Many of us dream of escaping it all and traveling to a place where the sun shines warmly on our faces, while a gentle sea breeze blows your next margarita into your hands. I know I am guilty of day dreaming about my next vacation and find myself in a state of wanderlust often. There are so many factors in place when I think about my perfect beach vacation. I want the location to be somewhere that is easily accessible and close to it all, the cuisine to be fresh and local, the service attentive and the amenities a plenty. Luckily, there happens to be a breathtaking locale just 2 short hours on a plane from Dallas that fits the bill completely.

I was lucky enough to be invited by the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita to leave the bitter cold fall air behind and venture to paradise found on a private peninsula overlooking Bahía de Banderas. The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, yet feels a world away. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a spectacular celebration, or an unforgettable family vacation, the “mi casa, su casa” philosophy that they hold invited me to experience the true spirit of Mexican hospitality.

It was an extra special time to be at the resort however because of the Catrinas Weekend or Dia De Los Muertos Celebration as we know it. This festive weekend has been incorporated into the activity calendar at the resort for years and should be high on your list of events to travel to attend. From culinary and cocktail classes, extra special celebratory experiences and the traditional aspects of Dia De Los Muertos, it was a weekend I won’t soon forget. Allow me to share a couple of my favorite moments in hopes you’ll visit to do experience the same.

From the moment you arrive to the beautiful Punta Mita area, you’re greeted with lush landscapes and warm hospitality. Each team member we encountered brought a unique spirit of welcome to our stay. The rooms at the resort are impeccably taken care of and each detail thought through to ensure the utmost comfort. Our room had a view of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean and pristine private beach. Each morning we decided to take it easy and enjoy delicious delicacies like Chilaquiles and artisan Avocado Toast in robes overlooking the stunning vistas. Each dining destination at the resort has it’s on unique personality but I came to love their newest, Dos Catrinas. At the heart of the Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort, their new restaurant’s menu sizzles with exceptional Mexican food: traditional fare with a contemporary twist and mouth-watering craft cocktails created by the best in Riviera Nayarit. We enjoyed Mezcal and Tequila tastings as well as a super special offering of Mexican wines and craft beers.

One day on the trip that really stood out to me included a Tequila Stone Massage (An ancestral recipe combining Tequila and sage oil, which will release muscle tension, stimulate circulation and improve joint mobility) and a traditional Barbacoa lunch to celebrate the holiday weekend. In every pocket of the resort lies a new beautiful discovery, and don’t miss the lazy river or warm sandy beaches.

Prior to dinner on our last night, we learned about the thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles that nest in Banderas Bay each year and helped to release the new hatchlings into the ocean. To honor Catrinas Fest, we all joined together in high spirits to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos one last time in full makeup and garb over dinner at Dos Catrinas.

It was a spectacular, relaxing and delicious weekend and if you’re looking to escape the cold winter weather or find respite from the Texas heat when summer comes, choose the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

Ready to experience the most magical part of wine country? Look no further than the gem that is Sonoma County. Craving wine? You can get that here with options spanning more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal. Hike among towering redwoods, cruise along rugged Pacific coastline and get to know inviting towns. Just 45 minutes away from San Francisco, this region of California is welcoming to all.

I’m sharing my must-visits and must-do’s for a long weekend in this amazing place. Lucky for Dallas, we now have a direct flight from DFW to Santa Rosa as of this summer. How amazing is that? If you’re not able to do just that, you can make the short jaunt from SFO but direct really is the way to go. On our first day in Healdsburg, we venture to many wineries that make the region great. Starting with an amazing tasting with James and Kerry MacPhail at Tongue Dancer Wines. I highly recommend starting your visit with Tongue Dancer as we learned so much during our time. The tasting room was beautiful and we sampled delicious Pinot Noir, Rosé and Chardonnay. Don’t miss it!

Next, we found our way to Moshin Vineyards. The Moshin Estate is comprised of four vineyards, all planted along Westside Road at the southwestern border of the Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). This classic neighborhood is known for producing textured wines with ripe flavors and gentle aromatics of florals, earth, and baking spices — elements you’ll find in the various styles of Moshin Vineyards Pinot Noir. We visited with Rick Moshin and even had a chance to picnic with the Moshin team among the vineyards. What a treat! After lunch, our final tasting of the day was Fogline Vineyards. Launched in 2009, Fogline makes small lots of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay. Evan Pontoriero and Brent Bessire believe that mountain fruit grown above the fog line creates more balanced, focused wines. I couldn’t agree more after the superb tasting Evan lead us through.

