The Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a luxury boutique resort located in beautiful Carmel Valley, California. Watch the video to see why this should be one of your top picks when you’re in this area.
Tag: luxury travel
Luxury Hotels And Resorts | Greater Palm Springs
On a recent trip to Palm Springs, I was able to revisit some of my favorite resorts in the greater Palm Springs area, and tour a property I had not been to before that I really enjoyed. Watch the video for more information on my visit to La Quinta Resort and Spa, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, and The Hermann Bungalows.
Montage Healdsburg | Healdsburg, CA
A Peaceful Retreat In Sonoma Wine Country
For decades, the Napa/Sonoma region has been the premier wine country destination in California, offering not only its share of award-winning wines and sumptuous edibles but luxurious accommodations as well. In the past few years, a resurgence has occurred with several new distinguished properties emerging in this area. To me, one property is a cut above, the Montage Healdsburg.
The Property
From the moment I approached the property on Montage Way, I found myself captivated by the gentle serpentine ascend as I cruised under canopied oak trees dripping with moss…only to arrive at the hilltop landing with scenic views of rolling hills, lush landscape, orange and crimson colored vineyards {Fall season}, and enchanting abodes inconspicuously tucked into the hillsides of the property. My first impression…Hello Xanadu.
The almost 260 acre property feels like a secluded sanctuary. As you collect your bearings, you realize the indefectible blur between the indoors and outdoors.
From the outside, the architecture and its details are purposefully designed to blend into their natural surroundings, even as detailed as selecting the exterior building sidings to match the bark of the mature oak trees on the property.
From the inside, the environmentally sensitive design was inspired by the property’s unique and stunning landscape, pulling from nature’s palette by incorporating wood, stone, leather accents, and touches of copper and gold. The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the main buildings and bungalows provide a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living, creating a cohesive environment.
The Lobby
As you enter the lobby, you can’t help but feel the inviting atmosphere with its unique reception desk and an impressive live-edge-wood art feature; a large stone fireplace commands your attention in the center of the room, and cozy seating areas overlook the grounds, vineyards and Mount St. Helena in the background. The feeling is more of being welcomed into a friend’s luxurious home than checking into a hotel. The staff is attentive and friendly, which makes for a very welcoming guest experience.
Guest Rooms
The Montage Healdsburg {MH} offers 130 rooms, suites, and a Guest House. The spacious modernized bungalow-style units are sprinkled throughout the property, some offering vineyard views, others providing forest and mountain views, and the Guest House offers it all.
The bungalows are all designed in the same serene, clean-line, and organic style creating a tranquil retreat. Unique touches such as creative wood-slat room dividers and custom-made leather straps for storing wine bottles in the bar provide an elevated aesthetic. The roomy bungalows are equipped with a seating area, coffee bar, and mini-bar offering an assortment of high-end libations and snacks.
There are two units per structure, but a separating wall extending the length of the balcony keeps the spaces very private. Each guest balcony offers a different yet pleasant view and is furnished with comfortable seating, with some units providing outdoor fire pits. One of my favorite moments was sitting on the deck in the early morning, drinking my coffee by the fire pit and watching the sunrise as it cast its pink hues over the hills.
It’s been a while since I can say that a bathroom took my breath away, but these bathrooms are exceptional. The spacious, spa-like bathrooms have a soothing cream-colored scheme with rich earth-tone accents in the wood and stone elements. The bathrooms offer a deep soaking tub, indoor shower, with some units offering an outdoor shower…always a fun feature. An innovative implementation I have never encountered before is the round cut-out on the indoor glass shower panel so you can reach through to turn on the water without getting wet or going into “cold water” shock. Brilliant. Montage manages to elevate the grandeur of the in-room spa experience by providing luxury bath amenities by Glass Moderne, a collection created exclusively for all Montage Hotels and Resorts and made from the highest quality ingredients.
Dining
Montage Healdsburg offers a variety of dining experiences. From casual fare to MH’s signature restaurant serving French-influenced California cuisine, there is something here to satisfy everyone’s palette.
Hazel Hill is the signature restaurant on the property. The open kitchen concept provides for an interactive experience while dining on their locally sourced and seasonally inspired dishes. Pair your meal with a fine wine from their extensive wine collection and enjoy your dining experience overlooking the resort’s vineyard. Should you want to host a private event, reserve the glass-encased, semi-private Oak Room and enchant your guests with a whimsical treehouse dining experience, or enjoy a private dinner in the Madrone room.
