Paros is one of the Greek Cyclades and is easy to ferry to from another island such as Naxos, Mykonos or Santorini. I ferried to Paros from Mykonos, only a 45 minute ferry ride on the fast ferry.

Everyone has heard of Mykonos and Santorini, but Paros has been generating buzz for the last couple of years.

Why? Because it’s a smaller, less crowded, less expensive version of Mykonos! It has the beautiful unspoilt beaches, cute shops, cafes, tavernas and clubs; cool designer hotels, and that gorgeous blue-green water to swim, fish, boat on.

I stayed at Parilio, voted one of the best new hotels by Travel & Leisure magazine (along with it’s sister property Cosme). Parilio is all white and beige and has a very understated, minimalistic clean-line design aesthetic. It’s “Mr. E ” restaurant has been voted best hotel restaurant in Greece and I can say that I had some fantastic food there. I imagine the pool is a scene when in high season and full swing.

Don’t miss the charming fishing village of Naoussa on the northern part of the island…it’s a delight to stroll the whitewashed alleys and have a meal along the marina, and take in some nightlife.

I can absolutely recommend a meal at Sigi Ikthios right on the marina. Their shrimp orzotto was insane!

And the sunset here (other side of the marina)-

A boat ride on the water is a must, just look at this water-

Other activities on the island include hiking, bike tours and cooking classes. And do not miss a day trip to Antiparos, an island off Paros. I didn’t make it this trip, but the next time!

So go to Paros to get a taste of the local’s Greece before it becomes as busy as Mykonos!

Any questions about Paros or island hopping in Greece? Feel free to contact me!

The post Why You Should Go To PAROS-Now appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

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

The post Marrakech in Pictures appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

I just did a fabulous tour of Morocco and it is an absolute FEAST for your senses!

The food, the fragrances, the mosaic tile and pottery, the artisans, the craftsmanship, the architecture-it’s all amazing. I have been all over the world and I was blown away by the wonders of Morocco. It offers so much: imperial cities, breathtaking mountains, the ocean AND the desert. The shopping will make you buy another piece of luggage to bring all your new baubles back with you. And the welcoming hospitality of its people will have you planning your return before you leave.

The quick topline of MUST-SEES and some MUST-DO’s in Morocco:

–The old medina in Fes with its twisting, narrow alleyways and PUBLIC kitchens!

-The Al-Attarine Madrasa (university) right in the middle of the Fes medina

-A visit to a mosaic and/or pottery workshop to see how they are still handcrafting in the centuries-old traditional methods

-The Chouara leather tannery in Fes is a sight to behold, with all the different colored dye vats outside in the sun but nothing can truly prepare you for the smell (they give you fresh mint to hold to your nose but that cannot purge the odor!)

–Staying in a riad as opposed to a hotel is a MUST (and if you have the budget, The Royal Mansour in Marrakech may well be the most beautiful place you have ever stayed, anywhere)

–The wine area outside Meknes will have you believing you are in Tuscany, no kidding! The olive oil and wine are fantastic!

–The ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis (I had no idea they were so extensive, like Pompeii)

-a hands-on tajine cooking class or a perfume workshop

–Bahia Palace in Marrakech, unbelievable mosaic and woodwork

-The massive wooden doors of the impressive Kasbah (fortress) of the Oudayas in Rabat

–Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the few mosques non-Muslims can enter, with its huge chandeliers and beautiful setting on the ocean

-a glamping stay in a desert camp either in the Agafay or ideally, in the Sahara if you have the time

-a camel ride in the desert at sunset, a must!

-a hike in the Atlas Mountains and lunch in a Berber village while looking at the snow-capped peaks of Mt Toubkal

These pictures below are all from only Fes! I will put up other pics in separate posts.

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

IMAGES FROM FES

The post MUST-SEES in Morocco appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

Cruise in sleek style onboard this high-tech beauty

The Celebrity APEX is an Edge-class ship and brand-new build that started sailing in Nov 2021.   

