To be frank, I’ve never been especially interested in a wellness or spa vacation.  I’m not really into yoga or meditation. I enjoy working out, but I never hit the gym when I’m traveling. I have a couple favorite massage therapists at local day spas so I rarely book those at hotels, either.  For self care generally I hike or kayak or garden, I need to be outdoors.

I also love to eat, and I find it hard to imagine a vacation without wine. So I worry about feeling deprived.

But when I toured the brand new Canyon Ranch Woodside last January, I felt like this place was designed for me. After months in a pandemic and all my 2020 travel plans cancelled, I was seriously ready for a wellness boost.  The resort is less than a hour’s drive away, virtually all activities are outdoors, and is set up to allow easy social distancing for the small number of guests.  So I felt comfortable booking myself a 2 night/full 3 day stay right after Thanksgiving.

The staff provided trays if you preferred to eat in a chair by a firepit.

Lots of seating areas all over the property, like this one next to the pizza oven where orientation is held.

This private space overlooks a labrynth below.

(By “full” stay, I mean 3 days full of activities.  Not checking in at 4 pm and being hustled out before lunch.  Guests are welcome to arrive as early as noon and start activities, and stay until late in the afternoon on their last day. And I could easily have stayed another day, as I didn’t get to try all the activities I had hoped to.)

So how did it work out?

Would I get enough to eat?  Yes, I could order as many menu items as I wanted and have as much as I wanted.  I went with an open mind and even tried things that normally I wouldn’t care for (like sweet potato hash browns, which tasted just like regular hash browns).  All the food was farm to table fresh, creative, and flavorful. I hiked with the chef one day, and learned just how passionate she was about her food and the guest experience.

My introduction to the fantastic food were these tacos at orientation.

The hiker’s breakfast. I asked for more of those muffins every day.

I couldn’t decide between steak or salmon so I had both!

 

Would I get wine? This wellness resort knows the local demographic well. Not only do they have a nice wine list, but an indoor/outdoor bar with pizza oven. We could take our wine anywere on property, and it was common to see guests relaxing out by firepits with a bottle or glass.

It’s small, but it’s sufficient!

Hanging out on the top deck at sunset. Heaven for introverts!

Would I spend a lot of time outdoors?  The resort takes full advantage of the property’s acres of redwood forest, with activities like Qigong in the Forest and Outdoor Functional Fitness.  Even in my room I felt immersed in the woods, since I had floor to ceiling windows and a balcony in the treetops. Every morning excursions are offered off property to local parks and farms, an artist residency, and, of course, a winery.

Watching the sunrise from bed.

Over 400 sq ft of relaxing and well-lit private space.

The treehouses suites are stacked in groups of two, with a king room on top and double queen on the bottom.

The forest trail is used for fitness and relaxation. This natural fairy circle is the perfect place to meditate.

The Santa Cruz mountains offer lots of parks with hiking trails, and expert guides will make sure you don’t miss anything interesting…

…like this surprising sandstone feature.

Our goal: a view of the ocean. (Yes, it’s out there.)

Did I get a massage?  Yes I did, and it was one of the best ones I ever had. I also spent some time relaxing by the indoor/outdoor pool (gotta love sunny winter days in California), foam rolling in the gym, and riding an exercise bike on the third story deck with a view of the redwoods.

The wall at the end opens completely to an outside patio with chaise lounges. Even in December it can get warm on a sunny day!

It sure was easier to be motivated to work out with this setup.

Did I do yoga or meditation?  No, but I participated in a breathing workshop, a creative sketching class, and the free coaching sessions offered by staff and the guest speaker. (If you ever get the chance to take a private walk in the woods with a life coach, do it!) I am not one to sit still for long, but it was easy to have some quiet contemplation on a bench tucked out of sight by a seasonal waterfall just for that purpose.

The treehouses encircle the resort with the forest trail far below.

I had a Qigong lesson down in that circle.

This Buddha is not what it seems.

Canyon Ranch Woodside exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait to go back, especially with a friend. The location halfway between San Jose and San Francisco is perfect for a staycation for Bay Area residents, and an easy addition to a northern California sightseeing tour.  I think it would be perfect for honeymooners to spend a few days here to decompress together before heading off on other adventures. I also met babymooners expecting their first child.

