Escapeseeker

October 2, 2010

"Life is Color and Warmth and Light" ~ Julian Grenfell Our stills photographer, Lisa Hensley simply stated after taking this image, "What a beautiful way to end the perfect day!"

The Halekulani on the Beach at Waikiki – -Some photographs require no explanation!  If you wish to experience this magnificent sunset…which I like to refer to it as one of life’s “Thank You God Moment” aka TYGM, then all you have to do is book Suite 1007 at the legendary HALEKULANI!

www.halekulani.com

And, to think it is just day 2 of our “ART” assignment!

Thank you team.  Tomorrow a 4:30 am hike awaits…this time to capture a majestic sunrise!

I love the ESCAPESEEKER life…and I think my crew is loving every minute of it also.

Goodnight everyone…sweet dreams of never-ending ESCAPES.

With love,

Mel

103 years of legendary hospitality on the famous shores of Waikiki we found our own quiet oasis: THE HALEKULANI, "House Befitting Heaven"

Waikiki, Oahu — Our ESCAPESEEKER advance research team has arrived–literally and figuratively!  For the next 8 days, our team comprised of my talented photographer, Lisa Hensley, and our production assistant, Christina Noakes, whom many of you know is meticulous for details, will strive to capture the SPIRIT OF ALOHA for which these Hawaiian Islands are world renowned, for our upcoming episodes, “I am Hawaii, I am Forever”.

Waikiki, one of the best known beaches in the world has been a favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty.  From King Kamehameha to the “King of Rock n Roll” –Elvis also found his paradise on these famous shores.

These days, this 1.5 mile stretch of white sand beach is the nucleus of Hawaii’s tourist industry, packed full of high-rise hotels that promise to treat you like a king.   Although it may be criticized for its concrete-jungle appearance, large crowds, and touristy feel–for this ESCAPESEEKER team, we found our own quiet oasis at the luxurious  HALEKULANI which in Hawaiian means, “House Befitting Heaven”–and that’s exactly what we’ve set out to prove.  For the last 103 years the HALEKULANI has been synonymous with impeccable service…and even though we’ve barely arrived, we can vouch that the Spirit of Aloha thrives in the House Befitting Heaven!

At its core, the ancient Hawaiian culture embodies the concept of aloha, emphasizing giving without the expectation of return, and a spirit of loving, sharing and caring for all the “ohana” or extended family.

This Spirit of Aloha was an integral part of ancient Hawaiian life, and it continues to prevail in present day Hawaii.  A Hawaiian saying is:  Ua hilo  ia i ke aho a ke aloha, translated means “Braided with the cords of love.” or “Held in the bond of affection”.

Please stay tuned as we share our discoveries with you.  Lisa has already been snapping image after image.  The view from our 10th floor suite is breathtaking.  Who wouldn’t get the camera bug when you’re at the HALEKULANI?  The Spirit of Aloha is everywhere!

Here’s to BLISSFUL, never-ending ESCAPES…

With love,

Mel and the ESCAPESEEKER team

August 1, 2010

Présentant le nouveau visage de InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa...if this is what it means to get a "facelift" sign me up!

FRENCH POLYNESIA — After learning that the InterContinenal Moorea Resort and Spa had officially re-opened after an extensive “facelift” –I suggested to my friend Holly Rowe that she ought to check it out, since it had been 12 long years since her last visit to magical Moorea.  And, since Holly travels a great deal for her work as ESPN’s weekly NCAA sports reporter, she was looking for a retreat that would revive her mind, body and spirit!  After I told Holly–a true “sportsiren”–about all of the tremendous water-related leisure and competitive sports found in French Polynesia,  she agreed it was a destination worth pursuing.  And as an added bonus for this ESCAPESEEKER–she decided that with all of my in-depth knowledge and passion for French Polynesia, I would make a pretty good guide.  Not to mention, this would also make for a very nice birthday retreat for yours truly. Can you imagine?  A RETURN TO PARIDISE…OH HEAVEN’S HEAVEN for a birthday present?  Hallelujah!  Thank you Holly!

