As much as we don’t want to physically resemble that stuffed turkey that we’ve just consumed at many of our holiday meals, nor do we prefer to opt for the shimmery yet concealing sweater and dark pant combo, come New Years Eve, over the fabulous cocktail dress, we all know it’s a very delicate balancing act.

Luckily, we can still enjoy those festive foods and drinks that we all love  and look forward to, and balance it out with the strategies of these fitness pros.

3.  Johnny Rhodes, Founder & President – Next Level Living – Miami, FL

http://www.nextlevelliving.com/

Johnny was born in the City of Brotherly Love, known as Philadelphia. Combining his 17 years of experience in the health and fitness industry along with his stellar reputation as a top indoor cycling instructor in South Florida, Johnny founded Next Level Living LLC, his four stage program that focuses on empowering the mind while strengthening the body. John began his indoor cycling career with the certification of Johnny G, creator of Spinning, in 1998 and later became a personal trainer by completing the American Council on Exercise in 1999.

John has a unique method of inspiring and motivating his clients for maximum results, via his Above & Beyond Cycling, “The conditioning starts when your body wants to stop” and his Body Demolition full body workout with light weights, consisting of 30% upper body, 30% lower body and 40% core based training which is designed to remodel different body parts and focus on the core muscles.

He’s the first trainer to ever get me absolutely hooked on spinning, with his intense approach that makes the class almost feel like you’re one on one, but better, holding you accountable to your peers, yet, always focusing on great playlists to get you through the torture, after all, it is South Beach!  Having tried other personal training methods with Johnny as well, from boxing styles to different resistance training, we’ve always wrapped things up with the feeling that my limbs were nearly about to fall off…which means success.

My mission statement is “Wake Up, Workout, No Excuses!!!

Johnny’s Holiday Fitness Tips are equally as No Nonsense:

1. Exercise in the morning because it leaves you with a great sense of accomplishment for your day, an open evening calendar for Holiday parties and helps encourage you to be well rested at night, aka, early departure from those parties.

2. Stick to the browns…Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, grain cereals and whole wheat breads so you’re feeling more satiated after meals and less likely to snack at events.

3. Holidays are about fun so do your favorite activities, like riding a bike, swimming, jogging or tennis. It does not have to be the gym.

Adjust your mindset to “No Mercy Mondays” and follow Johnny on Twitter at @IamJohnnyRhodes for more fitness motivation.

Haydee Maa Durga and Anne Bauche DeLong – Yoga Therapists – Spirituality Riviera Maya – Riviera Maya, Mexico

http://www.spiritualityrm.com/

Fantasies of practicing yoga on a white sandy beach in front of a clear blue ocean and the sound of waves in the background are now a reality with Spirituality Riviera Maya’s retreats!

Providing you with a fantastic environment where you will be able to relax, open your heart and your soul and enjoy yoga classes just in front of the sea, while they take care of the organizational details, is the absolute definition of Holiday Wellness or Wellness Holiday, whichever way you look at it.

With multiple location options throughout Riviera Maya, you can choose which beach is perfect for your Wellness Retreat and work with amazingly talented and English speaking therapist and instructors at any level, that will allow you to feel reborn when your journey is complete.

Two of the top yoga instructors working with Spirituality Riviera Maya, Haydee Maa Durga and Anne Bauche DeLong have put together their thoughts on maintaining your wellness from the inside out, during the holidays.

Haydee began practicing yoga when a doctor recommended it after experiencing back and neck pain from a car accident. Years later, she traveled to India to receive her Yoga Therapist Certification from Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences & Research, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Through Therapeutic Yoga, Haydee creates a practice according to her practitioner’s condition or need, including Pranamaya, breathing exercises, Asanas (postures), meditation, mudras and mantras. For groups, she gives Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga classes.

Desire to convey this ancient knowledge of yoga to all people and sharing her experience and benefits of the practice have been Haydee’s goals, recognizing that through the practice of Yoga, you have a better knowledge of your body, balance of your mind, improved relationships and greater success of achieving your dreams.

