Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

Bedford Post Inn. Bedford, New York.

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Set in the heart of Westchester County, this Relais & Chateau property exemplifies a higher standard of bed and breakfast. The Bedford Post Inn during the fall season is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful places i’ve ever seen. If you live somewhere in the Northeast U.S., put this as one of your bucket list destinations.

With only 8 superbly decorated rooms, of which 5 have different layouts. Most of the rooms come with a working fireplace to make sure your stay is as warm and romantic as possible. Each room also comes with Frette linens and views overlooking the woodland property.

The crown jewel, or jewels should I say, are the two restaurants on property. The Barn is a more casual restaurant that offer healthy choices mixed with country classics. You will see a lot of reclaimed wood beams and a large working Fireplace. Campagna is their signature fine-dining restaurant focused on well-known Italian cuisine., however they use local farm’er’s county and local ingredients.  Opt for any of the handmade pastas or the pre-fix menu.

The Bedford Post Inn also offers The Yoga Loft, a yoga studio that yogis flock to near and far. The sun drenched studio offers a peaceful oasis, nestled along 15 acres of lush landscape. They offer daily classes and workshops and was by far one of the biggest highlights of my trip.

Hacienda de San Antonio. Colima, Mexico

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Hacienda de San Antonio is set in the foothills of Colima, just one hour south of Puerta Vallarta, on the doorstep of an active volcano. Two giant wooden doors open up to lush gardens and a patio area, truly breathtaking when taking in the backdrop. Since the weather is like spring year round, the flowers are in constant bloom, giving the Hacienda a very bright feel. Not to mention the Hacienda is a perfect coral pink which compliments each night’s sunset perfectly.

The 25 suites at the Hacienda showcase some of the region’s most prominent artists. Each room is uniquely decorated and have expansive balconies overlooking the property. The three Grand Suites offer the most natural light, with El Sol being the largest of three, you can connect two to get a memorable Honeymoon Suite. To get the best view of the smoky Volcano, stay in the El Quetzal Junior Suite. Alternatively, La Chalupita is a highly desirable, bright, corner room with huge windows overlooking the lawn and French doors opening on to the patio.

After you’ve fully explored your room and the gardens, head to the Yellow Bar for a sunset cocktail. If you’re looking for a more quiet evening, The Library is the perfect place to unwind with a book, while the light-filled Mirador Room is perfecting for watching a movie on their huge HD TV.

The restaurant at Hacienda de San Antonio combines traditional Mexican flare with international influence in their dishes. The meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables are all grown at local farms or provided by their own ranch. Ask for a private garden-terrace dinner for two, looking up at the stars while surrounded by flowers is just about as romantic as it gets.

When you go, be sure to take a horse back ride through the mountains or a private picnic for two at Epazote Lake.

NIZUC. Cancun, Mexico

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If you’ve ever been to Cancun you know that all the major chain hotels are located along the same strip as the airport, and you know that they are extremely in need of more space. Along comes NIZUC Resort & Spa, which is the answer to all our privacy problems. Sleek and modern, NIZUC is a far cry from the over-touristy hotels in Cancun, and you won’t find anyone chugging down a Sex On The Beach. Sophistication is the focal point of this hotel and they definitely have upheld this over the years.

With 274 accommodation types to chose from, there will always be something for everyone. Stay in one of their Ocean Suite, Residence Suites, or Private Villas. Opt for the Master Suite, which comes with panoramic views of the ocean (something you definitely want if you’re traveling to Cancun), one king bed and separate living room, and 30 meter private infinity pool. If you’re traveling with a family or larger party, opt for the NIZUC Villa. This 5,380 sq ft villa features one king bedroom suite, which boasts a spectacular 409 sq. ft. rooftop sundeck, and a lush 2,770 sq. ft. tropical garden with a stunning infinity pool. 

You’ll never have to venture out of the hotel to eat because there are 6 dining options available- you’ll never have to eat the same thing twice. There’s Ramona, which serves contemporary Mexican overlooking the beach, Indochine (the best pad thai ever), Terra Nostra (you can only eat so much Mexican food so sample some Mediterranean delicacies), Ni (Peruvian), Cafe de la Playa, and the casual La Punta Grill & Lounge. I definitely recommend Ni for lunch because the view is stunning.