Take a peak at this unedited video (just click below) that Holly shot of the brand new stunning swimming pool that is part of the “nouveau visage” of the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa.

2010-07-30 10 20 46

So, now here we are in BORA BORA, on the 8th day of our 3-island (Papeete/Moorea/Bora Bora) adventure.  We depart for the U.S. tomorrow, and before I close my laptop, I just had to take a moment to share with all of you some of the highlights of our amazing retreat:

PAPEETE ~ The InterContinental Papeete Resort, is a superb place to begin your French Polynesia exploration.  For Holly and I, it was a wonderful place to immerse ourselves in French Polynesian music and entertainment:

What a fantastic way to begin your exploration of French Polynesia!

The Tiare restaurant offers an outstanding dinner show performed by Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti. Watching these very fit dancers immediately inspired us to try to get as healthy and  fit as possible during our time on the islands.

MOOREA ~  Upon our arrival at the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, we had three major objectives: Rest,Relax and Get Healthy!  Working in television production–whether it is sports or travel shows–they all place tremendous physical, intellectual, even emotional demands. Our goal was to return in better condition all around.  And, honestly, there’s nothing like an over-the-water bungalow with its expansive view of the turquoise clear waters of the South Pacific to lull you to sleep every night…especially if you’ve spent the entire day playing in the sun, and dining throughout the day on healthy cuisine prepared from the freshest local ingredients.  On our first two nights, we slept 10 hours!  That’s just unheard of for us.  I guess we were both even more fatiqued than we even imagined!  By the third night, we were so excited  because it was 8:00 pm and we were both still awake.  We were clearly acclimating and making progress!

If you love access to water and the playtime it affords, it doesn't get any better than from this over-the-water bungalow at the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa!

BORA BORA ~ You just simply cannot come this far and not visit the postcard-perfect island of Bora Bora!  I was so excited to bring Holly to the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa because she had never been.  I also wanted to show her the dramatic setting where the finish of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a Race takes place.  This annual Outrigger Canoe Race occurs every Fall, and is the #1 sport event in French Polynesia.  For three solid days, more than 100 traditional canoes compete between Huahine and Bora Bora.  It’s a spectacular show of strength, endurance and drama amidst the most beautiful cinematic backdrop that only Mother Nature can provide!

It's such a great feeling to stay at a luxury resort that you know plays a major role in contributing to the advancement of ECO-HOTEL ENGINEERING! Welcome to the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa.

There’s also another major reason why I felt the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa would be the perfect ending to our “get fit retreat” –and after yesterday’s incredible Deep Ocean Spa treatments, Holly is absolutely convinced we must make this an annual pilgrimage, but next time include our families as well.  After all, experiences this joy-filled  is even more meaningful when it is shared with all those you love.  Anyways, I have a strong feeling we would have a “Mutiny on the Bounty” back home if we ever attempt to return to French Polynesia on our own again!

My unforgettable birthday retreat accomplished everything we set out to do and more.  Holly and I are both returning rested, refreshed, and refueled, ready to tackle what  lies ahead–a full Fall season of our TV assignments.  Whether you’re seeking peace, relaxation, romance or even a sports adventure–French Polynesia is one destination I would not hesitate to retreat to time and time again.  Even though we must admit missing not being able to share this trip with our loved ones–there are times when it is ok to run off with your best friend…just like the old days of youth…when time is spent laughing, exploring, and making new-found friends from other corners of the world.  And, that’s the one thing guaranteed when you travel to one of the most dramatically beautiful places on earth–you’ll make new friends who are just as excited as you are about getting to be in this gorgeous part of the world…where time seems to stand still…and where your cares just seem to float away with the tide.

TAHITI SUNSET

As the sun sets each night on Tahiti and her magical islands, I am inspired to write these few words that truly expresses the gratitude that fills my heart each time I return to Heaven’s Heaven:

OH HEAVEN'S HEAVEN. Nature's beauty at its best...

