Escapeseeker

Dear ESCAPESEEKER friends,

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 culture at 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…

Here’s to BLISSFUL ESCAPES!

ESCAPESEEKER aka Mel

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!

BREAKING NEWS – -Savery, Wyoming It is DAY THREE of our ESCAPESEEKER filming assignment at THREE FORKS RANCH LODGE AND SPA, capturing the numerous winter activities offered at this one and only “Five Billion Star Resort” adventure destination. Our entire team came prepared to have a special experience, but what we quickly discovered far exceeded our expectations.

THREE FORKS RANCH is undeniably in a league all its own…the crown jewel for those seeking to find the ultimate outdoor adventure, amidst breathtaking vistas so stunning you might even feel as though you’ve stepped into a vivid western painting. And, as you already know, ESCAPESEEKER thrives in lavish, luxurious comfort–and that is exactly what you’ll find after each day’s exciting adventure at THREE FORKS RANCH.

We look forward to sharing our ESCAPESEEKER “Rocky Mountain High” adventure with you on PBS/KOCE-TV slated to air in October. Meanwhile, we offer this sneak peak of what we have embraced in just three short days. I know what you’re thinking–“It’s a tough life being an ESCAPESEEKER.” And, you are absolutely right! But remember, everything ESCAPESEEKER does, YOU CAN DO ALSO!!!

Tune in, and we will show you exactly how to do it. If you can’t wait until October, please feel free to go to www.threeforksranch.com and give Kim at THREE FORKS RANCH a call. She would be happy to create an “escape” adventure tailored just for you.

Until then, From the entire ESCAPESEEKER TEAM… Here’s to a life well lived…at THREE FORKS RANCH!

Orange County, California — We’ve just received the exciting news from PBS station, KOCE-TV! ESCAPESEEKER will begin airing on Monday, October 5th! The Premiere Episode is entitled, “La Dolce Vita.” It will be broadcast in two segments, Part 1 and Part 2, back to back, one entire hour of pure Italian ESCAPESEEKER adventure! To say we’re thrilled is an understatement! Thank you loyal friends and supporters of ESCAPESEEKER! We couldn’t have gotten off the ground without your unwavering love and support!

Please mark October 5, 12, and 19th on your TV calendar… when we will bring six entire consecutive episodes into your living rooms.

Meanwhile, here are just a few glimpses of La Dolce Vita!

Ciao,
Mel aka Escapeseeker

THE LODGE AND SPA, THREE FORKS RANCH
“The World’s Only Five Billion Star Resort”

Savery, Wyoming–If I seem a little too excited, you should hear the reaction of my film crew when I announced that we had booked the flights to Denver, where the THREE FORKS RANCH team will be waiting for us. From there we will travel by 4-wheel drive Yukons SUV into the high mountain aspens where a 200,000 acre working cattle ranch, known as THREE FORKS RANCH straddles the Wyoming/Colorado border. It is where we will begin the ultimate winter wonderland odyssey on February 27th!

This Indian Sculpture is just one of the many western
works of art that can be admired at Three Forks Ranch

Because of the high elevation–Three Forks Ranch is at 7,200 feet, our entire crew has seriously begun working out to get in tip top shape…now that’s serious enthusiasm! It’s not that we’re in bad shape, but then again, how tough do you think it will be for my cinematographers who have to ski and shoot at the same time? Needless to say, this is going to be one very cool adventure!

Have you ever heard of “Concierge Down-Hill Skiing”? This is something only made available to Three Forks Ranch guests: No ticket lines, no lift lines! Just a guide and/or instructor plus a catered lunch are all included in this one-of-a-kind ski experience. Three Forks Ranch guests are taken to a private condo at the base of the mountain at Steamboat Springs where they are outfitted with just the right equipment, handed lift tickets, and its off to the mountain, where the guides can show you the very best runs based on your ability!

And after a day of invigorating “champagne powder” skiing, guess what awaits you upon your return to the Three Forks Lodge? SPA TREATMENTS of our choice at its own ROARING FORK SPA! Oh, I must stop writing. This is just the beginning…there’s also the Snowmobiling with quiet, environmentally sensitive, 4-cycle Ski-Doo’s, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, dog sledding and sleigh rides too.

And to top it off–the ESCAPESEEKER team will also get to capture Three Forks Ranch in the Fall when its golden colors are in full bloom and the activity turns to what else? FLY FISHING!! And according to fly-fishing enthusiasts, Fly Fishing at the headwaters at Three Forks Ranch where the Middle Fork, North Fork, and South Fork of the LITTLE SNAKE RIVER all flow together is absolute “Fishing Nirvana”!