Teaching Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga Yoga from experience and understanding that comes with travel and training around the world and, Anne takes the steps to get a practice that promotes health, balance and peace of mind and spirit. Taking into account the different expectations of each student.

Anne creates a healthy and clear relationship with the students where words and actions build a safe, adequate and reliable space for everyone.

Maintain Your Inner Balance During the Holidays with These Tips From Haydee and Anne:

1. To maintain body, mind and spirit during your holiday travel you need to eat healthy (plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber), exercise (yoga of course!), breathe consciously, practice brief meditation during sunset or sunrise, which has a special energy that will fill you with the most positive vibe.

2. Do something risky that you haven’t done before, we don’t remember the days we remember the moments, so do something memorable, like practice head stand on the beach, maintaining the posture for longer than ever, or any posture that demands more effort. This will make you reach a new limit and motivate you to go further in the future, plus you will feel very vigorous activating your nervous system.

3. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juices from local fruits, most of the fruits and plants have tremendous detox power. If you happen to travel to Riviera Maya, detox your body with a Mayan fruit and plant smoothie, using local plants like Chaya, Jaimaica (Hibiscus), Horchata, Rambutan, Pitaya and Tamarind.

4. Have plenty of rest. Enjoy a good book. Try something new. Release your expectations so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

5. When traveling, have an open heart and calm mind as you often encounter circumstances beyond your control. Maintain a positive mind, as anger and anxiety only block your energy, and the key to maintaining wellness in your body is maintaining wellness in your mind.

Namaste. Hari Om!…

To have the ultimate Holiday detox, book a New Years Yoga Retreat with Spirituality Riviera Maya and request Haydee and Anne. For your daily dose of Zen direct from paradise, follow @SpiritualityRM on Twitter! Haydee (info@shaktiyogaplaya.com) and Anne (baucheanne@hotmail.com) are also available for private yoga therapy the next time you’re in town.

Javier Lerma – Spinning Instructor and Personal Trainer – Barcelona, Spain

http://holmesplace.es/urquinaona.c/en/

From an early age, in Palma de Mallorca, Javi was always partaking in swimming and soccer competitions, but once reaching adulthood, his interests changed to the love of Iron Man and Ultra Trail competitions. He also knew that physical fitness was the only career path for him, studying human health and completing a Masters in nutritional science.

This obvious love of cycling and his work translates directly into Javi’s spinning classes, which are some of the best spinning and overall workout experiences I’ve had the world over. From pushing his students to go beyond their limits and sharing the pain with them, cycling harder and faster as any good leader would do, yelling and cheering you on to keep up as you’re climbing the highest peak, almost makes it impossible to slack off. Even during those moments when you think your legs may fall off, Javi’s perfectly coordinated playlist of hip hop, pop hits and dance music gives you that last ounce of motivation that you’re searching for deep inside, as your pedals match the beat of the song and allow you to complete the class.

It also is a huge help that Javi’s spinning classes at Holmes Place Urquinaona are always packed, so you can find cyclists of all levels participating and easily pace yourself off of your neighbor, when searching for the last bit of motivation.  Javi’s devout followers are there at least 2-3 times per week, which is extremely rare in a non-gym culture and considering he often has a line for his classes with more people than in the entire rest of the gym, that’s a good sign!

Here’s How Javi Fit’s Exercise and Activity to His Holiday Travel Schedule:

1. If you’re traveling for the holidays take this opportunity to try a different sport or even a physical activity that you know well, like running or walking, but in a new place. This is a great way to discover a new city or discover new places in a hometown that you return to once a year.

2. I recommend low intensity / endurance activities during the holiday time if you’re exercising alone, as this is a great way to take a little time for yourself often when surrounded by so many others and a good opportunity to think, talk to yourself and reflect on the year that you’ve had.

3. The holidays are all about family and loved ones, so what better way to spend time with them than an activity together, whether it’s a sport outing like skiing, cycling or a football game, or even a simple walk together in the afternoon, exercise can also be great quality time.

