Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Cavo Tagoo. Mykonos, Greece

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.

L’Otel. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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.

COMO Shambhala. Ubud, Indonesia

Set in the stunning beauty of Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Village is a destination with your peace and well being in mind. Whether this is a honeymoon destination or a family retreat, COMO Shambhala encourages you to make real and lasting improvements to your lifestyle while learning to relax more completely. There is world-renowned Wellness Program, linked to the spa to provide a complete 360-degree experience tailored to your every need. The second you arrive go soak yourself in your personal large stone bathtub and have your butler make a spa appointment for you to unwind from your long day of travel!

This hotel is set above the jungle with a spring running through the property that has long been revered by locals as “The Source”. Down a few steps to the River Ayung is where your treatment and healing begin. Begin with the rare Ayurvedic facial, you will have baby-soft skin and look 10 years younger. The clean light-filled white villas and suites are positioned over the 23-acre site. All of the rooms and suites are situated within the freestanding individually designed Residences. Each suite comes with it’s own rooms and each has access to its Residence’s pools, lounge areas and shaded pavilions.

Immerse yourself in Indonesian flavors and culture at their two amazing restaurants, glow and Kudus House. Sampling from many of Indonesia’s regions, Kudus House offers a gourmet and truly unique dining experience. Order the Martabak Telor and your mouth will never be the same. Glow offers an open-air all-day dining venue that offers energizing juices and raw foods, perfect for your cleanse or an after-yoga snack. Start with their raw crepes and almond milk porridge with cinnamon and shaved coconut. If you are in the mood for some private dining, the hotel’s culinary staff can concoct intimate and romantic meals at your private residence or their unique Tea House.

If you’re looking for some adventure, COMO Shambhala can orchestrate trips for guests through the lush and beautiful landscape. They offer everything from bike trips through villages, rock climbing, mountain biking, surfing, and even scuba diving trips. Staying at COMO Shambhala is more like staying at a wealthy friend’s luxury home more than staying at a hotel! There is no wonder why this hotel won Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Best Destination Spa award in 2013.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Lodhi Hotel. New Delhi, India

Some people are either obsessed with India or dislike it and never want to go back. But here in Posh Voyage, we’re obsessed with everything Indian, specially this chic new hotel in New Delhi.

There is something to be said about staying in the hotels showcasing the grandeur and opulence of the old India. However, none of the classic hotels seem to beat my new discovery: The Lodhi.

Arriving to the peaceful Lodhi hotel (formerly Aman New Delhi) is like standing in the eye of a hurricane: calm, beautiful and exciting. This will be your own little oasis while one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities runs without a break.

The six-acre property features a very different design from what you expect. The modern Indian architecture features walls of honed ivory-colored stone similar to the ones of the Taj Mahal. Inside, hip Indian decor from the brilliant designer Kerry Hill dresses the hotel elegantly.

The service from the moment you walk in is subtle and understated. You will be taken to your suite without having to wait around in the lobby and waste any time. Extremely important if you are coming from a long-haul flight! The delicious snacks, warm tea and a butler waiting for your command will basically make you feel like a Maharaja arriving to your own modern palace.

All 85-guestrooms are gigantic. Even the Standard Room is bigger than your standard apartment. However, the best part is that every room has a heated plunge pool.

The hotel also has every holistic facility you can imagine: Spa, Gym, Pilates studio, Tennis and Squash courts. So regardless if it’s a jammed pack business trip or a touristy vacay, the Lodhi will rejuvenate your body and mind.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Villas at Ventanas al Paraiso. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

A guest entered the car from the airport to the hotel as the Rolling Stones were playing in the background; the guest asked the chauffeur how he knew he liked that band and the chauffer said he was ordered by someone in the hotel to play that album for him and kept driving.

As he was checking-in the puzzled guest asked the butler walking him to his villa how they knew he liked the Rolling Stones; after all he didn’t fill out the pre-arrival questionnaire to make his stay more personalized. The butler swiftly started asking around. After a few minutes, the butler got to the bottom of it: a pool boy a few years back saw the guest reading a book about the Rolling Stones during his entire stay. When he heard the guest’s name in the morning meeting, he fetched the album and put it in the CD player.