NIZUC is also one of the most perfect balances between adult time and family time. NIZUC has a kids club, called Winik’s Kids Club, that has offers snorkeling and other such water activities from ages 3-14. There is a main pool, suitable for all ages, and also an adults-only pool and section, both offer a swim up bar and small bites. Fun fact: NIZUC is the only resort in Cancun that has views of the sunrise AND sunset. Every Thursday the hotel also offers a cigar roller and live Cuban jazz.

viVood Hotel. Valencia, Spain

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When I came across the bizarre Encuentro Guadalupe in the wine country of Mexico, I thought box style hotels couldn’t get cooler than this, until I found viVood in Spain, a new concept hotel integrated with nature.

Lately we have been hearing a lot about prefab construction and how it is the new way of sustainable construction. I honestly wasn’t very sure  how this would work in a luxury hotel until I discovered the spectacular viVood.

The idea of this rustic yet luxurious huts scattered around the Valencia region in Spain is to offer an unparalleled glamping experience in a way that doesn’t affect the environment around it, on the contrary, it helps the environment, and the best part is that it doesn’t sacrifice luxury.

As you enter the property you will feel like you are one more tree in the lush mountains. The effect it has to make you feel as part of the natural surroundings is like no other camping experience you will ever have. It is comprised by 25 individual homes that are  made from pine wood, and it can be adapted to different sizes, landscapes and needs. The premium pool suite is the room you definitely need to stay in. It has it’s own jacuzzi that overlooks the Valencia mountains creating a such a peaceful environment that you might not want to leave your hotel room. However, if you do end up leaving your room, their lounge is equally as beautiful and relaxing.

A group of Spanish architects and engineers joined forces to create viVood. Developed by Daniel Mayo Pardo, this little energy-efficient shelters are so spectacular that we rated it as the best bizarre hotel of the month on Posh Voyage.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Finland

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Two words, winter wonderland. Kakslauttanen Artic House has rapidly become a property worthy to be in everyone’s bucket list since it’s opening. Located in Sweden only 250km from the Arctic Circle, this property is so enchanting that even Ralph Lauren decided to shoot their latest Winter collection in the snowy grounds.

The air so clean and crisp you will feel it deep in your lungs, the water is so clean you will taste heaven with every sip you take from the stream, the surroundings are so peaceful your brain will finally take an overdue break. The Kakslauttanen Hotel is not only famous for being located in the most ethereal spot in Sweden, but for their dim lit glass domes scattered around the most enchanting spot of the Lapland region.

It is not easy to get to, but if you are an adventure traveler, this is your next stop. Fly into Helsinki and take a 1.5hr flight to Ivalo Airport and drive for 30 minutes to Kakslauttanen Artic Resort .

As soon as you set foot in this virginal piece of heaven, you will fall head over heels with it so hard that you will make this your yearly winter trip.

As soon as you check in, the friendly staff will swift you away to your room after touring the frosty grounds for a couple minutes. If you choose to stay in the Igloo (I highly suggest you do) you will have to do a double take to realize that this is actually going to be your home for the nest few days.  The domes, nestled between celestial pine trees, resemble an igloo, but instead of ice it is made out of glass. The reason behind the design of the rooms was to be able to see the Aurora Borealis on its full splendor and not have anything interrupt the breathtaking views.

It is open year round, however my favorite time of year to visit is during the winter. In the summer the sun does not set making every night a White Night dream, this time of year is also gorgeous. Their activities include horse-led safaris, nature hikes, river cruises in the world-famous Lemmenjoki National Park,  berry picking and panning for gold. During the winter, the most iconic sight is the Aurora Borealis, however you can also sled with reindeer and huskies, ride sleighs through the snow, ice fish and take a daylong trip on an icebreaker cruise ship.

If you are the kind of traveler that loves to get their “winter fix” skip the typical Colorado ski trip and try something more bizarre, something more exciting, something more adventurous.

Pictures provided by the property and photographer Valtteri Hirvonen.

Tree Hotel. Harads, Sweden

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Very rarely do I come across a hotel that truly makes me go, wait… what? But at Tree Hotel, located in Northern Sweden along the Lule River, you truly marvel at the artistic concept of these rooms. The concept of the hotel was to create a unique housing experience located directly in nature with an exciting modern design. The hotel was also inspired by the film “The Tree Lover” by Jonas Selberg Augustsen, in which three men from the city want to go back to their roots by building a tree house together. Britta’s Pensionat (the main lobby) is open for Treehotel’s guests, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in an authentic 1930-1950’s setting. There’s a restaurant, bar, sauna and relaxation area, TV, and internet. When you arrive at Treehotel, you first check at Britta’s pensionat; then it’s a short stroll through the breathtaking nature to your treeroom.