Oh Heaven’s Heaven

How blessed am I

To return, not once

But multiple times

And, each time

I am reminded

How truly magnificent

And glorious our world is

And, I can’t help

But thank God above

For His creations…

For a life filled

With family and friendship,

Cherished experiences,

And, most of all,

Endless joy and everlasting love.

Here’s to Endless Summer’s Blissful Escapes.

With gratitude and love…

Yours truly,

ESCAPESEEKER

July 30, 2010

Bora Bora~Society Islands, French Polynesia —  Bora Bora, located about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, was discovered in 1722, and is indisputably one of  the most beautiful island on the planet.  Its ancient name of Vava’u suggests that the original inhabitants of this seven-million-year-old island arrived from Tonga. And interestingly, in the local Tahitian language there is no “B,” so its actual name is then Pora Pora, meaning “first born.”

One of the most dramatically beautiful place on earth!

We arrived on Bora Bora’s fabled blue lagoon this morning amidst a rain storm, and even then, it is just as famed novelist James A. Michener, expressed, “…so stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it.”

Volcanic in origin, Bora Bora’s rugged main island, and a few smaller islands, are completely surrounded by coral reefs. Of course, when you are as dramatically beautiful as Bora Bora is, you can expect to be  besieged daily by visitors from around the world, seeking to find their unforgettable place in the sun.   As I’ve discovered time and time again, once the tourist have all dispersed to their chosen resort, and I into my favorite over-the-water bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa with its unobstructed view of Otemanu Mountain, which stands regally above the lagoon like a majestic cathedral in the sky–it doesn’t feel at all crowded!  Everyone just seems to disappear.  Even, as I’m writing at this moment, all I can hear is the echo of the wind competing with the sounds of my keyboard.

I feel so perpetually lucky to have the opportunity to return to this glorious island again, and be greeted so warmly by the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort staff, whom by now are beginning to feel just like my family. Even the menu at today’s beach lunch felt so deliciously familiar.  I immediately knew exactly what to order.  Now, that’s when you know you’ve arrived when several waiters greet you with a “Welcome Back Mrs. Henderson!”

Tomorrow’s going to be equally rough–I think I’ll begin with a signature spa treatment at its famous Deep Ocean Thalasso Spa.  Yes, that’s definitely the best way for this ESCAPESEEKER to begin my Bora Bora day!  What would you do if you were in my shoes?  Actually, you do know that everything I can do, you too can duplicate don’t you?  Feel free to take a look and begin your journey to “Heaven’s Heaven”. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/borabora-thalasso

Here’s to Endless Summer’s Blissful ESCAPES…

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Juy 28, 2010

Moorea, French Polynesia —  Where do you take a best friend for her birthday who travels the world for a living?  Well, if you’re Holly Rowe, ESPN Sportscaster, and you spend most of your weekends traveling across the U.S. covering the hottest collegiate teams–you find a place where you both can enjoy peaceful solitude, and enough water sports at your disposal to get in shape to recharge both body and soul.  Simply stated, Holly Rowe gifted this lucky ESCAPESEEKER a return to what I consider “Heaven’s Heaven”~French Polynesia…Moorea and Bora Bora to be exact.  And, just I suspected, it didn’t take long before Holly, the “sportsiren” became convinced after seeing these incredible athletes wind surfing  passed our over-the-water bungalow, as well as stunning kite surfers flying in the distance as we rowed in our canoes that these athletes deserve air time…of the broadcast variety that is!  These Tahitian athletes are incredibly inspiring…they seem to be one with the elements…the sea, the wind, and their craft!

We arrived on Moorea on July 25th, and we have played so hard, frolicked, laughed until our tummies hurt, dined on healthy fare during the day,  that each evening, the sounds of the sea just lull us into a deep slumber.  For example, for the last two days, we have slept 10 ours!  Recognizing that normally, we both keep a pace that would make even the hardiest soul seek refuge, 10 hours is unheard of–especially for someone like me who has been averaging 3-4 hours per night max for the last few months!  Clearly, there is something magical about Moorea that allows even the most stressed individuals to let go of daily cares.  And, the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is a perfect place to do as much or as little as your heart desires.

As soon as I can access faster internet connection, I will be posting some of the images that speak volumes of why so many from around the world travel great distances to experience this tiny island paradise in the South Pacific.  In the meantime, feel free to click onto this link for a sneak peak.  http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/moorea

Even as I write these words while sitting on my beach lounger, I hear the melodic sounds of Italian, French, and Brazilian Portuguese being spoken.  Our 8-hour flight from LAX seems like a brief nap compared to their transcontinental journeys.  I highly recommend that if you’re thinking of giving the most unforgettable gift to your best friend, and other loved ones…why not give the Gift of Travel?  The memories are forever lasting.

Here’s to BLISSFUL ENDLESS SUMMER ESCAPES!

Love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

July 10, 2010

Hello ESCAPESEEKER Fans and Friends,

I know how hard it is to change from using something so familiar (blogspot) to something so new (wordpress). Like they often say, “Why fix it, if it ain’t broken?” Well,  just to ensure we cover all our ESCAPESEEKER bases, I’ve decided to continue writing for  both blog sites.

It has been a very exciting, sizzling last few weeks, as we continue to prepare for our program’s national feed at the end of the summer. We’re working very closely with the WQED team and NETA to ensure that all the Premiere Season episodes meet PBS’ strict guidelines. The good news–we haven’t had to change too much in the way of content. However, we have been asked to make a few adjustments on the format of our program credits–which we revised, and resubmitted, and we’re now waiting on the second approval. If you must know, great care is given to the review of every single episode. By the time it hits the airwaves, you will know that you’re watching the multi-tweaked version. It is no wonder PBS is the most trusted name in America huh? Even with all the intense guidelines we are called to follow, we feel extremely privileged to be included in the PBS/WQED superb program roster of longest running hits. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that ESCAPESEEKER will be around for a very long time too. We thank all of you for your continued and unwavering support!

More latest news items:

ESCAPESEEKER FEATURED in INFINITI global iPad Launch!!

If you are amongst the very lucky iPad owners, please download INFINITI’s global magazine “Adeyaka” application. It was launched across the globe on July 2nd and features a story about ESCAPESEEKER, as well as a clip of our French road adventure. To find out how you do it, please click below:

http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/infiniti-magazine-1/id379138346?mt=8

Honestly, watching our film trailer on the iPad is simply superb. The high def resolution is just that much more defined! Please check it out.

Our Globetrotting 2010 Fall schedule:

For those of you loyal followers, who maybe tempted to follow in our ESCAPESEEKER footsteps, here’s our latest Fall schedule:

September 1-19th — Our filming adventure in JAPAN: Land of the Rising Sun, which includes my premiere climb to Japan’s highest peak, Fuji-san, rising 12,390 feet, with its near-perfect cone “floating lilac-gray” or snow-capped above the hilltops and low cloud.

Fuji-san beckons our ESCAPESEEKER team...We cannot think of a better place to capture the RISING SUN than from the "Roof of Japan"!

Until 100 years ago, Fuji-san was considered so sacred that it was climbed only by priests and pilgrims; women were not allowed until 1872. Now 138 years later, I, ESCAPESEEKER, will get the tremendous privilege. I am so ready. My entire team is very excited!

October 1-9th — Aloha! The beautiful islands of Oahu and Lana’i beckons our “ART”–Advance Research Team–as we unveil the unique history and heritage of Hawaii.

Our Oahu story will be anchored around the “House Befitting Heaven”– the 100 year-old luxury hospitality tradition of the famous HALEKULANI. Our goal, is to prove, as my Hawaiian father used to say, “There’s more to Waikiki than meets the eye!” Yes, just another tough assignment for the ESCAPESEEKER Advance Research Team!