I sailed the 2/5/22 Western Caribbean in a Sky Suite in The Retreat, and it was a fabulous experience from start to finish.  And-I didn’t get Covid.

First Impression of the 2,910 passenger APEX:  It’s sleek, modern and stylish with incredible artwork onboard and lots of tech including streaming WiFi.  The Retreat, basically a ship within a ship reserved for suite guests, is worth every penny-has its own concierge lounge, sundeck, pool, hot tub, bar and even restaurant.  

FOODIE Credentials:  29 restaurants and bars!  And famous, acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud is the global culinary ambassador and offers a special Chefs Table.

Who is it for:  Adults and families with older kids who like an upscale environment with a cuisine-focus.   The Retreat is for guests who sail Silversea & Regent but want the variety and amenities of a larger ship 

One dish to rave about:  Lemon-poached lobster with melted leeks, shitake mushrooms, lobster ravioli and beurre blanc sauce. Perfect!  Luminae Restaurant.

Happy Hour Hot Spot:  EDEN, a high-concept, high-design area with bar that is filled with artwork and (real) hanging plants, and has an amazing cocktail curations menu!

Most pleasant surprise: The nightly onboard entertainment was WAY better than I expected!  The high definition, gazillion pixel wrap around screen in the theater and round stage is truly incredible.  The “Rockumentary” show with a live band doing Classic Rock mega hits was really good as was the “Crystalize” high energy show with acrobats.

Most Unique Spa Treatment:  The Hot Mineral Body Boost treatment on the pioneering MLX Amber and Crystal Quartz heated bed. The heated minerals help alleviate muscular pain and remove toxins and serve as a catalyst to warm and deeply relax the body.  Of course I tried it!  Thumbs up!

Stateroom that delivers the most bang for your buck:  The Sky Suites, which are entry level suites but still part of The Retreat and come with premium beverage package, streaming wifi, prepaid grats and $300 per person onboard credit.

Biggest Splurge:  The 2,600+ sq ft Iconic Suite with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows. Pictured above. WOW.

Being completely honest here-I am not a cruiser at heart BUT this ship is so spectacular I might become one!  

See video clip below of my suite tour, and some ship pics. 

The post A FIRST LOOK AT CELEBRITY APEX CRUISE SHIP appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

-by Denise Burcksen

I just returned from my own bucket-list trip to Egypt, and it felt terrific to enjoy international hospitality once again!  Although the jet lag from flying back really kicked my a*#, so I guess I’m rusty:)

Here’s a recap of my trip in terms of what you can expect when traveling internationally these days.

The most important take-away?

NO CROWDS!

As you can see in the picture above, there I am at the Giza pyramids WITH NO PEOPLE in the background.  This is a site that normally gets tens of thousands of international visitors every single day.  

My traveling companions and I were fully vaccinated, and I recommend traveling internationally only if you are too.

Read on for specifics from my trip-

PRE-FLIGHT

• Travel Insurance is an absolute MUST these days!   I made sure I had a policy that covered Covid and even quarantine costs, as a precaution. 
• I flew Turkish Airlines, and they require a negative PCR Covid test taken a max of 72 hours before flight departure.    
• So everyone that you are flying with also has to test and provide a negative Covid PCR test to get on the flight. 
• Egypt entry requirement is the same criteria, so one PCR test could take care of both requirements.  Just depends on your timing, but most countries are allowing 72 to 96 hours for a test result to be valid so it’s not difficult to satisfy this requirement.
• I took a drive-through, never-get-out-of-my car rapid result PCR test at Same Day Testing the day before my flight–a nurse swabbed me through my car window- and got the email results within 16 hours.  I printed out 2 copies and was all set to go.
• Dulles airport was literally empty, no lines anywhere and stores were open.  
• Turkish Air checked my hardcopy Covid test result at check-in and also two more times before boarding.  
• It’s 10 hours nonstop from DC to Istanbul and you have to wear a mask for the entire flight, except when eating or drinking.  Flight crew was very vigilant about mask wearing, reminding passengers to put their their masks up above their nose.   Yes, it’s a pain -in theory.  You get used to it.
• Business Class busier than Economy, as I’ve experienced before on international flights.  Flight was probably 30-40 % full so lots of space but I expect this will change drastically as countries open up and restrictions lift.