If you must make it to one winery while you are in Sonoma, my favorite hands down was Jordan Winery. From the opulent and pristine surroundings and accommodations to the people and wine itself, this place is paradise. Jordan is proud to be family-owned and operated since 1972 and it shows. We were lucky enough to join head winemaker Maggie Kruse for the Bounty of Sonoma Dinner.  This al fresco wine dinner party began with a reception featuring Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multicourse dinner by their head chef, featuring deliciously fresh ingredients sourced either from the garden, local farms and a few surprises from outside the area. Each course was prepared with a combination of traditional French and modernist cooking techniques and paired with a specific vintage of Jordan, beginning with Chardonnay before moving into vintages of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening concluded with a dessert reception and coffee in the Jordan dining room. Heaven!

Day two meant more tasting and we began at the famous Dry Creek Vineyard. After a tour by our awesome guide Darren, we tasted our way through their spectacular portfolio and even decided upon a few great finds to take home with us. Why not! A quick pit stop at bustling Dry Creek General Store, another killer tasting at Ridge Vineyards and we ended with my favorite on day two, Seghesio. Seghesio Family Vineyards, a leader in crafting Zinfandel and Italian heritage wines that embody Sonoma County, has been around through 5 generations and 120 years. It quickly became apparent that whenever this wine was on the menu, we had to order it! It’s that good.

A trip to Healdsburg isn’t complete without a visit to the exquisite Valette in downtown. Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in their hometown of Healdsburg. The goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. What we discovered is so much more than that with their must-order 5-course ‘Trust me’ Tasting menu. I am still dreaming about that meal and you will too after it’s (sadly) over.

Just a three hour plane ride from Dallas lies a garden of good eats, unbelievable vineyards and places that you’ve never experienced the likes of before. So when you need an escape or just a reason to celebrate life, visit Sonoma County.

The weather in Dallas is perfect this weekend and I am finally experiencing a bit of downtime where I can sit down and finally take a moment to share all. I recently celebrated the big 3-0 and to mark my entrance into a new decade, we traveled down to Los Cabos, Mexico to do some R&R.

We heard from friends on the top spots to stay, eat and fully experience the Baja culture and I must say that most of the recommendations we’re spot on. I had not traveled to Mexico since I was super tiny so my knowledge of the country and how to get around wasn’t great. I’d known about the storied Tulum, Todo Santos and even San Miguel but something about Los Cabos beckoned me.

A short 2 hours and some change in the air from Dallas, we landed in a desert oasis off the Gulf of California where the air was dry and the sun beat down on us in all it’s warm glory as we met up with our driver from VIP Transportation Los Cabos and 30 minutes later we arrived at the luxe JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. When I tell you it was one of the most beautiful and tranquil hotels I have ever stayed in, I’m not lying. At points, it was so serene that we felt like we were the only ones there. We were later told that the March and April months are ideal with the warm weather and lower population at the resort. Y’all it was heavenly.

During our stay in Los Cabos, we had the pleasure of dining of some of the areas top restaurants. On our first night we visited the ultra trendy Acre Baja, a lush sanctuary set on 25 acres of abundant greenery. Acre features elegant treehouses, organic farms, private event spaces, and an award-winning bar and restaurant. We dined on a delicious menu crafted with ingredients from farm and neighboring suppliers meaning the ingredients don’t travel very far to your plate or glass.

Another wonderful culinary experience came courtesy of Flora Farms, 25 acre organic working farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. We tried items like a crave worthy Margherita Pizza and Gemelli Pasta with Pork Cheek. Don’t miss the Hibiscus Margarita either!

Our favorite meal of the trip is quite off the beaten path, but well worth it. Los Tamarindos is an Organic Farm & Restaurant just one mile away from the Sea of Cortez and San Jose Del Cabo’s estuary. Located in a farm house dating back to the 19th Century, which  used to grow sugar cane, one of the region’s major exports at the time, and due to its fertile soil quickly became one of the region’s most important farms. We ordered local beers and walked through the scenic gardens where mixology ingredients and organic produce flourish under the Baja sun. We were one of two tables dining on this particular day but near by we could here the giggles and bustle of the cooking class they have, you bet we will be doing that next time! Don’t miss Los Tamarindos.

