Andaz Mayakoba Review

Our Verdict

Andaz Mayakoba Review

Escape to paradise in Mexico at Andaz Mayakoba. Located in the gated Mayakoba complex, this secluded beachfront resort is nestled on the coastline of the Mexican Caribbean surrounded by vegetation and nature.

When you arrive at this stunning resort, you will instantly notice it’s where style meets nature and hospitality.

Andaz Mayakoba’s 214 guestrooms feature stylish amenities and a refined collection of artisan décor. Rooms and suites overlook crystal clear lagoons, mangrove and resort gardens, the golf course, or spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.

Andaz Mayakoba offers luxury accommodations that immerse you into the local culture and arts, access to a beautiful white sand beach, two swimming pools - one in each of the lagoon and beach areas of the resort, access to a world-class golf course, Mayan rituals at Naum Spa, plenty of outdoor activities and incredible gastronomy experiences.

This review is based off of our personal stay in September of 2020. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at Andaz Mayakoba, book through Hyatt Privé to take advantage of exclusive complimentary extras like a confirmed room upgrade (confirmed within 24 hours, if available), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity. To request Hyatt Privé rates, just visit liveluxetravelco.com/hyatt-prive.

Andaz Mayakoba is a hidden gem in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area as it offers relaxation, a chance to connect with nature and more.

Our Room

During our stay at Andaz Mayakoba, we were upgraded to a Beach Area Suite. While we stayed in a suite for our stay, it’s worth calling out that all of the guest rooms have a furnished terrace, stocked mini bar, walk-in rain shower, double-sink bathroom, Bluetooth speaker, robe and flip flops, individually controlled air-conditioning, blackout curtains, Nespresso coffee maker and a flat screen TV.

The Beach Area Suite is 1,100 square feet and features one king bed, a private terrace with plunge pool, a lagoon view near the beach and a spacious workspace.

The Beach Area Suite is a true one bedroom suite that offers a separate living room and bedroom. The living room features a sleeper sofa, Nespresso Coffee Maker, mini fridge, workspace, and a TV.

The bathroom in our suite was quite spacious although it’s quite long and skinny. The bathroom features a double vanity and walk-in rain shower.

Andaz Mayakoba features local toiletries in reusable containers in an effort to be a little more eco-friendly.

The private terrace with plunge pool makes for the perfect place to drink your morning coffee, spend and afternoon lounging with your significant other or a place to enjoy a nightcap.

Amenities

Andaz Mayakoba features a beach club & two resort pools, Naum Welness & Spa, four on-site restaurants, KIMBO Kids’ Club, and plenty of water & land adventures.

Pictured above is the lagoon area pool which was closed during our stay in September of 2020 due to COVID and the resort keeping guests to the beach area.

The fitness center pictured above is the permanent fitness center, but it was closed during our stay in September of 2020 due to COVID. Andaz Mayakoba has taken several pieces of cardio equipment along with the free weights over to the beach area and have setup a temporary fitness center. Even the make shift fitness center offered plenty of equipment to get a socially distanced, masked workout in.

Dining

Andaz Mayakoba features Cocina Milagro (main restaurant located in the lagoon area), Tinta del Pulpo (all-day poolside Mexican & International cuisine located by the beach area pool), VB (vegan options located by the beach area pool), Sotavento (Mediterranean beach grill), and Casa Amate (Signature Dining experience located in the lagoon area next to the spa).

During our stay we dined at Tinta del Pulpo for breakfast and for an afternoon snack.

For breakfast we had the Croissant sandwich and the Chilaquiles. When in Mexico Chilaquiles are always a good idea for breakfast.

VB (short for Vegan Bar) is one of Andaz Mayakoba’s newest food & beverage outlets and let us be the first to tell you, the vegan fare they are serving up is delicious. We tried the rice balls salad, the corn caesar salad, and a few other items.

We also dinned at Sotavento for dinner on our last night and this Mediterranean grill on the beach offers the perfect way to end the day with the ocean breeze. We indulged in the capresse salad, steak and the roasted onions with blue cheese.

If you’re looking for the ultimate dining experience, talk to the concierge about setting up a private dinner on the beach. We had a private candlelit dinner on the beach for our anniversary and it was one of the most romantic things we have ever done.

Here is an insider tip for you. If you’re looking to truly experience all that Mayakoba has to offer and immerse yourself into the three ecosystems that exist within the 620 acres of the complex, then you should take the Mayakoba connection. Andaz offers an eco-tour aboard the Mayakoba connection which is a 30 minute boat tour through the lagoons of Mayakoba.

We were even lucky enough to arrange to have a morning eco-tour with breakfast served on the boat. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast while watching a myriad of indigenous species of birds, fish and mammals.

Service

Andaz Mayakoba and their staff truly treat you like family when you’re at the resort. Each time we had a meal the waitstaff truly made an effort to get to know us. By our last day we were so sad to leave because it felt like we were leaving part of our family behind.

From the moment we arrived, to getting us checked-in and our luggage delivered to our room, everyone we encountered at this resort was super helpful and accommodating.

How are they handling COVID?

How is Andaz Mayakoba handling COVID? They are following all state and local government regulations and Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. All of the staff were wearing masks and they were enforcing that guests have their masks on while moving through public areas. And there were tons of hand sanitizing stations setup throughout the resort for guests safety and convenience.

Andaz Mayakoba a pretty large resort and with COVID they had made a few changes that was different from our previous stays.

• The biggest differences were the permanent fitness center was closed and there was a temporary fitness center setup at the beach area next to Tinta del Pulpo.

• Lagoon area rooms, pool and all amenities were closed including the the Spa, Casa Amate and Cocina Milagro.

• The check-in process was completed at Tinta del Pulpo rather than the Santuary where you get dropped off at.

Overall Impression

Andaz Mayakoba is an inspiring, vibrant & modern destination. And that’s why Andaz is the perfect place to experience modern Mexico through vibrant decor, colorful local artwork, unique experiences and authentic cuisine give you a taste of Mayan culture.

If you haven’t been to Mayakoba, it’s the perfect place for relaxation, adventure, wellness and to experience authentic Mexican culture. Mayakoba is home to a spectacular stretch of white-sand beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Andaz Maykoba with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Hyatt Privé partnership, you’ll receive a $100 hotel credit to use on dining, daily breakfast for two, a confirmed room upgrade, and a welcome amenity.

The Lodge at Blue Sky - An Auberge Resort Review

Our Verdict

The Lodge at Blue Sky Review

The Lodge at Blue Sky is your mountain luxury home away from home. Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City (SLC) airport, the location is easy to get to but a world away from everything else. The 3,500 acre retreat in the Wasatch Mountains is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature.

The Lodge at Blue Sky, an Auberge Resort is rather boutique and intimate with 46 total guest rooms. The accommodations are split into three categories: Sky Rooms & Suites, Earth Suites and Creek Houses. There are 19 Sky Suites that are 1 and 2 bedroom suites located in the lodge. There are 16 Earth Suites and 6 Deluxe Earth Suites; these are freestanding villas near the lodge, but not attached. And there are 5 Creek Houses about a 5-minute walk from the lodge and are located along Alexander Creek.

Earth Suites

Creek Houses

The Lodge at Blue Sky is the ultimate private nature retreat featuring signature restaurant Yuta, Bar + Lounge, fitness center, iconic infinity pool, Edge Spa, and plenty of outdoor activities.

This review is based off of our personal stay in August of 2020. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at the The Lodge at Blue Sky, book through Virtuoso to take advantage of exclusive complimentary extras like a room upgrade (subject to availability at check-in), $100 USD resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity. To request Virtuoso rates, just visit liveluxetravelco.com/virtuoso.

From the moment you step foot into Sky Lodge, you will feel like you are right at home. The design and architecture of this property is very modern, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t feel warm and welcoming.

The lobby of Sky Lodge features large picturesque windows, dramatic tall ceilings and plenty of areas to lounge.