I didn’t miss indoor dining at all!

 

I am happy to share with clients my insider tips on how to prepare and what to expect, plus local travel planning and sightseeing tips for out of town visitors. My clients also receive Virtuoso amenities, which include an upgrade on arrival if available, and a $100 activity credit.  Just send an email to suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.

Virtuoso Travel Week wrapped up recently, a huge event normally held in Las Vegas, which went virtual for the first time. While I missed seeing my colleagues and travel partners in person, the outcome was the same:  strong connections with the people who have the most influence over my clients’ travel experience, who will hand select their hotel room and VIP them, and who I will call on for support with a special request or a problem.

Suzette Mack with team from Africa

A supplier’s network of contacts and personal relationships with hotels in the destination are my most important consideration when selecting who to partner with for my clients’ trips.

Of course it’s a sales event as well, and I love getting the inside scoop on what’s new and what’s going on behind the scenes that you won’t find on the internet.

Some highlights this year:

  • An adventure tour operator has structured their pricing so 6-7 travelers can take over many of their tour dates as a private trip with no increase in cost. How great for family groups or couples traveling together!
  • A sneak peak at two new resorts: one opening soon in Sonoma wine country, and something completely unique on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
New hotels in Sonoma Wine Country and the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Exciting new hotels opening in late 2020 – reservations being accepted now!

  • Suppliers are working on vetting more private luxury beach houses, villas, and apartments so we can book them with confidence for our clients.
  • Some resorts have interconnecting 2-4 bedroom options, but they are not advertised on their website because they have to manually block them. We must contact our sales reps to book these.
  • A luxury cycling company has the motto is BIKE – EAT – DRINK – SLEEP.  You can choose your priorities!
Cycling tour in Zion National Park

A Southwest national parks trip includes a visit to lesser known Snow Canyon State Park.

  • Hotels are coming up with creative ways to make the vacation experience special while still social distancing:  private movie nights offered on bungalow patios, mobile bar carts instead of public bars.
  • A Sedona resort is debuting a new adventure center for hikers and mountain bikers. Talk with an expert to pick the right trail, and rent top of the line gear.
  • Several guest ranches are open through winter with fun programs for families.
Guest ranch lodge with christmas tree

Ranches offer a “home away from home” winter experience, with accommodations from lodge rooms to cozy private cabins to multi-bedroom fully-equipped homes.

  • One of the most exciting and innovative developments: A few resorts have announced homeschool packages, where they will provide remote learning space and staff so kids can keep up with coursework while the parents work.

Holiday space is starting to book up, and I can confirm that as I have had two clients this week find out the resort they wanted is not available. But many properties which normally sell out by now do have space.  Cancellation policies are more flexible than usual (some even up 24-48 hours prior to arrival), so planning now is risk-free for at least several months.

St Regis Bora Bora overwater bungalow

Virtuoso exclusives in Bora Bora include 4th night free, daily breakfast (some  with dinner, too), $100 hotel credit, and roundtrip airport shuttle.

Also check out Virtuoso’s recap of the 9 Best Things Learned at Virtuoso Travel Week.

I didn’t attend any cocktail parties, but I did get martini tips from a bartender in London. And I bonded over a love of boxers with the owner of a beautiful Tuscany resort who’s also a Michelin chef. (I don’t speak Italian, but I think  our dogs may be betrothed now??)

Screenshots of meeting with Tuscany resort owner and luxury hotel in London

Il Falconiere, a Relais & Chateaux property in Cortona, and Egerton House, one of only 15 Forbes 5 star hotels in London.

Whether or not to plan travel now is a personal choice, but if you hope to get away in 2021 (or even 2022 for big trips like Africa), we should talk.  Drop me a note or give me a call at 408-223-6155, I’m always happy to talk travel!

I had the great pleasure to visit Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico recently. I had heard of Ted Turner Reserves, and assumed they were just another luxury guest ranch.  I learned they are so much more, and why Vermejo is often referred to as a private national park.

  1. Exceeding 550,000 acres, the ranch is approximately the size of Rhode Island, and only six National Parks are larger.

    map of vermejo ranch

    The yellow arrow marks the location of the main lodge.