Scout Field Bar: For a more relaxed ambiance, enjoy wine, specially crafted cocktails, and delectable bites by the fireplace in the cozy lobby or Al Fresco on the Lobby Terrace next to an outdoor fire pit. You may even find yourself enjoying some live music on select evenings.
Hudson Springs Bar and Grill: Located between the Adult Only and Family pools, the Hudson Springs Bar and Grill provides outdoor service on a seasonal basis. Enjoy elevated casual fare and libations as you lounge poolside overlooking the beauty of the resort grounds and Mount St. Helena.
Healdsburg Country Store: The Healdsburg Country Store is a charming market where guests can pick up barista-crafted coffees, locally made pastries, wine, and specialty foods such as artisan jams and cheeses, house-made pickles, and locally cured meats. The store also sells unique gifts and meaningful products characterized by the wine country lifestyle.
In-Room Dining: If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your guestroom or balcony, a full menu of in-room dining options is available 24-hrs a day.
Fireside S’mores: End your evening on a sweet note with marshmallows and chocolatey goodness as you roast your S’mores and engage in fireside chats {available Friday and Saturday evenings}.
Events
What could be more inspiring than to plan your next event in the heart of wine country, showcasing Montage Healdsburg’s spectacular surroundings? Say “I do” on the Grand Lawn amid the vineyards, celebrate that “special one” with all your friends and family in the Grand Ballroom, or host the perfect meeting somewhere in the over 6,300 sq ft of flexible indoor and outdoor space that MH has to offer.
Wellness
Find balance and serenity at the Spa Montage Healdsburg. MH’s 11,500 sq ft retreat includes 11 treatment rooms offering an array of services and amenities inspired by wine country influences, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an adult-only zero-edge pool. Enjoy Yoga classes in the vineyard, take time for a sauna, or treat yourself to mani/pedi at the Salon. The resort offers all the Fitness and Wellness experiences you would expect at a top-rated luxury resort.
Experiences/Activities
From curated wine and culinary events to family programs, the experiences and activities are bountiful at this property.
Meet the Maker: Guests and locals are invited to join each week when local vintners and distillers share their craft and tell the story behind each bottle while sipping and learning from the creators themselves. This event is popular with the locals and is a great way to mingle with the community.
Culinary Offerings: Be sure to inquire about special offerings such as Chef’s Tasting, The Perfect Pairing, Weekend Brunch, and preparing a Gourmet Picnic Basket to go.
Compass Sports: For outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, visit Compass Sports, located on-sight, for complimentary E-bikes, Archery, and Pickleball.
Families: This family-friendly property offers plenty of outdoor space for the kiddos to explore, play in the pool, or join in on the activities offered by Paintbox, the resort’s kid club that caters to children ages 5-12 with half to full-day activities…and let’s say it as it is, when the kids are away, the parents can play.
Special Activities: Inquire about special experiences specific to this property, such as Beau, the Canine Ambassador, foraging for Truffles on the property, and the beekeeping program and honey tasting.
Cadillac Partnership Program: The resort has a house vehicle available daily on a first-come, first-served basis to take hotel guests to and from the Healdsburg Plaza. They also offer a complimentary Ride and Drive program through Cadillac, which allows you to borrow a Cadillac and do your own exploring in Sonoma; contact the Concierge for more information.
Venturing Out: When and if you choose to leave the property, a short trip to Downtown Healdsburg is highly recommended. The Healdsburg Plaza features a charming town square surrounded by quaint shops, good restaurants, and hosts various music and special events. If you have the time, many surrounding towns are worth a visit, such as Downtown Sonoma, St. Helena, Yountville, and Downtown Napa, to name a few. For wine-tasting adventures, connect with the hotel Concierge.
Summary
In summary, I had extremely high expectations for this property, and it did not disappoint! This resort, by far, surpassed my expectations. I have become a loyal fan of the Montage Hotels and Resorts brand because they do not produce cookie-cutter resorts. Instead, each hotel reflects the culture and captures the essence of the regions they represent, creating a personalized guest experience.
The Montage Healdsburg is a gleaming example of this, with its secluded setting amid the native oak trees, rolling hills, and vineyards, and the environmentally conscious design choices that blur the lines between nature and man-made.