Here’s a story told from an “Angler’s Perspective”:

While standing on the banks of the Little Snake River, a noted fly fisherman was asked why he had chosen this endeavor as his life’s pursuit. His simple answer was, “In search of River Astraeus.” He was then asked, “Have you ever found it?” The fisherman answered, “Today, my son, today I have found my River Astraeus.”

It turns out that the River Astraeus, in ancient Macedonia was the birthplace of fly fishing as early as 170 A.D. This seasoned angler, while casting his dry fly during one of the epic hatches at Three Forks Ranch, had found his Nirvana. He had found his River Astraeus.

You, too, can absorb yourself into this meditative and even spiritual passion that most non-anglers have a hard time comprehending. Three Forks Ranch and The Little Snake River offer you an opportunity to immerse yourself into a lifestyle that challenges your spirit and cleanses your soul. Sixteen miles of private trout stream, 30 oxbow ponds and two alpine lakes offer water that challenges the novice angler and purist alike.

Summer/Fall activities at the Ranch also include hiking, ATV tours, horseback riding, sporting clays, and wildlife viewing.

There’s an old adage you’ll often hear in this part of the world–“The outside of a horse is great for the inside of a man.” Horseback riding is a favorite activity at Three Forks Ranch. It is an awesome way to discover the less traveled areas of the ranch. Whether you are on a trail ride or helping the Ranch’s cowboys move cattle, you will experience firsthand the magnitude and spectacular beauty of this slice of the American West.

The Little Snake River Valley was borne of hope and despair, triumph and tragedy. The fortitude of the early settlers shaped the land–bought and paid for in blood, sweat, and tears. It is through their invincible efforts that enable us now to get even a small glimpse of what it is like to live and work and play, to truly thrive in what many proudly call, “God’s Country!”

The entire ESCAPESEEKER team feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to capture it all on film so others may share in its beauty, its unique and colorful history (this valley is the former hide out of Butch Cassidy and his “Hole in the Wall Gang”) and perhaps even be inspired to seek out this Rocky Mountain escape destination for themselves.

To learn more about Three Forks Ranch, go to: www.threeforksranch.com

I have a better idea–honestly, why not book your own Rocky Mountain High experience? As many of you know, unless I’m summiting Kilimanjaro, I’m not really into roughing it. 🙂 As you will note from their website–there’s nothing rough about Three Forks Ranch! Everything from the exquisite dining experience to the impeccable service and attention afforded each and every guest–it is VIP treatment all the way. We can’t wait to share our experiences with our viewing audience.

Please stay tuned ESCAPESEEKER fans…you’ll get to view all of our adventures in stunning high-def, absolute living color, on KOCE-TV this Fall when ESCAPESEEKER joins its brand new Fall-line up. Oh, Yeah!!! ESCAPESEEKER continues to be one glorious adventure for me, and my talented, dedicated team, as we continue our quest to find the greatest escape destinations in the world!

Gotta go, I’ve got another plane to catch.

Here’s to blissful escapes…

As always,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

BOLOGNA, Italy – Saying that Italians have a PASSION for food is an understatement. But particularly for the inhabitants of Bologna, where a stroll through its city square beneath its block upon block of centuries old porticos (there are 39 kilometers of these arched porticos) there’s a Trattoria to suit even the most discerning palate…or should I say sense of smell? It is not easy to resist the fragrant mortadella, a plate of small tortellini or tagliatelle Bolognese, all “made from scratch”.

Besides having the oldest university in Europe, and the most towers of any city (I highly recommend climbing one of these towers to get the best perspective of this bustling university town), Bologna is renowned for its culinary legacy, even earning the nickname “The Food Capital of Italy.” So, when the ESCAPESEEKER film team arrived in Bologna last summer to begin filming our “La Dolce Vita” episode, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for me to learn the art of making truly authentic Bolognese delicacies from PASQUALE FALANGA, the renowned Executive Chef of the Carracci restaurant, located at the 5-star Grand Hotel Baglioni, which is not only worth a visit for its exquisite cuisine–but you’ll also get the chance to admire the magnificent frescoes by Bologna’s painters (one of whom the restaurant is named).

Take a look at the photo montage below, created by our famed ESCAPESEEKER still photographer, Chad Buchanan. I never knew learning to make pasta could be this much fun. I must warn you–you’ll suddenly feel your hunger pangs setting in…no worries, if you want to taste our Chef’s excellent Bolognese style dishes, just book a table at the Carracci. Better yet, book a stay at the Grand Hotel Bologna, and I’m sure the Resident Manager, Tiberio Biondi, would gladly arrange a private cooking lesson for you too! Just go to: http://www.baglionihotels.com/pages/eng_hp_bologna.jsp

Please Note: Be sure you turn off the “Music Playlist” located on the right column before you begin to view the photo montage.