I’ve said this before and will say it again–airports and planes have never been cleaner!

In summary, you need a negative PCR test, hardcopy of your test, masks and patience.  That’s it.

ARRIVAL

• I had to connect through Istanbul to continue on to Cairo, and the new Istanbul airport is fantastic.  Everything was open and it was bustling.  
• Upon arrival, your temperature is checked via infra-red technology and you don’t even know it has happened. 
• Arrival in Egypt was incredible smooth, they asked to see my Covid test result at passport control, and that was it. Our handler did our visas upon arrival and was super convenient.
• We had a private car (van) and driver, and the van was spotlessly clean, with hand sanitizers, tissues and bottled water.  There was a plastic barrier between the driver and the back rows.  Our driver was properly masked.  It was the same car and driver we would have for the next 4 days so you stay in a travel bubble.
• We did not have to wear masks in our own vehicle  if we didn’t  want to-and since I was traveling with another advisor and a mutual friend and we were all fully vaccinated, we chose to not wear masks while traveling together in our little travel bubble.

TOURING / SIGHTSEEING

So what is it like to sightsee and tour these days? 

• We had a private guide in Cairo for just our group of 3, she was a fantastic Egyptologist named Azza, pictured here on the right.   Azza was PCR-tested by Abercrombie & Kent, the tour operator I used for this custom trip, before she met us for the first time.  All guides are PCR-tested before meeting clients!
• Our guide Azza ALWAYS wore a mask, inside and outside. 
• Our driver was PCR-tested by A&K before he met us at the airport for the first time, and he remained with us for the entire time.
• Masks are not required to be worn outside, but we chose to wear them through the Khan el Khalili Bazaar pictured here. 
• NO CROWDS!    This is the largest bazaar in the Middle East, and the usual throngs of people are missing.  It was the same all over Egypt.  This is the biggest benefit to traveling this year.  I have picture after picture of myself at some of the most iconic sites on this planet, like the Great Pyramid at Giza, and there are NO people in the background.  This is simply unheard of.  
• Locals may or may not wear masks, as well as the other tourists we encountered (Russians and South Americans). Another reason why I recommend being fully vaccinated before you take on this type of travel.
• The highlights of the King Tut collection (the sold gold coffin, the solid gold death mask, throne, etc) are still in the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, but will be moving to the new, billion dollar Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) when it opens, now most likely in 2022.  It was a real treat to see Tut’s collection without people bumping into me. 
• There was hardly anyone out in The Valley of the Kings down in Luxor, where all the pharoah tombs are.  You feel like Indiana Jones here.  I was literally the only person in the tomb of King Tut!  Well, me and the security guard who wanted to take pictures of me with Tut’s mummy.  
• NO LINES ANYWHERE.  I was inside the Great Pyramid at Giza with no one.   
• Security guards out at the tombs will take you to areas that usually are off-limits, and they will show you more and explain more becuase they  have the time and there are not a gazillion people jostling for positions. 

BOTTOM LINE:

You can have a very unique and maybe never-to-be-repeated travel experience this year IF you are willing to deal with a couple of small (at least to me) compromises such as testing and some mask wearing. 

Onsite Hotel & Ship Experience

We were met by friendly smiles and hospitality everywhere we stayed.  People are so happy to see and welcome tourists again, it’s very noticeable.  It was great to experience!