  2. When the ranch is at full capacity, every guest would have over 8000 acres to themselves. It is the largest contiguous ranch in the US.
    view of vermejo landscape while hiking

    Views for miles, and we can only see a small part!

    bar and lounge in vermejo ranch lodge

    Our favorite gathering place after a day of activity.

  3. The driveway is 45 miles long (the road starts at the far right of the map, near the border with Colorado).

    entrance sign to vermejo ranch

    Entering the boundaries of the ranch. Our adventure begins soon!

  4. There were only 97 bison when Ted Turner bought the property. Now there are approximately 1500, including some genetically pure Yellowstone bison. There are >50,000 bison across all Ted Turner properties.

    bison crossing road in vermejo

    Looks like Yellowstone, but without the traffic and crowds.

  5. Botanical specimens from the early 1900’s were discovered in the attic by Jane Fonda, and are now on display in historic Casa Grande mansion.
    framed botanic specimens in casa grande at vermejo ranch

    The label says “Plants of New Mexico” and the date is September 1913.

    casa grande exterior at vermejo ranch

    Casa Grande is 25,000 sq ft with rooms and suites for guests, plus gorgeous public spaces. Another historic building is being restored and will open in 2020.

  6. Rio Grande cutthroat trout were almost on the endangered species list until Ted Turner rehabilitated the creeks in Vermejo, removing non-native species. Now genetically pure Rio Grande cutthroats can be fished exclusively on the ranch.

    Wildlife and streams by the lodge at Vermejo

    Beautiful scenery and wildlife right out the front door of the lodge.

  7. Parts of the ranch are frozen in time with an old coal mine, charcoal kilns, abandoned homesteads, a turn of the century cemetery, and native American artifacts.

    coal kilns at vermejo

    A fun setting for a special lunch!

  8. Costilla Lodge is a certified LEED Silver solar-power ecolodge in a private location 45 minutes from the main lodge.  The lodge is available for full buyouts (occupany 16), and is perfect for corporate or family groups. You can even customize your menu!

    Costilla Lodge at Vermejo

    Imagine having this place all to yourself. Great food, great views, great guides.

  9. Casa Grande looks remarkbly much like it did a hundred years ago.

    The Grand Entry and Great Room in the earl 1900’s. Source: “Vermejo Park Ranch a History”

    Casa Grande interior

    Casa Grande today.

  10. Depending on the time of year, guests can go shed hunting, or on an early morning elk safari. And there are many other activities including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and geocaching.
    vermejo ranch scenery

    Ready for a scramble up Castle Rock. (And for those of you wondering, no ticks here!)

    alpine lake at vermejo ranch

    I love alpine lakes!

Vermejo is not just a place to spend an one of a kind vacation, but a chance to witness one of North America’s greatest conservation comeback stories.  Because each visit is customized, contact me for more information on what to expect and how to plan, and also to receive our exclusive Virtuoso amenities.

I’ve always heard of the Fairmont San Francisco’s wonderful holiday decorations, but never had a chance to see them in person.  I recently spent the night there while in town for business.  I not only got to see their beautiful displays up close, but also toured this historic building, which offers much more than meets the eye to lucky guests who stay here.

Christmas decorations in lobby of Fairmont San Francisco hotel

The lobby is quiet now, but will soon be a popular holiday tourist attraction.

Here are twelve reasons why you should stay at the Fairmont San Francisco, whether you are visiting from out of town, or a Bay Area local looking for a fun family outing.  (West Coast readers:  take advantage of the low fare sales right now for a weekend getaway to SF!)

  1. Beautiful lobby decorations including a 2 story gingerbread house.  (Due to the popularity of the holiday display, public hours may be limited, but hotel guests are guaranteed access.)

    Fun fact: They use so much candy it has to be ordered in July.

  2. Family-friendly accommodations:  Spacious rooms, many that can sleep up to 5.  And double rooms have 2 queen beds, often hard to find in the city!  For an even jollier stay, book the Santa Suite.   And all suites have a sofabed!  (You would be surprised how often hotel suites only accommodate 2 people.)

    This closet! Parents who want privacy can put a crib or rollaway in it. (Trust me, many kids would love this space.)

