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Supplier Kudos: Supporting Clients in Tahiti

Travelers this year need to stay on top of rapidly changing travel requirements, and make sure they know how to meet them to prevent problems like denied boarding or unexpected quarantine.  Our trusted travel partners once again have stepped in using their personal connections to give our clients an extra level of confidence while traveling.

French Polynesia unexpectedly announced they had to close their borders this week, but travelers currently in country are allowed to complete their travel plans.  Getting back to the US requires a negative COVID test, and day of flight testing is available at Faa’a airport.  But the hours are limited, presenting logistical challenges for travelers, especially those who have to fly or ferry back from outlying islands.

clear blue waters around the island of moorea with a lone swimmer

Would having to stay here be such a bad thing??

So I was thrilled to hear this news from our favorite supplier partner for French Polynesia:  They arranged for testing to stay open later for our clients, and are stationing a concierge at the airport. Someone who has our client’s itinerary will be watching for them, and guide them to the proper location. And they have made sure that testing does not close until all our clients are tested.

Map showing the many islands that comprise French Polynesia

There is much more to French Polynesia than just Tahiti.

I have always booked my Tahiti clients with this supplier because they’ve provided outstanding in-country support. I could trust my clients were in the best hands should they need assistance, and I even used them for my own trip.  This recent turn of events reinforces my confidence that they are capable of rapidly responding to quickly changing rules, and will go above and beyond to take care of my clients.

Painting on side of building on Raiatea. It's a woman laying on her back who appears to be floating, she's wearing a blue & shite thin striped dress.

The street art on Raiatea was a pleasant surprise.

Planning a trip is much more than just checking for the best rates and amenities and making reservations. We research HOW to book the trip, so that clients have the most flexible terms, the most appropriate travel insurance, and the most reliable support in their destination. And once booked, we continuously communicate with our supplier partners to make sure we have the latest and most accurate information.

Sunset seen from Windstar cruise ship over island in the distance

Goodbye, but I’ll be back!

Whether you’re ready to plan your next trip, or just want to talk about your travel dreams, I’m here for you.

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My First Wellness Resort Experience

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.

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How To Travel Well in 2020

In a podcast for travel professionals,  I recently heard a quote that resonated with me, and it came from someone I consider a friend and mentor:

“In service experiences you don’t get do-overs”
Kerry Dyer, Brownell Travel

What immediately followed in my mind was that you don’t get a do-over on your dream vacation, either. I, like most of my colleagues,  gave up a successful career to start anew in the travel industry, because we wanted to help make travel dreams come true for others. Yes, we are running a business with the goal of making money.  But we chose travel because we love building the relationship with our clients, understanding their priorities and needs, and designing the perfect trip just for them.  However there is no joy in finding out they were disappointed, or worse, they ran into serious problems.  No amount of money makes up for the feeling that we let our clients down.

Meeting a baby gray whale Magdalena Bay in Baja (Lindblad Expeditions, March 2019)

Fortunately things don’t go wrong often. But it’s also not an accident that things go right most of the time.  And I strongly believe the key to that is in my supplier partnerships, the people I entrust to take care of my clients wherever they are in the world, no matter what happens.

So my responsibilities to my clients are:

  • Select the suppliers carefully depending on my client’s needs, the type of trip they desire, and the destination.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with these suppliers so we have mutual trust and respect, and can work effectively and efficiently to make our client’s trip the best it can be.

Tahiti Cruise (Windstar, August 2019)

Why is this important going into 2020?  Because travel demand continues to grow at a rapid pace.  I celebrated my best year ever in 2019, earning a place in Brownell’s 1887 Club.  But this growth also meant there were more challenges in booking and managing travel, and who I choose to partner with in 2020 and beyond is becoming more important than ever.

Frozen Charles River (Boston, Jan 2019)

Suppliers are competing for resources.  A supplier who has their own guides and vehicles, and also has strong personal connections, and is highly regarded by his or her colleagues,  can more reliably offer the best service versus suppliers who are outsource everything to third parties.  This really comes to light when problems occur, asthe true test of a supplier’s worthiness is how they handle a crisis.

Most recently we’ve seen travelers throughout France finding it difficult to rely on public transportation.  Our suppliers have been lining up private drivers on short notice so our clients’ touring plans are not impacted. Airline strikes have forced clients to rebook or reroute their trips, and incur additional costs. While this is a “gray area” with travel insurance suppliers, our strong relationship with our insurance rep has smoothed the path to quickly resolve claims.

