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Fortress of leisure

A former Army post within Golden Gate National Park is poised to become a luxury resort that emphasizes the environment, lifelong learning and comfort. When it opens this summer, Cavallo Point, the Lodge at the Golden Gate, will be San Francisco Bay’s only urban national park lodge. The group of historic buildings on expansive grounds is a mile from Sausalito in the former Ft. Baker. The compound features rooms that are a century apart in character and style. The 74 newly constructed contemporary guest rooms were built with sustainable materials and include organic bedding, radiant heating and solar power. The post’s early-1900s Colonial Revival officers’ quarters were restored to become 68 rooms and suites that feature tin ceilings, porches and fireplaces. The resort also will feature a spa, a bay-side restaurant, and lifestyle programs such as photography classes, cooking seminars and olive oil tastings. Info: (415) 339-4700, www.cavallopoint.com.

-- Valli Herman

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Abu Dhabi arts

With branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums, a performing-arts center designed by Zaha Hadid and the Maritime Museum by Tadao Ando opening on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi in the next decade, the Persian Gulf capital of the United Arab Emirates seems slated to become the culture capital of the Middle East. To cement that reputation before the completion of the Saadiyat developments, the fifth annual Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival, taking place March 22 to April 2, is expected to be bigger and better than ever. Guest artists will include the London Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Vladimir Jurowski; the Bolshoi Ballet; and soprano Anna Netrebko. Performances and events will be staged at the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel. Info: www.admafestival.com.

-- Susan Spano

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Good to go

Stylish, packable travel jackets are as rare as a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes in Inner Mongolia, but we think we’ve come across one. We took the UBU Travel Jacket to three continents, stuffed it at the bottom of a backpack, squished it into a suitcase, wore it in a snowstorm, and through it all, the UBU kept its shape, looks and the chill away. The ruched fabric feels silky and adds a dressy touch to a travel wardrobe. It’s reversible, washable and can be found in colors including black, beige and a cheetah print. Sizes run small (a large fit my petite frame). Price $136 from Kaehler World Traveler, (800) 314-2247, www.worldtraveler.com and other sites. Info: www.ubuclothing.com.

-- Vani Rangachar

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Ring-a-ding days

Frank Sinatra may have sung odes to New York, but the crooner called the Palm Springs area home for much of his life. Now fans can visit or drive by the places the Chairman of the Board dined, lived in and hung out. Sites include the Twin Palms Estate that he shared with actress Ava Gardner; Riccio’s, one of his favorite restaurants; and St. Louis Catholic Church, where he worshiped. To get a list, e-mail Mark Graves of the Palm Springs Desert Resort visitors bureau, at mgraves@palmspringsusa.com.

-- V.R.