If you’re looking to burn off all of those extra calories consumed over the holidays in the shortest amount of time, my suggestion, if you’re in the vicinity of Barcelona, would be to attend Javi’s spinning class, daily at Holmes Place Urquinaona, who knows, you may just bump into me there as well…or if you’re just wanting to pick his brain on the latest spinning music, he can be reached at javier.lerma.bauza@gmail.com

For many, the Holiday Season can be viewed as a stressful but delicate balancing act. Measuring the right combination of family reunions and friends festive outings as to not leave any feelings hurt…finding an equilibrium between attending just enough work related cocktails and lunches to share the holiday joy with your colleagues while not abandoning your office responsibilities, then stretching your budget to its max, to pay for gifts and peak season travel arrangements, waiting in long lines at stores and airports, testing your patience, but resulting in the most amazingly gratifying response one can receive, the huge smiling faces on the receiving end.

It all adds up, and I haven’t even mentioned that balancing act that resides in the back of our minds from Thanksgiving Day through New Years Day. Which one is this, you may wonder? The ever stressful balancing act to indulge in the holiday goodies without literally tipping the scale.

This physical balancing act has always been a huge challenge for me, being of the “social butterfly” mentality, I’ve found it hard to turn down a party, resulting in a holiday season with a packed calendar and weighing my options between squeezing in the workout or adjusting my belt out another notch.

In favor of the former, I’m motivating myself to not loose sight on my fitness and wellness over the holiday season by vowing to do these 5 things:

1.  Tattoo in a morning or lunchtime workout to my schedule at least 4 days a week. Yes, I said tattoo, as penciling in makes it too easy to erase. Being the night owl of all night owls, this will be challenging, but I know myself and even more challenging will be saying no to a last minute invite for cocktails that evening.

2.  Take an evening stroll every night. What other season do we have the chance revel in the beautiful lights and outdoor décor adorning the our towns, not to mention the amazing smell of wood burning fireplaces? Whether it’s walking home from a party (Ok, that means I must bring a change of flats in my handbag) or going out for a post dinner stroll once home, it’s a lovely way to be festive for 20 minutes every night.

3.  One Water / One Wine (or your beverage of choice). This simple equation keeps you hydrated and prevents extreme tipsiness.

4.  Eliminate solo snacking. Knowing that I’m bound to run into some amazing wine / cheese / chocolate combos (yes, that’s my trifecta of kryptonite) in the evening time, I can not allow myself to stray in between my routine daily meals. *Note to self, Solo Snacking encompasses tiny bites of chocolate here and there, picking at any holiday baked goods prior to arrival at the party destination and the forever dooming late night eats.

5.  Limit the sugary beverages. I’ll never place a limit on how many beverages you should consume, but if you choose to consume alcoholic beverages or a festive punch, cider or flavored coffee drink, proceed with caution. Dry wine and vodka sodas are the best choices if you’re planning to fit into that leather mini dress for New Years…or at least let’s just say that’s my plan.

Ok, ok…Reality check…I’ll allow myself 1 late night pizza order just in case a holiday work party turns into an after hours karaoke session in the Lower East Side and my only savior for waking up the next morning for work is something to soak up all the liquid damage that I’ve been consuming for hours. Oh, right, and then again for New Years, because that night is just one big free pass as far as I’m concerned, did we really kiss at midnight? Who can remember anyways?

In all do respect to those wanting serious motivation apart from my silly antidotes (yes, maybe you’re better off coming to me for gift shopping advice), I’ve compiled 5 top fitness professionals from around the world to give you their scoop on how to maintain your fitness and wellness equilibrium during this festive time of year.

1. Laurent Amzallag, Founder & President – Yala Fitness – Washington, DC

http://www.yalafitness.com

For the past 15 years, Laurent Amzallag, has been Washington DC’s sought after fitness expert. He participated in Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life” tour and has been featured in ELLE Magazine, describing his fitness training style as “Sexercise”.