    1 bedroom suite at Fairmont San Francisco

    There are lots of suites that connect to other rooms, so bring the whole family!

    Dining area in 1 bedroom suite at Fairmont San Francisco

    Not all suites are alike. I can help select the one with the space you need.

  3. Exclusive Virtuoso amenities for my clients:  Daily breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit, upgrade on arrival if available, early checkin/late checkout if available, wifi.
    Breakfast buffet at Fairmont San Francisco

    Use your Virtuoso breakfast amenity to eat at the buffet or order ala carte.

    Omelette station at Fairmont San Francisco

    The staff is so friendly!

  4. Another exclusive for my clients:  Access to a private Holiday VIP lounge with snacks served 3x daily.

    Restaurant and lounge at Fairmont San Francisco

    The Holiday VIP Lounge does not open until Dec 14. But don’t worry, I did a quality control check in the Laurel Court bar

  5. A private outdoor garden for guests (and dogs) to enjoy.

    Outdoor garden at the Fairmont San Francisco

    It’s nice to have a quiet retreat when in the middle of a city.

  6. The only luxury hotel with panoramic bay views.
    San Francisco Bay views from Fairmont hotel

    Alcatraz and Angel Island visible from my room. On higher floors, you can also see the Golden Gate Bridge.

    Corner suite at Fairmont San Francisco with panoramic bay views

    And for even better views, book a corner suite!

  7. Rooms with balconies, too!

    Rooms with balconies at Fairmont San Francisco

    They overlook the garden, and face the bay.

  8. An excellent location – walk to Chinatown, Market Street, Union Square.

    Gates to Chinatown in San Francisco

    I never tire of visiting Chinatown.

  9. Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar with live music in the evening – only hotel guests can make advance reservations.

    The Tonga Room was closed for a private event during my stay, but no worries, there were many other ways to get a festive drink.

  10. Excellent use of space:  Plenty of outlets, and even USB ports by the bed.  And I loved the hidden coffee cupboard with a Keurig (my preference over Nescafe).
    Coffee nook closed in hotel room

    Cupboard closed – nice and clean for those of us who don’t like hotel room clutter.

    Coffee nook open in hotel room

    Shelf pulls out for easy access, push it back in when done.

  11. Chromecast in every room so you can stream holiday shows from your laptop or mobile device.

    Suite living room at San Francisco Fairmont

    Love the new decor, all rooms and suites were renovated in 2015.

  12. There’s a dining table inside the gingerbread house!  (Be sure to reserve it early.)

    Dining table inside gingerbread house at Fairmont San Francisco

    Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I loved this hotel so much, I booked my own family for another visit before Christmas so that they can enjoy the holiday magic, too.

Contact me to book your stay at the Fairmont San Francisco.  There are many room configurations in two different buildings, so I can explain the pros and cons to pick the best one for you, ensure you receive the exclusive Virtuoso amenities, and reach out to my contact at the hotel to personally oversee your reservation and VIP you.

If fine dining is an important part of your travels, then you may have turned up your nose at all-inclusive resorts, which have somewhat rightly earned a reputation for “quantity over quality.”  But I urge you to take a look at Grand Velas Resorts, in three Mexico locations, which have broken that mold.

Beautiful entrance to Cabo resort with architectural features and ocean views

Welcome to Cabo!

They are earning woldwide acclaim for offering dining on par with the world’s best restaurants, representing cuisines from around the world, with menus created by internationally acclaimed chefs.  And guests still get all the benefits of the all-inclusive model:  lots of on-site activities included, children and teen programs,  world class spas, evening entertainment, and gorgeous oceanfront views.  (Travelers without kids should take note:  each resort has an adults only section, with adults only pool and adults only restaurants.)

Here are 15 reasons families and foodies are raving about Grand Velas Resorts:

  1. Kids program for ages 4-12 that runs until 11 pm at night, which means a romantic dinner for mom and dad.   Familes and kids can also enjoy bonfire nights, cooking classes, and educational, athletic and artistic activities.

    Child in chef's hat during cooking lesson

    A future chef!

  2. The most expensive wine collection in Mexico.
  3. Five signature restaurants, each with its own chef and kitchen, offering amazing culinary experiences. And no limits on how many times you dine!