• Four Seasons First Residence was our home for the first 4 nights.  High security including bomb-sweeping every car and entering through a metal detector every day.  Staff always properly masked.  Sanitary kits including masks, gloves and sanitizer provided in your room.  Rooms spotlessly clean.   Housekeeping twice daily.  The cigar bar was closed due to Covid, but all restaurants open.  Outdoor pool open.  There was a large open air restaurant  around the pool, and that’s where we ate and drank all the time.  Here, we were introduced to an Egyptian white wine, Jardin du Nile, that became our go-to drink the entire trip.  Not just because of the crisp taste, but also because of the 400% tax that Egypt puts on imported alcohol, whoa!!
• We sailed 4 nights on the Nile on A&K’s own ship, the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.  40 state rooms but operating at max 50% capacity.  So only 40 passengers allowed onboard and we had 34 people on our sailing.  ALL CREW PCR TESTED before a sailing.  ALL GUIDES PCR-TESTED before being allowed onboard.   Hand sanitizer everywhere and required when you come back onboard after sightseeing.  Personal hygiene kits (masks, gloves, personal sanitizer) provided in every room.  Buffets at breakfast and lunch but food spread is behind very high plexiglass shields.  The gloved staff puts the food on your plate and brings to your table.  A la carte dinners.  Masks required while walking round inside onboard but not on outside decks.  The small tiled pool on the top deck was open (and fab!).  A doctor travels onboard in a stateroom that has been turned into a medical suite.  The doctor’s services- should you need them- are free of charge, as is any medication he prescribes (and that is carried on board). 
• Sanctuary ship crew was terrific and could not do enough for you.  So happy to see tourists again!   Food and drink were excellent, but alcohol prices were ridiculously high. 
• We ended our stay in Egypt at the famous Mena House Hotel, overlooking the pyramids at Giza (picture above).  This hotel has seen better days and is trading on its killer location and reputation.   I will say, it’s green grounds and gardens are beautiful  and the large sparkling pool was a real treat after seeing all that beige of the desert!

TESTING

• I had to test to get on my first flight on Turkish Air, and that test also sufficed for my entry to Egypt requirement.  MUST BE A PCR TEST!
• The US government is currently requiring all travelers above the age of 2, regardless of  vaccination status, to provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid result antigen test  (the cheaper test)  to return to the US.  You can show proof with either a hardcopy lab result OR electronic on your phone. 
• I arranged for a doctor to come to the Mena House Hotel  and he nasal-swabbed the three of us right in the lobby in between our spa appointments!  Took 5 minutes, we paid on the spot.  I received our scanned results via Whats App and they dropped off hardcopies of our test results at the hotel front desk 24 hours before our flight home.  Easy and convenient and no-stress.  

For any traveling clients, I can arrange to have your Covid test done onsite wherever you are.  

 FYI- the airlines check your test result before you board your flight to the US, but once I landed at Dulles, NO ONE asked to see a test result.

If this inspires you to start planning something for later this year or 2022, we are here for you.  

Questions?  Feel free to contact me anytime, I love to talk travel!

There’s nothing like the anticipation of a trip to look forward to:)

-DENISE

The post EGYPT TRIP REPORT 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

240.744.4749

The post HOTEL REVIEW: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort in Cabo, Mexico 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!

The post HOTEL REVIEW: ZADUN, a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Cabo, Mexico appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

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.

For those of you who may need a change of scenery this Fall/Winter, here’s my suggestions for lesser-known but outstanding resorts and hotels in several areas of the country, all offering privacy in an uncrowded setting, with exclusive perks for my clients. In no particular order, these top luxury resorts in the USA are all fantastic!

CALDERA HOUSE: Teton Village, WY

Make yourself at home at Caldera House (pictured above). Located in the heart of Teton Village with Jackson Hole’s peaks as backdrop, this boutique retreat features just eight two- and four-bedroom suites with their own chef’s kitchen and dining room – although you’ll likely fill up on Italian comfort food at Old Yellowstone Garage. The terrace’s infinity-edge pool and hot tub call after a day on the slopes; spa therapists use cutting-edge technology to keep skin nourished in the alpine air. Crafted experiences range from heli-hiking in Grand Teton National Park to horse whispering at a nearby ranch.

