A spa that treats the inner artist

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a well-known resort in the luxury category. It only makes sense then, that the California escape is pushing the envelope with new spa offerings, including what they've chosen to refer to as: a Kitchen for the Mind.

Expanding beyond the holistic wellness theme that's woven into nearly every spa, Ojai has introduced an Artist's Cottage and Apothecary, where Artist in-Residence, Renate Collins, leads a variety of creative endeavors. Hungry to dabble in mixed mediums? At the cottage, guests can take on oils, pastels, watercolor, precious metal jewelry making and silk scarf painting, among other activities.

If you require a bit more direction (and who doesn't in this economy?), you can sign up for the Personal Mandala class, which works to reveal deeper meaning from your personal design, especially in times of transition. Speaking of the economy, the two-hour Personal Mandala class runs $200 per person and ends with a feedback session.

For a PDF of Artist Cottage & Apothecary pricing, click here.

Naturally, this Spanish-style spa abides by several green initiatives. Read more here.

www.ojairesort.com

"New" Seven Wonders of Nature

Have you voted? Did you know that voting was possible?

The folks that brought us the New Seven Wonders of the World are at it again, this time, soliciting our feedback for the new wonders of nature. Currently, there is one nominee per country represented on the site, to be narrowed to the "top 77" per voters on July 7, 2009. Only two weeks later, the 77 chosen sites will be whittled to 21... with the final declaration of winners to come in 2011. Yes - 2011.

Who's made it thus far for the U.S.? In the Islands category, the Virgin Islands are up; the Grand Canyon falls into the Caves, Rock Formations and Valleys category; and lastly, Lake Superior and Niagara Falls hold steady for Lakes, Rivers, and Waterfalls in North and Central America.

What do you think? Is declaring seven new wonders of nature dumb or brilliant?

More Green on the Worldwide Web

How to green your travel abroad routine (Planet Green)
Five easy tips for an eco conscious getaway

Five simple ways to green your meetings (Hotels)
What today's hotels can do to provide green to groups

Best kept secret to saving on road trips (Gadling)
Return an RV to its owner and pocket the savings

ZAUM handmade bags enter green scene (Alternative Consumer)
New eco totes are perfect for traveling gals

Best job EVER (Ecotourism Log)
If you haven't applied yet, drop everything...

Realizing your travel dreams (Vegabondish)
Four excuses that shouldn't be holding you back from exploration

Green Giveaway: Hybrid Mug

Talk about convenient. Brand "Revenge Is..." has launched this Hybrid Travel Mug, which boasts enough highlights to skyrocket it to the top of any traveler's want list. Made of stainless steel, this 14-ounce capped-bottle holds both hot and cold beverages - keeping temperatures just where you want them. If you're a tea drinker like me, you'll love the mesh filter that snaps into place inside, perfect for brewing your loose teas on-the-go.

Still not sold on the benefits on a BPA-free bottle? Read David Case's "The Real Story Behind Bisphenol A," published in last month's Fast Company, which draws major comparisons to today's BPA issues with those of Big Tabacco a few decades ago.

Log on to the Revenge Is... website to check out clothing and reusable bags that spread the message: "The best revenge is taking action today so we can all live well tomorrow."

To win your own Revenge Is... hybrid mug (MSRP: $18.95), please fill out the form below. One entry per person, per day allowed. Contest runs from February 22, 2009 - March 1, 2009. Winner chosen at random. Know that we will never share or use your e-mail for any reason other than to contact winning participants.

Sorry! This contest has ended.

A New Eco-Lodge for Kenai Fjords Nat'l Park

Plotting an escape to Alaska this summer? You'll definitely want to check out the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, coming soon, courtesy of Alaska Wildland Adventures. The new lodge, due this June, will be the first and only actually located inside the Native-owned, 1,700-acre National Park.

Travelers will have to hop a boat from Seward to reach the eco-lodge, where they can expect to find 16 log-style cabins and loads of outdoor activities to choose from. Once the sun sets, the main lodge becomes a dining room and lounge that will feature scenic views of Pedersen Glacier (pictured above).

Choose from 2- to 4-day stays, starting at $475 per person ($425 for kids) - based on double occupancy. Meals, accommodations, activities, boat tour to and from Seward, and daily fees to Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary included.

I'm wondering: Zero bars on my cell is inevitable, right? Sounds perfect.

Travel + Leisure Highlights Design

Beautiful things make me happy.

That reason alone is what makes travel such a self-indulgent pleasure for me. Whether it's stunning scenery, or a culinary dish that's plated just so, or everyday people doing everyday things that I've never seen, chances are high that there's beauty to behold. Of course, beauty speaks differently to all of us, and for some, it comes in the form of high style.

In the March issue of Travel + Leisure, the publication put an eye on design, highlighting the world's best with their 2009 Design Awards. From travel accessories, gadgets and fashion (one item is exclusive to Wal-Mart. Seriously.) to food, museums and lodging, more than a dozen high-design products and places are featured.

My pick among the drool-worthy destinations? The Six Senses Hideaway spa in Zighy Bay, pictured above. (You can read their eco story here.)

Kindle 2 Arrives

Today, online mecca Amazon announced the upcoming arrival (February 24) of the second-generation Kindle 2 e-book reader.

The wireless 3G device lets readers download books directly from the Kindle--anytime and anywhere--with zero monthly fees, service plans, or Wi-Fi connectivity. Cool, right? In our first review, we commented on Kindle being the perfect travel companion (first: because it doesn't speak; second: because it's lightweight, eco-friendly and chock full of new stories - only the ones you want to be told.)

Today, the popular product has exceeded demand. It's back later this month with improved battery life (you'll be able to read up to two weeks on a single charge, according to Amazon), streamlined thinness (expect the depth of a pencil), and additional storage space (so you can carry over 1,500 titles). That's a lot of reading. And if you're on the beach, in the sun, or for that matter, in the dark, Kindle 2 displays even crisper page images for text that reads as well as print.

More green on the Worldwide Web

No Room for Inefficiency at Hilton Hotels - Matter Network
The lodging brand unrolls its five-year sustainability plan

Nine Questions to Ask Green Hotels - Planet Green
A checklist of must-know info before you book

Azerbaijan’s Carbon Neutral Zira Island - Inhabitat
An eco-community to be built on the Caspian Sea?

(U)Topia Inn - Advocate.com
Traveling green is easier at the Topia Inn in the Berkshires

10 Places to Steal a Kiss for Valentine's Day - USA Today
It's a stretch, I know, but kissing is all-natural, right?