Smell of Desire.

Do you recognize yourself in these situations?

• In the last few years you've never been away from your home or your office any further than 5 miles. The most enjoyable experience you've had for 2010? Bowling with the office mates.
• You've just signed your divorce papers or you've just moved out of your partner's apartment.
• You look like a ghost - you've never been under the sun in the last 2 years.

Is that you looking pasty white? You are in serious need of a holiday. What? You don't want to? Oh c'mon.


Admit it, you've been working too hard. In fact, when people ask you how's life, all you can talk about is work. Before you sleep, you think about work. Dedication to work isn't bad, but too much of anything is a recipe for disaster. As much as possible, it's recommended to take a break once in a while. Too much stress at work can lead to heart related problems, ergo, it can be deadly. For people who are about to reach the point of burn out, or hate their job, a holiday can do a whole lotta good: realize the important things in life, renew your love for your work - see it in a whole new light.

I like to go on a lot of getaways, as much as I can, whenever I can. So last week I decided it was time to revisit my favourite place in California... Santa Barbara. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right. Splurge on a top-notch hotel. Explore the city, get relaxing spa treatments, and sleep in. You will definitely come home with a new perspective. Make sure to go during off-season, which means no stress-inducing crowds. Take walks along the shore, browse antique shops and eat lots of seafood. 


After discovering Bacara a few years back, there is nowhere else I will stay.  On the bluffs and beaches of the central California coast lies a resort of stunning natural beauty and relaxed luxury, like an intimate Mediterranean village. Bacara sprawls over 78 pristine beachfront acres nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains. The resorts terra cotta tile roofs covered archways and wooden trellises lend it the understated relaxed appeal of a true classic California resort. Their attention to the most minute detail and their warm discreet service all evoke the gentility and glamour of the golden age of Hollywood. This is the essence of Bacara- elegance, understatement, complete serenity.

Every now and then go away and have a little relaxation. To remain constantly at work will diminish your judgment. Go some distance away, because work will be in perspective and a lack of harmony is more readily seen - Leonardo DaVinci.