Hotels: My Top Ten

My Spring Break does not come for a few more weeks, but I am DYING for a change of scenery. This winter has not only been brutal weather wise, but has been a bit much with all the colds and cabin fever. It is time to get out of town, but I will have to wait a bit longer while I drool over everyone's beach photos on FB. In the meantime, I am wanderlusting and dreaming of my favorite places that I have stayed at. If looking for travel ideas, any of these gorgeous places would be a vacation made in heaven. Remembering my stays at each of these is making me feel just a little bit better. 

In no particular order...

Abbaye de la Bussiere 

Located in Burgundy, France, this land and former abbey dates back to 646 AD. It is in the heart of some of the best wine I have ever tasted, which you can tour with a private guide. The grounds are to die for and the rooms are charming, yet spacious for Europe. If you like Pinots and centuries old French history, go stay here. The largest major town is Dijon, also not to be missed on a trip. Hello truffle season. 

The Arizona Inn

This hotel has a special place in my heart since it is located near my college campus in Tucson, AZ. The Inn was built in the 30s and still holds all that charm today. All the rooms are different and many have quaint little patios to sip wine on. Or better yet, sit by the pool all day long, it is perfection and super relaxing. The food here is also amazing. This is such a gem in Arizona that many might not know about. My college friends and parents spent many of the best weekends right here over the years.  

 Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch at Beaver Creek 

This is obviously a great place to visit in the winter, but I also love coming here in the summer. The contemporary lodge feel of this hotel is so warm, yet chic. The staff could not be more nice and accommodating. Plus, there apres is fantastic. My favorite part of skiing. 

Capri Palace

We spent five glorious days here on our honeymoon in Italy. Located on the more quiet side of the island, Anacapri, this hotel is gorgeous and super relaxing. With sweeping views of the med, killer room service, and terraces to enjoy it all, my dream is so go back for one of our anniversaries. 

 Hotel Gansevoort  Meatpacking NYC

New York has so many amazing hotels, but this one has a location I love. Surrounded by great shopping, chic restaurants, and across the street from Chelsea Market (food heaven), you feel like you are living in a fun neighborhood for your stay. My old NY office was across the street, so I was lucky to get to expense this place. The rooftop pool is a huge bonus. 

 Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is my favorite place on earth. Located in the British Virgin Islands, this island has so much charm and incredible beaches. If I was to pick the best place to stay (besides on a sailboat), it would be Little Dix. Gorgeous little bungalows are steps to the beach, where your cocktail awaits. It is small and quiet place, but the restaurants are top notch. 

 The Newport Beach Hotel

I grew up going to Newport Beach every summer, so many of my favorite childhood memories are on that beach. This hotel is located on the boardwalk right in front of where all those sandcastles were built. So location is the best part of this spot. Plus being right on the boardwalk means you can access bars and restaurants by foot, rent bikes for sunny rides, and enjoy the view for your entire stay. This is a small boutique hotel, which makes you feel like you are staying in a fun beach house for your stay. 

  One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

This is one of my favorite bars anywhere. Those lanterns shine bright into the night and that sunset never gets old. Cabo is one of my favorite spots, period, and though we usually stay in a house this hotel is my favorite when we are not. The people, food, and beaches of Cabo are amazing and this hotel does it so well. 

 The Parker Palm Springs

Palm Springs is such a fun place for a winter getaway and often overlooked by those from the Midwest (there are other places besides FL!). This desert town has so much character and rich history that charms you, especially when you stay at the Parker. Designed by Jonathan Adler, this former estate of Gene Autry is part throwback, part luxe. The kitschy details, cozy surroundings, and lovely outdoor areas are the perfect oasis. The preppy spa is not to be missed, either. 

 Plaza Athenee, Paris

I am not going to lie, part of the reason we stayed here was because I saw it on SATC. Remember Carrie's suite with the Russian? The other part is because it is beautiful, oh so French, and located on one of the best streets in Paris. This place is a HUGE splurge, but even for a night go for it. They are currently renovating it (it was already fab, so dying to see what they do), but it will reopen this summer I believe. If in Paris, stop at Le Bar for drinks at night or tea in the afternoon. 

What are you favorite hotels? There are so many, this list was kind of hard! Doesn't it make you want to go on vacation right now? ugh. soon. 

xo

Erin 

Destination: British Virgin Islands

I was introduced to this amazing place five years ago when I was dating my husband. His family has been traveling to the BVI forever and once I stepped onto the islands, I knew instantly why. If you are looking for a winter get away that will blow you away, let me introduce you to my favorite place on earth....
  