Lovely evening stroll in Antibes (Dec, 2019)

Private home and apartment rentals are growing in popularity, but they are prone to fraud, and quality control is difficult. I can attest from personal experience (before I was in the industry and knew better) to the panic that ensues when you show up at your rental, late at night, with no key to be found, and the management office closed. Fortunately my problem was resolved in a few hours once I was able to reach the homeowner and get a spare key from a nearby relative.  We seek out partners who have direct relationships with the property owners/managers, provide 24×7 emergency support, and have demonstrated a commitment to customer service.

Meeting the Vermejo Ranch residents (New Mexico, Sep 2019)

Yesterday an article came out advising travelers where they should not go in 2020. The primary reasons were overtourism, which was becoming detrimental to the environment or residents, to the traveler experience, or both.  The concerns are legitimate, but rather than avoid these destinations, they can be experienced in a different way.  Our supplier’s personal contacts, resources, and innovative ideas can get my clients away from the crowds, and often provide a more authentic experience. But I won’t send a client “off the beaten track” with just anybody.

Christmas Market on Marienplatz (Munich, Dec 2019)

The last industry event I attended in 2019 was the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. It’s not just a networking event, it was an opportunity for me to meet one on one with potential suppliers to ask hard questions about how they run their business and what advantage they offer over their competitors. And now I have a name and a face, and a shared experience, which has created a connection between us when I reach out to talk about a potential trip. (Spending an hour trying to find your Uber driver in Antibes who doesn’t speak English is a good team building exercise!)  In ANY business, building relationships is crucial, but even more so in the hospitality industry.

Walking up the same red carpet as the film stars in Cannes (ILTM, Dec 2019)

The good news is that I have many wonderful suppliers who are great partners, that care just as much as I do about my clients.  So I look forward to helping clients fulfill their travel dreams in 2020 and beyond.

~ Happy New Year From My Family To Yours!!  ~

 

Boston University Graduation (May, 2019)

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Why A Windstar Tahiti Cruise is Ideal for Active Travelers

Our family unanimously agreed that this was one of our best vacations ever.  We love to snorkel, and being in the water in general, and my husband and kids got certified to dive just for the trip.  We liked that it was very active during the day, but relaxed at night.   Service was exceptional, and the staff came to know all of us within the first day (the bartender could tell me the last time one of my kids came by for a beverage).   The food was excellent and abundant, and I was impressed with the design of the cabin.  It was small, but comfortable, and we had more storage space than we could use.  (I recently posted about how to pack for it.)  So it’s a great trip for just about anybody.

Windstar Wind Spirit anchored in Moorea

Beautiful Wind Spirit anchored in Moorea.

But here is why I especially recommend a Windstar Tahiti cruise for travelers who like to be active on vacation:

Relaxed luxury – It’s upscale in terms of service, amenities, food, and decor, yet casual.   You feel pampered without the pressure of having to dress up, even in the dining room. It’s perfect for honeymoons and celebrations, where you want the setting to feel special but not pretentious.

Cocktail at sunset on deck of Wind Spirit

Cocktails at sunset on deck never gets boring. And is great for meeting people!

 

Dining on the deck of the Windstar wind spirit

“Specialty dining” is when they turn the deck into a restaurant. Shorts are acceptable!

Adventurous excursions – And the variety!  Hiking, diving, snorkeling, cycling, jet-skiing, to name a few.  Though it’s ideal for travelers who want to be in the water every day like us, there are plenty of land and cultural activities as well.  It’s great for families with older children who like to be on the go, even those who say they “don’t cruise.”  (It’s nothing like a big ship cruise.) Divers have opportunities almost every day to do easy to advanced diving, and they also offered beginner excursions which required no certification.

diving in french polynesia

First offical dive after certification!

Insider tip:    I recommend that more advanced adventurers hire a private guide. They can tailor activities to your experience level, and you can do more in the same period of time. We are experienced snorkelers, so we went out in a speedboat instead of catamaran, and visited 5 locations in a 2 hour period. We also had a private jet ski tour which was really fun, and I felt more comfortable zipping around in a smaller group.

jet skiing in bora bora

The best way to travel around Bora Bora, literally all the way around it.

snorkeling pictures of manta ray, eagle rays and lemon shark

On our private “snorkel safari” we saw eagle rays, manta rays, and lemon sharks in just a few hours. And snorkeled through a gorgeous coral garden (cover photo).

