travelwithattitude.com

United States

Arizona

In the long, low light of a desert evening, a greenish palo verde tree throws its leafless summer shadow onto the low rectangle of a gold wall. Next door, the shadow of a skinny-armed ocotillo adorns a curved copper-colored fence. Imagine the scene in the spring when the palo verde blooms gobs of bright yellow and the ocotillo sports tiny, shiny green leaves.

Read more . . . Sanctuary Phoenix, AZ

California

Cocooned in a coral and sea foam-green loveseat, the tranquility of a tropical afternoon seeps in with my first sip of silver jasmine tea; I look up and San Francisco, bridge to bridge, is before me. This is the Mandarin Oriental - exquisite details of the Orient juxtaposed against beautifully-bold San Francisco.

Read more . . . Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

Florida

I blew it this time, I think, as my cabbie dodges the spring-breakers who are loud into partying. We’re on Ft. Lauderdale’s ocean-side Route A1A, where palms promenade up one side and shops, restaurants and watering holes down the other. The driver’s not quite sure where The Pillars is, but he assures me it’s close. Oh wonderful, so much for a tranquil hiatus.

Read more . . . The Pillars, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hawaii

"Oh no, my sign has sprouted," cries Lani. And indeed, coconut number eight—by the sweet-smelling Hawaiian hibiscus—is growing into a little palm tree. Lani is Lani 'Opunui, Kona Village's steward of Hawaiian history and culture. She uses coconuts to mark the plants in Kona Village's Botanical Garden, a tropical hollow created by lava flow in 1801. Here the village nurtures Hawaiian trees, shrubs and flowers which are either unique (native) or have uniquely evolved (endemic) on the islands.

Read more . . . Kona Village, The Big Island, HI

Illinois

It’s those dreamy black and white photos that put me in this mood: prairie skies, foggy nights, beaches at high noon, sailboats at sunset, big buildings, ivy walls and small gargoyles - Chicago in all its moods. The Park Hyatt commissioned four of Chicago’s finest to create this striking collection for its flagship hotel.

Read more . . . Park Hyatt, Chicago, IL

Louisiana

Maison de Ville is not like other hotels. Its quiet, cool darkness sequesters me from the glare and tumult of Vieux Carré (the French Quarter.) In its courtyard, scintilla of light and water dance from a tiered fountain. Spiky palms, hot pink begonias and a pint-sized Civil War Cannon perform the arabesque. Narrow stairs snake up to the gallery where chartreuse asparagus ferns silhouette tracery on terracotta-colored walls.

Read more . . . Maison de Ville, New Orleans

Montana

Whitefish is huckleberry country. A little like blueberries, they grow wild all around here. By August, they’re mighty good eating. A late summer Montana hike without stopping for a huckleberry munch is just no hike at all. Bears love huckleberries, too. They’re a large part of both the grizzly and the black bear’s late summer diet. You’ll want to stay out of their diners.

Read more . . . Whitefish, MT

New York

A lifetime later, I arrive at the "born-again" Barbizon. Newly renovated to the tune of $40 million, the Barbizon is now a great place for both boys and girls. The brick and carved honey-sandstone building is a beaut. A large old tapestry, a faux skylight and striped silk settee adorn the modestly sized art deco lobby.

Read more . . . The Barbizon, New York City

Washington, DC

A long day, stuffed into coach on full coast-to-coast flight, ends at our nation’s capital. In February’s gray and cold melancholy, I arrive at The Melrose Hotel. My spirits match the weather. The staff, cheery and fun, makes the day seem gay. But the only thing I warm to besides the blue and yellow silk that festoons the drapes in my room is the bed. Under a puff of warmth, I tuck between crisp sheets ever so grateful to disappear into a decadent late afternoon snooze.

Read more . . . The Melrose Hotel, Washington, DC