Our Room

During our stay at The Lodge at Blue Sky, we stayed in a Sky Room located in the Sky Lodge. No matter the accommodation at the Lodge at Blue Sky, they are all unforgettable.

From the moment you open the door to your room, you will be surrounded by luxury. The Sky Rooms are quite spacious at over 570 sq feet with a 115 sq ft outdoor patio. The Sky Lodge rooms feature a king bed or two twins, an open-concept layout, living area with sofa and chaise, private terrace and ensuite bathroom. And these rooms have sunrise or sunset views.

Our Sky Lodge room, 14, had a sunset and canyon view, which wasn’t bad to look at. With the way this property was built, there isn’t a room without an incredible view.

At The Lodge at Blue Sky, it’s the little details that really make all of the difference. How long has it been since you stayed at a 5-star hotel that gave you a real key to the room instead of a key card?

The bathroom was very spa inspired. It featured a large counter with dual vanities, an oversized soaking tub, a large walk in shower and a separate water closet. The bathroom featured tile that was carried throughout all of the walls and around the tub. The water closet had a high-tech toilet that flushed with the waive of your hand above the tank.

The toiletries at The Lodge at Blue Sky were a hand crafted Mountain Blend featuring fir, sage and other natural ingredients.

The rooms also feature a Nespresso machine (which has become one of our favorite in-room amenities), a complimentary snack basket and mini fridge that which are replenished daily.

Amenities

The Lodge at Blue Sky has plenty of amenities for a small boutique property. The Sky Lodge features a fitness center and movement studio on the second floor.

The fitness center had 4 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, 2 Peloton bikes (another thing we now look for at hotels and resorts), a few cable machines, plenty of free weights and the Mirror. There is plenty of equipment to get a good sweat session in, but you won’t want to make it a quick workout with the incredible views.

There are two pools at the resort. The main pool which is located just off the outdoor dining patio of Yuta and the second pool is at Edge Spa.

The main pool features an infinity edge with breathtaking views of the canyon and Alexander peak. The main pool is great because there is food and beverage service and plenty of chairs.

If you’re looking for a more private and quiet pool experience to read a book or lay out and get some sun, then head to the Edge Spa pool.

While we didn’t have any treatments done at Edge Spa, we did tour the facilities and the treatment rooms were very nice offering views of Alexander Creek.

Dining

Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a delicious meal, you will definitely find it at Blue Sky.

Helmed by James Beard Award-Winning Executive Chef, Galen Zamarra, dining at Blue Sky is inspired by—and revolves around—the incredible ingredients found throughout our lush mountain landscape.

Yuta's menu draws inspiration from a deep reverence for the land and the many cultures that have passed through this lush mountain region. Yuta, meaning mountain top in Ute, delivers a regional cuisine based on the cultures that historically inhabited the area.

During the first night of our stay, we dined at Yuta. And we had one of the best dining experiences that we have had in some time. The service was incredible, the food was incredible and the ambiance of Yuta makes for the perfect meal.

If you like spirits, start with the Indian Paintbrush cocktail. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. For our actual meal we tried the Blue Sky burger and the crispy trout filet with cilantro lime rice. Both were solid options.

If you aren’t a morning person, the breakfast at Yuta will make you want to get out of bed in the morning. For breakfast we started with the pastries, coffee and then each ordered an entree. Everything we had was delicious.

Breakfast is on the lighter side, so if you are a big eater, you might want to start with the pastries or order some sides to go with your breakfast.

Service

As we drove up to the front drive at The Lodge at Blue Sky, we were greeted at a distance with a wave. We were then greeted by name when the car doors were opened.

The staff really made an effort to get to know us during the check-in process and during a tour of the property. We had the best waiter when dining at Yuta on our first night. He was really friendly, wanted to get to know us and made sure our dining experience was tailored to us. We never once felt rushed or like it was taking too long to eat dinner.

Even if The Lodge at Blue Sky is more of a relaxed atmosphere, the service is still top notch and what you would expect when staying at a 5-star property.

How are they handling COVID?

If you’re like us, when traveling to another state you are always curious what the regulations are going to be and how strictly they in-force social distancing guidelines.

The Lodge at Blue Sky is adhering to all state and local government regulations and following the Auberge Health and Services practices. All employees were wearing masks, there were hand sanitizer stations located in the lobby, in the fitness center, at the pool and in the hallways that lead to Sky Rooms & Suites.

There were plexiglass partitions up at the front desk to protect guests and staff during the check-in process.

Facial coverings are required in any public space on property unless you are eating, drinking or working out.

Overall Impression

We can’t wait to plan a return visit to The Lodge at Blue Sky. A luxury mountain getaway is the perfect way to relax and explore nature. Especially with COVID, it’s nice to visit a boutique property that limits your exposure to others and offers plenty of place to socially distance.

Our entire stay was incredible. The hospitality was outstanding, we felt safe, and most importantly we enjoyed our stay as we were able to do as much or as little each day as we wanted.

And we almost forgot to mention that The Lodge at Blue Sky is pet friendly. And it’s a great place if you bring your four-legged friend to get out in nature.

Needless to say, The Lodge at Blue Sky will likely will become a yearly destination for the three of us.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book The Lodge at Blue Sky with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit to use on dining or at Edge Spa, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade and a welcome amenity.

Thompson Nashville Review

Our Verdict

Thompson Nashville Review

The Thompson Nashville is rather new to the city. The hotel first opened their doors in 2017 . While the Thompson Nashville isn’t considered a boutique hotel since it has 224 rooms and suites spread out over 12 floors, it still feels very intimate, warm and cozy. And the location in the Gulch is the perfect escape from Broadway where it’s 24/7 hustle and bustle.

The Thompson Nashville offers luxurious accommodations and great food and beverage outlets including Killebrew Coffee, L.A. Jackson and Marsh House.

This review is based off of our personal stay in July of 2020. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at the Thompson Nashville, book through Hyatt Privé to take advantage of exclusive complimentary extras like a confirmed room upgrade (confirmed within 24 hours, if available), $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity. And for stays through March 31, 2021, receive the third night free. To request Hyatt Privé rates, just visit liveluxetravelco.com/hyatt-prive.

And for a limited time get the 3rd night free. Must book by March 27, 2021 for stays between January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021. And as a Live Luxe Travel Co. client you’ll receive complimentary valet parking* when booking a Thompson or Executive suite or receive a double room upgrade* when booking a Neighborhood view room. (*Valid for stays of 2 Nights or more). See all Hyatt Privé offers here.

If you are looking for top notch accommodations in the Music City, then the Thompson Nashville is exactly what you are looking for. This industrial modern hotel is the perfect place to kick up your feet after a day of exploring this southern city or a night out on the town.

Our Room

During our stay at the Thompson Nashville, we were upgraded to an executive suite due to low occupancy rates during our stay. Even though we had a suite for our stay, it is worth noting that all of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wooden floors, wallpaper from Flat Vernacular, as well as custom-designed rugs from a one-off collaboration between Tailor Made Textiles and Eskayel.

As soon as we opened the door of our suite, we were greeted by elegant touches that mix Nashville heritage with modern design. The rooms are very balanced with tons of natural light, texture and high quality finishes.

The executive suite is a true one bedroom suite that offers a bedroom equipped with a door and a separate sitting area. The executive suite has a shared wall between the sitting area and bedroom that features a breezeway (almost like a double-sided fireplace without the fire) that can be closed off via a sliding door. This was a nice touch because it allows the sitting area and bedroom to be connected or disconnected from one another.

The bathroom in our room was absolutely gorgeous. One entire wall of the bathroom featured white subway tile from floor to ceiling, which makes a bold statement. And the hand painted tile on the floor was a nice unique touch that one can appreciate. The bathroom featured a big cast iron free standing tub, a double vanity, large walk in shower and separate water closet.