    A collage of gourmet entrees and desserts

    These dishes did not come off a steam table.

  4. A spa that was named the best spa in the world by Virtuoso.

    Grand Velas Riviera Maya spa with chaise lounges by pool

    Before spa treatments, guests experience the 7 step Water Journey.

  5. The only all-inclusive restaurant to be awarded AAA 5 Diamonds, headed by a chef with 2 Michelin stars (click to see video) and worldwide acclaim.
  6. Huge suites, at least 1000 sq ft, with either a king or two queen beds.  Two bedroom family suites, and suites with plunge pools are also available.
    Ambassador Suite interior with two queen beds

    Ambassador Suite with 2 queen beds.

    View of ocean from balcony, showing private plunge pool

    Grand Class Suite with plunge pool.

  7. Room service offered 24 hours a day.
  8. Teen club open until midnight with video games, a killer sound system, disco floor & lights, karaoke & their own “bar” for snacks & non-alcoholic drinks.

    Two view of the teen club, one with a pool table and the other of a snack bar.

    The teen club also has video gaming booths, HD screens and seats with built-in speakers. ping pong, foosball and air hockey.

  9. An exclusive wine-tasting experience: a private jet can take guests to the vineyards of Ensenada.
  10. Beautiful oceanfront pools for everyone: adults only,  kiddie pool with water slide, family pool, swim up bars.

    Romantic picture of oceanfront infinity adults only pool

    The perfect place for a luxurious honeymoon or anniversary trip.

  11. The Chocolate Clam tasting menu offered in each restaurant (not a dessert, it’s named for the uniform brown color of its shell).

    A dish served in a chocolate clam, part of the resort's unique tasting menu.

    Make sure you stay long enough to try the tasting menu in each restaurant.

  12. No wristbands! And no waiting in line for restaurant reservations. Your personal concierge takes care of this when you arrive, and checks in with you throughout your stay.
  13. Wine pairings by expert sommeliers.

    Expert sommelier in front of a large wine collection.

    Over 50 wines are availalble to guests at no extra charge.

  14. An in-suite minibar that is personalized and replenished daily.
  15. Baby Concierge who will provide all necessary gear, and arrange for delivery of diapers and other supplies.

Virtuoso amenities guests can receive when they book through me include upgrades on arrival (if available), one way airport transfers, resort credits, spa discounts, a bottle of tequila (amenities vary by resort).

Limited Time Kids Go Free Offer!  

Book by July 31 and kids age 4-12 stay free, plus get other added value perks, for travel through December 18, 2018.  (Terms and conditions apply.)

Aerial views of the three resorts: Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, and Riviera Nayarit

Los Cabos / Riviera Maya / Riviera Nayarit

In the 30 years I’ve called California home, I had never been to  Santa Barbara until  4 years ago. And then I only spent a few hours doing hotel tours on my way to the LA area.  Recently I had the pleasure of spending 3 nights in Santa Barbara, and now I realize what a mistake I have made overlooking it as a vacation destination.

Santa Barbara has something for everyone:

Beach lovers – Miles of beautiful sandy beach with a paved walking/biking path.  One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life was along this stretch of coastline.

Four miles of fun!

A California sunset should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Nature lovers – Whale watching tours out of the marina, migrating monarchs, hiking trails, hot springs, and botanical gardens.

Getting out on the water is a must whenever visiting a coastal town.

Shoppers – Not only the boutique shops and galleries on and around State Street, but also in small communities like Los Olivos.

Wine lovers – Hundreds of tasting rooms from the coast to the mountains. This area became famous in 2004 as the setting for the movie Sideways.

Couldnt ask for better wine-tasting buddies in Los Olivos. Others in the crew went art shopping and also did well

History Lovers – Take a trolley tour,  visit the beautiful mission, or learn about old Hollywood.

The Santa Barbara Mission is a must see, and so photogenic.

Foodies and Partiers – The Funk Zone.  ‘Nuff said.

Olio e Limone was fabulous!

Santa Barbara is hip, cool, sophisticated, casual, spectacular, romantic, fun, family friendly, and so California.  It’s a great stop for visitors from out of state, especially as a respite from busy LA.  And it’s a great weekend getaway for locals.

