Get away like you’ve never gone before – a short Escapade to a top destination. If we fly there more than once a week, you can find hotels and flights bundled together for getaways of two nights or more. All you have to think about is what to do when you get there.
1. Egg cream in New York
I had good reasons to go to New York: the Bodies exhibit, that bizarre combination of the art and science of the human body; and my friend was premiering off-Broadway. But my secret reason for the long weekend in New York was the egg cream. Ray’s Candy Store in the East Village is my favourite spot and I watched with anticipation as old-man Ray, the owner, whipped whole milk and seltzer straight from the fountain into a heady foam, then ran chocolate syrup down the inside of the glass and stirred some more. The chocolate has to be last or the foam won’t stay white, but they only seem to know this on the East Side. “Oh yeah,” I said as he slid it across the counter and I gulped it down.
2. The Las Vegas surprise
My girlfriend was in Vegas for a conference and I flew down to surprise her. Friday night after a juicy steak dinner, we hit Tao, this really cool lounge full of Buddha statues and chandeliers. Saturday while she was working, I found Peter Lik’s gallery. He was actually there and showed me some prints he was working on. Saturday night was the Ghost Bar. Normally, I don’t like heights but the view of Vegas from 55 floors up was incredible. Neither of us had ever been to a desert before so on Sunday we rented a car and drove out. Enormous cacti and crazy red rock formations. All we could do was agree: Only in Vegas.
3. Margaritas on the Mayan Riviera
We worked ourselves to the bone for that contract, and by the time we nailed it, I swear I couldn’t see straight. In desperate need of a quick weekend away to unwind and recharge, a friend suggested I fly out to the Mayan Riviera for a few days. It’s something I’ll definitely do again. Margaritas on the beach; surf and seabirds the only sounds; eyes closed against the warmth of the sun. The rising and falling of palms in the trade winds like fans for the pharaohs. You’d be amazed at what just a few days in the sand can mend.
4. Jamaica and the books Ive never read
For 10 years now my husband and I have gone to Jamaica for our anniversary. Three nights of no alarm clocks, no emails and no kids. Every year with the best of intentions, I run into the magazine store at the airport and buy two books, one for me and one for him. Literally 30 minutes after we land in Montego Bay, we’re at the resort’s pool or beach with a drink in hand. And that pretty much sets the tone for the next few days. Wake up late, brunch, hang out by the pool, back to the room for a nap and shower before a late dinner and then either a show or the piano bar. So good to just let it all go for a few days. I always get home feeling great. And I always laugh when I unpack my bag and discover in the bottom of my suitcase two brand new books utterly unread.
5. Punta Cana road trip
My friend and I were just itching for an adventure. Something a little bit nuts. Something worthy of a story. A road trip in Punta Cana just seemed to find us when we went on line. A long weekend at a resort in the Dominican Republic and a car rental to go explore the country sounded perfect. We arrived, picked up the car and a map, and took off. The landscape between El Seibo and Miches was amazing. We stopped for a bite at Mirador Vista del Valle in Pedro Sanchez. Then we found a river and went for a swim before heading back to the resort for dinner and a good nights sleep. DR really is a beautiful, beautiful country. One word of warning though: drive carefully. Roads in the Dominican are public places and people will often stop right in the middle for a quick chat.