There are not many hotels that take their already perfect service to the next level, but Ventanas al Paraiso managed to do so with that they call their “Intuition Service”. This goes above and beyond your typical five-star service, it is about reading between the lines and figuring what guests want before they know they want it.

However, I did not write this article to detail the service levels at the most spectacular hotel in Mexico, but rather to showcase the twelve newly built villas that are worth spending every penny you have in your savings account.

For those of you not familiar with this part of the world, Cabo San Lucas is a not-so-hidden gem on the southern coast of Baja California. Partly due to my father’s vision 30 years ago to turn a sleepy fishing village on the pacific coast of Mexico into a premier resort destination. His vision became a reality when he and his partner developed the first branded hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos. Since that time, a number of global luxury hotel chains have followed his lead and Cabo San Lucas is now viewed as a premier luxury destination for the global elite.

Managed by Rosewood Resort and owned by Ty Warner, Las Ventanas was built in 1997. Last year it underwent a $65 million dollar expansion to build twelve villas and one master villa. Although I am not able to write anything about the Master Villa yet, the 22,500 square foot mansion will make it’s grand debut next month with a hefty $30,000 a night price tag. And no, I am not talking about Mexican pesos.

The villas were designed to be in harmony with the local ambience and their color palette to match the beautiful blue sky and white sandy beaches. They incorporate an indoor/outdoor vibe by replacing most of the walls with sliding doors to give the feel of sleeping under the stars.

The 5,700 square foot villas feature limestone floors, wood-burning fireplaces, jaw-dropping master bedroom, a second bedroom that can be turned into a media room or wellness room (depending on your needs), top-of-the-line kitchen, living area, 400 square foot bathroom, infinity pool, swim-up bar, jacuzzi, fire pit and private beach. Oh! I almost forgot, and a butler that happens to make the perfect guacamole and margaritas in your villa anytime you request it.

If the mountain won’t come to Ventanas then Ventanas must go to the mountain. Private cooking class with the Chef, private dinners, private trainer, private masseuse, private health coach, private butler, private everything so you won’t have to rub elbows with the outside world until you depart this little piece of heaven for the airport… unless of course you are traveling in a private plane.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The NoMad Hotel. New York City, New York.

It seems to me that the trend for savvy travelers is to stay at the newest “it” hotel when visiting New York, myself included. So after carefully curating my New York trip for the Armory Show, my hotel of choice seemed obvious.

The NoMad Hotel, considered the trendiest spot in New York City, had me a bit skeptical at first. How many more amazing hotels can New York handle? I thought it was going to be a hotel buildup that would fall from grace once I actually checked in. Needless to say I was wrong, very wrong.

The NoMad, which opened in 2012, is located in a towering Beaux-Arts building in the Madison Square Park area, neighboring Gramercy, Midtown and Chelsea neighborhoods.

Jacques Garcia, my second favorite hotel designer (after Kelly Wearstler) was the brains behind the fabulous hotel. This property so far drawn that even the most discerning travelers with sophisticated palates due to the careful attention to detail.

The 168-guestroom Parisian-style hotel has a cozy yet mysterious feel to it, which makes it ideal when traveling with your better half. Starting from the gigantic fireplace that was imported from a French Château to the exquisite food, this hotel is absolute flawless.

After exploring for a few minutes upon arrival, I was in love with every public area of the hotel: The soaring center atrium, the handsome library, the Hôtel Costesesque bar, the chic dining room and the rooftop.

Despite the opulence the property portrays at first glance, once settled, it gives you a casual vibe; sort of like being home alone at your uncle’s Parisian mansion. However, once you open the door to your bedrooms you will find that the contrast in the guestroom decor is unexpected. The lighter color scheme is simple and fresh, and for someone who works from hotel rooms constantly, working without feeling claustrophobic is a plus.

Because I like saving the best for last, I will now spill out the best part of the trip: The food. Chef Daniel Humm came up with the most brilliant creation ever: Whole-roasted chicken stuffed with foie gras, truffle oil and covered in brioche bread. The brunch is also a must, which basically means you will not leave your hotel during your entire stay.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Golden Door Spa. Escondido,California.

Three words: Luxury boot camp!