I live in San Jose, which is just a 4 ½ hour drive away, about the same distance as Lake Tahoe.    I really enjoyed the fun road trip with nice scenery along the way, and the option to stop in Gilroy garlic country or at some Paso Robles wineries.  There are also nonstop flights to Santa Barbara from San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Seattle, and of course LAX.

Good to know: Alaska Airlines allows 1 case of wine to be checked for no charge between all west coast airports!

Passing through the central coast wine country on Highway 101.

N0t only does Santa Barbara have some of the most beautiful sunsets, but it also has one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Belmond El Encanto is a historic property that exudes a sense of timelessness, but does not lack for modern amenities.  The hillside location offers stunning views of the ocean (and those sunsets!) from the pool and the dining terrace.  And the gorgeously landscaped grounds, including a wishing well and frog pond, give guests the feel of walking around an enchanted garden.

I wish I could stay here forever!

Probably the best pool view in town.

This cute little cottage has lots of privacy.

The accommodations are unique, but all have wonderful craftsman details, including, private terraces or balconies, fireplaces, and spacious bathrooms.  During our tour, our host pointed out the bungalows  perfect for honeymooners, the suite which can host a  small wedding on its terrace, and the two identical bungalows ideal for couples traveling together who can be close, but still have privacy.  Several suites & bungalows combined in one building can accommodate a family group with parents, kids, and grandparents, or even execuuives on a corporate retreat.

A warm welcome, I couldn’t wait to see what was waiting inside.

And I was not disappointed!

Be sure to allow downtime to enjoy your outdoor space. Every bungalow has a private patio or balcony. Mine was big enough to host some friends!

 

And this one has been used to host small weddings.

We are member of Belmond’s Bellini Club preferred agency program, so my clients receive these exclusive amenities:

  • Daily breakfast for 2
  • Resort credit from $90-200 (depending on room type booked)
  • Upgrade on arrival if available
  • VIP status

 

Imagine enjoying your complimentary breakfast,(or a cocktail) here!

For more information, contact me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.

Feeling right at home!

No, it’s not blanketed in snow.  But it is blanketed in yellow mustard, and the hills are a gorgeous bright green that will be gone well before summer begins.  Napa Valley should be visited every season, as it is beautiful year round.

Welcome to wine country!

I made a quick trip to Napa this weekend to check out one of the newest luxury hotels, and also  visit some new wineries, and an old favorite.

Las Alcobas Napa Valley

This Starwood Luxury Collection resort expertly combines rustic and modern elements, paying homage to the area’s agricultural history, without sacrificing luxury.  On arrival you check in at a Victorian house at the front of the property.  But the majority of guest rooms are in three modern buildings, one which faces Beringer Estate, and the others facing a vineyard at the back of the property.

I love a good old-fashioned porch!

Guests can enjoy a cocktail while the concierge works on their requests at a table nearby.

We loved our Vineyard View room, which had floor to ceiling windows and a lovely private patio with fire pit.  All standard rooms in the outer buildings have the same layout and amenities, and there are also larger suites and junior suites.  There are many natural elements like wooden floors and tables, but details like motorized blackout shades, control panels for lights, an Italian rain shower, and a Toto toilet ensure you feel pampered.  Even the event center is referred to as “The Barn,” but is worthy of housing wedding receptions and corporate events rather than livestock.

Furnishings by Italian designer Casa Zeta

Loved our marble sink!

The pool was heated to 82°, so hearty souls could take a dip.  It was too cold for me,  but I enjoyed the spacious seating area with fire pits and a full view of the vineyard. And if I had just one more day, I would have taken advantage of the steam room in the spa which is complimentary for all guests.

Not many pools have a vineyard view.

So much space!

Acacia House Restaurant is  not only gaining quite a reputation for itself in the area, but it was named one of the best new restaurants of 2017 by the San Francisco Chronicle.  I can understand why after enjoying a fantastic breakfast and lunch.  I also had to try their signature margarita, which comes from their sister hotel in Mexico City.

White chocolate cake with cinnamon goodness on top.

Sea salt foam is a new twist on an old classic.