There are 7 different room types, all with a unique theme and design. They range from The Cabin to The UFO to Dragonfly, their largest room. Each of the rooms are around 22m² and come with all the modern amenities of a big-city hotel. If I had to chose a favorite, it would be the Mirrorcube, it is so camouflaged you have to look very closely otherwise you might miss your own room! The frame is aluminum with reflecting glass covering the whole structure. The best part of this room is the rooftop terrace, you can spy on your neighbors watch the sun go down with a yummy cocktail without anyone seeing you.

Tree Hotel also offers numerous seasonal activities. In the winter go for an action-packed dog sled through the frozen landscape. Once the snow melts you can go fishing, horse-back riding, or explore the forest and river’s edge by foot. This hotel is not for the claustrophobic however, the rooms are small and you are essentially staying in a tiny box. But the payoff is worth it to see nature truly uninterrupted.

Keemala Hotel. Thailand

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Sometimes I visit a place and think I’ve seen all there is to see. But that is the wonderful thing about travel, each time brings a new adventure and experience since the hospitality industry is ever-evolving. Just a short 40-minute drive from Phuket Airport is Keemala Hotel, a bizarre and fascinating hotel located woodland hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea. Holistic relaxation is the central focus at this hotel, they offer peaceful options such as yoga, pilots and meditation abound. Guests looking for something a little more physically involved can sate their desires with a spot of circuit training, Thai boxing or running trails.

Their spa is also a main focus at the hotel, they have world-class practitioners in both Eastern and Western medicine, with a focus on kinesiology. They often have guest speakers or practitioners come to hotel and speak or give classes. However, all that work in a day can lead to a pretty large hunger! Dine at one of their four venues, The Restaurant, pool side, comfortable lounge area are perfect for afternoon tea, and a wine cellar that is ideal for intimate dinners. Keemala Hotel believes in dining that is a “Feast for the Senses” and offer Healthy Living Cuisine (raw, macrobiotic, and slow cooked food). 

Each of Keemala’s 38 villas come equipped with a pool and a specific theme. The four themes are Clay Pool Cottages, Tent Pool Villas, Tree Pool Houses, and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. The Bird’s Nest Villa is perfect for those seeking more privacy and space. The designs of the villas have been inspired by the stories, cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of four groups of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers. This theme is very apparent in the structure, design, and decor of the hotel. 

Keemala Hotel is the perfect exotic escape for those who have seen and done Phuket and are looking for something definitely outside the norm of luxury. Prepare to eat well, drink fantastic wine, and detoxify your body at this retreat.

Sonora Resort. British Columbia

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You can tell a lot about a hotel by their entrance; there are grand over-the-top entrances, hidden ones, hard-to-get-to ones, and then there are treks. This was one of those special hard-to-get-to ones except getting to Sonora Resort was half the adventure. A boat picks you up from the harbor on Vancouver Island and from there it is a one-hour boat ride through the islands of British Columbia. Along the way you pass pods of dolphins and orcas and fisherman catching the freshest Salmon. Pulling up to Sonora Island Resort in the stunning Desolation Sound, the hotel is perched along the ocean’s edge perfectly hidden by the trees.

The hotel manager will greet you at the docks and usher you into the restaurant for a drink and some cheese sampling. Afterwards you will be guided to your hotel room to rest and get ready for dinner. There are 12 West Coast inspired lodges, with up to 19 rooms, and each room offers partial river views, insanely comfortable beds, and a complimentary bottle of wine. I stayed in the Yuculta Diamond Room which was absolutely incredible and probably my favorite room in the whole place, however you cannot go wrong with any of the rooms. If you’re staying with a larger family rent out Sea Lion Pointe, it’s extremely private, large, luxurious, and modern. All of the lodges have Native American influence in the design and art, paying tribute to the area’s history. After a long day of sight-seeing and adventure, soak your feet in one of the lodge’s hot tubs, there are 30 hot tubs on property!