Lots of beach time – Being on a cruise often means giving up beach time.  No worries with Windstar, there were three opportunities for the entire ship to hang out on a private island, equipped with all amenities.  Passengers could spend an entire day swimming, snorkeling, and using the kayaks and paddleboards.  And they set up a full bar!

beach in french polynesia

Happy to be stranded on this private beach all day.

bartenders on beach

Especially with these guys taking care of us!

There were also excursions to private motus, we enjoyed one in Huahine which was led by a lifelong resident.  It was interesting to hear about her life on the island, and she made it fun, too.

Learning to make poisson cru.

Learning to make poisson cru .

Flexibility – Most of the islands are easy to explore on your own. I do caution travelers to attend the shore talks the night before to get tips and safety advice.  Or you can just hang out on the ship and enjoy the water sports platform for swimming, sailing, SUP and kayaking. Even tendering was easy, as it was fast and there were never lines.

street art in french polynesia

Amazing street art in Raiatea

sports platform on wind spirit

Hanging out off the back of the boat with all the “toys.” They even have sailboats.

Camaraderie – The small size (<150 passengers) means you get to know people who also enjoy the same type of adventures.  We found ourselves on the same excursions with a couple other families who had kids the same age, so we naturally hit it off.

french polynesia snorkel tour with clear blue waters

The die hard snorkel group heads out on their first excursion.

pareo tying lesson on snorkel tour

Pareo tying lesson on the catamaran

Cultural activities– Locals came onboard or met the ship at the dock to share their culture and demonstrate crafts.  And on every Windstar sailing there is a special Destination Discovery Event. Ours was a celebration feast on a private motu in Bora Bora, with fantastic food and authentic Tahitian entertainment.

table set for dinner in bora bora

Ready to party!

bora bora feast

Tahitian dancers at our private Bora Bora feast

tahitian fire dancers

Have to admit, I was nervous sitting in the front row when some of these flaming sticks were being tossed around.

Year-round destination – There is a rainy season from December to March, but like most tropical areas, it can often mean just occasional, isolated showers. We had a few short showers but they did not interrupt any of the activities.  So you can pick the best time of year for your schedule, or plan around airfare deals.

sunset in french polynesia after rain

You don’t get sunsets like this without some rain.

vanilla plantation on ta'haa

Or lush vanilla plantations.

 

Fun and relaxing, with spectacular scenery, lots of outdoor activities on land and water, unique cultural experiences, and lots of good food and drink at the end of the day.  What more could an adventure traveler want?

To find out if Tahiti is the right fit for your family, send an email to suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.

sunset on windstar wind spirit

There’s never a bad sunset when you’re on a Windstar Tahiti cruise.

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Packing Lessons Learned On A Windstar Tahiti Cruise

The packing guidelines for our 7-night Windstar Dreams of Tahiti voyage seemed pretty straightforward: beachwear/casual during the day, resort casual in the dining room. But as I thought about the various excursions we booked, my packing list became quite long, and I still wasn’t sure what to expect on board. As I unpacked, I couldn’t help but judge how I did. Here’s my breakdown,

What I Should Have Brought

More sunscreen – We just barely had enough. Brought 2 tubes of lotion and 1 can of spray (Costco sized) for 4 adults. By the second to last day we were using more sparingly since we worried about running out.

More casual clothes – I needed more options for the downtime between the end of excursions and happy hour/dinner. While many people were lounging in swimsuits, we usually were in the water all day so we would shower as soon as we boarded. I could have used a bigger variety of t-shirts, tanks, and shorts for relaxing on deck.

Cultural show onboard Windstar Wind Spirit in Tahiti

A typical afternoon onboard the Wind Spirit, where the aft deck and pool bar was a gathering place for socializing and events.

A baseball cap – My wide-brimmed sun hat got a lot of use, but I didn’t want to wear it unless I was out on an excursion.  And with the wind and humidity, I pretty much wanted my hair covered at all times.  I now have a nice souvenir from Bloody Mary’s on Bora Bora!

On a catamaran with the Wind Spirit in the background in Moorea

In this sun it’s essential to keep your head covered and make sure hats won’t fly off in the wind.

Suzette Mack outside Bloody Mary's in Bora Bora

Bloody Mary’s is a must-see in Bora Bora, it’s such a unique place. And has great food!

Travel coffee mug – From past cruise experience I knew I would want one, but forgot to pack it. I am early riser and LOVE my morning coffee. A larger travel mug would have saved me extra trips between the espresso bar and upper deck where I enjoyed watching the sun rise or the ship pull into port.