Virtuoso amenities for my clients include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Full American À La Carte Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Welcome Amenity & Bottle of Wine
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

The location is perfect for wine tasting.  It’s right on Hwy 29, just after passing through St Helena.  With several restaurants within a half mile, it’s a pleasant walk to dinner even on a chilly evening.  But you can also have the house car whisk you downtown in minutes.   It’s also a convenient location for visiting some of the best wineries in the Calistoga area; the three we visited were within an 8 mile radius of the hotel.

Words of wisdom

Wine Tasting Suggestions (available by appointment only)

Reverie – Tasting fees are waived for guests of the hotel (concierge must make the appointment).   There is no fancy tasting room,  on arrival you are invited into a private room on the second floor of a turn of the century barn.  But I really liked it because of the informal tasting experience, the pretty grounds, and the good value, as all wines are <$100.  We had a private room to ourselves, and chatted with the Director of Hospitality about not just their wines, but the California wine industry in general. When there was a break in the light rain, we strolled out to enjoy more wine in their small redwood grove – that’s not something you find very often!  They also have a large garden where tastings are done in the warmer months (the late wife of the founder was a Master Gardener).

Is there anything more quintessentially California than tasting wine under a redwood tree?

It doesn’t take much imagination to see the photo op potential when these gardens are in bloom.

Venge – I had been to this winery several years ago on a girls’ trip and was wow’ed, and it did not disappoint for my second visit. This is one of the nicest tasting rooms I have visited, with tables scattered throughout a cozy room with a gorgeous view overlooking the vineyard.  (Tastings are also fofferd on the deck in nice weather.)  The experience was a bit more scripted than Reverie, but still very nice, and  I appreciated that our host gave us time alone to enjoy the wine.  They also aggressively aerate the reds before serving them, which makes them even more yummy.  Their top cabs are expensive, but amazing, and for smaller budgets they have an excellent red blend for <$40.

A much better view than standing elbow to elbow in a public tasting room.

See those cars in the background? No, you don’t.

A final note about the fires last fall:  There was no evidence of the fires as we drove up Hwy 29.  The main fire was in the southeast hills, and even if you know where to look, it’s difficult to see any signs.  (I tried, even using a map of the fire perimeter for reference.) So Napa Valley is fully open for business and beautiful!

A lovely retreat at the end of the day. We were even able to enjoy the patio on a February evening because of the firepit.

The problem with planning a trip to Miami is not finding a hotel, it’s trying to decide on which one, as there are over 15 Virtuoso properties in the Miami area!  So during my 3 night trip in January, I was thrilled to visit several, so that I could understand how to match the right property to my client.

To the beach!

My home hotel was the Faena, centrally located on Miami Beach. If you like technology, then you’ll love this hotel, which doesn’t even have buttons in the elevator.  You enter your floor number and then a private elevator arrives to whisk you nonstop to your destination.Rooms have high tech toilets and central control panels for lighting.  My spacious junior suite could really be called a 1 bedroom as it had a door separating the living area.

The ‘wow’ factor:  a $16M gold-plated woolly mammoth on prominent display in the garden.

No guessing which hotel this is!

The Miami Beach EDITION, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, was a just a few minutes down the beach walk.  The rooms have a minimalist style, perfect for the beach.   Rooms in the bungalow section overlook the retro pool, and include bi-level loft suites with over 1500 sq ft of space for families.

My clients will enjoy their complimentary breakfast here.

I loved the lush grounds which offered plenty of shade, a lovely deck overlooking the main pool, an outdoor poolside bar, and sandy play area for kids.  The fun continues inside with a bowling alley and the smallest ice rink I have ever seen!  A great option for families with kids of all ages.

Parents will strike it big when the kids see this.

When you enter The Setai, you’ll want to stay here even before seeing the rooms, as the lobby lounge and restaurant are stunning.

I could have stayed here all night.

No worries, though, as this all-suite hotel offers spacious luxury suites with kitchens (starting at 600 sq ft), plus 3 infinity pools, and the best views in Miami Beach, since it was built before height restrictions were put in place.

The worst suite you can get at The Setai.

And the best, the 40th floor Penthouse with gorgeous panoramic views.

Upgrade your stay by booking into the Ocean Suite Tower, and you’ll get a 45 min spa treatment, beverages replenished in your suite daily, and complimentary valet parking and car service.

