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B&B, half board, full board, all-inclusive or premium all-inclusive? Here's what each hotel meal plan actually includes, the fine print that catches people, and how I pick the right one for my clients.
JOALI BEING sits on the private island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, and it's the wellness-focused sister property of JOALI Maldives. With 68 villas, the largest gym in the Maldives, an extraordinary spa, and programming built around the Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, this is a resort designed to reset you.
JOALI Maldives sits on Muravandhoo Island in Raa Atoll, a natural island so lush and beautiful it feels almost impossibly cinematic, with a commitment to art, design, and creative living that permeates every corner of the resort.
Zemi Miches is one of the first properties to open in Miches, a new resort corridor on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, and a lush, design-forward Hilton Curio Collection all-inclusive with impressive dining and some of the nicest bungalows in the Caribbean at this price point.
Velassaru is a beautiful, naturally lush island resort just about 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, making it one of the easiest Maldives stays for tight arrival and departure schedules. It delivers the classic turquoise lagoon and soft-sand vibe in a relaxed, walkable setting, with strong dining a
Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi blends laid-back Maldivian service with a solid premium all-inclusive plan. It is a very family-friendly resort, catering heavily to families with kids programming and buffet options.
You & Me has been on our list for many years because it appeared to offer incredible value, even in peak high season and features an incredible, natural island and rustic villas. As an adults-only property, we were very intrigued to see what it has to offer.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo sits a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé, with 50 overwater villas and a historic past — decent value as an all-inclusive stopover, if you go in with the right expectations.
Finolhu has long been on our list as a must-visit thanks to its pristine location on the longest sandbank in the Maldives and the incredible style brought to life when Seaside Collection took over the resort. We were delighted to find out the property did not disappoint – from a flawless arrival to
When it comes to planning the ultimate girls' weekend getaway, Miraval Resorts should be at the very top of your list — luxurious accommodations, world-class spa experiences, and exclusive Hyatt Privé perks when you book through a travel advisor.
The Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel was a pleasant surprise after a late flight arrival from London — direct terminal access, quiet soundproof rooms, and solid facilities make it a smart stop for layovers and early departures.
We booked a 4-night stay at the Steigenberger Alcazar in Sharm El Sheikh at the tail end of our Egypt Nile adventure — here is what you need to know before you book.
Perched along the banks of the legendary Nile River in the heart of Cairo, The Ritz-Carlton Nile offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst the vibrant energy of Egypt’s capital. This property features panoramic views of the world’s longest river and the city’s dynamic skyline.
The Maldives is a bucket-list destination, but beyond the overwater villas and turquoise waters, there are hidden costs that can add thousands to your final bill.
A cruise along the Nile is one of the most iconic experiences you can have on a trip to Egypt — we booked a 12-day itinerary (7-night cruise) through Uniworld on the S.S. Sphinx, so read on to find out what to expect, the full itinerary, and things to know before you book.
Marriott Mena House is one of the most iconic hotels in the world, sitting at the base of the Pyramids of Giza — but does it live up to its $600+ price tag?
Cairo, a city where ancient wonders meet modern luxury, is the gateway into the rest of Egyptian history. The Egyptian capital offers an array of world-class accommodations that combine opulent amenities with stunning views of the Nile River and the city's historic skyline.
Avani+ Fares is one of the new kids on the block in Baa Atoll. Set on the outer edge of the reef, Avani+ recently opened with rooms at an affordable price point, a fantastic Premium All-inclusive plan and a truly incredible house reef.
COMO Maalifushi is a stunning resort located in an incredible atoll in the deep south of the Maldives and we were so excited to experience a resort in an area that there are no other resort properties. It’s been on our bucket list for a long time so read on to find out everything you need to know be
Fushifaru is a small boutique resort located in the beautiful Lhaviyani Atoll, surrounded by beautiful blue water and one of the longest sandbars in the Maldives. 49 villas sit amongst towering trees and sandy shores.
We had the chance to stay at Patina on our recent trip to the Maldives and it absolutely blew us away. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton a few weeks after the opening of the Fari Islands complex and were delighted to see the incredible changes that have occurred over the last few years.
We wound up at the tallest tower in Ho Chi Minh, home to Landmark 81 — a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel with unobstructed city views and endless dining and facilities.
Hôtel de la Coupole is a luxurious accommodation nestled in the heart of Vietnam. This hotel, with its beautiful design and excellent facilities, offers guests an incredible experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam.
Located in the heart of Cambodia’s bustling capital, the Rosewood Phnom Penh is a stunning luxury property that offers a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional Cambodian hospitality. With its 5 star facilities, exceptional service, and stunning views of the city, the Rosewood Phnom Penh prov
Cayo Levantado is a beautiful resort situated on one of the most famous islands in the Dominican Republic. Our review will dive into every aspect of this all-inclusive resort, from its unique rooms and boho style to its diverse dining options and top-notch facilities, to provide you with a detailed
Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a classic property in a world-class destination for travelers looking explore one of the most historical sites in the world. Park Hyatt took over this property over 12 years ago and offers travels a great resort-style retreat i
The Grand Mercure in Hanoi opened a few years ago in the heart of the city and offers a fantastic value — a comfortable, unique hotel within walking distance of Hanoi's most famous historical sites.
