I loved Marrakech! It’s a cacophony of sights, sounds, colors and smells.

I was traveling with female clients and we stayed in a two-bedroom, three-story riad at The Royal Mansour that was stunningly beautiful. Each riad (palace) has an indoor courtyard at its center with a retractable roof, and comes with your own butler who takes excellent care of you, from having a fire going in the fireplace in the living room when you get back, to popping champagne upon arrival on the rooftop terrace, where we also had our own pool.

Each riad is in very traditional design with very elaborate woodwork and tile, but features high-tech everything at the push of a button. Every TV has its own Netflix account. The bathrooms are stocked with full-size French toiletries (even makeup remover!) and Dyson hairdryers and straightners. And there is always a tray of yummy treats to munch on.

The Royal Mansour is a hotel with no hotel rooms-just 53 private free-standing riads. It was built by the King of Morocco to showcase the very best in Moroccan art and design, and it certainly delivers, with service and hospitality to match. The spa, outdoor pool, restaurants and grounds are all breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a very special place to stay.

The souks and medina in Marrakech are very different than Fes, they are wider and more open. And here you will find anything you may need, from a camel head to a perfume to ironworks.

The night market in Jemaa el Fna Square is brimming with musicians, magicians, snakecharmers, hagglers and many food stalls. Our guide took us to a rooftop cafe bordering the market for some mint tea at sunset, it offered a great vantage point to see the entire market.

Bahia Palace is not to be missed! Once again, just unbelievable beauty.

The Majorelle Gardens with their signature blue gardens are synonymous with Yves Saint Laurent and the YSL Museum, which is right next door. FYI-the botanist who YSL hired to maintain the Majorelle Gardens went on to become a famous perfumer, and we took a private perfume workshop in his atelier in the Marrakech medina, making our very own signature scents. Fun!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at denise@luxurytraveladventures.com

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As lockdowns lift and more travelers set their sights on summer vacations and beyond, here’s tips for how to set out sustainably.

Find your fit.

Even though many international borders closed during the pandemic, and are still closed, no matter where you live, you’re almost certainly within a few hours of a fabulous resort.

Keep good company.

We can connect you with conscientious travel providers. All tours from Natural Habitat Adventures, for example, are totally carbon neutral; that means you can explore national parks while also caring for their environments. Ted Turner Reserves are also excellent: With more than a million acres of New Mexico wilderness in their care, they’re supporting Ted Turner’s mission to “save everything.”

Eat well.

Eating locally sourced food not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also supports farmers, foragers, and fishers in the place you visit. Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers a great model for emphasizing local and sustainably sourced foods.

Support small businesses.

Everywhere you visit has something unique to offer. It might be a special variety of produce at a farmers’ market or traditional handcrafted pottery at an independent studio. Spending your money in local places helps keep the destination one of a kind.

Consider the alternative.

Sustainability isn’t just about being eco-friendly. It’s also about preserving what makes a place worth visiting. When cities or parks get overrun, they lose some of the charm that initially drew people in. So get off the beaten path: Substitute a big-name destination with a less-traveled place that has similar qualities. Think Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country rather than Napa or, for your next Italy trip, Umbria instead of Tuscany.

*Article by Joel Centano originally appeared on Virtuoso.com*

The post How to Get Back Out There, Responsibly appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

Las Ventanas may be one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve every stayed in, and certainly one of the most romantic, with its twinkling lights, hand-lit candles and lanterns everywhere and trees hung with glass hearts.

Las Ventanas has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I am happy to say that after a two night stay in mid-November, it lived up to my expectations, and then some. There’s a reason it’s on every “Best Hotels in the World” list year after year, voted by critics and travelers alike, and now I have first hand experience at las Ventanas and can assuredly recommend to clients.

The real star at Las Ventanas is the service, which I consider to be industry gold standard.  Always there but unobtrusive.  Genuinely warm and friendly.  Not really service but hospitality.   That’s one of the highest compliments a hotel can earn.

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation from the hotel and I paid for my stay. The opinions expressed here are my own, as with all hotel reviews I post.