For travelers seeking a quieter beach location, then Acqualina Resort is your dream come true, on Sunny Isles Beach about 30 minutes away from Miami Beach.   It’s just as fantastic, but it’s a residential area without a oceanside promenade, so guests practically have the beach to themselves.

Watch the kids without getting sand between your toes!

Acqualina features some of the largest residential style suites available in the area, in up to 4 bedroom configurations, so it’s perfect for an extended family. And on property amenities include a beachfront grill only available to guests, who can dine by the water or by the pool.

I’d say “home away from home” but my home doesn’t look anything like this.

Suite dreams!

All ages will be happy with amenities including 3 oceanfront pools, the 20,000 sq ft ESPA spa, and AcquaMarine, an innovative ( and complimentary)  marine biology-based children’s program.

If you need me, I’ll be here.

My clients receive the following Virtuoso amenities at these resorts (and sometimes more) when I book their stay:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
  • $100 Hotel credit
  • Early check-in/late check-out,subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

My trip wasn’t all work and no play.  I got to enjoy an educational and yummy food tour…

When I saw this at the first stop on our food tour, I regretted having breakfast.

…then headed out to the Everglades with some Brownell Travel buddies to see alligators and ride an airboat.

You don’t have to tell me twice.

I highly recommend staying  long enough to enjoy some of the many fun activities Miami has to offer.  It’s important to book early, especially for peak periods like the holidays!

My 10 min of beach time at days’ end.

If you follow me on social media, you already know that I have the pleasure of visiting Boston several times a year because my son attends Boston University.  (And plays goal for the BU Club Ice Hockey team – Roll Pups!)

Visitors are steeped in history wherever they go in Boston, but this time I got some new history lessons in the Back Bay and Kenmore neighborhoods.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is an institution in Boston, and you feel it as soon as you walk in the front door. It’s evident in the architectural details and photographs on the wall, and it’s no surprise the Fairmont is included in Historic Hotels of America.

A grand entrance!

If only I had a wide angle lens to capture all the details.

But rest assured, the rooms have modern amenities, and the junior suites are especially spacious! For something really unique, check out their Signature Suites!

Who says historic hotels have to have tiny rooms?

Virtuoso amenities for my clients are:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, in OAK Long Bar & Kitchen
  • $100 Hotel credit
  • Complimentary Wi-fi
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

I toured the hotel with a staff member who pointed out many interesting features, such as the ballroom built during the Prohibition, the tracks in OAK from an old carousel, and autographed pictures of past Presidents and celebrities.

Can you guess what is hidden behind one of these panels?

Wish I could have seen this in person!

Especially dear to my heart are the hotel’s canine ambassadors. On my first visit, I got to meet Catie, who passed away in May. She was beloved by the entire city, and has been honored in many ways, including having one of the famous Duck Boats named after her. (It’s the white one with paw prints.)

Catie on the job in 2014.

We had less time for sightseeing on this trip, so we were struggling to with how to spend the few hours we had left. Then we remembered: Fenway Park offers tours! I am not a baseball fan at all, but even this appealed to me, because I have seen the famous landmark in many movies.

I was not disappointed. The tour was very interesting, as we learned about the history of the park, the team, and the neighborhood. There were gorgeous views of the Boston skyline, and the highlight was getting to sit on top of the Green Monster.

Gorgeous day, gorgeous view.

On top of the monstah!

My insider tip: Go on a game day. The Red Sox were playing the Toronto Blue Jays, so it was even more fun to experience the game day vibe around the stadium and see the teams warm up on the field.

For dining, we went to some old favorites like Luke’s Lobster and Flour Bakery. We also tried some new places including Audubon near Fenway, and La Piazza in Eataly.

Crab, shrimp, lobster AND chowder for those who can’t decide.

Don’t be scared away by the line at Flour, it moves fast & it’s worth the wait.

Nobody ever has to worry about finding a good place to eat in Boston, but you do need to make reservations very far in advance for weekends and holidays at popular restaurants!

I’ve visited all the luxury hotels in Boston, plus a few solid 4 star hotels, so I can help you find the best option for your trip, and share more of my insider tips.  Email me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com, or use the Contact button in the top menu.