Amenities

While the Thompson Nashville doesn’t have a pool, they make up for it in many other ways. One of our favorite things about this property is the rooftop bar and restaurant, L.A. Jackson, which offers sweeping views of the city.

The Thompson Nashville has an on-site 24 hour fitness center that is located on the second floor. The fitness center isn’t the biggest hotel gym we have seen considering the number of rooms, but it has enough cardio and weight equipment to get a good workout in. The gym features 3 ellipticals, 3 treadmills, 2 Peloton bikes, free weights and a couple of weight machines.

Dining

Be prepared to eat some delicious food during your stay at the Thompson Nashville. There are 3 food and beverage outlets on-property including Killebrew Coffee (delicious coffee & pastries), Marsh House (signature restaurant that focuses on sustainably sourced seafood & southern-fused cuisines), and L.A. Jackson (indoor-outdoor rooftop bar & restaurant that serves up custom craft cocktails and small plates).

During our stay we flocked to where the locals hangout on our first night to try out L.A. Jackson. And we would definitely recommend you give it a try. The views combined with the custom craft cocktails, frosé and beer selection make this the perfect spot to grab a few drinks and some food. Do yourself a favor and try their signature frosé and burger!

Unfortunately during our stay, Marsh House was closed so we didn’t get to try the food, but we did get to peek at the space and get a feel for the ambience.

And lastly if you’re a coffee snob, you will love Killebrew, not to mention that you don’t even have to leave the hotel to grab that perfect cup of coffee! And if you’re looking for something quick and good for breakfast try their breakfast sandwich.

If you’re like us, sometimes you don’t want to leave your room to get food, and that is just fine since there is also the option of ordering room service. Since there is no restaurant to get breakfast at in the hotel, we ordered room service breakfast on our second morning.

We placed our breakfast order the night before and it arrived right on time just as we had arranged for. You would be surprised how many hotels can’t get room service breakfast right or forget to bring half of what you order.

Service

From the moment we pulled up at valet to the moment we stepped foot in the hotel, we were greeted by friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Not sure if it’s just a southern hospitality thing or if the employees at the Thompson Nashville really like their job, but everyone was so friendly.

When staying at a 5-star property you expect a high-level of service and that is exactly what you will find at the Thompson Nashville.

How are they handling COVID?

How are hotels handling COVID? This is a big question on every travelers mind right now including ours. The Thompson Nashville isn’t operating as normal, but at a new normal.

The most important thing to note is the Thompson Nashville is adhering to all state and local government regulations and Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. All employees were wearing masks, there were hand sanitizer dispensers in the lobby and there was signage and markings on the floor in all common areas to encourage social distancing.

There were plexiglass partitions up at the front desk to protect guests and staff during the check-in process. And if you’re like us we used the mobile check-in option in the World of Hyatt app to minimize contact necessary during check-in.

The first night of our stay when we went to L.A. Jackson for drinks and dinner, there was a 15 minute wait to get a table. They took our phone number and texted us when our table was ready. In addition to being required to wear a facial covering when walking to and from your table, the host was also taking patrons temperatures with a touchless thermometer to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Overall Impression

If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations in Music City in a well sought out neighborhood away from the main attractions of the city then look no further than the Thompson Nashville. This boutique hotel makes for a great home base to explore the city and a serene escape when you return for the night.

From the accommodations, to the food to the staff, our stay was flawless, even while traveling during these unprecedented times.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book the Thompson Nashville with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Hyatt Privé partnership, you’ll receive a $100 hotel credit to use on dining, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade and a welcome amenity.

Alila Villas Uluwatu Review

Our Verdict

The Alila Villas Uluwatu. offers luxurious accommodations, a picturesque pool with a great view of the Indian Ocean and five-star white-glove service. This review is based off of our personal stay in September of 2019. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at the Alila Villas Uluwatu, book through Hyatt Privé to take advantage of exclusive complimentary extras like a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity. To request Hyatt Privé rates, just visit liveluxetravelco.com/hyatt-prive.

If you are looking for an ultra luxurious, yet eco-friendly stay in Bali, then the Alila Villas Uluwatu is just what you are looking for. Not to mention that all of the Alila Resorts in Bali are now part of of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and World of Hyatt.

The Alila Villas Uluwatu are perched on-top of a cliff that overlooks the Indian Ocean, making for an incredible setting at this luxury resort.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

The Alila Villas Uluwatu is not the newest resort in Bali, as it opened about 10 years ago. But let us tell you from our first hand experience, the resort is in excellent condition and you will probably think that it is brand-new. The common areas and the villas both have been extremely well maintained.

The Ailia Villas Uluwatu is committed to sustainability and you can definitely tell that while you are on property. From the filtered water in glass bottles in your room to the sustainable gardens located on property and the use of recyclable materials, the Alila Villas Uluwatu is going above and beyond to be committed to sustainability.

The whole experience of this 5-star resort including the service and staff, the food, the accommodations and the amenities, you will feel extremely spoiled and if you’re like us, you won’t want to leave.

Our Villa

During our stay at the Alila Villas Uluwatu, we stayed in a 1 bedroom pool villa. The resort is built on a hillside, so the lobby, pool and restaurant are located on the lowest level while the villas are located up several terraces, which create incredible views from all of the villas.

Let’s just talk about how big these 1 bedroom pool villas are. They are just over 3,000 square feet counting the outdoor living space. Yes, you read that right. This is probably bigger that some people’s homes.

The rooms have everything you could possibly need to have an incredible and relaxing vacation. The villas feature an outdoor private pool and cabana, an outdoor shower, an indoor walk-in shower and a jetted bathtub.

The style of the villas is extremely modern with a lot of clean lines and an open concept. But they also feature a lot of warm touches with the use of fabrics and wood materials making it feel cozy and inviting. The villas also have large glass sliding doors that when opened up disappear into the walls and allow you to bring the outside in.

One of our favorite things about staying at Alila hotels is the Alila Living bath products. These natural, organic range of therapeutic skin care products are designed for both ‘him and her’. These bath products are some of our favorite because they are free from parabens, sodium laurel sulphate, petrochemicals, synthetic substances and artificial colors or fragrances.

AMENITIES

When you are in Bali, you might be looking for a beach. The Alila Villas Uluwatu is perched upon a cliff, so the beach is about 650 stair steps down a cliff. But if you aren’t looking for a beach, the infinity edge pool offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean and the perfect oasis to relax.

We did decided to hike down to the beach one morning instead of working out. And let us be the first to tell you, it’s quite a workout. Going down wasn’t too bad. But our legs were pretty shaky by the time we got back to the top.

There is of course staff at the pool to help you get setup with chairs, a cabana, take food and drink orders or anything else should you need.

After we got situated in our chairs at the pool, about 10 mins later a staff member brought over what appeared to be a picnic basket with cold bottled water, sun tan oil, sunscreen and facial mist. It was definitely a nice touch!

Spa Alila is located right next to Warung restaurant and you should definitely plan on booking at least one treatment during your stay. Spa services are more affordable in Bali, not to mention the estheticians provide excellent service.

The spa is setup quite a bit differently than your normal spa with treatment rooms. They are multiple spa villas and your services are performed inside your own villa that is equipped with a treatment room, restroom, shower and changing area.

DINING

The hardest part about staying at the Alila Villas Uluwatu was deciding where to dine between the two restaurants they have on property, The Warung serves Balinese food and CIRE serves East-Asian food. Both restaurants had incredible food. And the nice thing is that you can order off of both menus at either restaurant.

During our stay we enjoyed breakfast everyday at CIRE. CIRE mixes it up when it comes to your typical hotel or resort breakfast. Breakfast is served tapas style with a menu that changes daily. This was nice because you can try many different things and experience many different cuisines and flavors.

Also during our stay we were able to enjoy lunch at CIRE which offers an incredible view of the pool and ocean.

One of the best dinners we had while staying at the Alila Villas Uluwatu was at Warung. Warung is one of the best Balinese restaurants in Bali. There weren’t many people staying at the Alia during our stay, but Warung was extremely busy each night as locals and guests from nearby resorts came to dine here.

