Victoria Lavin, an authority on Eastern philosophy,...

Victoria Lavin, an authority on Eastern philosophy, stress management and metaphysics, is welcoming vacationers to her health retreat she calls Serenity Summit at the 7,200-foot elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains. Serenity overlooks Lake Arrowhead. Six guest rooms with baths. Lavin cautions that “we are not a resort or fat farm but rather a home offering a family atmosphere with R&R; accenting the integration of the mind, body and spirit under the powerful guiding hand of Mother Nature.” Tells everybody that Serenity Summit is targeted for the “overworked executive and the burned-out artist.” Says Serenity has the purest water in the mountains. Guests swim, fish, sail in summertime, ski in winter. (Only seven miles from Snow Valley’s ski lifts.) Rates: $95/$125.

For reservations write to Serenity Summit, 600 Bolsa Chica, P.O. Box 367, Green Valley Lake, Calif. 92341, or telephone (714) 867-4109.

Going Native in Paris

If you’re traveling to Paris, a company in Visalia, Calif., will put you up in an apartment for as little as $60 a day. More than 300 choices. Everything from a studio to a four-bedroom unit. Traditional buildings with loads of character. On the Left Bank, the Right Bank, Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint Louis. A wide choice of locations. Beraud de Vogue promises “all the conveniences of a fine hotel,” including a catered continental breakfast your first morning and adds that you will “feel at home in the middle of Paris.” A chance to grocery shop with your neighbors, hang out in the same bistros. Write to De Vogue, 3425 W. Monte Vista Ave., Visalia, Calif. 93277, or telephone (209) 733-7119.

For the Adventurous

Blue Hedgehog Travel of London is looking for adventurous types. They do an eight-day bus/camping tour that’s a bargain. About $200 including food. Trips into the wilds of Wales and prehistoric England as well as Scotland. Hiking in the Black Mountains, riding in Glentrool Forest. Groups take in cheese making on a Welsh farm, glass blowing in the Portland Hills, whiskey tasting in Scotland. Bus carries 29 vacationers. Besides a driver/courier, a cook goes along. The guide promises to “get you out of the tourist rat race to places that can’t be found in any guidebook.” Write to Blue Hedgehog Travel Ltd., 88 Lillie Road, London SW6 7SR, England.

The Bermuda Beat

Bermuda is getting a lot of attention these days. Tourism from the West Coast got a hefty push with a Pan Am promotional fare this summer. You can fly round trip for only $499 Tuesday through Thursday to Hamilton (Bermuda’s capital). Fare jumps on weekends to $529. Includes a stopover in New York. Restrictions: minimum two-day visit, maximum 45 days. For detailed information on this island off the Carolina coast, drop a card to the Bermuda News Bureau, 630 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10111.

Big Island Hideaway

Bill Daniels of Woodland Hills asks for the name of an inexpensive hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you don’t mind being uphill from the action of Kailua-Kona, the Manago is a steal. Singles start at $18 and doubles go for as little as $22. A spectacular view of the Kona Coast, which lies 13 miles below the Manago. (Public bus transportation twice daily to Kailua-Kona.) This is a family-operated hotel. Forty-two rooms. All western style with the exception of one with tatami mats, a futon, shoji screens. Write to the Manago Hotel, Box 145, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704. (The Manago is a good bet if want to be in a village with atmosphere, few tourists.)

Recreation Vehicle Guide

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Assn. has come out with a catalogue listing free brochures/pamphlets in addition to guides that are available by mail order. Consumer publications include “Who’s Who in RV Rentals,” “Trailer Life’s RV Buyer’s Guide” and “Woodall’s RV Buyer’s Guide.” Names camping publications, directories. For a free copy of the “Catalogue of Publications About the RV Lifestyle,” send a stamped, self-addressed No. 10 envelope to RVIA, Dept. POF, P.O. Box 2999, 1896 Preston White Drive, Reston, Va. 22090.

