Located in the tropical paradise of the Mexican Riviera is the Hidden Beach Resort. At the striking gated entryway as you walk past duo statues of stone frogs (symbolizing cleansing, renewal and transformation) and through massive solid wood doors, a different kind of luxury awaits.... Read More
To those of you shivering through the latest snow emergency, we found eight spas that want to help you out by cocooning you in heated blankets, pampering you like a baby in crèche-like warming rooms, and maybe even wrapping you in tepid seaweed. We bet that by now, if it promises to lift the chill from your bones, you’ll be the first to sign up.... Read More
“Expect Miracles,” states a sign about half a mile from Miraval Resort & Spa in Tuscon, Arizona, the destination spa that has nourished the souls of more than a quarter of a million guests since its opening in 1995. It surely sets an expectation for the resort, even though the sign isn’t affiliated with the property. Every time I run by this sign while out at Miraval though, I smile, finding how ideal a statement this is for the resort that has soothed and replenished guests for nearly two decades.... Read More
Spend a few days in Charleston South Carolina's Low Country and you'll either hear about Wild Dunes Resort or be staying there. An iconic beach getaway across the harbor from downtown Charleston in Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes is a sanctuary from the everyday. And it’s culinary offerings are just as impressive.... Read More
As an avid spa-goer, visiting Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort, had been on my short list for quite some time. After all, you don’t rack up a laundry list of accolades ranging from the “#1 Destination Spa in the World” by Travel + Leisure, “10 Best Destination Spas” by Condé Nast Traveler, or recognition from big hitters such as Spa Finder, Andrew Harper, and the Travel Channel, if you’re not doing everything right.... Read More
Crashing surf roars below the picturesque setting of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Atop a seaside cliff, the property feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco—pumpkin and Christmas tree farms speckle the landscape and a scenic oceanside drive sets the tone before even stepping foot on the property.... Read More
You could easily spend several years worth of winter vacations in Mexico without going beyond the confines of Cabo San Lucas, Cancun or the Riviera Maya. But to do so would be to miss out on some of the very best scenery the country has to offer. The Riviera Nayarit, stretching over some 200 miles of picture perfect Pacific coastline, arcs up over Puerto Vallarta—a convenient place to fly in to but best left to the cruise ship crowd. That includes over 190 miles of beaches and oceanic wonders, but also several lakes, rivers, mountains and rainforest well worth exploring.... Read More
Have you ever been asked to go spelunking? You know, that little activity that leads you deep into black caves with just a small flashlight on your head and a hope that you will come out alive in the end? Sure, you could be into that sort of thing (count me out), but instead of bonding with local bats and large insects, you could just as well book a room at The Caves Hotel & Spa for a different kind of caving experience.... Read More
Recently, I couldn’t resist revisiting the Resort at Pelican Hill resort, the opulent Mediterranean inspired property now celebrating its five-year anniversary. Since its opening, the quiet retreat has amassed dozens of elite travel accolades, from Andrew Harper's lists to Travel + Leisure’s best resorts of the world. The crown jewel of Irvine Company’s portfolio, The Resort at Pelican Hill has become quite the epicurean’s destination.... Read More
There’s a moment upon arrival—after you pass the larger-than-life steel entrance gates and continue on through the 1,000-foot torch-lit private tunnel—when it hits you, a quiet awareness of the beauty that lies ahead; a feeling that leaves you speechless. For those few seconds before exiting your chauffeured Escalade, Capella Pedregal hotel sits in front of you like a new crush that you can't stop admiring.... Read More