Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

San Ysidro Ranch. Montecito, California

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Looking for a place to escape the snow and cold without sacrificing the holiday’s celebration? Welcome to San Ysidro Ranch in the ever-sunny Santa Barbara, California. Montecito happens to be one of my most beloved cities in the world, it is the quintessential sunny beachside town and also transports me into one of my favorite movies, It’s Complicated. Nestled in the foothills of Montecito, this has been a long-time weekend getaway spot for some of L.A.’s hottest stars. If you’re looking for natural beauty, Southern California charm, and a low-key ambiance, this is the ranch for you.

There are 41 individually decorated private cottages and suites that are lined along the ranch’s tree and creek-lined paths. Designed after the classic bungalow style, all cottages and suites offer king-size beds with soft linens, fireplaces, and patios. The suites and cottages also feature hot tubs on private outdoor patios with outdoor rain showers, hand-cut stone or Old World masonry fireplaces, radiant-heated bathroom floors, flat-screen TVs and hand-selected antique furnishings. And for those of you who are dog lovers, they even have some dog-friendly cottages if you want to bring your puppy along on your romantic getaway. However, my two of my favorite cottages are the Hummingbird Cottages. Ask for the Tangerine or Citrus cottage, on mist free mornings you’ll have a spectacular view of the ocean. However, if you’re willing to spend the big bucks, stay in the Warner Cottage, a 2,500 ft² italian villa. 

The Stonehouse is San Ysidro Ranch’s fine-dining restaurant, located in 19th-century citrus packing house. On warm nights, you can dine under the uninterrupted starry night sky or in the winter by their crackling fire. They also have a very special Christmas Dinner planned that includes Sake Glazed Alaskan King Crab, Maple Leaf Duck Breast, and Valrhona Araguani Flourless Chocolate Cake, so count me in! If you’re looking for something casual, head to Plow & Angel, make sure to order the mac-n-cheese or the ribs.

I have also heard about a number of famous weddings here, it is one of the premier California wedding destinations and its easy to se why. There are 17 miles of hiking trails in Montecito, my favorite being Seven Sisters because it has an amazing waterfall at the end in the winter. This is definitely the place to bring that special someone for a weekend filled with love and relaxation.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Wheatleigh. Lenox, Massachusetts

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Looking for the perfect romantic or family getaway for the upcoming holiday festivities? Look no further than The Wheatleigh hotel, nestled in the idyllic Berskshires on 22 acres of rolling hills and lakes. It was built in 1893 by Henry H. Cook, a prominent New York financier, for his daughter as a wedding present. This hotel oozes sophistication of the “gilded age” and brings to mind the Great Gatsby’s extravagant location for parties.

The design of the hotel was based on a 16th Century Florentine Palazzo. Over 150 artisans and their materials were shipped over from Italy to recreate the intricate designs on the interior and exterior of the hotel. Also, the surrounding park was designed to look like Central Park, for you New Yorkers who can’t stray too far outside the city without feeling homesick.

The rooms are pretty exquisite, with private bathroom and a large soaking tub, Queen sized beds, and courtyard views. Even their smallest room (10ft x 12ft) was voted by Lexus Magazine as the most luxurious small room in the world. The Crown Jewel of the rooms however, is the Aviary. This former Aviary was transformed into a two-story suite with a terrace. A sculptural glass enclosed circular stair leads to a second floor sleeping room floating in the trees. This is easily the best room in the house, and the price reflects that. Another great thing about the hotel is that entire property, guest rooms, and 5-Diamond restaurant can be rented out for weddings or events. 

The Dining Room at The Wheatleigh is the perfect place for an intimate or innovative dining experience. The food and menu change seasonally, but their selection of wines and champagne are exquisite. And for all the golf lovers, The Wheatleigh boasts one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the country. There is a little bit of everything here for everyone, and once it turns into a magical Winter Wonderland, you’ll never want to leave.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Lodge. Verbier, Switzerland

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I have to say, I was most excited about The Lodge in Verbier more than anything else in my entire Swiss Voyage. After ten days of traveling non-stop around the country, it was finally time to visit Richard Branson’s baby.

Two bus rides, three trains, one gondola ride and a mile walk after, I was there, in front of what is considered to be the most expensive and high-end ski lodge in the world (Of course there are faster ways to get to The Lodge, however I was on the company’s budget).

As I looked up admiring the divine Swiss chalet, my heels slipped and I fell on my face, scraping both of my knees and hands. To my dismay, the super-friendly staff was waiting at the entrance to greet me and witnessed the whole thing! They didn’t even bat an eyelash and pretended the whole thing never happened, very gracious of them. Note to self: Hiking or snow boots are a must in this town, even on the warmer days.