• So exclusive there’s no sign at guarded entry but a very warm welcome from a mariachi band
• Modern Mexican hacienda style with much attention paid to details, down to the sand being raked into designs every morning
• The overall design is romantic and stunning, with hanging glass hearts in trees and candles and lanterns everywhere.  Even more beautiful at night!
• Desert meets Ocean with indigenous plants like cactus all around the property

• All rooms have great covered outdoor space with couches, chairs, candles and some junior suites have an outdoor Jacuzzi and a rooftop terrace.
• All rooms have a telescope for star or whale gazing, as well as an adobe fireplace
• All rooms receive a bottle of Tequila amenity, along with several accompanying things such as spiced almonds, limes, herbs, chocolates and 3 types of salt so you can do your own tequila tasting

• Multi-bedroom private villas are extremely private and all have their own enclosed courtyard, personal concierge, full kitchen, huge pool, firepits and includes chef coming very morning to prepare breakfast. Peloton bike set up in villa available.

• Private residences can be reserved too
• The gym has 3 Peloton bikes, each in its own area
• 8 pools including a lazy river (which is temporarily closed) with a swim up bar-designed for kids but obviously for adults!  Some pools are adult-only, such as the oceanfront “twin” pools. Very easy to socially distance. Pool butlers cannot be more attentive, and come around with comp frozen fruit, popsicles and sorbet.

• Mini Golf course and petanque turf
• Golf course adjacent to property
• Live entertainment nightly (performing outdoors on a platform over the pool that is temporarily closed). When I was here, it was a Cuban singer who was fabulous.
• Spa feels like a secret garden

• A Prohibition-inspired speakeasy bar La Botica (was just re-opening the day I was leaving)
• Flagship restaurant Arbol offers an Indian twist to Baja flavors and is one of the most magical dinner settings you can find anywhere, lit with twinkling lights and candles and lanterns that seem to float in the air and on the water.  The food is excellent.
• Breakfast at El Restaurante features a regular breakfast menu or “The Mexican Experience” breakfast, with authentic corn and flour cakes and meats made on the spot in a special oven by a local woman.
• Sea Grill provides beach dining, there’s also a Tequila & Ceviche Bar and a private dining wine cellar (the wine cellar dining has been closed due to Covid)

• There are many special experiences to be had on property, including private dinner on the beach with a fireworks display, horseback riding right from the beach, cooking lessons in the herb garden’s open air kitchen, tequila tastings that determine your own personal Tequila Sign, and more. They can arrange pretty much anything-for a price of course.

• Every room gets a butler (butler for the building) who stays in touch via text. Private villas get their own dedicated host and alot of other special amenities.
• Every night there was a little special something at turndown—a different little handmade Mexican doll each night along with house made chocolate bars, or truffles, or cookies.
• Thoughtful little touches abound—the night before I was leaving, they left travel sized Ziploc bags on both bathroom vanities for our toiletries.  Housekeeping saw all my sunglasses laying around, they left me special glass cleaner wipes.  The attention to detail is amazing.
• Departure gift was a wrapped glass heart ornament, like the ones that hang from the trees all over the property.
• Wifi was strong everywhere but happened to be weak in my room, and I casually mentioned to our butler while walking to the pool.  Unbeknownst to me, she had IT come and set up a private network for my room and texted me the passcode for my new network while I was at the pool.  That’s service at Las Ventanas (and Rosewood properties in general).

WHO STAYS HERE?

Couples!  Perfection for honeymooners. One night there were 3 different beach private dinners going on, all lit by candles. They were spaced far enough apart for privacy. 

But it’s also a great place to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday with your significant other.

There was one young family here with 2 very small children, but to me it’s not a place for young kids.  And there were models, doing a beach photoshoot and then staying in a poolside suite.   This is where you see haute bathing suit parades, metallic thongs, etc.and not just on models.  It’s got a chic beach/pool vibe going on.

