Aviara Golf Club, Home of the LPGA Kia Classic
Photo Courtesy of Brian Oar and Hyatt Corporation
If we never see another North Face down jacket, it’ll be too soon. Sorry, but that’s just the kind of effect that frigid February had on us. Mercifully, it has finally come to an end, and we do see some speckles of sunlight in the March forecast. But even if the meteorologist has second thoughts about improving weather, we can at least find warmth in knowing that this month has some wonderful events on its slate.
Colorado Springs
This year marks the inaugural Taste and Savor festival (March 5 through 8) at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Broadmoor. Hugo Ortega (Hugo’s, Houston), Curtis Duffy (Grace, Chicago) and Jessica Koslow (Sqirl, Los Angeles) are just a handful of the acclaimed chefs who will work their culinary magic. Wine and spirits experts include Tony Abou-Ganim, Doug Frost and Maison Frédéric Drouhin. Attend seminars, sit in on panel discussions, sip world-class vino and sample gourmet dishes against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop. Taste and Savor’s two- and three-night packages come stuffed with a complimentary room upgrade, exclusive access to all demos, seminars and panels, and entry to the Saturday gala and Sunday brunch.
Houston Rodeo, Photo Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston
The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo comes to town March 3 through 22. In addition to all the bells and whistles you’d expect — bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, calf roping — enjoy performances by big-name musicians such as John Legend, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, Pitbull, Tim McGraw and many more. The rodeo, which welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors in 2014, also features livestock and horse shows, kids activities, an array of dining options and a giant Western “shopping mall” filled with clothing, jewelry, leather goods and crafts. True rhinestone cowboys will want to book a stay at Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Located in the heart of the business district, and just a short distance from the rodeo ruckus, this Four Seasons promises luxurious rooms with sweeping views of the city.
Napa Valley
This spring, the inaugural Yountville Live festival will pair platinum-selling artists with celebrity chefs and acclaimed winemakers. From March 19 through 22, renowned acts like Aimee Mann and Blue October will take to stages at restaurants, wineries and traditional music venues throughout Napa Valley, culminating with a finale show by Colbie Caillat, Matt Nathanson and O.A.R. at the Lincoln Theater. Experience private wine tours and tastings, special dinners, a gospel brunch and a late-night VIP speakeasy party. The 15 participating restaurants include Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, and 30 wineries will be represented, including Maisonry, Jessup Cellars and Hill Family Estate. Book a room at the Four-Star Bardessono Hotel and Spa for the ultimate getaway between sets. Conveniently located in central Yountville, the LEED platinum-certified property offers eco-friendly luster in the form of organic cotton bed linens and handcrafted bath products. Treat yourself to a spa suite, which includes a steam room, outdoor shower, gas fireplace, bathroom with soaking tub and a virtual surround speaker system for having your own private concert.
Macau, Photo Courtesy of ©iStock-faiwong
Macau
Cats, the iconic Broadway production that has been performed in more than 25 countries and 14 languages, will pounce its way to Macau’s gilded Venetian Theatre for a limited run from March 6 through 15. To commemorate the occasion, Five-Star Conrad Macao, Cotai Central is offering a Cats package consisting of two tickets to the show and overnight accommodations in a king deluxe room. Not to be outdone, Four-Star Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central is getting its paws in on the fun, too, with its own theatrically themed promotion. This deal includes a stay in a king superior room, daily breakfast and tickets to the Tony Award-winning musical.
Carlsbad, California
The sixth annual LPGA Kia Classic will take place at Five-Star Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, just outside of San Diego. From March 23 through 29, Michelle Wie, defending champ Anna Nordqvist and many of the world’s top females will hit the Arnold Palmer-designed course overlooking Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Stretching out over 7,000 coastal yards, the Aviara Golf Club features native wildflowers, rolling hillsides and plenty of water challenges. You have the privilege of playing where the pros do before and after the tournament thanks to Park Hyatt Aviara’s Golf Package, which includes accommodations, two rounds of golf, unlimited use of practice facilities and complimentary overnight golf club storage.