Although I visited the property one day before the Summer opening, Ashley Crook, the Deputy Manager, welcomed me with a big Swiss smile and pretended she didn’t have three-thousand things to do before the opening.

The architecture is as typical as it gets; Wooden chalet, wooden shutters, flowers in every balcony and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog guarding the entrance. However, once you step in, the large fire place, gigantic sofas, fur throws and candles adorn the lodge in a casual yet chic way. The colors are light, with a few pops of color here and there.

Contrary to what I thought, The Lodge is ideal for a group of friends or family. The cozy lodge has a communal environment, or should I say a VERY high-end communal environment. Everyone shares a large table for meals, a family room and even an awesome playroom. If you do not feel like mingling, dinner in your private terrace or in the hotel’s terrace can be arranged.

The lodge has 8 rooms and one amazing bunk room for the kiddos. They also have 14 staff members and 3 in-house Chefs. Upon booking, you can either let them surprise you with the menu (it is a set menu), or you can choose the menu before you get there. Either way, whatever you choose, please be sure to strap yourself in because you are going to be blown away.

All in all, Richard Branson made the right choice with this 7-year-old lodge. The location is secluded, unassuming, has spectacular views and it is located in one of the best mountains in the world. Bravo! Bravo!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

W Hotel. Verbier, Switzerland

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Have you ever wondered what it feels to travel like a celeb? Well stop wondering and just follow this month’s Hotels of the Week on Posh Voyage for a glimpse.

Half way through my Swiss Voyage this Summer, I never thought I was going to discover yet another gem in Switzerland. After visiting Gruyere, Montreux, Geneva, Lucern, Appenzell, Arosa and Gstaad, I thought the best had passed.

It was not easy to getting to Verbier, let me just start by saying that. I took the train from Gstaad to Lausanne, changed trains in Martigni and got off at Le Chable. I then took the amazing gondola ride from Le Chable to Verbier and a quick bus ride to what I consider the swankiest most fun lodge I have ever been to, the W Hotel. *(Keep in mind that this is the most economical way to get to Verbier, if money isn’t a concern, a private car from Geneva is the best way to get there, and it only takes 2 hours).

The W Hotel is only 11 months old, and from the looks if it, the service seems like it has been established for decades, yet the design like it opened just yesterday. The typical Swiss chalet with modern yet cozy interiors is perfectly  executed. Everything is built with light reclaimed wood and earth tones with a few pops of color.

The hotel is divided in 4 buildings: Energy, Infuse, Recharge and Escape. The Recharge building is home to the lobby and main living room which is adorned with fur blankets, fur pillows and fur chairs. So warm yet modern!

After a long day traveling, I ordered the crispy shrimp for a quick bite before I started my meetings at the hotel. Oh my God! My quick bite turned into the most delicious meal of the trip. The ginger and soy infused crispy shrimp were so good that I ordered it twice. Hey, I was alone, no one to judge!

Next to it was the monumental staircase with seating incorporated to soak up the views of the Valais region.

After, I made my way down to the spa. It is a gigantic 8,000sqf setup, the largest in Verbier. The style is sleek and modern unlike the rest of the hotel, which is warm, cozy and charming.

The main restaurant is the creation of Chef Sergio Arola, a Michelin awarded Chef from Spain. My favorite part of the whole restaurant was the back part. A hidden tapas bar with 10 chairs overlooking the kitchen. The Chef just keeps sending plates over until to you until you wave your arm due to the food coma you are experiencing.

The last part of my tour, and my personal favorite, were the rooms. They all have a Swiss theme with the flag decorating the room, and exposed wooden beams to give it a rustic feel. The Wow Suite was my personal favorite if traveling with your better half. However, if you want to make this a family or friend vacay, they have fabulous residences ranging from 2-4 bedrooms (I think I just decided where my next ski trip with my husband and friends will be).

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Alpina. Gstaad, Switzerland

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Due to my hectic travel schedule, I could only visit Switzerland in June and as many of you know it is low season, which meant I got a behind the scenes tour of one of my favorite Swiss Chalets: The Alpina.

The Alpina Gstaad brings whole new meaning to the concept of “Swiss Chalets”. Integrating Swiss elegance with Alpine chic, this hotel has been winning awards since it opened in 2012. Named Gault&Millau’s “Hotel of the Year” in 2013 and 2014, this hotel exemplifies sophistication and authenticity. Located in the German-speaking canton of Bern, this is the perfect location for a winter getaway, with some of the best apres-skiing in the whole world. This chalet might become so homey, you’ll never want to leave!