The Resort also offers a swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, tennis court, putting green, 12-seat movie theatre, fly fishing ponds and more. I usually find that island resorts lack in incredible food due to their isolation but that was not the case at Sonora Resort. Every meal I had was incredibly fresh and innovative. I opted for the tasting menu every night and it did not disappoint. All your meals are included in the rate so eat your heart out while you can! 

A must-do activity is the Eco-Tour, especially in the fall when Grizzly Bears are plentiful. I also recommend the Salmon Fishing half-day excursion and the Helicopter Glacier Tour, although the latter is not for the faint of heart! Since this is the only Resort on the island, the whole island is your playground. The best time of the year to visit would be June-August when the weather is still warm and the sun is out and shining. My trip to Sonora Resort was by far too short and I will be coming back. This is one of those places where each visit offers your something different- you will never ever get bored. It is pure bliss for those who appreciate both the outdoors and luxury accommodation.

 

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Gili Lankanfushi. Maldives

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Gili Lankanfushi is the absolute epitome of a relaxation destination. The second you arrive, slip off your shoes and into a bathing suit and let your vacation begin. Even the most basic Villa Suites are beyond anything you could imagine.

Villas are almost entirely open-air, save for the bedroom, which is air conditioned. Rooms have a sundeck that is right over the water, with day beds to lounge on. With 45 rooms and 29 suites, Gili Lankanfushi has something for everyone willing to spend a little dough. All villas also have a Mr. (or Ms.) Friday – a wonderful butler who will do absolutely anything you need. You will want to bring him home with you. There is no need to weigh down your suitcase with toiletries; rooms are extremely well outfitted and the bathrooms are stocked with just about any basics you need. There is a no-shoes policy, so leave the fancy ones at home and bring along a pair of tennies for the court.

If the setting is not already relaxing enough, indulge in a spa treatment or five at Meera Spa, where luxury is abundant and heaven is near. With six over-water treatment rooms, a yoga studio, sauna, steam room and Tai Chi studio. Make sure you ask for a massage table over the glass floor so you can watch the world go by under the sea.

If you are looking to do something a bit more adventurous, Gili Lankanfushi has a million activities in store for you. Start your day with yoga on the beach, then try windsurfing, sailing, or kayaking. Play a bit of tennis, or if you are not feeling particularly active, stay in with a board game or two. Borrow bikes from the hotel, or plan a day trip to nearby islands, a sunset booze cruise, or a dolphin adventure. There is certainly no shortage of activities here.

Note that there are not any restaurants outside of the hotel – but not to worry, you will have plenty to eat and drink. The hotel offers many unique dining experiences, including a private barbecue on a nearby beach lit by lanterns and reachable by jetty. You can also enjoy a 14-course Japanese tasting menu at By the Sea (get the pork belly), or a meal at Leaf, or even an Arab-inspired meal on Palm Beach. Get the lamb when dining there,  they cook it in the ground, which is a Maldivian tradition, and it is to die for.

This hotel is everything you could ever dream of, and exactly what comes to mind when you think of the ideal romantic trip. It would be perfect for a honeymoon, babymoon, or any kind of romantic getaway.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Lake Austin Spa. Austin, Texas

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Someone once told me that Lake Austin has the looks of a luxury first-class spa, but the warmth of a friend’s lake house. He was right. If you’re living in Dallas and in need of an escape from the heat, Austin is the perfect driving distance. The oasis waits only 3 hours away!

Nestled along Lake Austin, the scenic and peaceful view provides the perfect backdrop to unwind. While sometimes 2 glasses of wine do the trick, once in a while a spa weekend is just necessary and Lake Austin won’t disappoint.

The spa itself is gorgeous and the staff makes you feel like you are the only guest that matters to them. You can literally do anything you want. For example, I took an awesome paddle boarding class with yoga moves (insane, right?) that made my abs feel like they were on fire, followed by a relaxing sauna session and a light yet surprisingly satisfying 330 calorie scrumptious dinner. My favorite was the wild mushroom tortellini with cavolo nero, pesto, pine nuts and slowly melting Parmesan cheese.

If you’re traveling with a girlfriend or parent, stay in one of the premier rooms, which comes equipped with lake views and two queen beds. Traveling as a couple? Opt for the Premier Hot Tub Cabin, which comes with 1 king-sized bed, zen garden, and hot tub.

It was named the #1 destination spa in North America by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2010 and 2008, as well as one of the top ten spas in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. That should say it all, I rest my case.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.