Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Havana, Cuba.

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The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a symbol of history, culture and identity for Cuba. Built in 1930, this hotel is the perfect place to begin the Cuban adventure you have been wanting to take since, well, everyone told you it was forbidden.

The gorgeous property sits on top of a hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea in Vedado, the center of Havana.  It also looks over the sparkling Havana Harbor and on to the Malecon and the City.

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba was a wildly popular destination for Americans long before the United States’ embargo with Cuba, and has since also been a hotspot for many famous connoisseurs of the art and science and political worlds, including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and many more.

The inside the hotel is not as fabulous as on the outside given the number of decades it has been running with minimal investments into renovations. It is home to 457 rooms and 15 suites including a Presidential Suite with a marvelous view of Havana. Over the years, the hotel has graciously saved small treasures and recorded rooms where famous political, sport and cultural stars have stayed.  Request room 225, and you can stay among the likes of both Mr. Sinatra and Ms. Gardner.

Enjoy a plethora of entertainment options right on the hotel grounds; learn about the mix of cultures that led to Cuba’s own unique culture at the Parisian Cabaret “Cuban, Cubano” This happens every night, so no need to worry about missing this awesome opportunity to find your inner-Cuban.  You can also listen to the musical beats of the Buena Vista Social Club, or take a dip in the original swimming pool where Johnny Weissmuller (commonly known as Tarzan) launched himself from the 2nd story of the hotel.

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Monument.  You can visit the Hotel’s Hall of Fame, which hosts pictures of famous guests who have stayed in the glorious hotel.

So, when you book your plans to jetset on the Cuban vacation you have always craved, reserve a historical room, soak up the sun (the history and culture, too) and take us with you.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. Bluffton, SC.

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The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is a property almost certainly unlike anything you have ever experienced.  A Montage Resort, Palmetto Bluff sits on its own private property on a perfect South Carolina peninsula.

With 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites, situated among captivating, green forests and charming waterfronts, you are sure to find tranquility in your home away from home at Palmetto Bluff.  Watch the sunset from your own rustic porch, or relax in front of a cozy fireplace.

Each Cottage and Cottage Suite features pinewood flooring, a wet bar, bathtubs you’ll want to stay in forever, a perfectly secluded veranda for when you emerge from your relaxing evening to watch the sun say goodnight, and luxurious Italian bed linens to tuck into at the end of your lovely day.

Some may overlook Bluffton, South Carolina and onto Hilton Head, which is only eight miles east, but trust us, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is a star in itself.  You don’t even need to leave the hotel’s sprawling premises to enjoy every bit of your Carolinian experience.  The property has a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, as well as alligator-spotting experiences, an expansive trail system for you to hike through and explore, daytrips to Daufuskie Island, kayak excursions from sunrise to sunset, paddle boarding along the May River, and a world-class spa for your complete and perfect vacation package.

When its time to fill your hungry tummies, the Lowcountry’s unique culinary flavors and history have found a perfect home at any of the four restaurants within the property of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff.  Start your day off with breakfast by the river at Buffalo’s – try the “Worth the Wait” Cast Iron Baked Pancake – then stop in to RT’s Market for your snacking needs. Have dinner at River House Restaurant, which features traditional cuisine from the Lowcountry and the South.  The casually luxurious ambiance and hospitable staff will make you want to stay forever.

If you’re looking for a bit more of a relaxed, southern comfort style of dinner, head to the Canoe Club – it has amazing views of the May River on one side and the Palmetto Bluff Water Trail on the other, and features local seafood dishes.

So, if you’re craving a new and unique adventure but addicted to the calm feeling of a home, search no further because The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is everyone and anyone’s perfect slice of heaven.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons Denver. Denver, Colorado

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One mile above sea-level is the beautiful city of Denver. Once part of the wild wild west, Denver has evolved into a metropolitan city that has grasped the attention of people all over the world. It is the most moved-to city by college grads, and with movement comes cultural expansion. Denver has transformed into an eco-friendly, outdoors-oriented, luxurious city that appeals to everyone of all ages. This is why we chose to highlight Denver as one of the biggest up-and-coming cities in the U.S.

Of all the hotels in Denver, the hotel that excelled in luxury and service was the Four Seasons. The hotel stays true to Four Seasons level of quality, while adding some urban sophistication and the friendly spirit of Denver. That’s the thing I loved most about Denver, everyone was so friendly it was shocking, and that’s coming from someone who lives in Texas. The hotel is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with 360 degree views of the city and the mountains because it is the second tallest building in Denver.

The rooms stay true to the Four Season’s palette of neutral colors, but they have added vibrant contemporary art and each room comes with a soaking tub and views of the city or mountains. If you’re traveling with a family, stay in the Premier One-Bedroom Suite, it could hold a family of 5! The room comes with it’s own dining table and kitchenette. If you’re entertaining clients or guests, the Executive Suite is perfect because it comes with it’s own office area and bar.

Hungry? Head downstairs to EDGE, one of the hottest restaurants in town. Highlighting Colorado raised cattle, this is the perfect place for a seasoned steak that has been cooked over a wood-burning grill, enough to satisfy any modern cowboy. Insider tip: start with the wagyu beef hot stone with truffled ponzu. After dinner head to the EDGE bar for a craft cocktail or a local microbrew, which Denver is known for.

A must-try at the hotel is the Spa, which offers everything from massages, to salon services, to body treatments. You must indulge in their Signature High-Altitude Revitalizing Gemstone Ormus Ritual. Not only does it cure altitude sickness (which I am very prone too and it helped me a great deal) but it is a one-of-a-kind treatment you won’t find anywhere else. Needless to say, the Four Seasons in Denver is the only hotel you need to stay at when you visit.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Ranch at Rock Creek. Montana

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If ‘glamping’ is your idea of heaven (and if it’s not, it should be) look no further than The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.  With outdoor ranch activities for the whole family and 5-star amenities, this dude ranch is the perfect package.

Each cabin at The Ranch at Rock Creek captures the authentic, rustic feel, but does not lack in luxury.  The Ranch offers 10 private, home-living cabins, and they all have many unique qualities, including their names: Eagle’s Perch, Bluebird, and Sara Jane’s Cottage, just to list a few. Occupancies range from 2-10 guests, depending on the cabin.  All cabin’s have stunning views of the surrounding valley and hillsides.

In addition to the 10 cabins, the Ranch at Rock Creek also offers eight canvas cabins, which are all individually furnished in a rustic yet luxurious camp style with private bathrooms, amazingly comfortable beds, and the calming sounds of the creek running just outside your door.  This experience will bring you all the joys of camping, and will leave the ‘roughing-it’ to someone else.  The Brook & Cut-Bow cabins feature a king size bed in one room, and, separated by a large curtain, there are two twin beds and a trundle, making these the perfect accommodations for your family vacation.  With 810 total square feet and an adorable reading nook, you will have no issue losing yourself in this heavenly, natural setting.

There is no shortage of activities and adventures for you and your family at The Ranch.  Try your hand at target-shooting, horseback riding, Montana fly fishing, hiking mountain biking, wildlife viewing or archery.  If you’re looking to pencil in a little more relaxation time, head down to the pool and jacuzzi, both of which overlook the vast valley, making this the perfect spot to soothe your riding muscles, splash around with the kids, or just enjoy the Montana sun.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.