Laurent is the architect behind Yala fitness. The dynamic creator of this fitness craze is as sexy as he is funny, and uses his warm personality to make sure participants laugh and love their way to happier, fitter selves. His international background shines through in his eclectic play list selection that keeps you on your toes from minute one of his Yala class.

More than a fitness program, Yala® is a lifestyle; an approach. The Yala philosophy is about finding pleasure and excitement in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination. This leads to life long results. I’ve experienced this absolute pleasure and excitement, along with the many devoted classmates in Laurent’s Yala classes at the Sports Club LA in DC, which are always packed! Of course the next day, waking up was a different type of pleasure, feeling my sore abs and butt and being pleasantly surprised at the results of this workout.

At its core, Yala is rooted in science and athleticism. Yala is an intense workout that works the body in the 3 planes, incorporating all elements of strength, cardio, core and plyometrics. A single Yala workout has been documented to burn between 800-1200 calories.

Being equal parts natural entertainer and seasoned fitness professional, here are Laurent’s entertaining Holiday Fitness Tips:

1. Friends don’t let friends exercise alone. The holidays are all about friends and family so have a friend or family member join you and you have greater chances of sticking with it.

2. Stop reading gossip magazines. Stop obsessing about how Jennifer Lopez keeps her butt in shape (although she’s got a great butt!). Remember, they are stars and can afford training all day. Instead, allocate 30 min a day, everyday. They don’t have to be in a row. 10 min in the morning, 10 min at lunch and 10 at night, and I promise you’ll look and feel so good, that JLO will come to you to ask you how you got your butt so tight.

3. You are what you eat. Holidays are here, so don’t go to parties hungry! Eat before going to an event. You will not be as hungry and will make better choices for the rest of your night. Try incorporating 4 little snacks a day to keep your metabolism working and allow yourself 2 small snacks at the party.

For more of Laurent’s infectuous positive energy and insight, follow him on Twitter at @YalawithLaurent.

2.  Adrian Li, Founding Partner, Head Trainer – Look Good Naked Fitness – Hong Kong

http://LGN-Fitness.com/

‘Adrian’s aim is to make people smile even while they’re out-of-breath and dripping with sweat!’

After giving up a career in investment banking, Adrian’s love for exercise led him to share his passion for health both on stage with Group-Ex Classes and off stage with Personal-Training, creating Look Good Naked Fitness.  We had the opportunity to meet at a mutual friend’s wedding in Hong Kong and discuss a bit of fitness for my hectic life on the go, as well as my love of his brand “Look Good Naked Fitness”, which has been my personal motto for fitness since my college years.

He grew up in Toronto, Canada where he started his athletic career as a competitive swimmer at the age of 13. But with his ever-changing appetite for bigger challenges, he later transitioned to become a triathlete, where he compete on the Canadian National circuit and placed on winners’ podiums beside future Olympians. Graduating with a Ba­­­chelor of Science degree in Kinesiology instilled a lifelong commitment to active lifestyles in him. To date, he still competes in triathlons to inspire others onto a healthier way of life.

TRX, one of Adrian’s specialties is a great tool to use for the holidays because it’s lightweight and easy to setup at home or in the hotel for a quick workout. Whether you’re jet-setting between cities or don’t have time to hit the gym cause you’re a social butterfly, the TRX is great for those high intensity, highly effective 20 min workouts. All you need is the TRX and the TRX Door Anchor, throw it over a solid room door and you’re set!

The key to an effective workout is INTENSITY! Make sure you push yourself hard when doing the exercises below and you’ll be sure to burn the maximum calories in the precious time you have sweating off the turkey!

