All posts by Stefanie

Travel News: Four Seasons Jet

Travel News, ,

Talk about Four Seasons exploring new heights. Traveling around the world in a private jet is something most of us daydream of one day doing. Now imagine, traveling in a private jet with the Four Seasons crew, service and cuisine? Now, that is traveling in style.

Last week we interviewed Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President, and the answers to the upcoming Four Seasons product are mind-blowing.

1. When did the Four Seasons Jet idea start? The inspiration for the custom-designed Four Seasons jet is rooted in the company’s passion to redefine luxury hospitality and is a true reflection of our understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of our guests. In 2012 we introduced our first Around the World by Private Jet experiences and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Consistently sold out trips, which often had waiting lists, underscored how important this level of experience is to our guests. The popularity and success of these early trips demonstrated the considerable opportunity and growth potential in the future of private jet travel, and encouraged us to look for new ways to evolve the experience. The introduction of fully branded, customized Four Seasons Jet builds on feedback from travelers on our previous private jet experiences who expressed their desire to pair adventure and discovery with the luxury of a fully immersive Four Seasons experience.

2. When will it have it’s grand debut? The inaugural flight will be February 2015.

3. Can you explain the overall idea of the Four Seasons Jet? From start to finish, we’re delivering a fully immersive Four Seasons experience delivering the brand’s signature service, from the moment a guest books their trip. Each of the three itineraries currently available deliver the glamour and adventure of international travel by private jet, enhanced with legendary service and the ultimate luxury of staying only in Four Seasons hotels and resorts. Our mission is to ensure that every single element of the guest’s experience meets Four Seasons level of service excellence, whether the quality of the beds, the calibre of the meals and the helpfulness of the staff.

4. How many trips a year will it make? Currently, we have three trips scheduled for 2015.

5. Can you hop on in different parts of the world? Or is it a set start and finish date? To experience the Four Seasons Jet, guests must book one of our Four Seasons Private Jet Experiences, which have start and end dates. Currently, there are three itineraries scheduled for 2015. The itineraries include: Around the World, February 2015 – Beginning in Los Angeles and concluding with a celebratory dinner in London, this 24-day, nine-destination journey explores dynamic cities, exotic islands, architectural wonders and awe-inspiring natural environments. Featuring an only-by-private-jet stop at the Taj Mahal, all accommodations will be at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. Backstage with the Arts, April 2015 – In the company of like-minded travelers who share a passion for the arts, guests will visit six cities and spend 16 indulgent days filled with backstage visits to Europe’s most stunning museums, outstanding performances at Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Estates Theatre in Prague, exquisite dinners and a private gala in the Pavlovsk Palace outside St. Petersburg. Around the World, August 2015 – Epic is the word to describe this globe-circling expedition through nine destinations, including stays in three of the newest Four Seasons hotels, plus the brand’s very first safari lodge in the Serengeti. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the medina in Marrakech, the pristine waters of the Maldives to the excitement of the world’s largest fish market in Tokyo and a final, glittering dinner in New York, it will be 24 days no one will ever forget. For a truly customized travel experience, the Four Seasons Jet, including accompanying staff and crew, may also be privately chartered. All private charter stops must be designed in conjunction with stays at one or more of our hotels.

6. What is the difference from the Abercrombie & Kent Jet? We have taken the complete Four Seasons experience to the air to deliver seamless service every step of the way. We are the first hotel company to offer a completely branded, custom designed plane paired with exclusive itineraries and signature Four Seasons service. Travelers will stay at only Four Seasons properties, visit destinations through expertly curated itineraries and have access to exclusive experiences available only to Four Seasons Jet passengers. No detail is overlooked: from menus created by Four Seasons chefs to staff with comprehensive training from Four Seasons, the experience delivers the legendary level of service the brand is known for both aboard the jet and on the ground.

7. Who is the ideal market for this? Guests who book this trip are modern luxury travellers who have an insatiable curiosity for new experiences and value technology, identity, design and adventure. They want ultimate in personalization and luxury, but simple, seamless service delivery.

8. Who was in charge or the interior design? Both the interior and exterior re-design will be driven by direction from Four Seasons design and construction experts.

9. Is the jet affiliated with another airline? The jet is being leased from TAG Aviation through TCS Expeditions.

10. Were the pilots and stewardess trained differently for this voyage? All jet staff will receive comprehensive training from Four Seasons so that they are equipped to deliver to highest standards in service. The way our employees behave and respond to our guests is something that has been replicated in every one of our hotels around the world and will be at the core of the Four Seasons Jet experience.

