Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Review

Our Verdict

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Welcome to Mauna Lani. Nestled along the dramatic Kohala Coast and in the piko, or center, of five great mountains, Mauna Lani is a sacred oasis where generations of families and friends have made memories together on soulful lands once cherished by the greatest of Hawaiian royalty. Mauna Lani, an Auberge Collection Resort offers 333 guest rooms including suites and 5 private residences. And even though a resort with 300+ rooms might seem bit, Mauna Lani feel very luxurious, intimate and boutique.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a luxury resort on the Big Island of Hawaii and is approximately 23 miles north of the Kona International Airport. The resort is just a short 25-minute drive from the airport.

Mauna Lani offers luxurious accommodations, dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, an Auberge Spa, a wellness center & tennis courts, an incredible indoor/outdoor fitness center, a boutique, a grab & go market, world-class culinary experiences and more.

Mauna Lani is the perfect place to experience true Hawaiian culture, hospitality and traditions, while enjoying the high-tech amenities the modern traveler expects. Auberge resorts collection properties are all about giving visitors a local, authentic and meaningful experience. Your Hawaiian adventures starts and ends at Mauna Lani.

This review is based on our personal stay in May of 2021. If you are planning to stay at Mauna Lani, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.

And for a limited time take advantage of a couple of promotions. Receive a $200 nightly resort credit on stays of 5 nights or more or receive every 5th night free.

Our Room

During our journey at Mauna Lani, we stayed in an One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite. Experience extraordinary oceanfront living with one of the resort’s largest one-bedroom suites, spread over 1,140 square feet with a separate living area and two spacious lanais, all overlooking sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Ocean View Suites are true one bedroom suites with a door that separates the bedroom from the living area. The living area features a full-bathroom with walk-in shower, a small dining table, coffee bar and a small living area. The bedroom features a small sitting area and a king size bed.

All of the rooms at Mauna Lani features master control light switches next to the bed that allow you to turn everything on and off. And as many hotels and resorts we stay at, this one small feature is such a modern convenience that we appreciate.

Auberge Resorts are known to be luxurious while still approachable and relaxed. At Mauna Lani you’ll find an understated, natural décor that’s bright and refined, with ample hardwood, natural fabrics, and textures that embody the essence of the soulful Hawaiian escape.

As mentioned, the One Bedroom Oceanview Suites feature two full bathrooms with dual vanities and walk-in showers. The bathroom in the bedroom was very spacious and also featured a large freestanding tub.

Amenities

Whether you're a beach goer or like to spend your days in the sun at the pool, Mauna Lani has something for everyone. The resort offers and adults-only pool, a large family pool and plenty of chairs on the beach.

Mauna Lani features an Auberge Spa which is a true farm-to-spa experience. Treatments at Mauna Lani's Auberge Spa feature the revitalizing benefits of local oils, herbs, honey and flowers that canvas the Island of Hawai'i.

During our stay we enjoyed massages which were incredible. We opted for the Lomi Lomi Massage. Open your heart, mind, body and soul with this signature Hawaiian healing massage passed down from generation to generation. An exclusive herbal oil blend melts away tension in this ancient technique, which utilizes Hawaiian ti leaves and rhythmic forearm strokes, allowing you to experience the expansive feeling of mohala (a heart opening experience).

Is fitness a big part of your life? Do you enjoy getting your sweat on while on vacation? Well, Mauna Lani features an amazing fitness center that is both indoors and outdoors. The indoor and outdoor sections of the fitness center are separated by a wall of sliding doors. When the weather is nice, the sliding doors are left open so guests can freely move between the indoors and outdoors.

The indoor part of the gym features plenty of cardio equipment including Peloton bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, a stair master, free weights and a few cable machines.

The outdoor area of the gym features a couple more Peloton bikes during the day and it also features weight benches, more free weights, a squat rack, a weight training sled and more.

Mauna Lani features a surf shack near the beach where you can begin your adventure. They have snorkel gear, paddle boards, outrigger canoes, and bikes.

Dining

The meals you will experience at Mauna Lani will nourish your mind, body and soul. Whether it's breakfast at HāLani, afternoon happy hour at Hā Bar and Grill, or an amazing sunset dinner at CanoeHouse, your senses are sure to be satisfied.

Welcome to CanoeHouse, your connection between land and sea. Only open for dinner, CanoeHouse boasts an assortment of farm-fresh and dynamic dishes showcasing ingredients sourced mere minutes from Mauna Lani. When you dine at CanoeHouse, you’re welcomed into the Mauna Lani ‘ohana (family).

HāLani is Mauna Lani''s main restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is where Virtuoso breakfast is served. And if you've got breakfast included through Virtuoso, this is about a $50 value per person, per day. The food at HāLani features local ingredients and locally inspired dishes.

