Dear Friends of Wilbur,
I just returned from five glorious days at Wilbur. The weather was warm and sunny, the food was fantastic and the pool was 94 degrees -- perfect for starry nights. This was a Guest Chef Weekend, featuring Charlie Cascio of Big Sur fame. Both his personality and his food are world-class.
This Guest Chef Weekend was followed by a two-day birthday party. My daughter Sarana celebrated her 30th birthday with about 55 friends and family. It was a colorful extravaganza featuring singing, dancing, yoga, performances, and of course lots of bathing and eating (with delectable food, again by Charlie). As many of you may know, Wilbur was my family home for seven years way back in the 70's. Sarana spent her first four, and formative years, there. Look for Sarana's baby handprint in the cement of our pool and a sculpture of her face at the entrance of the baths, done by my cousin Marcia Donahue. (To see more of her sculptures, Marcia invites you to visit her home and garden on Sundays from 1-5 pm at 3017 Wheeler, Berkeley, CA. Her telephone number is 510-540-8544.) (And while I think of it, if any of you are looking for a place for a similar group getaway for family and friends, give us a call. We had a blast!)
NEXT GUEST CHEF WEEKENDS.
Our next two Guest Chef Weekends are coming up on February 25 - 26 and March 18 -19. The guests continue to rave about the food and we're delighted. And both the quality and value are excellent -- just $100 for five healthy, gourmet meals. For those of you that couldn't join us this past Guest Chef Weekend, take a look at the delicious meals you missed, at the end of this letter.
WILBUR WINTER GETAWAY.
This is a great time of year for a little break: the holidays are over, and tax time is not yet here. To welcome you to Wilbur during this pleasant lull, we're offering our 'Wilbur Winter Getaway:' 20% discount off regular nightly rates from Sunday through Thursday, with a two-night minimum stay. Offered January 3 - March 17, 2005 (excluding holiday periods).
UPDATE ON SUITS ON WEEKEND, JANUARY 21-23.
Wow! This event certainly elicited a strong response! Some people loved it: they were the ones who brought their modest friends or family members, or who want to bring them next time around. Several wrote letters that brought tears to my eyes. Other people hated the idea. They wrote letters saying we were "selling out" and becoming like everyone else. Almost everyone had a very definite opinion, either pro or con. Thanks for all your input: Wilbur people speak up and I love them for it, regardless of what point they make. And yes, we MAY do it again, perhaps in the summer. But will we give up our clothing-optional policy as our main way of being? NO! Despite an occasional Suits On Weekend, Wilbur is absolutely, positively committed to remaining clothing optional. So clothing-optional friends, please don't fret!
GREAT WEATHER AT WILBUR.
It's almost unbelievable -- mid- to high-60s in January with the same starry nights we enjoy in summer. What a pleasure!
As always, we invite you to sign up your friends or family for our monthly email newsletters -- the best source for special offers and Wilbur's latest news. info@wilburhotsprings.com
See you at Wilbur!
Richard
Richard Louis Miller, M.A., Ph.D.,
Wilbur Caretaker since 197