A Letter From Vancouver

Stella Vong of First Choice Bed & Breakfast in Vancouver writes: “It has become apparent that many people believe there is a grave shortage of accommodations at Expo 86. While it is true that the majority of hotels are booked, there are still many vacancies at bed-and-breakfast host homes. These accommodations are reasonably priced, clean, convenient and offer a personal service. Call First Choice Bed & Breakfast, (800) 663-8286.”

Reader Recommendations

Massachusetts--Yvonne Dean, Los Angeles: “Just returned from the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and stayed at a bed and breakfast that was exceptionally good. The home was built in 1818, tastefully furnished, very neat and clean. Innkeepers serve a complete breakfast, tea or sherry in the afternoon. Rates $65 with bath, $60 with shared bath. (Singles $5 less.) Address: Staveleigh House, South Main Street, Sheffield, Mass. 01257.”

Laguna Beach, Calif.--Joanne Sherman, Santa Ana: “Want to share a great bargain--Casa Laguna, 2510 S. Coast Highway, Laguna 92651. For $85 double we had not only an excellent breakfast in beautiful surroundings, but an afternoon wine and cheese spread accompanied by an enjoyable guitarist, champagne by the pool, a fruit basket in our room.”

Alaska--Leah Moss, Newport Beach: Enjoyed Karras Bed & Breakfast, 230 Kogwanton, Sitka, Alaska 99835. Price, $32 single, $48 double. “Very warm, friendly people.”

Alaska--Julie Emery, San Diego: “Enjoyed the Silverbow Inn & Restaurant, 120 2nd St., Juneau, Alaska 99801. Food was excellent, reasonable. Room rates $65 single, $75 double.”

Vermont--Hally Risley, Newport Beach: “A charming B&B; nestled among the Green Mountains. A 150-year-old saltbox recently renovated. Antiques and handmade quilts. Two-bed room and a truly gourmet breakfast for two is $35 a night. An area of outstanding antiquing and good restaurants. Write to the Quail’s Nest, P.O. Box 221, Danby, Vt. 05739.”

Gualala, Calif.--Willard & Vi Heise, Upland: “Spent an enjoyable night at the Whale Watch Inn, 35100 Highway 1, Gualala, Calif. 95445. About 45 miles south of Mendocino. Overlooks the ocean. Rates from $115 to $185, including a great breakfast.”

Massachusetts--Ken & Linda Mesesan, Santa Ana: Praise for the Terrace Townhouse, 60 Chandler St., Boston, Mass. 02116. “Handsomely restored 1870 town house. Breakfast and afternoon tea served on antique china in guest’s room. Prices begin at $70 a night.”

Oregon--David & Elizabeth Keranen, Bakersfield: Enjoyed the Blackberry Inn, P.O. Box 188, Seal Rock, Ore. 97376. “They have a hot tub, trails; you can help milk the goats, go clamming. Excellent food. No smokers! Rates: $49 a couple or $45 for two or more nights.”

San Diego--Margaret & Steve Gibbens, Santa Barbara: “The Parker House Inn, 3421 5th Ave., San Diego 92103. Friendly atmosphere, excellent breakfast, close to Balboa Park. A two-bedroom suite with living room, kitchen and bath is $95. We highly recommend it.”

Fresno, Calif.--Carol & Guy Miller, Reseda: “A most charming, brand new B&B; at 1003 S. Orange Ave., Fresno 93702. Beautiful Victorian home with exquisite antiques. Breakfast with champagne, plus wine in the afternoon. Upon leaving we were given a lovely basket of food for the road. All for $45.”

Palm Springs, Calif.--Lucy & Nick Drakos, New York: “Discovered a very lovely oasis, the Palm Tee Hotel, 1590 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92262. Newly decorated suites, pool, Jacuzzi. Rates from $39 in summer, $52 in winter.”

Readers: Your recommendations should contain the addresses of hotels, inns, restaurants, as well as prices whenever possible. (Please print or type.)