11. What does a regular menu consists on? Will it be Four Seasons quality cuisine? In-flight menus are developed by a Four Seasons Executive chef using only the freshest ingredients and culinary influences from around the world. A professional onboard chef accompanies guests throughout the journey and manages all food preparation in flight and caters to any personal dietary needs.

12. What is the price per person? Our Backstage with the Arts itinerary starts at $69,000 while our Around the World, February 2015 and August 2015 trips start at $119,000.

13. Is the service level similar to a first class cabin in a top international airline? Our mission is to exceed the expectation of our guests by creating something that has never been offered before – delivering legendary Four Seasons service through every step of the journey. Each element of the experience – whether in the air or on the ground – meets Four Seasons level of service excellence. With Four Seasons on the fuselage and the iconic Four Seasons logo on the tail, the completely retrofitted Boeing 757 will feature interiors and exterior design customized by the company’s team of design experts. All trips aboard the Four Seasons Jet also include the highly personalized service of our Four Seasons-trained crew and on-board concierge to ensure a seamless travel experience. All on-board amenities and in-flight menus will also be carefully designed by the Four Seasons team. The completely retrofitted Boeing 757 will feature interiors and exterior design customized by the company’s team of design experts. All on-board amenities and in-flight menus will also be carefully designed by the Four Seasons team. Whether it’s the dynamic, locally-infused menus created by Four Seasons chefs, the individually, hand-crafted leather flatbed seats, or the dedicated on-board Four Seasons concierge, no detail has been overlooked. We all recognize the challenges of commercial air travel today, especially when travelling to remote or multiple destinations. Private jet travel maximizes our guest’s most precious commodity – time. Time is the one thing you cannot buy and how our guests spend their time with us is of the utmost importance.

14. What encouraged the Four Seasons brand to venture out to air travel? The Four Seasons Jet is a natural extension of what Four Seasons has been doing for more than 50 years as we continue to introduce industry defining innovations, products and services. We see considerable opportunity in the future of private jet travel, and are looking to continually evolve the experience. Our guests are constantly evolving, as such we’re always looking to re-imagine the guest experience in new and imaginative ways. The modern luxury traveler is eager for experiences that are tailor-made and are consistently Four Seasons from beginning to end – our private jet experience is one example of our response to this desire.

15. Are there any future plans to explore sea travel? Currently, Four Seasons operates the Four Seasons Explorer, a three-deck catamaran, which cruises between our Maldives properties, Kuda Huraa and Landaaa Giraavaru. Guests can choose from a 3, 4 or 7 night cruise, or private charter.

*Interested in flying in style? Email us for more information concierge@poshvoyage.com

 

Le Sirenuse. Positano, Italy

Hotel of the Week, , ,

This beautiful and family-operated gem of a hotel is located in the breath-taking Amalfi Coast, Positano to be exact. Le Sirenuse opened in 1951, when the Marchesi Sersale turned their summerhouse into a charming Hotel, overlooking the bay.

Today Le Sirenuse has 58 rooms, furnished with all the comforts of a luxury hotel, while maintaining the atmosphere of a private home. No wonder why celebrities like Reese Witherspoon love staying here.

All 58 rooms, each one being very different from one another, are decorated with antique and contemporary furniture coming from Europe and the East, following the eclectic style, which is so characteristic of their charm. The bathrooms are made of marble and hand made tiles. All but two have a whirlpool bathtub, which is double size, but watch out! You might not be able to get out…

Their Michelin starred restaurant, La Sponda, is an unforgettable experience. Lit by four hundred candles, it creates the essence of romance and magic. The spa uses products by AVEDA to assure organic and hypoallergenic treatments. A must try spa treatment is the Le Sirenuse Signature Massage, it is especially great to help you sleep and recover form jetlag.

Their pool terrace is full of lemons trees and surrounded by flowers. Next to the pool is their famous Champagne & Oyster bar, can you say aphrodisiac! The best part about vacationing on the Amalfi coast is the access to the beautiful and warm turquoise waters. Explore the coast from the sea on one of the hotel’s boats or by renting a private boat.

There is so much to see and so much time, because in Positano time stops and it seems as if you could live there forever.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Wauwinet. Nantucket, MA. USA

Hotel of the Week, , ,

When you think of Nantucket you think of all-American past-times such as sailing, tennis, and fishing. However, The Wauwinet, located in the northeast corner of the island of Nantucket, is also recognized worldwide for its superior service, outstanding cuisine and luxurious accommodations. What looks like a tiny Bed and Breakfast, is a charming blend of history and sophistication.