By the way, don’t tell anyone, but BOLOGNA is Italy’s best kept secret! Our entire ESCAPESEEKER team agreed that it was the most “authentic” Italian city–totally unspoiled by the usual bus-loads of tourist you normally encounter in other widely visited destinations. By ‘authentic’ we mean most of the extremely welcoming people we met in Bologna where actually from Bolgona! At first glance and you’re likely to think, “Wow, this is one old city!” But do not let its facade fool you. Did you know that Bologna is the first city in Europe (maybe the world) to be totally wi-fi capable? Yes, you can set up your lap top in the middle of the city square and get cyber connected instantly. You can surf the net all you want! How absolutely cool and thoroughly modern is that?

But never mind that lap top–I recommend you take a nice stroll under Bologna’s famous porticos and discover one of these traditional trattorias, where you’ll find a welcoming and country-style atmosphere. You’ll likely appreciate the local restaurant manager’s affable manners: Belle Arti, not far from the Municipal Theatre, the memorable Boni and the famous Meloncello, next to the Arch going towards the Sanctuary of Saint Lucas; these are just a few trattorias definitely worth experiencing.

There’s also Al Caminetto d’Oro, only a few steps away from Piazza XVIII Agosto, where you can savour sausages and Bermuda grass, the famous handmade tortellinis and boiled homemade meatballs.

Being Italy’s ‘Food Capital’, of course, Bologna’s not only about trattorias–there are excellent restaurants too. In addition to the elegant Carracci I metioned earlier, there are others, well-known for their menus that are said to be linked to crucial historical events in town. For instance, along Via Indipendenza you can’t miss the massive window displays of the DianaBolognese, boiled and roast meat, fried mixed meat and the traditional rice cake and ice cream, which makes for a sweet ending to an excellent Bolognese dinner.

Bologna’s huge university student population makes it a lively place, especially in the weekends. We captured this lively ambiance on film as we dined beneath the stars, listening to up-and-coming musical artist from the University of Bologna perform. Clearly, Bologna is steep in history as well as talents! (Stay tuned to KOCE-TV where ESCAPESEEKER joins its Fall line-up of new programs. You’ll get an opportunity to view ESCAPESEEKER’s La Dolce Vita, Italian episode, in its entirety.)

As much as we want to keep Bologna a secret so it can retain its Italian ‘authenticity’–it is definitely worthy of being put on your list of places to visit the next time you are in Italy! Bologna’s food and wine legacy comes from the past and is tightly linked to its history. People say, for instance, that a piece of tortellini was made by a cook who had seen Venus’ navel–he was so fascinated and mesmerized by the sight of it that he decided to recreate what he saw using his art of making food!

PS: If you suddenly find yourself over-eating, don’t worry. You can always burn those calories by jogging up to the Basilica overlooking the city…and with the 39 miles of porticos, you’ll be protected the entire time! 🙂

Scottsdale, Arizona – – Have you ever returned from a holiday so unforgettable that you wish you could close your eyes, say a few magic words, and find yourself there again? Well, that’s exactly what I’m thinking just about now as I pen these sentiments. Our 3-night stay at the world-class AAA Five Diamond luxury resort known as THE PHOENICIAN was 3 nights too short! How does one cover a 250–acre visual masterpiece rising majestically from the sun kissed Sonoran Desert in 3 short days? It is impossible! What we experienced was merely a ‘promo-tease’ of the countless activities offered at The Phoenician.

For my brother-in-law, James Henderson, a member of the PGA, who kindly obliged and accepted my request to test out The Phoenician’s impeccably manicured golf courses–The Phoenician’s 150 acres of lush and verdant fairways with varying elevations and natural desert obstacles is a SLICE of heaven–especially for a former golf pro like James!
For the frequent flier/bi-coastal banker, and my favorite occasional ‘assistant travel editor’, Roy Henderson, who willingly succumbed to the array of pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments offered by The Centre for Well-Being–The Phoenician’s 22,000 square-foot spa facility–he offered these words: “I’ve had all kinds of SPA treatments from every major city and even in distant corners of the world–but this particular therapist at The Centre was in a league of her own.” Wow, we better get her name, don’t you think?
I’m excited to provide more details about our weekend retreat experience at The Phoenician–but you will just have to stay tuned–my ‘desert escape’ feature on The Phoenician will appear in the March issue of ESCAPE MAGAZINE.

Meanwhile, take a peak at these amazing images–The warm hospitality and impeccable service you get at this desert retreat definitely defies its size. The Hendersons are true fans and would return in a heart beat…especially Shelby Noakes who fractured his thumb and had to pass up his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing golf with James–Shelby was so ready for the challenge!
Have a beautiful day Escapeseeker fans!

Wishing you blissful escapes, as always…

Love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER