Roving Pic: A Desert Winery in Winter

Desert Winery Workhorse
Verde Valley, Arizona
December 2011

The grapes had long been picked. The desert air had cooled. But, despite the change in season, the winery workhorse remained in its place, guarding the bare vines and the promise of harvests to come.

Roving I Recap: Sedona Rouge - Approachable Luxury in Red Rock Country

Sedona Rouge

Our second trip to Sedona in two years was a bit last minute - booked, bought and paid for after a discussion (with wine) on a Friday night last fall. Flights secured, my search shifted to finding suitable accommodations. After scouring my trusted sites for last minute deals, I found a bargain at the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa.

It's convenient location on Highway 79A had me a bit worried that the road noise would travel, but checking in, I knew I had booked the right place. Our room was located near the back of the property and it was spacious and tastefully decorated with Moroccan touches. The shower was positively enormous. And the view, as in most of Sedona, was jaw-droppingly spectacular. 

Sedona Rouge Spa Suite Room

Daily yoga classes (I almost made it to one!), full-service spa, heated pool and rooftop fire pit make a stay at any time of year even more comfortable. Reds, an upscale restaurant located on the property next to the main office serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (We very much enjoyed our meal there our last night in town.)

Sedona Rouge Courtyard

Returning to the Sedona Rouge each day with red rock dust covering our shoes after hiking, after winery visits with more wine in hand and after filling mid-winter dinners, we felt very much at home. And the knowledge that we would be waking up to a view of Thunder Mountain made falling asleep that much easier.

Sedona's Stunning Red Rock Views

Roving I Finds: Central America Getaways

Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Costa Rica

Central America is new to my "To Go" list. And as I began to explore possible locations, I found some deals that would be perfect for those of you planning a trip there this year. Enjoy!

• Costa Rica: If you've always wanted to stay in the rain forest, the luxury Gaia Hotel & Reserve sits on a private nature reserve. For $1220, you get a 4-night stay, a free upgrade to an ocean-view studio and $1000 in dining, spa and transportation credits with this special offer from Travelzoo.com. More info here.

Nicaraguan Beach

• Nicaragua: Jetsetter.com has savings on the unique tree house accommodations at eco-friendly Aqua Wellness Resort. Private plunge pools, a secluded horseshoe-shaped beach and open-air yoga classes make your stay even more enjoyable. Get more details and book here for as low as $132/night.

St. George's Caye Resort
Belize

• Belize: If Scuba is your thing, Luxurylink.com has a 5-night package for 2 at St. George's Caye Resort including ocean cabana accommodations, round trip airport transfers, all meals (and unlimited rum punch!) starting at $2059. Dates are available through October. Find more information here.