SERVICE

Be prepared to be completely spoiled here! The staff is incredible and makes you feel like you are at your own home. Each villa is assigned a butler upon check-in who attends to your every wish until you leave. Our butler, Ruben, was incredible! We ordered iced coffee one afternoon through room service and Ruben was the one to bring it to us. Needless to say, your butler is there to take care of anything and everything you might need during your stay.

It was also incredible how they knew when we weren’t in the room. Never once during our stay did we return to our villa being serviced.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

The Alila Villas Uluwatu is an eco-friendly zero-waste luxury resort located in one of the most picturesque places in Bali. While there aren’t a lack of luxury accommodations in Bali and especially in the Uluwatu area, there isn’t anything quite like the sense of being you get while staying at the Alila Villas Uluwatu.

The only down-side to the Alila Villas Uluwatu is perhaps the location as it is pretty isolated without much around it. There is a nearby beach club, but otherwise you’re pretty limited unless you do a day trip off property.

EXTRA PERKS

And don’t forget, when you book the Alila Villas Uluwautu with Live Luxe Travel Co. through our Hyatt Privé partnership, you’ll receive a $100 hotel credit to use on dining, daily breakfast for two and a welcome amenity.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Review

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located in the heart of California's prestigious Sonoma Valley, next to neighboring Napa Valley. Perhaps one of the most unique things about the Fairmont Sonoma is that the resort itself has it's own supply of thermal mineral water which is part of the reason for a nearly 40,000 square foot spa. All the resorts pools and spa are fed with these natural waters. Combine the location, a Michelin-rated restaurant, the 18-hole championship golf course and a state-of-the-art Spa, all make this an exquisite AAA Four Diamond destination.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

If you are looking for the perfect place to relax, re-charge and experience fine dining after a day in Sonoma Valley, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the perfect destination.

When we arrived at the resort, driving up to the front circle you are instantly immersed into the charming setting of the resort. We were promptly welcomed to the resort and offered a glass of champagne. The bell staff already had our keys and whisked us away to our room.

Our Room

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a fairly small property in terms of the number of rooms with only 226 guest rooms.

During our stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa we stayed in one of the Mission Suites. The Mission Suites are very romantic with a four-poster bed, an oversized Jacuzzi tub, a wood-burning fireplace and a patio with french doors.

The room was decorated with many elements of old world charm with red brick as the floor, lots of travertine tile, plenty of warm tones in the organic materials in the linens, curtains, and fabrics.

The Mission Suite had plenty of natural light coming in from the big french doors. But the room was also very cozy at night with the fireplace burning. The bathroom was very open with the vanity, tub and shower within view from almost everywhere in the room.

As you know from reading about our favorite hotel toiletries, Fairmont Hotels feature Le Labo products, which are fantastic.

Dining

The resort's restaurant, Santé, a premier Michelin-rated restaurant. And talk about an incredible dining experience, Santé is phenomenal. In Sonoma Valley you would expect for restaurants to have a large selection of wine. And that is most definitely the case at Santé which has over 500 wines offered on the menu.

We started our meal off with a selection of local cheeses, spreads and bread from the cheese cart. The cart was brought table side and a very nice cheese plate was prepared right in front of us!

Next we opted for the seasonal butternut squash soup, which was perhaps the best soup we have ever tasted. And for our main course we both choose the Dry Aged Rib Eye with Ember Roasted Beets, Black Garlic Puree and a Coffee Black Garlic Bordelaise.

We eat at a lot of great restaurants around the globe with all of our travels but Santé perhaps tops our list.

If you are looking for a quick casual meal we would recommend 38º North in the hotel lobby. It is a great place for a quick salad, sand-which, burger or entree. They offer over 50 wines by the glass from local and international wineries.

Amenities

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn doesn't lack when you are looking for things to do after a long hard day of wine tastings and exploring the region. From the pool, to the spa, the fitness center and golf course, you won't run out of activities.

The main pool at the resort sits underneath a Water Tower. A little back story on this, is back in the day part of the resort burnt down because there was no water close by to extinguish the fire. The owner of the resort decided he was going to store his own supply of water in case something like this were to happen again. Today, the water tower has become sort of a Sonoma icon.

The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is known by the Native Americans to have healing powers since the waters are fed by an ancient thermal spring. We had to check-out the spa for ourselves and experience the ancient bathing ritual.

The clover-shaped outdoor pool at the spa features music underwater. And it was so peaceful to float in the pool with our heads underwater and just unwind.

The bathing ritual takes places in the bathhouse, in which you start by showering, then get into the main Watsu pool, move to the Jacuzzi, and then walk through the tunnel which starts with body temperature water and then has a bucket full of cold water that you can drench yourself with. You might be thinking dumping cold water on yourself doesn't sound like fun, but it was quite refreshing and energizing.

We always try to workout with as much as we travel. And while we were in Sonoma that was no exception. The fitness center featured plenty of equipment to get a nice workout in. And there was plenty of cardio equipment as well as a squat rack, something most hotel fitness centers just don't have.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a fantastic place to stay right in the heart of Wine Country. It is close enough to everything, yet feels like you are secluded when spending time at the resort. If you are going to Sonoma, this property should definitely be on your list of places to stay. The resort has plenty of amenities if you are still seeking adventure after a day in wine country.

Fairmont Orchid Review

The AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Orchid Resort is located on Hawaii's Big Island. The resort sits about 30 minutes from Kona International airport on the Northwest side of the Big Island in Pakuo, HI. And this resort sits in a great location. It's far enough away from the city but close enough to drive into Kona or take a day trip to explore the island. The Fairmont Orchid was first opened in 1990 as a Ritz-Carlton. Then from 1995 until 2003 was later managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts until it was taken over by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts The resort sits on 32 acres of oceanfront property on the Kohala Coast.

The Fairmont Orchid at Mauana Lani Resort

If you are looking for views of the vivid blue ocean waters and nearby Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain when measured from it's base, then the Fairmont Orchid is the place to be.

Upon our arrival to the resort, it was pretty late since we took a pretty late flight to Hawaii. But we were warmly greeted by the valet, assisted with our luggage and escorted to the Fairmont Gold floor for check-in. You might be wondering what Fairmont Gold is? It's an exclusive lifestyle hotel experience. Fairmont Gold makes your stay very personalized with private check-in, exclusive private lounge access, daily healthy breakfast, dedicated Fairmont Gold Concierge and more.

Our Room

The Fairmont Orchid is a fairly compact resort in the sense that from the lobby you can head one of two directions, either to the North or South Tower. The Fairmont Gold floor is located in the North Tower. As with most luxury resorts there are several room types to choose from - the most basic up to the most plush.

The rooms feel very luxurious, yet comfortable. We had the chance to stay in a Fairmont Gold Ocean View Suite, which didn't disappoint. The rooms are decorated very tastefully with french doors separating the living room from the master bedroom & bath. Our room made use of several organic feeling materials from the lamps to the furniture and the window treatments.

The room was decorated very simplistic with wallpaper, dark wood furniture with lots of natural light and views of the ocean keeping it very light and airy.

Moving on to the bathrooms, they are very luxurious and spa like with a great use of Carrara marble, double vanities a bath tub and a walk-in shower. And if you have read our blog on our favorite toiletries, you know that Le Labo is our favorite!

Dining

One of the most notable improvements to the Fairmont Orchid is that they are re-doing some of their restaurants right now. The on property Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi bar is closed for renovation and will soon re-open as Binchotan: Bar & Grill - serving up Asian cuisine over an open flame. There are four restaurants on property: Brown's Beach House (romantic fine dining), Hale Kai (casual dining), Orhid Court (breakfast) and the grab and go coffee and sandwiches - Brown's Deli.