One evening for a more casual dinner we had fish tacos at Hā Bar and Grill which were incredible. Hā Bar and Grill is the place to go for all of the action. The acoustic hum of live music coupled with prime views of the sunset make for the perfect ambience to cap off another day in paradise.

And if you're in the mood for a sweet treat, this ice cream sundae with brownies, caramel and bananas is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Mauna Lani also features The Market which is inspired by NYC's delis. The Market has snacks, a coffee bar, plenty of adult beverages, a deli counter with sandwiches, pizza and more. And lastly The Market has essentials like personal care items such as hygine products and sunscreen.

Service

Mauna Lani truly makes you feel like you're at a five star boutique resort from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. All of the staff that encountered was friendly, made an effort to get to know the guests and really made the service personal. By the last day of our stay at breakfast each day they knew our coffee order.

Overall Impression

Just like any other Auberge Resorts Collection properties, your stay at Mauna Lani is a journey. This ocean front haven is filled with Hawaiian culture through the food, the activities, the spa treatments and more.

This luxury resort is the perfect spot for a family getaway, couples getaway, honeymoon, or a friends trip.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Mauna Lani with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade and a welcome amenity.

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review

Our Verdict

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review

Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Etéreo is an ocean front retreat. The resort floats over a protected mangrove forest and faces the beautiful white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Etéreo — meaning ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly — invites you to visit and explore the cycle of renewal of that which enriches life: relationships, inspiration, connection to nature, senses, rhythm, and appreciation.

At Etéreo, you’re freed from the distractions of modern life and supported by three pillars - extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and an Auberge Spa so you can relax and recharge. And if you know anything about Auberge properties, they are all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences.

Discover Mexico through its culture, makers, history, sights and sounds. All of the activities at Etéreo are designed to enliven your senses through discovery and renewal. The curated list of activities range from golfing in Riviera Maya, having the sauna to yourself with a healing ritual, exploring cenotes of Mexico, snorkeling the Great Mayan Reef, setting the days intentions during a coffee or tea ritual, indulging in the history of cacao, capturing the sunset on canvas, calm the mind with chromatic breathing and more.

Like we mentioned Auberge is all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences and there is truly an activity for everyone.

Each of the 75 accommodations (57 studios, 14 suites and 4 penthouses) at Etéreo has dramatic mangrove and ocean views, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows connecting you to the surrounding nature. Whether you stay in a Studio or Suite, the accommodations at Etéreo are unforgettable. Studio-style rooms feature a private terrace, plunge pool, ocean views and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open up to let in the breeze of the Caribbean Sea. The expansive suites feature space to spread out, relax and spend time on your private rooftop deck or private hot tub.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, boutique and personalized experience in Riviera Maya, then Etéreo should be at the top of your list of places to visit. During your stay at Etéreo you’ll feel relaxed, recharged and connected with yourself and with nature.

This review is based on our personal stay in January of 2022. If you are planning to stay at Etéreo, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily $70 USD breakfast credit and a welcome amenity.

Our Room

Both the architecture and interiors of the accommodations blend contemporary and modern design with local and natural materials. Each accommodation celebrates local artisans with unique furnishings, textiles and carved wooden walls by revered artist Manuel Felguérez.

During our stay we stayed in a Mangrove Studio with Plunge Pool. Even though, this is the entry level room category it packs a wow factor. Our studio was 875 square feet of indoor/outdoor open living space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the lush mangroves and out to the Caribbean Sea.

The outdoor terrace featured a small lawn, private in-ground plunge pool and seating area. While the pool is your own pool, it isn’t completely private. There are floating walkways suspended above the lush mangroves that take you to the beach, to Itzam (restaurant), and to the pool that are just steps away.

The Mangrove Studios with King Bed can be connected to a Mangrove Studio with 2 Queen beds. The open concept studios feature a beautiful wrapped leather bed, a hand-carved wooden accent wall by artist Manuel Felguérez.

All of the accommodations at Etéreo feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, robes and slippers, a yoga mat, a steamer, insect repelent, bug bite ointment and more.

Our Mangrove Studio featured a large open concept bathroom with dual vanity, large soaking tub, water closet and separate shower.

Etéreo features their own toiletries that are local to Mexico.

Amenities

Etéreo is arranged in three islands. The first island is the front drive where you arrive, front desk, SANA an Auberge Spa and meeting space. The second island is the guest rooms, and boutique. And the third island is the restaurants pool and beach. There certainly isn’t a lack of things to do at Etéreo, The activities will inspire you expand your horizon and challenge the realm of your familiarity.

There are two pools at Etéreo, the upper pool closest to the guest rooms is a family pool and the lower pool and Jacuzzi is the adults pool.