Espresso bar on Windstar Wind Spirit

My first stop each morning, it opened at 6:30 am!

Special mention:
Rain gear – I actually did not need this, since it only rained once and stopped before we went ashore. And all our activities were water based, anyway. But I dodged a bullet because when it did rain one brief time, it poured. My hat and travel umbrella were fine for a light rain or quick trip outside, but if I had signed up for a hike or other land excursion, I would have been miserable. (Full size umbrellas are provided in the cabins.)

What I Should Have Left Home

“Special” deck shoes – I had bought a pair of slip-on closed toe deck shoes just for the trip. I ended up wearing my favorite cute Birkenstocks (yes, they exist!) when I wasn’t wearing my water shoes, and also had tan and black sandals for dinner.  Moral of the story: just bring one pair of non-skid, comfortable shoes for hanging out on deck.

Sunset over Raiatea from the Windstar Wind Spirit cruise ship

The deck was often wet around the pool and hot tub, or after mopping by the crew. They kept the yacht immaculate!

A few dinner outfits – I could have gotten away with 2 fewer blouses and one less pair of cropped pants. There were 3 casual evenings for dinner, so I really only needed resort casual outfits 4 times.

Dinner at Candles on the Windstar Wind Spirit yacht

This was a casual dining evening on deck, but these clothes also were suitable in the dining room, except the guys would change into long pants. Some guests even wore t-shirts and shorts.

My sweater – I was prepared to be cold in air-conditioned areas, but that was not the case. I never needed more than a blouse to pull on over a tank top if I felt cool (which was rare).  A light scarf would have been fine, too.  But my daughter wore a sweatshirt quite often in the air-conditioned cabin, so it depends on how sensitive you are to that.

A few hundred francs – I really only needed about half of what I obtained in advance from my bank. And I should have asked for more small bills, as I only used it for tour and transfer gratuities, and small purchases from local vendors. They were usually happy to take a mix of USD and XPF, or even USD only.

10000 French Polynesia currency

Currency conversion was easy. 100 XPF (or CFP) is approximately 1 USD

An extra purse – My go-to travel purse is a small, water repellent cross-body with several pockets that I can stuff in my carry-on bag when boarding a plane. I packed a larger “cute” purse thinking I would use it on shore for shopping. I never took it out of the closet. Most of the time my beach bag was my purse, since I also was carrying sunscreen, insect repellent, a phone charger, and flip flops or water shoes.

What I Was Glad To Have

Insect repellent – The wind kept many bugs away, but there were a few places where I would have been miserable without repellant. And After Bite saves me when I do get bit, since I react badly to mosquitoes.

Vanilla plantation demonstration

We really enjoyed our visit to a vanilla plantation. The insect repellent in those bottles is made from the nuts on the plate.

Lots of swimwear – I had 3 swimsuits, 2 pairs of water shorts, 1 long sleeve and 2 short sleeve rash guards, and a cover up. Since we were in the water every day, that allowed 2 days for each suit to dry which was necessary because there was no place outside to hang them.  I swapped the coverup for the rash guard when we were done snorkeling.

Reef shoes – I already had closed-toe Tevas, so I had the rest of the family buy inexpensive reef shoes. These protected our feet from the coral on many beaches, and while snorkeling with sharks and stingrays in shallow water without fins. We also had flip flops for sandy beaches.

Beach on a remote motu in Tahiti

The coral on this beach and in the water is sharp! The elegant Wind Spirit is in the background.

I should note that I lean towards minimalism, and prefer to dress casually whenever I can get away with it. The beauty of the Windstar Cruise is that almost anything goes. There were many people who dressed up more, and they didn’t look out of place, either. The only attire I didn’t see on board were formal gowns, suits, ties, and sports jackets.  The only exception was the crew, for special occasions. Some women wore lots of jewelry and accessories, some had none, and I made do with one set each of gold and silver.

Crew of the Windstar Wind Spirit

Our fearless crew, with the captain on the far right who is from Bulgaria. (He has a wonderful accent!) On our last night they sang a farewell song to us.

The most important advice I can give is be sure to protect your feet and your skin from the elements, especially on shore excursions. It is practically impossible to be underdressed, even in the dining room.  As long as you make an effort, you are fine!

Pareo tying demonstration in Tahiti

After a lesson on how to tie and wear a pareo, we had to bring some home as souvenirs!

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15 Reasons Families and Foodies Love Grand Velas Resorts

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

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Santa Barbara – California’s Most Underrated Destination

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!

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Napa’s Winter Wonderland

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.

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