Since we were staying on the Fairmont Gold floor, we had breakfast most days in the private lounge but we did go down to Orchid Court one morning. Talk about a spread, the breakfast buffet had tons of fresh baked pastries, fresh local fruit, plenty of hot food, a juice bar and an omelet station. And if buffets aren't your thing, they have a great breakfast menu as well.

We also had the opportunity to eat lunch and enjoy a few signature cocktails at Hale Kai twice. The grass covered umbrellas, sand under your feet along with the sounds of the ocean make this dining experience one of a kind.

Amenities

The Fairmont Orchid doesn't lack when it comes to things to do. There is a fantastic spa on property as well as a great fitness center. There are also several paths to walk around the resort plus a nice man-made beach along the famous Fairmont Orchid lagoon. The lagoon hosts a variety of non-motorized water sports activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking and more. If you want to spend a day at the beach and experience all that Fairmont Orchid has to offer, you are going to want to opt for their Fun N' Sun Activity Pass. This gives you access to rental equipment from the Beach Shack that can be used just steps away in the crystal clear blue waters.

The resort features one main pool that is quite large and sits right in the middle of the resort. If you are looking to getaway from the crowd and have your own private space, then opt for a pool or beach cabana. We reserved one of the Oceanfront Hale cabanas and it was worth every penny. In addition to having unobstructed views of the ocean, you'll also get a chilled cooler with refreshments and snacks included with the rental.

The Fairmont Orchid has perhaps one of the most peaceful and unique spa experiences. The Spa Without Walls is literally an outdoor spa nestled into thick greenery with the sound of nearby waterfalls that feed the fish ponds located in the heart of the resort.

If you are like us, we are pretty dedicated to working out on vacation so we can indulge. But it can be challenging working out in a gym that you aren't used to. But the fitness center at the Orchid has plenty of space with state of the art cardio equipment, free weights and even a squat rack.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Orchid is a great place to relax, experience a luau and have a fantastic vacation. The Big Island of Hawaii isn't the most well known and traveled destination. But once you visit the Fairmont Orchid, you might change your mind about visiting some of the other islands. The staff at this resort was fantastic. Everyone made an effort to get to know us and was extremely helpful. And the staff on the Fairmont Gold floor spoiling us rotten.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, $100 resort credit, the fifth night free, a room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out! So what are you waiting for, plan your Hawaiian adventure today!

Andaz San Diego Review

Andaz San Diego is located in the heart of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Located about a mile from North San Diego Bay and the USS Midway Museum, this particular location makes most areas of downtown San Diego very walkable.

Andaz San Diego

Let's talk about vibrant meets modern and chic. The Andaz San Diego just unveiled a $4 Million Dollar rennovation in the spring of 2017.  Perhaps one of our favorite things about the Andaz properties is you are surrounded by local arts, culture and food. During the renovation, a different piece of local art was sourced for each and every guest room, giving each space it's own unique look and feel. All 159 guest rooms and suites underwent upgrades. And trust us the renovation turned out great! The Andaz San Diego looks very sleek from the outside and that continues as soon as you enter the hotel.

OUR ROOM

The Andaz San Diego gives you the feel of a smaller boutique hotel But you'll also get the amenities and location of your typical larger chain hotels. The rooms are very art-centric with several paintings, photographs, sculptures and a variety of textures give the rooms a fun chic vibe. The rooms feature a pretty neutral color palette of grey and white with pops of color in the furniture, accent pillows and trim work.

We stayed in the Star Suite. And it's incredible with two bedrooms (1 had full-size bunkbeds), 2 full bathrooms plus a living and bar area. The room featured sleek modern surfaces with industrial light fixtures and colorful textiles tying it all together.

And if you happen to bring your four legged friend, the Andaz San Diego is pet friendly. They don't even charge a pet fee like most hotels typically do. And they will roll out the red-carpet for your pet with a bed and food & water bowls. We are already planning another trip back next month and Madi is definitely coming with us!

Be prepared to step into the modern age in this spa like bathroom. You'll be surrounded in lots of glass, metal and shiny surfaces. Both bathrooms featured large walk-in showers and had a modern-sleek feeling to them.

The master bathroom also featured a steam shower, which was quite nice! The shower enclosure in the master bathroom also featured a large free-standing tub, oh and don't forget the fun gold duck.

DINING

The on-site restaurant at Andaz San Diego is not your typical local inspired restaurant. Instead the Andaz San Diego opted for a restaurant that matches the vibe of the hotel. And STK knocks it out of the park!

STK puts a modern twist on your classic American steakhouse food. The ambiance is very dark, fun and romantic with club like music and candles on each table. Steak lovers rejoice, the steak was some of the best we've ever had. Seriously. We can't wait to go back, just to dine at STK!

AMENITIES

There are plenty of amenities at the Andaz San Diego such as the Gallery (art gallery), fitness center and the incredible rooftop bar & pool. If you want to watch the sunset head up to the rooftop for a cocktail or a dip in the pool.

Due to the short duration of our one-night stay at the Andaz San Diego, we weren't able to take advantage of the fitness center. But we did check it out, and it would definitely suffice to get a good workout in. There are plenty of free weights and cardio equipment to get your sweat on.

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, be sure to check out our Weekend Wanderings: San Diego Guide

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, a $100 food & beverage credit, room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out!

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North

The Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort at Troon North is located North of Scottsdale near Cave Creek, Arizona. The resort sits nestled in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, about a 25 minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale. If you are visiting this resort, chances are you aren't going to leave the resort. And with all the amenities and dining options, you shouldn't need to. Upon arriving at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale the first thing we noticed was how much cooler it was being a little higher up in terms of elevation. We will be excited to return to this property next year as they are currently finishing a $13 million dollar renovation to make their Casitas a bit more contemporary.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North

If you are looking for a relaxing weekend laying by the pool with a great book and a delicious craft cocktail in hand, then the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North is the place to be! We stumbled upon Scottsdale, Arizona about four years ago and we have been back at least once each year because we love relaxing pool days.

You might think Scottsdale is too hot. But since it is a dry heat, it's definitely manageable. Upon our arrival we were escorted by the bellmen to the front desk where we were greeted by name. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful during the check-in process and made an effort to get to know us. The staff at this resort definitely make the experience top-notch.

Our Room

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale consists of casitas located in several individual buildings. The resort is a bit spread out. So we were given a ride on a golf cart with our luggage to our casita.

The casitas are definitely inspired by the desert with the spanish influence you would expect. Our room was very comfortable with a sitting area, a private patio, a desk and mini-bar.

With lots of brown, red and gold tones, adobe like walls and dark wood furniture, the rooms feel very luxurious but in an old-world luxury type of way. Hence why the property is undergoing a full renovation on their rooms to modernize them.

The bathroom was filled with beautiful earth tones and featured a double vanity, soaking tub, walk-in shower and separate toilet room.

Dining

During our stay we had the opportunity to have breakfast at Proof, a classic American restaurant in a fun and funky modern atmosphere. At Proof they serve up everything from classic biscuits and gravy for breakfast, to a juicy burger for lunch, and chicken and waffles for dinner.

Just adjacent to the lobby of the resort is the Onyx Bar & Lounge. And we enjoyed one dinner at the Onyx Bar & Lounge. We wanted a more relaxed atmosphere to have a few cocktails, have a casual conversation and grab a quick bite to eat. As foodies, the food at Onyx Bar & Lounge blew us away! We both had the Steak Frites with bone marrow butter and they were incredible. The steak was so juicy and tender that it literally melted in your mouth.

Amenities

The Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort has plenty of things to do. There are several paths to walk around the resort and take in a different variety of natural desert landscapes. You'll find beautiful native plants and spectacular views of the desert.

The resort features two pools, including an adults only pool with cabanas and full-service food & beverage. There are also tennis courts, spa amenities such as a steam room & sauna, a world-class golf course, access to hiking and mountain biking.

Even on vacation it is nice to be able to get a descent workout in and the fitness center didn't disappoint. There was plenty of cardio equipment, free weights and machines to get our blood pumping. And of course afterwards we spent some time relaxing in the steam room and sauna.