All 56 rooms in the hotel are designed uniquely, with hand-made original and contemporary woodwork from local artisans. While each room comes with modern amenities, traditional ski chalet designs are apparent throughout each room with sloping wooden ceilings, thick wool blankets, and a burning fireplace. Each room also comes with their own private terrace, the Deluxe Rooms Schönried look out onto the picturesque foothills of the Bernese Alps, while the Deluxe Rooms Gstaad offer an awe-inspiring view of the majestic Diablerets mountains and the village down below.

One of the best aspects of the hotel is their Six Senses Spa, the super indulgent treatments are perfect to soothe those achy joints from a long ski day. From spa treatments to group exercises wellness classes, Six Senses Spa is world-renowned for it’s class and indulgence. The Six Senses Spa is inspired by Asian traditions and draws its energy from the Alpine heart of the surrounding mountain peaks. The spa even offers an Alpine Retreat package in which they offer body transformation, spiritual awareness, and body healing through ancient practices.

The hotel offers 6 dining options, each of which are unique and oh-so-delicious. The Sommet Restaurant has earned itself one Michelin star with it’s exquisite Swiss/French food. Megu is their chic Sushi restaurant, with two head chefs that are expertly trained. They also offer some of the world’s most rare and extensive selection of sakes. My favorite place to eat is their Alpina Lounge & Bar because of their wall-to-ceiling windows, you feel as if you’re enjoying a cocktail right on the mountain slope, without the freezing cold aspect.

This might be the ideal place to stay if you are looking for a traditional Swiss retreat with a twist of contemporary design. If you want the traditional elegance of Gstaad, then the gorgeous Gstaad Palace is your stop.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Hotel Villa Honegg. Lucerne, Switzerland.

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Remember the scene from The Sound of Music, where Julie Andrews is skipping through bright green fields, buttercup flowers, and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains? Well, that is exactly the scene you will find at Hotel Villa Honegg, located in the outskirts of Lucerne, Switzerland. This long-established hotel, built in 1905 and reopened in May 2011, is a haven for those seeking peace and privacy. Their service is impeccable and the staff is ever friendly. This is what I would call a ‘yes’ hotel, in that you ask the staff for something and they do their best to make it happen.

The rooms are designed with modern and cozy décor, think neutrals with playful designs, and each bathroom comes equipped with hand-picked Hermès amenities. The best rooms in the house however, are those with a balcony over-looking the spectacular Lake Lucerne. Every afternoon I would go out to my terrace with a glass of wine and enjoy the view.  If you’re traveling with a big party or feel like splurging, opt for the Garden House. Located directly next to the main building you will find the hotel’s charming Garden House. Though it does not maintain the five star superior standard as the main building, it is tastefully designed to fulfill all of your needs with two modern double rooms, a suite, an apartment as well as a children’s playroom and a meeting room complete with bar and lounge.

The Restaurant ranges from regional dishes, international classics, to Lebanese specialties. All the products come from their garden, local suppliers as well as suppliers from central Switzerland except for the wines, which come hand-selected from Lebanon. I recommend not the Raclette nor the Fondue, but the Honegg Meatloaf with a wine reduction, mashed potatoes and baby carrots; it gets my mouth watering just thinking about it! Weather-permitting, opt to dine on the Winter Terrace, it overlooks the tranquil Lake Lucerne. If the weather is a bit chilly, they provide you with fur coats to enhance your meal experience, how cozy is that?

My favorite view in the whole hotel came from the heated outdoor infinity pool. I could sit here all day looking at the panoramic views while the day went by and I began to form into a human prune. I was there in the Summer, however, one of the best times of the year to go would be the fall, where you can see the colors on the leaves changing and while the weather is brisk, but not cold.

Everything about this hotel is just perfection, so if you are looking to go skiing to Switzerland this winter, do not forget to make a pit stop at Villa Honegg on your way in.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Fasano. Punta del Este, Uruguay.

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Hotel Fasano Las Piedras has privacy that one can usually only find in a personal country estate. Located on 480 hectares of stunning and rugged Uruguay country land, Fasano is one of a kind in charm. This is the first Fasano hotel created outside of Brazil and was designed by famed architect, Isay Weinfeld. Think Uruguayan country rustic meets modern casualness. Many of the buildings are even carved out of the natural rocky landscape. Peak season for this hotel is November- February, and especially for New Years when the models flock to this private oasis – it is the St. Tropez of South America.