Things that could be a negative for some:

• The outdoor Jacuzzi is tiny
• The rooftop terraces on the upper-floor junior suites (as I had) would benefit from either a firepit or the jacuzzi placed there
• There is a distinctly different area of higher rise 6-story buildings that house the residences and signature residences.  They are further away from the beach and near the golf course, and I feel they do not blend in with the low-rise building design and overall aesthetic. 
• In-room toiletries are Bulgari —not in line with the exclusive Baja vibe.
• No in-room desk—there was one outside on my terrace!  But maybe not the place to be working…
• Has a non-swimmable beach.

Through our affiliation with Virtuoso, our clients receive these exclusive perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, available in El Restaurante, Sea Grill, or through in-suite dining
• $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, not valid on products)
• Oasis Margarita & Taco Sampler Experience from Taqueria (one per accommodation booked, for up to two guests to enjoy once during stay)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Contact us to reserve!

Luxury Travel Adventures

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Traveling nowadays is a very personal choice and everyone has their own threshold. I just returned from 9 days in Cabo, I wanted to see first hand how traveling is right now.

I took a rapid result Covid test before I left for Cabo and took one on Day 5 when I returned (both negative) even though a test is not required for entry into Mexico.

I also purchased a Travel Guard insurance policy which included $50K of medical coverage and a Medjet annual membership, which includes special Covid transport from anywhere in the world to a hospital of my choice in the US.

IN CABO, MEXICO AT HOTELS/RESORTS:
-Mexico law currently requires hotels to operate at 50% MAX occupancy, which makes it easier to socially distance.
-Temperature taken non-invasively upon arrival at every hotel, followed by hand sanitizer and health form.
-Luggage disinfected and wanded with blue light.
–Staff everywhere (even pool and beach staff)) is masked at all times.
-Every guest receives a sanitizer care kit including gloves, masks and sanitizer.
-Every hotel has specific cleaning protocols which include extra deep cleaning, air purifiers and even room quarantining.
-Hand sanitizer stations literally all over, including in elevators right next to buttons.
-Hotel staff have temps taken prior to every shift they work AND when they finish.
-Guests are recommended or required to wear masks in indoor spaces, spas, gyms, and on way to and from restaurant tables. Masks are not required at pools or beach.
-Pool loungers spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart.
-Outdoor dining everywhere (I never ate at an indoor restaurant for 9 days)
-No paper menus anywhere, everything is touchless via QR code
-Cutlery and napkins are wrapped or in boxes and presented to each guest
-Remote controls are shrinkwrapped

I felt safe everywhere I stayed because it was easy to stay socially distanced. I wore my masks as required. I ate all meals outdoors, and avoided main pools and even small groups of people.

Caveat--I also stayed at some of the best hotels in the world, which are operating at very high standards under normal circumstances and are now hyper vigilant. The properties I stayed at (all Virtuoso):

ZADUN, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Las Ventanas

One&Only Palmilla

But–traveling right now IS different. I didn’t do things that I would usually do, such as a local cooking lesson or a farm-to-table lunch at a nearby organic farm. I cancelled my dinner reservation at Jean-Georges Seared steakhouse at OO Palmilla when I found out they have no outdoor seating. I didn’t go in main pools with swim up bars because those tended to be busier.

I took every precaution to travel during this time, and the precaution paid off with negative Covid test results on both trip ends, and for that I am grateful. But I will be even more grateful when we can all travel freely again!

Any questions about Covid travel? Feel free to contact me! denise@luxurytraveladventures.com

The post CABO DURING COVID appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

This was my first time staying at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, and the most important thing I can tell you about it is that it has nothing to do with Ritz Carltons, it’s on a completely different level.

There are currently only 4 Ritz Carlton Reserve properties in the world–in Krabi, Thailand; Bali Indonesia; Los Cabos, Mexico; Dorado, Puerto Rico. A fifth is scheduled to open next week in Japan. I would describe the Reserve concept as ultra lux resorts that capture a sense of place and showcase local art and culture, all while providing every luxury amenity and service a 5-star resort is expected to.

Ritz Carlton describes them this way (from their website): “A rare place set aside for those who appreciate an exotic sanctuary tucked away in the most exquisite corners of the world. Where extraordinary moments unfold. For the most discerning travelers seeking a personalized meaningful escape, these resorts feature chic, relaxed intimate settings that weave indigenous flavors with highly responsive, individualized service”.