Overall Impression

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is not where we would typically stay in Scottsdale. Despite the fact that we normally stay closer to Old Town Scottsdale, we actually liked being farther away from the hustle and bustle because it forces you to relax. This 5-Star resort is a great place to getaway with your significant other or a trip for the entire family. And be prepared for a luxurious stay. Because the staff truly makes the experience here.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, a $100 resort credit, room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out!

Loews Hotel 1000 Review

Loews Hotel 1000 located in the heart of downtown Seattle is a hidden gem. Located just a few blocks away from the Pike Place Market, Elliot Bay and Pioneer Square, the hotel is located in the perfect place to walk just about anywhere.

Loews Hotel 1000

The most notable thing perhaps about Loews Hotel 1000 is that is just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in the fall of 2017. From the lobby to the guest rooms, the hotel was completely renovated from top to bottom. If we had to describe the vibe of this hotel in the heart of the big city it would be organic meets industrial. And we loved it.

Our Room

The Loews Hotel 1000 is like your smaller boutique hotel properties with just 120 guest rooms and suites. Every single room has been given a new palette following the renovation. The rooms feature a color scheme that reflect the city of Seattle with soft grays, rich greens and a hint of rose giving the rooms a warm and home-like feeling.

The room featured sleek modern surfaces with industrial light fixtures and organic textiles tying it all together. And let's talk about the incredible views of Elliott Bay, a glimpse of the city and of Seattle's Great Wheel. We could just stare out the windows for hours!

The bathroom was a spa-inspired bathroom with a luxurious free-standing tub that fills from the ceiling, yes the ceiling! And the bathroom has also has a walk-in shower and toilet room that are divided by glass enclosures.

Dining

The on-site restaurant at Loews Hotel 1000 is All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar. For seafood lovers, this restaurant is known for their boat-to-table cuisine. Featuring flavors from the Pacific Northwest in the dishes they are cooking up. We went to breakfast at All Water and were impressed. The ambiance is very warm and inviting with an industrial and mid-century modern feel. We opted for the Classic Benedict that was actually served on a biscuit and The Classic breakfast, both of which were delicious!

Amenities

There are plenty of amenities at the Loews Hotel 1000 such as the on-site spa, fitness center and golf simulator all of which are located on the lower-level. You forget you are right in the heart of the city when utilizing these amenities.

We used the fitness center to grab a quick workout in between drinking too much delicious Seattle coffee. And while it is on the small side, it has everything you need to get a good workout in. There are plenty of free weights, a cable machine and cardio equipment to get your sweat on.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you’ll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, a $100 food & beverage credit, room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out!

Fairmont Banff Springs Review

The Fairmont Banff Springs, also known as the Castle of the Rockies, is conveniently located in the heart of the Banff National Park. It sits just above Bow Falls and within walking distance of Banff Village.

Banff Springs Resort

The Banff Springs Resort, originally built in 1888 was remodeled in 1928 to resemble a European Castle. And the property was declared a national historic site by the government of Canada in 1988. The resort is not only luxurious and close to all of the attractions in Banff, but the resort itself offers plenty to do including a pool, spa, bowling alley and numerous dining options.

Once we arrived at the Banff Springs Resort, we were quickly greeted by the valet staff. They asked our name and within minutes a hotel guest services representative met us at our car with our room keys and resort information. There was no waiting in line and within minutes we were off to our room.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are now a part of Accor. That means that sadly, the Fairmont President's Club is no more. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are now part of the Accor Loyalty Program, Le Club. As a platinum member with Le Club, we received two complimentary drink vouchers. Otherwise, loyalty recognition was almost non-existent. A sad change from the Fairmont President's Club that so many of us truly loved.

Our Room

The Fairmont Banff Springs has 768 rooms and suites. We had a standard king room with a mountain view. One thing we should point out is that the rooms at the Banff Springs are fairly small. But that's expected as the rooms were designed in another era. Our room had a beautiful view of Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. The hotel is starting to renovate and increase the size of some of the rooms in the castle part of the hotel.

And like the room, the bathroom was small, but again functional. With a single sink, toilet and shower/tub combo, the bathroom served it's purpose.

Like most Fairmont Hotels & Resort, the Fairmont Banff Springs offers Rose 31 scented toiletries, which were created exclusively for the Fairmont hotel chain. And the Rose 31 toiletries are personally some of our favorite.

Dining

The hotel features an impressive number of restaurants, fine dining venues, and bars.

Chop House 1888 is a modern twist on the authentic chop-house. And they serve up a menu focused on prime cuts of Alberta beef, sustainably sourced wild game and Ocean Wise seafood. If you are a steak lover, treat yourself to a meal at Chop House 1888. You won't be disappointed!

Another great restaurant is the Vermillion Room, which is one of the newest restaurants in the Castle. The Vermillion Room is a brasserie or bistro style restaurant. The bistro has an upscale feel. And it reminds you of stepping back in time with it's blue velvet chairs and lots of brass accents. We enjoyed dinner and Sunday Brunch in the Vermillion Room. And both meals were excellent. And you can't beat the Vermillion Room's view!

Castello Ristorante is a place where you can celebrate the simple pleasures of great food, wine and company with an authentic Italian meal. And if you are looking for Alpine Cuisine, grab a table at Waldhaus Restaurant which features a menu consisting of schnitzel and fondue.

The Banff Springs Resort also has a spot for sushi (Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant and a tastings and wine bar, Grapes.

And finally, the newly redesigned and opened coffee shop. Stock, adjacent to the hotel lobby is amazing. Stock serves up delicious coffee, yummy pastries and delicious sandwiches.

Amenities

The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort features superb aquatic facilities, which are accessible to hotel guests only.

The aquatic area has a large saltwater indoor pool, an indoor whirlpool, a kid’s wading pool, and an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool is heated and offers great views of the surrounding mountains.

Plan to spend some time at Willow Stream Spa. The 38,000-square-foot spa offers first-class pampering surrounded by majestic mountain beauty. Reminiscent of the hot springs that beckoned travelers over 100 years ago, the pulsating waterfalls and the mineral pool in the heart of the spa rejuvenate tired muscles and soothe troubled spirits.

Families will appreciate the endless hotel activities suitable for kids of all ages. Activities include the extensive pool area and Kids Club plus the Banff Springs bowling lanes (which we might have given a try ourselves).

And if you a golfer, don't worry, the Fairmont Banff Springs has you covered too. Renowned for its panoramic beauty and breathtaking views in every direction, the hotel’s magnificent golf course is a captivating and challenging layout set in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Stanley Thompson, Canada’s renowned golf course architect, laid out the original 18 holes in 1928 along the winding Bow River. After an expansion in 1989, the course now has 27 holes of championship layout, that inspire everyone from first-time players to seasoned golfers.

Overall Impression

The Fairmont Banff Springs is an amazing resort. The Castle of the Rockies is definitely impressive. Do yourself a favor and take a tour of the Castle. The tour, which is a walking tour given by a staff member of the resort, is a fascinating way to learn about the history of this larger than life resort.

The resort amenities kept us busy and we enjoyed spending time at the spa. And the resort's restaurants are just fantastic. We loved both of the meals we had at The Vermillion Room. Plus the coffee at Stock was delicious. And enjoying a cocktail in the evening with a view of the spectacular mountains is the perfect way to finish off a busy day.

There is plenty to do in the Banff area including dozens of hikes, canoeing, plus day trips to places like Lake Louise. If Banff has been on your bucket list, we definitely recommend visiting this picturesque resort town in the Canadian Rockies.

And remember, if you book with a travel agent like Virtual Travel Gurus, you'll get extra benefits like complimentary breakfast, a welcome amenity, room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out!