As soon as you set foot at the Wauwinet, the breathtaking landscape and views, historical architecture and a variety of amenities will make you fall in love with this one-of-a kind destination.

The historic hotel has 32-guestr rooms as well as 4 charming cottages. Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated with one-of-a-kind furnishings with hand-stenciled finishes, 400-thread-count Pratesi linens, and an abundance of fresh Nantucket wildflowers.

My favorite room at this hotel would have to be One-Bedroom Cottage Suite; it has the essence of privacy but in actuality is still very cozy. While the rooms may be small, the beds are delicious, you’ll never want to get out they’re so comfy!

The biggest surprise was the hotel’s restaurant. Topper’s is one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the island and recognized around the United States. However, don’t even think about ordering anything other than their New England clam chowder, it is to die for. The other must is the lobster roll, you will not be disappointed.

While the town of Nantucket has so many activities and fun things to do year-round, the best time of the year to go is the Fourth of July. The celebrations are wonderful and the island does it’s own fireworks show. This holiday is truly something to be experienced here at least once in your life and if you do so, your stay at the Wauwinet will make it all the better!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cheval Blanc Randheli. Maldives

Hotel of the Week, , ,

 

Cheval Blanc, the high-end hotels brand of LVMH Moët Hennesy, has open its doors to the most awaited property thus far, Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives. Here you will not only feel the utmost privacy and luxury, but you will also feel like you are on a whole other tropical planet.

Surrounded by shimmering blue turquoise waters, Randheli is located on the Noonu atoll, only 40- minutes from Malé. Only a few minutes away is the wild island of Maakurandhoo, take a stroll on the islands’ spotless beaches and it will invariably summon up a Robinson Crusoe story.

The concept of the hotel is to match the energy of the island to that of its villas, but don’t be fooled, “villa” is an understatement. There are huge cathedral style ceilings, four- post beds, personal ocean-side infinity pools, and is decorated with all the blessings of the ocean: pearls, corals, and seashells. On one side of the villa, you have the lush gardens and trees and on the other, the glittering lagoon.

If you are hungry or parched from your journey to the island, there are no shortage or restaurants or bars at this hotel. Breakfast is available al fresco at WHITE and simply fare (think pizza and pasta) is a great mid-day snack at Deelani. Dyptique is a 2-side restaurant for dinner, both with a 9-course set menu, one Japanese and one Spanish. After dinner head to Le 1947 Bar and order up a French 75 and try out their cigar lounge.

Their Spa is so exquisite that it had to be located on it’s own island. Guerlain has created a range of treatments and massages specially adapted to the Maldives and exclusively for Cheval Blanc Randheli. I recommend the Randheli sun ritual; this sensorial and relaxing face and body treatment prepares your skin for tanning and prolongs your healthy glow after sunbathing. The spa also offers traditional hammam baths and private candlelit yoga sessions. A Leonor Greyl hair spa, a make-up studio and an authentic barbershop complete the beauty halt.

This hotel is also very child-friendly. For the littlest of travelers, Le Carousel offers a range of cultural, playful, and sports activities: child yoga, submarine pictures safari, and treasure hunts galore. Cheval Blanc Randheli genuinely sets new, stellar standards in the Maldives. The professionals at Randheli are sure to make your trip to the Maldives one blissful stay!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons du Cap Ferrat. Cap Ferrat, France

Hotel of the Week, , , , ,

Though it goes without saying, because even the name instills its prestige, Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat is one of the most renowned and sophisticated hotels I have ever had the privilege of staying at. Even before you walk through the huge open doors to reception, the 17-acre property makes you feel like you have stepped on some famous French landmark.

This hotel has attracted everyone from celebrities to royalty, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the tip of the Mediterranean sea, Cap Ferrat has some of the most beautiful views in the South of France as well as its own garden, which for me turned into a maze of flowers and aromas.

This oasis extends into every detail of the rooms and suites. Each room comes with a stunning view of the Cote d’Azur, beautifully hand-picked artwork, and all white furniture. The elegance of the rooms is unparalleled and if you’re up for it, book the Roof Top Suite. Your views will extend from Monaco to Cannes and it is unlikely to be forgotten.