"House Befitting Heaven" --The Halekulani Celebrates 100 years of luxurious hospitality on Waikiki

http://www.halekulani.com/about_halekulani/

From Oahu, we will travel to Lana’i…to experience an island like no other…where sea and sand meet ancient, Pine tree-lined pathways. Our home bases while we explore this untouched tiny island playground, and experience our own private Hawaii are the two Four Seasons luxury resorts on Manele Bay (our Biologist/Film Director/underwater film aficionado, Jason Wise will love discovering that this exclusive resort borders a marine reserve teaming with with colorful reef fish and protected species such as green sea turtles and spinner dolphins). I think I’ll regain my crew’s nickname for me of “Fairy Godmother” once more with this one!

http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/

Lana'i...Our own "Private Hawaii"

And, as if this wasn’t enough, our ART will continue on to the Four Seasons, Lodge at Koele.

http://www.fourseasons.com/koele/

The resort, hidden within the central highlands of Lana’i, Four Seasons captures a unique perspective of Hawaii’s natural beauty, nestled in peaceful tranquillity, along with two world-ranked golf courses and more exciting adventures on land and at sea.

The towering Pines of the Four Seasons Koele Lodge

Ok, who wouldn’t want to be a member of our ESCAPESEEKER dream team? Well, as many of you filmmakers and TV producers know, there’s a lot of work that goes on between story inception and broadcast date. Nevertheless, these work assignments do not get any better! How about this for a working title: “I Am Hawaii, I am Forever”–and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to do–find the real Hawaii, the Hawaiians all work and pray will always endure!

October 25-31 — “Paris, Mon Amour” –yes, who isn’t in-love with the City of Lights–PARIS! This episode filming has been in the works for several seasons, and this Fall, we’re thrilled to finally capture this magnificent city cast in the golden hues of crisp Autumn. Our team will bask in the beauty of the 2nd arrondissement–as our home will be the exquisite 5-star luxury hotel, Park Hyatt Paris – Vendome! It is located in the heart of Paris, on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, and within walking distance of the Place Vendôme and the Place de la Concorde, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, as well as other major landmarks.

Paris, Mon Amour...for every season!

Can we please consider the most exclusive shops on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré landmarks? Yes, Paris, Mon Amour.

http://paris.vendome.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

If you think our schedule sounds exciting, wait until you see what’s in store for the rest of the year, as we span the California coastline featuring the creme de la creme of 5-star resorts under our banner of “No Passport? No Problem.”

The Ultimate Romantic Hideaway -- Post Ranch Inn, high above the ruggedly beautiful Big Sur coastline!

We understand that there are those moments when we just want to hop in our shiny cruiser with our significant other and drive that exciting, rugged California Big Sur coastline. Ok, here’s a sneak peak at one of our California destinations:

http://www.postranchinn.com/gallery_photos/index.shtml

VAROOM, VAROOM! Get those motors running ESCAPESEEKER fans!

Please stay tuned…here’s to never-ending BLISSFUL ESCAPES!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Dear ESCAPESEEKER fans and friends,

Welcome to our new home.  We’re thrilled that now everyone can go to a singular website to access the latest info pertaining to ESCAPESEEKER!

We want to express our sincere thank you to our web design team, comprised of Garrett Gee of  Capital G Design and Ryan Hightower of Tower Media Design for their tremendous efforts in redesigning our website.  We also want to thank Jason Wise and Jaimee Miller for standing by and providing film and content support as needed.

We hope you’ll enjoy this new improved version, and please visit us often for the latest updates on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.  You may just decide to come along.  We have an exciting list of unique destinations in store for you in the next few months.

By the way, just a little note of warning,  my “blog entries” may appear a little disheveled.  They suffered a little “deconstruction” during the move from blogspot to wordpress, so I am diligently taking each post and revising it so that it harmonizes with its new wordpress environment and format.

On behalf of our entire ESCAPESEEKER team, thanks again for your unwavering support.