TIA Wellness is a beautiful boutique property that focuses on wellness and relaxation. With included spa treatments, all day breakfast and a beautiful, lush property, we were blown away by the inclusions and the quality of the services.
We had the opportunity to spend 6 nights at Cora Cora on our last trip to the Maldives. Cora Cora recently took over an old property, Loama, and did a light refresh on the resort to add color and natural wood accents throughout.
Ozen Life Maadhoo is one of the Maldives' most impressive all-inclusive resorts — combining a generous Indulgence Plan, stunning overwater villas, an underwater restaurant, and an arrival experience that sets the tone from minute one.
The Park Hyatt Maldives is without a doubt one of the most pristine islands we have seen in the Maldives when it comes to a stunning, uninterrupted reef and natural surroundings. We were so excited to finally experience one of the top Hyatt properties around the world so read on to find out what to
We have been recommending the Pullman Maldives resort for a few years thanks to an ongoing amazing deal on Luxury Escapes. As an Accor hotels property, we had always felt confident in the quality based on our experience in the Gaafu Alifu atoll of the Maldives.
On our first trip to the Seychelles, we stayed at JA Enchanted Island Resort — a unique private island resort just off the coast of Mahé with a Robinson Crusoe concept that holds true.
JA Palm Tree Court is part of the JA Resort complex on the outskirts of Dubai — a unique escape from the hustle and bustle with 25 dining outlets, endless activities and a peaceful, zen vibe.
JA Manafaru is located at the far northern tip of the Maldives, in fact, it’s the farthest north luxury hotel in the Maldives. We were extremely excited to experience this gem in the Maldives, which we were told, is reminiscent of the Maldives 30 years ago.
While we have been down in the Dominican Republic, we have come to absolutely love, trust and adore the Playa Resorts collection of hotels. This includes their Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Cap Cana and the Hilton La Romana properties.
Max and I absolutely love Park City. It’s become a frequent winter adventure for us, thanks to our little camper.
Max and I have been to Park City every year for the last 4 years and have always had our eye on the Waldorf Park City property. The time finally came when we had the chance to experience it for ourselves and all we can say is WOW!
Max and I were invited to spend 3 nights at the Royalton Bavaro in the Diamond Club in April 2021 and we had a great time. This was our first stay on the hotel zone of Bavaro Beach and overall, the facilities, style and property itself are incredible.
Max and I have been in the Dominican Republic for a few months. Before we jump into the review, I wanted to be very clear that while we are traveling during COVID and are lucky to have the experiences we do, we take our position very seriously and wear masks in all public places, including restauran
Max and I have been in the Dominican Republic for about two months. Before we jump into the review, I wanted to be very clear that while we are traveling during COVID and are lucky to have the experiences we do, we take our position very seriously and wear masks in all public places, including resta
Max and I checked in on DAY ONE of the grand re-opening of the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana in July 2020. The joint Ziva and Zilara properties had opened just before COVID-19 hit in November of 2019 and had only been open a few months before they had to shut down due to coronavirus.
Max and I traveled to Eden Roc Cap Cana last week after spending 2 weeks in isolation in the Northern Dominican Republic. Before we jump into the review, I wanted to be very clear in that while we are traveling during COVID and are lucky to have the experiences we do, we take our position very serio
Max and I traveled to Sanctuary Cap Cana last week after spending 2 weeks in isolation in the Northern Dominican Republic. Before we jump into the review, I wanted to be very clear in that while we are traveling during COVID and are lucky to have the experiences we do, we take our position very seri
An extra last-minute night in Hong Kong landed us at the brand-new Hyatt Centric on the harbor in North Point — a spectacularly modern property where the club-floor experience and service stole the show.
Ah…the St. Regis…the absolute pinnacle of Aspen luxury experiences.
We flew to Paris for two night from San Francisco in February and boy, was that a whirlwind! We were going to Paris for a close friend’s birthday and spent 60,000 Hyatt points to book two nights at the famed Park Hyatt Paris.
Max and I are both proud holders of the EPIC and IKON passes this year, which means we ski—a lot. However, the Lake Tahoe region is notably lacking in high-end resorts, especially around Palisades Tahoe.
Yasawa Island Resort is so unique that we wanted to share a play by play experience so you can see what it's like to experience the tropical paradise as if you were there yourself!
There are few things as magical as the piercing blues of the Maldives. Heritance Aarah is positioned on a spectacular island in the busy Raa Atoll, home to seemingly endless resorts.