The gem of this hotel is Club Dauphin. An infinity pool sits on the edge of the Mediterranean and there is beach access to the water where you can go cliff jumping, if you dare! The coolest part about this is you have to take your own cliffside elevator down to the club! The club also comes equipped with a poolside restaurant/bar and you must not miss their marinated tuna at the poolside restaurant, it is unbelievably fresh. The pool is also very child-friendly, with a 2-foot wading pool attached to the main pool.

Eat at La Veranda, overlooking the ocean and the bright town of Nice. People come from all over trying to eat at this restaurant so it is imperative you make a reservation. Although I would consider myself a foodie, the cherry on top to a restaurant for me would be the dessert menu, and boy has Cap Ferrat outdone itself. Do not miss an opportunity to order the Pot au Chocolat  and thank me later.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: Luggage Tags of the Future

Travel Tips

While fewer and fewer bags are being lost by airlines these days, luggage still goes missing. Which is why Air France and KLM teamed up to create two gadgets that help prevent luggage from being stolen or lost.

Designed to sync with your smart phone using the FlyingBlue app, eTrack is a simple GPS tracking system that you sync with your flight details and put in your luggage before you head to the airport. From your phone you can track the whereabouts of your luggage while you travel around the world.

So to get a little more information on these gadgets I interviewed Hugo Rütter, The CMO and Head of Product development at FastTrack Company, to discover if this is the future of traveling.

Here is our interview:

 

How does the eTrack and eTag work?

The devices use GSM, GPS, Bluetooth and e-Ink technologies to allow passengers to electronically check-in and track their luggage.

How do you plan to roll it out to the public?

eTag & eTrack will be rolled out primarily with partner airlines. Our launching partner is Air France-KLM.

Will it be exclusive to a certain airline or airline membership?

No. The idea is to create the best possible passenger experience. Since passengers generally use multiple airlines, the more we can connect the better the experience.

Have KLM and Air France requested some period of exclusivity?

No they have not. We are in discussions with a number of other airlines

What is the initial cost for an airline to implement it?

This depends on many variables having to do with operations, software and more. It is safe to say that airline integration will not be a major effort for airlines.

Do airports have to upgrade their systems or just the airlines?

In by far most cases it will be the airline that will interface with our systems.

What were the major technological hurdles you had to overcome?

The on/off logic that we use is highly complex, and patented. GSM needs to be switched off as soon as the device is on board of an airplane, and without any manual interference. So it needs to actually understand when this is the case. Also, creating a robust yet beautiful tag proved to be a challenge.

Do you have any future products similar to this one that you are working on? Maybe electronic name tags?
Yes we do. Once these are in a mature stage, we will be happy to talk about them.

Do airlines think there will be future cost savings? Or is this more for a customer satisfaction and retention tool?

Apart from passenger satisfaction and retention, cost savings are an important reason to implement eTag & eTrack. Lower operational costs can be achieved by airlines in many ways, from check-in efficiencies to less mishandled baggage.

Will it be limited to premium passages? If so, wont it cause the baggage system to be delayed since they are now catering to paper luggage tags and electronic luggage tags?

One of the prime benefits of eTag is that it does not force any change in any part of baggage handling system. eTag & eTrack won’t be limited to premium passengers.

Security is priority number one in airports. How do you plan to speed up the process of checking a bag while still complying with the security procedures?

All existing security procedures will still be complied to.

Will customers with eTag have access to a different airport line?

Yes they will.

Laucala Island. Taveuni, Fiji

Hotel of the Week, , ,

Apply to stay? Excuse me?

I figured if the only way you can arrive is by private airplane, it couldn’t get more exclusive than this.

It seems like Dietrich Mateschitz – the Austrian Red Bull mogul – was on a caffeine high when he decided to spend whatever was necessary to build the second most glamorous island hotel on the planet.

Laucala is one of the 332 islands in Fiji, it is a paradise only few can afford yet many desire. The hotel is a compilation of 25-villas  (1-3 bedrooms) scattered around the exotic isle making you feel like you are part of The Swiss Family Robinson plus 25 staff members at your service ready to fulfill your every need.
All the villas feature private outdoor showers, pool and the first class amenities. The island-esque décor tricks you into thinking you are still in the middle of the jungle but you come to realize you are not when everything you touch is smooth and comfortable.

The property has 5 restaurants to ensure you don’t repeat a meal or restaurant during your stay. The self-sustaining property grows its own fruits, vegetables and livestock so you can expect to get the highest quality every bite of the way.