*Hotel guests enjoy access to the member’s lounge and patio of Jackson Hole’s exclusive Alpine Club. Curl up by a fireplace with an Irish coffee and share peak adventures during a lively après-ski conversation.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
• Complimentary round trip private airport transfers
• $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-FI

PRIMLAND: Meadows of Dan, VA

Southern comfort comes with a shot of refinement at Primland. Here, it is all about the simple pleasures: spotting white-tailed deer on a woodland trail, fishing for trout in a babbling brook, riding horses through fields of wildflowers, climbing trees to get that much closer to nature. A massive, eco-conscious resort in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland never forgets its connection to the land nor its commitment to luxury, with its 51 rustically elegant suites, cottages, and storybook tree houses. There is also an 18-hole golf course, an organic spa inspired by Native American rituals, and Orvis-endorsed wingshooting.

*Take advantage of some of the East Coast’s best stargazing from the resort’s Observatory Dome; with its powerful telescope and prime mountaintop setting, you can see millions of stars.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full Breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Custom Welcome Amenity and Turn Down
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

MAYFLOWER INN & SPA: Washington, CT

Located in one of New England’s most idyllic towns, Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection is as well known for its mother-and-daughter-designed spa as for its 30 individually designed guest rooms, each a lavish retreat. Guests enjoy Frette linens, Tabriz rugs, feathertop mattresses, four-poster canopy beds, and, of course, modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi. Active types will want to explore the inn’s 58 acres of century-old rhododendron and specimen trees, while others may be content to settle in at the destination spa, where mind-, body-, and spirit-targeted therapies await to melt away the stresses of urban life.

*Experience total relaxation in the Garden Room at Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, overlooking the serene Blue Heron Pond.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD Resort/hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

WEQUASSETT Resort & Golf Club: Chatham, MA

The Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Cape Cod’s only Forbes Five Star resort, draws visitors from the world over to its New England setting overlooking Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic. Wequassett’s pristine white buildings and tidy clapboard cottages are nestled on sea-facing bluffs and 27 acres of gardens, marshes, and woodlands. Guest rooms – many with water views – are decorated in elegant country style; dining across five venues is polished and posh. The neighboring exclusive Cape Cod National Golf Club allows play for resort guests. Tennis, water sports, and a children’s club round out the many available activities.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom in restaurant
• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Chocolates upon arrival for 1st time guests, Food & Beverage amenity for repeat guests
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH: Hawley, PA

The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning, all-inclusive destination spa resort in Pennsylvania’s lake region, 95 miles from New York City. Your rate includes three crafted gourmet meals daily, MindBody classes, and outdoor adventures. Enjoy superb pools with Hydromassage WaterWalls, indoor/outdoor whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and a state-of-the-art CardioWeight studio. You’ll also discover inspiring ways to overcome challenges and achieve contentment, thanks to stimulating speakers/workshops, creative arts, and gourmet cooking demonstrations.

*Don’t miss The Deep Forest Ritual, inspired by the detoxifying benefits of local flora, includes exfoliation with a dandelion and coffee black mud and a therapeutic birchwood, evergreen, and citrus massage to ease tension.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full breakfast served in restaurant, included in rates
• $100 Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Lodge at Woodoch Signature Amenity
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT: Austin, TX

A lakeside retreat of 40 casually elegant guest rooms offering a wealth of included activities and world-class spa facilities, Lake Austin Spa Resort was voted the Top Destination Spa in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. Rooms are designed to inspire and rejuvenate while embracing the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country. Spend an afternoon reveling in relaxation at the spa, exploring the lake by kayak, or practicing yoga on a paddleboard. Whether you’re participating in a chef-led cooking class or indulging in one of the three meals included in your overnight stay, you will find satisfaction is best served by the water.

*Try one of the unique, water-inspired wellness activities, such as floating meditation or an aquatic massage.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
• $100 USD Spa Services credit per person, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

CAMP SARIKA by AMANGIRI: Canyon Point at Lake Powell, UT

Amangiri (which means “peaceful mountain”) Resort is set in Utah’s stunning canyon country and incorporates the beauty of the Four Corners desert into its design. The central pavilion, built around a dramatic swimming pool, houses the living room, gallery, library, and dining room/cellar. Amangiri’s 34 suites and 1 private four-bedroom home offer modern, airy living, dining, and sleeping areas with white-stone floors that echo the area’s natural stone.