Canopy The Wharf Review

Canopy by Hilton is by far one of the hotel brands we were most excited to stay at this year. And our stay at the Canopy the Wharf is our first of three Canopy by Hilton stays this year. Canopy by Hilton is Hilton's lifestyle brand, focusing on locally-inspired design, food and beverage offerings, environmentally friendly features, and large multi-use public spaces. And Canopy the Wharf, which opened earlier this year, is the first Canopy Hotel to open in the United States.

Canopy the Wharf

We stayed at the Canopy The Wharf for two nights in April. And we really enjoyed our first time at the Canopy by Hilton brand. The hotel was everything you would expect in a lifestyle boutique hotel. The newest Canopy hotel in Southwest Washington DC is part of the hot new waterfront development called The Wharf. The Wharf is a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and nightlife. And the location can't be beat. You are a 10 minute walk from the National Mall, plus The Wharf offers a free shuttle to the Mall that runs every 15 minutes.

Our Room

We booked a partial waterfront view suite. And the room was everything we expected from a Canopy by Hilton. The room had had floor to ceiling windows. And with lots of modern design elements, the room featured a barn door, one of the innovative Canopy hotel features. The barn door separates the bedroom from the dining and living area.

Canopy by Hilton rooms have a Canopy bed with gel memory foam and Serta Cool Balance® Technology. The bedroom featured plenty of modern design elements and the bed was extremely comfortable.

The living area featured a small couch and several chairs along with a small dining table. And while the room was extremely comfortable, we loved the local decor. There were maps of the DC area used as wallpaper behind the huge flat screen television in both the living and bedrooms.

The bathroom had a large vanity and walk-in shower. Plus just off the bathroom was the Canopy "uncloset". That’s an open area with no door where you store your clothes. The uncloset has a great look and is a great concept, however it probably isn't as practical as it should be.

The Canopy by Hilton brand uses Apivita toiletries. This was our first time using the Apivita brand toiletries, but we really enjoyed the natural smells and scents like Green Honey & Mountain Tea shower gel and the Greek Honey & Orange shampoo.

Each room also has a Nespresso machine. And one of Canopy by Hilton's goals is to be ecological friendly. So you'll notice that there are no plastic water bottles. Instead, there are glass bottles which can be filled at water filling stations on each level of the hotel.

Dining

Canopy by Hilton hotels offer a free artisenal breakfast buffet to all guests. And the breakfast was delicious, local and fresh. The wood burning oven turns out flatbread egg pizzas for breakfast, along with a meat and cheese platter and several other rotating dishes. You'll also find smoothies, fruit-infused water, yogurt and coffee from a local roaster. Overall, the breakfast met and exceeded our needs and expectations.

And if you are in a hurry or prefer to eat in your room, you can get a bag filled with fruit, yogurt, and coffee delivered instead of going to the artisenal buffet.

If you need a quick bite for lunch or dinner, The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar serves small nibbles and bites and enticing beverages such as refreshing juices, wine, craft beers, and signature cocktails. We enjoyed a quick dinner at The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar one evening and had a delicious flatbread.

In addition to the Canopy Central area, the Canopy the Wharf also has a rooftop bar, Whiskey Charley. And it's worth a visit, even if just for the view. The bar and the outdoor patio have an incredible view of the entire Wharf Neighborhood plus you can see the United States Capital.

Amenities

The Canopy the Wharf sits along a stretch of waterfront biking paths. And the Canopy has a dozen bikes available on a first come, first served basis. A helmet and a lock is included.

And if you need more than a bike ride, the Canopy by Hilton shares a fairly large gym with the adjacent Hyatt House hotel.

Overall Impression

The Canopy by Hilton The Wharf is a luxurious, lifestyle oriented hotel. It's not stuffy, but it's also higher end than the neighboring Hyatt House. It has an upscale feel, the rooms were perfectly comfortable and the free artisenal breakfast was superb.

The Canopy the Wharf is located within walking to distance to many of the Washington D.C. attractions, but the Wharf neighborhood itself has plenty to offer.

Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado has always been on our hotel bucketlist. And since we are huge fans of the Curio Collection, when the property joined Hilton's Curio Collection, we had even more reason to stay at the iconic hotel. So we booked a stay at The Del on New Year's Day.

Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado is a famous and luxurious beachfront resort in the city of Coronado, just across the San Diego Bay from San Diego, California. "The Del" is a classic hotel that deserves to be part of your San Diego experience. It somehow manages to combine the charm of a century old resort with the modern amenities.

The Hotel del Coronado was built in 1888 and is listed as a historic landmark. Over the years the resort has played host to some of the most famous people in the world including Charlie Chaplin, Charles Lindbergh, Kirk Douglas, and Marilyn Monroe. Several Presidents have also stayed at The Del. Presidents include Benjamin Harris, William Taft, Franklin D Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

The public spaces of the hotel have an old school elegance, the elevator dates back to the 1800’s with manual controls and the ballroom is a sight to behold by itself.

Our Room

We booked a Victorian King Room. The Victorian rooms are located in the historical section of the hotel. There is also a tower section of the hotel which was added in the 2000's. At check-in we learned that we had been upgraded to a junior Victorian suite due to our Hilton Diamond Status which was definitely a pleasant surprise.

The junior suite had two rooms, a bedroom and a living room with a small dining area. And off the living room was a balcony overlooking for the resort grounds.

The living area was big enough that we felt like we had space to stretch out.

The bedroom had one king bed, dresser and television. And the bed was extremely comfortable.

The bathroom off of the living room was a bit small. And you could tell the bathroom was dated. But we were in the historical section of the hotel, so no complaints here.

The Hotel del Coronado supplies guests with Espa London toiletries. And our bathroom was stocked with a cleansing bar, body lotion, body was, conditioner and shampoo. The bergamot, jasmine & a hint of cedarwood smelling toiletries were definitely enjoyable.

Dining

There are multiple drink and dining venues at Hotel del Coronado. Whether you are looking for something casual, a quick snack, cocktails at sunset or a romantic dinner setting, you will find it here. One of the best things about this resort is that the majority of bars and restaurants have an ocean view! We only ate breakfast at the Hotel del Coronado but the breakfast buffet at the Sheerwater Restaurant was amazing. And since we booked our room through Virtual Travel Gurus, our breakfast buffet was included! A great value!

It's also worth noting that Hilton Honors Gold & Diamond members receive a free continental breakfast each morning. You can pay a small fee to upgrade to the entire breakfast buffet.

And while we didn't take in any other meals at Hotel del Coronado, we did enjoy ice cream from MooTime Creamery. It's a 1950s style ice cream parlor that serves up sundaes, ice cream cones and frozen yogurt. And the ice cream was delicious!

Amenities

Trust, us, you will not get bored at Hotel del Coronado! There are different types of activities at the resort throughout the day. You can enjoy bike riding from the resort around Coronado Island, partake in a beach spinning class or just relax on the beach or by one of the resort pools.

And The Del has bonfires on the beach that can be reserved for a fee (that come with s'mores kits) in the evening. S'more and a bonfire on the beach....I'm not sure we can think of a better way to finish off the day.

And you can shop till you drop at The Del shops. Definitely check out the 1888 vintage shop. And it's just one of numerous shops located at the resort.

Our favorite thing to do was relax in the spa. The spa has men and women's lounge areas and steam rooms. But the best part of the spa is the private terrace with a vanishing-edge pool overlooking the Pacific.

Overall Impression

The best part of the Hotel del Coronado is that it embodies the beachy California vacation vibe that so many try to replicate but very few hotels and resorts actually achieve. The hotel sits on 28 acres of the number one rated beach in the United States!

And as you would expect at a higher end hotel or resort, we found service at The Del to be top notch. The Hotel del Coronado uses texting and the Hilton Honors app for communicating with guests. That makes it extremely convenient to contact the concierge or guest services.

Our advice, book yourself a room in the Victorian/Historical side of the hotel. These rooms have character and truly make you feel like you staying in a charming, luxurious old world resort.

And remember if you book a room at the Hotel del Coronado through Live Luxe Travel Co., you'll often receive extra perks like free breakfast, spa credits and room upgrades!