There are also infinite activities offered like horseback riding, golf, yoga, fishing, spa between others.
One last thing, keep in mind this exclusive property is a magnet for the wealthy and the good-looking few. There is only one other island hotel that I can think of that is more over-the-top than Laucala. Curious to know which one it is? I will give you a hint; it’s a favorite getaway for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

No clue yet? Not to worry, it will be featured as the “Hotel of the Week” this month.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cavo Tagoo. Mykonos, Greece

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

Located in the famously stunning city of Mykonos, lies a gem of a hotel, Cavo Tagoo. This is the hotel that everyone envisions during their mid-work daydreaming. Pristine white-sandy beaches, with a slight breeze moving over the hotel, creates the perfect balance of relaxation and energy. The very friendly staff and concierge try to make you feel like a celebrity with the utmost privacy and care. The first thing you need to do when you arrive is take a tour of the hotel, which the staff is more than happy to give.

The rooms are open and airy, and although very sparse, they tried to keep up with the aesthetic of the island, luxurious and simplistic. Each room has a view of the ocean, ideal for watching the sunset with you’re significant other! Room sizes range from rooms and suites to ultra-luxurious villas. The Spa incorporates one of Greece’s main exports, virgin Greek olive oil into their treatments and massages, which is known for making skin softer. Arguably, the most incredible point in the hotel is the infinity pool + bar. At night the family friendly pool area turns into a thriving nightlife scene with an 18m-aquarium bar.

The cuisine at Cavo Tagoo is a mixture of light poolside fare (try the yummy light club sandwich!) and Greek-meets-international food and Tagoo Restaurant has now become a very famous within the city of Mykonos. While there is a party atmosphere in Mykonos, the heart of the city lies within tradition and culture.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Cabo San Lucas. Mexico

City Guide, ,

The surroundings on the southern tip of Baja California are both exotic and mysterious. No other matches the unequivocal beauty of Cabo San Lucas. The turquoise Sea of Cortez crashing into the desert makes this tiny tip of Baja my beloved oasis.

Cabo has been my second home due to the nature of my family’s business. I have seen this town transform itself from a charming one-horse town to a three-horse town.

What I love about Cabo is that although it’s become the most talked about beach destination in North America, it has always preserved that quaint Mexican town feel that most of the other destinations have lost throughout the years.

With no further ado, find below my day-by-day city guide for Cabo with a few recommendations on where to eat and play, ranging from a hole in the wall to world-renowned brands.

Thursday:

 

12:00pm-  Check into Las Ventanas al Paraiso. With no sign outside the hotel, you can easily drive by and never imagine what is on the other side of the wall. Las Ventanas has been a favorite hotel among A-list celebrities due to its remote location. The rooms are exquisitely decorated inspired by Mexican and Moroccan culture, each of the suites offer a breathtaking view of the ocean and often times of one or two paparazzi. 

000110-11-morning-exterior-free-form-pool-ocean-view

If you can’t seem to get a booking at Las Ventanas, Another Great place to stay is the One and Only Palmilla.  Amazing stand-alone villas with private plunge pools, Jean George’s cuisine, supreme service, make the best guacamole and have the coolest sun beds in town. 

2:00 pm- Check out the amazing pools or sandy white beaches at your hotel. You’re in need of a little Vitamin D!

8:00 pm- Eat at Nick San, Considered the best Japanese restaurant in Baja, the fusion between Japanese and Mexican ingredients take the traditional sushi to the next level. Try: Try the crab stuffed chili’s, lobster roll, tuna tostadas and serranito sashimi.

Screen Shot 2014-06-15 at 7.10.09 PM

11:00 pm- Thursday night is girls’ night at Nowhere Bar, order the mamada shot, and get to dancing on the light-up dance floor. 

the-nowhere-bar

 

Friday

 

9:00am- Opt for breakfast in town at La Esquina. The red chilaquiles with a fried egg and spicy eggs Benedict are to die for.

Screen Shot 2014-09-10 at 4.35.46 PM

11:30am- Take a day trip to Todos Santos Town Widely considered the culinary star of Baja California, this enchanting picturesque colonial town overflows with eclectic boutiques and art galleries as well as exceptional cuisine.

Todos-santos-shopping Todos-Santos-Market1

7:30pm- Eat dinner at the amazing Floras Farm. A true oasis in the middle of the Baja Peninsula desert. The 150-acre farm-turned-restaurant has been one of the favorite spots among locals and visitors. Everything you eat and drink is grown around you. Their bacon pizzas, pork chop and farmaritas are off the charts.