One of these buildings is the Fasano Spa, which comes with 180-degress panoramic views of the landscape. It also comes equipped with a modern gym and beautiful heated pool to relax body and mind. Fasano also comes with an Equestrian center and Polo Field for the horse-lovers. For the discerning rider they provide private classes to show you the ropes! Also, be sure not to miss a fabulous 18-holes at their Arnold Palmer-designed Golf Course. Fasano even has it’s own private beach (the only not amazing part of the property) nestled next to a river that runs all the way to the ocean. Rent a boat and make your way down the river to Jose Ignacio Beach, one of the best beaches in South America.

The Hotel offers two fine-dining experiences, Las Piedras and Fasano, which focus heavily on Uruguayan food with a modern twist. My favorite meal is the Asado, an exquisite traditional Uruguayan  barbecue, which is served every second Saturday of the month, so be sure not to miss it! The hotel also has a Lounge Bar next to the pool, perfect for the ones who want to experience the famous Punta del Este sunset followed by a Clericot, the spot’s typical drink. I can’t stress enough how amazing the food is, from poolside pasta to a room service club sandwich, the food is off the charts!

There are three options for accommodation: bungalows, villas, and cabanas. The Bungalows come in two standards, deluxe and suite. Designed for uninterrupted panoramic views of the landscape. Each room is individually designed and all offer large private terraces, spacious living rooms, and a super comfy cloud-like bed. The bungalows also come with their own golf cart, so you can zoom around the property in speed and style.  Then there are the one-floor villas, which are more like giant cement houses than a villa. Each villa comes equipped with all the amenities of the bungalows. The cabanas also come with contemporary architecture but are nestled in the woods with a view of the lake. This allows for more privacy and seclusion. Ask for a western facing room so you can watch the sun set next to your loved one.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Cavas Wine Lodge. Mendoza, Argentina

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The road to Cavas Wine Lodge has nature scenes that rival even the most spectacular sights in Patagonia. With a backdrop that consists of the daunting snow-capped Andes Mountains, coupled with rows and rows of vineyards on either side of you, it’s an experience that can only be described with emotion. Located 20 minutes outside of the city of Mendoza, it is the first South American lodge completely dedicated to wine and wine lovers alike. Argentina is growing to be a prominent contender for some of the best wines in the world rivaling that of the top dogs in France and Italy.

The lodge is nestled in 35 acres among the vines and has 17 villas. They each are in their own private house  and are beautifully decorated with fur throws and beautiful Argentine art. Every room and villa comes equipped with its own private plunge pool, one fire place in the room and one in the rooftop, which is perfect for stargazing and offers beautiful views of the Andes Mountains. The lodge was designed as a place to savor food, wine and flavors, to say the lodge is romantic would be an understatement.

The heart of the hotel, unsurprisingly, is the wine cellar, also known as the cava. The cellar holds only the best Argentine wines, including Malbecs, which Mendoza is famous for. It is underground to ensure the wines stay cool, with a winding staircase leading up to the library, restaurant, and the Spa. The Lodge’s restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients to produce traditional Argentine cuisine. In my personal opinion, there is nothing better than a great sirloin steak and red wine pairing. My favorite wine was a 2005 Achaval Ferrer Quimera, it was so good that I still buy it for every dinner party to this day.

The Spa is famous for it’s vinotherapy treatments, an ancient Roman practice using honey, wine, and grape treatments to nourish the skin. I wonder if you could just put a straw in the bathtub and have a drink at the same time? What I love most about Cavas Wine Lodge is your freedom to have privacy, romance, and relaxation all at the same time while staying in an exquisite natural setting. As I write about it, it makes me want to book a flight there right now!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Palacio Duhau. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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The first thing that crosses your mind when you walk through the grand front entrance into the lobby is: “wow, this must have been a palace for royals”, and you wouldn’t have been wrong.

Built in 1934 as a home for the Duhau family, a prestigious and wealthy family of Argentina’s elite, the hotel covers 4,400 square meters with it’s gardens covering more than half of that space. It is a hotel that embodies Park Hyatt comfort mixed with belle-époque elegance and a touch of tech-savvy modernity. Detailed iron and bronze work coupled with natural light and neutral colors identify the glamour of a Parisian mansion. The hotel is located in the fashionable district of Recoleta, surrounded by some of Buenos Aires’ best shopping and architecture in the city.