Oh, we almost forgot. The Del is also very kid and pet friendly! There is even a store for dogs and a doggy happy hour. So yes, that means Madi will likely come with us when we return this fall!

Waldorf Astoria Park City

The Waldorf Astoria Park City is a luxury ski resort located at the base of Canyons ski area. And this posh mountain resort is just 4 miles from Main Street and Downtown Park City.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Park City has more to offer than just skiing. Utah is truly considered a year round adventure destination with skiing, fly fishing, mountain biking and hiking. And Park City is the heart of that adventure. The Waldorf Astoria Park City makes a great home base for those adventures. The hotel has a gondola it shares exclusively with the Wyndam Residences across the street. The gondola goes to the Canyons Village base.

The property only has valet parking. But unlike most resorts, the valet parking is included in the resort fee, which is an extremely nice touch.

The Waldorf Astoria Park City is a gorgeous property and the beauty starts when you first arrive in the lobby.

The lobby is grand and extremely impressive with a sweeping staircase, a 300 year old imported mantle for the lobby fire, and a large baccarat chandelier.

Rates can be expensive during prime ski season. But for our stay, the Waldorf Astoria Park City offered great value for redeeming Hilton Honors points. At just 80,000 points per night, the paid rates were well over $700 a night. That means we got a value of almost 9 cents per point Hilton Honors point which is incredible.

You can also book the Waldorf Astoria Park City through a travel agent, like Virtual Travel Gurus, and get extras like room upgrades,  breakfast and an $100 spa credit.

Our Room

While we are Hilton Diamond members and we enjoy occasional upgrades, we are still pleasantly surprised when those upgrades occur. And the upgrade we received at the Waldorf was amazing. We were excited to find out we had been upgraded to a bi-level suite. And the room was amazing.

The main level of the room had a living room with fire place, dining room, full bathroom and a large high-end full kitchen with Viking appliances.

Adjacent to the living room was a large outdoor patio with an outdoor fire place with views of the pool.

The bedroom was located on the upstairs level of the bi-level suite. The bedroom's furnished with a king size bed, several sitting chairs, dresser and had another fireplace.

The master spa like bathroom has a large walk-in shower, tub and double vanities.

The Waldorf Astoria Park City offers Tuscan Soul toiletries.

Our suite also contained a laundry room with a washer and dryer which would definitely be an added bonus for families taking a skiing trip or longer vacation.

DINING

Probably one of the most surprising facts about the Waldorf Astoria Park City is that the hotel and resort only has one true dining option. We had breakfast one morning at Powder and we had avocado toast which was okay. The avocado toast tasted like it hadn't been seasoned much and we had some service issues at the restaurant. But honestly, this was our only complaint during our entire stay.

Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors members do receive $15.00 per person (up to two people) per day for breakfast.

Amenities

If you don't want to leave the resort, there is plenty to do at the hotel itself. The Waldorf Park City has a large outdoor heated pool and several hot tubs. We enjoyed relaxing in the hot tubs while breathing in the mountain air several times during our stay.

We also utilized the Waldorf Astoria Park City Spa one afternoon and received spa treatments and enjoyed the spa facilities including tea in the relaxation lounge and steam room.

And the Waldorf has a large fitness center with several daily classes including yoga.

One of our favorite activities at the resort was roasting marshmallows and making s'mores around the fire pits. Each evening, the hotel puts out a cart full of marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. And we took them up on making s'mores both nights of our stay.

Overall Impression

The Waldorf Astoria Park City is a luxurious resort within minutes of skiing and just miles from Downtown Park City. The hotel has luxurious rooms, offers plenty of activities and overall the service was excellent. While the resort can be expensive during peak skiing season, you can often times find very good value using Hilton Honors points for your stay. After staying at several hotels and resorts in the Park City area, we can definitely say that we are already planning our next trip back to the Waldorf Astoria Park City. And when you book with Live Luxe Travel Co. through our Hilton Impresario partnership you will receive a $100 credit, room upgrade, and daily breakfast for 2.

Ready to book your stay?

The Driskill Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas is part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. While it is an independent and historical hotel, the great thing is that you can earn and redeem Hyatt points since the hotel is part of the Unbound Collection. Hyatt describes the Unbound Collection as a global collection of unique and independent stay experiences.

The Driskill

The Driskill was built in 1886. And it's the oldest operating hotel in Austin and one of the most famous hotels in Texas. From the minute you first step in the hotel lobby, you'll notice the dozens of columns brilliantly lining the lobby and the spotless marble floors. Needless to say this hotel is elegant, gorgeous and simply grand. While we love a new modern hotel, we absolutely love old historical properties. Needless to say, we were almost giddy about getting the opportunity to stay at The Driskill.

The Driskill Hotel has the perfect location in Downtown Austin. Located right in the middle of downtown on 6th Street, the hotel is conveniently located to all of the Downtown Restaurants, Bars and Attractions.

While the hotel is elegant and historical, it's also been rumored to be haunted. While we didn't notice anything unusual during our stay, there are at least three stories over the years that support the the theories of the historical property having spirits wandering the halls. For one, there's a story of a young girl who fell to her death down the grand staircase. And another about the two “suicide brides” who killed themselves in the same bathtub in the same room (room 525 to be exact) 20 years apart to the day. Who knows if these ghost stories have any truth to them. But our advice. Don't stay in room 525.

On our way to our room, we immediately noticed how long the the hallways are. And they remind you yet again that this hotel was built in another era.

The halls are lined with old paintings plus you'll find historical decor in common areas throughout the hotel.

Our Room

Conceived and built by Col. Jesse Driskill, the somewhat recently renovated (1996) Driskill Hotel features 189 guest rooms and suites.

We stayed in a King Room in the historical wing. While the room was on the smaller side (like you would expect from a hotel built in 1886), it was large enough and quite comfortable. The room was decorated with both elements of historical and Texan decor. The room was furnished with a king size bed, couch, closet, desk and two night stands.

The bathroom was again on the small side with a vanity and tile lined tub and shower.

The Driskill Hotel uses June Jacobs Spa Collection Toiletries, the same brand you'll find at most Grand Hyatt properties.

Overall the room met our expectations. It was comfortable, had updated technology including plenty of USB & regular outlets to recharge. And luckily for us, no signs of any paranormal activity.

Dining

The Driskill has several restaurants and a bar.

The main restaurant at The Driskill is The Driskill Grill. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to try The Driskill Grill as it is closed on Sundays. But the restaurant serves up a fine dining experience in an elegant space, serving à la carte and prix fixe tasting menus along with wine pairings.

We did enjoy dinner and a few cocktails at The Driskill Bar. The Driskill Bar serves up pub fare including burgers, salads and small bites. We shared an order of beer cheese loaded fries while sipping on some handcrafted cocktails.

For dinner we both had salads followed by a piece of chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. Everything was delicious.

The 1886 Cafe & Bakery features a coffee counter with baked goods, plus serves up all-day American fare in a Victorian tearoom-style setting. Our breakfast at The 1886 Cafe & Bakery and both of our meals were delicious. And service was great too.

Amenities

The hotel has a fairly decent size gym with free weights and several treadmills, elliptical machines and bikes.

While the hotel doesn't have an actual spa, they do have massage rooms along with locker rooms. The men and women's locker rooms feature a steam room. The steam room did have a fairly pungent smell and we decided to skip using it.

Overall Impression

Needless to say, we loved our stay at The Driskill. It is luxurious, historical and even romantic. The service was great and the hotel offered a great home base for exploring Downtown Austin. We can't wait to return.

And for recommendations on things to do in Austin, be sure to check out our Weekend Wanderings, Austin Guide.

If you want to book a room at The Driskill, be sure to check out the Live Luxe Travel Co.. When you book your room at The Driskill with them, you'll not only earn Hyatt Points but get a room upgrade, free breakfast and a $100 food and beverage credit.