Maintaining your fitness during the holidays is about mindset and preparation. Here are a few tips from Adrian that will get you there:

Drink water! No, not the way your mom told you! Drink more water 15 mins before you go to X’mas parties. It will fill you up and will make you consume less alcohol and eat less!
Keep it simple, this is not the time to sit and think of something new to do. Whatever you’ve been doing that works, stick with it and just get it done during the holidays.
*Schedule* workout time into your calandar. If you make it a priority then it will happen! You don’t need “a full hour” to workout. Do it at home ith the TRX, do some sprints in a public park, do it in your room when you wake up BUT DO SOMETHING! If you push yourself hard and focus on the intensity of the workout, even a 20 min session is extremely effective! Do these exercises back to back starting with an easy first round. Then rest 90s and do it again twice for a total of 3 rounds. Stretch to finish and you will be chauffeured off to your next party within 20 mins of you starting!
10x TRX Supported Lunge (each side)
20x TRX Chest Press
20x TRX Standing Rollout
20x TRX Back Row
10x Squat Jumps
That’s it!!! Staying fit during the holidays is that simple. If you’re passing by Hong Kong, drop in to Look Good Naked in Central for a great fat busting session and if you enjoyed these tips and want to get more results with less effort, sign up for LGN-Fitness’ newsletter by visiting http://www.LGN-Fitness.com.

Until next time, work harder AND smarter!

With the New Year only a mere 8 weeks away, my mind has begun buzzing of ways to celebrate or more specifically, where to go. Of course, I’ve done the New York, Paris, Madrid “Big City, Ball Drop” theme many times before and staying local would man 1 of 2 options…a cliche prepaid night club deal that never really stacks up to be greater than your average night out, or a house party surrounded by coupled off friends.

In the quest to find something opposite of all New Years Eves of the past, I’m seeking unique, out of the box and new, as this is the celebration that welcomes in the New Year, so repeating just feels wrong.

Without further ado, I present my weekly countdown of 8 New and Incredibly Unique Hotels where I’d be more than happy to ring in my New Years Eve!

I’m releasing one per week, so check back weekly as the countdown continues and see where I’ll be toasting to 2014 and kissing that special someone as the clock strikes midnight somewhere in the world.

#8 Andaz Peninsula Papagayo – Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

What’s more unique and hip than having a creatively refurbished VW Bus as your local transport for guests? The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s meeting studios were designed in the forms of shells and cocoons, creating an imaginary gathering of animals, inspired by the lush flora and fauna found in the area by architect Ronal Zucher. Of course the interiors boast all of the luxuries desired by mankind, while incorporating beautiful touches of Costa Rican nature and culture into each space and highlighting the amazing ocean views.

This is the perfect location to escape from it all, surrounded by the riches of the jungle and the sea. Spend your New Years holiday zip-lining through the canopy and mingling with local emerging artists.

You may even be lucky enough to be the first guest to sleep in your bed, as Andaz Peninsula Papagayo opens December 2013!

#7 Hotel MasTinell – Vilafranca del Penedes, Spain

Set amidst the vineyards and cava (Spanish sparkling wine of Denominacion de Origen status) caves of the MasTinell Winery is their Modernist architectural marvel of a boutique hotel, created to resemble the cava bottles resting horizontally in their second stage of the fermentation process.

Here at MasTinell, the New Years celebration would be all about the bubbly! Their location in Penedes, the largest cava producing region in Spain, is perfect for wine and cava tasting during the day, either right there on the property or by venturing out for the day to some of my nearby favorites, Gramona, Llopart, Juve y Camps, Josep Maria Ferret Guasch, Mas Comtal and Pares Balta.

The beauty of the Penedes wine region is that it’s easily navigable by bicycle or hired transport and the variety of wineries run from family owned and managed operations like Ferret Guasch, where the tour would be guided by Josep Maria or his wife Maria, followed by a tasting that feels more like you’re guests in their own home, to the worlds largest cava production company, Freixenet, offering a tour of their factory that includes a small trolley-like underground train ride, and a museum that provides you with a great beginners education on the history of cava.

Returning back to MasTinell at the end of each day, be sure to save some room to try a new seasonal Catalan / Mediterranean delicacy in their open kitchen restaurant, En Rima, paired with their amazing wine selection from their tasting room. Later, retire back to your suite, where you can enjoy your last cava of 2013 while soaking in the oversized tub for two and stargazing out the floor to ceiling round window.