Flora-Farms-Culinary-Cottage-006

Alternatively eat at Market by Jean Georges. Can it get better than a Michelin-starred Chef in Cabo? It is located at The One and Only Palmilla serving Euro-Asian cuisine with a Mexican twist.

11:30pm- Dance off that flavorful and wonderful farm food at Mandala. This 2-level club is the place to see and be seen. One of the members of the Posh Voyage family met her husband there! disclaimer: you will most likely definitely not meet your future husband there. 

Mandala-Cabo-San-Lucas-besnite.com-7

Saturday

 

9:00am- Head to Flora Farm’s for the best breakfast in town if you didn’t end up going to dinner the night before. Keep in mind that it is quite a drive if you are staying in Cabo, so allow 40 minutes each way.

Screen Shot 2014-09-10 at 4.37.08 PM

10:30am- Go ATV-ing! The sand dunes surrounded Cabo are amazing to go ATV-ing on and this is a fun afternoon or morning excursion for a few hours!

1:00pm- Take your lunch break to Mocambo. This casual “palapa” serves the freshest seafood in town. Don’t judge the place by its looks; it is a favorite among the locals. Try: Aguachile, marlin tacos and pescado zarandeado.

7:00pm- Early Dinner at El Farallon. The beauty of the restaurant nestled in the rocks with waves crashing below your table makes it impossible to describe in a few sentences so I hope the picture does it justice. Everything you eat you choose from the fresh seafood display.

farallon-terrace

 

Sunday

 

11:30am- Have a late breakfast after a morning of spa treatments at Tres Gallos. This ranch-like restaurant makes you feel like you are in the middle of the movie “El Mariachi”. The patio surrounded by trees, lights and wood burning oven is the perfect setup for the delicious folkloric lunch. Try: Enchiladas, pozole and sopes.

gallos-1

 
12:30am- If you have time, head to Playa el Medano, the most popular beach in Cabo. Bonita Tours is located in Pueblo Bonito Blanco Hotel and they offer infinite activates like a boat tour to Lands End, snorkeling, jet skis, paddle board, kayak and more. Ask for Mark, the owner. If he is around he will be sure to show you everything on your list and more.

Shop:

L’Otel. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Hotel of the Week, , , , ,

San Miguel de Allende has to be the most magical town in Mexico. The colorful homes and cobblestone streets of this enchanting village are home to more than 600-years of traditions and festivities. Strolling through the majestic colonial homes, listening to the lively sounds of the mariachi band and smelling the delicious carne asada in the distance will surely transport you back to the 1800´s. The soaring Neogothic Parroquia and the blissful art galleries will help make this your favorite destination when you’re in need of a real Mexican vacation.

After a arriving to San Miguel, I took a right in Calle Correo, then another right in Calle Chiquitos, I walked for about ten meters and there it was, the most enchanting hotel I had ever seen in Mexico: L’Otel. L’Otel is a hidden gem, unknown to the masses and known to the lucky few. This whitewashed, four-bedroom Bed and Breakfast happens to be perfectly decorated with exquisite crisp pastel colors and ultra chic décor. The infusion of Mexican and French styles makes this the ideal place for a cozy and romantic getaway. The owner’s passion is beautiful aesthetics; he is a renowned architect and an excellent interior decorator.

The Owners Suite is my favorite, shocking! It is so divine that every time I want to talk about it I feel at a loss for words. Most of the wallpaper and décor was flown in from France and purchased from local artisans in towns scattered around San Miguel. The beds are heavenly high (you even need a step to get in bed), the day-bed is in a small nook with more pillows than you can count, the wood-burning fire place warms you during the cold nights, the bathroom is as big as a New York apartment and the sitting area and desk are from out of an ELLE Design magazine.

If you think this cannot get any better it does. Bertha is the most fantastic cook in San Miguel, and maybe even in Mexico. Many hotels (even homeowners) have tried to bribe her into taking other jobs (including myself) but she is as loyal as it gets. Bertha only makes breakfast, but with the spread she puts out, this will be enough fuel to last you for days. The spicy Chilaquiles give you a nice kick-start to the day. The enchiladas with Chile Poblano are mouth watering, and finally the Enmoladas (enchiladas with mole) are the icing on the cake.

Writing this article is torture; I am dying to go back. Finally, the rooftop terrace is the perfect way to end your day. Order a margarita, take a dip in the plunge pool and hear the bells from the church while the sun sets.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.