On nearly 400 acres of serene Southern California land, lies a dreamy Japanese-inspired Spa called the Golden Door. This unique retreat is dedicated to personal wellness, bringing world-class spa techniques, fitness facilities, and zen-like accommodations to globe-trotters who are seeking to recharge and have a fresh start.

A few years back my mother and I decided give Golden Door a try. Upon checking-in to the beautiful Golden Door Spa, I was brought to my Japanese villa where a trainer, a nutritionist, a psychologist and the spa manager were waiting for me to structure a program that would surely kick my derrière.

Waking up for the non-obligatory 6:00 a.m. morning hike and Tai Chi class at the top of the mountain didn’t sound like my idea of a relaxing week at first, but after doing it on the first day, I just couldn’t stop.

After my morning hike, breakfast was served around the pool by the wonderful staff. They made me feel like a part of their family with their warmth and personalized attention. The next two hours were packed with awesome yoga and boxing classes (there are hundreds of classes to choose from). After exercising more in one day than I had in the previous month, I was worn out, so I retired to my villa. The morning ended perfectly when a masseuse knocked on my door and surprised me with a wonderful morning massage.

After the massage, I enjoyed a healthy lunch followed by the best facial and pedicure I have ever had. After that I read for hours on my porch (don’t forget to bring a good book), until it was time for our cooking class with Chef Curtis Cooke. I later found out that everything that he prepares comes from the organic garden just a few feet from the kitchen. After the unbelievable cooking class, I indulged in a decadent truffle wild mushroom soup, crispy duck breast and cheesecake. Each portion of your meal is personalized the way your trainer and you predetermined the weight loss goals.

I repeated this wholesome day seven times before I left to face the real world. To this day I daydream about visiting this spa again.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Zero George. Charleston, South Carolina.

Last year I met one of the most fabulous event coordinators in the country, Lynn Easton, after my mother-in-law hired her to plan our dreamy rehearsal dinner. Besides realizing she was a complete genius, I learned that in addition to Easton Events, she was opening up the most fabulous boutique hotel in the picturesque town of Charleston.

Only one year since its opening, Zero George has been rated the 2013 “It” Hotel on Travel + Leisure, Best Cooking Classes Around the World by Food & Wine Magazine, Top 100 Hotels by Fodor’s Travel and New Southern Inn’s by Southern Living.

What was once a carriage house built in 1804 has now been transformed into a chic hotel. The hotel’s decor has been described as that of “southern sophistication with a contemporary twist“. The design of each room is influenced by Charleston’s history as a colonial port. For instance, the “British Trade” room features classic designs with a tailored finish, however the Garden Suite in the brick Carriage House is my favorite room. Note that the mix of the old fixtures, clean colors walls, and southern crisp decor create such a soothing ambiance that the only thing you will want to do is read, eat, relax and take naps.

When it comes to the cuisine, Zero George takes pride in their authentic Charleston cuisine. Sit back and enjoy a cappuccino and croissant with homemade jams in the gorgeous courtyard where ivy covers the brick walls, or switch it up and enjoy lunch in the open-air Zero Café + Bar. And if you are dying to enhance your cooking skills, sign up for the hotel’s cooking class where you can learn famous “low-country” staples like Sweet Corn Bread, Shrimp Panzanella and Pan Roasted Lobster. However, if you feel like going out for dinner, FIG is a must. Chef Mike Lata is one of the South East’s most renowned chefs. FIG is only a short stroll away from Zero – down the lovely quiet streets of Ansonborough.

Or for those looking to explore the city, Zero George’s team of concierges know all there is to do in historic Charleston. Whether you are looking to shop, explore or enjoy the beach, there is never a shortage of things to do. For the history buffs, schedule a trip during September 20-22 for the “Museum Mile Weekend” where visitors are taken around the 13 historic museums of the region- all within walking distance from Zero George! Or if you are looking to relax, Charleston is known for its pristine beaches covered in white sand.

In total, it is only fitting to stay at the historic Zero George when visiting the gorgeous town of Charleston for a true romantic getaway.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cayo Espanto Hotel. Ambergrys Caye. Belize

Have you ever dreamed about staying in a private island? Well dream no more because Cayo Espanto just made that dream a little bit closer to reality.