Walking into the first lobby the first thing you see is this larger-than-life chandelier. It sheds light all over the travertine marble floors and the famous artwork that adorns the walls such as, “La Ronda”, by Guillermo Roux (1993) and “Torso” by Guerrero Medina. The Alvear lobby then leads you into the Vinoteca and unique Cheese Room, so you can sample some fine cheese with a fantastic wine pairing to start your afternoon. * If you are sensitive to smell stay out of that room.

If you’re in need of some fresh air, head to Los Salones del Piano Nobile, where you can enjoy some High Tea and biscuits. If you’re looking for dinner with fine Argentine cuisine, head to the Duhau Restaurant & Vinoteca, which is where all of society’s most prestigious go to dine. You can choose to eat in the restaurant or in the garden but wherever you go, order the Filet de lomo, Argentina is known for its meats, so do as the Romans do and get yourself a prime cut!

The Palace has 165 guestrooms, including 39 stunning suites. The grandest of these suites is the 1,800 square foot Duhau Suite, which comes with a wrap-around terrace and the most spectacular views in all of Buenos Aires. It is beautiful decorated with dark wood furniture, chandeliers, and silk. It is a maximum-security room with bulletproof windows and special key access to the floor. However, even the lowest category room has equal elegance to the suites. The rooms are richly decorated with antique Persian carpets over wooden floors and the walls are adorned with black-and-white photos of Buenos Aires. Don’t forget to check out the hotel’s spa, Ahín Wellness & Spa. Your stay wouldn’t quite as relaxing without one of their extraordinary traditional massages.

However, the scene-stealer of this hotel would be the Gardens. The Park Hyatt offers a “Paradise Found” among the hustle and bustle of the city; it is your own Parisian garden in a forest full of skyscrapers. Elegant staircases lead down to the Posadas lined with red roses in the spring, water lilies in the summer, gilded ginkgos in the autumn, and fuchsia azaleas in the winter. Whatever your reason for traveling to Buenos Aires, Park Hyatt is the place you have to stay. It embodies the city of Buenos Aires in the way that it has luxury, modernity, and the spice of Paris mixed into the hotel’s own historic grandeur. It is a place that needs to be experienced, much like Buenos Aires.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Faena Hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Possibly the most spectacular modern hotel décor of all times, this Philippe Starck creation is both swanky and sleek.

What was once a granary housing grain and animal feed, now houses the most discerning travelers looking for modern luxury at its best.

As you drive up to the red brick building you will never imagine what is inside. The Cathedral entrance is a long red velvet hallway, which takes you all the way to the check-in desk. It took me about 25-mintues to walk from the entrance to the desk because I kept peaking inside every door, each common area was more beautiful than the one before.

The hotel has 66 guest-rooms and 22 suites, and all of them are magnificent. My personal favorite was the Porteño Suite. When you walk in you will feel a vibrant harmony of light, color and glass. The décor in the Suite (as well as in most of the hotel) is bold red velvet sofas and matching drapes soften with white leather furnishings. The suite’s showpiece (and where I spent an hour every day) is a claw foot bathtub at the center of a spacious marble bathroom.

There are three restaurants in the hotel, my favorite being their fine dining restaurant, El Bistro. The modern all-white décor with white unicorn heads is spectacular. The menu used to be molecular cuisine, but they figured people went to Argentina for the juicy Bife de Chorizo and not to eat foam, so they changed their menu recently. One of the crowd’s favorite is the charred steaks.

After dinner walk to El Cabaret, a bar inspired in 1920’s tango clubs. The tango show performs every night with no exception. It is called Rojo Tango and it is the most exclusive and chic tango show in town.

El Mercado is another dining option inspired on open-air European markets and the historic neighborhood, San Telmo. The cozy atmosphere makes your dining experience intimate and casual. My favorite thing in the menu is the wood fire asado.

Finally The Library Lounge decorated with antique books and red velvet drapes is the perfect spot for a cup of coffee and a pastry while you catch up on the daily news. I went there at night and the cocktails were exquisite, they also had a live band playing in the middle of the room while we all danced around them.

The Faena product is the most authentic Argentinean experience out of all the hotels in Buenos Aires. Everything in the hotel tells you something about the country and culture. All of their Chefs are Argentinean and so all of their wines. They have more than 450 different labels including their own Faena Malbec produced in Mendoza.

After a big night do not forget to visit the Faena Spa, probably the best part of the whole experience. It is a true oasis for meditation and relaxation. The Turkish inspired hammam is ideal to detox your body from the previous night. However, the complimentary daily yoga and meditation sessions will sure get you ready to tackle the day.

Before you arrive, just remember these 3 words and everyone will love you:  Che, Vos and Boludo.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.