The Residence Falhumaafushi is situated in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the south of the Maldives. A 45-minute domestic flight from Male and a boat ride will get you to the expansive island, connected via the longest bridge in the Maldives to its sister property, The Residence Dhigurah.
From a flawless entry to unlimited Veuve Clicquot, the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong is a welcome respite from the vibrant city of Hong Kong. We’ve long been big fans of the Shangri-La brand and the classic elegance they exude through their decor, service and quality of offerings.
Max and I had the opportunity to be hosted at the beautiful Sofitel Moorea two years ago and were so excited to return this year on another media stay. Things didn't go quite as expected, so read on to find out more about our experience.
The main island of Tahiti is an often overlooked, but incredibly special destination. We had the opportunity to stay at the newly converted Ia Ora Beach Resort, now managed by Sofitel.
"Wow, I really love this airport hotel"....said no one ever. Until now. Max and I had the chance to attend the opening party at the Grand Hyatt at San Francisco Airport and it was quite a surprise.
Miami is a world-renowned hotspot for culture, nightclubs and restaurants with more than 5 distinctly different neighborhoods. I am not a Miami expert yet, but I can certainly say that the Kimpton EPIC hotel is the perfect option if you’re looking for a downtown location with easy access to every ne
We returned to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos one year after our first stay to see if the hotel could maintain its remarkably high standards — here are all the highlights, lowlights, and updates.
Living in Northern California has its perks. Just 1 hour north of San Francisco is beautiful Napa Valley, home to some of the best wines in the world…as well as incredible luxury hotels.
Nestled along the white sand of Palm Beach, the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a modern, on-theme gem with endless activities, incredible dining and a beachfront we’re already dreaming of returning to.
North Lake Tahoe offers so much in the way of activities, regardless of the time of year. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or spending your days lounging by the lake, hiking or dining out, Lake Tahoe really does have everything.
Half Moon Bay is one of California's most underrated coastal escapes — 45 minutes from San Francisco and packed with stunning scenery, great food, and weekend adventures.
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is set on the edge of a picturesque cliff, overlooking the endless Pacific Ocean and surrounding beaches. With nothing to either side, the Ritz looks like a fairy-tale come to life: the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the sun setting directly in front o
Lux South Ari Atoll was our third and final stop in the Maldives as well as our longest hotel stay. We were ready to unpack our bags and explore a new island for 5 nights before the long journey back to the US.
Entering Yasawa Island Resort has got to be one of the most unique experiences we’ve had to date. We were picked up at the Domestic terminal at the airport in Nadi and taken to the Island Hoppers lounge offsite.
A cozy mountain-lodge escape at the base of Blackcomb, with a cedar barrel sauna, a Tipsy Snowman bar and the warm, attentive service Four Seasons is known for.
A winter weekend in Vancouver at the city's tallest building — the Shangri-La delivers world-class wellness, impeccable service and a suite with views straight down to Stanley Park.
Having never been to Austin, the only thing I’d ever heard about was how hip it is and, well, “weird”. Every person I’ve met in recent years that’s visited this funky little Texas town, has talked about the “vibes” and energy that Austin oozes out of every side street and eclectic corner bar.
Landing in the seaplane at the Niyama dock was like stepping onto the movie set of Avatar. The teal blue water extended as far as the eye could see and in the middle of that teal were the lush islands of Niyama Private Islands.
When I reflect on our stay at Milaidhoo, the only thing that pops into my mind is the word: *perfection*. I cannot recall the last time I stayed at a hotel and literally everything went right.
A 1895 warehouse turned Design Hotel on the Singapore River — intimate, boutique 5-star service paired with thoughtful design and original 1800s details.
There is no question that the Bellagio is one of the most grandiose and beautiful hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The massive lobby, adorned with glass sculpture lighting, stunning floral atrium and mediterranean architecture makes you feel like a royal dignitary, being welcomed into a lavish palace
A side-by-side breakdown of the Aria Tower Suites and Aria Sky Suites — from arrival and check-in to rooms, amenities, and overall value.
All-inclusive hotels usually get a bad rap, but Cabo has some outstanding options — from ultra-lux adults-only retreats to family-friendly value stays.
Cold, crisp air conditioning and the fresh scent of vanilla flow over you as you step out of the luxurious suburban into the magnificent lobby. A soft, warm pillow is placed around your neck and you’re greeted with a delicious coconut beverage.
As some of you know, Max and I are huge skiers. We live for winter and LOVE ski-in-ski-out hotels.
Ten years ago, I stayed at Shutters on The Beach in Santa Monica when I was looking at colleges with my mom and I’ve been dreaming about going back ever since. Finally, I got my chance this past weekend and it exceeded my expectations.
Las Vegas is one of those places where you know that you’re getting a great value for your money. It’s got everything: luxury, delicious food and more activities than you’ll find in most major cities.
We spent a magical day at the Ritz Carlton Reserve in Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico — enjoying the beach, a couples spa treatment, and dinner at Mi Casa by Jose Andres.