And if the pool isn’t for you there is a gorgeous beach with cabanas that are first come, first serve. A couple of shaded lounge areas to rest and relax and a beachside restaurant and bar.

Sana, an Auberge Spa delivers an unparalleled healing space inspired by its surroundings. Sana features seperate men’s and women’s locker rooms and facilities that include a cenote, steam, sauna, sound, and clay rooms and outdoor spa pool and jacuzzi.

Indulge yourself on a guided journey of the spa facilities whether you’re having a treatment or not. The spa facilities are available for use by all guests, they just require an appointment.

During our stay we participated in a guided journey starting with 10 minutes in the steam room. The spa attendant placed eucalyptus salt into the steam source and in 10 minutes returned to guide us to the next step. The next step on our journey was 10 minutes in the sauna where the attendant placed cucumber slices over our eyes and a chilled towel over our face. The second to last step was participating in a sound healing ritual which was quite nice. With our eyes closed the sounds brought southing thoughts that made the stresses of everyday life disappear. And we finished our journey with a soak in the cenote.

The whole experience of staying at an Auberge Resorts Collection property is all about the journey and Sana is no different. All of the treatments at Sana offer innovative Mayan healing practices, therapies for energy dispersion, and modern self-care.

If you want to focus on your wellness, Etéreo has a beautiful state-of-the-art fitness center, Movement and Studio (great place to stretch, do yoga, etc.) The fitness center is equipped with Techno-Gym equipment and featured 2 stationary bikes, 5 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, a stair master, a couple of squat racks, a cable machine and free weights.

Dining

The culinary program at Etéreo celebrates renewal throughout the journey. With menus built to connect, native ingredients are utilized to pique interest in the flavors of Mexico for both locals and visitors alike.

Etéreo has 5 food and beverage outlets on property. Itzam is their main restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. El Carrito (a cart) offers complimentary coffee in the morning along with a selection of pastries and in the evening offers evening cocktails.

Itzam is the main restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner. Itzam’s menu is conscientiously focused on local products that are both sustainable and organic.

The service during both breakfast and dinner at Itzam was very quick, through and efficient. We never felt rushed, but we did feel well attended to.

Itzam has a great view of the beach and the ocean making for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.

For breakfast we tried the chilaquiles one morning which were excellent. And another morning we tried their gourmet oatmeal.

Dinner at Itzam….

Alberca which is the poolside menu offers light bights and fresh cocktails using the freshest ingredients. At the pool we enjoyed tacos and the blue fin tuna bowl. The portions were enough to fill you up, but light enough to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

Che Che is the other restaurant at Etéreo. Currently it’s only open for the pool menu which we enjoyed for dinner one night as an early dinner.

If you're looking for the best catch of the day prepared in many ways, check out El Changarro. El Changarro offers in-the-sand dining for lunch. The menu focuses on the daily local catch served in myriad ways – as ceviche, tacos or simply grilled and accompanied by market vegetables. Guacamole, daily tortas, Mexican session beers and fresh juices make for complementary additions.

Service

Etéreo is our casa away from home. From the moment we met the first staff member at the Cancun airport, everyone we encountered during our stay made an effort to make sure we were well taken care of. I mean the staff even brought us towels to the hot tub so we didn't have to get out all dripping wet.

Every wish is your command at Etéreo.

Overall Impression

Discover your own journey at Etéreo. This oceanfront retreat offers extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and rejuvenation at the spa.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Etéreo Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review

Our Verdict

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review

Located in the Meadows of Dan, Virginia, Primland is a back-to-nature escape. The resort sits on a private 12,000 acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains that offers luxurious accommodations, one-of-a-kind wilderness experiences, farm-to-table culinary offerings, world class golf and more.

At Primland, activities are endless, offering an experience of nature at its finest no matter the season. Wander the banks of streams alive with trout, experience the rush of mountain biking and gaze at primeval views and star-filled skies. From horseback riding to paddle boarding, take to the great outdoors and experience all Primland has to offer with activities that are both engaging and educational for everyone.

Consummately private, elegantly appointed, and all with exceptional views, Primland’s varied accommodations from lofty suites and treehouses to mountain homes reflect the 12,000-acre estate’s abundance of space.

Are you looking to reconnect with nature, disconnect from the world and soak in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Auberge Resort Collection is all about enjoying fulfilling, luscious shared experiences that connect you to the local culture, its welcoming people, and the beauty of the land, all while doing good and making memories and dreams that will be forever embedded in your soul. And that is exactly how we felt while staying at Primland.

This review is based on our personal stay in September of 2021. If you are planning to stay at Primland, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.