A short hike or drive from Amangiri, amid an unearthly 600-acre landscape of towering mesas, slot canyons and rust-coloured sands, the tented retreat of Camp Sarika promises an intimate, back-to-the-wild experience in the desert heart of Utah. The camp’s cluster of 10 canvas-topped pavilions, each with a private plunge pool, centres on a shared lounge, restaurant and pool area – an enclave of meditative seclusion in one of the most geologically dramatic places on Earth.

With five national parks and the Navajo Nation Reservation in its immediate proximity Camp Sarika is a unique entry point into the wilds of the Old West, with guided desert and mountain hikes on its own trail system, a programme of slot canyon expeditions and a bespoke Sarika via ferrata route. At night, the campfire blazes into life, and residents gather for storytelling sessions beneath the vast star-shimmering sky.

The cozy, back-to-nature atmosphere of Camp Sarika is ideal for guests of all ages, and the camp is equipped for families of every size, with two-bedroom tented Pavilions available and extra beds provided as needed. Every Pavilion has a private firepit for spending time together at dusk, toasting s’mores on the flames, and telescopes for evening stargazing sessions.

*A must-do activity: climbing the Studhorse Via Ferrata (Iron Road). No previous experience is necessary, and the views are out of this world!

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
• Spa credit of $125 per person, once, for up to 2 guests, applicable to spa treatments scheduled between 9am-3pm
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

BRUSH CREEK RANCH: Saratoga, WY

Go wild in style at The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection. Beyond its front gates lie 30,000 unspoiled acres, where you can reclaim a sense of independence while riding trails, driving cattle, fly-fishing, or hiking 12,000-foot Medicine Bow Peak. The adventures at this all-inclusive, authentic working cattle ranch are nearly endless. Accommodations include 42 luxurious, timbered rooms, with open-hearth fireplaces and plush amenities. Families can spread out in restored 19th-century log cabins with decks, full kitchens, and expansive views, or stay in the upscale Magee Homestead, exclusively for adults ages 21 and older.

*The 20,000-square-foot greenhouse produces 100,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, ensuring true farm-to-table fare.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Full breakfast, served in Trailhead Lodge Great Room Dining Hall (included in rates)
• $150.00 per person (up to 2 paying adults per room) towards ANY premium activity of his/her choice (No cash value/ non transferable )
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

SAN YSIDRO RANCH: Santa Barbara, CA

At San Ysidro Ranch, it’s easy to hide away in one of 41 individually decorated cottages and suites, thoughtfully sited along the resort’s hillside paths, neighboring the pleasant creek. Each offers a king-size bed, fireplace, patio, outdoor hot tub, and rainhead shower, while the newest boast private plunge pools. It’s little wonder that John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here – to this day, the resort is legendary for its discreet personal service and stunning natural environment. The Stonehouse offers remarkable regional cuisine, with herbs and vegetables harvested from the on-site garden.

*The Stonehouse’s wine cellar, rich in local selections, is extra impressive, as it has won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award!

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily in the Stonehouse, for two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL: Newport Beach, CA

By the Pacific Ocean in Southern California’s chic Newport Coast, The Resort at Pelican Hill is an Italian-inspired, five-star, AAA Five Diamond destination offering unparalleled service and luxury. Accommodations include 128 multibedroom villas with magnificent coastal views, gourmet kitchens, dedicated staff, and exclusive clubhouse access, as well as 204 bungalow guest rooms and suites, all featuring fireplaces and private terraces. The resort is home to a Forbes Five Star spa, two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, the 136-foot Coliseum Pool, an adult pool, five restaurants, and Camp Pelican for kids.

A must-try is the traditional risotto served tableside in a giant half wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano weighing around 45 pounds and imported directly from Italy.