At Cava & Hotel MasTinell, you’ll have no excuse not to ring in your New Years Day 2014 with Mimosas or Bellinis in bed!

#6 The Majlis Resort – Lamu, Kenya

For those of you who consider New Years Eve celebration a family affair, The Majlis Resort is absolutely the place for you and your family. Originally the family vacation home of Italian owners Nanni and Elena who expanded the property little by little as their own family expanded, later realizing they had enough space to convert their home into a boutique hotel.

The Majlis’ seaside villa feel with plenty open air gathering spaces lends itself to be the perfect setting for a New Years Eve group dinner followed by lingering conversation and drinks, and a stroke of midnight, a plunge into the pool.

Not to be overshadowed by the serene waterfront surroundings of the resort, Lamu is home to Lamu Town, one of East Africa’s most well preserved Swahili villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well worth the visit. It’s the Swahili locals and their artisanal handcrafts that influenced the simple but rustic interior décor of The Majli.

Close proximity to Lake Kenyatta and the Tana River Delta, offer great day trip options for land and water safaris, adding enough cultural and ecological educational value to easily justify staying a few days beyond the children’s holiday break from school.

#5. Zero George Street – Charleston, SC

Zero George Street, being the newcomer to Charleston’s primarily residential Ansonborough District, has already begun to live up to this city’s high standards of hospitality. Created by combining five early 1800s historical homes, the owners, Lynn and Dean Andrews assembled their own boutique colonial enclave. Each building was restored to showcase its original unique beauty, while the whole property is brought together with a connecting cobblestone courtyard and verandas overlooking the courtyard, promoting the leisurely, relaxing pace of the South. The mix of contemporary furnishings with British Trade, French Romantic and Yachting Style décor, keeps the interior comfortable, while flowing cohesively with the period architecture.

Stately Charleston, always being the pillar of elegance, can now be the ideal location to enjoy a New Years bash of historical proportions. To get your bearings around town, be certain to take a carriage tour, organized by the concierge at Zero George, where you’ll learn not only the local heritage, but also a few of the tales and legends that followed it’s eccentric, earlier residents. While making your rounds, mark your map to return to Husk, one of the top new restaurants in the Charleston as well as the whole of the US in 2011, 82 Queen, a longtime charmer in town, both housed in historical row houses, and a major favorite amongst locals, FIG.

Zero George Street Continued….

Return to Zero George in the late afternoon, in time to enjoy the last hours of daylight in 2013, while relaxing and sipping mint juleps on your private piazza off of the Anson Suite, then leisurely preparing for a magnificent night ahead, at USS Yorktown New Years Eve celebration, Yorktown Countdown.

Yes, that’s right, keeping with the historical theme of this New Years holiday in Charleston, the party will be open air on the rooftop flight deck of the decorated, World War II aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown, docked in nearby Mt. Pleasant. Featuring 3 stages of entertainment to keep you partying all night. With the backdrop of Charleston across the harbor and the stars sparkling in the sky, this is a night of absolute glitz and glamour.

Not wanting to wander far on New Years Day, reserve the afternoon with Chef Randy Williams at Zero George’s private cooking class in their Carriage House turned professional display kitchen. After a hearty low country gourmet meal, you should easily bounce back from the last night’s festivities and be ready to face 2014 with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

#4. Cheval Blanc – Randheli, Maldives

Ahhh…As the rush of the holiday season comes to an end sometimes the idea of rallying for a crazy New Years celebration sounds more like torture than temptation. When it’s just been one of those year-ends, sun, sand and serenity is all that it is desired to rejuvenate the soul.

From the minute you step off Cheval Blanc’s private seaplane, you’ll take a deep breath, exhale and forget about everything in the world you’ve just left behind. Surrounded by the waters of atoll Noonu, in your Water Villa, you’ll feel at ease in this open and airy paradise.

