Over the course of four days and three nights enjoy a private journey into the heart of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the majestic and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Arrive at Grand Canyon Airport by private air; explore Grand Canyon National Park in the afternoon. For those who are ready to stretch their legs, my naturalist guide will lead a hike down into the Grand Canyon, along either the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab Trail. Guide will take you as far down as you would like, knowing you have to hike back up! If there is an interest, a helicopter tour over the Canyon can be arranged.

For dinner in the evening, you will enjoy a private catered barbeque in a forested setting in nearby Kaibab National Forest. My canyon chef is a character who not only cooks a great feast, but also spins some good yarns while stirring the fire. Musicians will serenade your dinner and a campfire will brighten the evening light. A storyteller can also be engaged to share delightful western or historic drama.After an afternoon hike, mosey over to the Kolb studio for a private sunset reception and outdoor dinner. A visit to the Kolb Studio is a must. The studio was originally built and operated by the Kolb brothers, Emery and Ellsworth, and has a very interesting history.

For your first night in at the Grand Canyon, you will stay at El Tovar Hotel, the premier lodge. El Tovar opened its doors in 1905 and was recently renovated in 2005. In the past, the Hotel has hosted such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Western author Zane Grey, and many others. Today, it retains its elegant charm, located on the Canyon rim; it features a fine dining room, lounge and curio shop. El Tovar is a Registered National Historic Landmark.

You will depart the South Rim early the first morning for the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop. I can also secure approval from the tribe to transport you by helicopter to the trailhead on the rim of the canyon. Or I can arrange for flights to Peach Springs from where you will travel by vehicle to the trailhead (about 1.5 hours) Coffee and snacks will be provided for the ride! Guides will meet you at the trailhead and describe the adventure that awaits as you hike into Havasu Canyon. Horses will pack your personal gear down. The hike makes a 10-mile descent through Hualapai and Havasu Canyons, goes past the Supai Village and on to the campground where you will camp for the next two nights. Your guides will lead the way and interpret both natural and cultural history as you make your way down the trail. Your hike follows the lovely Havasu Creek where you may stop for a swim along the way. “Havasupai” means “people of the blue green water” and water will be abundant in this fertile gorge!

For the next two nights, you will be nestled in a simple and surprisingly comfortable camp along the banks of Havasu Creek in a tent-only campground. Nylon tents will be pitched, with your own airbed, feather pillows and camp light, sleeping bag, and towels. Camp facilities include two latrines for your group’s private use and solar showers with enclosures for privacy. Camp chairs and picnic tables provide comfortable resting places. Your guides will provide fabulous backcountry meals. Comfort is essential even in a remote area!

On the following day, your guides will lead a variety of hikes deeper into the canyon to explore Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. Keep your bathing suit handy — these spectacular turquoise waterfalls drop into cool blue-green pools making some of the world’s best swimming holes. Along the way, you’ll criss-cross the creek, enjoying refreshing creek crossings that will keep everyone energized during your hike. You’ll undoubtedly stop to swim or photograph or simply soak in the peace of this colorful oasis, far from the trappings of our civilized world. The length of the hikes will be tailored to your interests. You will return to the camp in the afternoon. Today, you bid farewell to the turquoise waters of Havasu Creek and hike back up to the Hualapai Hilltop (horses will be available for those who prefer to ride horseback out of the canyon).

A few days escape to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a powerful and inspiring landscape, this slice of life is exclusive; what better intimate family escape, a girlfriend birthday trip or a couples retreat?

While I was in Santa Barbara recently, I discovered a little gem of a restaurant on State Street. Point me in the direction of a bookstore, a museum or a great restaurant and I can wile away hours quite happily. A friend, who just returned from Rome, said she didn’t dine out in the evenings, as she was alone. People watching in a foreign city with the babble of their language swirling about me is an intensely satisfying experience. One of my best dinners alone was at Le Meurice Dali restaurant at 11.30 pm following the Opera Garnier in Paris – alone- it was heavenly. Jazz band swinging, beautiful and interesting people, champagne of course, all French…loved it.

Just up a few blocks from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art on State Street, is a charming Argentinean restaurant, yes there is a recent theme. Transport to Café Buenos Aires, lovely outdoor patio, traditional interiors and on various week nights Tango or Latin musicians performing classic Argentine music and dance. Excellent empanadas, simple country fare, combined with a great setting, stroll here and linger after an hour at the Museum.

Argentine cooking classes at Tante Marie –San Francisco, if it is inconvenient to escape to Santa Barbara or Argentina!