The setting at Zadun is desert-meets-ocean with a desert landscape strewn with cactus and desert blooms. As it’s only a year old, the landscaping will take some time to grow into the setting.

The service here is the real standout–genuinely warm, personalized hospitality with many special touches and above and beyonds. Example: I was taking pictures as sunset was approaching, and Marjorie the Restaurant Director saw me and brought me to her favorite secret place on property which she thinks is the best vantage point. Later that night when I returned to my suite, there was a hand written note from Marjorie with little take home bottles of spa essence water. That’s high-touch, and as a guest makes you want to return.

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation from the hotel and I paid for my own stay. The opinions expressed here are my own.

• Zadun is located outside the charming town of San Jose del Cabo in a gated reserve.
• Modern, clean contemporary Mexican design in neutral colors in a desert setting featuring art, textiles and decorative art from artists and craftspeople from all over Mexico.  Noticeably beautiful tile and stone work throughout.
• All-suites, villas and private residences and even entry level suites have a very generously sized (heated) plunge pool, and large outdoor space including dining table and chairs for 4 and loungers and a daybed.

• Every suite has a personal butler or what they call here a “tosoani” who stays in touch via text or WhatsApp
• Every suite has an indoor and outdoor shower, Spa Alkemia (their own) botanical products, cotton robes and even a cashmere robe, o la la.
• 2 brimmed sun hats and a really nice straw /leather beach bag you can use while here and also keep
• 3 golf courses in the Reserve
• Adult-only pool and L-shaped elevated pool.  No charge for pool cabanas, first come first serve.

• Jean-Michel Cousteau “Ambassadors of the Environment” program for kids and adults
• Alkemia Spa is gorgeous with very lushly landscaped spa pool and has a standalone spa-within-a-spa building called Casida Privada that can be used for a small group or couple for complete privacy.  Has its own plunge pool, massage room and steam room.

• Spa is only spa to have a unique sound treatment room for sound therapy!
• Some spa features such as steam room and jacuzzi and cold plunge were not open due to Covid

• The pool area has a taqueria and the casual restaurant El Barrio, and is designed to look/feel like a Mexico City street food scene.

• All restaurants were open.  No menus, all paperless, everything by QR code.
• Candile bar/lounge has indoor and outdoor space with firepits and is the prime spot to watch the sunset enjoying artisan cocktails made by the very talented mixologist Hector.

• Friday night is Peruvian Fish Market night, eaten on the beach or near the adult pool.  Set 3 course menu featuring only fresh catches of the day with a Peruvian twist on Mex/Baja style.  Recommend!

• Upon checking-out, my toisani walked me to my waiting car and gifted me with a small decorated ceramic cactus and a painted notecard explaining the myth of the sentry cactus protecting the reserve.

Things that could be a negative for some:

• Desert setting can be a negative for some as it doesn’t have the feel of a beach resort
• Some rooms’ outdoor spaces may not have privacy due to how the rooms are situated on different levels of terrain.
• LOTS of steps and uneven stonework…..but you can call for a golf cart to take you anywhere around the resort.  You are able to walk the resort.
• Beach is not swimmable
• At dinner at the Peruvian Fish Market, it’s the first time I have ever gotten a service charge on a  restaurant bill for NOT ordering alcohol!   I believe only $10 but just surprising.
• Though pricey, the food and drink here was excellent.

Through our Virtuoso affiliation, our clients receive these exclusive perks at ZADUN:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (suites and villas excluded)
• Daily full breakfast for two guests, per bedroom
• One time $150 USD equivalent Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Complimentary one-way private airport transfers
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary parking
• For family rooms, family suites, one bedroom suites and villas: Complimentary round-trip airport transfers

Contact us to reserve!

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The location of this resort is spectacular–between mountain and ocean, and at the tip of Cabo San Lucas, on the Pacific side. Waldorf Astoria took over this property in 2019, and has only made it better. Here’s my hotel highlights review from my three night stay at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal-

I stayed in the Estrella Suite for 3 nights in Nov 2020, and I think it’s one of the best suites in all of Cabo. You get a view of both the mountains and the ocean, and you can hear the waves from any place. It has two outdoor terraces, one perfect for sunrise and the other for sunset. Maybe the best feature is the firepit IN your plunge pool.