Between mornings of yoga and a massage or two at the Guerlain Spa (yes, Cheval Blanc is a LVMH resort) to lazy afternoons of sunbathing on the private deck of your villa, taking breaks for a swim in the waters below, a bite to eat or a bit of shade, you may even have to be reminded by the concierge that it’s actually December 31st and the last day of the year.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Continued…

Cheval Blanc boasts many dining options to from Deelani, local seafood on an outdoor terrace to Japanese / Iberian fusion, Diptyque as well as French fine-dining, Le 1947, to name a few options, providing variety for the duration of your stay. If you’re feeling so inspired to stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year after dinner, I’d suggest enjoying a fantastic wine from the cellar, paired with a cigar in the cigar lounge, then calling it a night.

A New Years day excursion of snorkeling via your own private Dhoni boat, part of the resort’s fleet at the marina, would be reason enough to not stay up until the wee hours partying. Take along all the gear that you need, available at the resort, as well as a chef prepared picnic breakfast and lunch and stay out exploring the sea from sunrise to nearly sunset.

The killer golden glow of tan that you’ve earned on throughout your stay will only be overshadowed by the new and rejuvenated inner glow that you’ll have, embracing 2014 with inspiration and optimism towards your resolution as you depart Cheval Blanc and return back to the real world.

#3. H2 Hotel – Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California

In case you’re waiting until the rush of the holiday season passes to renew your passport, a stay at the H2 Hotel Healdsburg can be exactly that dose of new and unique that you need for your New Years celebration.

Following suit of its longer established neighbors in Sonoma County, H2 keeps things local from the variety of local artist’s works on display throughout the property to the local food and beverages served at Spoonbar. In a nod to the natural beauty of Sonoma Valley, the architecture of the H2 includes a live green grass and succulent rooftop and Mother Nature friendly LEED Gold green building certification.

Living up to Sonoma’s reputation as a legendary culinary and wine destination worldwide, your final days of 2013 can be spent leisurely pedaling public bikes from winery to winery, testing out the H2’s prepared cycling wine tour itineraries and stopping for a countryside picnic lunch prepared by The Epicurean Connection along the way. No matter what the distance, pedaling or via hired driver if needed, be sure to make your way to Iron Horse, Hanna, Benziger Family and Merry Edwards wineries.

H2 Hotel Continued….

As each evening arrives, be prepared to be marveled by some of Sonoma’s local grown, culinary greats, The Girl & The Fig, Zazu Kitchen & Farm and Peter Lowells.

Of course, for the big night of the 31st, the focus is all on Alchemy, Spoonbar’s New Year’s Eve Party combining the hip beats of San Francisco DJ, J Boogie, a 5 course menu with wine pairings created by Chef Louis Maldonado and great cocktails shaken by Daniel “Cappy” Sorentino, Chief Mixologist in house. Certainly with these 3 basal ingredients, the night will prove to be a New Years celebration worth it’s weight in gold.

Hung over or not, I’m guessing the former, plan to sleep-in then enjoy a leisurely New Years Day brunch at Sunflower Caffe, including a bit of the necessary “hair of the dog” their signature Lavender Mist “Bubbletail”, followed by a late afternoon hike along the Russian River. By the time the hike is over, if you’re anything like myself, that deliciously comfy Eco-King sized bed back at the H2 Hotel will be calling your name. Go ahead, nap away your evening, maybe even a little dinner in bed, be lazy, after all you’ve earned it from such a smashing good New Years Eve!

#2. Macalister Mansion – George Town, Penang, Malaysia

If I were to win the lottery one day, I can imagine the home that I’d buy would strongly resemble the Macalister Mansion, both internally and externally. Inside, the colonial grandeur meets minimalistic yet comfortable oversized furnishings and not forgetting the funky, eclectic statement décor pieces that scream: “I don’t take myself too seriously”, make the place perfect for entertaining any crowd. Outside, the pristine white colonial Victorian home is a place that I can only recall from childhood dreams of becoming a princess, but now, surrounded by the lush lawns and large swimming pool featuring a swim up bar, it’s the perfect modern day fairy tale setting for grown ups.