The people are the friendliest, we felt completely comfortable and welcome amongst the locals and all around could not speak higher of our overall trip. Do yourself a favor and make your way down to Baja Del Sur where Los Cabos works it’s magic.

Sleepy towns dotted along a snowy highway, friendly folk welcome you with good food and delicious libations and if you’re lucky enough you get to hit the slopes for a fresh powder frenzy. This is Colorado as I’ve come to appreciate it. This past weekend, we took a trip to Telluride Ski Resort where much fun was had but more importantly, a return to relaxation. Yes there are many opportunities to Après Ski the day away, I found my happy place in the slower pace that the mountains can provide.

As fate would have it, Colorado experienced one of the worst (or best however you look at it) snow weekends of the season and we were caught in it. While I came prepared for snowy conditions, I still had to get my bearings in the whiteout conditions. When we did hit the road, it was mostly to eat. Amazing and tasty meals were had at Taco Del Gnar and Provisions at the Barber Shop, where locally sourced ingredients were made to shine amongst the various dishes we sampled.

The skiing was great and with that said Telluride *might* be my favorite mountain to visit now! I can’t say enough good things about the people we encountered and the service we received from the resort staff. It truly is a magical place if you ever have the chance to visit! Of course our ski days were filled with the right gear but when it was time to dine or see the town, you know I let my full mountain fashion geek shine. A pair of these GORGEOUS Avalanche Butte Boots from UGG are packed with innovations like military-grade leather (which lends waterproofing, durability, and breathability) and a serious sole that’s built to keep its grip on wet ice and more. With soft wool lining, this boot withstands temps as low as -32˚C. Take them anywhere you want – or just wear in the city with your favorite denim. They were dreaming to wear about town in a comforting and warmed up way.

I also was loving on this totally apropos sweater and shirt combo from Scotch & Soda. Although now sold out, this pair was the perfect amount of “playing to your audience” as much as it was a whimsical take on mountain apparel. I was totally into it and can’t wait to rock the pair again!

If you ever hear the mountains calling you to come play, listen. Take my advice and never miss the chance to breath it the crisp air the area provides and visit the beautiful lands of Colorado.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some pretty magical places in my lifetime. From the Far East to Europe, India and the Caribbean. Nothing can top the thrill of being wowed on American soil though. This past weekend I was able to experience the truly amazing area of Napa, California for a whirlwind 24 hours.

In all honesty, this trip was a bucket list item for me. To be able to see the vineyards first-hand, touch and try the grapes and learn the storied history of how the wine country came to be put me beside myself. The area we meandered is called “Stags Leap District” and is home to many of the most elegant Cabernet Sauvignons grown on American soil. The Stags Leap District, barely a mile wide and three miles long, is planted with 1,350 acres of vineyards. In 1976, long before the government designated the area as an official American Viticultural Area, a 1973 vintage Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon swept the famed Paris tasting, besting the likes of First Growths Mouton-Rothschild and Haut-Brion. Today, Stags Leap District wineries such as Chimney Rock continue to produce Cabernet Sauvignons that compare favorably with the world’s greatest wines.

Between history lessons, we were able to visit 3 very exciting and different vineyards. We began our day at Chimney Rock, an estate where only red Bordeaux-variety grapes were planted – forty acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, twelve acres of Merlot, four acres of Cabernet Franc, and three acres of Petit Verdot, before the estate grew. We were treated to a private sampling of their finest wines, the Tomahawk Cabernet was my favorite. The estate even produces “Iconoclast”, a wine exclusive to the Four Seasons Resorts.

When we got hungry, we were lucky enough to make our way to the home of the owners of the Cavus Vineyards. Originally from Dallas, the owners are proud of Cavus and keep it a family run vineyard nestled in the hillside of the Stag’s Leap appellation in Napa Valley. We were treated to a market fresh lunch and tasted a few of their prime select pours. The vines themselves are 27 years old and are mostly made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot which are planted on just under 2 acres facing to the northwest. Beth Adams, a former Dallasite turned local winemaker, led us down to the breathtaking Steltzner Vineyards after lunch where we met with winemaker Bob Pepi. We got up close and personal with the grapes which was so cool given that is harvesting season. Pepi gave us a detailed breakdown of the winemaking process, a history of Steltzner and even let us taste the grapes. Trust me they are better in your glass.