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation from the hotel, and I paid for my stay. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Dramatic entrance through the mountain tunnel (which has wrought-iron chandeliers!) to arrive at resort which is right on the ocean.

• Mexican hacienda-style aesthetic with a touch of modern, with rooms, suites and beachfront options.

• Completely enclosed private dining room with demonstration kitchen done in old Hacienda style, used for private events, private dining with chef cooking, but also for onsite cooking lessons and tequila tastings (those were closed for Covid).

• Rooms are spacious! Even entry level rooms are almost 900 sq feet and have a very generously sized plunge pool and a gas fireplace, and come with a complimentary bottle of reposada tequila and comp non-alcoholic drinks in minibar.  Binoculars in rooms for spotting whales, a nice touch.

• There are beachfront suite options, cannot get closer to ocean. Literally opens to the sand.
• The Estrella Suite is a 1-bedroom suite with king bedroom, double vanity bathroom, two closets, full living room with fireplace and desk and dining space, with two outdoor terraces, one terrace has a firepit within the heated plunge pool.  Fabulous views of both sunrise and sunset, can see and hear the waves from anywhere in the suite.  Can see both mountain and ocean from this suite.  Was my favorite suite of all places I stayed!

• Large infinity pool with swim up bar, an infinity “family” pool and a very large nicely landscaped kids pool.  Comp poolside treats such as mini-margaritas and ice cream and popsicles were great.  Service at pools was always good.  Lots of comfy places to sit around the main pool.

• WA Spa with an outdoor spa pool with fountains, and treatments that are influenced by Mexican culture.  The best-priced spa treatments of any of the hotels I stayed at.  My Baja Flavors body exfoliation and massage was excellent.  Osea products.

• From 4-6pm every day, they deliver fresh guac, chips and salsa and a bucket of Coronas to your room, great perk!

• Personal concierge for each room, ours was terrific and always stayed in contact via text.
• Departure gift of nicely wrapped cookies in shape of a turtle.
• Best spot for whale watching!  Saw whales multiple times, even though very early in the season.
• You can easily walk to the marina or into the town of Cabo San Lucas from the resort.
• Dinner at the stunning cliffside El Farollon is a must….if you were any closer to the ocean you would be literally sitting in it.  But beware the tides-it’s very possible you will get wet from crashing waves!  Champagne Bar was closed due to Covid.

• Possible nitpick: The shower in the rooms and suites has no door/divider or anything, its completely open, which some people may find off-putting.
• Nice stretch of beach, just not swimmable due to strong currents and undertow.

Through our Virtuoso affiliation, our clients receive these exclusive perks at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal:

For 2020 & 2021:

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

-Breakfast buffet daily in Don Manuel’s for two guests per bedroom

-$150 USD equivalent Hotel or Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

-Complimentary VIP airport Lounge Tickets with all Beach Front Suite Bookings

-Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

-Complimentary Wi-Fi

*SPECIAL VALUE OFFER: ESCAPE LONGER TO PARADISE*

Valid for Travel Now Through 17 Dec 2021. Book By 17 Dec 2021

Stay 7 days or longer and get 30% off your rate

Inclusions:

• Complimentary Champagne and Salt tasting experience at The Champagne Terrace at El Farallon.
• Roundtrip luxury airport transfers for San Jose de Cabo Airport (SJD)
• Complimentary Private Chef One Night Per Week (excludes alcohol)
• 20% off treatments and purchases at Waldorf Astoria Spa
• 20% off Food & Beverage
• Complimentary daily access to the kids’ club for 2 children
• Complimentary Butler Service
• Free Clothing pressing
• Reliable high-speed wi-fi
• Technical computer support for remote working/learning
• Designated learning room

Terms and Conditions; subject to availability, some blackout date apply (including holiday time periods), applicable on multi-bedroom suites, villas and homes.

Contact us today to reserve your stay!

The post HOTEL REVIEW: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

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