Belize is known worldwide for it’s vast turquoise waters and abundance of diving hotspots. However, this private island is slowly becoming the main reason why travelers are heading down to Belize. At the award-winning Cayo Espanto Hotel you will discover why Island Magazine rated this property the #3 Worlds Best Private Island. This luxury 7-villa hotel takes privacy and romance to the next level incorporating high-end amenities with a mix of raw adventure.

Before you arrive on the island, based on a survey you fill out weeks in advance the Chef will plan glorious menu’s for you, whether it is breakfast in bed or candlelit dinners on the beach.

Once you arrive at the Cayo Espanto, you will immediately feel like you have rented your own private island. After being welcomed with the most delicious drink, the Espanto Wave, your butler will show you around the island before taking you to your retreat. Each of the breezy, mahogany-filled villas are spread out across this small island in a way that you never have to see another living soul if your heart desires. These villas are each located beach side and are accommodated with their own private dock. My favorite is Casa Estrella because of the sunrise and sunset views, but Casa Ventanas is also pretty special since it’s the only over-water bungalow.

The villas are quaint, with traditional Caribbean colors sure to brighten your morning. Speaking of mornings, as soon as you inform you butler you are hungry, a menu will be created right away. There is no restaurant in the island because the owner thinks it’s a better if the hotel sets up lunch and dinner at any spot the guest desires. I wasn’t sure at first, but it made all the sense in the world once I got there.

Some of the signature dishes in the island are: Sweet Corn Soup with a Black Bean Salsa and shrimp, the Belizean Crab Trio which is a Stone Crab Cake, Rock Crab and Spider Crab with Habanero and Mango Drizzle, and the Spiny Lobster with parmesan risotto, roasted artichokes, summer squash, griller asparagus, bok choi with beurre blanc.

After a few days of indulging in the daily menu, spa treatments and lots of sleep, a little adventure was the best way to stay entertained. The most popular activity at Cayo Espanto is the Gourmet Picnic. A picnic lunch on a deserted beach is organized in advance to prepare the perfect romantic lunch site. Afterwards, they drop you off in your own little paradise. You take their cell phone and call them when you are ready to head back to yet another paradise.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

SLS South Beach Hotel. Miami, Florida. USA

After feeling some Winter Blues this past week, I decided to write about one of my new favorite hotels in Miami.

For years The Setai was my go-to hotel, until I discovered the SLS. The hotel’s art-deco-meets-contemporary-elegance was the creation of hotelier Sam Nazarian, Philippe Starck, Chef José Andrés and Lenny Kravitz. It is located in the heart of South Beach, also known as the sandbox where the international jet setters come to play. The vibe there is Latin flavor mixed with a European ambiance in a perfect Caribbean climate.

The hotel overall is chic, however the open kitchen in the Lobby was what caught my eye. There is something about open kitchens that I love, especially when Chef Jose Andrés is cooking up a storm.

When I got to my bedroom, I fell in love with it. They are so divine; I attempted to redesign mine back home, which by the way was a failed attempt. When designing their guestrooms, Starck decided to channel Louis XV ‘s famous mistress, Madame Pompadour, with some naughty details such as mirrors on the ceilings above the bed and a box marked “sinners”.

Keep in mind that rooms are tiny, so if you are going to give this hotel a try, stay in either the SLS Signature Suite or the SLS Suite. Both are around 700sqft with plenty of room to play.

Located right in the hotel is Hyde Beach where they have a plethora of cabanas poolside to choose from. Whether you are looking to relax, have drinks with friends or have an al fresco lunch, Hyde Beach is your stop. I liked it so much that I was there every afternoon and into the night. The Jamon Iberico Flautas and Patatas Bravas were my obsession for three days straight.

The Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi created the most decadent menu for the restaurant named after him. It became apparent after dining there that the SLS takes their food and drinks very seriously.

Another favorite nook in the hotel was the white-on-white Privé Salon. I am a lover of white crisp décor, so naturally I wanted to stay there all day.

If you’re looking for a little more culture and a little less nightlife, SLS is a short drive away from Miami’s Botanical Garden, Miami Art Museum, and Miami Heat Stadium if you’re in the mood for some basketball!

*Disclosure: If you are over 28, avoid Spring Break or any other holidays attracting the rowdy crowd.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.