Our Room

On to the elegantly appointed accommodations. During our stay we stayed in one of the Pinnacle Cottages. Named after the famous Pinnacles of Dan, four gracious, chalet-like cottages each offer accommodation for up to 12 people with birds-eye views of the valley below. Don't let the word ‘cottage’ mislead you, however. While charming, these generously-proportioned, two-story abodes are stylish eyries with serene interiors and space to spare.

The Pinnacle Cottages can be configured to be multiple bedrooms. We stayed in a Cedar Bluff Room. The Cedar Bluff Rooms are situated within each of the four Pinnacle Cottages. With a king-size bed and elegant furnishings, the bedrooms are complemented by spacious bathrooms with similar awe-inspiring views.

It’s worth noting that all of the accommodations at Primland feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, plush Frette robes and slippers, and custom-designed Frette sheets satisfy the senses on every level.

Our Cedar Bluff Room featured a spacious bathroom with a dual vanity, large soaking tub with a sweeping view of the valley below, a large walk-in shower, and separate water closet.

Primland features BVLGARI bath products. And besides Le Labo, these are some of our favorite hotel toiletries.

Amenities

A stay at Primland isn’t your typical escape as nature is a huge focus of the experience. There isn’t a lack for things to do since there is a golf course, hiking trails, mountain biking, horse back riding, all-terrain driving, hunting activities, fishing, a spa, and more.

The indoor pool is located in Auberge Spa and is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We enjoyed the pool and spa facilities on a rainy day which was a great way to spend a day indoors.

Embark on a spa journey designed for you. Taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, the Spa combines Native American healing rituals with cutting edge modern spa techniques, organic products and essential oils to provide the most revitalizing and beneficial experience possible.

As you can imagine, spa treatments look quite different these days due to COVID. Auberge Spa at Primland takes COVID health and safety precautions very seriously and offered hand sanitizer, wore facial coverings and helped to keep spa guests socially distanced in the waiting area.

We enjoyed massages during our stay which were fantastic. Each of our therapists started our treatment by asking us to draw a card from a pile. One of our cards had a buffalo on it. After the massage was over the therapist dropped us off in the waiting room and flipped open a book to the buffalo which talked about what your body was needing, feeling etc. (much like a horoscope).

Rejuvinate and recharge in the mountain air. With views to keep you going, the spacious fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment. The indoor heated swimming pool is chlorine-free and ideal for swimming laps or cooling off after a workout. Within the spa locker rooms, you'll find a sauna and steam room to round out the hydrotherapy facilities. There is also a soft-surface tennis court, two open-air yoga/meditation decks and Bootleggers Outdoor Gym and Fitness Trail.

The fitness center has plenty of equipment to get a workout in, including a Peloton bike. But, to be honest the best workout you can get while at Primland is to go hike and explore the great outdoors.

Dining

if your looking for farm-to-table culinary options, look no further than Primland. Primland has three food and beverage outlets on property; Elements, 19th Pub and Stables Saloon.

Elements is the main restaurant, which is located in the lodge and is where breakfast and dinner is served. This is where Virtuoso breakfast is served.

Before we get to the meals we had, the service at Elements for both breakfast and dinner was excellent. The waitstaff was extremely attentive and service was quick but not rushed.

Part of dining at Elements is the ambience. The restaurant has large windows that look out onto the rolling hills of Primland and the fireplace in the middle of the room keeps you cozy.

For dinner we had an incredible meal including local trout and steak. Most of the vegetables and herbs used are grown on property in the garden you will pass on the drive up to the lodge.

While we didn’t eat at at 19th Pub, it’s located in the lodge and is open from 11 am to 11 pm. 19th pub is the perfect place to grab a more casual meal after a day exploring Primland or after a round of golf.

Now onto what was perhaps our favorite meal we had while at Primland. Stables Saloon, the former horse stable at Primland, is now one of the signature restaurants and experiences. Stables Saloon is where you go if you want a low key dinner with live music. Stables Saloon serves southern comfort food such as fried chicken, smoked meats, macaroni and cheese and more.

The meal at Stables Saloon is served family style and they bring a selection of meats and sides to the table and you can ask for more if you like something.

Stables is such a unique experience at a luxury resort. We love getting dressed up to go to a nice dinner, but this was a nice change of pace. We’d highly recommend you dine one night at Stables Saloon.

Service

The service at Primland gives you the sense that you’re not staying at a resort, but yet someone’s home. The bell staff, front desk agents, house keepers, servers and everyone else we encountered made an effort to get to know us and was super friendly.

Overall Impression

At Primland Resort every moment is one to savor. The sense of place and being you get while on the Primland estate is truly unique. What other resort can you visit that sits on 12,000 acres and has it’s own observatory!?

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Primland Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.