The British Virgin Islands is made up of many different, small islands that attracts Americans and Europeans alike. Especially those that enjoy the best sailing conditions in the world. Trade winds and calm water make it perfect for experienced sailors as well as first timers (I get sea sick easily and have yet to have had a problem here). What sets the BVI apart from the rest of the Caribbean, is that the islands are still very untouched and "island-y." No huge resorts and mega-condo buildings, just locals doing business and no shoes required. But with that island feel comes access to true luxury as well. 

To get there you can fly in from St. Thomas or Puerto Rico on a charter, like Island Birds. Private plane rentals and helicopters are also available and can make sense if you have a large group. You can also hop a ferry from St. Thomas, which is the most economical way albeit the longest. Most of the resorts offer rides from the airport, located on Tortola, and at the ferry stops when you arrive. Taxis are also readily available on all the islands.

I highly recommend staying on a charter boat in the BVI through the Moorings. If you have a sailing Captain in your group, you can bareboat, which means you can crew your own boat. If you do not they offer full service charters with a captain and cook, basically a four star hotel on the water. This allows you to see everything in the BVI and is so fun. Honestly, the most relaxed you may ever be is sailing through the channels with nothing surrounding you and just the sounds of the water. 

Staying on land is also a great option as there are plenty of ferries and charter boats to take you around the islands. I have stayed at all of the below options, which are all different ways to enjoy your stay. 

Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda Island in North Sound has an amazing location and feels like you are staying on the edge of the earth. North Sound is one of the best known spots to anchor for boats of every size. 

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda Island is my favorite full service, luxury resort. Amazing restaurants, beautiful beaches and villas right on the water. It also has a great gym, running paths, tennis club and hiking right on the grounds to help you work off those pina coladas. 

Mango Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda Island offers villas right on the beach with huge living spaces and kitchens. There is a market nearby and jeeps to rent, which allows you to really live in the space. So fun to grill something for dinner and enjoy it right on your own veranda. 

Peter Island Resort is known as the most luxurious of all the hotels in the BVI. It is quiet, secluded, beautifully decorated and has everything you want from a full service resort. The Spa is gorgeous and the perfect place to relax. 

Surfsong Villa Resort is located on Tortola's Beef Island, close to the airport. The resort is very small and private and run by a lovely couple. The villas are gorgeous and right on the water. If you have a large group, you can rent out the entire resort. Could be perfect for your destination wedding...

Beach bars around the islands are not to be missed and obviously a great time. Like I said, no shoes required. Order Caribe beers or their takes on rum punch and start running on island time. The Willy T off Norman Island is a must. This infamous bar is full of people at night and did I mention it is on an old boat? So you have to take a dinghy there. Also on Norman is Pirates, which has it's own beach and is close to a ton of great snorkeling. Foxy's, Soggy Dollar, Sabre Rock and De Loose Mongoose (order the conch fritters) are other places to grab drinks. 

There are quite a few restaurants that we go back to since the service is great, food is fresh and you can enjoy a fantastic meal. The Last Resort off of Tortola is delicious and has live music on the weekends. Chez Bamboo on Virgin Gorda is also a local favorite with a creative menu and great wine list. The Sugar Mill restaurant at Little Dix Bay is the best fine dining I have had. Gorgeous setting and five star food. I would give the most unique meal to Cow Wreck Beach on Anegada. Call ahead for their fresh lobster dinner, served family style on the most gorgeous beach in the BVI. Bath & Turtle, Tamarind Club and Biras Creek are also all really great options. 

Scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, hiking, the options are endless when it comes to activities. Your resort or charter company can arrange anything you need and direct you on where to go. Some of the places I think are worth the trip are the Baths on Virgin Gorda, Bubbly pool on Jost Van Dyke, and hike Gorda Peak National Park on Virgin Gorda. I am more a lay-on-the-beach type of girl, but these are all fun and worth the effort. 

Because hurricane season should be avoided, the best time to go is November through May. So this gives you the perfect opportunity to escape winter and soak up some sun. 

This will be my first winter not going and I am truly going to miss it. Once the babe comes, you know I will be figuring out the best way to enjoy this retreat for next year. 

If you have any other questions, please ask away! 

xo

Erin