Our last stop of the day was at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, notably known for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, was founded in 1970, and is considered a Napa Valley first-growth estate. This estate holds a special place in my heart as ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon is my anniversary wine and boy is it delicious. We were able to handily sip and taste our way through many of the offerings and left with an education in wine for sure.

If you are looking for a place to stay while in the area, let me recommend the Andaz Napa. Not only is it centrally located but the rooms are super chic and quaint for the rustic surroundings.

Check off your dreamy vacation and get an education in one of our country’s most beautiful areas, Napa Valley and the Stags Leap District.

Being in paradise can only get better when you choose the perfect place to lay your head at night. When you are deciding to take the plunge and experience Maui at it’s finest, there is really only one option. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is the perfect oasis for your Hawaii vacation. After a stunning renovation, this iconic Hawaiian hideway is more ready than ever to cater to your every need.

If you think you’ve seen this magical place on Modern Family and The Real Housewives of Atlanta, you’re absolutely right. Tucked into the ultra-exclusive and chic Wailea area of Maui, this resort has it all. Overlooking the gentle waters of Wailea Beach, luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui, with its ever-attentive hotel staff and the largest luxury resort guest rooms and suites on the island, epitomises a classical Hawaiian palace resort. A stroll through fragrant plumeria trees and art-laden public areas reveals a study in relaxed elegance.

We spent each day reveling in the activities, dining options and amazing suites of the resort property. Each day we would take a dive into the refreshing waters of the adults-only Serenity Pool and be serenaded by an underwater music system. When we came up for air, it was for specialty cocktails at any of the freestanding and swim-up bars. With four bubble loungers, we found ourselves in heaven at the 2,650-square-foot pool.

There’s something special about being able to escape real life and visit an tropical island oasis. I was lucky enough to travel to the beautiful Four Seasons Maui for the last week and experience the escape lifestyle myself. When on island time, I had the ability to drink lots of pineapple filled drinks, visit active volcanoes and most importantly, I got to attend an authentic luau. That’s right, we’re talking fire spinning, hula hip shaking and getting a taste of the Hawaiian history that has been around for hundreds of years.

While most guys can’t wait to break out their cheesy Hawaiian shirts to rock to this occasion, I sought a different outfit choice. Not to forego the care-free feel of those floral get-ups, I still wanted my look to work for me into the long Maui night. My three tips for feeling your Hawaiian vacation self at a luau are quite simple. Try to keep up!:

1. Go light: The sun set right about 7pm each day of our trip and while it is island weather, the heat is definitely still there. I chose this awesome short sleeve button up from Mizzen + Main that features four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, machine washable, and wrinkle resistant fabric. Now you can indulge on the delicious Hawaiian feast and not sweat it!
2. Do it in denim: White denim that is. You’ll thank me later when you smartly march past the army of cargo short wearing newbies who wanted to air things out without thinking twice. Grab a pair of my favorite white jeans and enjoy incredibly soft feel and easy everyday versatility. Plus the white color of the denim will block out the rays and keep you looking great after dark.
3. Slip and slide onto the dance floor: When they ask for volunteers to learn to dance on stage, walk on up with confidence. No sir, no plastic sandals for you, you’re a man who knows his style. Take a lesson from me, these slip ons are the perfect footwear for your luau evening out. My pick has a creamy suede exterior that enriches the laid-back slip-on built with twin elastic gores for an ideal fit. Plus, when you need to slip them off to boogie, the shoes will do the work for you.

More to come on my dream vacation to this island paradise, but all the tips above are definitely applicable for the rest of your summer fetes abroad or at home. Go on, hula boy.

When I think of how Dallas’ checks all the boxes on the Millennial driven must-have list, the options become endless. Most of my friends happen to be in the millennial generation like me and their needs are my needs when it comes time to #SayYesToDallas.