Here’s to Blissful ESCAPES,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

USA — Yes, we putting the final touches on our “EEE”~EXCLUSIVE ESCAPESEEKER EXPERIENCE~ which begins on July 19th in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and ends in Rome, the Eternal City. How apropos that our EEE will also have its launch in Florence. We have no doubt that for many of our EEE participants, this will be a life-changing experience!

With the help of numerous Italian experts and Italian friends, we are taking the experiences captured on film in the ESCAPESEEKER “La Dolce Vita” episode and then taking it up a few more notches. We did not think that would be possible–but guess what? Leave it to our ESCAPESEEKER contacts to perform miracles!

Enough said–why don’t I just proceed to give you a small glimpse at our Florence itinerary. Click away, then e-mail me immediately. Your slot is waiting to be filled. escapeseeker@gmail.com

Until then, HERE’S TO BLISSFUL, MEANINGFUL, UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPES!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Dear Friends,

Working with the Italians these past few weeks has reminded me why their life is oh so sweet–Yes, La Dolce Vita–they definitely know how to do it…and it is even sweeter than ours because they don’t seem to stress about deadlines! But the great news, if your patient, as I have learned to be, together, we can create the most unforgettable Italian adventure ever!

The entire 14-day adventure begins in Florence, July 19-25; followed by Venice, July 25th-29th; ending in Rome, July 29-August 2nd. Here’s a sample of our FLORENCE itinerary. It is just sock full of one “bucket list” experience after another. Please take a look and feel free to click away:

July 19th – Monday, Pick up from Florence airport to 5-star, Hotel Relais Santa Croce
http://www.baglionihotels.com/en/destinations/florence-tuscany/florence/relais-santa-croce/hotel

First activity: Evening Welcome to Italy dinner at Frescobaldi Wine Bar and Restaurant, hosted by the gracious Frescobaldi family…even if you’re not a wine connoisseur–the cuisine is always guaranteed to be exquisite. You will really begin to feel what it’s like to live like a Florentine…Frescobaldi style that is!

http://www.deifrescobaldi.it/en/restaurant-wine-bar-florence/home.html

July 20th – Breakfast @ Hotel Santa Croce
First activity: 11:00 am Travel to Castello di Nipozzano in Tuscany for private lunch with Tiziana Frescobaldi. The Frescobaldi estate in the Chianti Ruffano region of Tuscany is simply breathtaking! A movie set in every regard…but for our EEE participants, it is all very real!
http://www.frescobaldi.it/en/home.html

Evening, Free
July 21st – Open, Free morning, optional tour to see Michelangelo’s David
Evening: A gourmet dinner at 3 Michelin-star, Enoteca Pinchiorri, rated one of the best in the world! (This just happens to fall on my birthday–Yeah!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enoteca_Pinchiorri

July 22nd – In our fleet of red Ferraris, we are guided by Guido and Lorenzo from Red Travel as we breeze through the most beautiful Tuscan landscapes. Honestly, it’s one movie scene after another, and you’re in the starring role!
http://www.red-travel.com/uk/italia-in-ferrari.htm

July 23rd – The art of Gold making –a private demonstration by a seasoned Florentine craftsman.

July 24th – morning/early afternoon free to explore Florence or just savor your 5-star accommodations…do as you wish.

Late afternoon, we depart for Andrea Bocelli’s open-air concert at his beautiful hometown of Lajatico in Tuscany. This will be my second time, and I cannot wait for everyone to have this unforgettable experience!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN_3oXi6Wgs (I actually witnessed this exact performance in 2008)

July 25th – Travel via train to Venice to experience the “Magic of Serenissima”

I think the Andrea Bocelli concert is a definite must do! Click away at all the links above and I hope you can come join me for the best 5-star vacation ever!

Thank you everyone.

