up staying three days, and explored the entire Amalfi Coast with us. My advance team liked our newfound friends so much that they ended up leaving together. It seemed we had known them forever. And, as I stayed behind, savoring my last few days I had left at Palazzo Sasso, I couldnāt help but wonder. Is it the contagiously warm and friendly, familial spirit of Palazzo Sasso that makes it so easy to make new friends here? Or perhaps, when youāre in heaven, it is easy to recognize the angels who surround you?
I cannot wait to bring my talented film team to
Palazzo Sasso. I know Jackson, Jason, Mike, and Christina will definitely feel as though theyāve died and gone to heavenā¦cinematographerās heaven!
A sincere thank you to the Palazzo Sasso staff for making this
ESCAPESEEKER research visit one we shall never forget. We definitely long to return, and this time, it will be our turn to immortalize (on film) the shining star of Ravello–THE PALAZZO SASSO!
Here’s to Blissful Escapes,
Mel
Leaving our ESCAPESEEKER trail…What a glorious day!
It has been quite a while since I’ve last reported.
Our entire ESCAPESEEKER film team recently returned from FIJI and immediately, our editing team went into post production mode. We found our filming adventure so rewarding that we just couldn’t wait to weave the footage and begin telling our story. The genuinely warm Fijian people we met, the spectacular vistas we captured, the knowledge we gleaned from the various specialist at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, all combined made it a most rewarding experience we shall never forget. To Ty Goulter and your exceptional team, we cannot thank you enough for the tremendous assistance you rendered!
It also really helps that each and every day, we have thousands of images to help us fuel our memories. Take a peak…as good as these images are, they don’t quite do justice to the magic of the Fijian Islands, which we’ve found live up to our episode’s working title: FIJI: PURE PARADISE!
Los Angeles, California – After weeks and weeks of burning the midnight oil, my entire ESCAPESEEKER team is happy to give you a sneak preview of our ESCAPESEEKER travel series, slated to air on KOCE-TV as part of their brand new 2009 Fall Season line-up.
Our exciting filming adventures continue, so please visit my blogspot often, as the promo will continually change, as we add new footage from our upcoming destinations: In April, our team heads to the South Pacific–Pure Paradise: FIJI, where we will brave the deep turquoise waters with the seasoned scuba diving team of Jean-Michel Cousteau at FIJI ISLANDS RESORT, voted the most “eco-friendly” resort in the world! AMAZING!
Upon our return we will cruise the ruggedly stunning coastline of California’s Big Sur, where we explore the historic POST RANCH INN. By the way, speaking of “eco-friendly”–Post Ranch Inn was green long before it was cool to be green! From there we will continue on to the City By The Bay– San Francisco–a city close to my heart. If you think you know San Francisco, wait until you see what our ESCAPESEEKER team reveals. By the way, you cannot visit San Francisco without a sailing adventure. Well, that’s exactly what we are planning to do. We will sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge with a group of seasoned sailors from the St. Francis Yacht Club. These former Olympic competitors I’m sure will take our cinematographers for quite the spin! I suggest they tie our cameramen down ok? Well, at least the cameras! Our home during this San Francisco adventure? CAVALLO POINT–the only luxury resort located on a National Park!!!
The month of May will find us crossing the Atlantic once more as we prove the luck of the Irish! We are very excited to return to the Emerald Isle and capture the stunning beauty of the K CLUB, along with its magnificent golf courses par excellence–no pun intended.
Towards the end of May will find the ESCAPESEEKER team returning to the land of La Dolce Vita…filled with the Magic of Serenissima, THE LUNA HOTEL BAGLIONI in Venice! We will also revisit the birthplace of the Rennaissance– Florence, as we immerse ourselves in beauty and cultureat HOTEL RELAIS SANTA CROCE.
By June, we will be saying, “Viva La France!” Our team is so excited to unveil France’s best kept secrets as we embark on our own version of ESCAPESEEKER‘s “Tour de France”–a road adventure that will take us deep into the French countryside from the medieval villages of St. Paul de Vence to the champagne country of Epernay and Reims. This French episode is so all-encompassing, you just have to stay tuned.
To all our friends, we thank all of you for your never-ending support and dedication. And if you like what you see in the promo–just imagine what a complete episode will be! Stay tuned for our premiere, October 5, 2009!
By the way, today I learned some very exciting news! The Baglioni Hotels Collection will soon be offering the “Escapeseeker Italy Tour” –so that YOU, TOO, can have the same exciting Italian adventure!! Details to follow. But meanwhile, take a peak at our promo below, and you’ll understand why our entire team is pinching ourselves: Can our experiences possibly get any better? From the land of La Dolce Vita to the Rocky Mountain High of THREE FORKS RANCH—we continue to meet the most amazing individuals, each time teaching us new skills, and ultimately helping us to truly embrace the life well-lived. To our new-found friends around the world, WE THANK YOU for sharing our passion for life and the child-like, joyful wonder we feel as we experience the majesty of this beautiful planet earth!
On behalf of my entire ESCAPESEEKER team…
Here’s to Blissful Escapes!
Mel
Note: Please turn off the music playlist before you begin viewing the promo video below!
Newport Beach, California ~ I’ve already heard back from our crew. Jason, our ESCAPESEEKER Director said, “So, Mel, we’re driving down the freeway, and thought, what are we doing here?” Yes, it is a bit of a shock to the system to go from approximately 7,500 feet to sea level. But even more so to segue right back to the fast pace life of Los Angeles. And, one has to ask, “Where did the five billion stars go that glistened above us each night? I have to add, we are all missing the gifted culinary talents of Chef Marc and his entire team. To make the adjustment just a tad easier on my husband, Roy, I had to create a personal menu with his name on it for last night’s dinner. I’m just so relieved to know that the ESCAPESEEKER team has been invited back in June. If it is this beautiful and this much fun in the winter, can you imagine how spectacular the experience will be in the summer? FISHING NIRVANA? We will be absolutely ready.
On behalf of the entire team, Thank you Three Forks Ranch for showing us what it is like to have a true “Rocky Mountain High” Winter Adventure. Take a peak below of just some of our favorite images…
The Rockies of Northern Colorado~ When our ESCAPESEEKER team thinks we can’t possibly have any more fun, Jessica Philip, Director of Nordic Activities at THREE FORKS RANCH proves us wrong! Here’s just a glimpse of our sunbursting Rocky Mountain High Snowmobiling Day! Priceless I tell you, Priceless! Stay tuned, there’s more to follow: Cross Country Skiing, Old Fashion Sleigh Ride, “Crew only, x-treme sledding” (this is definitely for the young and fearless only, and by special request…our camera team had an absolute blast!) Amongst my favorite moment, A special “Fireside Chat” with THREE FORKS RANCH resident, Cowboy Poet, Jay Linderman. By the way, Jay also happens to be the GM. We quickly discovered that the entire staff of THREE FORKS RANCH are multi-talented, and seasoned multi-taskers! For instance, there wasn’t much Jessica Philip couldn’t master. A Dartmouth grad, (BS in Psychology) they kid her about being an “outdoor therapist”–our team gave her the nickname of “Tiny but Mighty”! Well, at the end of every adventure, that’s exactly how our ESCAPESEEKER team felt– MIGHTY revived! Thank you THREE FORKS RANCH for the TREMENDOUS experience!
