Grand Accommodations
 Few spots have made such a splash on the Southern California scene as THE GRAND DEL MAR, a luxury golf resort and spa set in the heart of the 4,100-acre Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. An activities program overseen by on-site naturalist Dylan Jones takes guests on nature walks along tree-lined trails and past boulder-studded waterfalls. Step up the adrenaline with some calorie-busting mountain biking and a full calendar of resort classes — everything from Adult Tennis Clinic to Golf Flex and Cardio Core — to keep yourself fit. For guests who need a bit of a lifestyle change, Brenda Larnin, spa manager and holistic lifestyle coach, conducts seminars that concentrate on nutrition, proper hydration, and stress-alleviation tactics.
In addition to 37 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails in the surrounding area, there is a world-class Tom Fazio-designed golf course. New to the scene: the resort’s partnership with The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and their cutting-edge TPI Junior Performance Center, a 38-week program designed to turn junior golfers of all ages from kindergarten through ninth grade into future pros (or at least avid enthusiasts). At the core of the program is self-esteem building and athletic development. Classes lure kids with the promise of kicking, hitting, throwing, putting, chipping, and catching stations. During “FUNdamental Cyclone Zone,” children learn team building, and in “S.M.A.S.H. Zone,” kids focus on stability, mobility, and the ABCs (Agility, Balance, Coordination, and Speed). From $395, thegranddelmar.com — NICOLE ALPER
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GREAT FINDS
Taking It to the Streets
This spring, PININFARINA (pininfarina.com), the Italian industrial-design group known for its collaborations with Ferrari and Maserati, returns to its motoring roots with its design of the new Air Flow Helmet by New Max. Similar to the design strategy used to make fast cars aerodynamic, the cloth-covered motorcycle helmet conceals small openings on the sides and back that allow air to circulate and moisture to escape. It’s the perfect companion to Ducati’s new street-ready Hypermotard 796 handmade Italian motorcycle ($9,995, ducati.com), a bike that's sleek-looking, lightweight (368 pounds), and — with its APTC "wet" clutch — changes gears smoothly so that stop-start city traffic isn't an issue. — WILLIAM KISSEL
ACTION HEROES
 These extreme-sport watches match brawn with brains. — LAURIE KAHLE
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
In 2006, LINDE WERDELIN unveiled a high-tech concept that pairs an analog sport watch with detachable computer modules that track conditions as well as your performance on land or under sea. The brand’s recently expanded SpidoLite SA series includes a new DLC-coated titanium model that can be outfitted with updated Rock or Reef instruments for skiers, mountaineers, or divers. These digital accessories register and record depths, heights, speeds, temperatures, and other vital data so you can chart your progress like the pros. $12,310, LindeWerdelin.com
ADVENTURE SET
When David de Rothschild’s Plastiki finally sets sail this year on its long-anticipated environmental mission from San Francisco to Sydney, the crew will put IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN’s Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth Edition Adventure Ecology watch to a real-world test. IWC, a Plastiki sponsor, constructed this rugged timepiece to endure extreme temperatures, humidity, shocks, depths, corrosive elements, and even magnetic fields with superhero aplomb. $7,900, iwc.com
HER TIME
Why should the boys have all the fun? As a feminine companion to its robust new Master Compressor Diving Navy SEALs line, JAEGER- LECOULTRE introduced the Master Compressor Diving GMT Lady Ceramic. Fashioned from durable black ceramic and sporting all the functions of a hard-core diving watch plus a GMT dual-time-zone indicator, this is no shrinking-violet timepiece. And what girl can resist a splash of diamonds, even at 100 meters down? $10,150, jaeger-lecoultre.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Stars in Spring
 As flowers bloom, celebrities and cinema lovers come out in cities around the world to celebrate films both large and small. Here is a guide to the biggest and brightest and a few just beginning to make a splash. — N.A.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
Cannes, France, May 12 to 23
It’s synonymous with every A-list celebrity from Hollywood to Bollywood, and no red carpet gleams brighter than the one in Cannes. Events take place in the expanded “Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes,” the main one being the competition between about 20 films for the coveted Palme d’or. Screenings are limited to those “in the biz,” but if you’re lucky enough to have a hotel during the event, there’ll be plenty of stargazing. festival-cannes.com
THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Paris, March 12 to 14
Begun in 2006 by Academy Award-honored Scott Hillier as a place where brilliant yet often underfunded European storytellers can showcase their films, the ÉCU, as it’s referred to, is all about celebrating the power of filmmaking in its most fundamental form. Best of all: You actually have a chance to score tickets and see some astonishing films. Tickets are available at ecufilmfestival.com. Those who book their tickets in advance will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including Mac computers.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
New York City, April 21 to May 2
Cofounders Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, and Craig Hatkoff unveiled the Tribeca Film Festival as a means of bringing vibrancy to this NYC neighborhood and of supporting artistic talent. Today, the world-renowned gathering draws hundreds of thousands to this now-thriving area. Tickets are sold online, by telephone, and at the box office. Tickets for award winners are sold in advance — before they are named — and those films are shown on the last weekend of the festival, so think ahead and you’ll get a chance to see the film everyone is talking about. tribecafilm.com
WISCONSIN FILM FESTIVAL
Madison, Wisconsin, April 15 to 18
You might not think of the heartland when your mind turns to the silver screen, but the University of Wisconsin Madison Arts Institute takes full advantage of the town’s vibrant student body and educated residents to put on a festival chock-full of world-class films. The best aspect of small-town festivals such as this one: You can almost always score tickets the day of the screenings. You can also get tickets online starting March 20. wifilmfest.org
INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BOSTON
Boston, April 21 to 28
With big-name guests (previous attendees include Ben Kingsley, Steve Buscemi, and Mary Stuart Masterson), this seven-day festival is the perfect excuse for visitors to go star spotting and explore historic Boston. One of the New England city’s most multicultural events, the purpose is to spotlight films that might otherwise fall under the radar. Tickets are available online beginning in April. iffboston.org
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GREAT PLACES
Healthy Hotels
 REST YOUR HEAD, WORK YOUR BODY, AND FEED YOUR SOUL AT ONE OF THESE FITNESS-MINDED RESORTS. — NICOLE ALPER AND JANET THOMAS
LAKE PLACID LODGE, NEW YORK
Lake Placid’s massive (six million acres) Adirondack Park is the personal playground to the log-cabin luxury of Lake Placid Lodge, located just minutes from the 1980 Winter Olympics sports complex where you can ride the only Olympic bobsled track in the country. For an over-the-top experience, book one of the lodge’s private lakeside cottages or the dreamy Tree Top Suite. $550 to $1,500, lakeplacidlodge.com
THE RITZ-CARLTON HIGHLANDS, LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
At the new Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, a 2,400-square-foot fitness space, replete with spin studio, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, yoga, and Pilates classes, keeps guests in shape in between hitting the slopes. Also on offer: a fully integrated wellness program featuring private dedicated studios with floor-to-ceiling views of Northstar Resort, a slope-side year-round lap pool, and ready access to spring mountain biking and hiking. Post workout, retreat to The Highlands Spa. From $349, ritzcarlton.com
VICEROY ANGUILLA RESORT & RESIDENCES
Elevate your heart rate in paradise at the new Viceroy Anguilla, set on 35 acres of beachfront land in the dreamy Caribbean. Snorkel, scuba dive, horseback ride, golf, or bicycle for a warm-up. Then venture inside to the fitness center with Technogym cardio and Kinesis equipment, as well as a yoga and Pilates studio. A two-story spa and classes in meditation, cooking, and healthy lifestyles round out the fitness and wellness options. With interiors by Kelly Wearstler, the Viceroy will keep you sporty in style. From $695, viceroyanguilla.com
ARIZONA BILTMORE, PHOENIX
Recently celebrating its 80th anniversary, the 39-acre Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore not only offers seven pools plus a full-service spa and fitness center but an array of unique fitness classes including Kick, Punch & Crunch (a cardio workout using kickboxing and choreography mixed with sports drills), Zumba (think dancing, stretching, and moving to Latin music), and Yoga Booty Ballet (fusing yoga, cardio, dance, and ballet). From $99, arizonabiltmore.com
 WALDORF ASTORIA PARK CITY/DAKOTA MOUNTAIN LODGE & GOLDEN DOOR SPA, PARK CITY, UTAH
The massive crystal chandelier in the lobby and the gourmet Spruce restaurant at the new Waldorf Astoria Park City/ Dakota Mountain Lodge in Park City, Utah, might speak to indulgence, but don’t be fooled: Fitness is equally at play. On offer: a rigorous four- to seven-day destination spa program led by the strapping Scott Cowdrey. Expect a sky-high staff-to-guest ratio, Golden Door spa recipes prepared by Spruce’s kitchen, and an intimate number of participants. From $199, dakotamountainlodge.com
THE OMPHOY OCEAN RESORT, PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Transform your mind and body at the hurts-so-good Exhale spa inside The Omphoy Ocean Resort, the first oceanfront hotel on Palm Beach in more than 18 years. Between the unique — and very targeted — Core classes, the pampering spa, and access to miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, this Palm Beach newcomer is sure to become a treasure in no time. After a day full of fitness, treat yourself to dinner at chef Michelle Bernstein’s signature restaurant, which serves the freshest and finest seafood in a modern setting overlooking the water. Rooms from $367, omphoy.com
THE JW MARRIOTT SAN ANTONIO HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA, TEXAS
Guests at The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa can hit two 18-hole PGA Tour Tournament Player’s Club (TPC) golf courses, grab the kids and dive into the six-acre River Bluffs Water Experience water park, or just relax in the 26,000-square-foot world-class spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility. Another option: Explore the 14,000 square miles of Texas Hill Country for spelunking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. From $209, jwsanantonio.com
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SPORTS & LEISURE
Hooked on Classics
 Sailing enthusiasts who prefer the elegant lines of a classic wooden yacht to today’s high-tech racers can indulge their passion for vintage vessels at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (antiguaclassics.com) from April 15 to 20. Each year, the regatta draws about 60 boats, which are classified as Vintage (launched before 1950), Classic (built between 1950 and 1975), and Spirit of Tradition (modern boats built with classic styling). The Antigua race kicks off the annual Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge series sponsored by Officine Panerai (panerai.com), which once produced timepieces for the Italian and Egyptian navies. The circuit includes events in the Mediterranean as well as regattas in Newport, Rhode Island, and Nantucket, Massachusetts. This season, Panerai showcases and races its newly restored Eilean (pictured), a 1936 Bermudian ketch that will serve as a brand ambassador. “The classic yacht regattas maximize the expression of our tradition, which is linked to the sea,” says Angelo Bonati, CEO of Panerai, which also produces a limited-edition Regatta watch each year. — L.K.
Focal Point
The next time you’re bent on catching a glimpse of that slippery Bohemian Waxwing or Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the one thing you won’t have to worry about is focusing the lenses of your binoculars. That’s because STEINER, the German optical-design house, has made bird-watching and other wilderness activities requiring keen vision a whole lot simpler with its new auto-focusing Wildlife Pro Ultra-Sharp 8x30 binoculars. Covered in rubberized armor and equipped with highlight-transmission lenses that, in a one-time maneuver, separately adjust for right- and left-eye conditions, the binoculars are specifically made to bring even the fastest-flying fowl and other elusive creatures into sharp focus. $399, steiner-binoculars.com — W.K.
GYM BAG UPGRADE
Unlike most sport bags designed simply to store the contents of the sportsman’s life, ZEGNA SPORT’s new gym bag is made to also be watertight like one of the century-old clothing maker’s technically innovative jackets. The duffel is crafted from extremely lightweight, durable, and water-repellent nylon that is both down-filled and quilted and features soft leather trim, handles, and pocket piping. A bonus zip compartment underneath is roomy enough to store sneakers or to separate wet towels from the rest of your belongings. It also comes with an adjustable/removable nylon shoulder strap to allow the bag to pull double — even triple — duty as a weekender or airline carry-on. $550, zegna.com — W.K.
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ENTERTAINMENT
In The MIX
From workout DVDs you can pop into your hotel player to spa books that provide a guide to healthy living, plus films, television shows, and CDs that cater to well-being (both personal and planetary), here is a guide to the best the media has to offer for a fit and fabulous life. — N.A.
 ■ If you’re the kind of person who squirms at the first note of new-age music, Modern Meditations’ two new compilation albums — Rock Classics, featuring instrumental versions of songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Police, and Led Zeppelin; and Modern Classics, with renditions of songs by The Verve, U2, The Cure, Oasis, R.E.M., and Nirvana — just might be the answer. The world-renowned Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, will be the first resort to introduce this new CD series into its spas. modernmeditations.com
■ The book Spa Village: Honoring Healing Traditions features glorious photos and more from the wide-ranging collection of YTL Malaysian spas, everything from the Spa Village Malacca at The Majestic, where you can get a nutmeg-rice rolling massage or bird’s-nest facial (considered the “caviar of the East”), to the Pangkor Laut Resort & Spa Village, where every treatment begins with an elaborate bathhouse experience. spavillage.com
■ For the first time in its 120-year history, The Mayo Clinic is introducing a diet — and swears it’s the only one you’ll ever need. The Mayo Clinic Diet outlines two easy-to-follow phases: a Quick Start component, where dieters can shed between six and 10 pounds in just 14 days, and a second phase, Live It, designed to help dieters continue to lose one to two pounds per week while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The book is filled with meal plans, tips for overcoming challenges, and help with starting an exercise plan. $26, mayoclinic.com
■ More than merely a “spa book,” Six Senses’ SLOW LIFE (an acronym for Sustainable Local Organic Wholesome Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences — a mouthful!) is a beautiful read that explores how altering the ecological and carbon footprint of our lives can make a tangible difference in the health of our communities and planet. $35, sixsenses.com
■ Blue Planet Run: The Race to Provide Safe Drinking Water to the World, with a foreword by Robert Redford, explores the complex issues behind the universal crisis for clean drinking water and talks about the eponymous around-the-world relay run. $45, blueplanetrun.org
■ Wow! The Pop-Up Book of Sports by Sports Illustrated Kids is the first sports pop-up book created with live-action photos from eight of the most memorable moments in recent sports history. Your kids can feel like they are right there at the Red Sox’s 2004 World Series victory, alongside skateboarder Danny Way during his jump over the Great Wall of China, and next to former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree as he makes the pivotal catch during the winning drive of Super Bowl XLII. LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Kelly Slater are among the other athletes featured. $26.95, sikids.com
■ Disney, the company that introduced Bambi to American audiences, is returning to the wild but this time for less-scripted stories. Disneynature will release one nature documentary per year and is set to launch Oceans on Earth Day (April 22). Directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, the film uses new technology for mind-blowing underwater clarity, focusing on the perils and inspiration of our world’s vast oceans. disney.com/oceans
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