One of the more important requirements is responsible home hunting. Affordable cost of living and variety of neighborhood communities, each with its own personality, sets Dallas apart from other major cities in the country. I often find myself commenting on just how many new housing developments and buildings are being erected around Dallas’ expansive reach. Although the millennial audience may be put into a box of only wanting to live in the newest, coolest areas, I find that millennials are also one of the most fiscally aware groups when it comes to residential. For instance, I live in in Oak Cliff. It’s one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods, but also one of our most vibrant. Walkability factor is huge when picking a living situation. Millennial folks like me want to be able to walk to the action quick from home and Oak Cliff checked every box for me. For this exact reason according to Mayflower, Dallas was the No. 1 U.S. city where millennials moved in 2015.

That statistic is also closely tied into my second must-have, which is a strong job option. Employment and the drive to succeed in a competitive new city is something that resonates strongly with why I love Dallas so much. Every new seminar or conversation around job growth in Dallas brings inspiration for me as a Dallasite. Speaking from personal experience as a creative in Dallas, my job flourishes due to the amount of opportunity in Dallas. Every day I have the opportunity to meet with small business owners to grown their online reputation and even gain experience getting to know larger business executives. This is vital to my brand and career and since Dallas is a hub and major market, professionals see great success in many industries. Did you know that DFW International Airport is the highest-capacity commercial airport in the world? That means that when you’re living in Dallas, you are constantly connecting the area to the entire planet. That alone is major for professional development! In fact, Forbes, citing the city’s impressive population growth and job growth, Dallas was recently ranked #1 for jobs. Whether you’re an artist gaining inspiration from our amazing Arts District or Deep Ellum or a engineer looking to find your next big move in the rapidly growing job sector.

Part of the fun of moving to a new city and getting to #SayYesToDallas is getting a fresh start at the job and residential markets. Exploring the great options in Dallas never gets old and I am proud to live in a millennial friendly city in both of those areas.

I’m working with the Dallas Regional Chamber on their new talent attraction campaign, Say Yes to Dallas, to showcase why our great city is the ideal place for millennials to live and work. Dallas is a metropolitan and super chic city full of reasons to say yes. Yes to dining on amazing food by world-renowned chefs, yes to weekend festivals that allow us to meet and greet with our neighbors, yes to endless professional endeavors that keep our economy alive, the reasons are endless.

I said “Yes to Dallas” and began exploring neighborhoods like Uptown-Downtown, Trinity Groves, Lower Greenville, Bishop Arts, and The Design District. On the weekend, I love heading up to The Shops at Legacy that brims with boutique shopping, best-in-class restaurants and bars, and the Angelika Film Center. Sometimes I feed adventurous enough to venture to many one-of-a-kind festivals and established exhibits, including the Aurora light exhibit and Soluna International Music and Arts Festival. Get physical with a run, bike ride or walk on the Katy Trail after a long day.

There are so many wonderful ways to say yes for all interest and activity levels! So now you know why I #SayYesToDallas. When you Say Yes to Dallas, you’re Saying Yes to more than you might think.

I’m a sun worshipper. Can’t get enough of the bright rays of sunshine that streak our skies this time of year. However, I know that spending too much time under it’s spell can lead to damage to my skin and health over time.

What if there was a way to capture all the benefits and warmth being outside in the sun without the long lasting effects of it’s UV rays? Well, I have the answer to that and it’s a skin treatment that is revolutionizing my beauty routine. The Spa at The Adolphus promises their new treatment will recapture the skin’s natural luminosity and firmness during the new 60 minute Vitamin C Facial, a citrus aromatherapy ritual for radiant skin. Even better? It’s on sale right now! Priced at $115 ($140 value), the treatment awakens the senses while its extraordinary anti-oxidant action repairs even the most mistreated skin, unveiling a completely hydrated, revitalized complexion.

I was kindly invited in to try out the new facial special. My facialist walked me through step by step just how transformative the Vitamin C Facial can be. From a hydrating mist to a skin soufflé that smelled like a dreamsicle, I was on cloud nine. Let’s not forget the chic relaxation room, private showers and amazing sun deck to lounge on.

The best part of a spa treatment at The Adolphus? Getting to hang out by the pool right after. The all new pool deck menu is stocked with delicious beverages, healthful (and cheat day worthy) menu items and something for the kids as well. The coolest part? The chic cabanas and day beds complete a restful day at the spa that allows you to dip into the blue waters when you’d like and chill in the side when needed.

The spa is calling and you’d better answer!