Travel Archive

Last week, I introduced you to the first stop on my Top 10 Travel List of Places I’d Like to Visit (try to say that 10 times fast). That list continues this week, and I hope you love this resort as much as I do.

I seriously fell in love with the Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Oh. My. Goodness. It is too gorgeous.

An Auberge Resort, Esperanza was named the Top Mexican Resort and Top Mexican Spa in 2010 by Travel + Leisure. Comprised of casitas, suites, villas, and private residences, the resort boasts multiple dining venues, the award-winning spa, exclusive private beach with service, a yoga and pilates studio with complimentary daily yoga lessons, an art and sculpture gallery, and much more. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t wait to share the photos any more! Enjoy!

Two of a casita:

Two of a suite:

And of course a wedding set up to wrap it up:

All photos via Esperanza, An Auberge Resort

A few months ago, I flipped through some travel books, and, based on photos alone (and then some research!), I made a Top 10 Travel List of Places I’d Like to Visit. Some are resorts, some are cities, but over the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing my #1 travel destinations. Because really, who could pick just one?

First up is the Villagio Inn and Spa in Yountville, California, nestled in next to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is synonymous with wine country exclusivity in the US, and I fell in love with this family owned and operated boutique hotel.

The hotel is located on the 23-acre Vintage Estate, which is home to Michael Chiarello’s Bottega restaurant and other lifestyle shops and galleries, restaurants, a wine cellar, and even a small country inn. Villagio, however, was recently named one of the Top 50 Hotels in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure. Now it’s time to check out the gorgeous Villagio Inn and Spa and the Vintage Estate. Enjoy!

Photos via Villagio Inn and Spa

A few months ago, I posted about a Mediterranean cruise with several stops, but the most popular one by far was Palma de Mallorca. Through some more of my research, it appears that the name is now just Palma, Spain. While the name seems up in the air, one thing is apparent: this city is full of history, vibrant city life, and interesting hotels. Thanks to LT Travel Connection for introducing me to Palma!

Here’s the hotel I would love to check out: Convent de la Missió. It’s an old monastery dating back to the 17th century and features just fourteen rooms and one restaurant. It’s the ultimate minimalist’s paradise. It’s all white exterior and interior and stark furnishings are just asking to be relaxed in. It’s also just ten minutes away from the airport, close to Palma shopping, and near the Spanish beachfront.

Reception:

A few of the rooms:

Bathroom:

Spa/Jacuzzi:

Front of the hotel:

I just love the way this hotel looks! It’s rare to find a modern hotel that doesn’t go overboard on the kitschy decor, textiles, and patterns. I’m putting this hotel on my Must See List!

If you’re looking to go somewhere exotic but still have some comforts of home, look no further than the LT Travel Connection-recommended Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), which opened just two short weeks ago. The 121-acre property features eleven restaurants, fifteen bars, eleven pools, a club, Hard Rock’s signature Rock Spa, a Niklaus-designed golf course, and other amenities.

The hotel has teamed up with Palace Resorts to make this Hard Rock all-inclusive, and if you book soon, you can save up to $215/couple and be eligible for other incentives. Hard Rock, oddly enough, doesn’t have many photos available on the website, but I did manage to track down a few pre-opening photos from the Hard Rock blog. Enjoy, and maybe you can go and supply us with photos of your own!

Photos via Hard Rock Hotel Blog