So, perhaps as part of this New Years celebration, I can pretend that I’ve won the lottery, or married into royalty by calling Macalister Mansion home for one week surrounding the New Years Holiday.

Arriving with a large group of friends, aka my entourage would be a must, and honestly quite attainable, as this is only an 8 guest-room boutique hotel, so we could easily fill the whole Mansion. The added bonus being if our New Years Eve After Party happened to cross over into “Rock Star Status”, and some members of the entourage accidentally got a little rowdy by the pool, we wouldn’t have to worry about disturbing any of the other guests.

MacAlister Mansion Continued…

In Penang, we could live like High Rollers for the final week of 2013, shopping for local fashion and jewelry finds at China House, touring their connected Galleries I and II for unique artwork before more extensive gallery hopping along Armenian Street. Ideally picking up one or two incredible local artist finds to display in our “chalets” back home. Dining only at the top restaurants in the city and exploring the chicest of open-air nightlife that George Town has to offer, aka, Bottle Service at Sixty9ine Mansion for the price of a couple rounds of drinks in New York.

Our final morning massages on the lawn at Macalister Mansion would be bittersweet as we shower off afterwards in the massive, tile mosaic covered bathrooms of our suites, that in reality are nearly the size of our entire apartments where we’ll be returning to in less than 30 hours.

First order of business; find a reasonably priced upgrade to business or first class, in order to make the trip home bearable, having just faced the harsh reality that I am no longer a High Roller, Rock Star nor Royalty as I felt while living at The Macalister Mansion. What’s worse, I’ve now got an unsavory New Years Resolution to answer to.

#1. Endemico – Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico

Yes! Endemico, yet another unique, quirky and easily accessible approach to luxury, created by Grupo Habita! I feel like these days this Mexico City based boutique hotel group can do no wrong!

* Perhaps it’s the soft spot that I hold in my heart for this hotelier, having stayed my first time in Mexico City in the end of 2008 at their modern, cube shaped original, Hotel Habita in Polanco, then escaping the hustle and bustle of Cancun after one busy week of meetings and heading south for a weekend of fun and relaxation at Deseo in Playa del Carmen. The love affair continued, toasting with my friends at Grupo Habita during their Grand Opening Party of Boca Chica in Acapulco as part of Tianguis Turistico 2010 and later that year, inaugurating “The Gypsy” cocktail, rooftop at the hip Condesa DF one Sunday afternoon with my dear friend Betty in Mexico City. Poolside drinks at the Hotel Americano, check and now, last but definitely not least, Endemico…coming soon!

Endemico’s 20 luxury cabins blend seamlessly with the rugged, arid landscape of the hills surrounding the Valle de Guadalupe, in Baja California, Mexico’s largest wine region. The resort is all about the 360 degree views, whether from the individual guest cabins or the rustic, minimalistic glass and open air lobby (complete with an in house winery and bar) your eyes have no choice but to wander the great outdoors.

Endemico Continued…

A New Years celebration at Endemico would be about embracing the Wild West in the same way that the hotel’s architecture and décor embrace it’s surroundings. By day, enjoy horse back riding and wine tasting in the Valley below, visiting Casa Madero, Casa de Piedra, L.A. Cetto and Monte Xanic, just a few of my Valle de Guadalupe picks that I’ve been enjoying with Mexican friends for years. Then at night barbeque style dinners, simple, casual, open-air and under the sea of stars, followed by a bonfire, with s’mores, a little music and plenty of great red wine for the chilly desert nights.

On the 31st add a traditional “lechon” roasted pig to the menu for a little local flare and at midnight, after toasting with some great Valle de Guadalupe wine or bubbly, pass around a bag of grapes for everyone to consume 12, the Spanish colonial tradition representing prosperity in the New Year.

Start your New Years Day right with a poolside brunch of huevos rancheros while sunning yourself and taking in the view as far as the eye could see. Enjoying these simple pleasures of Mother Nature are the easiest way to simplify your goals and bring the year ahead of you into perspective.