However indulgent the property’s rooms, spaces, and amenities are, the true heartbeat of the property is the friendly and unassuming staff. I enjoy how the team interacts with the guests and the locals who come to hang out. The resort’s welcoming and inviting atmosphere encourages lively engagement creating an ambiance that resonates throughout the resort.
All I can say is that this property gives me all the right feels, and I’m going to call it…the luxe Montage Healdsburg is Sonoma County’s most extraordinary wine country retreat.
No Ordinary Resort Now Has A YouTube Channel
I’m excited to announce that No Ordinary Resort (NOR) has launched a YouTube Channel @NoOrdinaryResort. This channel will be used as an enhancement to the website and will now feature videos on the properties I visit. My intention with adding this feature to my site is to give the viewer the feeling of a visual walk-through of the property, and the videos will be posted along with the articles on the website which will offer more details on the property.
The video above is a sample of what to expect, although I am planning on continually enhancing the format and providing more detailed information.
This is a brand new endeavor for NOR and if this is something that sounds interesting, please click this link @NoOrdinaryResort and hit the SUBSCRIBE button for future updates. I appreciate your support and I look forward to providing you with virtual experiences at these incredible luxury resorts that I visit.
Thank you,
Susan
The Langham, Boston | Boston, MA
Luxury, Impeccable Service And A Sense of Place At The Langham, Boston
by Susan Edel | September 15, 2022
As you approach The Langham, Boston, you cannot help but be impressed by the stately character of the Renaissance Revival-style architecture, regal awning-covered windows, and the theater-style marquee entrance welcoming your arrival. It feels grand and distinguished, and if only for a moment, you feel like a dignitary.
The Property
The property, located in the Financial District of Boston, does have a distinguished history. The building opened its doors in 1922 as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, known simply as The Boston Fed. The Boston Fed occupied the space until 1977, when it relocated its headquarters. In 1978, the building was designated as a Boston Landmark and converted into a hotel in 1981. The Langham Hospitality Group took ownership of the property and, in 2004, re-opened it as The Langham, Boston.
Continue reading “The Langham, Boston | Boston, MA”Tips For Flying, Dealing With Delays And Cancellations And Maintaining Your Sanity During These Crazy Travel Times
Who loves flying these days? Raise your hand. In this current environment, it’s not likely I’m going to see many raised hands.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard a thing or two about some airline flight delays, cancellations, and the horror stories that follow. The statistics on airline flight delays and cancellations are staggering. According to FlightAware statistics, airline flight delays and cancellations for July 18, 2022 alone were 25,693 delays and 3,116 cancellations worldwide.
However, even with these staggering statistics, it doesn’t seem to be hindering us from traveling this year. So what does this mean for those of us who are still willing to fly the friendly skies? Well, it may mean that the friendly skies might not be so friendly anymore and many unwanted diversions can be expected…so be prepared.
Although no one has a perfect answer as to how we can avoid travel hick-ups, there are some steps we can take to possibly help avoid some of the delays and cancellations, or at the very least prepare yourself mentally to deal with unpleasant situations.
Here are some suggestions and tips for your next airline trip:
BOOK EARLY MORNING FLIGHTS
Many experts suggest that booking early morning flights may help in reducing the chance of flight delays or cancellations. If you think about this, it does make sense. Airlines can typically get their first flights of the day off on time which will likely help to avoid issues, rather than later in the day when problems begin to compile and disrupt flight schedules. An additional tip, if you have a specific event to attend and have some flexibility in your schedule, you may want to consider adding a “buffer” day to allow for unforeseen setbacks.
BOOK NON-STOP FLIGHTS
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to book a non-stop flight to your destination. The more layovers you have on a trip, the more likely it will be that something can go wrong. A non-stop flight might be a little more expensive, but it may be a cost that pays off in a big way.
Also, book your flight sooner than later. Due to airline shortages of staff, gas prices, and other variables, those last-minute airfare deals aren’t as common as they used to be and airfare prices only seem to be increasing as the travel date approaches.
APPLY FOR A TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM {TTP}
Although this is not a quick process, it will benefit you in the long run to move forward and apply for a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Once approved, you will able to expedite the process of going through long TSA lines and also enjoy the benefits of alleviating some of the frustrations of TSA procedures such as removing your shoes and simpler international custom procedures.
DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS
Arm yourself with information. Staying informed on your flight status and other useful travel information can help you gain an upper hand should something go awry. Downloading travel apps such as FlightAware, LoungeBuddy, and Kayak, can give you immediate access to the information you need to get through unforeseen hurdles. Apps such as FlightAware allow you to track flights online, see a live flight map, and send you notifications on delays, cancellations and gate changes should your schedule change; an app such as LoungeBuddy can help navigate access to premium airport lounges that can provide a comfortable rest area should your flight be delayed regardless of the airline or class you’re flying; and should your flight be canceled and/or you need to stay overnight, an app like Kayak or Skyscanner can help you secure a new flight or hotel.
DRESS COMFORTABLY
This might sound like a very simplistic suggestion, however, keep in mind that with all the delays and cancellations that are currently happening, people have been camping out in airports for extreme hours, if not days.
You will want to be wearing comfortable clothing and shoes for the possibility of running around the airport trying to reschedule or catch a different flight; wear slip-on shoes for easy access through TSA; wear clothes that are loose, cool, and comfortable for possible long term delays that will have you sitting in the airport or on the tarmac for hours; and have a sweater, jacket or shawl on hand for temperature fluctuations.
This is definitely not the time to choose fashion over comfort. Being in a physically comfortable state will be much more beneficial for keeping a positive attitude and outlook should you be delayed for hours on end.
BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH DELAYS
Expect the best, prepare for the worst.
Should you experience some delays, be prepared to deal with a situation where you might have hours of down time. And keep in mind that if you are delayed during off-hours or at a small airport, you may not have all the airport concessions available to you. Here are some suggestions to get you through a long delay:
- Stay hydrated throughout your travels. Buy water after you pass through TSA to have on hand and to avoid dehydration.
- Pack some snacks. Power bars, nuts, dehydrated fruits are perfect nutritious options that will pack easily. During stressful delays, no one wants to deal with a “hangry” person.
- Prior to your travel, download your phone or tablet with your favorite music, books, movies and/or games to avoid boredom.
- Inflatable neck pillows and a light shawl will help you stay comfortable in the waiting room seats or even after you make it on the plane.
- Keep a few aspirin available and be sure to have any important medication with you.
Being prepared for a long delay will help to alleviate some stress and keep you in good spirits.
LUGGAGE: CARRY-ON, CHECK-IN OR LOST
If you’ve seen the news lately, it is a crazy reality the amount of luggage that gets lost. Carry-on luggage is always a smart choice for the convenience of not going through baggage claims and avoiding lost luggage. However, this option is not realistic for everyone. For those who do check-in their bags, there are a few things you can do that may be a saving grace should your baggage decide to go to Hawaii while you head to Boston.
It is a wise decision to pack a small carry-on bag that has some of your essential items in the event your checked-in baggage gets lost, such as important medications, contacts {keep solutions and any other toiletries in compliant sized cases}, valuables, or other crucially needed items, along with a change of clothing or at least undergarments. It may sound like overkill, but should the worst-case scenario happen you will have access to some essentials that can carry you through until your luggage arrives.
One of the biggest frustrations with lost luggage is not knowing where it is and when it will get to you. For that reason, many people have started using “luggage trackers” to help them locate where their luggage is in the event it doesn’t reach its destination. Mobile or GSM luggage trackers get around the GPS coverage problem by using the local mobile network to help track your luggage. They easily slip into your suitcase and monitoring is accessible through an app. There are many different forms of trackers that are easy to use, see Amazon for ideas that will work best for you.
KNOW YOUR CREDIT CARD BENEFITS
Many of us don’t take the time to study the benefits offered by our credit card companies. Credit cards can offer some great reward benefits such as building up points for travel but they can also offer some valuable travel insurance coverage. Each card will be different in what it offers, but it’s worth the effort to find out what your card covers and to know how they can help in the event your trip is canceled, delayed, or you encounter lost luggage. You might be very surprised at the benefits, services and reimbursements that are available. If you are a frequent traveler, it may be in your interest to compare credit cards geared towards travelers. The Points Guy does a good job in comparing some cards {here}. My personal favorite is the Platinum American Express.
PACK YOUR PATIENCE
Lastly, pack your patience! With so many factors that are out of your control, it’s imperative to know that keeping a calm and positive mental state will help guide you through any disruptions. By using some of the tips above and preparing for unexpected delays, you will be better prepared to keep your emotions in tact, reduce stress and navigate through any issues that arise. Happy {uneventful} Travels!
If you have your own tips or suggestions, feel free to add them in the comment box.