Virtuoso Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• $50 daily breakfast credit for Bungalow guests-$100 daily breakfast credit for Villa guests (excludes tax & gratuity)
• A $100 USD Golf or Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid toward retail, no cash value if not redeemed in full, does not include taxes or gratuities)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Like what you see?

Contact me to reserve any of these fine properties!

Or you can check dates and rates yourself right through this link:

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/luxurytraveladventures/luxury-hotels

The post 10 Luxury Resorts in the U.S. You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.

Where to stay in Laos

There are several luxury hotels in Luang Prabang–we stayed at the Belmond la Residence Phou Vao, which had a pool with a spectacular view of the Phou Hills. Next time, the Rosewood! But it wasn’t the 5-star luxury that made Laos memorable.

It’s the combination of culture, religion and artistic traditions coupled with the French colonial feel of its capital city Luang Prabang that so surprised me.

Things to See and Do in Laos

It started with participating in a morning ‘Baci’ ceremony (“calling of the soul”), a deeply meaningful and important part of Laos culture. We went to a villagers home, and the local shaman blessed us as we sat among a large group of local village women. The shaman tied good fortune strings around one wrist, and a village elder female tied strings around my other wrist. These needed to stay on for at least 3 days without being pried off….if they fell off naturally, that’s ok. Good thing, becuase I started shedding strings on just about the third day!

I also visited the Laos Ethonology Museum, a small museum dedicated to telling the complicated stories of the 4 native groups of Laotians. It also showcases and sells the handcrafts from each group, at fair trade prices. The quality of weaving throughout Laos is remarkable.

After the hustle and bustle of Vietnam, the languid pace in Luang Prabang was a welcome change. It’s very chill, very zen. And –very clean! The streets are charming, and it’s easy to duck in anywhere for an iced coffee or a nice cold beer.

Spend your morning with Buddhist Monks

Giving alms to the local Buddhist monks was such a moving experience that I will never forget. The monks are not allowed to cook and so every morning at daybreak they get rice from the locals, and one hot meal a day at noon, also from the locals. A&K was ready with rice for us to be able to participate in a village tradition, but it’s definitely not a tourist thing….there were plenty of local people on both sides of our little group that put stools out in front of their homes to give the monks their rice for the day. It starts at 6am when you hear a bell, alerting everyone that monks are on the way. Then you see the orange column moving closer to you, silent and single file. Not a word is spoken. The monks come in all shapes and sizes and ages. And not a word, just silence as they move through the streets. The faith that is embedded in the culture of this entire country is palpable.

Visiting the local “fresh” market in the mornings is another way to experience authentic life here.

The most important temple complex in Luang Prabang is “The Tree of Life” temple, or Wat Xieng Thon It’s filled with murals in gold and mosaic tile.

Arts & Crafts in Laos: OCK POP TOK

The absolute highlight of my too-brief time in Laos was a visit to OCK POP TOK, a living crafts center situated on the banks of the Mekong. OCK POP TOK means “East meets West” because it was started by a British woman Joanna Smith and a Laotian woman Veo Douangdala. Their vision was to empower local women to use their traditional handicraft skills to create a sustainable future for themselves. Today the center has over 78 employees who work an 8 hour day 5 days a week and receive health benefits. Their mission is for people to discover Laos through textiles, and they are producing a wide range of gorgeous silk and cotton textiles in a variety of designs.

They also have a terrific café called Silk Road that overlooks the Mekong, and even several villa rooms if you wish to stay overnight. It’s also possible to do group and even private classes on premises as well.

You can walk freely around the looms and watch the artists at work. A free tour will explain the entire weaving process to you, from cultivating silk worms (they do so on premises) to harvesting and dying the silk with traditional herbal and vegetable dyes (also on premises). It can take 1- 3 weeks to weave one intricate scarf.

Laos was truly a surprise on my 3.5 week adventure through Southeast Asia. If you are into textile crafts, Laos is your Nirvana. I think it’s also a wonderful place for wellness retreats including yoga and meditation. Laos has a lot to offer, it should be on every seasoned traveler’s radar!

The post LAOS: Trip Highlights appeared first on Luxury Travel Adventures.