U.S.A. — Summer is almost upon us and you’re still not sure where to invest your hard-earned vacation dollars? Well, think no more. Thanks to our serious ESCAPESEEKER fans who have been following all of our filming adventures, who have asked, “Is there any way you can duplicate those same incredible experiences for us?” Of course! Not only can we duplicate them, with some very special Italian connections, we’re taking them up several notches! And, to make it super simple for you, ESCAPESEEKER (that would be me) is personally guiding you to all of these fabulous destinations that are so dear to my heart!

I know what you’re thinking–“Oh my gosh, summer is such a crowded time in Italy.” You’re quite right. That’s why you will want to do it my ESCAPESEEKER way. I will take you away from the maddening crowds…you’ll experience LA DOLCE VITA, Italian hospitality at its finest, the way it is supposed to be experienced, like the true V.I.P. that you are!

So don’t miss out on our ESCAPESEEKER, LA DOLCE VITA endless summer adventure. We depart the U.S. on July 18th and return on July 31st. We’ll be taking in Andrea Bocelli’s Tuscan concert, wine and dine at the Marquesi di Frescobaldi estate, Castello di Nipozzano with the gracious Tiziana Frescobaldi, and explore the hillsides in our bright red Ferraris. Ciao Bella!

That’s just the beginning. To give you an even better idea of all that is in store for you, watch the following 3-minute film trailer below, of our ESCAPESEEKER feature episode on Italy. As you will quickly discover, we are absolutely passionate about all things Italian! And, thanks to the BAGLIONI HOTELS COLLECTION (www.baglionihotels.com) you can count on tastefully decorated, 5-star accommodations with impeccable service at every stop. It is truly unforgettable, “Luxury with an Italian touch”…Perfecto. Only the best for our ESCAPESEEKER VIP’s!

By the way, we are keeping our ESCAPESEEKER group very small, ensuring that this “EEE”–Exclusive Escapeseeker Experience is exactly that–EXCLUSIVE!

Come along, we’d love to have you. E-mail us at: escapeseeker@gmail.com for exact details.

Here’s to non-stop BLISSFUL ESCAPES!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE MUSIC PLAYLIST ON THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN OF THIS BLOGPAGE BEFORE CLICKING ON THE FILM BELOW:

U.S.A. — To our loyal readers, as you may recall, this past April, upon my return from our ESCAPESEEKER French Polynesia filming assignment, I introduced you to the André Motte family from Brittany, France. They are currently on their 10th month of a year-long sabbatical from their former “regular lives”, and sailing the majestic blue waters, exploring the dramatically beautiful archipelagos of French Polynesia–and it was there, during our shoot on the Rangiroa atoll that I luckily encountered this remarkable family!

Since meeting them, not a day goes by that I do not think and wonder about the Motte family, as to their whereabouts, how they’re doing, and even today, I can still hear the joyful, contagious laughter of their three children, Manon, André-Marie, Corentin, the eldest, and chief fisherman.

As you can see from these traditional black and white images of Corentin captured by our Director, Jason Wise (who by the way reveres the Ansel Adams style of picture taking), Corentin is quite the spear fisherman! On that particular afternoon, he not only assisted his father in making sure their catch made it safely back onto the boat–but we also witnessed him meticulously clean and fillet the fish.

To truly comprehend how unique and amazing the Motte children are, you need to meet their parents, André and Marianne.

You know the famous saying, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” Well, this old adage definitely applies to the Motte family. From remarkable, joyfully courageous, independent, self-reliant parents, come children of the same mold.

Don’t take my word for it. I was not the only filmmaker who found the Mottes fascinating. Here you go, witness it for yourself, via youtube, below. No worries–this mini-docu will not steal our thunder. Our ESCAPESEEKER story angle will be bigger than this one. Oh my gosh, I sound just like another fisherman! 🙂 I do hope you will stay tuned when TAHITI: OH HEAVEN’S HEAVEN special hits the airwaves this Fall!

Enjoy, and may you too be inspired, to never, ever lose your child-like wonder…

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PS: PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE PLAYLIST AT THE RIGHT COLUMN OF THIS BLOG PAGE BEFORE YOU PLAY THIS VIDEO: